Background The training characteristics and training intensity distribution (TID) of elite athletes have been extensively studied, but a comprehensive analysis of the TID across runners from different performance levels is lacking. Methods Training sessions from the 16 weeks preceding 151,813 marathons completed by 119,452 runners were analysed. The TID was quantified using a three-zone approach (Z1

Background Static stretching is widely used to increase flexibility. However, there is no consensus regarding the optimal dosage parameters for increasing flexibility. Objectives We aimed to determine the optimal frequency, intensity and volume to maximise flexibility through static stretching, and to investigate whether this is moderated by muscle group, age, sex, training status and baseline level

Background High-intensity interval training (HIIT) performed before, during, and after cancer treatment can attenuate the adverse effects induced by anti-cancer drugs. A clear presentation and rationale of characteristics of HIIT variables is vital to produce the expected HIIT adaptations in cancer patients. However, there are concerns regarding the HIIT protocols used in the cancer literature. Objectives

Background Physical literacy (PL) can positively affect the health of children, adolescents, and adults, and is closely related to cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Objective To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the relationship between overall physical literacy (PL) and CRF in children and adolescents. Methods Cross-sectional, cohort and experimental studies on the relationship

Background As the focus of classification shifts towards an evidence-based approach, it is crucial to establish a robust system that relies on valid and reliable measures of impairment to ensure legitimate and competitive opportunities for all Para athletes. However, the lack of methods that possess the necessary measurement properties for assessing impairments in Para sporting populations presents

Background Over the past few decades, the scientific community has recognized the impact of physical activity on health and performance. In parallel, researchers have been actively exploring novel methodologies to analyze the physiological and metabolic responses to exercise. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful tool in this effort, offering the potential to provide unique

Background Several factors such as acute symptom severity, premorbid anxiety, and depression have been associated with concussion recovery. Elevated kinesiophobia has been associated with recovery from musculoskeletal conditions, as well as increased reaction time and vestibular–ocular motor dysfunction following concussion. However, kinesiophobia has yet to be evaluated as a modifier of concussion

Background Advances in instrumented mouthguards (iMGs) allow for accurate quantification of single high-acceleration head impacts and cumulative head acceleration exposure in collision sports. However, relationships between these measures and risk of brain cell injury remain unclear. Aim The purpose of this study was to quantify measures of non-concussive head impact exposure and assess their association

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate head kinematic variables in elite men’s and women’s rugby union and their ability to predict player removal for an off-field (HIA1) head injury assessment. Methods Instrumented mouthguard (iMG) data were collected for 250 men and 132 women from 1865 and 807 player-matches, respectively, and synchronised to video-coded match footage. Head peak

The force–length relationship is usually obtained for isometric contractions with maximal activation, but less is known about how sarcomere length affects force during submaximal activation. During submaximal activation, length-dependent alterations in calcium sensitivity, owing to changes in cross-bridge kinetics (rate of attachment and/or detachment), result in an activation-dependent shift in optimal

Background It is unknown whether there are differences in maximal oxygen uptake (\({V}\)O2max) response when prescribing intensity relative to traditional (TRAD) anchors or to physiological thresholds (THR). Objectives The present meta-analysis sought to compare: (a) mean change in \({V}\)O2max, (b) proportion of individuals increasing \({V}\)O2max beyond a minimum important difference (MID) and (c)

Background and Aim Professional soccer players’ self-reported dietary intakes often do not meet recommended sport nutrition guidelines. Although behaviour change models have previously explored barriers and enablers to nutritional adherence, the cultural factors influencing players’ nutritional habits also warrant investigation. Accordingly, we aimed to explore players’ perceptions of the nutrition

Background Cognitive and mental health problems are highly prevalent in adolescence. While higher levels of physical fitness may mitigate these problems, there is a lack of long-term follow-up studies on the associations of physical fitness from childhood with cognition and mental health in adolescence. Objective We investigated the associations of physical fitness from childhood to adolescence over

A clearer understanding of, and tighter boundaries between, terms are important for researchers designing studies as well as for other sport stakeholders creating evidence-informed policies. This article considers the terms ‘athlete’, ‘talent’, and ‘player’ from psychological and sociocultural perspectives and in different sporting communities to highlight the importance of terminological clarity in