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Aim: This study aims to compare the thickness of abdominal wall muscles—the external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), transversus abdominis (TrAb), rectus abdominis (RA), and inter-recti distance (IRD)—between amateur soccer and basketball players using ultrasonography. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 35 male amateur athletes, including 17 soccer players and 18 basketball players. Ultrasonographic measurements of the EO, IO, TrAb, RA muscles, and IRD were taken while the muscles were in a relaxed state for all the participants in both sides. Results: Significant differences were found in the RA muscle thickness, with basketball players showing a greater mean thickness compared to soccer players. No significant differences were observed in the TrAb, IO, and EO muscles between the two groups. The IRD showed a trend towards larger separation in basketball players, though this was not statistically significant. Conclusions: This study highlights sport-specific adaptations in the RA muscle, likely due to the distinct physical demands of basketball and soccer. The findings underscore the importance of tailored training and rehabilitation programs that consider these morphological differences to enhance performance and reduce injury risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates gender differences in core muscle morphology among elite alpine skiers using ultrasonography, highlighting significant disparities that could influence training and injury prevention strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed, examining ultrasound imaging (USI) in 22 elite skiers (11 male, 11 female) to assess the thickness of the external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), transversus abdominis (TrAb), and rectus abdominis (RA) muscles. Results: Significant differences were noted, with male skiers displaying greater muscle thickness, particularly in the right IO and RA and left IO, EO, TrAb, and RA. Conclusions: These findings suggest that male and female skiers may require different training approaches to optimize performance and reduce injury risks. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the physical demands on elite skiers and underscores the need for gender-specific training regimens to enhance athletic outcomes and prevent injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since isometric training is gaining popularity, some devices are being developed to test isometric force as an alternative to the more expensive force plates (FPs); thus, the aim of this study was to test the reliability and validity of "GSTRENGTH" for measuring PF in the isometric belt squat exercise. Five subjects performed 24 contractions at three different knee angles (90°, 105° and 120°) on two occasions (120 total cases). Peak force data were measured using FPs and a strain gauge (SG) and analyzed by Pearson's product–moment correlation coefficient, ICCs, Cronbach's alpha, a paired sample t-test and Bland–Altman plots. Perfect or almost perfect relationships (r: 0.999–1) were found with an almost perfect or perfect level of agreement (ICCs: 0.992–1; α: 0.998–1). The t-test showed significant differences for the raw data but not for the predictions by the equations obtained with the SG values. The Bland–Altman plots, when significant, showed trivial to moderate values for systematic bias in general. In conclusion, "GSTRENGTH" was shown to be a valid alternative to FPs for measuring PF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the analysis of most demanding scenarios (MDS) in basketball has improved the practical knowledge about match demands and possible impacts for the training process, it seems important to summarize the scientific evidence providing useful information and future directions related to MDS. This review assesses the results reflected in the available literature about the MDS in basketball, synthesizing and discussing data from scientific papers, and then providing relevant insights about terminology, sex and sample size, competition category, workload variables recorded, technology used, method of calculation, time windows analyzed, and activities evaluated related to MDS. Therefore, the present narrative review would be of practical use for coaches, scientists, athletes as well as strength and conditioning trainers exploring the current trends and future directions related to MDS in basketball. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Since the analysis of most demanding scenarios (MDS) in basketball has improved the practical knowledge about match demands and possible impacts for the training process, it seems important to summarize the scientific evidence providing useful information and future directions related to MDS. This review assesses the results reflected in the available literature about the MDS in basketball, synthesizing and discussing data from scientific papers, and then providing relevant insights about terminology, sex and sample size, competition category, workload variables recorded, technology used, method of calculation, time windows analyzed, and activities evaluated related to MDS. Therefore, the present narrative review would be of practical use for coaches, scientists, athletes as well as strength and conditioning trainers exploring the current trends and future directions related to MDS in basketball., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © Academy of Physical Education in Katowice.)