Acta Gymnica, 2025 (vol. 55)
Integrating physical and cognitive approaches: A scoping review of advanced training methods in basketball
Asaf Shalom, Aviad Levy, Yoav Meckel, Julio Calleja-Gonzalez, Roni Gottlieb
Acta Gymnica e2025.012 | DOI: 10.5507/ag.2025.012 
Background: Basketball is a sport characterized by dominant anaerobic physiological demands, requiring high explosive power in combination with advanced psychomotor abilities. Objective: The primary aim of this scoping review was to examine advanced evidence-based training methods in basketball, focusing on their impact on physiological and psychomotor functions. The review explored methods to enhance performance qualities aligned with the physiological, cognitive, and sport-specific demands of professional players, to identify methods supported by scientific evidence for systematic on-court implementation and to examine whether such evidence suggests...
A randomized controlled study on the effect of 8-week integrative neuromuscular training on physical performance and technical proficiency in prepubertal badminton players
Osman Turna, Rüçhan lri
Acta Gymnica e2025.011 | DOI: 10.5507/ag.2025.011
Background: The effects of Integrative Neuromuscular Training (INT) on injury prevention in young populations are well-established, yet its impact on performance enhancement remains uncertain. Objective: This study investigates the effects of an 8-week INT program on physical performance and technical proficiency in prepubertal badminton players aged 9 to 11.Methods: Forty-four players were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EXP) or a control group (CON). The EXP performed a specific INT program following a general warm-up, with three sessions per week for 8 weeks. The CON continued their regular training regimen. Both groups followed identical...
The role of coping strategies and psychological inflexibility in the mental health of soccer referees
Félix Arbinaga, María-Isabel Mendoza-Sierra, Rafael Casillas-García, Jara Duran-Andrada, Emilio Moreno-San-Pedro
Acta Gymnica e2025.010 | DOI: 10.5507/ag.2025.010
Background: Psychological inflexibility is considered a transdiagnostic etiological factor in the development and maintenance of psychological disorders and emotional difficulties. In turn, it can be stated that psychological health is directly related to behavioral efficiency in responding to situations faced on a daily basis. Objective: This study investigated whether psychological inflexibility and coping are related to psychopathological symptomatology in soccer referees. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 156 active referees (96.8% men), with 63.5% in amateur categories and 36.5% in semi-professional or professional categories. Psychopathological...
Effects of scoring system manipulation on tactical, conditional, and emotional responses in rugby union academy players
Juan Sorreluz-Uria, Asier Los Arcos, Jokin Aginaga, Asier Gonzalez-Artetxe
Acta Gymnica e2025.009 | DOI: 10.5507/ag.2025.009
Background: Rugby union coaches design small-sided games (SSGs) by altering task conditions to guide players toward the desired objectives. Placing greater value on scoring a try in the centre of the in-goal area may encourage players to play more centrally. Objective: To compare the tactical and conditional responses, along with perceptions of enjoyment and competence, of rugby union academy players during regular (SSGREG) and conditioned (SSGCOND) SSGs. Methods: Sixteen U18 male rugby union players competed in two 4 × 5 min eight-a-side games (219 m2 per player) with (SSGCOND) and without (SSGREG)...
The effects of menstrual cycle phases on anaerobic and short-term maximal performances and mood states in female athletes
Wafa Jribi, Amine Souissi, Helmi Ben Saad, Nafaa Souissi, Kais El Abed, Abderraouf Ben Abderrahman
Acta Gymnica e2025.008 | DOI: 10.5507/ag.2025.008
Background: The effect of menstrual cycle phases (MCPs) on athletic performance remains inconclusive. While hormonal fluctuations throughout the cycle may influence performance, the impact on anaerobic and short-term maximal performance, as well as mood states, has yet to be fully understood.Objective: To investigate the effect of MCPs on anaerobic and short-term maximal performances, as well as mood states among physically active young females. Methods: Fourteen moderately active female athletes (age 21 ± 2 years, height 162 ± 5 cm, body mass 56.0 ± 4.0 kg) undertook squat jump, countermovement jump, and Wingate tests in randomized...
Can we predict archery performance using shooting heart rate and other biophysical parameters? A machine learning approach
Chandra Sekara Guru, Uma Mahajan, Anup Krishnan, Karuna Datta, Deep Sharma
Acta Gymnica e2025.007 | DOI: 10.5507/ag.2025.007
Background: Heart rate (HR) during different shooting phases, along with other biophysical parameters, is used for performance analysis. Given the stochastic and complex nature of these parameters, machine learning (ML) models have recently been used in predicting performance. Objective: We aimed to develop an ML model to predict the archery performance score using key performance parameters, including the HR values during key phases of shooting, and determine the predictive importance of these parameters to provide personalised training to an archer. Methods: A total of 32 archers (15 elite and 17 non-elite) shot two sessions of 30 arrows each indoors,...
Bidirectional sprint interval training: A better alternative to plyometric training for football players? A randomized clinical trial
Ashi Saif, Mohammad Ejaz Hussain, Shalini Verma, Pooja Bhati, Adila Parveen, Zainab Khan
Acta Gymnica e2025.006 | DOI: 10.5507/ag.2025.006
Background: The aerobic adaptations of sprint interval training (SIT) and anaerobic adaptations of plyometric training (PT) are well documented in the literature. Bidirectional SIT (including forward and backward "all-out" runs with change of direction) is a new approach to target aerobic and anaerobic traits in football players.Objective: This study intended to evaluate and compare the efficacy of bidirectional SIT versus PT on aerobic parameters, anaerobic parameters and sport-specific skill in university-level football players. Methods: In this two-arm randomized clinical trial, 26 university-level male football players (age 20.88 ± 1.69 years,...
Effects of a 10-week combined Aerobics and Aquafitness training program on anthropometric parameters, aerobic fitness, muscle endurance, and dynamic balance in middle-aged women
Lucia Schejbalová, Eva Procházková, Jana Labudová
Acta Gymnica e2025.005 | DOI: 10.5507/ag.2025.005
Background: Physical inactivity represents a growing global concern, particularly affecting middle-aged women by increasing risks of adverse health outcomes and functional limitations. Existing research has demonstrated significant health and fitness benefits from individual land-based (e.g., Aerobics) and water-based (e.g., Aquafitness) exercise programs. However, limited evidence exists regarding the effects of combining these training modalities. Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of a 10-week combined Aerobics and Aquafitness training program on anthropometric parameters, aerobic fitness, muscle endurance, and dynamic balance in...
Cognitive effect of 7-min re-warm-up after half-time in under-16 soccer players
Francisco Tomás González-Fernández, Filipe M. Clemente, Wanesa Onetti-Onetti, Alfonso Castillo-Rodríguez
Acta Gymnica e2025.004 | DOI: 10.5507/ag.2025.004
Background: A review of the literature indicates that the physical performance of soccer players declines during the early minutes of the second half. However, incorporating re-warm-up (RWU) strategies has proven to significantly boost their performance during this critical period. Objective: The present study aimed to examine the acute effects of a re-warm-up on cognition, as reflected in the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT). Methods: Twenty-two male under-16 soccer players from a non-professional team in Andalusia, Spain, successfully completed the study. These players were divided into two parallel groups: a control group and an experimental group....
Body image and dissatisfaction among rhythmic gymnastics practitioners: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Belén Portas-Núñez, Miguel A. Sanchez-Lastra, José C. Diz, Carlos Ayán
Acta Gymnica e2025.003 | DOI: 10.5507/ag.2025.003
Background: In aesthetic sports, including rhythmic gymnastics (RG), slimness is associated with sporting success. As a consequence, the pressure that RG athletes are under to achieve this type of figure can lead to problems with their body image, among them problems with self-perception of body image and body image dissatisfaction. These problems are usually associated with adolescents and the highest levels but are present at all ages and competitive levels. Objective: This study aimed to synthesize the scientific evidence on self-body perception inaccuracies and body dissatisfaction among both young and adult RG athletes. Methods: Three electronic...
The effect of a 6-week plyometric training on agility, jump height, and dynamic balance in young artistic and rhythmic gymnasts
Costas Dallas, Dimitrios Milosis, Ioanna Vogiatzi, Theofanis Siatras, Ιoanna Tzavela, George Dallas
Acta Gymnica e2025.002 | DOI: 10.5507/ag.2025.002
Background: Artistic gymnastics (AG) and rhythmic gymnastics (RG) are sports characterized by rapid contraction of muscles in the lower limbs while performing skills, requiring a high level of physical fitness. Agility, strength and balance are some of the basic abilities for successful performance. Objective: The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of a 6-week plyometric training on agility, jump height, and dynamic balance in young artistic and rhythmic gymnasts. Methods: Forty-eight young female gymnasts, aged 9 to 11, participated in the study. They were divided into two equal groups, experimental (EG) and control (CG). The EG participated...
Unanticipated side cutting alters lower limb kinematic and kinetic variables in futsal athletes
Mohammad Aziminia, Ali Abbasi, Samira Sadat Sajjadi, Gholamhossein Nazemzadegan, Mehdi Khaleghi Tazji
Acta Gymnica e2025.001 | DOI: 10.5507/ag.2025.001
Background: Numerous studies have examined the risk of non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries during fast sports activities involving cutting maneuvers. However, these studies often focus on isolated measurements. A critical factor influencing this risk is the anticipation of the cutting movement. Objective: This study aimed to compare the kinematic and kinetic variables of the lower limb during anticipated and unanticipated side cutting maneuvers in futsal athletes. Methods: Eighteen male futsal players participated in this study. The angle of the dominant lower limb joints, the peak vertical ground reaction force, rate of loading,...