ECSS Paris 2023: OP-MH28
INTRODUCTION: Lumbopelvic stability plays a critical role in enhancing and optimizing performance in overhead athletes. Although a strong core musculature is known to contribute to improved lumbopelvic stability, the role of pelvic floor muscles—which form the base of the core system—has been insufficiently investigated in this population. Studies examining the impact of pelvic floor dysfunction on lower extremity performance in overhead athletes are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between pelvic floor dysfunction and lower extremity performance in female volleyball players. METHODS: A total of 23 professional female volleyball players (mean age: 20.00 ± 4.23 years; mean BMI: 21.04 ± 2.33 kg/m²; sports participation: 10.30 ± 5.19) participated in this study. Pelvic floor dysfunction was assessed using the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory–20 (PFDI-20). Lower extremity performance was evaluated with the countermovement jump test (Zıpzıp Jump System, Türkiye) and the single-leg hop test. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Y Balance Test, and static balance was evaluated with the Performanz Balance System, Türkiye. All statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). RESULTS: According to Spearman correlation analysis, PFDI-20 total scores were significantly and negatively correlated with dominant posteromedial reach distance (r = -0.550, p = 0.007), non-dominant anterior (r = -0.494, p = 0.017), non-dominant posteromedial (r = -0.490, p = 0.018), and non-dominant posterolateral reach distances (r = -0.462, p = 0.026). No significant correlations were found with other performance parameters (p > 0.05). Given the consistent findings in the non-dominant directions, a non-dominant mean score was calculated as the average of anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral reach distances. Bootstrapped linear regression showed that PFDI-20 significantly predicted non-dominant dynamic balance (β = -0.50, 95% CI [-0.78, -0.18], p = 0.008; R² = 0.25) and dominant posteromedial reach distance (β = -0.55, 95% CI [-0.83, -0.21], p = 0.005; R² = 0.30). Higher pelvic floor dysfunction severity was associated with poorer dynamic balance performance. CONCLUSION: Greater pelvic floor dysfunction severity was associated with poorer dynamic balance performance in female volleyball players. As pelvic floor dysfunction may reflect pelvic floor muscle weakness or impaired neuromuscular function, it may negatively influence lumbopelvic stability and, consequently, dynamic balance performance—particularly in the non-dominant limb. These findings suggest that pelvic floor muscle function may contribute to lower extremity performance in overhead athletes and highlight the potential importance of including pelvic floor assessment in performance evaluations.
Read CV BERİVAN BERİL KILIÇECSS Paris 2023: OP-MH28
INTRODUCTION: Sleep disorder is highly prevalent among postmenopausal women with hypertension. Long-term exposure to sleep disorder can exacerbate the risk of cardiovascular disease. Improving sleep quality in postmenopausal women with hypertension can not only enhance their quality of life but also serve as a preventive measure against cardiovascular disease. This paper probes into to the effect of fitness walking as an exercise intervention on sleep disorder in postmenopausal women with hypertension and sleep disorder, to provide a non-pharmacological health management strategy for this specific population, improve their quality of life and reduce risk of cardiovascular disease. METHODS: After recruitment and screening, forty-two postmenopausal women (57.2±2.9yrs) with hypertension and sleep disorder (without training experience) participated in the study that was approved by IRB at Beijing Sport University. They were randomly divided into the control group and exercise intervention group. The cardiorespiratory fitness was evaluated through cardiopulmonary exercise test, then formulated exercise intervention plan. The exercise group carried out 60min of fitness walking intervention, with an intensity of 40% to 69% heart rate reserve, 3 to 4 times per week, total twelve weeks. The control group maintained their usual lifestyle. Morphological, blood, heart rate variability, sleep quality and cerebrovascular function indicators were determined for all participants before and after the intervention. RESULTS: 1) After intervention, participants in exercise group had significant decreases in blood pressure, score of sleep quality and total score of PSQI(0.48, 2.59, P<0.01), and significant reductions in daytime dysfunction, sleep latency, and total sleep time(0.59, 0.70, 0.36, P<0.05) compared to before intervention. The exercise group also demonstrated significantly decreased level of hs-CRP(0.47mg/mL, P<0.05), IL-6(0.96pg/mL), RVA-Vm and RVA-RI(14.3cm/s, 0.09cm/s, P<0.01). 2) Compared with control group, the exercise group had significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure, significant decreases in daytime dysfunction, sleep latency, sleep medication use, total PSQI score, RVA-RI and LF/HF, significant increase in RVA-Vm(P<0.05), and a very significant decrease in IL-6 level after intervention(P<0.01). 3) Exercise intervention could significantly negatively predict LF/HF(P<0.05) and total PSQI score(P<0.01). And LF/HF had significant predictive effect on total PSQI score(P<0.01). CONCLUSION: A 12-week fitness walking intervention significantly improved sleep quality in postmenopausal women with hypertension and sleep disorder, and had a positive impact on blood pressure control, cerebrovascular function, autonomic nervous system balance, and level of inflammatory factor. It was suggested that fitness walking as a non-pharmacological treatment for sleep disorder in postmenopausal women with hypertension can help improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Read CV Peizhen ZhangECSS Paris 2023: OP-MH28
INTRODUCTION: The relative contribution of biological maturation and body composition to performance in youth female soccer remains uncertain. This study compared skeletal maturity, DXA-derived body composition and physical performance across coach-assigned ranking groups in 12-year-old female players within a community-club system. METHODS: Eighty-eight players (11.9 ± 0.3 years) completed bone age (BA) assessment from hand–wrist radiographs, DXA body composition testing and field-based measures including countermovement jump (CMJ), Illinois change-of-direction test with ball (ICODT-BALL), 40 m sprint and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (IR1). Correlations were examined between body composition and performance. Additionally, players were classified into three coach ranking groups. Between-group differences were analysed using one-way ANOVA with η² effect sizes and Holm-adjusted post-hoc comparisons. RESULTS: BA did not differ significantly between ranking groups (p = 0.590). Players in Rank 1 showed lower body fat percentage (p = 0.015). Clear performance differences were observed: Rank 1 demonstrated higher CMJ height (p < 0.001), faster ICODT-BALL times (p < 0.001) and faster 40 m sprint performance (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found for IR1 (p = 0.360). Bone age demonstrated only small correlation with sprint performance (r = −0.25). CONCLUSION: Coach ranking at age 12 primarily reflects speed, change-of-direction ability and jumping performance rather than BA. Body composition influences performance indirectly, suggesting that early ranking reflects current functional capacity more than maturity-related advantages.
Read CV Sigurður BenediktssonECSS Paris 2023: OP-MH28