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This review aimed to elucidate the mechanisms through which (i) physical activity (PA) enhances neuroplasticity and cognitive function in neurodegenerative disorders, and (ii) identify specific PA interventions for improving cognitive rehabilitation programs. We conducted a literature search in PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO, covering publications from January 1990 to August 2024. The search strategy employed key terms related to neuroplasticity, physical exercise, cognitive function, neurodegenerative disorders, and personalized physical activity. Inclusion criteria included original research on the relationship between PA and neuroplasticity in neurodegenerative disorders, while exclusion criteria eliminated studies focusing solely on pharmacological interventions. The review identified multiple pathways through which PA may enhance neuroplasticity, including releasing neurotrophic factors, modulation of neuroinflammation, reduction of oxidative stress, and enhancement of synaptic connectivity and neurogenesis. Aerobic exercise was found to increase hippocampal volume by 1–2% and improve executive function scores by 5–10% in older adults. Resistance training enhanced cognitive control and memory performance by 12–18% in elderly individuals. Mind–body exercises, such as yoga and tai-chi, improved gray matter density in memory-related brain regions by 3–5% and enhanced emotional regulation scores by 15–20%. Dual-task training improved attention and processing speed by 8–14% in individuals with neurodegenerative disorders. We also discuss the potential role of AI-based exercise and AI cognitive training in preventing and rehabilitating neurodegenerative illnesses, highlighting innovative approaches to personalized interventions and improved patient outcomes. PA significantly enhances neuroplasticity and cognitive function in neurodegenerative disorders through various mechanisms. Aerobic exercise, resistance training, mind–body practices, and dual-task exercises each offer unique cognitive benefits. Implementing these activities in clinical settings can improve patient outcomes. Future research should focus on creating personalized interventions tailored to specific conditions, incorporating personalized physical exercise programs to optimize cognitive rehabilitation.

Measuring countermovement jump (CMJ) height accurately is essential for evaluating lower-body explosive power in athletes and other active populations. With technological advancements, various portable tools have been developed for this purpose, including force platforms, contact mats, and video-based software. This study aimed to (a) investigate the test–retest reliability of the KINVENT K-Deltas force platform for CMJ height measurement and (b) compare its accuracy with a contact mat (Chronojump, Spain) and a video-based software (My Jump app, version 3). Twenty-two physically active collegiate athletes (mean age of 19.7 ± 1.2 years) from various sports backgrounds completed five CMJ trials with simultaneous height measurements using all three tools. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), Cronbach’s alpha, and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated to assess reliability. In contrast, Pearson correlations and Bland–Altman plots were used to compare device results. The K-Deltas force platform exhibited high test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.981), closely matching the contact mat (ICC = 0.987) and the My Jump app (ICC = 0.986). Correlations between the instruments were strong (force platform vs. contact mat: r = 0.987; force platform vs. My Jump: r = 0.987; contact mat vs. My Jump: r = 0.996), with no between-instrument differences (t-test p = 0.203–0.935, effect size ≤ 0.01–0.16), demonstrating the interchangeability of these tools for practical purposes. However, Bland–Altman analysis revealed limits of agreement between the devices, indicating small but consistent measurement differences. While all instruments were reliable, discrepancies in the absolute values suggest practitioners should consider device-specific variations when comparing CMJ data. These findings highlight the reliability of the K-Deltas force platform as a viable alternative for measuring CMJ height, though differences between devices should be accounted for in applied settings. Therefore, the portable force plates can monitor training, predict injury risk, assess neuromuscular fatigue, and lead to informed decision-making.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and repeated-sprint sets (RSS) are established conditioning methods in soccer, yet their integration with plyometric training among highly trained youth soccer players remains underexplored. This study investigated the effects of an 8-week program combining plyometric training with either RSS (PLYO-RSS) or HIIT (PLYO-HIIT) on physical fitness in young soccer players. Twenty-nine male players (14–15 years) were randomly assigned to PLYO-RSS (n = 14) or PLYO-HIIT (n = 15). Both interventions lasted 20 minutes per session and replaced part of regular soccer training. Physical fitness assessments included countermovement jump (CMJ), 15-s repeated vertical jumps (15’’RJ), five-jump test (5JT), 10 m and 30 m sprint, maximal aerobic speed (MAS), VO2max, and repeated sprint performance (total sprint time, best sprint, fatigue index). Physiological markers (lactate, rating of perceived exertion, and HRmax) were also monitored. Significant improvements over time were observed in muscle power, sprint speed, aerobic capacity, and repeated-sprint ability ( p  ≤ 0.001; η² p  = 0.339–0.489). However, no main effects or group × time interaction effects were observed, indicating no evidence of differential responses between the two training modes. In conclusion, integrating plyometric training with either RSS or HIIT effectively enhances physical fitness in highly trained youth soccer players, offering flexible options for training prescription.

This study aimed to examine the acute effects of moderate-intensity aerobic and high-intensity interval exercise protocols on Asprosin and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels in inactive normal weight and obese individuals. A total of 20 male individuals aged 18–65 years, ten normal weight (NW) (Body Mass Index (BMI): 18.5–24.99 kg/m 2 ) and 10 obese (Ob) (BMI: 24.99–35.00 kg/m 2 ) participated in this study, voluntarily. Moderate aerobic exercise (AE) (main circuit 30 min, between 40 and 59% of Heart Rate Reserve: HRR) and High-Intensity Interval exercise (HIIE) running protocols (main circuit 20 min, between 75 and 90% of the HRR for 1 min*10 times, and 1-min active rest at 30% of the HRR) was applied to the volunteer participants in the morning hours (08.00–10.00 a.m.), following the night fasting (at least 8–10 h) for at least 3 days between each other. Blood samples were collected from the participants before and immediately after each exercise protocol, and serum asprosin and BDNF hormone levels were determined by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay” method. Basal serum asprosin was found to be significantly higher in the Ob group compared to the NW group ( p  < .001), while the basal serum BDNF hormone was found to be lower ( p  < 0.05). It was observed that the serum asprosin level of both groups decreased significantly after both AE and HIIE protocols ( p  < 0.05). In addition, there was a significantly higher decrease in serum asprosin level in the Ob group compared to the NW group after HIIE protocol. For the Ob group, serum BDNF level increased considerably after HIIE protocol compared to AE protocol ( p  < 0.05). Serum asprosin was found to be higher in the Ob group, while the serum BDNF was found to be lower. In addition, the acute exercises of different intensity significantly affected hormones that regulate appetite metabolism. In particular, it was observed that the HIIE protocol had a greater effect on the regulation of appetite (hunger-satiety) in the Ob group. This result can be taken into account when planning training programs for these individuals.

Obesity is a major global health concern linked to cognitive impairment and neurological disorders. Circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein crucial for neuronal growth and survival, plays a vital role in brain function and plasticity. Notably, obese individuals tend to exhibit lower BDNF levels, potentially contributing to cognitive decline. Physical exercise offers health benefits, including improved circulating BDNF levels and cognitive function, but the specific impacts of acute versus regular exercise on circulating BDNF levels in obesity are unclear. Understanding this can guide interventions to enhance brain health and counter potential cognitive decline in obese individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the impact of acute and regular physical exercise on circulating BDNF in individuals with obesity. The target population comprised individuals classified as overweight or obese, encompassing both acute and chronic protocols involving all training methods. A comprehensive search was conducted across computerized databases, including PubMed, Academic Search Complete, and Web of Science, in August 2022, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Initially, 98 studies were identified, from which 16 studies, comprising 23 trials, met the selection criteria. Substantial heterogeneity was observed for both acute (I2 = 80.4%) and long-term effects (I2 = 88.7%), but low risk of bias for the included studies. A single session of exercise increased circulating BDNF levels among obese patients compared to the control group (ES = 1.25, 95% CI = 0.19 to 2.30, p = 0.021). However, with extended periods of physical exercise, there was no significant increase in circulating BDNF levels when compared to the control group (ES = 0.49, 95% CI = −0.08 to 1.06, p = 0.089). These findings highlight the need to consider exercise duration and type when studying neurobiological responses in obesity and exercise research. The study’s results have implications for exercise prescription in obesity management and highlight the need for tailored interventions to optimize neurotrophic responses. Future research should focus on elucidating the adaptive mechanisms and exploring novel strategies to enhance BDNF modulation through exercise in this population. However, further research is needed considering limitations such as the potential age-related confounding effects due to diverse participant ages, lack of sex-specific analyses, and insufficient exploration of how specific exercise parameters (e.g., duration, intensity, type) impact circulating BDNF.

Aim: This scoping review examines the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in sports biomechanics, with a focus on enhancing performance and preventing injuries. The review addresses key research questions, including primary AI methods, their effectiveness in improving athletic performance, their potential for injury prediction, sport-specific applications, strategies for translating knowledge, ethical considerations, and remaining research gaps. Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across five databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus), encompassing studies published between January 2015 and December 2024. After screening 3248 articles, 73 studies met the inclusion criteria (Cohen’s kappa = 0.84). Data were collected on AI techniques, biomechanical parameters, performance metrics, and implementation details. Results revealed a shift from traditional statistical models to advanced machine learning methods. Based on moderate-quality evidence from 12 studies, convolutional neural networks reached 94% agreement with international experts in technique assessment. Computer vision demonstrated accuracy within 15 mm compared to marker-based systems (6 studies, moderate quality). AI-driven training plans showed 25% accuracy improvements (4 studies, limited evidence). Random forest models predicted hamstring injuries with 85% accuracy (3 studies, moderate quality). Learning management systems enhanced knowledge transfer, raising coaches’ understanding by 45% and athlete adherence by 3.4 times. Implementing integrated AI systems resulted in a 23% reduction in reinjury rates. However, significant challenges remain, including standardizing data, improving model interpretability, validating models in real-world settings, and integrating them into coaching routines. In summary, incorporating AI into sports biomechanics marks a groundbreaking advancement, providing analytical capabilities that surpass traditional techniques. Future research should focus on creating explainable AI, applying rigorous validation methods, handling data ethically, and ensuring equitable access to promote the widespread and responsible use of AI across all levels of competitive sports.

Tennis can be a mentally challenging sport, and emotional intelligence (EI) contributes significantly to an athlete’s psychological well-being. Thus, this study investigated the effects of 6 weeks of a combined Change of Direction (CoD) and reactive agility (RA) intervention program on emotional intelligence (EI) in pubertal tennis players. A total of 28 youth tennis players, aged 11 to 14 years, were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EXP-G, n = 15, 13 boys [age = 13.34 ± 0.98 years, maturity offset (MO) = −0.19 ± 0.96], and 2 girls [age = 12.77 ± 0.23 years, MO = 0.78 ± 0.04]) or a control group (CON-G, n = 13, 8 boys [age = 13.37 ± 0.75 years, MO = 0.00 ± 0.71], and 5 girls [age = 13.50 ± 0.92 years, MO = 1.41 ± 1.07]). The EXP-G performed combined CoD and RA training across the 6-week intervention period. The CON-G continued with the normal five 20 min regular tennis-specific training sessions per week, including technical and tactical drills and a small-sided games format. The overall training volume was similar between groups. Pre- and post-training, Profile of Emotional Competence (PEC, [EC TOTAL: global score of emotional competence level; EC INTRA: score of intra-personal emotional competence; EC INTER: score of inter-personal emotional competence]) and d2 attention tests were assessed. The present study employed an Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) with pre-test covariance to assess between-group differences (EXP-G vs. CON-G) at the post-test phase, utilizing baseline values as covariates. Noteworthy outcomes were observed, indicating statistically significant and substantial between-group disparities at post-test for various measures. Specifically, these differences were evident in the attention domain (effect size, d = 1.08 [Large], p = 0.001), the EC TOTAL test (effect size, d = 0.70 [Medium], p = 0.017), the EC INTA (effect size, d = 1.35 [Large], p = 0.001), and the EC INTER (effect size, d = 0.83 [Large], p = 0.009) tests. Due to the importance of agility training for overall competitive performance in tennis, our results suggest that young players should perform such training programs as part of conditioning training if the goal is to improve emotional intelligence and mental well-being.

Background and Objectives: Handgrip strength represents a critical indicator of physical fitness and nutritional status in adolescents, yet population-specific reference values remain limited in developing countries. Understanding age- and sex-specific variations is crucial for accurate clinical assessment and effective health monitoring. The objective of this study was to establish comprehensive reference values for handgrip strength in healthy Tunisian adolescents aged 13–19 years and examine sex and age group differences in these measures. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2024 and June 2025, involving a sample of 950 participants (482 males, 468 females) aged 13–19 years from northwest Tunisia. Handgrip strength was measured using standardized dynamometry protocols for both hands. Anthropometric measurements included height, weight, and body mass index. Percentile curves were generated using the LMS method, and correlations between handgrip strength and anthropometric variables were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: Males demonstrated significantly higher handgrip strength than females from age 13 onward (13 years: p = 0.021; 14–19 years: p ≤ 0.001). Effect sizes for sex differences were consistently large across age groups (Cohen’s d range: 0.53–2.09 for the dominant hand). Mean dominant handgrip strength ranged from 25.60 ± 7.73 kg to 47.60 ± 12.45 kg in males and 21.90 ± 6.13 kg to 28.40 ± 4.74 kg in females across age groups. After adjusting for body mass, sex differences remained significant between groups (13 years: p = 0.014; d= 1.5; 14–19 years: p ≤ 0.001; d: 1.71–3.12). Strong positive correlations emerged between handgrip strength and height (males: r = 0.748, females: r = 0.601), body mass (males: r = 0.659, females: r = 0.601), and body mass index (BMI) (males: r = 0.391, females: r = 0.461). Body mass and height emerged as the strongest predictors of handgrip strength in both sexes, while BMI showed a smaller but still significant contribution. Conclusions: This study provides the first comprehensive age- and sex-specific reference values for handgrip strength in Tunisian adolescents. Healthcare providers can utilize these percentile charts for the clinical assessment and identification of musculoskeletal fitness deficits. The results suggest its use in educational and clinical contexts.

Aim The aim of this study was to examine the effect of an exercise program (consisting of agility, balance, and coordination exercises) on the gastrocnemius muscle activation in young athletes on two different surfaces, sand (sea sand) and tartan (athletics track). Materials and methods Sixty-five young (15–17 years old) athletes (51% male, 49% female) were voluntarily included in this study. The participants were randomly divided into two groups as sand exercise group (SEG; n  = 34) and tartan exercise group (TEG; n  = 31). Participants were subjected to a 4-week (3 days) training program on the sand and tartan surfaces in addition to their normal athletic training. Participants were asked to perform an isometric plantar flexion movement at maximum strength with a stationary Active Force 2 hand dynamometer. During this movement, the participants’ gastrocnemius muscle activation was determined using Neurotrac Myoplus Pro surface electromyography (sEMG) biofeedback device with electrodes placed on the gastrocnemius muscle before and after the 4-week training program. Results In the gastrocnemius muscle of the right leg, significant increases in average EMG activation were observed in the post-test compared to the pre-test ( p  < .05). The interaction groups*test duration had a significant effect on average value. Compared to SEG, it was observed that the average value increased significantly more in TEG after 4 weeks. There was also a significant increase in interquartile range (IQR) and peak value in the post-test compared to the pre-test, regardless of the study groups ( p  < .05). For the left leg, the average, IQR, peak and power EMG activation increased significantly in the post-test compared to the pre-test, while the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) value decreased significantly in the post-test compared to the pre-test ( p  < .05). Furthermore, the groups*test times interaction for all parameter values for the left leg was not statistically significant over the four weeks ( p  > .05). Conclusion Gastrocnemius muscle activation increased after the exercise program on both surfaces. However, results should be considered with caution, since not all the athletes have increased and not by the same magnitude.

This study investigates the impact of a four-week CrossFit intervention on the physical and mental well-being of 75 first-year law students, divided equally into three groups: outdoor CrossFit (n = 25), indoor CrossFit (n = 25), and a control group (n = 25). A linear mixed effects model (LMM) was employed to assess the intervention’s effects while accounting for intraindividual variability and repeated measures. Participants in both active groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in physical health (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d > 1.20), as measured by the WHOQOL-BREF Physical Health domain. Psychological well-being (WHOQOL-BREF Domain 2) also improved significantly in both groups (p < 0.001), while the control group showed no such gains. Mental health indicators—including depression, anxiety, and stress—measured by the DASS-21, decreased significantly in both intervention groups (p < 0.001), with large to very large effect sizes (Cohen’s d ranging from 0.87 to 1.69). The control group exhibited no significant improvements. Although no significant differences were found between the indoor and outdoor groups in most domains, outdoor training showed a significantly greater effect on environmental health (WHOQOL-BREF Domain 4, p < 0.01, Cohen’s d = 1.39), underscoring the added benefit of exercising in natural settings. Social relationships (Domain 3) remained unaffected across all groups. These findings highlight CrossFit’s efficacy as a structured intervention for enhancing physical and psychological well-being in high-stress academic environments. Moreover, training outdoors appears to offer additional environmental benefits that may further enhance students’ perceived quality of life.