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This study investigated the effects of a single-night sleep extension protocol on physical performance and cognitive function in physically active university students across different times of day. Using a within-subjects, counterbalanced crossover design, 24 physically active university students (17 males, 7 females; age: 22.7 ± 1.6 years) completed performance assessments under normal-sleep and sleep-extension conditions. Participants’ sleep was monitored via wrist actigraphy, and a comprehensive assessment battery comprising vertical jumps, Y-Balance tests, medicine-ball throws, 5 m shuttle-run tests, reaction-time tests, and digit-cancellation tests was administered at baseline (8 PM), morning (8 AM), and afternoon (4 PM). Sleep extension increased total sleep time by approximately 55 min (531.3 ± 56.8 min vs. 476.5 ± 64.2 min; p < 0.001, d = 0.91). Significant improvements were observed in 5 m shuttle-run performance at 8 AM (best distance: 102.8 ± 11.9 m vs. 93.3 ± 8.5 m, p < 0.001, d = 0.93; fatigue index: 13.1 ± 8.3% vs. 21.2 ± 9.5%, p < 0.001, d = 0.90), squat-jump heights (28.2 ± 8.0 cm vs. 26.3 ± 7.2 cm, p = 0.005, d = 0.25), simple reaction time (252.8 ± 55.3 ms vs. 296.4 ± 75.2 ms, p < 0.001, d = 0.66), and digit-cancellation performance (67.6 ± 12.6 vs. 63.0 ± 10.0 targets, p = 0.006, d = 0.40). Sleep extension significantly enhances both physical and cognitive performance in physically active individuals, with effects more pronounced during morning hours, partially attenuating typical circadian performance decline and establishing sleep extension as an effective, non-pharmacological strategy for optimizing performance capabilities.

Background: Repeated vertical jump tests are widely used to assess neuromuscular function and lower limb performance. However, inconsistent formulas for average power output produce large discrepancies, limiting comparability across studies and limiting practical applications. This study aimed to compare three different models for the calculation of average power output, Bosco, Miron Georgescu (MG), and Modified Miron Georgescu-15s (MGM-15), applied to identical jump test data, in order to evaluate their computational behavior and practical relevance in athlete performance profiling. Methods: A single-group quasi-experimental study was conducted with 25 physically active male university students (mean age: 21.4 ± 2.7 years), who performed a 15 s repeated vertical jump test on the OptoJump Next system. Raw parameters including flight time, contact time, and jump height were recorded and exported. Average power output (W/kg) was subsequently calculated using three distinct computational models, each applied to the same dataset of flight and contact times. A repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare outputs across models, with Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons for post hoc analysis (α = 0.05). Results: Significant differences were observed (p < 0.001). The Bosco model produced the highest values of average power (40.13 ± 8.56 W/kg), followed by MG (21.07 ± 5.92 W/kg), while MGM-15 yielded the lowest and most consistent outputs (4.08 ± 0.61 W/kg). Effect sizes were very large (η2p = 0.952), confirming that calculation models strongly influenced the outcomes. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that average power output differed markedly across formulas, despite identical performance data. Bosco and MG models tended to overestimate values due to simplified assumptions, whereas the MGM-15 method produced lower and more consistent outputs that may better capture repeated jump demands. The standardization of computational models is fundamental to ensure comparability and to improve athlete performance profiling in research and practice.

Aim of study The aim of the study was to examine the differences between professional football players from leading and average teams in anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities. The sample of participants included 55 professional football players from the Serbian Super League, the top-tier national football competition. Methods The sample was divided into players representing the leading team (LT; n  = 29) and the average team (AT; n  = 26) in the Serbian championship. A total of 16 parameters were measured, including 5 anthropometric parameters and 11 variables of motor abilities, assessing sprint and acceleration performance, agility, explosive power, and endurance. Based on the independent t-test, it was determined that the leading team has a significantly lower fat percentage (0.016) compared to players from the average team. Results Regarding motor abilities, a difference has been observed on the side of the LT compared to AT in sprint performance, such as 20 m (0.001), and 30 m sprint (0.005), as well as acceleration index 10/20m (0.006). However, in contrast, the AT achieved better results in agility zig-zag (0.000) and zig-zag with a ball test (0.000), as well as index zig-zag (0.038). Additionally, the AT had better results in the test of explosive lower extremity power - CMJ (0.005). There were no differences between players in other anthropometric and motor performances. Conclusions These findings suggest that while the leading team demonstrates superior sprinting and acceleration capabilities, the average team excels in agility and explosive power of the lower extremities. Although certain differences in anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities were observed between the LT and AT groups of football players, further research is needed to examine these differences in more detail and provide a more comprehensive understanding.

Fitness instructors play an essential role in fitness services, as they require both technical and interpersonal skills. A good image of a fitness instructor can be defined as having a pleasant appearance and good presentation in terms of hygiene and/or clothing used, which is appropriate for the context and characteristics of the participants. Their image significantly influences participants’ perceptions and satisfaction. The objective of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis between Romania and Portugal regarding the quality of services offered within group fitness classes, focusing on instructors. It involved 133 group fitness instructors and 210 participants from Romania and Portugal. An adaptation of the Szumilewicz questionnaire was used to assess the importance of the different attributes of the fitness instructor’s image. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, and effect size to compare perceptions between countries and groups. Romanian instructors and participants generally attributed more importance to the fitness instructor’s image compared to their Portuguese counterparts. Significant differences were found in attributes like physical fitness, technical execution, and communication. Instructors tended to overestimate the importance of their image compared to participants. The fitness instructor’s image is crucial in determining participant satisfaction and the perceptions of service quality. The innovative aspect of this study lies in its intercultural comparison, which highlights how cultural context influences the perception of a fitness instructor’s attributes, such as physical fitness, technical execution, and communication. The practical application of these findings lies in the suggestion that fitness professionals should tailor their approach, balancing technical skills and interpersonal communication to align with the cultural expectations of their participants. This culturally sensitive approach is essential for enhancing participant satisfaction and improving the overall quality of fitness services.

This investigation examined whether mirror visual feedback modulates crossover fatigue magnitude during unilateral handgrip exertion and whether efficacy demonstrates age-dependent and muscle-group-specific characteristics. Thirty-three participants stratified by developmental stage (adults: n = 17, 24.64 ± 5.38 years; children: n = 16, 11.87 ± 0.79 years) completed a randomized controlled crossover protocol incorporating three visual feedback conditions: mirror reflection of the exercised limb, occluded vision (no-mirror), and passive rest control. Participants performed unilateral dominant handgrip fatigue induction (20 × 6 s maximal voluntary isometric contractions) while bilateral force production was quantified pre-intervention and post-intervention across handgrip, elbow flexion, and elbow extension domains. Linear mixed-effects models with participant-specific random intercepts and slopes quantified Condition × Time × Limb interactions. In the non-exercised contralateral limb, linear mixed-effects models demonstrated that under the mirror condition, non-dominant handgrip force was maintained at rest-equivalent levels relative to control (+0.02 kg, 95% CI [−1.15, +1.17], p = 0.987, dz =+ 0.003), whereas vision occlusion induced significant crossover fatigue (−3.37 kg [−4.40, −2.35], p < 0.001, dz =− 1.16). All contrasts represent within-subject difference-of-differences in non-dominant limb change score (Post − Pre) extracted from the full factorial LMM via emmeans within the Limb = Non-dominant stratum pooled across age groups. The mirror versus no-mirror comparison yielded +3.38 kg [+2.43, +4.34], p < 0.001, dz =+ 1.26. Age-stratified analyses confirmed comparable effect magnitudes (adults: dz =+ 1.40; children: dz =+ 1.33). Muscle-group specificity emerged for handgrip but not elbow flexion (p = 0.068) or extension (p = 0.156). Age Group × Condition × Time × Limb interactions were non-significant (all p > 0.16), providing no evidence of age moderation within the tested developmental range. Mirror visual feedback constitutes an effective countermeasure against crossover fatigue in distal upper limb musculature. The magnitude of mirror-induced attenuation did not differ between children (aged 10–13 years) and adults within our sample, with no statistically detectable age moderation within the tested developmental range; formal equivalence testing was not conducted. Effects demonstrated anatomical selectivity, favoring hand musculature over proximal elbow musculature.

Caffeine is widely used to enhance cognitive performance, but its efficacy may vary with the administration route and circadian timing. This study compared the acute effects of caffeine capsule ingestion and caffeine mouth rinsing on cognitive performance across morning, midday, and evening sessions in well-trained, adolescent male volleyball players. Twenty-four athletes completed three randomized, double-blind, crossover trials involving a caffeine capsule (3 mg·kg−1), a caffeine mouth rinse of the same dose (expectorated), and a placebo. Cognitive performance was assessed using simple and choice reaction time tests and the Stroop task, alongside a side-effects questionnaire. Both caffeine forms improved performance versus the placebo, with the greatest enhancements occurring at midday and moderate benefits evident in the morning. Capsule ingestion produced the most consistent improvements across reaction speed and executive control, whereas mouth rinsing elicited smaller, task-dependent effects, particularly at midday. No consistent or practically relevant benefits were observed for either caffeine condition in the evening, when cognitive performance was naturally highest. Side effects were mild and infrequent, with occasional headaches after capsule ingestion. These findings indicate that caffeine capsules most effectively enhance cognitive performance when baseline alertness is suboptimal, while caffeine mouth rinsing represents a practical ingestion-free alternative with moderate efficacy.

This study investigated physiological differences in cardiorespiratory and metabolic performance parameters between professional football players from top- (TR) and mid-ranked teams (MR) in the Serbian Super League. A total of 55 male outfield players (TR: n = 29; MR: n = 26) were assessed in March 2022 using a maximal multistage treadmill protocol and lactate analysis. The key cardiorespiratory variables included maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), heart rate at the anaerobic threshold (HR AT), and recovery heart rate metrics, while the metabolic variables focused on lactate concentrations and efficiency indices. The results indicate that the TR players achieved significantly lower HR AT values (162 ± 10.26 vs. 168.77 ± 7.28 bpm; p = 0.017) and demonstrated superior second-minute recovery (%Re 2′: 66.62 ± 14.08% vs. 34.53 ± 9.13%, p < 0.001). In contrast, the MR players exhibited higher VO2max (62.65 ± 4.48 vs. 60.06 ± 3.29 mL/kg/min; p = 0.017) and greater cardiorespiratory efficiency scores. The lactate parameters were comparable between the groups, except for the metabolic efficiency index (Index ME), which were favorable among the TR players (p = 0.011). These findings highlight that while MR players possess higher aerobic capacity, TR players demonstrate superior physiological recovery and metabolic control, reflecting adaptations to different tactical demands and match intensities. The results offer practical implications for individualized training design and performance monitoring in elite football settings.

Sedentary behavior among young women is increasingly associated with adverse metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate and compare the effects of three structured group fitness programs on anthropometric parameters, body composition, and lipid profile in overweight young women (N = 111, age 18–25, BMI ≥ 25). Participants were assigned to mix aerobics (E1, n = 27), kickbox aerobics (E2, n = 28), step aerobics (E3, n = 27), or a control group (C, n = 29). Each intervention lasted 12 weeks, with sessions conducted three times per week, each lasting 60 min. The results were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Significant reductions were observed in body weight (−4.8 kg in E1, p < 0.01), waist circumference (−5.3 cm in E1, p < 0.001), and body fat percentage (−3.6% in E1, p < 0.01). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) increased by 7.4 mg/dL (p < 0.01), while low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol, and triglycerides decreased by 12.1 mg/dL, 18.6 mg/dL, and 19.4 mg/dL, respectively (all p < 0.01). The most pronounced overall improvements were found in the mix aerobics group. In contrast, the control group showed significant deterioration in most variables, including a 2.1 kg weight gain and a 6.3 mg/dL increase in total cholesterol (p < 0.05). These findings confirm the superior effectiveness of mix aerobics as a non-pharmacological intervention to improve body composition (notably through reductions in body weight, fat percentage, and waist circumference) and cardiovascular biomarkers (such as increased HDL and decreased LDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides) in young overweight women. Compared to kickboxing and step aerobics, mix aerobics consistently achieved the greatest improvements across all measured parameters, making it the most comprehensive and effective option among the three programs tested.

Background Wrestling is a physically and mentally demanding combat sport that requires discipline, focus, and emotional control. Although its physiological effects are well documented, its psychological benefits in adolescents remain underexplored. This study aimed to examine whether a short-term, non-competitive wrestling program could enhance psychological well-being, reduce sport anxiety, and strengthen resilience in adolescent boys. Methods Thirty sedentary male adolescents (aged 12–15 years) were randomly assigned to a wrestling training group ( n  = 15) or a control group ( n  = 15). The intervention consisted of six weeks of supervised wrestling sessions performed three times per week. Psychological well-being (WHO-5), sport anxiety (SAS-2), and resilience (BPRS) were assessed before and after the intervention using the validated Turkish versions of the scales. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used to analyze group × time interactions. Results Participants in the wrestling group demonstrated significant improvements in well-being ( p  < 0.001) and resilience ( p  < 0.001), alongside marked reductions in total sport anxiety and its subdimensions ( p  < 0.001), compared with the control group. All effects were large (ηp² = 0.52–0.94). Conclusion A structured six-week wrestling program produced meaningful psychological benefits in adolescent boys. Regular participation in non-competitive wrestling may serve as an effective approach to promote well-being, emotional stability, and adaptive coping skills during early adolescence, supporting the preventive and developmental role of combat sports in youth mental health. Trial registration Effects of wrestling training on psychological well-being, anxiety, and Resilience in Adolescent Boys. NCT07193121, Date: 12-09-2025.

The KIDSCREEN-27 represents a standardized, worldwide instrument, employed to assess the health-related quality of life in children. The purpose of the present study is to validate the KIDSCREEN-27 questionnaire for 6-year-old preparatory school children and verify its reliability, as well as to perform a comparison regarding the quality of children’s lives living in two cities in Romania: Arad, a provincial city, versus the second most developed city in the country, Cluj-Napoca. A total of 256 children of 6 years of age, who come from families with both parents, with a medium to high socioeconomic status and a good health status, were included in the analysis, using the KIDSCREEN-27 questionnaire at three assessment time points with a re-test period of two weeks. Results indicated that the KIDSCREEN-27 turned out to be suitable for use in 6-year-old Romanian children. Analysis regarding the psychometric properties showed that the Cronbach’s alpha ranged from 0.554 to 0.661 at the end of the study. The Pearson correlation coefficients showed statistically significant differences between the items of each area investigated. In conclusion, there is a growing need to periodically monitor the health status of children to avoid possible problems which may occur.