This study aimed to evaluate the between-session reliability of single-leg performance and asymmetry variables during unilateral and bilateral countermovement jumps (CMJ). Twenty-three basketball players completed two identical sessions which consisted of four unilateral CMJs (two with each leg) and two bilateral CMJs. Mean and peak values of force, velocity and power, impulse, and jump height were obtained separately for each leg using a dual force platform. All performance variables presented an acceptable reliability (CV_range= 4.05–9.98%) with the exceptions of jump height for the unilateral CMJs and mean power, peak velocity, peak power, and impulse for the left leg during the bilateral CMJ (CV≥11.0%). Nine out of 14 variables were obtained with higher reliability during the unilateral CMJ (CV_ratio≥1.16), and 4 out of 14 during the bilateral CMJ (CV_ratio≥1.32). Asymmetry variables always showed an unacceptable reliability (ICC_range= 0.15–0.64) andpoor/slightlevels of agreement in direction (Kappa_range= -0.10 to 0.15) for the unilateral CMJ, while an acceptable reliability (ICC_range= 0.74–0.77) andsubstantiallevels of agreement in direction (Kappa_range= 0.65 to 0.74) were generally obtained for the bilateral CMJ. These results suggest that single-leg performance can be obtained with higher reliability during the unilateral CMJ, while the bilateral CMJ provides more consistent measures of inter-limb asymmetries.

This study aimed to compare the between-session reliability of performance and asymmetry variables between unilateral and bilateral standing broad jumps (SBJ). Twenty-four amateur basketball players (12 males and females) completed two identical sessions which consisted of four unilateral SBJs (two with each leg) and two bilateral SBJs. Mean and peak values of force, velocity and power, and impulse were obtained separately for each leg using a dual force platform. Inter-limb asymmetries were computed using the standard percentage difference for the unilateral SBJ, and the bilateral asymmetry index-1 for the bilateral SBJ. All performance variables generally presented an acceptable absolute reliability for both SBJs (CV range = 3.65-9.81%) with some exceptions for mean force, mean power, and peak power obtained with both legs (CV range = 10.00-15.46%). Three out of 14 variables were obtained with higher reliability during the unilateral SBJ (CVratio ≥ 1.18), and 5 out of 14 during the bilateral SBJ (CVratio ≥ 1.27). Asymmetry variables always showed unacceptable reliability (ICCrange = -0.40 to 0.58), and slight to fair levels of agreement in their direction (Kappa range = -0.12 to 0.40) except for unilateral SBJ peak velocity [Kappa = 0.52] and bilateral SBJ peak power [Kappa = 0.51]) that showed moderate agreement for both SBJs. These results highlight that single-leg performance variables can be generally obtained with acceptable reliability regardless of the SBJ variant, but the reliability of the inter-limb asymmetries in the conditions examined in the present study is unacceptable to track individual changes in performance.

This study investigated the effects of a 24-week combined training program (CTP) based on strength exercises and cognitive–motor tasks performed concurrently in participants with multiple sclerosis. A randomized, controlled intervention study was carried out. In total, 31 subjects with a confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (14 men and 17 women) were stratified and randomized into an intervention group (17 subjects) and a control group (14 subjects). The intervention group completed three weekly training sessions for 24 weeks, while the control group pursued their normal daily activities. In this program, cognitive–motor tasks were completed at once (dual tasking). A 3D photogrammetry connected to a selective attention system designed for dual tasking while walking was used. Ground reaction forces were measured using two force plates, one for sit-to-stand testing, while the other was used for static force measurement. Postural equilibrium was examined using a stabilometric plate based for Romberg test assessment. The 24-week training program for multiple sclerosis patients improved their static peak force by 11% (p < 0 .05), their rate of force development by 36% (p < 0.05), and their balance (p < 0.05). Performance in daily activities such as walking or sitting-to-standing improved significantly in multiple sclerosis participants. CTP training was effective in reducing the dual-task costs of step length (48%) and walking velocity (54%), as compared to a matched control group.

A triathlon is an endurance event in which athletes need an efficient hydration strategy since hydration is restricted at different stages. However, it seems that seawater intake can be a suitable hydration alternative for this type of endurance event. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of seawater hydration during a triathlon on cytokine production. Fifteen trained male triathletes (age = 38.8 ± 5.62 years old; BMI = 22.58 ± 2.51 kg/m²) randomly performed three triathlons, one of them consuming seawater (Totum SPORT, Laboratories Quinton International, S.L., Valencia, Spain), the other one consuming tap water ad libitum, and the last a physiologic saline solution as placebo. The triathlon consisted of an 800 m swim, a 90 km bike ride, and a 10 km run. Blood samples were taken at rest and after training, where markers of inflammation, hemoglobin, and hematocrit concentration were assessed. While the seawater was not ergogenic, it significantly increased the release of IL-6 and apelin post-exercise. However, no differences were found between the fractalkine, IL-15, EPO, osteonectin, myostatin, oncostatin, irisin, FSTL1, osteocrin, BDNF, and FGF-21 values over those of the placebo group. The present study demonstrates that hydration with seawater stimulates myokine production, which could lead to improved performance recovery after exercise.

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a combined training program (CTP) in reducing the effects of dual tasking on the temporal parameters and kinematics of gait, as compared with single-task gait. A controlled, randomized, intervention study was performed in an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group attended three weekly CTP sessions for 24 weeks. Gait pattern was evaluated prior to the baseline intervention, at 12 weeks, and at 24 weeks (Repost). The sample was composed of 22 subjects diagnosed with multiple sclerosis with an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 0–5.5. A total of 12 patients were allocated to the intervention group and another 10 to the control group. A three-dimensional photogrammetry scanner was connected to a selective attention system designed to present a dual-task gait condition. Dual tasking had an impact on all spatiotemporal parameters of gait, and the most remarkable effect of dual tasking was on double-support time, which increased by 9% with respect to normal walking. In contrast, dual tasking had a trivial effect on single-support time. The CTP was effective in reducing the effects of dual tasking on stride length and velocity of the center of mass after Repost of training (p < .05). The CTP reduced time in double-support phase, whereas single-support time increased after Repost of intervention. The application of the CTP had no effect on the cost of the double task after 12 weeks of intervention. It is suggested to increase the application time over Repost.