This study aimed to determine the responsiveness and establish the minimal clinically important difference of the Turkish version of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI-TR) in patients with acute discogenic lumbar radiculopathy (ADLR). This study included 140 patients (mean age: 51.38 ± 12.23 years) with ADLR. Pre- and post-treatment, participants completed the ODI-TR and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), which assessed pain at rest (VASr), at night (VASn), and during activity (VASa). Post-treatment, the Global Perceived Effect Scale (GPE) was utilized to quantify patient-reported improvement or deterioration. Responsiveness was evaluated using both distribution- and anchor-based methods. The distribution-based approach involved calculating the standard error of measurement (SEM) using the formula SEM = SDx√(1-R), followed by the determination of the minimum detectable change at a 95% confidence level (MDC95), calculated as MDC = SEMx1.96x√2. The anchor-based method employed receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The ODI-TR demonstrated good responsiveness, as indicated by an effect size of 1.29 and a standardized response mean of 1.03. The measurement error was quantified by an SEM of 7.08, and the MDC was calculated as 19.62. The ROC analysis showed a moderate ability to distinguish between patient outcomes, with an area under the curve of 0.71. An ODI-TR score of 9.50 was found to be the most effective cut-off, providing high sensitivity (86.1%) and specificity (76.0%). The ODI-TR is responsive in determining the changes in ADLR patients. The MDC and established cut-off point provide clinicians with valuable metrics for discerning clinically significant improvements or deteriorations.

Postural control and attentional focus are closely interrelated in the regulation of visuomotor performance. The Quiet Eye (QE) period, reflecting optimal attentional control, is known to be influenced by postural stability, yet the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. This study examined the effects of balance training on dart-throwing performance, QE duration, and cortical activation to clarify the causal relationship between postural control and attentional regulation. A randomized controlled design was implemented, consisting of pre-test, acquisition, retention, and transfer phases. Thirty college students (age: balance training group = 21.2 ± 0.86 years; control group = 21.0 ± 0.96 years) with minimal dart-throwing experience were randomly assigned to either the balance training or control group. Performance scores, QE duration (via eye tracking), and EEG alpha power in frontal and temporal regions were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. No group differences were observed at pre-test or during acquisition; however, significant improvements in dart accuracy were found in the balance training group during the retention and transfer tests ( = .001). QE duration significantly increased in the balance training group from pre-test to both retention and transfer ( < .001), while no such change occurred in the control group. EEG results revealed significant group × phase interactions, particularly in the temporal regions (T3, T4, T6), indicating differential modulation of alpha power between groups across learning phases. Balance training enhanced motor performance and attentional control by increasing QE duration and altering cortical activity associated with visuomotor regulation. These findings support a causal pathway in which improved postural stability facilitates attentional efficiency, leading to enhanced motor learning. Integrating balance-based postural training with QE-focused interventions may promote more effective skill acquisition strategies.

Reaction time (RT) and movement time (MT) are key indicators of cognitive-motor processing. However, in interpersonal sports such as kendo, responders sometimes win against leaders who initiate movement first, suggesting complex temporal dynamics underlying reactive performance. This study aimed to experimentally demonstrate the phenomenon of a responder winning against a leader who moves first and to investigate the reasons for such victories through MT and RT. Two experiments were conducted. In the first, we recreated a situation in which counterattacks typically occur in kendo matches, confirming that responders won in approximately half the trials. Although responders had significantly shorter MTs than leaders, this alone could not explain their victories. The second experiment involved participants reacting to the sudden illumination of a light-emitting diode (LED) to perform a kendo men strike, thus measuring their simple RT. The experiments involved skilled university kendo athletes with over 12 years of experience who trained regularly. The winner was identified based on high-speed camera recordings, while MT was calculated using both ground reaction force data and video analysis. RT was determined from the ground reaction force data. Responders could shorten their RTs by detecting subtle changes in their opponents' movements early and reacting quickly. In interpersonal contexts, responding to gradual changes in an opponent's actions rather than to sudden stimuli may lead to shorter RTs, potentially contributing to a responder's win.

Auditory processing deficits are common in children and adults who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). An intuitive yet underexplored hypothesis is that deficits in auditory processing may manifest in auditory sensory behaviours. As a result of irregularities in the domain of auditory processing, deficits in speech and language processing may occur, and studies show that receptive vocabulary deficits are also often present. This study aimed to examine the differences in auditory behaviour and receptive vocabulary between children with lower and higher degrees of severity of autism. The sample included 30 children aged from three years and five months to six years and 11 months. The GARS-3 was used to determine the severity of autism, the Auditory Processing subscale (APS) from the Sensory Profile and the Questionnaire on Auditory Behavior for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (QAB-ASD) (constructed for this study) were used to assess auditory behaviour, and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT) was used to assess receptive vocabulary. The obtained results indicate that children with a higher degree of severity of autism are more prone to exhibiting atypical auditory behaviour. At the same time, no differences in receptive vocabulary development were found between groups. The correlation between receptive vocabulary and auditory behaviour measured by the APS was not found, but it was with the score on the QAB-ASD. The results suggest the impact of the severity of autism on the manifestation of auditory behaviour but not on the receptive vocabulary development in children with ASD.

PurposeTo systematically review the reliability, validity, and discriminatory capacity of the Canadian Agility and Movement Skill Assessment (CAMSA).MethodA comprehensive search of the MEDLINE/PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus databases was conducted to identify studies providing data on the reliability, validity, or average and dispersion values of the CAMSA test. The quality of the studies reporting CAMSA reliability and validity was assessed using a checklist based on the sample description, time interval, results, and appropriateness of statistics.ResultsOf the initially forty-two studies located, twenty-two full texts were evaluated, with eight studies ultimately selected. Five investigations provided data on CAMSA reliability, and test-retest reliability was evaluated in three studies. Three studies involving 312 participants were pooled to determine the test-retest reliability of CAMSA-skill and CAMSA-time scores. Results indicated poor reliability for the CAMSA-skill score (ICC: 0.662; 95% CI: 0.29-0.86) and good reliability for the CAMSA-time score (ICC: 0.857; 95% CI: 0.76-0.92). Several studies conducted high-quality reliability analyses. Validity findings from five studies suggested moderate concurrent/convergent associations with other motor competence tests (r = 0.38 to 0.77) and some support for face and structural validity, although the overall quality of these studies was low or very low. The review also highlighted CAMSA's lack of discriminatory power.ConclusionCAMSA shows good reliability for some aspects and moderate concurrent/convergent validity. However, concerns remain about its ability to effectively differentiate between demographic groups like age and sex. Further research is needed to fully establish the psychometric properties, especially its discriminatory power.

BackgroundEarly childhood motor interventions are essential for supporting child development, yet evidence is scarce in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the effects of the Brazilian version of the Animal Fun Program on motor performance in children aged 4 to 6 years.MethodIn this non-randomized controlled clinical trial, 100 children were assigned according to school enrollment, without random allocation, to an intervention group ( = 51, 26 girls) or a control group ( = 49, 23 girls). The intervention group participated in the Animal Fun Program for 10 weeks, while the control group followed the regular school curriculum. Motor performance was assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - Second Edition (MABC-2).ResultsAfter 10 weeks, the intervention group showed significant improvements compared to the control group in manual dexterity (mean difference = -2.20; < 0.001), aiming and catching (mean difference = -2.45; < 0.001), and balance (mean difference = -2.53; < 0.001).ConclusionThe Animal Fun Program is an effective intervention for improving motor performance in Brazilian children aged 4 to 6 years, highlighting its relevance as a scalable, low-cost strategy for promoting motor development in developing countries, where structured movement opportunities in schools remain limited.

Motor competence (MC) tests typically assess various aspects of movement, often focusing on fundamental motor skills (FMS), either from a product- or process-oriented perspective. This study aimed to examine the relationship between product outcomes and segmental speed in FMS, expanding the methodological options for investigating MC. Participants were 50 undergraduate students (25 men and 25 women) aged 21.2 ± 2.0 years. performance was assessed using maximum ball speed for throwing and kicking, and jump distance for standing long jump. Segmental speed was determined using motion analysis at key moments: ball release for throwing, ball contact for kicking, and take-off for jumping. Significant correlations were found between product and segmental speed across all FMS (r ≥ .70, < .001), both in general and by sex, despite males displaying superior performance and segmental speeds. These findings highlight that segmental speed reflects differences in MC and can serve as an alternative or complementary approach to product measures. However, the determination coefficients revealed varying degrees of influence from additional factors, suggesting that variable selection should align with the study's focus-whether emphasizing movement processes or performance outcomes. Our results broaden the methodological toolbox for assessing MC and provide a foundation for future research, including the investigation of MC in other populations and the examination of how segmental speed relates to movement patterns.

Accurate force control is essential for daily and sports performance, yet individuals differ in their ability to match intended and actual force. Little is known about how external feedback influences this ability or how individual differences can be quantified. This study examined individual differences in matching intended grip force with actual force and clarified how repeated feedback affects accuracy across force levels. A repeated-measures design was used in which participants performed multiple trials of a perceptually guided grip force task with external feedback. Forty-nine healthy young men completed 11 trials at three target forces (25%, 50%, and 75% of maximum voluntary contraction). Accuracy was evaluated using the absolute value of the grip error (AE). A mixed-effects model assessed fixed effects of force level and trial number and random effects reflecting individual differences in accuracy and learning rate. AE decreased across trials at all force levels, indicating improved accuracy with external feedback. Improvement varied by force level: AE was initially largest and decreased most at 75%, whereas 50% showed the slowest reduction. Random-effects analysis indicated differences in the force level at which participants were most accurate, suggesting preferred control levels. In contrast, individual differences in learning rates were small. Individuals vary in the force levels at which they perform most accurately, yet improvement through repeated external feedback is robust. These findings advance understanding of force control and individual differences in perceptually guided motor tasks.

Visual perception is crucial for successfully executing motor skills in interceptive sports like baseball. Understanding the contribution of visual skills (VS) to baseball performance is essential for talent selection and development. Some evidence suggests that performance on visual tests is predictive of batting performance, though these findings are not consistently replicated across studies. Therefore, the aim of this study is to associate a broad spectrum of visual performance indicators with a set of batting performance variables in highly trained baseball players by combining different methodological approaches used in previous studies. Forty-five highly trained male baseball players from the same club, aged between 15 and 19 years old ( = 17.25), underwent a thorough battery of visual tests under standardized conditions. Twenty-one variables of VS were collected and associated with ten performance indicators, including game statistics, players' ranking, age, years of practice, and position. Frequentist correlations and -tests revealed that 17 out of the 210 associations (8.09%) reached our unadjusted threshold level and thus indicated a positive and statistically significant association. Bayesian analyses identified 34 associations (16.19%) that supported a positive association between VS and performance indicators, but only two of them (0.95%) revealed a moderate level of evidence in favor of the positive association. Therefore, this study provides limited support to the hypothesis that performance on visual tests predicts batting performance. The homogeneity of the sample and potential non-linear relations between visual and batting performance may account for these findings.

: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of post-operative telerehabilitation on pain and mobility in patients undergoing lumbar spinal decompression surgery.: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 22 lumbar decompression patients. Individuals in the usual rehabilitation (UR) group continued their treatment individually within a home program, while individuals in the telerehabilitation (TR) group continued their treatment with video exercises. Patients were evaluated with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TSK), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), lumbar region flexibility test in flexion-extension and lateral flexion directions, lumbar region endurance test for flexor-extensor muscles, Functional Reach Test (FRT) and Stair Climbing Test (SCT).: VAS-rest, VAS-activity, TSK, PCS, and RMDQ scores in the TR and UR improved significantly after the intervention ( < .05). In addition, the improvement score in terms of VAS-rest, VAS-activity, TSK, PCS, and RMDQ scores was significantly higher in the TR ( < .05). Flexibility and endurance scores of individuals in both TR and UR increased significantly in all directions (flexion, extension, lateral flexion right and left) ( < .05). In addition, all of the flexibility and endurance scores of TR increased significantly more ( < .05). Finally, both groups improved their FRT and SCT, while TR showed more gain ( < .05).: The result provided the superiority of post-operative physiotherapy via telerehabilitation in patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery. Neurosurgery clinicians and rehabilitation professionals should consider telerehabilitation in post-operative terms for the patients.

Elite European men's basketball features a wide range of offensive play-types designed to create high-quality scoring opportunities. Understanding the use and effectiveness of these actions is essential for performance analysis and tactical planning. This study explored perceptual-motor patterns in elite basketball through a comparative analysis of offensive play-type usage and scoring efficiency across six major European leagues during the 2022-2023 season. A total of 5,044 possessions from top-ranked teams were analyzed using Synergy Sports data, classifying each action by play-type and measuring effectiveness through points per possession (PPP). Results showed that Spanish teams favored Pick & Roll Ball Handler (P&R BH) and Spot Up actions, French and German teams exhibited higher usage of Isolation and Transition plays, while Greek and Turkish teams leaned toward Cut and Post Up actions. Efficiency metrics revealed that although usage patterns varied, certain play-types such as Cuts and Transition consistently produced higher PPP across leagues. Differences in ε values suggested medium-to-large effects in usage and efficiency variability between countries. These findings highlight how tactical preferences and contextual league structures shape the perceptual-motor strategies used in elite basketball. The findings reveal which offensive play-types are most efficient and frequently used across leagues, providing valuable insights for tailoring offensive schemes to specific contexts. Coaches can use these results to prioritize play-types that yield higher effectiveness in particular leagues, while scouts may identify players whose experience aligns with specific tactical environments.

Breast cancer and its treatments can affect neurological and motor function, potentially impairing manual dexterity. Understanding these effects is critical for planning effective rehabilitation programs. This study aimed to investigate The impact of breast cancer on manual dexterity in right-handed women. Research Design : A comparative observational study was conducted, contrasting breast cancer patients with healthy controls using standardized dexterity tasks. The study included 201 right-handed women with breast cancer and 199 age-matched healthy right-handed controls. Participants completed peg-moving and dot-filling tasks to assess manual dexterity. Performance differences between dominant (right) and non-dominant (left) hands were analyzed, including subgroup analyses based on tumor laterality (left, right, bilateral). Healthy women performed better overall than patients, particularly with their dominant right hand. In the breast cancer group, the typical asymmetry between right and left hand performance was reduced. Patients with left-breast tumors showed greater hand performance differences than those with right or bilateral tumors. These deficits likely result from treatment side effects such as neuropathy and fatigue, as well as disease-related neural changes. The findings highlight the need for rehabilitation programs targeting hand coordination and neurological factors to support daily functioning in breast cancer patients.

This study developed a reliable and ecologically valid virtual reality eye movements-based assessment system to evaluate basketball players' decision-making abilities. The system incorporated expert ratings, inter-group differences, analysis of covariance, and test-retest reliability assessments to validate its effectiveness and reliability. A VR system with 100 task scenarios was used to assess decision-making performance and visual behavior. 30 high-level and 30 low-level players participated in two phases. In Phase 1, a panel of basketball experts (N = 3) rated the decision-making scenarios. Kendall's coefficient of concordance (W) was used to analyze expert ratings, confirming content validity. Mann-Whitney U and independent samples t-tests were employed to assess decision quality and decision time differences between high- and low-level groups. Gender was included as a covariate in ANCOVA to control for gender effects. Gaze patterns were analyzed to examine differences in visual behavior. Phase 2 involved test-retest reliability analysis using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). High-level players performed significantly better in decision-making (p < 0.001) and had broader gaze distributions, while low-level players focused less on critical information. Test-retest correlations for decision scores (r = 0.846) and reaction times (r = 0.802) were significant (p < 0.001). Therefore, the high test-retest correlation reflects the strong reliability of the assessment system. This study is the first to validate the reliability and validity of a VR eye movements -based assessment tool for evaluating basketball players' decision-making abilities. By integrating eye-tracking technology with VR, this tool enables more accurate and reliable evaluations of basketball players' decision-making skills in future research.

University students' emotions, creativity, and psychological well-being are interrelated, yet the mechanisms linking emotion-driven activities to creative expression and mental health outcomes remain underexplored. This study aimed to examine the interrelationships between students' emotions in emotion-based activities, creativity, and psychological well-being. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed, utilizing validated self-report questionnaires and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for data analysis. Study Sample: The sample consisted of 952 university students learning English as a foreign language (EFL). Data were collected via standardized questionnaires assessing emotional engagement, creativity, and psychological well-being. SEM was conducted using AMOS to evaluate the measurement and structural models, with reliability and validity indices reported. Emotional engagement negatively predicted creativity ( = -0.584, = .002), indicating that heightened involvement in emotion-based activities may constrain creative expression. Creativity positively predicted psychological well-being ( = 0.591, = .001), and emotions exhibited a strong positive effect on well-being ( = 0.653, = .001). The structural model explained 51% of the variance in psychological well-being ( = .513, < .001). The measurement model demonstrated satisfactory fit ( = 0.924, = 0.067, = 0.947), with all constructs showing strong reliability ( ≥ 0.83) and validity ( ≥ 0.86). The findings underscore the complex interplay between affective experiences and creativity in shaping students' psychological well-being. Educational interventions should consider balancing emotional engagement with opportunities for creative expression to enhance mental health outcomes in academic contexts.

This paper examines the classification of handedness using the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory (EHI) through the lenses of P. W. Bridgman's operationalism and Paul Feyerabend's methodological anarchism. It addresses the philosophical debate surrounding the dichotomization of EHI scores into consistent and inconsistent handers versus alternative systems, such as tripartite classifications (Left, Right, Mixed) or continuous scoring. A conceptual analysis was conducted to compare dichotomized, categorical, and continuous approaches to EHI data. The evaluation is grounded in operationalist and methodologically pluralistic frameworks to assess the legitimacy and utility of each classification system. Although some researchers have questioned the appropriateness of dichotomizing the EHI, this approach has consistently produced empirically interesting and replicable findings. Dichotomization can be justified both as an operationally valid procedure and as consistent with methodological pluralism, making it a legitimate and useful analytic option. Clarity in handedness classification remains essential. Multiple frameworks may yield valuable but distinct insights across psychological subdisciplines. Encouraging methodological plurality and incorporating diverse handedness measures can enhance the reliability, interpretability, and applicability of findings in research on individual differences and cognitive variables related to handedness.

The quiet eye (QE) period is defined as the final fixation prior to movement initiation for a minimum period of 100 ms. In golf the QE period continues beyond the ball being struck and typically lasts approximately 2-3s. Longer total-QE, pre-QE (pre-ball contact), and post-QE (post-ball contact) are associated with more complex tasks and higher-skilled golfers. However, excessively long QE durations are most likely counterproductive. We aimed to use an in-situ design to investigate how task complexity affects QE duration in thirty golfers (10 Sub-elites, 10 Intermediates and 10 Novices). Participants performed four shots from increasing distances (greater task complexity). Total-QE, QE-pre, and QE-post were measured. Novice total-QE indicated a significant moderate linear relationship with complexity, whereas no relationship was observed in intermediate and sub-elites. Novice QE increased by 53% between the simplest and the most complex condition. A ceiling effect may be a discriminating factor between skilled and less-skilled golfers, which could suggest that the mechanisms underpinning the QE in higher-skilled golfers are independent of task demands. The consistent QE durations observed in sub-elite golfers may imply that this period is used to parameterise the optimal movement variant or that this group did not find the most complex task more effortful. Novice golfers were more sensitive to alterations in tasks demands, which may indicate that the QE period reflects a higher cognitive load, explaining a linear increase in QE duration. A ceiling effect may indicate a difference in the purpose of QE between skilled and less skilled golfers.

Motor skill development in early childhood is a critical determinant of later physical, cognitive, and social outcomes. Although motor imagery (MI) training is recognized as an effective approach to enhancing motor performance, its application in preschool children has been scarcely investigated. To assess the effect of MI training on motor skills in preschool children. Randomized controlled trial with three groups: MI group (MIG; n = 16), physical activity group (PAG; n = 15), and control group (CG; n = 15). 46 children (23 females; 23 males; age = 5.4 ± 0.3 years) from the same preschool. The participants were evaluated at baseline and after the intervention. They all completed the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (M-ABC-2) to assess motor skills. MI training led to significant improvements in manual dexterity, ball skills, and balance compared to the CG and the physical activity group PAG. MI is a promising approach for enhancing motor skill development in preschool settings.

Generated drawing is a specific instructional approach that has been investigated in academic settings. However, in sports, tactical drawings are often presented based more on coaches' preferences than on empirical evidence. This study examines the impact of coach's drawing and the moderating role of Visuospatial Abilities (VSA) on soccer tactical memorization and visual attention. A total of 54 male university students, all novices in soccer, were randomly assigned to one of two conditions. In the static-drawing condition, participants viewed a pre-drawn tactical diagram while listening to an oral explanation. In the dynamic-drawing condition, they observed the coach actively drawing the diagram while providing the same explanation. Initially, individuals' VSA were assessed through a control test. Subsequently, in a main test, participants memorized and reproduced the tactical scene while their gaze was recorded with an eye-tracking system. Key findings reveal a moderating effect of VSA, as high-VSA participants benefited more from the dynamic-drawing condition and showed more effective visual processing, supporting the ability-as-enhancer hypothesis. In contrast, low-VSA participants showed no significant benefit from the coach's dynamic-drawing and demonstrated less effective visual processing, indicating difficulties in extracting and interpreting diagram elements. These results highlight the importance of adapting instructional drawing strategies based on individual cognitive characteristics, particularly VSA, to optimize visual attention and memorization from narrated tactical diagrams.

PurposeThis study investigated the effects of moderate (≤5%) and high (>5%) weight loss (WL) on physiological recovery, cognitive performance, self-control, and technical-tactical performance in elite judo athletes during international competitions.MethodsTwenty elite athletes (age: 20.6 ± 2.2 years; body mass: 72.3 ± 14.4 kg; height: 1.73 ± 0.09 m) were assessed during a 10-day period leading up to competition. Body mass, heart rate variability (HRV) at rest, cognitive performance, and technical-tactical performance were examined. Athletes were categorized into moderate (MWLG, n = 9) and high (HWLG, n = 11) weight-loss groups. Statistical analyses included repeated measures ANOVA and correlation tests.ResultsBoth groups showed significant body mass reduction (MWLG: mean: 3.0 ± 2.0%; HWLG: mean: 6.8 ± 1.5%), with moderate to strong correlations between body mass reduction and increased response times on Flanker task (r = 0.52-0.61, < 0.05). HRV indices remained stable, reflecting athletes' physiological resilience across the pre-competition period. Importantly, no significant differences were observed between groups in technical-tactical performance, self-control and inhibitory control.ConclusionWL was moderately associated with delayed response times on an inhibitory control task, indicating a change in cognitive strategy. These findings emphasize the need for integrated strategies combining weight management, recovery protocols, and cognitive training, as the observed associations between WL and cognitive response times may influence decision-making processes without directly impairing technical-tactical performance.

Visual search is essential for effective anticipation in dynamic sports environments, yet the impact of task complexity on visual processing across expertise levels remains unclear. This study investigated visual search behavior and anticipatory performance in 25 skilled basketball players and 25 untrained male students using eye-tracking technology during simple (five or fewer visible players) and complex (more than five visible players) basketball video-based tasks. Under simple task conditions, no significant differences were found in reaction time or accuracy between groups. However, in complex tasks, skilled athletes responded significantly faster (M = 1623 ms vs. 2077 ms, < 0.01), with fewer fixations (M = 5.47 vs. 9.63, < 0.001) and lower fixation frequency ( < 0.001), indicating more efficient visual strategies. Machine learning analysis using a Random Forest classifier highlighted average fixation duration and fixation frequency as the most important features for group classification. These findings suggest that cognitive and perceptual expertise in athletes becomes more pronounced under high task demands, and that training programs could benefit from emphasizing gaze efficiency, particularly by reducing unnecessary fixations and optimizing fixation timing on key areas.

Stroboscopic training (ST) effectively enhances visuomotor performance in athletes, yet the dose-response relationship between ST difficulty and performance remains unclear. This study investigated the influence of ST difficulty on visuomotor response times (RTs) and assessed the reliability of RTs under stroboscopic vision.Twenty-two healthy young individuals performed a visuomotor response task on three separate days, responding to light-based stimuli under normal and stroboscopic vision at three difficulty levels (FAST = 6 Hz; MEDIUM = 4 Hz; SLOW = 2.25 Hz). Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) and Coefficients of Variation (CoV) assessed relative and absolute reliability. Repeated measures ANOVAs examined the effects of difficulty (NORMAL, FAST, MEDIUM, SLOW) and session day (I, II, III) on RTs.Results showed significantly slower RTs at higher difficulty levels ( < .001), while session day had no significant effect. Reliability analysis revealed good to excellent relative reliability for NORMAL, FAST, and MEDIUM conditions, but moderate reliability for SLOW. Absolute reliability was acceptable across all conditions (<5%).These results suggest a dose-response relationship between ST difficulty and RTs. The inter-individual variability in RTs under stroboscopic vision highlights the need for individualized ST difficulties. The high reliability scores suggest that performance changes following ST stem from functional adaptations rather than habituation.

This study investigated the impact of early success in cadet and junior World Championships on career longevity among elite judo athletes, focusing on the critical transition from junior to senior levels. Using survival analysis, we examined dropout rates and career durations for medalists and non-medalists, defining career termination as a period of at least two consecutive years without international competition. The results from the Cox regression showed that medalists exhibited significantly lower risks of career termination in certain years (e.g., 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016), with reductions ranging from 43% to 75%. However, this protective effect was inconsistent, with no significant differences observed in other years. Factors such as injuries, performance stagnation, and structural changes in the International Judo Federation's ranking system likely contributed to these variations, particularly during years of significant policy shifts. Our findings highlight the importance of early success in extending career duration while emphasizing that it is not a guaranteed predictor of long-term success. These insights indicate the need for tailored athlete development programs that address physical, psychological, and social dimensions, as well as further research to understand the mechanisms supporting career longevity and inform policies aimed at sustaining elite judo athletes.

Tailored training methods for 200-m races may improve in Paralympic canoe sprint (PCS) kayaking. Understanding methods impact on fatigue can help coaches and athletes in guiding training periodization. The aim of this study was to assess the acute performance decrement (APD) in PCS athletes after phase-specific training sessions for the 200-m kayak race, and compare the training loads of three different methods and their correlation with APD. Randomized, within-subject repeated-measures (crossover) study. Twenty-four athletes who participated in 200-m kayak races at international and national events were recruited. The athletes performed a maximum 200-m ergometer test at baseline and 1 min after three training methods: acceleration phase training (ACC), phase two training (P2), and race simulation training (RACE). The primary outcome was the APD, measured by the percentage decrease in performance outcomes of the 200-m ergometer test immediately after the training methods. Significant APD was observed in time, power, and velocity during training sessions. The ACC phase showed the lowest decrement, differing significantly from P2 and RACE across the same outcomes. While ACC, P2, and RACE also showed distinct differences in power and velocity, APD did not significantly correlate with performance outcomes or training loads. Notably, APD magnitudes varied by training method, with longer set distances showing greater decrements. Reducing set distances might help maintain training intensity without significant performance decrements. Training loads did not significantly correlate with APD for any method, emphasizing the importance of monitoring training load to promote health, enhance performance, and minimize injury risks.

The lumbar motor control (LMC) test battery is widely used to assess LMC. Although studies have reported its reliability and discriminative validity, the inter-item relationships and item-specific determinants have been insufficiently characterized, with evidence remaining limited. Clarifying these aspects may enhance the interpretation of test results and support more precise clinical decision-making. Therefore, we aimed to examine the relationships among the items of the LMC test battery and identify the factors associated with each item. In total, 194 participants from a community health event were included in this study. Factors such as age, sex, low back pain, muscle mass, and autonomic balance were measured along with the LMC test battery. Muscle mass was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and autonomic balance was assessed via heart rate variability. The relationships between LMC test battery items were analyzed using chi-square tests, and the factors influencing each item were identified using logistic regression analysis. Although most LMC test battery items showed positive correlations, the pelvic tilt test showed negative correlations with several other items. Age, sex, autonomic balance, and lower limb muscle mass were identified as significant contributors to specific tests; however, no factor was common to all items. Our results indicate that the total score, specific relationships between test items, and influencing factors of each item should be considered when interpreting the results of the LMC test battery.

Virtual Reality (VR) can be used to train elite athletes using innovative ways such as through point-of-view (POV) observation and visual augmentation. The purpose of this study was to examine how, independent of physical practice, VR may be used to train visuomotor skills, especially the Quiet Eye (QE). In a pre-post design, 42 golf novices either watched a training video in a VR headset that was based on Eye-Movement-Modelling-Examples (EMME) or did not receive gaze training (Control). One EMME variation showed the eye-gaze cursor of an expert while putting using a circle (i.e., cursor-only, termed Cursor), and a second variation showed the same gaze cursor but with peripheral information blurred (i.e., hereafter Blurred). Participants were not given any instructions about Quiet Eye. Subsequent putting performance and eye-movement behaviour were evaluated. The results indicated that the Cursor visualisation significantly increased holed putts, reduced putting radial error, and improved putt line and length pre-to-post. There was also a significant reduction in radial error pre-to-post for the Blurred condition, but not for the Control condition. QE duration increased for all conditions pre-to-post, but improvement was largest for the Cursor condition, followed by Blurred, then Control. The findings indicate an enhanced learning effect of Cursor video training on longer QE duration and improved putting performance, including holed putts. Observing expert eye movement videos using VR augmentation may facilitate motor skill learning through visuomotor skill development, independent of physical practice.

This study examines whether transparent boxing ring ropes increase referees' visual access and improve scoring accuracy and consistency. In total, 25 certified international referees, (20 scoring judges and 5 supervisory officials) who were judging matches between the same athletes in both traditional and transparent roped rings, participated in the study. Scoring was conducted according to five predefined zones (A-E) of the boxing ring using a counterbalanced experimental design. A one-way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant scoring discrepancy in Zone D under the traditional-rope condition (F(5, 90) = 2.442, = .040). Dunnett's post-hoc test showed that one referee's scores significantly diverged from the video-based reference scores established via multi-angle review ( = 0.007), while no such discrepancies were observed in the transparent rope setting. Independent samples t-tests indicated that there were significantly higher, more consistent scores across all zones when transparent ropes were used (all < .05; Cohen's d = 0.36-0.50). On average, referees awarded between 1.2 and 1.5 more points per scoring zone when using transparent ropes compared to traditional ropes, indicating a meaningful practical improvement. These results suggest that by increasing visual access, transparent boxing ring ropes reduce scoring inconsistency and increase decision accuracy. Transparent boxing ring ropes may represent a cost-effective and easily implemented design innovation to improve the quality of boxing refereeing. Future studies should evaluate the long-term effects of transparent boxing ring ropes and include referees with varying levels of experience in real-time competition environments.

AimTo evaluate the evolution of trunk control in individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) over a period of 12 months.MethodsLongitudinal study involving individuals with DMD categorized from Vignos (staging scale with a grade of 1 to 10 for clinical progression of the disease, with 1 to 6 individuals who can walk and 7 to 10 individuals who use wheelchairs) 1 to 6. Initial assessments were conducted, followed by assessments after 6 and 12 months. The Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control was used.ResultsThe sample consisted of 18 individuals, with 2 dropouts by the third assessment. Initially, 38% of individuals were in Vignos 2; 33% in Vignos 3; 12% in Vignos 4; 12% in Vignos 5; and 5% in Vignos 6. There was notable heterogeneity in trunk control levels concerning disease staging, with individuals showing the same Vignos but different trunk control levels, or different Vignos with similar trunk control. The median trunk control level according to the scale used ranged from 7 (complete trunk control) to 5 (upper lumbar trunk control) during the study period. A significant decline in trunk control was observed both at the 6-month and 12-month assessments.ConclusionThe decline in trunk control in individuals with DMD begins even during their ambulant phase. The 6-month interval between assessments indicates a noticeable deterioration in this control. Therefore, assessments every 6 months are recommended.

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the potential influences of different gestational periods on the spatiotemporal parameters of the gait and cognitive performance during a dual-task (DT) activity. This study included the gestational group (GG) comprised 20 pregnant women (mean age of 30.48 years) and the control group (CG) consisted of 20 healthy, non-pregnant women (mean age of 28.30 years). The GG was evaluated during the second trimester (mean gestational age of 23.15 weeks) and again in the third trimester (mean gestational age of 35.95 weeks), whereas the CG was assessed at a single time point. Participants performed a verbal fluency cognitive task followed by a gait assessment. Subsequently, participants completed a DT activity, which involved performing the gait task simultaneously with the verbal fluency cognitive task. To assess differences in spatiotemporal gait and cognitive variables between groups, regardless of the type of task performed, a two-factor ANOVA (group and task) was used. Significant differences were observed only in cadence (Sig = 0.024; η = 0.127, medium effect size) and cognitive performance (Sig = 0.001; η = 0.583, large effect size), both of which were negatively affected under DT conditions, regardless of the gestational trimester. However, different gestational trimesters did not significantly affect spatiotemporal gait or cognitive parameters during DT activities. The addition of a verbal fluency task to gait did not markedly affect most of the analyzed spatiotemporal parameters, suggesting that pregnant women, are capable of performing DT gait activities effectively.

BackgroundAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. A substantial proportion of individuals with ADHD also exhibit symptoms of Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS), which may further impair executive functions.PurposeThis study aimed to examine the prevalence of comorbid ADHD and CDS (ADHD+) among adults in Bushehr, Iran, and to compare executive functioning between students with ADHD+ and healthy controls. Gender-based prevalence patterns were also explored.MethodsA total of 690 university students were screened using the Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale-IV (BAARS-IV). ADHD and CDS diagnoses were confirmed via structured clinical interviews. From this sample, 43 adults with comorbid ADHD+CDS and 53 matched healthy controls completed three standardized executive function tasks: the Stroop Color-Word Test (SCWT), Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), and Tower of London Test (TOL).ResultsThe prevalence of comorbid ADHD and CDS (ADHD+) was 25.15% across the total sample (N = 690), whereas 41.3% of those diagnosed with ADHD also met criteria for CDS; however MANOVA revealed significant group differences across ADHD symptom domains based on CDS comorbidity (Wilk's λ = .48, F = 184.21, p < .001, η = .52). Significant effects were observed for attentional problems (F = 103.12, p < .001, η = .13), overall ADHD symptoms (F = 65.26, p < .001, η = .09), and combined ADHD + scores (F = 259.43, p < .001, η = .27). Smaller effects were found for hyperactivity and impulsivity (η = .01).ConclusionsStudents with ADHD and comorbid CDS exhibit specific cognitive deficits, particularly in planning and attentional control, that should be considered in designing cognitive rehabilitation programs. These findings may inform culturally appropriate intervention strategies in Iran, such as cognitive rehabilitation programs targeting attentional control and planning deficits among university students with ADHD+CDS.

The growing popularity of electronic sports (esports) prompted the authors of this paper to examine their effects on cognitive skills, specifically attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility among gamers. A total of 40 undergraduate physical education students with no prior experience in esports participated in this study. The students were randomly assigned to two groups: Single Players and Co-Players. Both groups played the esports game FIFA in either single-player or co-player mode over a period of eight weeks. Attention was assessed using the Stroop task, working memory was measured through the N-back task, and cognitive flexibility was evaluated with the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. In addition, a paired-sample t-test was used to assess changes within each group, while differences between the two groups were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA. The results indicated that FIFA can improved attention and working memory in both the single-player and co-player groups. However, improvements in cognitive flexibility were observed only in the co-player group. These findings suggest that esports can enhance several cognitive skills, including attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, and that such activities may be applied to diverse objectives such as learning and instruction.