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.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to quantitatively evaluate the combined effects of sports massage, blood flow restriction (BFR), and cold therapy on quadriceps recovery in mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes following eccentric exercise, focusing on muscle biomechanical properties, pain, and strength. Methods: This randomized, single-blind clinical trial involved 36 men and women MMA-trained participants, divided into three groups: massage (n = 12) received massage, BFR/cool (n = 12) received combined BFR and cooling, and control (n = 12) received passive rest as a control. The fatigue protocol involved MMA fighters performing five sets of plyometric jumps on a 50 cm box until exhaustion, with 1-min breaks between sets. After that, the massage group received a 20-min massage overall using standardized techniques; BFR/cool underwent a 20-min alternating blood flow restriction (200 mmHg) and cooling treatment with ice bags on the quadriceps; and the final group served as the control group with passive rest and no intervention. Participants were assessed four times—before exercise, immediately after exercise, 24 h post-exercise (after two recovery sessions), and 48 h post-exercise (after four recovery sessions)—for perfusion unit (PU), muscle elasticity, pressure pain threshold (PPT), reactive strength index (RSI), and total quality recovery (TQR). Results: The statistical analysis revealed significant effects of both massage and BFR/cooling interventions across key recovery outcomes, with large effect sizes for time-related changes in RSI (p < 0.0001; η² = 0.87), elasticity (p < 0.0001; η² = 0.84), and PPT (p < 0.0001; η² = 0.66). Notably, post-exercise 48 h values for RSI, elasticity, PU, and TQR were significantly improved in both the massage and BFR/cool groups compared to control (p < 0.05)), while no significant group differences were observed for PPT. Conclusions: The study concludes that both massage and combined blood flow restriction with cooling interventions significantly enhance post-exercise recovery—improving muscle perfusion, elasticity, reactive strength, and perceived recovery—compared to passive rest.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the effects of fascial manipulation (FM) on pain alleviation in adults, providing valuable insights for future research and practitioners by addressing a significant gap in the existing literature. Systematic review with meta-analysis. Key databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched for relevant studies. The eligibility criteria required randomized clinical trials involving adults (>18 years) with musculoskeletal pain, who participated in FM, and included either true control or active control groups as comparators. To assess the risk of bias, the PEDro scale was used, while the certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the GRADE scale. Out of the initial pool of 138 studies, 15 were determined to be eligible for inclusion in this systematic review. Results showed significant favoring effect for the FM compared to the active-control group in pain-related outcomes (ES = -0.80, 95% CI -1.30 to -0.29, p = 0.002, I² = 85%). The certainty of evidence, as determined by the GRADE assessment, was rated as very low. Although the included studies provide evidence of very low certainty - given the small sample sizes, lack of blinding, and significant limitations in the intervention - the meta-analysis suggests that FM may potentially be beneficial in reducing pain associated with various musculoskeletal conditions. However, more robust research is needed to strengthen these findings, with a focus on increasing the number of blinded studies, reducing methodological heterogeneity, and further exploring the underlying mechanisms that may explain the observed trends in the evidence.

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 Despite advances in conservative back pain treatments, optimal methods for restoring multifidus muscle function - especially via neuromodulation like intramuscular electrical stimulation (IMES) - remain under investigation. This study evaluated the effects of a 6-week IMES protocol on multifidus muscle properties in individuals with chronic low back pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS In a randomized controlled trial, 29 participants (mean age: 39.2±10.9 years) were assigned to either a control group (receiving transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS], myofascial trigger point therapy, and exercise), or an experimental group (same therapy but with IMES replacing TENS, applied via acupuncture needles under ultrasound guidance). Outcomes included muscle stiffness (MS), tension (MT), tissue perfusion (TP), pressure pain threshold (PPT), pain rating (NRS), postural stability (PS), range of motion (ROM), and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Assessments were conducted at baseline, immediately after treatment, and at follow-up 4 weeks later using validated instruments. RESULTS Compared to controls, the IMES group showed significant improvements after treatment and at follow-up in MT right, TP (right and left), PPT left, NRS, ROM, and PS (P values ranging from <0.001 to 0.006). No significant changes were found in MS (right or left) or MVC at any time point, nor in TP (right and left) at 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS IMES combined with standard therapy significantly improves muscle tension, perfusion, pain threshold, intensity, ROM, and postural stability in chronic low back pain patients, outperforming standard therapy with TENS. However, causality remains uncertain due to both protocols being embedded in multimodal treatment.

Objective: To compare the immediate recovery effects of cold compression (CC) and ischemic preconditioning with ice (IPCice) on muscle recovery, this study was conducted.Methods: Athletes were randomly assigned to CC (n=12), IPCice (n=12), or control (n=12) groups. All participants completed a fatigue-inducing jump rope protocol targeting the gastrocnemius prior to recovery interventions. CC involved 20 minutes of alternating pressure (25–75 mmHg) on the gastrocnemius muscles. IPCice involved thigh cuffs inflated to 200 mmHg (2 minutes on/off cycles for 20 minutes) with manual ice application. Thirty-six amateur mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes. Muscle pain, congestion, strength, creatine kinase, muscle stiffness, perfusion, pressure pain threshold, reactive strength index, and total quality recovery were assessed at rest, post-exercise, post-treatment, and 48 hours later.Results: Post-treatment, CC significantly improved perfusion (p<0.001) and reduced muscle soreness in both legs compared to IPCice and control (p≤0.02). CC also resulted in significantly higher PPT values (p≤0.006). Benefits on some variables remained at 48 hours.Conclusion: Both modalities enhanced recovery following fatiguing exercise; however, CC demonstrated superior effectiveness in attenuating fatigue-related impairments, particularly in perfusion, soreness, and muscle function, highlighting its practical advantage over IPCice for MMA athletes.