Background. Given the sport’s complex aerobic-anaerobic demands, optimizing training methodologies is crucial for improving players’ repeated sprint ability, sustaining effort throughout matches, and enhancing overall performance. While hockey requires significant anaerobic power for explosive movements and sprints, the intermittent nature of the game also places considerable demands on aerobic systems for recovery between high-intensity efforts. Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of Small-Sided Games (SSG) and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) in enhancing anaerobic endurance among adolescent field hockey players. Materials and methods. A total of 36 adolescent male hockey players (aged 15–17 years) participated in this study and were randomly assigned to three groups: SSG (n=12), HIIT (n=12), and an Active Control Group (ACG) (n=12). The intervention lasted for six weeks, with each training group engaging in their respective training modalities three times per week. Anaerobic endurance was evaluated through the Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) both prior to and following the intervention. A Two-Way Mixed ANOVA was conducted to analyze the interaction between time (pre-test vs. post-test) and group assignment. Results. Both the SSG and HIIT groups demonstrated significant improvements in anaerobic endurance compared to the ACG. The SSG group exhibited a greater reduction in RAST values (5.03%) than the HIIT group (3.71%). Statistical analysis revealed a significant main effect of time and group (F = 14.80, p < 0.001, η²p = 0.47), indicating a meaningful impact of both interventions. Post hoc comparisons showed that the SSG group outperformed the HIIT group, though both significantly improved anaerobic endurance compared to the control. Conclusions. This study confirms the efficacy of both SSG and HIIT in enhancing anaerobic endurance in adolescent hockey players, with SSG demonstrating slightly superior benefits. The findings suggest that integrating sport-specific drills, as seen in SSG, may yield greater physiological and tactical improvements than traditional HIIT protocols. Further research is needed to explore long-term adaptations, injury risk, and the potential benefits of combining both training methods for optimal performance enhancement.

Objectives. The study aimed to compare the outcomes of an eight-week Small-Sided Game-based High-Intensity Interval Training (SSG-HIIT) and Traditional High-Intensity Interval Training (THIIT) on parameters of physical fitness in youth female soccer players. Specifically, it assessed changes in anaerobic power, explosive strength, sprint speed, agility, and flexibility. Materials and Methods. Twenty-seven female soccer players aged 14 to 17 years playing at a competitive level (>2 years) were randomly assigned to three conditions: SSG-HIIT (n=9), THIIT (n=9) and Active Control Group (ACG, n=9). The intervention took a period of eight weeks, with three sessions per week on the experimental groups. SSG-HIIT sessions included 3v3 to 5v5 soccer games with progressive intensity, while THIIT involved structured sprint intervals. Pre- and post-intervention assessments comprised the Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST), standing broad jump, 50-m sprint, Illinois agility test, and sit-and-reach flexibility test. Results. There was a huge improvement in all variables in both SSG-HIIT and THIIT groups (p < 0.05), whereas ACG showed negligible changes. SSG-HIIT led to superior gains in explosive power (8.69%), flexibility (11.3%), anaerobic power (RAST: -8.58%), sprint speed (-3.97%), and agility (-4.37%) compared to THIIT. Post hoc analysis confirmed significantly greater improvements in explosive power and flexibility in the SSG-HIIT group (p < 0.05), though sprint and agility gains were statistically similar between the two interventions. Conclusions. According to the findings, SSG-HIIT proved more effective than THIIT in enhancing multiple physical fitness parameters, especially explosive power and flexibility. Incorporating game-based training within high-intensity protocols offers a practical and sport-specific approach to conditioning youth female soccer players.

Objectives. The present study examined the impact of a single session of plyometric training (PT) and contrast training (CT) on speed, agility, and power in young rugby players. The objective of this study was to ascertain which method produced better immediate improvements. Materials and methods. Thirty male rugby players at the national level (average age 14.3 years, height 1.51 meters, weight 48.63 kg) took part in the study. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: 15 individuals were assigned to a plyometric training plan, while the remaining 15 followed a contrast training routine. Before and after the training session, each athlete was subjected to testing for sprint speed (5m, 10m, and 20m), agility (assessed using the Illinois Agility Test), jump height (measured via the countermovement jump, CMJ), and explosive leg power (evaluatedwith reactive strength index, RSI). The plyometric protocol consisted of depth jumps, bounding, hurdle hops, lateral bounds, and spring-loaded drop jumps, while the contrast protocol paired heavy resistance exercises (85% 1RM) with biomechanically similar plyometric movements. Results. Both interventions produced significant acute improvements across all performance metrics (p<0.05). The CTG demonstrated superior enhancements compared to the PTG in 5m sprint time (-6.14% vs. -3.53%, p<0.001, η²p=0.79), 10m sprint time (-5.37% vs. -3.76%, p<0.048, η²p=0.68), 20m sprint time (-3.90% vs. -2.60%, p<0.019, η²p=0.18), agility time (-4.95% vs. -3.09%, p<0.001, η²p=0.94), RSI (+8.60% vs. +5.91%, p<0.001, η²p=0.82), and CMJ height (+7.40% vs. +5.79%, p<0.001, η²p=0.36). Conclusions. The study concludes that both training modalities acutely enhanced acceleration, agility, and power performance in young rugby players. However, contrast training produced significantly greater improvements across all metrics. The findings indicate that contrast training could be more useful than plyometric training for boosting explosive strength in young rugby players following a single session. This may be associated with triggering stronger short-term improvements in muscle performance.

The global mental health crisis, characterized by escalating rates of anxiety, depression, and existential distress, has exposed the limitations of conventional biomedical approaches. This chapter explores the integrative potential of mindfulness, meditation, and yoga as a synergistic triad for promoting comprehensive mental well-being. Grounded in both ancient contemplative traditions and contemporary empirical research, the triad fosters emotional regulation, neuroplastic adaptability, embodied awareness, and a deeper sense of meaning. Rather than focusing solely on symptom reduction, these practices support psychological resilience and spiritual growth. The chapter further investigates their increasing application across therapeutic, educational, and occupational domains, highlighting their adaptability, scientific credibility, and cross-cultural relevance. It calls for a paradigm shift toward person-centered, developmental models of care that recognize contemplative practices as foundational tools for long-term healing and flourishing.

Depression affects millions of people worldwide, causing low mood, loss of interest, and poor self-esteem. Traditional treatments such as medicines and therapy are helpful but may not be enough for everyone. Exercise has been shown to improve mood, but most programs only focus on physical health. This manuscript introduces Emotion Focused Exercise Interventions (EFEIs), which combine physical activity with emotional awareness, mindfulness, and therapeutic support. Activities such as aerobic exercise, resistance training, yoga, and dance are used not just for fitness but also for emotional expression and healing. Evidence shows that EFEIs improve mood, self-esteem, and emotional regulation more effectively than exercise alone. Case studies in individuals, groups, schools, and rehabilitation centers highlight their real-world benefits. EFEIs represent a promising, cost-effective approach that can complement existing treatments and make depression care more holistic and accessible.

A standing cycling position is commonly employed during high-intensity efforts, yet comprehensive understanding of position-specific neuromuscular adaptations remains limited. This pilot study evaluated physiological and biomechanical responses during one-minute maximal cycling in seated versus standing positions. Five competitive male cyclists (age 20.0 ± 2.9 years) performed randomised one-minute all-out tests in both positions on a Wahoo KICKR ergometer. Power output, cadence, heart rate, and surface electromyography (EMG) of four lower limb muscles were measured. Standing position generated 21.4% higher average power output (467.6 ± 95.8 versus 386.6 ± 81.9 Watts, , Cohen’s d = 2.02) with all participants showing improvements. Gluteus medius activation increased significantly by 30.8% ( , d = 2.05), representing the most robust neuromuscular adaptation. Rectus femoris showed trending increases (34.3%, ) while biceps femoris remained unchanged and lateral gastrocnemius decreased non-significantly. Average heart rate showed a trend toward elevation (5.9%, ) with notable individual variability. Surprisingly, cadence remained stable between positions (88.0 ± 8.8 versus 91.2 ± 6.9 revolutions per minute, ), contradicting assumptions about standing cycling mechanics. Strong correlations existed between seated and standing power outputs (r = 0.914, ). Post-hoc power analysis confirmed adequate statistical power (>0.91) for primary findings despite the small sample. These preliminary findings suggest standing position advantages derive from selective hip stabiliser recruitment rather than uniform muscle activation increases. The maintained cadence indicates experienced cyclists preserve optimised pedalling patterns while exploiting biomechanical advantages through enhanced force application. Future research with larger samples should confirm these position-specific adaptations and investigate training interventions targeting hip stabiliser development for improving standing cycling performance.