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This overview assessed the available body of published peer-reviewed systematic reviews and meta-analyses related to the effects of active exergames compared with active/passive control on physical performance outcomes in older people. The methodological quality and certainty of evidence were assessed using PRISMA, AMSTAR 2, and GRADE. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42023391694). The main outcomes indicate that 4,477 records, five systematic reviews, and 10 meta-analyses were included. The AMSTAR-2 reported six meta-analyses with high methodological quality, four moderate quality, two systematic reviews with low quality, and three very-low quality. Meta-analysis was performed on balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) tests, on cardiorespiratory fitness using the 6-min walk test, and on upper and lower limbs muscle strength using the handgrip strength, knee extension, and 30-s chair stand tests. Significant differences in favor of the active exergames groups concerning active/passive groups were reported in BBS (SMD = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.12-1.58; I 2 = 96%; p  = 0.02), TUG (SMD = 1.44; 95% CI = 0.71-2.16; I 2 = 97%; p  < 0.0001), and 30-s chair stand test (SMD = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.33-1.25; I 2 = 88%; p  = 0.0008). However, no significant differences were reported in favor of the active exergames groups in 6-min walk (SMD = 0.93; 95% CI = -0.64 to 2.50; I 2 = 95%; p  = 0.24), handgrip strength (SMD = 0.67; 95% CI = -0.04 to 1.38; I 2 = 84%; p  = 0.06), and knee extension tests (SMD = 0.20; 95% CI = -0.05 to 0.44; I 2 = 95%; p  = 0.12) compared to active/passive control. However, it was impossible to perform a meta-analysis for the variables of walking speed as a fall risk due to the diversity of instruments and the small number of systematic reviews with meta-analysis. In conclusion, interventions utilizing active exergames have shown significant improvements in the static and dynamic balance and lower limb muscle strength of apparently healthy older people, compared to control groups of active/inactive participants, as measured by BBS, TUG, and 30-s chair stand tests. However, no significant differences were found in the 6-min walk, HGS, and knee extension tests., Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, CRD42023391694., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Hernandez-Martinez, Ramos-Espinoza, Muñoz-Vásquez, Guzman-Muñoz, Herrera-Valenzuela, Branco, Castillo-Cerda and Valdés-Badilla.)

This study aimed to analyze the effect of plyometric training (PT) at different frequencies on jump performance, running sprint speed, and service speed in youth male volleyball players. The participants were randomly assigned to one PT session per week (Experimental Group 1, EG1, n = 15), two PT sessions per week (Experimental Group 2, EG2, n = 14), and a control group (CG, n = 13). The total weekly jumping ranged between 98 and 196 jumps (equalized between, EG1 and, EG2). The assessments performed were squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), CMJ-arms, drop jump (DJ), 5-m sprint, 10-m sprint, and service speed. The intragroup comparisons showed that, EG1 significantly ( p < 0.001) improved SJ ( Δ = 12.74%; d = 1.30), CMJ ( Δ = 11.94%; d = 1.71), CMJ-arms ( Δ = 12.02%; d = 1.47), DJ ( Δ = 10.93%; d = 1.30), 5-m sprint ( Δ = -4.61%; d = 0.29), 10-m sprint ( Δ = -3.95%; d = 0.40) and service speed ( Δ = 8.17%; d = 1.53). Similarly, EG2 significantly ( p ˂ 0.001) improved SJ ( Δ = 11.52%; d = 1.25), CMJ ( Δ = 11.29%; d = 1.38), CMJ-arms ( Δ = 11.42%; d = 1.26), DJ ( Δ = 13.90%; d = 2.17), 5-m sprint ( Δ = -3.85%; d = 0.25), 10-m sprint ( Δ = -2.73%; d = 0.25) and service speed ( Δ = 6.77%; d = 1.44). The CG significantly ( p < 0.05) improved SJ ( Δ = 2.68; d = 0.28), CMJ-arms ( Δ = 2.30; d = 0.35), 5-m sprint ( Δ = -1.27; d = 0.10) and service speed ( Δ = 1.42; d = 0.30). Intergroup comparisons revealed significantly greater improvements in all variables ( p < 0.001) in, EG1 and, EG2 concerning to CG. However, no significant differences were found between, EG1 and, EG2. A moderate weekly PT volume, distributed in one or two sessions per week, seems equally effective., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Hernandez-Martinez, Guzman-Muñoz, Ramirez-Campillo, Herrera-Valenzuela, Magnani Branco, Avila-Valencia, Luis Carter-Beltran, Aravena-Sagardia, Méndez-Cornejo and Valdés-Badilla.)

This systematic review aimed to assess the available body of published peer-reviewed articles related to the effects of Olympic combat sports (OCS) on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in the non-athlete population. The methodological quality and certainty of evidence were evaluated using PRISMA, TESTEX, RoB, and GRADE scales. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42023391433). From 4133 records, six randomized controlled trials were included, involving 855 non-athletes (mean age = 27.2 years old). The TESTEX scale reported all studies with a ≥ 60% (moderate-high quality) score. The GRADE scale indicated moderate to low certainty of evidence. It was only possible to perform a meta-analysis on direct methods to maximum oxygen consumption (VO 2 max). The main results indicated significant differences in favor of OCS compared to active/passive controls in VO 2 max (SMD = 4.61; 95%CI = 1.46 to 7.76; I 2 = 99%; p = 0.004), while the individual results of the studies reported significant improvements in favor of the OCS on the indirect methods of the CRF. OCS improved CRF in a healthy non-athlete population of different ages, specifically showing a significant improvement in VO 2 max with direct tests, such as cardiopulmonary tests. However, moderate to low certainty of evidence is reported, so no definitive recommendations can be established.

Background: Although measures of exercise performance and physical activity are known to be related to 6-minute walk test (6mWT), the role of the strength of each muscle group of the lower limb in the locomotor capacity during the development period is unknown., Objective: To identify the role of the isometric strength of lower limb muscles and cardiovascular parameters on the locomotor capacity in children and adolescents, controlling for participants sex, age, and height., Methods: Participants (7 to 15 years old; female, n= 113; male, n= 128) were assessed for isometric strength (seven lower limb muscles), cardiovascular parameters (diastolic pressure, oxygen saturation, resting heart rate, respiratory rate), and 6mWT. Participants were split into nine age groups and separated by 1-year intervals., Results: Hip flexors-controlled for sex, age, and height-explained a meaningful percentage of the variance (R=2 0.45; p< 0.001) for 6mWT distance, and the resting heart rate explained a change in R2 of only 2% (p= 0.008)., Conclusions: Isometric strength of hip flexors explained ∼ 50% of the 6mWT distance, suggesting the importance of strength from an early age. Other factors, such as cardiovascular parameters, while relevant, may exert a secondary role on youth's capacity.

The present study aimed to determine the isometric strength profile of the upper limb muscles of children and adolescents between 7-15 years of age. Furthermore, to (a) identify the age at which differences in strength are observed between sexes; to (b) determine the age range at which significant progression of strength could be observed; and (c) identify the role of each muscle on the total upper limb strength. Cross-sectional study that evaluated the isometric strength of nine muscle groups of the upper limb of 243 Chilean children, split into 9 age groups, separated by 1-year intervals. For this, hand-held dynamometry and hand-grip dynamometry were used. A two-factor analysis of variance for the maximum isometric strength and a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were performed. From 11 years of age, wrist flexors were the first muscle group that revealed a significant difference in isometric strength in favor of boys ( P =0.0143). In boys, the narrowest and earliest age range in the progression of isometric strength was 10 to 12 years for wrist flexors ( P =0.0392). Shoulder flexors was the main factor that explained the performance of the total upper limb strength ( R 2 =0.742; P <0.001). The most progressive isometric strength development occurred from age 10 years in the ventral and distal muscles of the upper limb; and from this age the boys begin to present a greater isometric strength than girls. In addition, the isometric strength of shoulder flexors explained the higher total upper limb strength performance., Competing Interests: CONFLICT OF INTEREST No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported., (Copyright © 2022 Korean Society of Exercise Rehabilitation.)

Background: Several authors have indicated that excess body weight can modify the electromyographic (EMG) amplitude due to the accumulation of subcutaneous fat. This accumulation of adipose tissue around the muscle would affect the metabolic capacity during functional activities. On the other hand, some authors have not observed differences in the myoelectric manifestations of fatigue between normal weight and obese people. Furthermore, these manifestations have not been investigated regarding EMG onset latency, which indicates a pattern of muscle activation between different muscles. The objective of this study was to determine whether an increase in body weight, skinfolds, and muscle fatigue modify the trapezius and serratus anterior (SA) onset latencies and to determine the scapular muscle recruitment order in fatigue and excess body weight conditions., Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in a university laboratory. The participants were randomly assigned to the no-fatigue group (17 participants) or the fatigue (17 participants) group. The body mass index, skinfold thickness (axillary, pectoral, and subscapular), and percentage of body fat were measured. In addition, the onset latency of the scapular muscles [lower trapezius (LT), middle trapezius (MT), upper trapezius (UT), and SA] was assessed by surface EMG during the performance of a voluntary arm raise task. A multiple linear regression model was adjusted and analyzed for the additive combination of the variables, percentage body fat, skinfold thickness, and fatigue. The differences in onset latency between the scapular muscles were analyzed using a three-way repeated measure analysis of variance. In all the tests, an alpha level <0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: For the MT, LT, and SA onset latencies, the body mass index was associated with a delayed onset latency when it was adjusted for the additive combination of percentage of body fat, skinfold thickness, and fatigue. Of these adjustment factors, the subscapular skinfold thickness ( R 2  = 0.51; β  = 10.7; p  = 0.001) and fatigue ( R 2  = 0.86; β  = 95.4; p  = 0.001) primarily contributed to the increase in SA onset latency. A significant muscle ×body mass index ×fatigue interaction ( F  = 4.182; p  = 0.008) was observed. In the fatigue/excess body weight condition, the UT was activated significantly earlier than the other three scapular muscles ( p  < 0.001) and SA activation was significantly delayed compared to LT ( p  < 0.001)., Discussion: Excess body weight, adjusted for skinfold thickness (axillary and subscapular) and fatigue, increases the onset latency of the MT, LT, and SA muscles and modifies the recruitment order of scapular muscles. In fact, the scapular stabilizing muscles (MT, LT, and SA) increase their onset latency in comparison to the UT muscle. These results were not observed when excess body weight was considered as an individual variable or when adjusted by the percentage body fat., Competing Interests: Rodrigo Ramírez-Campillo is an Academic Editor for PeerJ.

Objectives: To determine the influence of velocity and fatigue on scapular muscle activation latency and recruitment order during a voluntary arm raise task, in healthy individuals., Design: Cross-sectional study., Setting: University laboratory., Participants: Twenty three male adults per group (high-velocity and low-velocity)., Main Outcome Measures: Onset latency of scapular muscles [Anterior deltoid (AD), lower trapezius (LT), middle trapezius (MT), upper trapezius (UT), and serratus anterior (SA)] was assessed by surface electromyography. The participants were assigned to one of two groups: low-velocity or high-velocity. Both groups performed a voluntary arm raise task in the scapular plane under two conditions: no-fatigue and fatigue., Results: The UT showed early activation (p < 0.01) in the fatigue condition when performing the arm raise task at a high velocity. At a low velocity and with no muscular fatigue, the recruitment order was MT, LT, SA, AD, and UT. However, the recruitment order changed in the high-velocity with muscular fatigue condition, since the recruitment order was UT, AD, SA, LT, and MT., Conclusions: The simultaneous presence of fatigue and high-velocity in an arm raise task is associated with a decrease in the UT activation latency and a modification of the recruitment order of scapular muscles., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Context: Kinesio taping is commonly used in sports and rehabilitation settings with the aim of prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. However, limited evidence exists regarding the effects of 24 and 72 hours of kinesio taping on trunk and lower limb neuromuscular and kinetic performance during a vertical jump., Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the short-term effects of kinesio taping on height and ground reaction force during a vertical jump, in addition to trunk and lower limb muscle latency and recruitment order., Design: Single-group pretest-posttest., Setting: University laboratory., Participants: Twelve male athletes from different sports (track and field, basketball, and soccer)., Interventions: They completed a single squat and countermovement jump at basal time (no kinesio taping), 24, and 72 hours of kinesio taping application on the gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, rectus femoris, gastrocnemius medialis, and longissimus., Main Outcome Measures: Muscle onset latencies were assessed by electromyography during a squat and countermovement jump, in addition to measurements of the jump height and normalized ground reaction force., Results: The kinesio taping had no effect after 24 hours on either the countermovement or squat jump. However, at 72 hours, the kinesio taping increased the jump height (P = .02; d = 0.36) and normalized ground reaction force (P = .001; d = 0.45) during the countermovement jump. In addition, 72-hour kinesio taping reduced longissimus onset latency (P = .03; d = 1.34) and improved muscle recruitment order during a countermovement jump., Conclusions: These findings suggest that kinesio taping may improve neuromuscular and kinetic performance during a countermovement jump only after 72 hours of application on healthy and uninjured male athletes. However, no changes were observed on a squat jump. Future studies should incorporate a control group to verify kinesio taping's effects and its influence on injured athletes.

Background: Evidence on the effect of systemic exercise programs to improve the standing balance with the Nintendo Wii system is very limited and its post-treatment effectiveness is unknown in cerebral palsy (CP) patients., Aim: Primary aim was to compare the effect of Nintendo Wii balance board (Wii-therapy) and standard physiotherapy (SPT), on the performance of standing balance in children and adolescents with CP. Secondary aim was to determine the post-treatment effectiveness of Wii-therapy and SPT., Design: Two-arm, matched-pairs, parallel-groups, randomized, controlled clinical trial., Setting: Outpatient Rehabilitation Centre in the city of Talca., Population: Patients with CP type spastic hemiplegia (SHE) and spastic diplegia (SDI), aged 7 to 14 years, and level I or II of GMFCS or GMFCS-ER. Were excluded patients with FSIQ<80, epilepsy, previous surgeries and application of Botulinum Toxin-A in the lower limb, uncorrected vision and hearing disorders., Methods: Thirty-two CP patients (10.7±3.2 years old) were randomly assigned to either Wii-therapy (SDI=7; SHE=9) or SPT intervention (SDI=7; SHE=9). In each group, patients received three sessions per week over a period of 6 weeks. Standing balance was assessed at baseline and every 2 weeks. Additionally, two follow-up assessments (4 additional weeks) were performed to determine post-treatment effectiveness. Standing balance was quantified on force platform obtaining the outcomes area of center-of-pressure (CoP) sway (CoPSway), standard deviation in the medial-lateral (SDML) and the anterior-posterior (SDAP) directions, and velocity in both directions (VML and VAP)., Results: Compared to SPT, Wii-therapy significantly reduced the CoPSway (P=0.02) and SDAP in the eyes-open condition (P=0.01). However, the effects wane after 2-4 weeks. Post-hoc analysis revealed that only SHE children benefited from Wii-therapy., Conclusions: Wii-therapy was better than SPT in improving standing balance in patients with CP, but improves the balance only in SHE patients. Also, Wii-therapy effectiveness waned 2-4 weeks after the end the intervention., Clinical Rehabilitation Impact: A systematic exercise program like Wii-therapy using the Nintendo Wii Balance Board device can be considered to improves the standing balance in patients with CP, specifically in the SHE type. This program is easy to transfer to physiotherapists and rehabilitation centers.

Objective: This study sought to evaluate the effects of a Nintendo Wii Balance Board (NWBB) intervention on ankle spasticity and static standing balance in young people with spastic cerebral palsy (SCP)., Methods: Ten children and adolescents (aged 72-204 months) with SCP participated in an exercise program with NWBB. The intervention lasted 6 weeks, 3 sessions per week, 25 minutes for each session. Ankle spasticity was assessed using the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS), and static standing balance was quantified using posturographic measures (center-of-pressure [CoP] measures). Pre- and post-intervention measures were compared., Results: Significant decreases of spasticity in the ankle plantar flexor muscles (p < 0.01). There was also a significant reduction in the CoP sway area (p = 0.04), CoP mediolateral velocity (p =0.03), and CoP anterior-posterior velocity (p = 0.03)., Conclusion: A 6-session NWBB program reduces the spasticity at the ankle plantar flexors and improves the static standing balance in young people with SCP.