COVID-19 has resulted in widespread changes, including within the realm of sports. Professional soccer has adapted by allowing more substitutions, leading to tactical adjustments and potential physical benefits. Accordingly, this study analyzed the impact of the new rule in Italian top-level soccer, focusing on substitution patterns and performance differences between the pre-COVID (2017–2018, 2018–2019 seasons) and post COVID (2020–2021, 2021–2022 seasons) eras. As such, publicly available data from 1520 matches (760 matches per era) were recorded. The sample included matches played from 40 Italian top division teams in both the pre- and post-COVID eras. Analyses confirmed substitutions follow a consistent temporal pattern throughout the match in both eras, highlighting a slight difference in second-half management, and showed the new rule is still not used to its full potential, thus raising concerns about teams’ financial strength, as not all managers possess “deep benches” (i.e., a large number of top-level players available to play). Further analyses revealed a statistically significant increment (p = 0.002) in the quantity of collectively produced sprints in the post-COVID era compared to the pre-COVID one. The results from this study emphasize the need to carefully address sprint preparation and repeated sprint abilities, also considering factors such as the number of substitutes and their skill level.

Background: Isometric handgrip (IHG) exercise reduces blood pressure (BP) in both normotensive and hypertensive individuals. However, there are few studies specifically addressing its effects in hypertensive patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). This research aimed to compare acute hemodynamic responses and post-exercise hypotension to single bouts of IHG handgrip performed at two different intensities in patients with IHD. Methods: Fifty-four sedentary patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) high-intensity isometric handgrip performed at 70% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) (IHG-70%); (2) low-intensity isometric handgrip performed at 30% of MVC (IHG-30%); (3) control group (no exercise). Heart rate and BP were measured, and transthoracic echocardiography was performed at baseline, during exercise (lasting 3 min), and after 15 min post-exercise. BP was also measured at 30, 45, and 60 min of recovery. Results: No significant changes in systolic BP occurred during the exercise phase between the three study groups. Systolic BP decreased significantly in IHG-70% compared to the control at 30 (−7.7 ± 1.9; p = 0.035) and 45 min (−8.1 ± 2.3; p = 0.021) post-exercise, while there were no significant differences between IHG-70% and IHG-30% at different time-points. There were no significant changes in diastolic BP between the two active groups and between IHG-70 and IHG-30 versus control at different time-points (repeated-measures ANOVA p = 0.257). Global work efficiency was unchanged in IHG-70% (−4%) and IHG-30% (+1%) compared to control (ANOVA p = 0.154). Conclusions: High-intensity and low-intensity isometric handgrip exercises did not cause hemodynamic impairment in IHD. High-intensity exercise was more effective than low-intensity in reducing post-exercise systolic BP.

Background: This study aims to map the temporal evolution of light-based therapies and identify emerging technological trends in wearable photobiomodulation (PBM) devices. Materials and Methods: A bibliometric analysis (1970–2025) was conducted using three major databases: Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. The initial dataset, consisting of 117 articles, was processed using the Bibliometrix package in R (version 4.5.0), resulting in a final set of 110 articles. The analysis followed the TALL model (Tracking, Analysis, Layout, and Learning). Results: Scientific production on phototherapeutic devices began in the early 2000s, peaking in 2024, showing a productivity pattern typical of emerging or highly specialized fields. The period 2010–2023 represents a central thematic hub in research. During this time, new light sources (OLED and QLED) enabled the development of flexible, wearable, and implantable photonic devices. In the recent period (2024–2025), light-based therapies are increasingly integrated with network-connected biosensing systems for tissues or accessories, allowing adaptive treatments and remote monitoring. However, these next-generation devices are still undergoing consolidation and scientific maturation. Conclusions: The results highlight the rapid evolution of research on light-based therapies toward more integrated and clinically validated approaches, indicating growing scientific interest in personalized wearable PBM devices.

We read with interest the Letter to the Editor by Batash

Athletes require effective recovery strategies to sustain performance, particularly in high-demand sports. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has emerged as a non-invasive approach capable of supporting muscle function without reported adverse effects. Wearable nanotechnology-based devices, such as Taopatch®, allow continuous and localized PBM delivery, representing a potential tool for sports applications. This pilot study investigated the acute effects of Taopatch® on neuromuscular performance in 28 young tennis players (11 females, 17 males; age 14.41 ± 2.60 years). Participants completed Squat Jump (SJ), Counter Movement Jump (CMJ), stiffness, and reaction time assessments before (T1) and after a 15-minute application period (T2). Taopatch® application was associated with pre–post increases in SJ flight time (unadjusted p=0.042) and maximal pre-take-off velocity (Vmax; unadjusted p=0.012), while CMJ concentric work also increased (unadjusted p=0.014). Several effects remained significant after Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery rate correction, whereas none remained significant after the more conservative Holm–Bonferroni correction. Stiffness responses varied among subgroups, while reaction time remained unchanged. These preliminary findings suggest a potential association between Taopatch® application and acute changes neuromuscular performance. However, the statistical evidence was sensitive to the multiple-comparison correction applied, and controlled studies are required to confirm these exploratory observations.

Background: Isometric resistance training (IRT) has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for blood pressure (BP) management. Although current hypertension guidelines primarily recommend aerobic and dynamic resistance exercise, growing evidence indicates that IRT is an effective, feasible, and time-efficient alternative. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence on the efficacy, physiological mechanisms, and clinical applications of IRT. We reviewed randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses evaluating the effects of different IRT modalities, including isometric handgrip (IHG), isometric wall squat (IWS), and isometric leg exercise (ILE), on BP in normotensive individuals, patients with hypertension, and those with cardiovascular disease. Results: IRT consistently reduces resting systolic BP by approximately 5–8 mmHg and diastolic BP by 3–4 mmHg, effects comparable to those achieved with first-line antihypertensive therapy and at least equivalent to those of other exercise modalities. These benefits have been demonstrated across normotensive and hypertensive populations and appear largely independent of age, sex, medication use, and the muscle groups involved. Preliminary evidence also supports the feasibility and safety of appropriately prescribed IRT in selected patients with ischemic heart disease and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Proposed mechanisms include improvements in endothelial function, nitric oxide bioavailability, autonomic regulation, oxidative stress, arterial baroreflex sensitivity, and myocardial efficiency. In conclusion: IRT is an effective, safe, and practical adjunct to lifestyle modification for BP control, particularly in older adults and individuals with limited ability to perform conventional exercise. However, further large-scale randomized trials are needed to define the optimal exercise prescription, clarify the underlying mechanisms, and establish the role of IRT in patients with cardiovascular disease.