This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in sports performance analysis. Sixteen peer-reviewed studies spanning 13 distinct sports disciplines were included, employing a variety of AI techniques—from classical machine learning algorithms to advanced deep learning and computer vision models. Methods applied encompassed Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, reinforcement learning, and predictive modeling architectures. The pooled average classification accuracy was 87.78% (95% CI: 82.66–92.90), although substantial heterogeneity was observed across studies (I² = 93.75%). Computer vision and deep learning-based approaches were associated with higher performance metrics in several studies, particularly in movement-intensive sports such as tennis and basketball. Nevertheless, several challenges were identified, including lack of standardization in model evaluation, limited algorithmic transparency, and difficulties in generalizing findings from controlled laboratory environments to real-world competitive settings. The results underscore the promising role of AI in optimizing training protocols, supporting tactical decisions, and enhancing injury prevention strategies. Further research is warranted to address the ethical, methodological, and practical considerations surrounding the deployment of AI in sports contexts.

The main objective of the research was to determine neuromuscular control for different external loads, from 75% to 100% 1 RM (One Rep Max), during the flat bench press (BP) exercise performed with free weights and pneumatic loading. Despite extensive research on the internal structure of the BP exercise, few studies have examined the differences between muscular activity during the flat bench press movement between Free Weights and Pneumatic Loading. For this purpose, 10 male, trained subjects performed the BP exercise under two conditions with three different external loads (70%, 85%, and 100% 1RM), alternately with free weights and pneumatic loading. Pneumatic loading was performed on the Keiser Power Rack, where the pneumatic load was transferred as the resistance of the cables attached to the ground. EMG activity was recorded during the lifts for the following muscles: PM (Pectoralis Major), AD (Anterior Deltoid), Tblat, and TBlong (Triceps Brachii). The EMG signals were sampled at a rate of 1000 Hz. Signals were band-pass filtered with a cutoff frequency of 8 Hz and 450 Hz, after which the root-mean-square (RMS) was calculated. After completion of all the tests in a single day, 2–3 s evaluations of Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC) of the prime movers in the bench press movement (AD, PM, and TBlong) were performed according to SENIAM procedures. The results of the present study indicate that pneumatic loading provides a significantly different muscle activation pattern compared to a standard bar during a heavy-loaded BP exercise. The pneumatic load was superior in activating the AD and TB muscles compared to the standard bar during the BP exercise.

Background/Objectives: Sports tendinopathy management has traditionally focused on mechanical loading protocols, yet emerging evidence suggests metabolic factors significantly influence clinical outcomes and tissue adaptation responses. The aim was to systematically evaluate the impact of metabolic factors on sports tendinopathy outcomes and assess the effectiveness of advanced rehabilitation approaches that extend beyond traditional mechanical loading protocols. Methods: A comprehensive search across academic papers from Semantic Scholar corpus identified studies investigating metabolic influences and advanced rehabilitation strategies in sports tendinopathy. Inclusion criteria encompassed athletes and active individuals with chronic tendinopathy, interventions targeting metabolic factors or advanced rehabilitation techniques, and validated outcome measures. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 for randomized trials and ROBINS-I for observational studies. Evidence certainty was evaluated using GRADE methodology. Results: Forty studies met inclusion criteria, comprising 5 randomized controlled trials, 9 systematic reviews, and 5 cohort studies. Metabolic syndrome significantly impaired eccentric exercise outcomes in Achilles tendinopathy (F[1,54] = 24.45, p < 0.001). Collagen-derived peptide supplementation combined with eccentric training demonstrated superior pain reduction at rest compared to exercise alone (p < 0.05). Advanced rehabilitation strategies including criteria-based progression, neuroplastic training, and staged loading protocols showed improvements in patient-reported outcomes and functional scores, with some approaches demonstrating superiority over traditional eccentric protocols. Conclusions: Metabolic factors negatively influence sports tendinopathy rehabilitation outcomes, while advanced rehabilitation approaches incorporating metabolic considerations show promise for enhancing treatment effectiveness. Integration of metabolic assessment and targeted interventions may optimize tendinopathy management beyond mechanical loading alone.

Given the high neuromechanical demands and frequent asymmetries in badminton, this study investigated the impact of a four-week asymmetry-targeted intervention on single-leg hop performance in elite junior badminton players and examined whether asymmetry-based indices could predict training responsiveness. Twenty-two national-level athletes (aged 15–18) were randomized into an experimental group (EG) undergoing neuromechanical training with EMG biofeedback or a control group (CG) following general plyometric exercises. Key performance metrics—Jump Height, Reactive Strength Index (RSI), Peak Power, and Active Stiffness—were evaluated pre- and post-intervention. Two novel composite indices, Force Efficiency Ratio (FER) and Asymmetry Impact Index (AII), were computed to assess force production efficiency and asymmetry burden. The EG showed significant improvements in Jump Height (p = 0.030), RSI (p = 0.012), and Peak Power (p = 0.028), while the CG showed no significant changes. Contrary to initial hypotheses, traditional asymmetry metrics showed no significant correlations with performance variables (r < 0.1). Machine learning models (Random Forest) using FER and AII failed to classify responders reliably (AUC = 0.50). The results suggest that targeted interventions can improve lower-limb explosiveness in youth athletes; however, both traditional and composite asymmetry indices may not reliably predict training outcomes in small elite groups. The results highlight the need for multidimensional and individualized approaches in athlete diagnostics and training optimization, especially in asymmetry-prone sports like badminton.

Background/Objectives: COVID-19 poses significant physiological challenges for athletes, particularly those engaged in high-intensity intermittent sports such as ice hockey. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection—especially symptomatic cases—on aerobic and anaerobic performance in professional ice hockey players. Methods: Fifty athletes from the Polish Hockey League were assigned to three groups: control (CG, n = 13), asymptomatic COVID-19 (NSG, n = 28), and symptomatic COVID-19 with post-infection SpO₂ < 90% (WSG, n = 9). Each underwent assessments at three time points—pre-preparatory period 2020/2021, post-preparatory period 2020/2021, and pre-preparatory period 2021/2022. Aerobic capacity was measured via a progressive cycle ergometer test (VO₂max, VO₂ at lactate threshold [VO_2Lt], minute ventilation [V’E], breathing frequency [BF], and lactate clearance rate [ΔLa]), and anaerobic capacity via a 30 s Wingate test (relative mean power). Results: Compared with CG and NSG, symptomatic athletes exhibited significant post-infection declines in VO₂max (48.2 ± 2.9 vs. 56.2 ± 6.2 and 54.6 ± 3.9 mL/kg/min; p = 0.006, d = 1.56 vs. CG; p < 0.024, d = 1.79 vs. NSG) and VO_2Lt (p < 0.05). Relative mean power also decreased in WSG (p < 0.05). In contrast, CG and NSG improved or maintained these metrics over the same period. Symptomatic players showed elevated BF post infection (p = 0.022, d = 1.72) and reduced V’E (p = 0.035; d = 0.83), while ΔLa was markedly lower (p = 0.0004; d = 2.86). Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly symptomatic cases, can significantly impair both aerobic and anaerobic capacity in elite hockey players. Targeted recovery protocols are essential for restoring performance in affected athletes.

This meta-analysis investigates the acute (immediate) pre–post changes in the modulation of physiological tremor in healthy adults following physical exercise, including resistance-based protocols. Physiological tremor is characterized by low-amplitude, high-frequency oscillations during posture or movement and reflects transient changes in neuromuscular control. Background/Objectives: Quantify the pooled effect of physical exercise on physiological tremor amplitude in healthy adults using magnitude-based metrics (RMS, peak power). A secondary objective was to synthesize evidence from acute resistance-based protocols separately. Methods: This meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines and followed the methodological framework outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Thirteen experimental studies met the inclusion criteria, with eleven included in the general exercise analysis and eight in the acute resistance-based subset. Results: Random-effects models revealed a moderate reduction in tremor amplitude following acute exercise (Hedges’ g = −0.42, p < 0.001). The resistance-based synthesis was restricted to acute single-session protocols only and indicated a directionally consistent reduction in tremor amplitude. Conclusions: These findings suggest that physical exertion is associated with transient suppression of physiological tremor amplitude. Acute single-session resistance-based exercise protocols showed a consistent direction of effect, although pooled estimates should be interpreted cautiously due to heterogeneity. Overall, physiological tremor may serve as a sensitive, non-invasive outcome measure reflecting short-term neuromuscular state.