Background: Velocity-based training (VBT) requires measurement of the velocity at which the barbell is moved in the concentric phase with regard to different resistance exercises, which provides accurate, indirect estimations of 1 RM. However, for assessing punch performance, no study has been carried out to date. The purpose of this study was to analyse the reliability of the GymAware linear transducer for the measurement of barbell velocity during the landmine push throw (LPT) test using four loads. Methods: Twenty-five healthy, physically active male students, aged 24.13 ± 2.82 years, volunteered to take part in this study. The reliability of the LPT test was measured at two separate visits, with a 2-day interval between them. One series of the test protocol included four parts of the LPT test with progressively increasing loads (20, 25, 30, and 35 kg) and 5 min intervals for rests between loads. Results: For all four loads, excellent intra-rater and test–retest reliability was noted for the mean force variable (ICC = 0.97–0.99). Additionally, very strong and significant correlations were established between measurements (r = 0.96–0.99). Poor reliability was observed for barbell height and total work (ICC below 0.5). A trend of decreasing reliability was detected with increasing barbell load. Furthermore, measurements without the barbell throw were more reliable than those with it. Conclusions: These results support the use of the GymAware linear transducer to track barbell velocity during the LPT test. This device may have valuable practical applications for strength and conditioning coaches. Therefore, we suggest that the LPT assessed with the GymAware linear transducer may be a useful method for evaluating upper limb strength and power during boxing punches.

Athletes regularly have to pass a series of tests, among which one of the most frequently used functional performance measures are single-leg hop tests. As the collected individual results of tests constitute a large amount of data, strategies to decrease the amount of data without reducing the number of performed tests are being searched for. Therefore, the study aimed to present an effective method to reduce the hop-test battery data to a single score, namely, the Compound Hop Index (CHI) in the example of a soccer team. A male, first-league soccer team performed a battery of commonly used single-leg hop tests, including single hop and triple hop for distance tests and the six-meter timed hop test. Gathered data, including Limb Symmetry Indexes of the three tests, normalized to body height for the single- and triple-hop-tests distance separately for right and left legs, and the time of the six-meter timed hop test separately for right and left legs were standardized to z-scores. Consecutively, the z-scores were averaged and formed CHI. The developed CHI represents a novel score derived from the average of z-scores that significantly reduces, clarifies, and organizes the hop performance-measures data.

This study was aimed at observing how the limitation of ankle dorsiflexion ROM affects hamstring muscle Peak Torque/BW (%), Average Power (W), and Total Work (J), and whether this effect is similar in football players after ACL rupture and reconstruction and in those without injuries. The study included 47 professional football players who were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 24) after ACL reconstruction and Group 2 (n = 23) without injuries in the past 3 years. Based on the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT), the following subgroups in Groups 1 and 2 were distinguished: N (normal ankle joint dorsiflexion) and R (restricted ankle joint dorsiflexion). The concentric isokinetic test (10 knee flexions and extensions at 60°/s) was performed on both limbs. Significantly lower values of Peak Torque/BW and Average Power were observed in Group 1 compared to Group 2, as well as in subjects with normal and restricted ankle dorsiflexion. However, no significant differences were noted for either group in any of the strength variables comparing subjects with normal and restricted ankle dorsiflexion. A poor and non-significant correlation was exhibited between the ankle joint range of dorsiflexion and all the strength variables. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for all the evaluated variables in both groups was below 0.5, or very close to this value, indicating that ankle dorsiflexion ROM has no diagnostic accuracy for hamstring muscle strength. Based on the obtained results, it can be assumed that ankle dorsiflexion limitation, which is common in football players, is not a factor in weakening hamstring muscle strength, either in football players after ACL reconstruction or among those without injuries. However, some authors have reported that limited mobility of the ankle joint can have a destructive effect on the work of the lower limbs and may also be a factor in increasing the risk of football injuries in this area. Therefore, we have suggested that hamstring muscle weakness and increased risk of injury may occur due to factors other than limited ankle mobility. These observations may be of great importance in the selection of prevention methods by including a broad spectrum of physical techniques, not just exercises that focus on the improvement of mobility or stability of the lower limbs.

(1) Background: The aim of this study is to determine the intra-rater and test–retest reliability of an upper extremity sway test performed in the one-handed plank position on a force plate and to establish if there are any between-limb differences in assessment with either open or closed eyes. (2) Methods: Fifteen males participated in this study (23.1 ± 2.3 years; 71.2 ± 7.4 kg; 175 ± 4 cm). The sway test (ST) on the force plate was performed during two separate visits, with a one-week interval between tests performed with eyes open and closed, separately for the left and right upper limbs. (3) Results: Intra-rater reliability for measurements with eyes open and closed on both the left and right sides was good to excellent for almost all variables (ICC = 0.84–0.96). Moderate reliability was observed only for the center of pressure (COP) area. Test–retest reliability was somewhat lower. With eyes open and closed, good to excellent reliability was observed for COP length and velocity in the M-L direction and for the total COP length (ICC = 0.77–0.95). However, for COP length and velocity in the A-P direction, as well as for COP area, reliability was moderate (ICC = 0.58–0.70). No significant differences were found between the left and right sides in any variable. (4) Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that the upper limb sway test performed on a force plate in the one-handed plank position, both with eyes open and closed, is a reliable measurement option and has practical applications in clinical settings, including for baseline assessments, return-to-play protocols, and injury prevention strategies.