The study purpose was to assess the relationship between Latent Myofascial Trigger Point and range of motion in the lower limb of athletes. A lower Pain pressure threshold (< 25 lbs/cm²) in muscles indicates the presence of a latent myofascial trigger point. Materials and methods. Initially, the study involved 46 male Athletes (aged 20-23 years) as participants. The pain pressure threshold was measured by the pressure algometer (FPX 25 Wagner Instruments, Greenwich, CT, USA) to detect latent myofascial trigger points on the hamstring and quadriceps muscles. Out of 46 participants, 23 tested positive with a latent myofascial trigger point, and rest of them tested negative with a latent myofascial trigger point. All the participants measured knee flexor and extensor range of motion with the Kinovea software (version 0.9.5). In descriptive statistics, mean and standard deviation were used, and Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship between the variables. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results. A significant correlation was found between Latent Myofascial Trigger Points and lower limb range of motion (p < 0.05), and it was also observed that the magnitude of correlation coefficient was very large (0.7–0.9). Conclusions. Latent Myofascial Trigger Points impair sports performance by decreasing the range of motion of knee flexors and extensors. In light of this, Latent Myofascial Trigger Point should be considered a serious musculoskeletal disorder, and appropriate preventative measures should be taken by health professionals.

This paper synthesized the available published literature on myofascia, its structure, myofascial disorder, causative factors, scientific methods for evaluation and treatments, etc. The importance of myofascial in chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain is overlooked. According to Waller et al., mention in their article, up to 85% of people will experience myofascial pain at least once during their life. The myofascia is a musculoskeletal cell matrix that supports muscular connective tissue, it is essential for generating forces between muscles and also provides better flexibility. Myofascial pain syndrome is described as sensory, motor, and autonomic signs and symptoms that are produced by trigger points or taut bands of skeletal muscle or fascia. A myofascial trigger point is painful on compression and can give rise to referred pain, motor dysfunction, and automatic event, it restricts the range of motion and force generation capacity. Therefore, it is utmost importance to know about myofascial disorders, their prevention techniques, diagnosis, and treatment.

Objectives. The study aimed to examine the impact of VMBR training on performing certain table tennis skills. Materials and methods. A total of 50 male state table tennis players, aged between 17 and 23, were selected at the Inspire Table-Tennis Academy in Secunderabad, Telangana. These players were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group, each comprising 25 participants. The experimental group underwent a 12-week VMBR training regimen three times a week, while the control group simply continued with their regular daily practice routines. Prior to the study and after the 12-week period, assessments were conducted using Pushpendra Purashwani’s table tennis skill tests, specifically the alternate counter test and the forehand drive techniques on target test, developed in 2011. Statistical analyses involved the application of dependent t-tests and descriptive statistics to evaluate the outcomes. Results. The experimental group’s results indicated that both the alternate counter test and the forehand drive on target test had a marked positive effect on players of table tennis at the 0.01 significance level. The study contributes to our understanding of psychological elements’ crucial role in influencing skill performance. Conclusions. The research delves into how various psychological factors affect performance. Previous studies have demonstrated that visualization and images can significantly enhance performance. Table tennis players can overcome mental hurdles through a systematic psychological technique called rehearsal. This process involves mentally replaying an event in a step-by-step manner. The phases of Visual Motor Behavior Rehearsal (VMBR) that lead to better performance include technique refinement, error analysis and correction, preparation for competition, and enhancement of psychological aspects. Future studies could investigate VMBR’s impact on specific table tennis skills or other sports in order to assist athletes in improving their psychological parameters and performance.

This study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of latent myofascial trigger points (L-MTrPs) among male athletes. Ninety participants were randomly included in the study. The presence of L-MTrPs was identified based on Simon’s criteria, leading to the categorization of participants into two groups: L-MTrPs (n=45) and non-myofascial trigger points (N-MTrPs) (n=45). Pain pressure thresholds (PPT) of muscles were quantified using a pressure algometer, while force production was measured with HUMAC NORM isokinetic. The range of motion (ROM) for knee flexors and extensors was determined using Kinovea software. These parameters were treated as independent variables, whereas L-MTrPs and N-TrPs were considered dependent variables. Binary Logistic Regression (Enter Method) was employed for data analysis. Model fitness was evaluated through standard error computation, Wald’s χ2, and odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval. Model adequacy was assessed via the likelihood ratio, Cox & Snell (R2), Nagelkerke (R2), and Hosmer and Lemeshow tests. The results effectively predicted L-MTrPs and N-MTrPs, revealing that force production, PPT, and ROM were the most significant predictive variables for L-MTrPs. In conclusion, reduced force production, lower PPT, and restricted ROM were indicative of L-MTrPs. Consequently, regular evaluation of muscular strength, PPT, and ROM are recommended for athletes to prevent the development of L-MTrPs.

The present study compare the isokinetic torque production of major movements like knee extension, shoulder flexion and elbow extension among different playing position players in basketball and to find out whether positional role effect the muscular strength attribute of players.21 national level basketball players participated in the study voluntarily. For each player measurement of height, weight, age, and training age were taken, the test of isokinetic exercise for knee extension, shoulder flexion, and elbow extension was performed. The study found that the center performs significantly better than forward and guard players for knee extension and shoulder flexion movement and forward perform significantly better than guard for the same. No significant difference was found for elbow extension movement, but after normalization of isokinetic peak torque with body size, comparison of relative isokinetic peak torque showed that center and forward significantly perform better than guard players for isokinetic knee extension movement at 60os-1, whereas guard and forward players significantly perform better than a center player for elbow extension movement at 60os-1. Normalization for body size nullifies the significant difference in isokinetic peak torque produced for shoulder flexion movement at 60os-1.

Background. Cold-water immersion (CWI) is a commonly used recovery strategy among athletes, but evidence of its effectiveness remains inconsistent due to variations in protocols and outcome measures. Objectives. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of CWI on post-exercise recovery in athletes, focusing on physiological, performance, and perceptual outcomes. Materials and Methods. Following PRISMA guidelines and PROSPERO registration (CRD420251068097), four electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2000 and 2024. Studies were included if they achieved a PEDro score ≥6. Twelve RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Data were synthesized narratively, supported by vote-counting and harvest plots, as heterogeneity prevented meta-analysis. Results. CWI consistently reduced delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and muscle damage biomarkers (e.g., creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase) within 24–48 hours post-exercise. Several trials also reported improvements in subjective recovery. The effects on neuromuscular performance (e.g., sprinting, countermovement jump) were mixed and appeared context-dependent. Evidence regarding inflammatory markers (e.g., IL-6, CRP) was limited and inconclusive. Variability in water temperature, immersion duration, and timing contributed to inconsistent outcomes across studies. Conclusions. The findings indicate that moderate-to-strong evidence supports the short-term use of CWI to reduce muscle soreness and damage, as well as to enhance perceptual recovery. The effects on performance and inflammation remain unclear, emphasizing the need for protocol standardization. CWI remains a practical tool for athletes, especially in high-load or congested schedules, but its application should be individualized.