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This study aimed to establish and assess the reliability of spino-pelvic and sagittal balance parameters measured during walking in patients with back pain, some of whom had radiological signs of sagittal imbalance, reflecting real-world clinical conditions. Dynamic assessment offers an alternative to conventional static measurements, potentially improving the evaluation of sagittal balance. Ten patients aged 56–73 years completed a six-minute walking assessment while being monitored by the optoelectric Qualisys Motion Capture System. Forty-nine reflective markers were placed to measure the spino-pelvic and sagittal balance parameters across five gait phases: pre-walk, initial-walk, mid-walk, end-walk, and post-walk. Test–retest reliability was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The results showed excellent reliability for thoracic kyphosis angle (ICC = 0.97), C7-L5 sagittal trunk shift (ICC = 0.91), and global tilt angle (ICC = 0.99); good reliability for auditory meatus-hip axis sagittal trunk shift (ICC = 0.85); and moderate reliability for pelvic angle (ICC = 0.57), lumbar lordosis angle (ICC = 0.72), and sagittal trunk angle (ICC = 0.73). Despite minor marker placement inconsistencies and variations in body movement across trials, the findings support the use of this dynamic assessment method in research settings. Its clinical application could also enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning for patients with sagittal balance disorders, allowing for better-tailored therapeutic interventions.

Mountain bikes with electric assistance (e-bikes) have gained popularity recently by allowing riders to increase their pedaling power through an electric motor. This innovation has raised questions about how e-bikes compare to traditional mountain bikes regarding physical effort, speed, and physiological demands. By examining these factors, the study aims to compare and characterize differences in performance-related parameters when using an electric-assisted mountain bike compared to a conventional mountain bike on different types of terrain (uphill, downhill, flat section, technically demanding terrain) concerning power output, velocity, cardiorespiratory parameters, and energy expenditure. Six experienced mountain bikers (mean age: 44.6 ± 6.4 years, mean body height: 173.3 ± 5.6 cm, mean body weight: 70.6 ± 4.9 kg) cycled 4.5 km on varying off-road terrain at their own race pace, once with and once without electrical assistance, in randomized order. The results of the study indicate significantly faster (24.3 ± 1.85 to 17.2 ± 1.22 km/h (p < 0.001)) cycling on an electric-assisted mountain bike, which reduces cardiorespiratory parameters and metabolic effort as well as results in less demanding workload (138.5 ± 31.8 W) during the cycling with an electric-assisted mountain bike in comparison to a conventional mountain bike (217.5 ± 24.3 W (p < 0.001)). The results indicate significant differences especially when riding uphill. The performance advantage of an electrically assisted mountain bike diminishes compared to a conventional mountain bike on downhill, flat, or technically challenging terrain. The highlighted advantages of electric-assisted mountain bikes could represent a novel strategy for cycling in different terrains to optimize efficiency.

The paper addresses relations between the characteristics of body composition in international sprint swimmers and sprint performance. The research included 82 swimmers of international level (N = 46 male and N = 36 female athletes) from 8 countries. We measured body composition using multifrequency bioelectrical impedance methods with “InBody 720” device. In the case of male swimmers, it was established that the most important statistically significant correlation with sprint performance is seen in variables, which define the quantitative relationship between their fat and muscle with the contractile potential of the body (Protein-Fat Index, r = 0.392, p = 0.007; Index of Body Composition, r = 0.392, p = 0.007; Percent of Skeletal Muscle Mass, r = 0.392, p = 0.016). In the case of female athletes, statistically significant relations with sprint performance were established for variables that define the absolute and relative amount of a contractile component in the body, but also with the variables that define the structure of body fat characteristics (Percent of Skeletal Muscle Mass, r = 0.732, p = 0.000; Free Fat Mass, r = 0.702, p = 0.000; Fat Mass Index, r = −0.642, p = 0.000; Percent of Body Fat, r = −0.621, p = 0.000). Using Multiple Regression Analysis, we managed to predict swimming performance of sprint swimmers with the help of body composition variables, where the models defined explained 35.1 and 75.1% of the mutual variability of performance, for male and female swimmers, respectively. This data clearly demonstrate the importance of body composition control in sprint swimmers as a valuable method for monitoring the efficiency of body adaptation to training process in order to optimize competitive performance.

This study investigated gender-specific predictors of vault performance in gymnastics by applying machine learning techniques to analyse body composition and run-up dynamics. Data were collected from 27 national-level gymnasts (17 female, 10 male) during the Slovenian Cup competition. The focus on gender-specific predictors stems from fundamental physiological and biomechanical differences between male and female athletes, which influence force production, movement kinematics, and execution mechanics. A deeper understanding of these distinctions enhances the precision of performance modelling and supports the development of targeted, evidence-based training interventions. Spatiotemporal parameters of the run-up were recorded using the OptoGait system, while body composition was assessed with the Tanita DC-360. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Boosting regression models were used to identify key predictors of vault execution scores. These methods were selected for their ability to reduce dimensionality and capture complex, nonlinear relationships in performance data. The results revealed clear gender-specific patterns. For female gymnasts, the model explained 74.4% of the variance in execution scores, with Overall Lean Body Mass emerging as the most influential predictor (47.12% relative influence), followed by Overall Contact Phases (25.28%). For male gymnasts, the model demonstrated exceptionally high predictive power, explaining 97.8% of the variance, with Body Fat as the primary predictor (48.44% relative influence), followed by Flight and Contact Dynamics (35.22%). These findings suggest that training strategies should be tailored to gender-specific needs. For women, emphasis on lean muscle development, stride optimisation, and the coordination of rhythm and timing may be beneficial. For men, managing body fat levels, optimising flight and contact dynamics, and adopting an integrated approach to stride mechanics appear essential. Given the potential for misinterpretation of body composition metrics, a holistic approach to athletic conditioning is recommended. However, the study’s limitations, including the small sample size and cross-sectional design-warrant cautious interpretation. This research provides a foundation for future investigations into gender-specific factors affecting vault performance. Larger and longitudinal studies are needed to validate these findings and support the development of more precise training interventions. Ta raziskava je raziskovala napovedne dejavnike uspešnosti preskoka v telovadbi ločeno po spolu z uporabo tehnik strojnega učenja za razčlenitev telesne sestave in dinamike zaleta. Podatki so bili zbrani pri 27 osebah (17 žensk, 10 moških) med tekmovanjem za pokal Slovenije. Poudarek na napovednih dejavnikih uspeha po spolu izhaja iz temeljnih fizioloških in biomehaničnih razlik med moškimi in ženskami, ki vplivajo na proizvodnjo sile, kinematiko gibanja in mehaniko izvedbe. Globlje razumevanje teh razlik povečuje natančnost modeliranja uspešnosti in podpira razvoj ciljno usmerjenih, na dokazih temelječih vadbenih posegov. Prostorsko-časovni parametri zaleta so bili zabeleženi s sistemom OptoGait, medtem ko je bila telesna sestava ocenjena z napravo Tanita DC-360. Za prepoznavo ključnih napovednih dejavnikov rezultatov izvedbe preskoka sta bila uporabljena razčlenitev glavnih sestavin (PCA) in model Boostingove regresije. Ti metodi sta  bili izbrani zaradi njihove sposobnosti zmanjšanja razsežnosti in zajemanja zapletenih, nelinearnih odnosov v podatkih o uspešnosti. Rezultati so razkrili jasne vzorce, ki se točno ločijo op spolu. Pri telovadkah je model pojasnil 74,4 % spremenljivost v rezultatih izvedbe, pri čemer se je kot najpomembnejši napovedovalec izkazala celotna pusta telesna masa (47,12 % sorazmernega  vpliva), sledililo je  trajanje opore (25,28 %). Pri telovadcih je model pokazal izjemno visoko napovedno moč, saj je pojasnil 97,8 % variance, pri čemer je bila telesna maščoba najpomembnejši napovedovalec (48,44 % sorazmernega vpliva), sledila pa sta dinamika leta in opore (35,22 %). Te ugotovitve kažejo, da bi morale biti strategije vadbe prilagojene potrebam posameznega spola. Za ženske je lahko koristen poudarek na razvoju puste mišične mase, optimizaciji korakov ter skladnosti ritma in časa. Za moške se zdi bistveno obvladovanje ravni telesne maščobe, izboljšanje dinamike leta in opre ter sprejetje celostnega pristopa k mehaniki korakov. Glede na možnost napačne razlage meritev telesne sestave je priporočljiv celosten pristop k stanju telesne priprave. Vendar pa omejitve raziskave, vključno z majhno velikostjo vzorca in presečno zasnovo, zahtevajo previdno razlago. Ta raziskava zagotavlja osnovo za prihodnje raziskave dejavnikov, ločeno po spolu, ki vplivajo na uspešnost preskoka. Za potrditev teh ugotovitev in podporo razvoju natančnejših vadbenih ukrepov so potrebne obsežnejše in večletno spremljanje.

This study assessed differences in agility performance between athletes of team and individual sports by assessing change-of-direction speed (CODS) as pre-planned agility and reactive agility (RA) as non-planed in different spatial configurations. The study involved 36 individual (sprint, hurdles, jumping, tennis, and judo) and 34 team (soccer, basketball, and handball) athletes. CODS and RA were measured with a light-based reactive training system in a frontal (FR), universal (UN), semicircular (SC), and lateral (LA) design. Lower limb power and sprint performance were also measured in a 10 m single leg jump test and 15 m sprint. Individual athletes showed significantly better performance in three of the eight agility tests: LA-RA, UN-RA, and SC-CODS (p < 0.008, p < 0.036, and p < 0.027, respectively) and were found to present stronger correlations (p < 0.01) between jump test performance and the CODS condition. Team athletes showed stronger associations between sprint performance and the CODS condition. In the RA condition both jump and sprint performance showed stronger correlations in the group of individual athletes. Agility performance as measured by CODS and RA should improve with enhanced of motor proficiency. Finally, the tests applied in this experiment seem to be multidimensional, but require spatio-temporal adjustment for their implementation, so that they meet the requirements of the particular sport.

Acute performance enhancement techniques are relevant in athletic training, with tissue flossing gaining attention for its potential. Yet, the effectiveness of different flossing protocols-particularly regarding frequency, duration, and applied pressure-remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the effect of one-time versus two-time thigh tissue flossing on neuromuscular function, measured through tensiomyography. Twenty highly trained male athletes (22.35 ± 5.9 years) participated in assessments of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) at baseline, after warm-up, immediately post-flossing, and 5- and 10- minute post-flossing. The warm-up significantly improved in several tensiomyography parameters, including a reduction in VL delay time (p < 0.001, large ES = 1.7), contraction time (p = 0.001, moderate ES = 0.9), sustain time (p < 0.001, large ES = 1.44), RF delay time (p< 0.001, large ES = 1.5), contraction time (p = 0.001, large ES = 0.96), and sustain time (p < 0.001, large ES = 0.85). A time effect revealed that flossing negatively influenced all evaluated parameters: delay time (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.164), contraction time (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.153), sustain time (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.335), relaxation time (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.113), and maximal displacement amplitude (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.171), indicating signs of muscular fatigue rather than potentiation. No interaction effect between time and flossing frequency was observed. These findings suggest that acute tissue flossing does not enhance muscle contractile properties at 10 minutes post-application. Future studies should examine different populations and protocol variations.

IntroductionDue to altered anatomy of the upper respiratory tract, brachycephalic dogs exhibit increased airway resistance and reduced surface area for evaporative heat loss, predisposing them to respiratory and thermoregulatory problems, a syndrome referred to as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). Compared to non-brachycephalic dogs, brachycephalic breeds are more susceptible to heat-related injuries even at low ambient temperatures and relatively low physical activity levels. Surgical treatment alleviates clinical signs, potentially improving dogs’ thermoregulatory ability with BOAS. Our study aimed to investigate the thermoregulatory response in French bulldogs before and after the surgical correction of BOAS, respectively.MethodsThirteen dogs were exposed to dynamic exercise on a treadmill and the dynamics of their rectal temperature (RT) and heart rate (HR) was measured. The experiment was performed in two independent sessions, before and after the surgical treatment. The test consisted of two consecutive 5-min walks at a speed of 2.5 km/h, first at an inclination of 0% and the second at an inclination of 5%, and a 30-min recovery period. Rectal temperature and HR were measured before the start of the test (t0), at the end of the first (t1) and the second part (t2), and 15 min (t3) and 30 min (t4) in the recovery.ResultsA significant increase in RT and HR was observed during exercise and recovery compared to the resting values, implying that the exercise intensity was sufficient to challenge the thermoregulatory response. The increase of RT was significantly lower during both parts (t1: p   = 0.004; t2: p   <  0.001) of exercise after the surgical treatment than before the treatment. Although a trend of lower RT after recovery was observed compared to before the surgery, it did not reach statistical significance. Similarly to RT, the HR was significantly lower during exercise after the first ( p   =  0.020) and the second part ( p   =  0.011) of exercise after the surgery compared to before the surgery but did not reach significance in the recovery.ConclusionSurgical treatment of BOAS can improve thermoregulation during exercise in French bulldogs with BOAS.

The purpose of the research study was to determine the structure of the competitive performance variables of male and female ski jumpers who participated in the second series of the competition on the smaller HS106m ski jumping hill at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. The dependent criterion variable was the length of the jump. The following independent variables were included: in-run velocity, flight velocity at a point 30 m after the end of the take-off table, velocity of movement of the jumper at landing, V-angle between the skis at a point 30 m after the end of the take-off table and wind speed. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and factor analysis were used to analyze the data. Differences in the dependent criterion variable (jump length) were much higher in women (M = 85 m, SD = 8.3 m) than in men (M = 98 m, SD = 3.9 m). At a fairly similar in-run velocity, men achieved an average of 13 m longer final jump than women. A statistically significant correlation between jump length and wind speed was observed in males (r = .42). In females, the variables in-run velocity (r = .59) and landing speed (r = .59) were significantly corelated with jump length. The multiple correlation showed a much higher correlation of independent variables in women (Mult R = .78; Sig R = 0.00) than in men (Mult R = .54; Sig R = 0.23). The overall competitive performance factor for men and women was largely determined by the jump length and style scores variables. The wind speed factor was completely independent of the other independent variables. The research showed a significant difference in the average quality level of competitive performance in male and female category. In particular, women had a much higher variability in competitive performance than men. The results of the survey confirmed that for a top achievement, in addition to the length of the jump, the score for style is also important. Based on this important knowledge for practice, coaches should pay more attention to the development of the aesthetic component of ski jumping technique. Namen raziskovalne študije je bil ugotoviti strukturospremenljivk tekmovalne uspešnosti smučarjev skakalcev in smučark skakalk, ki so nastopili v drugi serijitekmovanja na manjši skakalnici HS106m na zimskiholimpijskih igrah v Pekingu 2022. Odvisno kriterijskospremenljivko je predstavljala dolžina skoka. Medneodvisne spremenljivke so bile uvrščene: zaletna hitrost, hitrost leta v točki 30 m za robom odskočišča, hitrost ob doskoku, kot med smučkama v točki 30 m za robom odskočišča in hitrost vetra. Za analizo podatkov je bila uporabljena opisna statistika, korelacijska analiza infaktorska analiza. Razlike pri odvisni kriterijskispremenljivki (dolžina skoka) so bile precej višje priženskah (M = 85 m, SD = 8,3 m) kot pri moških (M = 98m, SD = 3,9 m). Pri podobni zaletni hitrosti so moškidosegli v povprečju 13 m daljši finalni skok kot ženske.Pri moških je bila ugotovljena statistično pomembnakorelacija med dolžino skoka in hitrostjo vetra (r = 0,42).Pri ženskah sta bili z dolžino skoka značilno povezanispremenljivki zaletna hitrost (r = 0,59) in hitrost obdoskoku (r =0,59). Z multiplo korelacijo je bilaugotovljena precej višja povezanost neodvisnihspremenljivk pri ženskah (Mult R = 0,78; Sig R = 0,00) kotpri moških (Mult R = 0,54; Sig R = 0,23). Faktortekmovalne uspešnosti sta tako pri moških kot pri ženskah v največji meri skupno determinirali spremenljivki dolžina skoka in stilne ocene. Faktor hitrosti vetra je bil neodvisen od ostalih neodvisnih spremenljivk. Raziskava je pokazala značilno razliko v povprečni kakovostni ravni tekmovalne uspešnosti v moški in ženski konkurenci. Še zlasti je bilapri ženskah prisotna precej višja variabilnost tekmovalneuspešnosti kot pri moških. Rezultati raziskave so potrdili,da je za vrhunski dosežek, poleg dolžine skoka pomembna tudi ocena za slog. Na osnovi tega pomembnega spoznanja za prakso, bi morali trenerji posvetiti več pozornosti razvoju estetske komponente tehnike smučarskega skoka.

Purpose: Plyometric exercises, in the form of jumping, are extreme physical activities. The aim of the study was to determine how symmetrical-single versus asymmetrical-continued plyometric exercises differ between men and women and affect speed abilities. Methods: Twenty-two healthy females and forty-four males from different sports practices participated in the investigation. The countermovement jump (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ) of 40/60 cm box were performed on two independent and synchronized force platforms (Bilateral Tensiometric Platform S2P, Ljubljana, Slovenia). The measurement of a standing long jump (SLJ) and all continuous jumps: standing five jumps (SFJ), standing bounce triple jump (SBTJ), five double-leg jumps (FD-LJ), and a 10 m horizontal single leg jump (HSLJ-10mL/R) were performed using OptoJump–Next Microgate (OptoJump, Bolzano, Italy). Results: Statistically significant differences were noted in all jump kinematic and somatic parameters, in favor of the men. The correlations between values of height of symmetrical jumps (bilateral) and distance (SLJ) were stronger in women despite the shorter jumps than the men. When an alpha-level of 0.01 was set, this study demonstrated a stronger correlation between symmetrical-single and asymmetrical-continuous plyometrics exercises and sprints, both men and women. This relationship is due to their similar kinematic and dynamic structures with sprinting steps. Conclusions: The results showed a large dispersion of the relationship (p < 0.05) between jumps and sprints divided into 10, 20 and 30 m, both in men and women. Both types of exercises implemented as a plyometric training regime are an extremely important tool for sprint speed development.

Introduction. Serum creatinine concentration is an important uremic marker and predictor of survival in dialysis patients. This cross-sectional case-control study was made to quantitatively describe the relation between lean body mass (LBM), physical performance measures, and serum creatinine values. Methods. Ninety hemodialysis patients and 106 controls were measured by bioimpedance spectroscopy, handgrip strength, sit-to-stand test, and biochemical serum tests. Univariate and multivariate general linear models were used to analyze quantitative relations. Results. At univariate regression LBM accounted for 13.6% variability of serum creatinine concentration. In adjusted analyses with age, height, and body mass, LBM persisted as the only significant predictor of midweek predialysis serum creatinine concentration. Physical performance measures handgrip strength and sit-to-stand performance did not improve prediction of serum creatinine. With addition of serum urea concentration and residual diuresis the predictive value of the regression model improved to account for 45% of serum creatinine variability. Each kg of LBM was associated with 7.7 μmol/l increase in creatinine concentration (95% CI 3.4-12.1, p=0.001). Conclusion. Bioimpedance derived LBM has a significant linear relation with predialysis serum creatinine concentrations. Hereby described quantitative relation should help clinicians to better evaluate observed creatinine concentrations of hemodialysis patients when bioimpedance derived LBM is available.