Field hockey requires a diverse skill set that includes strength, speed, anaerobic power, and endurance due to current advancements in sports science, plyometric and strength activities for enhancing players' performance. As a result, field hockey players and coaches are in constant need of new training interventions which could be most effective for improving the required parameters. Therefore, the current study investigates the influence of French contrast training (FCT) on selected biomotor and physiological variables in field hockey players. A total of thirty (N=30) male field hockey players were purposively selected from Union Christian College, Aluva, India. They were randomized into two groups: a treatment group (TG) that underwent twelve weeks of FCT and a control group (CG) that performed their daily usual activities. The selected biomotor outcome parameters were muscular strength (MS) and speed (S), while the physiological parameters were anaerobic power (AP), resting heart rate (RHR), and vital capacity (VC). The pre and post-test mean differences were analysed using paired-sample t-test and the level significance was fixed at 0.05 across all cases. The results revealed that there were significant enhancements in MS (p<0.01), S (p<0.01), AP (p<0.01), and VC (p<0.01) in the TG after twelve weeks of FCT, while the CG did not show any significant differences. Exceptionally, RHR did not show any significant difference in both TG and CG. Conclusion: The study suggests that FCT can be an effective method to improve selected biomotor and physiological parameters, except RHR in male college-level hockey players. Keywords: French contrast training, muscular strength, speed, anaerobic power, resting heart rate, vital capacity.

Background. The onset of menopause and the perimenopausal period is often associated with the manifestation of psychological and physical symptoms that can adversely affect a woman’s quality of life. Yoga has been identified as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for alleviating these symptoms. Materials and methods. This randomized controlled trial assessed the effects of a 12-week Hatha Yoga intervention on psychological well-being and quality of life in 100 perimenopausal women (yoga group: n=50; control group: n=50). The participants in the yoga group engaged in Hatha Yoga practices, while the control group received no intervention. The psychological outcomes, including depression, anxiety, sleep quality, stress, climacteric symptoms, and self-esteem, were measured using standardized scales before and after the intervention. Hormonal analysis and anthropometric measures were also collected. Results. The yoga group demonstrated significant improvements in all psychological parameters compared to the control group. Depression and anxiety scores reduced by 6.3 points (p=0.001, d=0.78) and 6.8 points (p<0.001, d=0.82), respectively, while perceived stress, sleep quality, climacteric symptoms, and self-esteem improved significantly (p<0.01). The study also revealed a substantial increase in quality of life in the yoga group (p<0.001, d=0.86), along with a reduction in neuroticism scores (p<0.001, d=0.79). In contrast, the control group exhibited minimal changes across all measures. Conclusions. These findings highlight yoga’s effectiveness in alleviating psychological distress and enhancing quality of life among perimenopausal women. Yoga serves as an accessible and holistic approach to managing menopausal symptoms and promoting mental well-being. It is recommended that further research should focus on investigating the potential long-term benefits and physiological mechanisms underlying these positive alterations.

Background: Plant-based protein supplementation in supporting muscle recovery following resistance exercise remains an area of growing interest, particularly among vegan athletes, as a potential alternative to animal-based proteins. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of plant-based proteins on recovery from resistance exercise-induced muscle damage in healthy young adults. Methods: A systematic and comprehensive search was administered in eight databases up to 1 May 2025, identifying 1407 articles. Following deduplication and screening, 24 studies met the eligibility criteria, including 22 randomized controlled trials and 2 non-randomized studies, with the majority from high income western countries. Results: Interventions primarily involved soy, pea, rice, hemp, potato, and blended plant protein sources, with doses ranging from 15 to 50 g, typically administered post resistance exercise. Outcomes assessed included muscle protein synthesis (MPS), delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), inflammatory biomarkers, muscle function, and fatigue. The review findings reaffirm that single-source plant proteins generally offer limited benefits compared to animal proteins such as whey, particularly in acute recovery settings, a limitation well-documented consistently in the literature. However, our synthesis highlights that well-formulated plant protein blends (e.g., combinations of pea, rice, and canola) can stimulate MPS at levels comparable to whey when consumed at adequate doses (≥30 g with ~2.5 g leucine). Some studies also reported improvements in subjective recovery outcomes and reductions in muscle damage biomarkers with soy or pea protein. However, overall evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, moderate to high risk of bias, and heterogeneity in intervention protocols, protein formulations, and outcome measures. Risk of bias assessments revealed concerns related to detection and reporting bias in nearly half the studies. Due to clinical and methodological variability, a meta-analysis was not conducted. Conclusion: plant-based proteins particularly in the form of protein blends and when dosed appropriately, may support muscle recovery in resistance-trained individuals and offer a viable alternative to animal-based proteins. However, further high-quality, long-term trials in vegan populations are needed to establish definitive recommendations for plant protein use in sports nutrition.

Background and Study Aim: Field hockey is a dynamic sport that involves a combination of speed, agility, and endurance, with players having to satisfy particular physical and physiological demands in order to perform at their best. The primary goal of this study was to investigate the association between field hockey player's anthropometric characteristics and biomotor and physiological measures. Material and Methods: For the purpose of determining the biomotor measures, muscular strength (MS), speed, and change of direction (COD) were used. The VO2 max, anaerobic power (AP), muscular endurance (ME), and vital capacity (VC) were used to determine the physiological measures. In the game of field hockey, twenty forwards, sixteen half-backs and ten defenders fulfilled all the outcome measures. The intensity and directionality of the association between biomotor and physiological tests and anthropometrics characteristics were determined by using Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficients (r), and positional differences were tested using analysis of variance. Results: Body mass significantly affected performance metrics. Body mass was moderately negatively correlated with speed (p<0.05) and COD (p<0.05). MS (p<0.01), VC (p<0.01), AP (p<0.01) and VO2 max (p<0.05) were positively linked with body mass. Performance was also affected by height. Height is inversely correlated with speed (p<0.01) and COD (p<0.01). MS (p<0.01) and AP (p<0.05) had a moderate positive correlation with height. Body mass index (BMI) had a moderate positive correlation with speed (p<0.05), VC (p<0.01), and VO2 max, (p<0.05) but not with MS, COD, and ME. MS had a moderate negative correlation with COD (p<0.05) and a positive correlation with ME (p<0.05). Speed had a significant very large positive correlation with COD (p<0.05, r=.729), ME had a positive correlation with VO2 max, (p<0.05) and VC had a positive correlation with AP (p<0.05). There were no significant position differences in all the selected measures. Conclusion: The study concludes that body mass, height, and BMI greatly affect hockey players' strength, speed, and endurance. This study recommends that hockey coaches and trainers consider body mass, height, and BMI while training players. Performance may be increased by targeting anthropometric aspects, including strength, speed, and endurance.

In the current scenario of field hockey, players are continuously looking for new ways to improve their performance on the field, particularly in terms of power moves. Throughout this exploration, the current study examined the specific effects of complex and contrast training on field hockey player's physiological and biochemical responses. A total of 45 male field hockey players (mean (SD); weight: 63.62 (4.54) kg, height: 1.67(0.06) cm, and age: 19.42(1.18) yrs.) were randomly assigned to three equal groups namely complex training group (COM), contrast training group (CNST) and control group (CON). All the selected physiological and biochemical outcome measures have been tested baseline (T1) and after 12- weeks of training intervention (T2) assessments. Since the CON group was practicing field hockey every day, they were regarded as an active CON group. The intervention in the given period significantly improved VC and VO2max, positively impacting respiratory function. However, no notable changes were observed in RHR, HDL, and LDL levels. Forthcoming research may emphasize the refining of intervention protocols to address these areas and further understand the underlying mechanisms for optimal cardiovascular health and performance enhancement for field hockey players.

Background and Study Aim: The study investigates the effect of circuit training on the cardiorespiratory fitness of national-level female cricket players in Bangladesh. Thirty players were randomly selected from different playing positions (batters, bowlers, and all-rounders) and underwent a pre-and post-test design with no control group. Material and Methods: The primary measure of cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level-1 (YYIRT1), where the total distance covered and VO2 max were recorded. The players participated in a circuit training program thrice weekly for four weeks. Significant improvements were observed in total distance covered and VO2Max across all player categories (batters, bowlers, and all-rounders). Results: After the four-week circuit training program, significant within-group improvements were found in total distance covered and VO₂ max across all groups. Batters, bowlers, and all-rounders increased their total distance by 48.92%, 53.36%, and 30.51%, respectively (all p < 0.001). VO₂ max improved by 8.68%, 9.11%, and 5.00%, respectively (all p < 0.001). Significant time effects were observed for both total distance covered and VO₂ max (p < 0.001), with time × group interactions also significant (p ≤ 0.05). No significant group effects were found. Conclusions: The study concludes that circuit training can effectively enhance the cardiorespiratory fitness of female cricket players, contributing to optimal performance in national-level competition. The findings support the integration of circuit training into regular fitness programs for female athletes, helping them meet the physical demands of cricket.