This study investigated the effects of a 10-week plyometric training program on sprint performance, reactive power, and biomechanical muscle properties in soccer players. Twenty soccer players were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 10) or a control group (n = 10). Both groups maintained their regular weekly training, with the experimental group performing additional plyometric sessions twice weekly. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included 5 m and 30 m sprint times, Reactive Strength Index (RSI), and biomechanical properties (tension, stiffness, elasticity) of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL). The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in 5 m (p < 0.01; ES = 1.44) and 30 m (p < 0.01; ES = 1.11) sprint times and RSI (p < 0.05; ES = 0.87). No significant changes were observed in muscle tension, stiffness, or elasticity at the group level. However, correlations indicated that higher baseline elasticity in the VL was linked to greater 5 m sprint improvements, while changes in RF elasticity were negatively associated with 5 m sprint gains. These findings suggest that plyometric training effectively enhances short-distance sprint performance and reactive power in soccer players. Although group-level biomechanical properties did not change significantly, individual variability in muscle elasticity may modulate training outcomes, supporting the integration of plyometric exercises into soccer training regimens.

Injuries to the soleus muscle are often unrecognized, which increases the risk of complete tearing. Consequently, it results in the need for a long break in sports. This is mainly because the soleus muscle is complex, and the clinical signs of injury are difficult to capture, which can mimic Achilles tendinopathy and tennis player’s calves. This muscle has a complex connective tissue structure with three intramuscular tendons, which makes it challenging to interpret pathological muscle conditions. Injuries to the soleus muscle can be acute or chronic and are usually considered to be a minor discomfort by both the patient and the sports medicine physician, leading to a relatively quick return to sports activity with a high risk of re-injury. This narrative literature review aims to explore the diagnostic challenges and treatment failures associated with soleus muscle injuries, highlighting the critical lack of standardized protocols and a comprehensive understanding of the nuances of these injuries, which requires the collection of qualitative data from clinical case studies, quantitative data from imaging studies and rehabilitation outcomes, and expert opinion to formulate evidence-based guidelines to improve patient management. Calf muscle pain symptoms should not be ignored because the injury may become chronic, and the lack of treatment adequate to the actual cause of the pain increases the risk of the injury deepening, including complete rupture. High-resolution ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging are recommended methods for differentially diagnosing soleus muscle injury in conjunction with physical examination to make a precise and reliable diagnosis. A soleus muscle injury case report and a comprehensive proposal for conservative treatment supplement our literature review.

Objective: To compare the Hong (GH) and sustained insertion (GS) dry needling methods in patients with myofascial neck pain, this experimental study was conducted. Methods: A randomized controlled trial included 30 participants, assigned to either the GH (n=15) or GS (n=15) group. Each group received treatment on either the right or left side, with one side receiving experimental DN and the other receiving control (sham) DN. The GS method involved a single needle insertion per myofascial trigger point for one minute, while the GH method used multiple rapid needle insertions over two minutes without needle retention. Measurements were taken before therapy, 5 minutes post-DN session (post-5min), 24 hours post-session (post-24h), and 7 days post-session (post-7d). Muscle tension (MT) and muscle stiffness (MS) were measured with a myotonometer, pressure pain threshold (PPT) with an algometer, maximum isometric strength (Fmax) with a handheld dynamometer, and transcutaneous perfusion (PU) with laser Doppler flowmetry. Power Doppler Score (PDS) and minor adverse events were also recorded.Results: Results showed that GH led to significantly higher MT and MS values at post-24h and post-7d (p<0.001). In contrast, GS showed greater PPT and Fmax at post-5min, post-24h, and post-7d (p<0.001). Additionally, GH exhibited higher PU values at post-5min and post-7d (p<0.001), while GS showed higher PDS values at post-5min and post-24h (p<0.001). Conclusion: The GH method resulted in less favorable outcomes in terms of MT and MS, while the GS method showed superior improvements in pain relief and functional recovery.

Background/Objectives: The current study aimed to characterize the adverse reactions associated with dry needling (DN) treatments reported by Polish physiotherapists, with a secondary objective of investigating whether the level of DN experience influences the occurrence of these adverse effects. Methods: A total of 102 Polish physiotherapists, all with regular DN practice, participated in an ad hoc online survey. The participants were categorized by their level of experience in DN treatment: 44 with 0–2 years, 43 with 3–6 years, and 15 with more than 7 years of experience. The survey consisted of 27 questions focused on both mild and severe adverse effects resulting from DN treatments. Results: The results showed that in the short term (over the past week), minor bleeding was the most commonly reported mild adverse effect (70%), followed closely by slightly pain during treatment (68%). Slight pain following treatment was also reported by 52% of respondents. No significant relationship was found between experience with dry needling (DN) and the reporting of mild adverse effects, with the exception of tingling (X₍₂₎ = 10.958; p = 0.004). In the retrospective analysis of the past month, most respondents reported experiencing bleeding between one and three times (49%), while bruising occurred one to three times in 44% of cases. Similarly, 44% of respondents noted pain after treatment one to three times, and 47% experienced pain during DN at this frequency. A significant interaction with DN experience was observed in the frequency of drowsiness reported over the past month (X₍₁₀₎ = 19.735; p = 0.032). Conclusions: Severe adverse effects were extremely rare in clinical practice: pneumothorax and shock were each reported by 3% of respondents, nerve palsy by 14%, infection by 2%, and hospitalization by 1%. In conclusion, this study suggests that most adverse effects are mild, typically involving bleeding and slight pain during or after treatment. Additionally, DN experience does not appear to be a significant factor influencing the type or prevalence of these adverse effects.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the immediate effect of Game Ready (GR) heat–cold compression contrast therapy (HCCT) on changes in the biomechanical parameters of the quadriceps femoris muscles and tissue perfusion. Methods: Fifteen male MMA fighters were subjected to HCCT on the dominant leg’s thigh and control sham therapy on the other. The experimental intervention used a pressure cuff with the following parameters: time—20 min; pressure—25–75 mmHg; and temp.—3–45°C, changing every 2 min. For the control group, the temp. of sham therapy was 15–36 °C, and pressure was 15–25 mmHg, changing every 2 min. Measurements were taken on the head of the rectus femoris muscle (RF) 5 min before therapy, 5 min after, and 1 h after therapy in the same order in all participants: microcirculatory response (PU), muscle tension (MT), stiffness (S), flexibility (E), tissue temperature (°C), and pressure pain threshold (PPT). Results: The analysis revealed significant differences between the HCCT and sham therapy groups and the measurement time (rest vs. post 5 min and post 1 h) for PU, MT, E, and °C (p < 0.00001) (a significant effect of time was found) in response to GR therapy. No significant differences were found for the PPT. Conclusions: The results of this study prove that GR HCCT evokes changes in the biomechanical parameters of the RF muscles and perfusion in professional MMA fighters.

Tendinopathies are prevalent in athletic populations, particularly in sports requiring repetitive high-load activities. Eccentric training is widely recommended for rehabilitation, yet variability in protocols and inconsistent methodological reporting limit standardization. This scoping review aimed to map existing evidence on eccentric training for tendinopathies in athletes, characterize intervention parameters, evaluate clinical outcomes and safety, and identify methodological gaps to inform future practice and research. Searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were conducted. Eligible studies included athletes with tendinopathy undergoing eccentric training interventions. Randomized and non-randomized controlled trials were considered. Data extraction included intervention design, tendon site, loading parameters, outcomes, and adverse events. Critical appraisal was performed using RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools. Thirty-one studies were included. Most examined patellar tendinopathy in volleyball and basketball players or Achilles tendinopathy in runners and soccer athletes. Protocols varied substantially in load, frequency, and progression strategies. Pain monitoring was integral, often allowing exercise into moderate discomfort. Eccentric training consistently improved pain and function, with heavy slow resistance and adjunct modalities showing comparable or additive effects. Return-to-sport rates were high, and adverse events were minimal. However, performance outcomes, tendon structure, and safety reporting were inconsistently assessed. Eccentric training consistently reduces pain and improves function in athletes with tendinopathy. Evidence is less consistent regarding performance outcomes, tendon remodeling, and comparative superiority over alternative interventions. Standardized reporting of protocols, safety, and sport-specific adaptations is needed to strengthen recommendations for athletic rehabilitation.