European Journal for Sport Sciences Technology

Effects of Integrated Neuromuscular Training on Speed and Power in Male High School Soccer Players in Shandong, China

2026-07-02T09:16:42+00:00

This study examined the effects of integrative neuromuscular training (INT) on sprint speed and explosive power in high school male soccer players. A total of 20 participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (EG, n=10), which received an INT program, or the control group (CG, n=10), which followed regular physical fitness training. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included the 20-meter sprint and standing long jump tests. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were used to analyze group-by-time interactions. Results showed that both groups significantly improved their sprint speed over time (EG: p=0.047; CG: p=0.042), with no significant differences in explosive power between groups (p>0.05). These findings suggest that while INT may enhance sprint performance, its short-term effect on explosive power appears limited. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer intervention periods is recommended.

Efficacy of an 8-Week Structured Exercise Program on Pulmonary Function and Functional Capacity in Patients with Moderate COPD: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2026-07-02T09:56:19+00:00

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) imposes a significant burden on functional capacity and quality of life. While pulmonary rehabilitation is a cornerstone of management, the efficacy of standardized, supervised exercise programs for moderate-stage COPD warrants further robust investigation.

Objective: This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of an 8-week supervised exercise program on pulmonary function and respiratory efficiency in patients with moderate-stage COPD.

Methods: Twenty-six patients (age 40-75 years; smoking history ≥10 pack-years) with moderate (GOLD Stage II) COPD were randomized to an intervention group (n=13) that underwent a bi-weekly, 60-minute regimen of respiratory muscle training and aerobic conditioning, or a control group (n=13) that received standard medical care alone. Primary outcomes were Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV₁), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), the FEV₁/FVC ratio, and respiratory rate.

Results: Post-intervention analysis revealed statistically significant between-group improvements. The intervention group demonstrated a 26.32% reduction in respiratory rate (p<0.025), a 12.02% increase in FEV₁ (p<0.025), and a 36.24% increase in FVC (p<0.025). The FEV₁/FVC ratio did not change significantly.

Conclusion: In presented work, the structured exercise intervention constitutes a potent, non-pharmacological strategy for improving pulmonary function in moderate COPD. These findings underscore the imperative to integrate tailored physical rehabilitation into standard clinical management protocols to optimize functional outcomes.

Sports Life Skills Among Professional Soccer Players in Palestine

2026-07-05T10:24:04+00:00

Background: Understanding how competitive sport fosters transferable life skills is essential for advancing athlete development frameworks. Despite growing international interest, evidence from professional soccer contexts remains limited, particularly within underrepresented regions.

Objectives: This study examined the level of sport-derived life skills among professional soccer players competing in Palestine and explored differences according to type of professionalism and players playing position variables.

Method: A descriptive-analytical research design was adopted. Data was collected using the Sports Life Skills Scale, which consists of 41 items distributed across eight domains: teamwork, goal setting, time management, emotional skills, interpersonal communication, social skills, leadership, and problem-solving and decision-making. The study included a sample of 257 soccer players from both the full-professional and semi-professional categories. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling, representing approximately 40% of the total number of players. After data collection, statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software (version 31). The analysis included descriptive statistics and relative weights, as well as inferential procedures such as independent samples t-tests and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). To analyze the differences between groups in greater depth, effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's coefficient (d) and eta-squared (η²), and post-hoc least significant difference (LSD) tests were applied where appropriate.

Results: The results revealed that professional soccer players in Palestine possess a very high level of sports-life skills. Statistically significant differences were observed according to professional type, in favor of full-professional players compared with semi-professional players. Furthermore, players’ playing position was found to be a significant factor, with outfield players scoring higher in sports-life skills than goalkeepers. These findings support the conceptualization of professional sport as a powerful developmental environment extending beyond physical performance

Conclusions: Integrating structured skills-building opportunities into sports environments provides an effective pathway to fostering holistic personal development, equipping athletes with competencies that enhance on-field performance and support broader personal and social growth