Peer Review #2 of "Effects of motor imagery training on skeletal muscle contractile properties in sports science students (v0.2)"

Peer Review #3 of "Effects of motor imagery training on skeletal muscle contractile properties in sports science students (v0.2)"

Background Studies on motor imagery (MI) practice based on different designs and training protocols have reported changes in maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) strength. However, to date, there is a lack of information on the effects of MI training on contractile properties of the trained muscle. Methods Forty-five physically active sport science students (21 female) were investigated who trained three times per week over a 4-week period in one of three groups: An MI group conducted MI practice of maximal isometric contraction of the biceps brachii; a physical exercise (PE) group physically practiced maximal isometric contractions of the biceps brachii in a biceps curling machine; and a visual imagery (VI) group performed VI training of a landscape. A MVC test of the arm flexors was performed in a biceps curling machine before and after 4 weeks of training. The muscular properties of the biceps brachii were also tested with tensiomyography measurements (TMG). Results Results showed an interaction effect between time and group for MVC (p = 0.027, η2 = 0.17), with a higher MVC value in the PE group (Δ5.9%) compared to the VI group (Δ −1.3%) (p = 0.013). MVC did not change significantly in the MI group (Δ2.1%). Analysis of muscle contractility via TMG did not show any interaction effects neither for maximal radial displacement (p = 0.394, η2 = 0.05), delay time (p = 0.79, η2 = 0.01) nor contraction velocity (p = 0.71, η2 = 0.02). Conclusion In spite of MVC-related changes in the PE group due to the interventions, TMG measurements were not sensitive enough to detect concomitant neuronal changes related to contractile properties.

Effects of motor imagery training on skeletal muscle contractile properties in sports science students

Peer Review #1 of "Effects of motor imagery training on skeletal muscle contractile properties in sports science students (v0.1)"

Peer Review #3 of "Effects of motor imagery training on skeletal muscle contractile properties in sports science students (v0.1)"

The aim was to investigate the impact of a specific structured movement activities (SMA) program compared to free play activity (FRP) on the strength, speed, agility, coordination, and balance of motor fitness (MF) in 6-year-old boys and girls. A total of 53 children (24 boys, 29 girls) were randomly allocated to either the SMA group or the FRP group. Both group activities were administered three times a week over a 6-month period. MF variables were assessed before (pre-) and after (post-) using tests: the flamingo balance (FLA), the standing long jump (SLJ), plate tapping (PTT), the obstacle course backwards (OCB), and the shuttle run 4 × 5 m (SRT). At the post-test, the SMA program resulted in significant (p < 0.05) improvements in OCB, PTT, SLJ, and SRT tasks. For FRP, a noteworthy improvement was observed only in OCB (ES = 0.45, p < 0.05). An ANCOVA revealed a significant group × time interaction (F = 21.71–52.41, η2 = 0.258–0.512, p < 0.01) for OCB, PTT, and SRT, favoring SMA over FRP. The present findings suggest that SMA may be more effective than FRP when aiming to develop motor coordination, agility, and speed of movement in children.

Effects of Structured Physical Activity on Motor Fitness in Preschool Children

The aim of the study was to determine the mutual contribution of morphological characteristics (body height and body mass) and selected motor skills (flexibility, agility, repetitive and explosive strength) to the changes that followed karate training. Karate training for two years was used to induce changes in characteristics and abilities. The research had a longitudinal design in which fourteen karate fighters (M = 7; F = 7) took part. The first measurement was carried out in September 2016 (BW = 159.11 ± 15.19; BW = 54.39 ± 15.53; age = 12.79 ± 2.72), while the second was carried out in September 2018 (BW = 165.2 ± 10.11; BW = 58.80 ± 15.42; year = 14.79 ± 2.72). The measured variables were: body height (TV), body mass (TM), sit and reach (SID), splits (ŠPG), running 4x10m (4x10m), running 4x8m (4x8m), lifting the trunk for 30 seconds (DT30sek), mixed pull-ups (MZG), squats (ČUČ), standing long jump (SUD) and standing triple jump (TRM), from which pre- to post- percentage changes were calculated (D). Pirson correlation was used to determine associations between D variables. Significant correlations were found between DTV and DŠPG (r = 0.794; p = 0.019), DTM and DŠPG (r = 0.776; p = 0.002), DSID and D4x8m (r = -0.628; p = 0.022), DŠPG and DTRM (r = 0.657; p = 0.015), DDT30sek and DMZG (r = 0.791; p = 0.002), DDT30sedž and DTRM (r = 0.535; p = 0.049), DSUD and DTRM (r = 0.581; p = 0.029). The results of this study can help in understanding the development of karate athletes through karate training.

Adaptations in relationship between morphological characteristics and selected motor skills at karatekas

Karate is a martial sport that belongs to the polystructural activities of the acyclic type, the goal of which is the symbolic destruction of the partner, and as such it has experienced great popularity and today it is practiced by millions of people around the world. Anthropological characteristics and abilities are of great importance for success in the sport of karate, but the leading role is played by the motor skills of karate players. Accordingly, the aim of the research is to present the overall impact of the transitional and preparatory period on certain motor skills of karate fighters. The sample of respondents consisted of 12 (7 f, 5 m) karate competitors, chronologically aged 11 and 12 years. The sample of measuring instruments consisted of nine variables for the assessment of motor skills and three independent variables indicating testing in three periods. The data obtained in the conducted research were processed by descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and after the obtained effects by means of one-way repeated-measures ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc analysis was applied. All statistical analyzes were performed within the statistical package IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 20). The research came to the conclusion that from the beginning of the transitional period to the beginning of the preparatory period there is a decline in selected motor skills, while from the beginning to the end of the preparatory period there is a positive effect and the return of the motor skills of the competitors as at the beginning of the transitional period.

The influence of the transitional and preparatory period on selected motor skills of karate competitors

This study aimed to explore the relationships between shot velocity, isometric handgrip strength, flexibility, and goal-scoring performance in goalball athletes under real competitive conditions. The sample included male players (n = 15; age range: 19-44 years) who participated in the International Men's Goalball Tournament "Vytautas the Great LIONS Club Cup" in Vilnius, Lithuania (May 24-26, 2019). Shot velocity was recorded live during matches using a RADAR1 device across three throwing types (low, medium, and thigh-high). Isometric grip strength was assessed using a Lafayette 78010 hand dynamometer, and flexibility was evaluated with the Sit-and-Reach test. Goal-scoring data were extracted from official match statistics. The results showed moderate, but statistically non-significant, positive correlations between shot velocity and goal-scoring performance across all throw types (r = 0.33-0.36), suggesting a potential trend where faster throws may be associated with increased offensive effectiveness. In contrast, isometric grip strength and flexibility demonstrated weak or negligible correlations with both shot speed and scoring, indicating limited predictive value for these isolated physical metrics. These findings suggest that technical execution and perceptual-motor coordination may play a more critical role in goalball offense than raw muscular strength or static flexibility. Coaches should prioritize integrated training approaches that develop throwing mechanics, decision-making under auditory cues, and functional mobility. Future research with larger and more diverse samples is recommended to further investigate the biomechanical and perceptual contributors to scoring performance in goalball.

Exploring the relationship between shot velocity and goal-scoring performance in competitive goalball

Enhancing Physical Fitness in Primary School Children Through Inclusive Sports Activities

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