The aim of this systematic review was to examine the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on physical performance and body composition in female basketball players. The review followed PRISMA guidelines, and the protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number: CRD420251006285). A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Nine studies that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed, with intervention durations ranging from 4 to 12 weeks. Despite differences in protocols, a majority of studies reported improvements in VO_2max (6/9), explosive strength (7/9), agility (5/6), and speed (5/6) and reductions in body mass and fat percentage (3/3). These findings highlight HIIT as an effective method for enhancing both aerobic and anaerobic capacities, as well as optimizing body composition. Despite variations in study protocols, HIIT consistently offers improvements in performance, irrespective of training level. The results underscore the importance of HIIT in preparing athletes, not only during the preseason but also throughout the competition period. Coaches should consider integrating HIIT into training programs, adjusting intensity and volume based on the season to optimize performance and prevent overtraining.

Seafaring is considered one of the most stressful professions. Stressors in seafaring lead to typical symptoms of stress, such as insomnia, loss of concentration, anxiety, lower tolerance of frustration, changes in eating habits, psychosomatic symptoms and diseases, and overall reduced productivity, with the possibility of burnout and chronic responsibility syndrome. It has been previously determined that seafarers belong to high-risk occupations in terms of developing metabolic syndrome, and according to their BMIs, almost 50% of all seafarers belong to the overweight and obesity categories. This is the first longitudinal study conducted with the aim of using the BIA method to determine the anthropometrical changes that occur during several weeks of continuous onboard service. This study included an observed group consisting of 63 professional seafarers with 8 to 12 weeks of continuous onboard service and a control group of 36 respondents from unrelated occupations. It was determined that Croatian seafarers fit into the current world trends regarding overweight and obesity among the seafaring population, with the following percentages in the BMI categories: underweight, 0%; normal weight, 42.86%; overweight, 39.68%; and obesity, 17.46%. It was established that the anthropometric statuses of the seafarers significantly changed during several weeks of continuous onboard service. Seafarers who served on board for 11 weeks lost 0.41 kg of muscle mass, whereas their total fat mass increased by 1.93 kg. Changes in anthropometric parameters could indicate deterioration of seafarers’ health statuses.

The objective of this research was to analyze and elucidate the sagittal spinal posture status in older elementary school children, considering their gender and grade differences. The study involved 484 school children (252 males and 232 females) from grades V to VIII, assessed for sagittal spinal posture using the Formetric 4D System. The analysis, employing the Chi-squared test of independence along with the Z-test, did not reveal significant grade-related differences (p < 0.52) in the incidence of normal sagittal alignment or diagnosed outliers. However, within grade levels, no significant difference was observed for male participants (p < 0.80), while a significant difference was identified for females (p < 0.01). Examining gender differences across grades, a disparity was noted only among seventh graders concerning normal spine alignment and outlier existence (p < 0.01), favoring male participants. Regardless of the grade, a significant gender difference emerged in the location of diagnosed outliers: kyphosis (M = 108 vs. F = 72), lordosis (M = 5 vs. F = 14), kypholordosis (M = 18 vs. F = 66), and flatback outlier of the lumbar spine (M = 27 vs. F = 11). These findings suggest potential adjustments to the curriculum and highlight the need to tailor physical education instruction based on this study’s outcomes. Consequently, these results imply the importance of a differentiated approach in preventing sagittal plane outliers of the spine in adolescent children.

This study examined the relationships between lower-body power, linear speed, and change of direction (COD) speed in young elite volleyball players. A sample of participants (N = 36) consisting of elite male volleyball players (age: 15.44 ± 2.02 years; height: 180.83 ± 10.08 cm; weight: 70.38 ± 10.97 kg) was measured in jump performance, speed, and COD abilities. Jump performance was assessed via squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and CMJ with arm swing (CMJA), while speed and COD abilities were measured using 5 m, 10 m, and 15 m sprints, and the t-test, 9-6-3-6-9, and 505 agility tests, respectively. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed powerful positive correlations among jump tests (e.g., CMJ and SJ: r = 0.955, p < 0.001), indicating a shared underlying construct identified as explosive power. Jump performance showed moderate to strong negative correlations with sprint times (e.g., CMJA and 10 m sprint: r = −0.675, p < 0.001) and COD times (e.g., CMJ and t-test: r = −0.618, p < 0.001), suggesting that greater power enhances acceleration and agility. Sprint and COD tests were strongly interrelated (e.g., 10 m sprint and t-test: r = 0.719, p < 0.001), highlighting their interdependence. These findings underscore the significant role of lower-body power in volleyball-specific movements, such as rapid sprints and directional changes. Practically, enhancing jump performance through targeted training could improve speed and COD abilities, aiding coaches in player selection and conditioning. Further research is needed to explore these relationships across diverse populations and over time.

Determining the reference base of anthropometric parameters on a sample of elite athletes is one of the foundations of further research and forming a clearer picture of each sport and sports discipline. In this study, the aim was to describe the anthropometric and somatotype profiles of elite Finn class sailors and to determine the differences in the measured parameters between sailors at different levels of general competitive success. The subject sample included 57 Finn class sailors who competed at the open Finn European Championship. A set of 25 anthropometric variables were applied. The sailors were divided into three groups according to their level of general competitive success using World Sailing Rankings. Finn sailors had higher average values in almost all morphological characteristics when compared to the sailors in other Olympic classes. Considering the average values of somatotype categories, we determined that Finn sailors fit the endomorphic mesomorph somatotype category (3.94 ± 1.19 − 5.50 ± 1.19 − 1.63 ± 0.74). Significant differences were observed between more-successful, medium, and less-successful sailors in the variables of age, body mass, muscle mass, arm muscle mass, and endomorphy rating. These results indicate the possibility of selection processes and/or adaptation to sailing occurring in the Finn class. The anthropometric characteristics of Finn sailors compared to sailors in Olympic classes further “support” the Finn class being called the “heavy dinghy” male class. This study on anthropometric parameters, determined via a sample of top Finn sailors, may be of great help to coaches and young sailors when deciding on the selection of an adult sailing class.