Core stability has a strong relationship with dynamic balance stability (DBS). The purpose of this review with meta-analysis was to analyse the effects of core training programmes from different studies on DBS. A literature search was performed using different databases. Subgroups analyses on duration, training frequency, total sessions, chronological age, training status, equipment and movements were performed. A random-effects model for meta-analyses was used. Thirteen studies were selected for the systematic review and 10 for the meta-analysis, comprising 226 participants. A moderate effect was noted for core training on DBS (p < 0.001; ES = 0.634). Greater DBS improvements were found in core training interventions with ≤6 weeks (ES = 0.714), after high volume (ES = 0.787) and more frequent interventions (ES = 0.787), as well as in younger participants (ES = 0.832). In addition, body weight exercises may be better than med ball, swiss ball or band resisted exercises. Core training improves DBS among athletes and a non-trained population, creating a more solid stable base that allows better lower extremity movements. This could be more effective considering different modulators ≤6 weeks intervention, >2 sessions per week, >17 total sessions, body weight core programmes and applied to ≤18.0 years old.

Judo competition is characterized structurally by weight category, which raises the importance of physiological control training in judo. The aim of the present review was to examine scientific papers on the physiological profile of the judokas, maintenance or loss of weight, framing issues, such as anthropometric parameters (body fat percentage), heart rate responses to training and combat, maximal oxygen uptake, hematological, biological and hormones indicators. The values shown in this review should be used as a reference for the evaluation of physical fitness and the effectiveness of training programs. Hence, this information is expected to contribute to the development of optimal training interventions aiming to achieve maximum athletic performance and to maintain the health of judokas.

The aim of this study was to analyse the temporal structure of individual tennis play on hard courts in adolescence. Thirty‐two national‐level tennis players (16 females, 16 males) participated in the study (age 15.6±0.9 years, weight 61.7±1.4 kg, height 1.70±0.14 m). All participants played an official competition on hard courts and with the same type of balls. Games were recorded for later analysis of total play time, real play time, and resting time, both in absolute values and as a percentage of total time. The average duration of a point and the number of strokes per rally were also determined. Results showed no differences based on gender, with a total play time of 105.00±20.00 min, real play time of 31.50±5.83 min, and resting time of 73.5±8.50 min. The ratio of work to resting time was 1:2.7, the number of strokes per rally was 5.12±0.17, and a point lasted an average of 9.08±0.60 s. Our results show the importance of keeping in mind the technical evolution of players at this age, with the goal of reaching maximum athletic performance. The adolescent players showed approximately the same number of strokes per rally, but with a greater average duration compared with adult elite athletes.

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of place of residence on physical fitness and adherence to Mediterranean Diet (AMD) in 3–5-year-old children, i.e., whether those who live in urban areas differ than those in rural and whether any difference varied by age. Participants were 363 preschoolers (age 3–5 years old), who performed a series of anthropometric, physical fitness tests and measured their nutritional habits through a 16-item Mediterranean Diet (KIDMED) questionnaire. The main findings of the present study were that (a) boys had better performance in ball bouncing, Medicine Ball Throw Test (MBTT), 25 m sprint, Standing Broad Jump (SBJ), crawling, and shuttle run test (SRT) than girls, and the magnitude of these differences was small; (b) preschoolers in urban residence were taller than those in rural and had better performance in SRT; (c) older preschoolers had larger anthropometric characteristics and better performance than younger preschoolers; (d) the magnitude of the effect of age was larger than the effect of residence; and (e) good AMD was more prevalent in boys than in girls and in 3-year-old participants than in their older peers, but was not related to place of residence. Therefore, these findings identified the need to develop exercise and nutrition intervention programs in preschoolers considering sex, age, and place of residence.

The present purpose was to evaluate changes in 10 elite judokas' mood state (5 men, 5 women) during the 7-wk. competitive period of the season. Quantitative monitoring of the training volume and body-weight monitoring were recorded, and an adapted Profile of Mood States was administered weekly, including competition days. Analysis showed that following a significant decrease in the specific training load volume, there were no significant changes in judokas' ratings on the Profile of Mood States; however, there was a decrease of 3 or 4% of the initial body weight during the precompetition weeks, which significantly affected mood state during competition, indicated by an increase in rated Tension and Vigor and a decrease in rated Fatigue.