(1) Background: Enhancing repeated sprint ability (RSA) is critical to soccer performance. Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) protocols, particularly those utilizing heavy resistance preloading, have shown promise in improving RSA. Yet, the optimal preloading intensity for amateur players is still unknown. This study investigated the effects of two PAPE protocols using different preloading intensities (85% and 90% of 1 RM back squat) on RSA. (2) Methods: A double-blind, randomized, two-period crossover design was used, and 18 amateur male players were included in this study. RSA was assessed using a 6 × 35 m sprint protocol with 10 s rest intervals (RAST). (3) Results: While the main effect of time significantly (p = 0.01, η² = 0.71) influenced performance decline across all groups, there was no significant (p = 0.65, η² = 0.01) interaction between time and condition. Individual responses to PAPE varied, highlighting the importance of individual differences. Interestingly, the BS85% group exhibited a less pronounced decline in performance compared to the control group, while the BS90% group only showed significant differences in three sprint levels. (4) Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a lower preload of 85% of 1 RM may be as adequate as a higher preload of 90% of 1 RM in enhancing RSA in amateur soccer players. These results may indicate a potential fatigue-delaying effect of PAPE protocols and emphasize the importance of individualized approaches for optimizing PAPE strategies.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of listening to classical music on functional (upper and lower body strength, functional mobility and aerobic endurance) and cognitive (attentional capacities and working memory (WM)) performances in women aged between 50 and 60 years old. A total of 24 middle-aged women were enrolled to participate in this study. Their functional and cognitive performances were assessed under two-auditory conditions (no-music vs. with music conditions) using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test for functional mobility, the Arm Curl test and 30 s Chair Stand Tests for the upper and lower body strength, respectively, and the 2 min Step test for aerobic endurance. To assess the attentional capacities and the WM, a simple reaction time (SRT) test and Corsi Block-Tapping Task were used, respectively. As a result, we found that listening to music significantly decreased the scores of the TUG test (p < 0.001) and capacities (p < 0.05), and increased the 2 min Step test values (p < 0.001) compared to the no-music condition. However, no significant changes were found for the upper and lower body strength and WM. We conclude that listening to classical music, i.e., Mozart’s Symphony, is effective in improving functional mobility, aerobic endurance and attentional capacities in middle-aged women. However, these gains were absent for muscle strength and WM, suggesting that the positive effects of music on functional and cognitive performances were dependent on a specific task.

(1) Background: Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) protocols using heavy resistance preloading may improve RSA, yet optimal preloading intensity for amateur players is still unknown. This study investigated the effects of two PAPE protocols using different preloading intensities (85% and 90% of 1RM back squat) on RSA. (2) Methods: A double-blind, randomized, two-period crossover design was used, and 18 amateur male players were included in the study. RSA was assessed using a 6 x 35m sprint protocol with 10-second rest intervals (RAST). (3) Results: While the main effect of time significantly (p=0.01, η²=0.71) influenced performance decline across all groups, there was no significant (p=0.65, η²=0.01) interaction between time and condition. Individual responses to PAPE varied, highlighting the importance of individual differences. Interestingly, the BS85% group exhibited a less pronounced decline in performance compared to the control group, while the BS90% group only showed significant differences in three sprint levels. (4) Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a lower preload of 85% of 1RM may be as adequate as a higher preload of 90% of 1RM in enhancing RSA in amateur soccer players. These results may indicate a potential fatigue-delaying effect of PAPE protocols and emphasize the importance of individualized approaches for optimizing PAPE strategies.

The objective was to investigate the effects of auditory environments on postural balance during cognitive tasks. Nineteen individuals with intellectual disabilities, aged between 15 and 19, participated in the study. The assessment involved center of pressure (CoP) measurements on both firm and foam surfaces under open-eye (OE) and closed-eye (CE) conditions. During these assessments, participants were exposed to nature sounds and noise sounds while performing counting and verbal fluency tasks. The results showed that nature sounds on a firm surface under OE conditions during counting demonstrated a significant decrease in CoP values (p = 0.037), indicating improved postural balance. However, noise sounds on foam surfaces during counting and verbal fluency showed increased CoP values, reflecting impaired postural balance (p < 0.05). In conclusion, nature sounds on a firm surface with OE during counting improved postural balance. Conversely, noise sounds on foam surfaces during counting and verbal fluency tasks impaired postural balance.

This study examined the effects of an eight-week VIFT-based HIIT intervention on physical performance in senior male futsal players. Methods: Seventeen senior male futsal players were allocated to an experimental (EXP, n = 9) or control group (CON, n = 8). The EXP group completed an 8-week VIFT-based HIIT intervention (2 ses-sions/week) alongside regular futsal training, using 15-s intervals at 95% VIFT inter-spersed with 15-s passive recovery and a 7% distance reduction for changes of direc-tion. The CON group continued regular training. Pre- and post-intervention assess-ments included body composition, SJ, CMJ, CMJ-AS, 5-, 10-, and 20-m sprint tests with and without the ball, the 5–10–5 Pro Agility Test, VIFT, and estimated VO₂max. Data were analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA. Significant time-by-group interactions were observed for VIFT (p = 0.024), estimated VO₂max (p = 0.023), and the 20-m ball-dribbling test (p = 0.035). VIFT increased from 19.28 ± 0.91 to 20.39 ± 0.49 km/h in the experimental group, compared with 18.13 ± 2.01 to 18.56 ± 1.86 km/h in the control group. Estimated VO₂max increased from 56.33 ± 2.69 to 59.39 ± 2.23 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ in the experimental group and from 52.16 ± 4.95 to 53.29 ± 4.31 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ in the control group. For the 20-m ball-dribbling test, performance was maintained in the experi-mental group, whereas completion time increased in the control group. No significant time-by-group interactions were observed for body composition, jumping perfor-mance, linear sprint performance, the 5-m or 10-m ball-dribbling tests, or change-of-direction performance. An eight-week VIFT-based HIIT intervention per-formed twice weekly during the competitive season was associated with more favora-ble changes in intermittent running performance, estimated aerobic capacity, and 20-m ball-dribbling performance than regular futsal training alone. No differential effects were detected for most other physical performance outcomes. These preliminary find-ings support the potential use of VIFT-based HIIT as a targeted conditioning strategy in senior male futsal players. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results.

Background: Effective playing time (EPT) is a crucial determinant of the physical, technical, and cognitive development of young soccer players. Reducing match interruptions may enhance game rhythm and support player progression. This study examined the effects of a rapid-restart protocol, based on the availability of spare balls (SB), on EPT, sprint performance, and agility in young Tunisian players. Methods: Sixty male youth players (aged 11–16) from a Tunisian first-division club were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG, n = 30) or a control group (CG, n = 30) across three age categories (U12, U14, U16). The EG played 10 weekly matches using the rapid-restart protocol, while the CG competed under standard conditions. Sprint performance (5 m, 10 m, 20 m) and agility (Illinois Agility Test, IAT) were assessed at baseline (T0), mid-intervention (T1), and post-intervention (T2). EPT was determined through video analysis. Results: Compared with controls, the EG showed significant improvements in sprint (5 m and 20 m) and IAT performance across all age categories (p < 0.01). EPT increased, providing additional opportunities for ball-in-play exposure during matches. The protocol also reduced contact between ball retrievers and players, thereby improving safety and minimizing interruptions. Conclusions: The rapid-restart protocol (RRP) effectively increased EPT and was associated with improvements in sprint and agility performance. Whether these improvements were mediated by changes in match intensity or physiological load remains to be determined. Its simplicity, low cost, and safety benefits make it a practical strategy for coaches, organizers, and the Tunisian Football Federation. This approach may represent a practical organizational strategy for improving match continuity and EPT during youth soccer competitions.