The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a complex versus a contrast training regimen with steroid hormones and the performance of soccer players. Thirty-six professional male soccer players were randomly divided into 3 equal groups: complex training (n = 12; body mass index [BMI], 22.95 ± 1.76 kg/m²), contrast training (n = 12; BMI, 22.05 ± 2.03 kg/m²), and control (n = 12; BMI, 22.27 ± 1.44 kg/m²). Players from the complex and contrast groups were trained for 6 weeks (3 d/wk). The complex group performed 4 different exercises, each composed of strength (80% of 1 repetition maximum [RM]) and power components alternately. The contrast group performed the same strengthening exercises alternately at different intensities (40% and 80% of 1 RM). All players were tested for free testosterone, cortisol, vertical jump, 20-m sprint, and agility T-test at the baseline and after 6 weeks of training. A 3 × 2 mixed analysis of variance revealed a significant difference in time effect (P ≤ .05), whereas a nonsignificant difference was found in the group effect for all outcome variables. group × time interaction was significant in all the variables (P < .01) except cortisol (P = .28). Complex training showed greater improvement in physical performance and free testosterone concentration compared with contrast training, whereas both types of training decreased cortisol concentration in a similar fashion.

Introduction and Objective: Previously, various stretching techniques were compared to study their effects on the different physiological parameters of hamstring muscles in the elderly population. There is no research that compares the immediate and long-term effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation-contract–relax (PNF-CR) and static stretching (SS) techniques on knee range of motion (ROM), hamstring flexibility, and knee flexor muscle EMG activity in the elderly. This study intends to compare the same. Methods: A total of 30 males aged 55–75 years were randomly assigned into the PNF-CR group (n = 10), SS group (n = 10), and control group (n = 10). The PNF-CR group received four trials of the contract–relax technique, the SS group received passive stretching of an 80 s duration by the therapist, and the control group received no intervention. A total of 12 sessions were given during the four-week period. Knee range of motion, electromyographic activity of the biceps femoris, and the sit-and-reach test were taken for the dominant side thrice: pre-intervention, immediately after stretching, and after the training period. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed in the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of biceps femoris between the PNF and the control groups (p = 0.01) after four weeks of intervention. The knee ROM and hamstring flexibility for the PNF group showed significant improvement immediately post-test (p = 0.01) and after four weeks of training (p = 0.07 and p = 0.001). SS showed significant results for both ROM and flexibility after four weeks of intervention (p = 0.001), and significant immediate post-test improvements were seen for ROM only (p = 0.007). Conclusions: PNF stretching has an immediate, as well as long-term, effect on knee ROM and hamstring flexibility, whereas it has only a long-term effect on muscle electromyographic activity. SS has an immediate, as well as long-term, effect on knee ROM and only a long-term effect on hamstring flexibility, without any immediate or long-term effects on muscle electromyographic activity.

Objectives: To examine the effect of sensorimotor and gait training on proprioception, nerve function, and muscle activation in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) patients. Methods: Thirty-eight (25 male and 13 female) participants with DPN were selected and randomly allocated to intervention and control group. Participants in the intervention group were provided sensorimotor and gait training for eight weeks (3 days/week) along with diabetes and foot care education; participants in the control group received diabetes and foot care education only. Outcome measures involved proprioception, nerve conduction studies of peroneal and tibial nerve, and activation of lower limb muscles and multifidus while standing with eyes open and eyes closed, and treadmill walking. Results: Mixed ANOVA revealed significant time effect and timexgroup interaction of proprioception in all four directions (p<0.05). The conduction velocity of peroneal nerve revealed significant time effect (p=0.007) and timexgroup interaction (p=0.022). Interaction effect was found to be significant for medial gastrocnemius and multifidus while standing with eyes open as well as with eyes closed (p=0.004). Only multifidus showed significant group (p=0.002) and interaction effect (p=0.003) during walking. Conclusions: Sensorimotor and gait training is an effective tool for improvement of proprioception and nerve function. It benefits muscle activation around ankle and multifidus during postural control and walking in DPN patients.