Advances in Health and Exercise

Comparative study of the effects of lumbo-pelvic exercises and yoga on menstrual low back pain among female university students with primary dysmenorrhea

K. Kholashoturrubah — 2026-01-10

Background: Menstrual low back pain is a common complaint experienced by women during menstruation, often associated with dysmenorrhea. Non-pharmacological interventions such as exercise are recommended to reduce pain. Lumbo-pelvic exercises and yoga are both known to be effective, but their comparative effectiveness remains unclear. Objective: To compare the effects of lumbo-pelvic exercises and yoga on menstrual low back pain among female university students with primary dysmenorrhea. Methods: This non-randomized experimental study employed a two-group pretest–posttest design involving 20 female university students with primary dysmenorrhea. Participants were divided into Lumbo-Pelvic Exercise (n=10) and Yoga (n=10) groups through purposive sampling. Interventions were given for six weeks, five sessions per week. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Data were analyzed using the Shapiro–Wilk test, Levene’s test, paired t-test, and Welch’s t-test. Results: Mean VAS scores decreased from 7.29 ± 0.68 to 3.53 ± 0.81 in the Lumbo-Pelvic Exercise group and from 7.39 ± 0.51 to 4.30 ± 0.66 in the Yoga group. Both interventions significantly reduced pain (p<0.05), with a greater reduction observed in the Lumbo-Pelvic Exercise group (p=0.025; Cohen’s d=1.19). Conclusion: Both exercises effectively reduced menstrual low back pain, but lumbo-pelvic exercises demonstrated superior short-term effects. These findings suggest that targeted core and pelvic stabilization exercises may be prioritized in managing menstrual low back pain. However, due to the small sample size and short intervention duration, further studies with randomized designs and larger samples are warranted.

Effects of playing surface on physiological, technical, and mood parameters in 5v5 small-sided soccer games in youth players

Galip Torbalı — 2026-01-18

Aim: This study aimed to compare the psychophysiological, kinematic, and technical responses of young soccer players during 5v5 small-sided games (SSGs) performed on artificial turf and natural grass surfaces. Method: Twenty male soccer players (age: 12.2 ± 0.41 years) participated in two experimental sessions conducted under standardized environmental conditions (29 °C, 40% humidity). Each player completed four 5-minute SSG bouts with 2-minute recovery intervals on both surface types, separated by 48 hours of rest. Total distance, mean heart rate (HR_mean), peak heart rate (HR_peak), percentage of maximum heart rate (%HR_max), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and physical enjoyment scale (PES) as well as technical actions and mood responses (Brunel Mood Scale; BRUMS) were recorded. Paired-sample t-tests were applied, and significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: No significant differences were observed between surfaces in HR_mean, HR_peak, %HR_max, RPE, PES, or total distance covered (p > 0.05). However, players performed significantly more successful passes, successful shots, interceptions, and ball losses on artificial turf than on natural grass (p < 0.05). Mood responses were largely independent of surface type, although minor effects were noted, including tension and vigour (p > 0.05). Conclusion: While the psychophysiological load of 5v5 SSGs was similar on both surfaces, technical performance was superior on artificial turf. These findings suggest that surface type has a greater impact on technical execution than on physiological or psychological responses during SSGs in young soccer players.

The effect of non-contact boxing training on physical performance in sedentary women

İsmail Balta — 2026-01-29

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of non-contact boxing training, applied two days a week for eight weeks, on certain physical parameters in sedentary women. Method: Nineteen healthy female volunteers participated in the study. Participants were assigned to either an experimental group (n = 10) or a control group (n = 9) using a stratified randomization procedure. Anthropometric measurements of the participants (height, body weight, body fat percentage, body mass index and muscle mass) were recorded. Modified 30-second push-up, 30-second sit-up, 30-second squat, agility, simple visual reaction time, and handgrip strength tests were administered to the participants both prior to and following the training period. Results: Within-group (pre-test–post-test) comparisons showed significant improvements in handgrip strength, 30-second push-up, 30-second sit-up, 30-second squat, and agility in the experimental group, whereas the control group showed a significant increase only in the 30-second squat. No significant between-group differences were observed at baseline; however, post-test comparisons demonstrated significant differences in muscle mass and agility in favor of the experimental group. Conclusion: The results suggest that non-contact boxing training performed twice per week for eight weeks is an effective method for enhancing physical performance indicators in sedentary women.

Physical activity behaviour and use of assistive mobility devices as predictors of health-related quality of life among Kenyan learners with physical disabilities

Daniel Njenga — 2026-03-14

Aim: Physical activity (PA) is essential for the health and well-being of children and youth with physical disabilities. However, many Kenyan learners with disabilities may not be meeting recommended PA guidelines, potentially compromising their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study assessed PA behavior, HRQoL, and use of assistive mobility devices (AMDs). Further, it analysed the relationship and the influence of PA and use of AMDs on the HRQoL of Kenyan secondary school learners with physical disabilities. Method: Using a quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design, data were collected from 650 learners across seven special secondary schools. PA behavior, HRQoL, and AMD satisfaction were measured using validated instruments: the Youth Activity Profile (YAP), Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™), and the Assistive Device User Satisfaction tool. Results: Results showed that 43.9% of learners used an AMD, with wheelchairs being the most common. PA frequency was higher during out-of-school sessions (mean 2.96, SD 0.046) compared to school-time (mean 2.60, SD 0.043), and learners participated more in PA than sedentary behaviors. A moderately high HRQoL score was reported and positively correlated with school-based PA frequency (rs = 0.211, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings indicate that increased participation in school-based PA and appropriate use of AMDs are associated with improved HRQoL among learners with physical disabilities, underscoring the potential of schools as key venues for promoting health and wellness in this population. The results have implications on the design of school-based PA and the need for policy infrastrucure which can ensure that learners access appropriate AMDs in order to promote HRQoL.

Effects of an 8-week mat Pilates intervention on trunk strength and core endurance in pre-pubertal male soccer players: A randomized controlled trial

Hüseyin Topçu — 2026-03-15

Aim: This study investigated the effects of an 8-week Mat Pilates intervention, performed in addition to regular soccer training, on trunk strength, muscular endurance, and core stability in pre-pubertal male soccer players. Method: Forty boys aged 11–13 years were randomly assigned to a Pilates group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20). Both groups continued their standard soccer training three times per week, while the Pilates group additionally completed supervised Mat Pilates sessions twice weekly for eight weeks. Maximal isometric back and leg strength was assessed using dynamometry, dynamic abdominal endurance via a sit-up test, and static core stability using the prone plank test before and after the intervention. Results: Data were analyzed using a 2 × 2 mixed-model ANOVA with Bonferroni-adjusted post-hoc analyses. A significant Group × Time interaction was observed for isometric strength (p = .018, ηp² = 0.184), with the Pilates group demonstrating a significant increase from pre- to post-test, whereas no meaningful change occurred in the control group. For abdominal endurance, a significant main effect of time was found (p < .001), indicating improvements in both groups, but no interaction effect was detected. Conclusion: Static core stability showed a positive trend in the Pilates group; however, the interaction did not reach statistical significance.

Investigating the effect of regular training participation on self-efficacy and perceived success in male basketball players aged 11-15

Özgür Hamamioğlu — 2026-03-27

Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of regular basketball training participation on the self-efficacy and perceived success of male basketball players aged 11-15 years. Method: The research was conducted using a pre-test-post-test control group experimental design. The study group consisted of a total of 109 male athletes: an experimental group (n=53) that participated in regular basketball training and a control group (n=56) that did not systematically participate in sporting activities. The Self-Efficacy Scale and the Perception of Success in Sport Questionnaire were used as data collection tools. A mixed-method analysis of variance, including group (experimental-control) and time (pre-test-post-test) factors, was applied to the data, and effect sizes were reported. Results: The findings revealed that the self-efficacy scores of the athletes in the experimental group increased significantly in the post-test, whereas their perceived success scores decreased significantly (p<.05). In the control group, no significant change was found in either variable (p>.05). Effect size analyses showed that the group variable had a small effect on self-efficacy, whereas the time variable, especially the group × time interaction, had moderate-to-high effects. Conclusion: The results indicate that regular training practices have multidimensional, not unidirectional, effects on the psychological structures of young athletes. The increase in self-efficacy suggests that the training process strengthens beliefs about competence, whereas the decrease in perceived success can be explained not by a motivational decline but rather, by increased performance awareness and the restructuring of success measures in early adolescence. These findings highlight the importance of a developmental and contextual approach in assessing the psychological development of young athletes.

Effectiveness of ultrasound, IASTM, hold-relax, and active exercise in managing De Quervain tenosynovitis: A case report from Wonosari Hospital

Meila Nurlita Maulida Putri — 2026-03-14

Background: De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (DQT) is an inflammatory condition of the wrist tendon sheath that causes pain and functional limitation. Aim: To describe the clinical outcomes of a combined physiotherapy intervention consisting of Ultrasound, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), Hold–Relax technique, and Active Exercise in a case of DQT. Methods: This study was a retrospective documentation review designed as a single-case report. Pain, edema, muscle strength, range of motion (ROM), and functional ability were evaluated across six treatment sessions. Results: Clinically meaningful improvements were observed in pain reduction, edema reduction, increased wrist and thumb ROM, improved muscle strength, and reduced functional disability. Conclusion: The multimodal physiotherapy intervention showed positive improvements in this case of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. However, findings from a single case should be interpreted with caution.