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Background Improving the quality of functional movements in athletes generally requires additional training targeting specific functional deficiencies. However, well-rounded, traditional strength and conditioning program should also improve player’s movement quality. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to compare the effect of two different six-week interventions on the functional score of female netball players. Methods In a randomized controlled study, players were divided into control and intervention group. Both groups completed identical six-week strength and conditioning program, with the intervention group also completing additional corrective exercises three sessions per week during the same period. Results The FMS® score was significantly higher in the intervention group after 6-week program (f = 9.85, p = 0.004). However, the differences in total score may be attributed mainly to differences between groups in active straight leg raise (p = 0.004) and trunk stability push-up test (p = 0.02), as other individual tests demonstrated similar time and group effect. Conclusion These results indicate that although FMS® based intervention may improve overall functional movement score, the athletes in both groups have demonstrated similar improvements in most of the individual tests. Hence, a well-rounded strength and conditioning program incorporating athlete-specific exercises based on limitations identified in the functional movement screen, may result in a balanced training strategy and reduce the need for supplementary functional training sessions.

Purpose. Despite the benefits of sport participation to schoolchildren, some highly competitive activities may induce sportspecific physical adaptations that may predispose children to long-term motor impairments. Hence, the aim of this study was to compare the anthropometric characteristics, motor abilities, and posture between schoolchildren actively participating in judo and their peers participating in general physical education classes. Methods. the study included 148 male participants aged 12-14 years. the two groups of subjects were compared in terms of their anthropometrics, posture, and motor abilities. Results. Statistically significant differences were observed in subscapular skinfold and triceps skinfold in favour of the young judokas. Judo competitors also demonstrated better functional coordination, flexibility, explosive force of lower limbs, and pelvic and isometric muscular endurance. In addition, judokas were characterized by better postural alignment relative to shoulders, chest, and abdomen. Conclusions. the results suggest that participation in judo in addition to physical education classes builds specific motor and physical characteristics in children that may aid in healthy body development.

Purpose. the tests of athletic and functional performance are widely used to assess physical ability and set performance goals. the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between functional movement and physical and karate-specific performance in adolescents. Methods. Karate technique, athletic performance, and Functional Movement Screen (FMS tM ) were evaluated in 20 karateka aged 10-15 years (age: 12.2 ± 1.9 years, height: 155.5 ± 16.5 cm, weight: 48.6 ± 19.5 kg). Correlation analysis determined the association between the various tests, and stepwise linear regression established performance prediction models. Results. Only individual FMS tM tests of deep squat, hurdle step, and push-up significantly correlated with gedan barai/ jaku zuki (r = 0.40, r = -0.61, r = -0.59, respectively) and the triangle step (deep squat: r = 0.43, push-up: r = -0.56). Muscular endurance, power, and agility showed a significant (p < 0.05) correlation with karate side-step and gedan barai/jaku zuki. the participants' body mass and muscle endurance were good predictors of mawashi geri (r 2 = 0.51, p < 0.05), while body mass was a strong indicator of gedan barai/jaku zuki (r 2 = 0.46, p < 0.05) and muscle endurance was a leading predictor of gedan barai (r 2 = 0.34, p < 0.05). Conclusions. A combination of functional and athletic tests may be used to assess young athletes' predisposition to karate. the training focus in young karateka should be on developing fundamental movement capacity along with fundamental sport-specific skills to allow the young athlete's natural physical development.

BackgroundMeasures of mechanical work may be useful in evaluating efficiency of walking during pregnancy. Various adaptations in the body during pregnancy lead to altered gait, consequently contributing to the total energy cost of walking. Measures of metabolic energy expenditure may not be reliable for measuring energetic cost of gait during pregnancy as pregnancy results in numerous metabolic changes resulting from foetal development. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine if mechanical work prediction equations correlate with the metabolic energy cost of gait during pregnancy.MethodsThirty-five (35) women (27.5 ± 6.1 years) gave informed consent for participation in the study at different weeks of gestation pregnancy. Gas exchange and gait data were recorded while walking at a fixed self-selected walking speed. External (Wext) work was estimated assuming no energy transfer between segments, while internal work (Wint) assumed energy transfer between segments. Hence total energy of the body (Wtot) was calculated based on the segmental changes relative to the surrounding, and relative to the centre of mass of the whole body. Equations for mechanical work were correlated with net and gross O2 rate, and O2 cost.ResultsExternal, internal and total mechanical energy showed significant positive relationship with gross O2 rate (r = 0.48, r = 0.35; and r = 0.49 respectively), and gross O2 cost (r = 0.42; r = 0.70, and r = 0.62, respectively). In contrast, external, internal and total mechanical energy had no significant relationship with net O2 rate (r = 0.19, r = 0.24, and r = 0.24, respectively). Net O2 cost was significant related Wext (r = 0.49) Wint (r = 0.66) and Wtot (r = 0.62). Energy recovery improved with increase in gait speed.ConclusionsMeasures of mechanical work, when adjusted for resting energy expenditure, and walking speed may be useful in comparing metabolic energy consumption between women during pregnancy, or assessment or gait changes of the same individual throughout pregnancy.