The study aimed to investigate differences in anthropometry, body composition (BC), and somatotype in young football players of the same chronological age according to the maturity stage. Overall, 64 elite players (age: 14.28 ± 0.46 years) were evaluated for standing and sitting body height, girth measures, and BC using the bioelectric impedance scale and skinfold thickness. In total, two-thirds (73.44%, n = 47) of football players were classified as on-time maturers, 12.50% (n = 8) were early maturing, and 14.06% (n = 9) were late maturing. Standing and sitting height, leg length, fat-free mass, and muscle mass were significantly different (p < 0.001) across maturity groups. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) with maturity progression was seen for subscapular and suprailiac skinfolds along with a girth increase at all sites (p < 0.05). Early maturers were balanced ectomorphs, while on-time and late maturers featured mesomorph–ectomorph characteristics. The obtained results suggested that mature players have better BC presented as a lower fat percentage along with higher muscle mass, advantages in circumferences, and longitudinal dimensions of the body with highlighted mesomorph features. Maturity can have a substantial influence on body measures, thereby affecting sport-specific performance. Early maturers can use their anthropometric advantages and compensate for a lack of talent, consequently preventing even participation of physically undeveloped players in training. A better understanding of maturity, BC, and somatotypes can help in the selection of young talented players.

Background/Objectives: Exercise-induced fatigue is a fundamental component of running performance and training, yet it is also implicated in altered movement mechanics and increased injury risk. While numerous studies have examined fatigue-related biomechanical changes during running, findings remain fragmented across biomechanical domains and fatigue modalities. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize contemporary evidence on the effects of fatigue on lower-limb biomechanics during running and to interpret the potential injury relevance of these adaptations. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for original empirical studies published between January 2010 and December 2025. Eligible studies involved human participants performing running or running-related tasks, applied an explicit fatigue protocol, and reported quantitative lower-limb biomechanical outcomes. Study selection followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Data extraction included participant characteristics, fatigue protocols, biomechanical measures, instrumentation, and key findings. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB-2) tool. Due to substantial methodological heterogeneity, findings were synthesized narratively. Results: Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Across studies, fatigue consistently altered spatiotemporal parameters, joint kinematic and kinetic variables, spring-mass behavior, impact loading, coordination variability, neuromuscular output, and inter-limb symmetry. Common adaptations included increased ground contact time, reduced ankle joint power and stiffness, increased joint range of motion, elevated impact loading, and greater movement variability. These changes reflected reduced mechanical efficiency and a redistribution of mechanical load from distal to proximal joints, particularly toward the knee and hip. Similar fatigue-related biomechanical patterns were observed in both laboratory-based and real-world endurance running conditions. Conclusions: Exercise-induced fatigue produces systematic and injury-relevant alterations in lower-limb biomechanics during running. These adaptations may preserve short-term performance but create mechanical conditions associated with increased susceptibility to overuse and non-contact injuries. Integrating fatigue-aware biomechanical assessment, neuromuscular conditioning, and individualized load management strategies may help mitigate adverse fatigue-related adaptations.

(1) Background: Complex training combines weight training and plyometric exercises within one series. This is one of the first systematic reviews to thoroughly investigate the effects of complex training on the motor abilities of male basketball players. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to determine the effects of complex training on the motor abilities of male basketball players; (2) Methods: The study protocol of this systematic review was registered at the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY202520116). Papers published from January 2008 to October 2024 were searched digitally using the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, ERIC, and Google Scholar databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines using the PICOS strategy. The Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) and Physical Therapy Database (PEDro) scale was used to assess the quality of the included randomized and non-randomized control trials, respectively; (3) Results: The results of this study showed that complex training is an effective method for improving the motor abilities of basketball players. Most studies investigating the effects of complex training have focused on explosive strength, where a positive impact has been demonstrated. In addition, studies show the positive effects of complex training on speed, agility, muscle strength, isometric muscle force, and aerobic endurance; (4) Conclusions: The authors of the study recommend that the most effective programs are 10 weeks long and conducted 2–3 times per week, with at least 48 h of recovery between sessions. For the pre-competition period, it is recommended to perform 3–5 sets of one complex pair; 2–12 repetitions of weight training, (70–95% 1RM); and 5–15 repetitions of plyometric exercises which are performed at maximum intensity. Future researchers in the field of basketball are encouraged to compare the effects of complex training in male and female basketball players or to compare the effects among male basketball players based on age (juniors vs. seniors) and competitive level (amateur vs. elite).

Field-based assessment tools that capture both physiological and performance-related aspects of exercise are increasingly important for evaluating motor competence in physical and sports education. This study examined the suitability of a field-based burpee protocol for assessing motor performance in physical and sports education and compared responses between adolescents from sports and non-sports classes. 42 participants divided into two groups (sports class n = 21, non-sports class n = 21) completed a 3×3-minute burpee test during which physiological (heart rate), subjective (rating of perceived exertion, technique, endurance), and performance (acceleration) indicators were recorded. All variables met normality criteria according to the Shapiro–Wilk test. The sports and non-sports groups differed significantly in average heart rate and perceived exertion, with the non-sports class demonstrating higher physiological load (p < .05). No significant group differences emerged in technique, endurance, or acceleration, although effect sizes suggested trends favoring the sports class. Across rounds, average acceleration and fatigue index showed a gradual decline, but without significant time effects. Correlation analyses revealed significant relationships among indicators, with higher perceived exertion strongly associated with lower technique, endurance, and acceleration. Exploratory factor analysis identified one latent factor explaining 44.5% of variance, primarily driven by endurance, technique, and acceleration, with perceived exertion loading inversely. The findings suggest that the burpee protocol provides teachers with a feasible field-based tool for assessing motor performance in schools, combining simple observation with the use of a smartphone and rating scales to support practical physical education assessment.

Background: Psychological determinants are increasingly recognized as central contributors to both performance decline and recovery in competitive sport; however, contemporary evidence integrating injury-related and non-injury performance contexts remains fragmented. Objective: This systematic review synthesized empirical evidence (2016–2025) examining psychological determinants associated with return to sport (RTS), reinjury risk, burnout, injury incidence, and performance decline among competitive athletes. Methods: Conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus identified peer-reviewed studies published between January 2016 and December 2025. Eligibility criteria were defined using a PICO framework. Prospective cohort studies, longitudinal multi-wave investigations, one randomized controlled trial, matched cohort studies, diary-based designs, and injury-related observational studies were included. Due to heterogeneity in constructs and outcomes, findings were synthesized narratively. Results: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria, including prospective cohort studies, multi-wave longitudinal designs, one randomized controlled trial, one matched cohort study, and a diary-based investigation. Seven independent cohorts examined psychological readiness using the Anterior Cruciate Ligament—Return to Sport after Injury scale (ACL-RSI) in athletes with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries (sample sizes ranging from n = 39 to n = 384), consistently demonstrating that higher readiness predicted successful RTS at 6–24 months, while two prospective studies reported contrasting associations with second ACL injury risk. Four longitudinal studies (n = 93–491) showed that increased burnout and controlled motivation predicted performance decline and dropout trajectories, whereas higher resilience and mental toughness reduced burnout progression. One seasonal longitudinal study (n = 21) linked elevated cognitive anxiety and mood disturbance to increased injury incidence. Conclusion: Psychological determinants operate across deterioration and restoration pathways. Psychological readiness shows the strongest predictive consistency for RTS, while burnout, motivational climate, and resilience significantly shape long-term performance sustainability and injury-related outcomes.

INPLASY202520116 Enhancing Motor Abilities in Basketball Players through Complex Training: A Systematic Review Keywords: Team Sport; Motor Skills; Male Basketball Players; Complex Training; Explosi…