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Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of agility ladder training combined with plyometric or multidirection speed drills, on performance in young female volleyball players. Methods: Seventy-six young female volleyball players were randomly distributed into 3 maturity-matched groups: (1) the agility ladder + plyometric drills group, (2) the agility ladder + multidirection speed drills group, and (3) the control group. Both experimental groups followed a 6-week training program, twice weekly, in addition to the regular volleyball training sessions, while the control group participated only in the regular volleyball training sessions. Assessments pretraining and posttraining included countermovement jump, 20-m sprint, and agility T test. Results: Both experimental groups improved T-test performance (P <.005) but only agility ladder + multidirection speed drills group outperformed the control group (P <.05). Conclusions: Agility ladder training programs combined with either plyometric or speed drills can improve change of direction performance in young female volleyball players but only the combination of agility ladder with multidirection speed drills is more effective than volleyball training per se. The small effectiveness of these protocols may be attributed to the short training period, or to the fact that training elements were combined in a single session. This hypothesis remains to be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Study Aim. Dribbling skills have a crucial role in the achievement of a football player, especially at a young age level such as the SSB Medan Satria U-16 Football team. This study aims to investigate the effect of speed and agility on the dribbling skills of SSB U-16 Medan Satria students. Material and Methods. The method used in this research is experimental, the data collection techniques used are tests and measurements. The population in this study were SSB U-16 Medan Satria students. The sample taken from the results of purposive sampling amounted to 20 students. The instrument used is a dribbling skill test. Data analysis using the SPSS 26 application. Results. The results showed a significance value of 0.000

Abstract Background Exercise training recommendations for seniors include the targeted training of strength, balance, endurance and flexibility domains. Agility training (AT) is conceptualized as a multi-component and time-efficient training framework for older adults to improve physical, functional and cognitive health domains that are relevant for maintaining activities of daily living. The aim of this one-year trial was to comparatively evaluate the effects of agility training on physical and cognitive function. Methods Seventy-nine healthy older adults (AT: 61.5% female, 70.8 ± 4.8 years, 27.7 ± 4.2 kg/m2; CG: 60.5% female, 69.6 ± 4.7 years, 27.5 ± 4.4 kg/m2) took part in this one-year randomized controlled intervention and were either assigned to the agility training group (AT) with two weekly 60 min AT sessions or to the control group (CG), receiving no treatment. Participants were assessed pre, intermediate and post intervention for strength and power, balance, gait speed under multi-task conditions, aerobic capacity as well as cognitive performance. Linear mixed effects models were used to analyze the effect of treatment over time. Results Fifty-four participants (AG: 25, CG: 29) were analyzed, most drop-outs attributed to COVID-19 (17/30 dropouts). Adherence was good (75%) of 90 offered sessions. Notable effects in favor of AT were found for gait parameters in single (d = 0.355, Δ = 4.3%), dual (d = 0.375, Δ = 6.1%) and triple (d = 0.376, Δ = 6.4%) task conditions, counter movement jump performance (strength and power) (d = 0.203, Δ = 6.9%), static one leg balance (d = 0.256, Δ = 12.33%) and n-back reaction time (cognitive performance) (d = 0.204, Δ = 3.8%). No effects were found for the remaining outcomes (d

Background: Exercise training recommendations for seniors include the targeted training of strength, balance, endurance and flexibility domains. Agility training (AT) is conceptualized as a multi-component and time-efficient training framework for older adults to improve physical, functional and cognitive health domains that are relevant for maintaining activities of daily living. The aim of this one-year trial was to comparatively evaluate the effects of agility training on physical and cognitive function. Methods: Seventy-nine healthy older adults (AT: 61.5% female, 70.8 ± 4.8 years, 27.7 ± 4.2 kg/m2; CG: 60.5% female, 69.6 ± 4.7 years, 27.5 ± 4.4 kg/m2) took part in this one-year randomized controlled intervention and were either assigned to the agility training group (AT) with two weekly 60 min AT sessions or to the control group (CG), receiving no treatment. Participants were assessed pre, intermediate and post intervention for strength and power, balance, gait speed under multi-task conditions, aerobic capacity as well as cognitive performance. Linear mixed effects models were used to analyze the effect of treatment over time. Results: Fifty-four participants (AG: 25, CG: 29) were analyzed, most drop-outs attributed to COVID-19 (17/30 dropouts). Adherence was good (75%) of 90 offered sessions. Notable effects in favor of AT were found for gait parameters in single (d = 0.355, Δ = 4.3%), dual (d = 0.375, Δ = 6.1%) and triple (d = 0.376, Δ = 6.4%) task conditions, counter movement jump performance (strength and power) (d = 0.203, Δ = 6.9%), static one leg balance (d = 0.256, Δ = 12.33%) and n-back reaction time (cognitive performance) (d = 0.204, Δ = 3.8%). No effects were found for the remaining outcomes (d < 0.175). Conclusion: AT might serve as an integrative training approach for older adults particularly improving gait and lower limb power parameters. It seems suitable to improve a broad range of seniors' health domains and should replace isolated training of these domains. However, individual variation and progression of exercises should be considered when programming agility training providing adequate challenges throughout a long-term intervention for all participants. Trial registration: DRKS, DRKS00017469. Registered 19 June 2019—Retrospectively registered. Key messages: - This is the first long-term randomized controlled trial that evaluates the efficacy of an agility training for older adults with regard to different neuromuscular, cognitive and cardiovascular performance measures. - Agility training has a high adherence rate of 75% and a low drop-out rate (16.5%) over a whole year. - Small effects in favor of the agility training group were revealed for functional neuromuscular performance but not for maximum strength, dynamic balance, cardiovascular capacity, or cognitive function. - Future studies should include higher and progressive loads/intensities or challenging tasks to foster neuromuscular, cognitive and cardiovascular adaptations when training healthy older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study purpose. Goalkeepers in futsal require fast movements to anticipate the ball that is heading toward the goal. Therefore, the reaction of the goalkeeper is very necessary to improve the quality in the game. Materials and methods. This research is experimental research conducted using factorial design research using a quantitative approach. In this research, the researchers use treatment with imagery exercises, with audiovisual and visual methods, with measuring the level of ability and agility of each sample in a group experiment. The type of instrument used to measure the ability of the goalkeeper's reaction speed in this study is the whole-body reaction test. The population in this study was high school (SMA) students who played futsal goalkeepers throughout the city of Metro, with the number of participants being 90 students of 9 high schools throughout the city of Metro. Purposive sampling technique was used so that a sample of 24 students was obtained. Results. The results of the study prove that the significance value of imagery training is 0.001 < 0.05 which means "Ha is accepted", then there is an effect of Imagery training on the goalkeeper's reaction time. Next, the significance value of Agility training is 0.018 <0.05, which means "Ha is accepted", then there is an effect of agility training on the goalkeeper's reaction time. There is a significant difference between imagery training using audiovisual, high agility, and imagery training using audiovisual, low agility, with a significance value of 0.016. While there is no significant difference between imagery exercises using visuals, high agility and imagery exercises using visuals, low agility with a significance value of 0.395. Conclusions. Based on the results, it can be concluded that imagery and agility exercises have a significant effect on the reaction time of goalkeepers in futsal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the backward traditional training methods and the shortage of training funds in college sports, an agility training system based on a wireless mesh network is developed and evaluated. The network structure, initialization, and root node selection of the mesh network are described in detail. In the mesh network training scenario, the network topology is examined, and the response time and packet loss rate of the mesh network nodes are tested to demonstrate that the ad hoc network can transmit real-time data within the response time. The experimental data show that when the number of hops is n ≤ 2 and the response time of the mesh network nodes is less than 300 ms, the packet loss rate is 0%. The wireless mesh network solves the problem that the traditional Wi-Fi network is limited by the communication distance. It also allows more lower-level computer nodes to access the network and expands the training coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study purpose. Goalkeepers in futsal require fast movements to anticipate the ball that is heading toward the goal. Therefore, the reaction of the goalkeeper is very necessary to improve the quality in the game. Materials and methods. This research is experimental research conducted using factorial design research using a quantitative approach. In this research, the researchers use treatment with imagery exercises, with audiovisual and visual methods, with measuring the level of ability and agility of each sample in a group experiment. The type of instrument used to measure the ability of the goalkeeper’s reaction speed in this study is the whole-body reaction test. The population in this study was high school (SMA) students who played futsal goalkeepers throughout the city of Metro, with the number of participants being 90 students of 9 high schools throughout the city of Metro. Purposive sampling technique was used so that a sample of 24 students was obtained. Results. The results of the study prove that the significance value of imagery training is 0.001 < 0.05 which means "Ha is accepted", then there is an effect of Imagery training on the goalkeeper's reaction time. Next, the significance value of Agility training is 0.018

In order to improve the agility of college students, this paper designs a distributed agility training system. The system includes an upper computer and nine lower computers, in which the lower computer realizes the functions of data acquisition and communication with the upper computer and calculates the reaction time. The Android-based system software was installed in the upper computer to complete the functions of network connection, setting training times and showing the exercise time. In order to test the effectiveness of the equipment, nine university students were invited to complete agility training over 8 weeks with the help of agility training equipment in preparatory, enhancement and special stages. A t-test (Student's t test) was conducted on the test results at different positions on the front and middle and back areas of the court before and after the training. The results show that the agility of the experimental objects was significantly improved after training, from the midpoint to any point at the front, middle and back court (p < 0.01). This shows that using equipment designed to develop agility for long-term training can promote the sensitive quality in badminton learners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was conducted in order to determine the effect of an eight-week agility development program (ADP) in elementary school students. Materials and methods. 107 fifth grade elementary school students from four classes randomly marked as agility development program (ADP) group (n = 55) or control (CON) group (n = 52) took part in the testing. The students had two classes of physical education per week, which is a total of 16 classes in eight weeks. ADP lasting 15 minutes was conducted within the main part of the physical education class. Both groups attended physical education classes, except that the control group had activities without a special agility development program. Two-tailed independent t-test was used to analyze differences in agility between the ADP and the CON and the change in the performance from pre- to posttests between groups. Two-tailed paired t-test was used to analyze changes in agility performance between pre- and posttests within both groups. Results. Compared with the CON, the ADP group showed significantly better performances (p≤0.05) in Zig-zag test, Illinois Agility Run test, Agility T test and Arrowhead Agility test after the training period, but not in Balsom agility test (p>0.05). Conclusions. The positive effect of the 8-week agility development program (ADP) on improving agility was determined. Therefore it can be concluded that the implemented program for the development of agility can contribute to the improvement of physical performance and various skills needed for the proper development of children.

Introduction. The main problem in this research is that there are still types of exercises and basic techniques for dribbling soccer players, causing low dribbling abilities. Objectives of the study. While the purpose of this study, namely to determine the effect of agility on the ability to dribble in soccer extracurricular students in Central Sulawesi. Research methods.. The type of research used is quantitative with a pre-experimental method using a Matching-Only Design design. The sample in this study was taken from the total population of 20 people using the total sampling technique. Furthermore, the samples were separated from the two groups, namely the experimental group (dribbling) with a total of 10 people, and the control group (comparison) with a total of 10 people using the AB-BA formula. Data collection techniques and research instruments using a herding ability test. The data analysis technique in this study uses statistical techniques which include: descriptive analysis, prerequisite test, and research hypothesis testing. Research results andConclusion. Based on the analysis of the results of the research and discussion, it can be concluded that: "There is an effect of agility training on the ability to dribble in soccer extracurricular students in Central Sulawesi". This is evidenced by the value of tcount = 1.91 seconds at df (degrees of freedom) = N – 1 or 10 – 1 = 9, namely the value of ttable = 2.268. So it can be concluded that the value of tcount = 1.91 > t table = 2.268. So it can be concluded that the application of agility training has a significant effect on the ability to dribble in soccer extracurricular students in Central Sulawesi.

Background Soccer, a globally popular sport, demands a complex interplay between physical attributes, including speed, agility, power, and endurance. Although lower-body strength and power are often emphasized, the role of upper-body strength, particularly shoulder strength, remains less explored. Given the importance of upper-body movements in activities such as heading, shooting, and defending, understanding the relationship between shoulder strength and soccer performance is crucial. Aims This study aimed to explore any possible correlation between isometric shoulder muscle strength (flexors and extensors) and sports performance (sprint and agility) and to evaluate whether isometric shoulder strength is associated with sports performance in university-level soccer players. Methods A total of 35 male amateur soccer players were recruited, who underwent demographic measurements such as age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI), and were then subjected to isometric strength assessment of the shoulder flexors and extensors using a handheld dynamometer (HHD). Subsequently, the players' sprint and agility performances were recorded. Appropriate statistical tests were performed on the obtained data. Results The findings revealed a significant negative correlation between shoulder flexor strength and sprinting (r=-0.707, p<0.01) and between shoulder extensor strength and sprinting (r=-0.611, p<0.01). There was no significant correlation between shoulder flexor strength and agility (r=-0.121, p=0.48) or between shoulder extensor strength and agility (r=-0.212, p=0.22). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that only shoulder flexor strength (β=-0.688, t=-2.651, p=0.01) was found to have statistically significant relationships with sprint performance, explaining 50% of the variance in sprint performance. Conclusions The present study found a negative bidirectional relationship between shoulder muscle strength and sprint performance. Shoulder flexor strength explained 50% of the variance in sprinting performance. This information is useful for physiotherapists, coaches, and trainers to focus on strengthening the shoulder musculature to improve performance., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. The Institutional Ethics Committee of Jamia Millia Islamia issued approval 31/10/185/JMI/IEC/2018. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Khan et al.)

In order to improve the agility of college students, this paper designs a distributed agility training system. The system includes an upper computer and nine lower computers, in which the lower computer realizes the functions of data acquisition and communication with the upper computer and calculates the reaction time. The Android-based system software was installed in the upper computer to complete the functions of network connection, setting training times and showing the exercise time. In order to test the effectiveness of the equipment, nine university students were invited to complete agility training over 8 weeks with the help of agility training equipment in preparatory, enhancement and special stages. A t-test (Student’s t test) was conducted on the test results at different positions on the front and middle and back areas of the court before and after the training. The results show that the agility of the experimental objects was significantly improved after training, from the midpoint to any point at the front, middle and back court (p < 0.01). This shows that using equipment designed to develop agility for long-term training can promote the sensitive quality in badminton learners.

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Background In addition to generally high levels of physical activity, multi-component exercise training is recommended for the maintenance of health and fitness in older adults, including the prevention of falls and frailty. This training often encompasses serial sequencing of balance, strength, endurance and other types of exercise. Exercise training featuring integrative training of these components (i.e. agility training) has been proposed, as it more likely reflects real life challenges like stop-and-go patterns, cutting manoeuvers, turns and decision-making. In this study, we compared the efficacy of an agility-based training to the traditional strength and balance training approach with regard to selected risk factors for falls and frailty. Methods We trained twenty-seven community-dwelling healthy seniors (16♂; 11♀; age: 69.5 ± 5.3 y; BMI: 26.4 ± 3.7 kg/m2) for 8 weeks in a group setting with 3 sessions per week, each lasting 50 minutes. Participants were randomized into either the agility group (AGI; n = 12), that used the integrative multi-component training, or the traditional strength and balance group (TSB; n = 15). TSB performed balance and strength exercises separately, albeit within the same session. The training of both groups progressively increased in difficulty. Outcomes were static and dynamic balance (single leg eyes open stand, Y-balance test, reactive balance), lower limb (plantar flexion and dorsal extension) and trunk flexion and extension maximum strength and rate of torque development (RTD). In addition, we tested endurance by the six-minute walk test (6MWT). We calculated linear mixed effects models for between-groups comparisons as well as effect sizes (ES) with 95 % confidence intervals. Results Small ES in favor of AGI were found for plantar flexion strength (ES > 0.18[−0.27;0.89]) and RTD (ES > 0.43[−0.19;1.36]) as well as trunk extension RTD (ES = 0.35[−0.05;0.75]). No other parameters showed notable between group differences. Compliance was high in both groups (AGI: 90 ± 8% of sessions; TSB: 91 ± 7% of sessions). Discussion Agility-based exercise training seems at least as efficacious as traditional strength and balance training in affecting selected physical performance indicators among community-dwelling healthy seniors. In particular, lower limb and trunk extension explosive strength seem to benefit from the agility training.

Background. In addition to generally high levels of physical activity, multi-component exercise training is recommended for the maintenance of health and fitness in older adults, including the prevention of falls and frailty. This training often encompasses serial sequencing of balance, strength, endurance and other types of exercise. Exercise training featuring integrative training of these components (i.e. agility training) has been proposed, as it more likely reflects real life challenges like stop-and-go patterns, cutting manoeuvers, turns and decision-making. In this study, we compared the efficacy of an agility-based training to the traditional strength and balance training approach with regard to selected risk factors for falls and frailty. Methods. We trained twenty-seven community-dwelling healthy seniors (16-; 11-; age: 69.5 ± 5.3 y; BMI: 26.4 ± 3.7 kg/m²) for 8 weeks in a group setting with 3 sessions per week, each lasting 50 minutes. Participants were randomized into either the agility group (AGI; n=12), that used the integrative multi-component training, or the traditional strength and balance group (TSB; n=15). TSB performed balance and strength exercises separately, albeit within the same session. The training of both groups progressively increased in difficulty. Outcomes were static and dynamic balance (single leg eyes open stand, Y-balance test, reactive balance), lower limb (plantar flexion and dorsal extension) and trunk flexion and extension maximum strength and rate of torque development (RTD). In addition, we tested endurance by the six-minute walk test (6MWT). We calculated linear mixed effects models for between-groups comparisons as well as effect sizes (ES) with 95 % confidence intervals. Results. Small ES in favor of AGI were found for plantar flexion strength (ES > 0.18[-0.27;0.89]) andRTD(ES>0.43[-0.19;1.36]) as well as trunk extensionRTD(ES = 0.35[-0.05;0.75]). No other parameters showed notable between group differences. Compliance was high in both groups (AGI: 90 ± 8% of sessions; TSB: 91 ± 7% of sessions). Discussion. Agility-based exercise training seems at least as efficacious as traditional strength and balance training in affecting selected physical performance indicators among community-dwelling healthy seniors. In particular, lower limb and trunk extension explosive strength seem to benefit from the agility training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge regarding training, competition, and management routines of agility dogs is lacking. Through a retrospective online questionnaire, Finnish owners and handlers of 745 competition-level agility dogs provided information on training routines and management of these dogs during one year free of agility-related injuries. Competition routines were collected from the national competition results database. Most dogs trained agility 1–2 times a week, with a median active training time of 18 min a week. Dogs competed in a median of 2.1 runs per month at a speed of 4.3 m/s. Common field surfaces were different types of artificial turfs and dirt surface. Warm-up and cool-down were established routines, and 62% of dogs received regular musculoskeletal care. Moreover, 77% of dogs underwent conditioning exercises, but their frequency was often low. Additionally, dogs were walked for a median of 1.5 h daily. Pearson’s chi-squared and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to evaluate the association between a dog’s competition level and training and competition variables. A dog’s competition level was associated with competition (p < 0.001) and training frequency (p < 0.001); dogs at higher levels compete more but train less than dogs at lower levels. This study provides information on training, competition, and management routines of competing agility dogs.

Dog agility is associated with a risk for sport-related injuries, but few risk factors for injury are known. A retrospective online questionnaire was used to collect data on 864 Finnish competition-level agility dogs—including 119 dogs (14%) with agility-related injury during 2019. Data included injury details, health background, experience in agility, and sport and management routines prior to the injury. Risk factors for injury were evaluated with multivariate logistic regression. The rate of competition-related injuries was 1.44 injuries/1000 competition runs. The front limb was injured in 61% of dogs. In 65% of dogs, the injury presented as lameness. The main risk factors for agility-related injury during 2019 were multiple previous agility-related injuries (OR 11.36; 95% CI 6.10–21.13), older age when starting course-like training (OR 2.04 per one year increase; 95% CI 1.36–3.05), high training frequency, diagnosis of lumbosacral transitional vertebra, and physiotherapy every two to three months compared with never. The most important protective factors were moderate competition frequency and A-frame performance technique. These associations do not confirm causality. We identified new risk factors for injury in agility. This information can be used to improve the welfare of agility dogs.

This study investigated the effect of motor learning with informational feedback into response to anaerobic exercises with and without motor learning tasks in handball physical education university students. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: experimental group (EG, n = 10) and control group (CG, n = 10). Measurements of T-half test, 15-m and 30-m sprints, and ZIG-ZAG test were assessed in both groups before (T1), between (T2) a 4-week intervention program, and after (T3) an 8-week intervention program, which included agility and speed teaching with (EG) or without (CG) informational feedback (i.e., verbal instruction). The test-retest reliability for all tests was excellent, and the ICC ranged from 0.76 (ZIG-ZAG test) to 0.99 (Agility T test). The interday measurement error was clearly below 1% in all tests (CV range: 0.2–0.8). Time effects for the Agility T test (p = 0.012, ηp2 = 0.245) and the 15-m sprint (p = 0.035, ηp2 = 0.190) were found. For the Agility T test, a total interaction effect (p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.380) and a partial interaction effect were calculated between T2 and T3 (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.603). A large effect size (d = 0.87) was observed in the EG from T2 to T3. The second relevant (d ≥ 0.5) effect size was calculated for the parameter sprint 30 m. The CG showed a significant sprint performance reduction from T2 to T3 (d = −0.60; parameter: sprint 30 m). All other effect sizes were less than 0.44. The ZIG-ZAG test revealed the largest main and partial effect sizes for all parameters. The EG showed the largest improvement (d = 2.00) between T2 and T3. The results demonstrate that motor learning with informational feedback improves performances of Agility T test, sprint, and ZIG-ZAG performance. It appears that a well-formulated verbal instruction may induce performance enhancement in young trainees in educational environment.

This study investigated the effect of motor learning with informational feedback into response to anaerobic exercises with and without motor learning tasks in handball physical education university students. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: experimental group (EG, n = 10) and control group (CG, n = 10). Measurements of T-half test, 15-m and 30-m sprints, and ZIG-ZAG test were assessed in both groups before (T1), between (T2) a 4-week intervention program, and after (T3) an 8-week intervention program, which included agility and speed teaching with (EG) or without (CG) informational feedback (i.e., verbal instruction). The test-retest reliability for all tests was excellent, and the ICC ranged from 0.76 (ZIG-ZAG test) to 0.99 (Agility T test). The interday measurement error was clearly below 1% in all tests (CV range: 0.2–0.8). Time effects for the Agility T test (p = 0.012, η p 2 = 0.245) and the 15-m sprint (p = 0.035, η p 2 = 0.190) were found. For the Agility T test, a total interaction effect (p = 0.001, η p 2 = 0.380) and a partial interaction effect were calculated between T2 and T3 (p < 0.001, η p 2 = 0.603). A large effect size (d = 0.87) was observed in the EG from T2 to T3. The second relevant (d ≥ 0.5) effect size was calculated for the parameter sprint 30 m. The CG showed a significant sprint performance reduction from T2 to T3 (d = −0.60; parameter: sprint 30 m). All other effect sizes were less than 0.44. The ZIG-ZAG test revealed the largest main and partial effect sizes for all parameters. The EG showed the largest improvement (d = 2.00) between T2 and T3. The results demonstrate that motor learning with informational feedback improves performances of Agility T test, sprint, and ZIG-ZAG performance. It appears that a well-formulated verbal instruction may induce performance enhancement in young trainees in educational environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Injury prevention contributes to the improvement of basic military training graduation rates. Purpose: To obtain an estimated effect of agility training (AT) on body control, change of direction speed (CODS), and attrition due to injuries in Dutch recruits. Methods: Cluster randomised pilot study including 64 recruits undergoing 23 weeks initial military training with the Air Manoeuvre Brigade. Recruits performed the T test and Illinois Agility Test (IAT) pre- and post-intervention (week 6 and week 19) to evaluate body control and CODS. After 23 weeks we evaluated injury attrition rates. Results: Recruits in the AT group had on average 0.17 seconds faster T test times than recruits in the control groups (CG) (95% CI:-0.48 to 0.13); and on average 0.14 seconds faster IAT-times (95% CI:-0.40 to 0.12), adjusted for baseline scores. Relative risk (RR) of attrition due to injuries in the first six weeks was 1.81 (95% CI 0.32 to 10.11, p=0.65), while that from week 6-23 was 0.32 (95% CI 0.12 to 0.85, p=0.018). Conclusion: This pilot study provides preliminary evidence that AT may help retain body control and CODS and may reduce attrition due to injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) serves as a crucial stabilizer, preventing lateral dislocation of the patella. Surgery is usually advised after a second dislocation, with MPFL reconstruction being a common procedure. The primary objective of rehabilitation post-surgery is not just to relieve pain and restore range of motion (ROM), but also to combine proprioceptive neuromuscular training to help patients return to their prior functional level. Agility training is a crucial component in accomplishing this goal. The current case is of a 19-year-old male cricket player with a history of recurrent patellar dislocation who underwent surgery after the latest incident rendered him unable to bear weight. His rehabilitation program included standard protocols alongside the early implementation of agility drills, such as ladder exercises. Compared to traditional approaches, this case demonstrates significant improvement in the patient's functional ability following surgery. This report highlights the importance of comprehensive rehabilitation for patients undergoing MPFL reconstruction. It not only underscores the rationale behind the surgery but also lays the groundwork for comparing recovery times. Notably, this program incorporated early agility exercises from the very beginning, suggesting that such an approach might accelerate recovery compared to standard protocols. Further investigation is warranted to explore the potential benefits of early agility training in this patient population., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Keoliya et al.)

Background: Primary osteoarthritis is more commonly found in post menopausal women; Secondary osteoarthritis had an underlying cause such as trauma, obesity or inflammatory arthritis. It is characterized by a progressive degeneration of the articular cartilage with subsequent remodeling and hypertrophy of the bone at the joint margins. Muscle weakness is associated with increased functional limitation, disability. Muscle strengthening through resistance exercises increases physical function; decreases pain due to osteoarthritis and reduces self reported disability. Agility is the ability to change direction and maintain stability and is more often important in changing direction and speed; In order to train muscle to react quickly neuromuscular training is essential; Perturbation enhances the ability of the proprioceptor signals to the muscle and prevent injuries and enhances performance. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of agility training and dynamic resistance training in patients with primary osteoarthritis. Methods: 50 subjects were assigned in two groups 25 each group and subjects were selected by convenient sampling method. Group A with agility training and Group B with dynamic resistance training. The treatment session was performed 3 days a week for 3 weeks lasting for 45minutes. Day 0 is the starting day of the session and Day-21 last day of the session. Each subject performed all the measurement with knee function assessed by Timed up and Go test (TUG) and Lower extremity function Scale (LEFS). Both outcomes were tested at starting day and at the end of 21st day. Results: All the analysis was carried out in PASW version 21.0. An alpha level of 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance. The between group analysis of agility training and dynamic strengthening for LEFS and TUG in evaluation of knee function was done using independent ‘t’ test showed statistically very significant (P=0.000). Conclusions: The effectiveness of Agility and Perturbation exercises improvement was considerably more than Dynamic resistance exercises. Therefore it is concluded that Agility and perturbation exercises is a better treatment approach than Dynamic resistance exercises.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 6-week agility ladder drills during recess time on dynamic balance ability in school boys. Seventy-one school boys (9.82 ± 1.90 years; 1.38 ± 0.13 m; 33.28 ± 9.64 kg; BMI 17.25 ± 3.18 kg m-2) were assigned randomly into a control (n = 37) and experimental (n = 34) groups. The experimental group performed 3 agility ladder training sessions per week for 6 weeks. Each training session included six sets of the training program which consisted of 6 exercises in the order of side jump, in and out, hopscotch, left and right leg hop, and icky shuttle, with 30 seconds rest between each set. Both groups were assessed using Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) before and after 6-week recess intervention. A statistically significant increase in post-training SEBT scores from 6.1% to 19.1% was seen in all directions for the experimental group, with a score that was better than the control group for both limbs. The dynamic balance ability of the school boys was significantly enhanced in 6-week agility ladder drills training after recess intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AGILITY AND CHANGE OF DIRECTION TRAINING IS AN UNDERSTUDIED TOPIC IN AMERICAN FOOTBALL. A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF RESEARCH HAS BEEN PERFORMED WITH ATHLETES COMPETING IN OTHER CONTACT SPORTS. AS SUCH, EVALUATING METHODS THAT HAVE SHOWN TO IMPROVE AGILITY IN OTHER SPORTS MAY LEAD TO NEW METHODS TO ENHANCE FOOTBALL PERFORMANCE. A FRAMEWORK OF THE METHODS USED BY A HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL NCAA DIVISION-1 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SUBDIVISION TEAM IS INCLUDED AS A MODEL THAT MAY SHOW PROMISE IN ENHANCING FOOTBALL PERFORMANCE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of this study was to check the efficacy of agility training under single- versus dual-task conditions with different task priorities. Subjects and Methods: Sixty older adults were assigned to 3 intervention groups that received agility training with fixed priority instructions and variable priority instructions. Results and Conclusions: Agility training resulted in improved balance impaired older adults. Dual-task groups showed better training benefits, but no significant differences were observed between the fixed and variable groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a different degree of contextual interference (CI) training program on the change of direction ability (CODA) itself and on the straight sprinting (SSP) performance (5 m and 15 m) in students in the first year of primary school. It also evaluated which CI training program was more effective. Eighty eight students (6.42 ± 0.38 yr) volunteered as participants for the present study. Participants were randomized into 5 different CI training programs (LCI: low contextual interference, MCI: moderate contextual interference, HCI: high contextual interference, VCI: variable contextual interference, and CG: control group) during a 3 week period. Significant CODA improvements (p < 0.05) in pre-posttest were found in MCI (4.39%, ES 0.41) and VCI (9.37%, ES 1.12) groups. Furthermore, LCI, MCI and HCI groups ameliorated their SSP performance, both in 5 m (5.92%, ES 0.81; 6.67%, ES 0.90; 8.05%, ES 1.33 respectively) and 15 m SSP (5.86%, ES 0.76; 6.47%, ES 0.80; 2.47% ES 0.41 respectively). These results suggest that training through games of tag (VCI) was the most effective in improving the CODA and training with moderate contextual interference (MCI) was the only type which induced improvements in both capacities (SSP and CODA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of three different types of group-based exercise programs (resistance training, agility training and general stretching) on back pain and health-related quality of life in older (aged 75–85 years) community-dwelling women with low bone mass (i.e., osteopenia or osteoporosis). The design was a 25-week randomized controlled trial. Participating were 98 community-dwelling women with low bone mass between the ages of 75 to 85 years old. We assessed back pain and its related disability and health-related quality of life. All three types of group-based exercise programs significantly reduced back pain and its related disabilities, but only resistance and agility training significantly improved health-related quality of life in community-dwelling older women with low bone mass. Baseline physical activity level and class attendance were significant predictors of change in health-related quality of life. Change in back pain and its related disabilities after 25 weeks of exercise intervention was significantly correlated with change in health-related quality of life and changes in the domains of pain and physical function. Resistance and agility training significantly enhanced health-related quality of life and may have done so by increasing social interactions and support, enhancing self-efficacy of physical abilities and modifying the experience of back pain. These data provide valuable insight into the specifics of exercise prescription for older women with low bone mass. Future studies may wish to use individualized quality of life measures to further delineate the effects of different types of exercise on quality of life in older adults with low bone mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Agility dogs can get injured during sports performance. Only a few factors have been linked to risk for injury. Through an online questionnaire, information was collected of more than 860 Finnish competition-level agility dogs. Of these dogs, 119 (14%) had suffered an injury in agility during calendar year 2019. Front limbs were most commonly injured. Typically, the injury presented as lameness. In general, dogs regained their performance level in four weeks, but 10% of injured dogs retired from the sport due to the injury. Dogs with multiple previous agility-related injuries or a diagnosis of lumbosacral transitional vertebra had higher odds of getting injured. Other common factors among the injured dogs included older age when starting course-like training and more than two agility-training sessions a week. A moderate number of monthly competition runs and an A-frame performance technique had lower odds of injury. This study identified new risk factors for injury in agility. This information can be used to improve the welfare of agility dogs. Dog agility is associated with a risk for sport-related injuries, but few risk factors for injury are known. A retrospective online questionnaire was used to collect data on 864 Finnish competition-level agility dogs—including 119 dogs (14%) with agility-related injury during 2019. Data included injury details, health background, experience in agility, and sport and management routines prior to the injury. Risk factors for injury were evaluated with multivariate logistic regression. The rate of competition-related injuries was 1.44 injuries/1000 competition runs. The front limb was injured in 61% of dogs. In 65% of dogs, the injury presented as lameness. The main risk factors for agility-related injury during 2019 were multiple previous agility-related injuries (OR 11.36; 95% CI 6.10–21.13), older age when starting course-like training (OR 2.04 per one year increase; 95% CI 1.36–3.05), high training frequency, diagnosis of lumbosacral transitional vertebra, and physiotherapy every two to three months compared with never. The most important protective factors were moderate competition frequency and A-frame performance technique. These associations do not confirm causality. We identified new risk factors for injury in agility. This information can be used to improve the welfare of agility dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Information on training, competition, and management of agility dogs is sparse. To decrease this knowledge gap, Finnish owners and handlers of competition-level agility dogs completed an online questionnaire to describe the agility routines of their dog during one injury-free year. Additional information on competition routines was retrieved from the national competition results database. Typically, competition-level agility dogs trained agility once or twice a week and competed two runs a month. The median total weekly training time was 18 min. Usual speed over the competition course was 4.3 m/s. Artificial turf, with or without filling, and dirt surfaces are used most often. Dogs are warmed up before and cooled down after agility performance. Most dogs visit a massage therapist, physiotherapist, osteopath or other professionals of musculoskeletal care at least every three months. Many dogs undergo conditioning exercises, although often less often than every two weeks. Additionally, agility dogs are walked for a total of 1.5 h a day. Dogs competing at the highest levels competed more but trained less than dogs at lower levels. This is the first investigation of agility-related routines in competing agility dogs. Knowledge regarding training, competition, and management routines of agility dogs is lacking. Through a retrospective online questionnaire, Finnish owners and handlers of 745 competition-level agility dogs provided information on training routines and management of these dogs during one year free of agility-related injuries. Competition routines were collected from the national competition results database. Most dogs trained agility 1–2 times a week, with a median active training time of 18 min a week. Dogs competed in a median of 2.1 runs per month at a speed of 4.3 m/s. Common field surfaces were different types of artificial turfs and dirt surface. Warm-up and cool-down were established routines, and 62% of dogs received regular musculoskeletal care. Moreover, 77% of dogs underwent conditioning exercises, but their frequency was often low. Additionally, dogs were walked for a median of 1.5 h daily. Pearson's chi-squared and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to evaluate the association between a dog's competition level and training and competition variables. A dog's competition level was associated with competition (p < 0.001) and training frequency (p < 0.001); dogs at higher levels compete more but train less than dogs at lower levels. This study provides information on training, competition, and management routines of competing agility dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]