PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of auditory deprivation on tennis-stroke accuracy and perceived exertion among tennis players, with a focus on understanding how auditory inputs affect sport performance. METHODS: A total of 77 active tennis players participated in this controlled trial, which involved playing tennis under standard auditory conditions and with auditory deprivation using noise-isolation devices. Data were collected using a Zepp Tennis Smart Sensor 2 to assess hit accuracy, and the Borg Rating-of-Perceived-Exertion (RPE) scale was used to measure exertion levels. RESULTS: Players demonstrated significantly lower accuracy in hitting the center of the racket under auditory deprivation compared with standard auditory conditions (OR: 0.71, 95% CI, 0.68 to 0.75, P < .001). Additionally, auditory deprivation resulted in higher reported exertion levels, with 75% of participants reporting increased RPE compared with standard conditions (95% CI, 64% to 84%, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Auditory deprivation negatively impacts both the accuracy of tennis strokes and the subjective experience of exertion in players. These findings highlight the importance of auditory cues in sport performance and suggest that integrating sensory feedback can enhance athletic training and performance strategies. This study supports further exploration of sensory inputs' role in sport and their potential in training regimens.

• Klíčová slova
• exercise tolerance, motor skills, noise isolation, performance metrics, sensory feedback,
• MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• percepce MeSH
• podněty MeSH
• senzorická deprivace * fyziologie   MeSH
• senzorická zpětná vazba * fyziologie   MeSH
• sportovní výkon * fyziologie   psychologie   MeSH
• tělesná námaha * fyziologie   MeSH
• tenis * fyziologie   psychologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

This review aimed to summarize the reported effects of unilateral conditioning activity (CA) on unilateral performance, bilateral performance, and the contribution of activated body limb to bilateral performance. A systematic search on MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted on February 2022. Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Throwing, jumping, swimming, change of direction, and isokinetic performance were used as outcome measures to assess the impact of unilateral CAs on inducing post-activation performance enhancement. Eleven studies examined the effectiveness of resistance exercises as a CA, seven investigated plyometric exercises, and five used isokinetic muscle actions as CAs. Notably, only three studies directly compared the effects of bilateral and unilateral CA, and no study reported possible changes in the contribution of each limb during bilateral exercises executed following unilateral CA. Split squats were the most often studied CA (7), and it was shown that multiple sets of high-loaded split squats (85% one-repetition maximum) executed as CA, improve vertical jumping and change of direction after 4 to 8 min of recovery. At the same time, multiple sets of alternate leg bounds performed with ~10% body weight or without any external load result in an improvement of sprint performance, 2 and 8 min later, with the effect being greater when loaded jumps are used. The unilateral CAs such as split squats, alternate leg bounds, and drop jumps can be effectively used to acutely improve a wide variety of athletic tasks, including jumping, sprinting, change of direction, and swimming performance.

• Klíčová slova
• Post-activation performance enhancement, athletic performance, post-activation potentiation, resistance training,
• MeSH
• cvičení fyziologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• plyometrická cvičení * MeSH
• postura těla MeSH
• sportovní výkon * fyziologie   MeSH
• terapie cvičením MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• systematický přehled MeSH

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of ischemic intra-conditioning applied during rest intervals on 30 m sprint performance. Thirty-four trained male (n = 12) and female (n = 22) track and field and rugby athletes volunteered to participate in the study (age = 19.6 ± 4 years; training experience = 5.3 ± 1.9 years). In a randomized and counterbalanced order, participants performed six sets of 30 m sprints under three different testing conditions: without ischemic intra-conditioning, and with ischemic intra-conditioning at 60% or 80% arterial occlusion pressure applied bilaterally before the first trial of the sprint and during the rest periods between all sprint trials. During experimental sessions, subjects perform 6 × 30 m sprints with a 7 min rest interval between attempts. The cuffs were applied following a 1 min rest period and lasted for 5 min before being released at the 6th minute to allow for reperfusion (1 min + 5 min ischemic intra-conditioning + 1 min reperfusion). The two-way repeated measures ANOVA did not show statistically significant condition × set interaction for time of the sprint (p = 0.06; η2 = 0.05). There was also no main effect of ischemic intra-conditioning for any condition (p = 0.190; η2 = 0.05). This study indicates that ischemic intra-conditioning did not enhance the performance of 30 m sprints performed by athletes. However, ischemic intra-conditioning did not decrease performance either.

• Klíčová slova
• performance, running, testing, training,
• MeSH
• lehká atletika * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• odpočinek MeSH
• sportovci MeSH
• sportovní výkon * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Turn performances are important success factors for short-course races, and more consistent turn times may distinguish between higher and lower-ranked swimmers. Therefore, this study aimed to determine coefficients of variation (CV) and performance progressions (∆%) of turn performances. The eight finalists and eight fastest swimmers from the heats that did not qualify for the semi-finals, i.e., from 17th to 24th place, of the 100, 200, 400, and 800 (females only)/1500 m (males only) freestyle events at the 2019 European Short Course Championships were included, resulting in a total of 64 male (finalists: age: 22.3 ± 2.6, FINA points: 914 ± 31 vs. heats: age: 21.5 ± 3.1, FINA points: 838 ± 74.9) and 64 female swimmers (finalists: age: 22.9 ± 4.8, FINA points: 904 ± 24.5 vs. heats: age: 20.1 ± 3.6, FINA points: 800 ± 48). A linear mixed model was used to compare inter- and intra-individual performance variation. Interactions between CVs, ∆%, and mean values were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed impaired turn performances as the races progressed. Finalists showed faster turn section times than the eight fastest non-qualified swimmers from the heats (p < 0.001). Additionally, turn section times were faster for short-, i.e., 100 and 200 m, than middle- and long-distance races, i.e., 400 to 1500 m races (p < 0.001). Regarding variation in turn performance, finalists showed lower CVs and ∆% for all turn section times (0.74% and 1.49%) compared to non-qualified swimmers (0.91% and 1.90%, respectively). Similarly, long-distance events, i.e., 800/1500 m, showed lower mean CVs and higher mean ∆% (0.69% and 1.93%) than short-distance, i.e., 100 m events (0.93% and 1.39%, respectively). Regarding turn sections, the largest CV and ∆% were found 5 m before wall contact (0.70% and 1.45%) with lower CV and more consistent turn section times 5 m after wall contact (0.42% and 0.54%). Non-qualified swimmers should aim to match the superior turn performances and faster times of finalists in all turn sections. Both finalists and non-qualified swimmers should pay particular attention to maintaining high velocities when approaching the wall as the race progresses.

• Klíčová slova
• competition analysis, freestyle, performance, race analysis, swimming,
• MeSH
• analýza rozptylu MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• kompetitivní chování * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• plavání MeSH
• sportovní výkon * MeSH
• vysoká teplota MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of 10-week heart rate variability biofeedback training on basketball skills, free throws, and heart rate variability parameters. Twenty-four basketball players (experimental, n = 12 and control, n = 12) aged 18-24 years volunteered to participate in this study. The experimental group participated in a 10-week heart rate variability biofeedback and basketball training program, while the control group only participated in the 10-week basketball training session. Basketball free-throw performance, basketball skills, and heart rate variability tests were conducted on the experimental and control groups before and after the 10-week intervention. Consequently, we discovered that basketball free-throw performance, breathing frequency, and heart rate variability parameters, which reflect vagal modulation of parasympathetic activity, improved in participants who underwent the 10-week heart rate variability biofeedback and basketball training, and not in those who took basketball training only. Our findings propose that heart rate variability biofeedback, alongside basketball workouts, can contribute to better basketball free-throw performance potentially through improved autonomic nervous system functioning.

• Klíčová slova
• Basketball free-throw, Basketball performance, Biofeedback, Heart rate variability,
• MeSH
• basketbal * fyziologie   MeSH
• biofeedback (psychologie) fyziologie   MeSH
• dýchání MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• sportovní výkon * fyziologie   MeSH
• srdeční frekvence fyziologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

OBJECTIVE: Turn sections represent the second largest part of total race time in 1500 m freestyle races and may substantially affect race results. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate individual race strategies and compare the effect of start, swim, and turn performances between short-course and long-course races. Video footages were collected from all 16 male finalists at the 2018 short and 2019 long-course World swimming championships (age 23.06 ± 2.3 years, FINA points 941 ± 42) for subsequently analysis of start, turn, and swim performance. RESULTS: The larger number of turns in short-course races resulted in significantly faster race times (p = 0.004), but slower mean turn times compared to long-course races (p < 0.001). Total race velocity closely correlated with swim and turn but not start section velocity in short- (r ≥ 0.80, p ≤ 0.017) and long-course races (r ≥ 0.83, p ≤ 0.011). Analysis of individual race strategies showed that turn performance affected race results in 6 (75%) and 3 (37.5%) of the 8 world-best 1500 m swimmers in short-course and long-course races, respectively. Medal standing was improved for 1st, 3rd, and 4th ranked short- as well as 1st and 2nd ranked long-course finalist. Coaches, athletes, and performance analysts may carefully consider the importance of turn performance additionally to free-swimming skills.

• Klíčová slova
• Elite athletes, Front crawl, Performance analysis, Start,
• MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• kompetitivní chování MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• plavání * MeSH
• sportovci MeSH
• sportovní výkon * MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

There is growing interest in virtual reality (VR) training among competitive athletes and casual sports players alike as a tool to supplement real-life play within a highly controlled, intellectually stimulating environment. We examined data from a commercially available, recently released VR software for tennis for changes in and correlates of performance. Two most frequently used tasks were evaluated-Baseline Center and Quick Volley, which include Efficiency (both), Concentration (both), and Reaction Time (Quick Volley only) subtasks. In all, 1,124 (Baseline Center) and 745 (Quick Volley) users met inclusion criteria (completed more than four trials; active sometime between November 2022 and July 2023). We found that most users were male adults and were about evenly split between advanced/pro users and intermediate/beginner users. Two or three trajectories emerged across the subtasks. Performance gains were most pronounced on movement efficiency, especially early on. Adult users generally exhibited more improvement than junior users. Additionally, women and right-handed users improved more on Baseline Center subtasks, and advanced/pro users did better than intermediate/beginner users on Quick Volley subtasks. We discuss that, despite strong performance gains within VR environment, VR training may still reflect in better real-world performance, may increase confidence and accuracy of relevant movement, lower risk of injury, and present a welcome diversion from a potential monotony of performing sport-related tasks in purely real-world settings. Future research should explore the extent to which VR training transfers to real-world performance.

• Klíčová slova
• athletic training, tennis, virtual reality,
• MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• psychomotorický výkon fyziologie   MeSH
• sportovní výkon * fyziologie   MeSH
• tenis * MeSH
• virtuální realita * MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND: Local dynamic stability (LDS) has become accepted as a gait stability indicator. The deterioration of gait stability is magnified in older adults. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the current state in the field regarding rthe relationship between LDS and cognitive and/or physical function in older adults? METHODS: A scoping review design was used to search for peer-reviewed literature or conference proceedings published through May 2023 for an association between LDS and cognitive (e.g., Montreal Cognitive Assessment) or physical performance (e.g., Timed Up & Go Test) in older adults. Only studies investigating gait stability via LDS during controlled walking, when dealing with a subject group consisting of healthy older adults, and quantifying LDS relationship to cognitive and/or physical measure were included. We analysed data from the studies in a descriptive manner. RESULTS: In total, 814 potentially relevant articles were selected, of which 15 met the inclusion criteria. We identified 37 LDS quantifiers employed in LDS-cognition and/or LDS-physical performance relationship assessment. Nine measures of cognitive and 20 measures of physical performance were analysed. Most studies estimated LDS quantities using triaxial acceleration data. However, there was a variance in sensor placement and signal direction. Out of the 56 studied relationships of LDS to physical performance measures, sixteen were found to be relevant. Out of 22 studied relationships between LDS and cognitive measures, only two were worthwhile. SIGNIFICANCE: Considering the heterogeneity of the utilized LDS (caused by different sensors locations, signals, and signal directions as well as variety of computational approaches to estimate LDS) and cognitive/physical measures, the results of this scoping review does not indicate a current need for a systematic review with meta-analysis. To assess the overall utility of LDS to reveal a relationship between LDS to cognitive and physical performance measures, an analysis of other subject groups would be appropriate.

• Klíčová slova
• Cognition, Gait, Local dynamic stability, Physical performance,
• MeSH
• chůze (způsob) * MeSH
• chůze * MeSH
• kognice MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• tělesná a funkční výkonnost MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• metaanalýza MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• scoping review MeSH

This study investigates the influence of various constructional parameters and weave structure on the differential shrinkage (DS) %, tensile strength, absorbency, drape, softness, smoothness and resilience properties of woven terry towels with the goal of optimizing these characteristics for better durability, aesthetic and functionality. This research explores how different variations in constructional parameters and weaves can affect performance of terry woven towels. The results demonstrate that weft density variation significantly influences both differential shrinkage (DS) % and other performance properties. It was concluded that increasing thread density of the towel resulted in lower absorbency, overall moisture management capacity (OMMC), drape, softness, and smoothness. However, the tensile strength, shrinkage, and resilience score increase with increasing thread density of the towel. The differential shrinkage % of the towel can be lowered using proper weave structure and reducing the difference of thread density of body and fancy portions in the towel. The findings also highlight that multi-response optimization can be used for optimization of multiple outcomes. Its implications are far-reaching, impacting efficiency, quality, and competitiveness across various industries. The ability to balance multiple objectives makes it a valuable tool for decision - makers aiming to achieve comprehensive and effective solutions. This research provides practical insights for selecting appropriate thread density and weave combination to achieve both aesthetic and functional comfort, offering valuable guidance for manufacturers aiming to produce woven terry towel on the loom with precise dimensional control and performance. The overall approach is a scientific solution to a complex industrial problem dealing with multiple complex and interrelated parameters especially in the production of high quality terry towels.

• Klíčová slova
• Cause and effect diagram, Differential shrinkage (DS) %, Performance properties, Terry woven fabric, Weighted multi − response optimization,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize existing evidence about the effects of prenatal, perinatal and neonatal factors on academic performance in primary school age children (up to 12 years). DESIGN: Review article. SETTING: National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany. METHODS: Literature review using databases SCOPUS, WoS, ProQuest, MEDLINE, PsycArticles, PsycINFO and ERIC with a search strategy (academ* OR schol* OR school*) AND (success* OR aptitude OR fail* OR abilit* OR perform* OR achiev* OR progress* OR outcom* OR attain*) AND (pregnan* OR prenatal* OR perinatal* OR childbirth OR (child AND birth) OR birth OR intrapart* OR postpart* OR preterm OR pre-term OR premature OR (low AND birth AND weight) OR cesarean OR caesarean OR c-section OR (c AND section) OR breastfeeding OR (breast AND feeding)) AND (child* OR kid* OR pupil*). Only peer-reviewed studies in English were included, no time limits for publication date were set. RESULTS: The main factors influencing academic performance include prematurity and factors related to maternal health and life style in pregnancy (substance abuse, health complications such as diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism, psychiatric diagnosis, use of antiepileptic drugs, dietary habits, especially restriction of caloric intake, exposure to harmful influences as heavy metals, ionizing radiation and stress). Academic performance has also been found to be associated with delivery mode and several neonatal factors, particularly respiratory or cardiac insufficiency and infection. CONCLUSION: Factors related to pregnancy, childbirth and the early postpartum period may have a negative impact on school success in children. Their early detection can help to develop strategies for early support and intervention in vulnerable groups of children.

• Klíčová slova
• academic performance, neonatal, perinatal, prenatal, primary school age, school performance,
• MeSH
• císařský řez MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• novorozenec nedonošený * MeSH
• novorozenec MeSH
• perinatální péče * MeSH
• poporodní období MeSH
• porod * MeSH
• prenatální péče * MeSH
• studijní výsledky * MeSH
• těhotenství MeSH
• vedení porodu MeSH
• zdraví matek MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• novorozenec MeSH
• těhotenství MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Spojené státy americké MeSH