This review aimed to elucidate the mechanisms through which (i) physical activity (PA) enhances neuroplasticity and cognitive function in neurodegenerative disorders, and (ii) identify specific PA interventions for improving cognitive rehabilitation programs. We conducted a literature search in PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO, covering publications from January 1990 to August 2024. The search strategy employed key terms related to neuroplasticity, physical exercise, cognitive function, neurodegenerative disorders, and personalized physical activity. Inclusion criteria included original research on the relationship between PA and neuroplasticity in neurodegenerative disorders, while exclusion criteria eliminated studies focusing solely on pharmacological interventions. The review identified multiple pathways through which PA may enhance neuroplasticity, including releasing neurotrophic factors, modulation of neuroinflammation, reduction of oxidative stress, and enhancement of synaptic connectivity and neurogenesis. Aerobic exercise was found to increase hippocampal volume by 1–2% and improve executive function scores by 5–10% in older adults. Resistance training enhanced cognitive control and memory performance by 12–18% in elderly individuals. Mind–body exercises, such as yoga and tai-chi, improved gray matter density in memory-related brain regions by 3–5% and enhanced emotional regulation scores by 15–20%. Dual-task training improved attention and processing speed by 8–14% in individuals with neurodegenerative disorders. We also discuss the potential role of AI-based exercise and AI cognitive training in preventing and rehabilitating neurodegenerative illnesses, highlighting innovative approaches to personalized interventions and improved patient outcomes. PA significantly enhances neuroplasticity and cognitive function in neurodegenerative disorders through various mechanisms. Aerobic exercise, resistance training, mind–body practices, and dual-task exercises each offer unique cognitive benefits. Implementing these activities in clinical settings can improve patient outcomes. Future research should focus on creating personalized interventions tailored to specific conditions, incorporating personalized physical exercise programs to optimize cognitive rehabilitation.

Objectives: Elite basketball performance in adolescent female players is characterized by high-intensity intermittent activities, including an average of 44 jumps per game and spending 8.8% of live time in explosive movements, such as sprinting, change-of-direction (COD), and vertical jumping. This study investigated the impact of 8-week loaded and unloaded plyometric exercises combined with COD drills on performance parameters in female basketball players. Methods: Forty-two elite under-18 female basketball players competing at national championship level were randomly assigned to loaded plyometric with COD training (LDPLYO) ( n = 12; age = 16.6 ± 1.1 years; body mass = 65.9 ± 11.8 kg; body height = 173.4 ± 4.9 cm), unloaded plyometric with COD training (UNLPLYO) ( n = 15; age = 17.1 ± 0.19 years; body mass = 65.5 ± 9.9 kg; body height = 167.9 ± 7.4 cm), or control groups ( n = 15; age = 17.1 ± 0.53 years; body mass = 63.9 ± 11.1 kg; body height = 168.3 ± 9.9 cm). Sprint performance (5, 10, 20 m), COD (Y-agility test and T test), repeated-sprint-ability (RSA), and vertical-jump performance (squat jump—SJ, countermovement jump—CMJ) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results: LDPLYO intervention elicited significant improvements in 5 m sprint time (−10.6%, p = 0.005, d = 0.77), COD speed (Y-agility: −12.4%, p < 0.001, d  = 0.37; T test: −12.6%, p = 0.005, d = 1.13), RSA (worst time: −2.6%, p < 0.001, d = 2.88; best time: −1.5%, p < 0.001, d = 2.61), and vertical-jump performance (CMJ: +7.5%, p = 0.004, d = 0.22; SJ: +14.6%, p = 0.032, d = 0.06). UNLPLYO demonstrated significant improvements in sprint times (5m: −13.1%, 10m: -6.2%) and jump performance (CMJ: +8.2%, SJ: +13.4%). Conclusions: Bi-weekly loaded plyometric training (8% body mass) with COD effectively enhances multiple neuromuscular performance parameters in elite adolescent female basketball players. Loaded protocols demonstrate superior adaptations in repeated-sprint ability and change-of-direction speed compared to unloaded training, providing practical evidence to support the implementation of loaded plyometric training in female youth basketball.

Measuring countermovement jump (CMJ) height accurately is essential for evaluating lower-body explosive power in athletes and other active populations. With technological advancements, various portable tools have been developed for this purpose, including force platforms, contact mats, and video-based software. This study aimed to (a) investigate the test–retest reliability of the KINVENT K-Deltas force platform for CMJ height measurement and (b) compare its accuracy with a contact mat (Chronojump, Spain) and a video-based software (My Jump app, version 3). Twenty-two physically active collegiate athletes (mean age of 19.7 ± 1.2 years) from various sports backgrounds completed five CMJ trials with simultaneous height measurements using all three tools. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), Cronbach’s alpha, and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated to assess reliability. In contrast, Pearson correlations and Bland–Altman plots were used to compare device results. The K-Deltas force platform exhibited high test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.981), closely matching the contact mat (ICC = 0.987) and the My Jump app (ICC = 0.986). Correlations between the instruments were strong (force platform vs. contact mat: r = 0.987; force platform vs. My Jump: r = 0.987; contact mat vs. My Jump: r = 0.996), with no between-instrument differences (t-test p = 0.203–0.935, effect size ≤ 0.01–0.16), demonstrating the interchangeability of these tools for practical purposes. However, Bland–Altman analysis revealed limits of agreement between the devices, indicating small but consistent measurement differences. While all instruments were reliable, discrepancies in the absolute values suggest practitioners should consider device-specific variations when comparing CMJ data. These findings highlight the reliability of the K-Deltas force platform as a viable alternative for measuring CMJ height, though differences between devices should be accounted for in applied settings. Therefore, the portable force plates can monitor training, predict injury risk, assess neuromuscular fatigue, and lead to informed decision-making.

This study explores the association of respiratory muscle strength with aerobic endurance kinetics among athletes, with a specific focus on maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max). Previous research has elucidated the complex interactions between respiratory and skeletal muscles during exercise, highlighting the critical role of efficient respiration in maximizing athletic performance. The interplay between active skeletal muscles and respiratory muscles, especially the influence of respiratory muscle fatigue on exercise capacity, is well-documented. High-intensity exercise has been shown to activate the respiratory muscle metaboreflex, which can restrict blood flow to working muscles, thereby impacting the energy required for respiration. A total of 41 athletes, drawn from the disciplines of biathlon, judo, and cross-country, participated in this study. Respiratory function tests (RFTs) were administered to assess various respiratory parameters, including changes in chest circumference. Additionally, maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max) and heart rate were measured during a treadmill test. To explore the associations between VO2max and ventilatory parameters—namely, ventilation (VE), oxygen consumption (VO₂), carbon dioxide production (VCO₂)—as well as respiratory metrics, linear regression analysis was employed. Based on the standardized regression coefficients (β), it was found that maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) (mean ± SD: 130.95 ± 42.82) and inspiratory diaphragmatic circumference values were significantly associated with VE, VO₂, and VCO₂. Conversely, the other predictor variables did not exhibit a significant effect on VE (mean ± SD: 134.80 ± 36.69), VO₂ (mean ± SD: 3877.52 ± 868.47 mL), and VCO₂ (mean ± SD: 4301.27 ± 1001.07 mL). Similarly, measurements of chest circumference (mean ± SD: 91.40 ± 10.72 cm), MEP, and diaphragmatic circumference during inspiration (mean ± SD: 95.20 ± 10.21 cm) were significantly associated with VO₂max (mean ± SD: 58.52 ± 10.74 mL/kg/min), while the remaining predictor variables did not demonstrate a significant effect on VO₂max. Additionally, a multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the combined effects of respiratory muscle strength and ventilatory factors on VO₂max. The model, which included interaction terms, explained 89.9% of the variance in VO₂max (R² = 0.899, adjusted R² = 0.859). Significant interactions were found between MIP and VE (B = −0.084, p = 0.006), as well as MEP and VE (B = 0.072, p = 0.012). These findings suggest that respiratory muscle strength plays a more substantial role in determining VO₂max in individuals with higher ventilatory efficiency, highlighting the importance of both respiratory strength and breathing efficiency in aerobic performance. Our findings underscore the importance of considering respiratory muscle strength in assessing and enhancing athletes’ aerobic performance. Integrating objective measurements such as maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure assessments into routine performance evaluations allows coaches and sports scientists to monitor changes in respiratory function over time and adjust training protocols accordingly.

Listening to self-selected motivational music (SSMM) during warm-ups and caffeine (CAF) intake prior to exercise can independently enhance athletic performance among female athletes. Likewise, the potential synergistic effects of these interventions have not yet been thoroughly examined. Objective: The purpose of the study was to assess the independent and combined effects of SSMM during warm-up and pre-exercise CAF intake on maximal short-duration performance in female athletes. Methods: Seventeen female handball players (aged 16.7 ± 0.4 years) participated in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Each athlete completed four conditions: (i) placebo (PLA) with no interventions, (ii) music and placebo (MUS), (iii) caffeine intake only (CAF), and (iv) a combination of music and caffeine (MUS + CAF). Performance assessments included the countermovement jump (CMJ), modified agility t-test (MAT), repeated-sprint ability (RSA) test (mean and peak sprint performance), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Results: The MUS (p > 0.05; p < 0.01; p < 0.01; p < 0.001, respectively), CAF (all p < 0.001), and MUS + CAF (all p < 0.01) conditions significantly outperformed the PLA condition in CMJ, MAT, RSA mean, and RSA peak measures. No significant differences were observed between the CAF and MUS + CAF conditions; however, the best performances were recorded during MUS + CAF. RPE scores remained consistent across conditions. Conclusions: Warm-up routines incorporating either SSMM or a moderate dose of CAF (6 mg·kg⁻¹) enhance anaerobic performance in female athletes. While both interventions are effective independently, CAF intake elicits a stronger effect. Although no significant difference was demonstrated for this combination, the concurrent use of SSMM and CAF appears to produce a potential effect, emerging as the most effective strategy for optimizing anaerobic performance.

Wrestling requires coordinated lower-limb strength for explosive techniques. While isokinetic testing isolates joint-specific strength and countermovement jumps assess functional power, comprehensive multi-joint assessments with advanced factor analysis remain unexplored in elite wrestlers. Twenty-one national-level male freestyle wrestlers (22.3 ± 2.8 years; 76.2 ± 14.7 kg) completed cross-sectional neuromuscular assessments. Isokinetic concentric strength testing at 60°/s evaluated hip, knee, and ankle joint functions bilaterally using an Isomed 2000 dynamometer. Vertical jump power was assessed through countermovement jumps under bilateral and unilateral conditions using the Optojump system. All strength and power variables were normalized to fat-free mass determined via air displacement plethysmography. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlations with Benjamini–Hochberg correction, stepwise multiple regression, and principal component analysis. Bilateral jump performance correlated strongly with knee extension ( R = 0.798, P < .001) and hip extension strength ( R = 0.664, P = .001), with combined predictors explaining 68.8% of variance ( F ₂,₁₈ = 19.8, P < .001). Principal component analysis identified a primary extensor factor (hip and knee extension, 52.6% variance) and an auxiliary factor (ankle plantar flexion and hip adduction, 19.0% variance). Unilateral jump models demonstrated lower explanatory power (dominant: 39.8%, non-dominant: 25.7%). Multi-joint isokinetic strength assessment, particularly hip and knee extension capacity, provides a robust prediction of vertical jump performance in elite wrestlers. The identified primary extensor strength factor represents a fundamental neuromuscular capacity underlying explosive lower-limb function, supporting targeted strength development strategies for wrestling-specific performance enhancement.