The research team, led by Ethan J. Grimmond of the University of New South Wales alongside colleagues from the club and the university’s School of Mathematics and Statistics, set out to answer a question that has long nagged sports scientists: do the neuromuscular assessments practitioners administer every day actually capture changes in muscle function that meaningfully alter subsequent physical output? The countermovement jump has long been the default measure of whole-body neuromuscular fatigue in team sports, but it has a known blind spot. Because jump performance relies on coordinated contribution from many muscle groups, fatigue isolated in one muscle can be masked by compensatory strategies elsewhere. Targeted isometric tests of individual muscle groups, by contrast, can expose fatigue that a global jump test would never detect.

The researchers focused on two assessments with particular relevance to Australian Rules football, a collision-heavy invasion sport with a high prevalence of hamstring and groin injuries. The first, labeled KNEEFLEX, measured isometric knee flexor strength using a NordBord dynamometer, with players in a kneeling plank position at 30 degrees of knee flexion, pulling their heels as hard as possible against the hook apparatus. This position was chosen deliberately because the lengthened hamstring and the hip and knee angles approximate the running gait during the foot-strike phase. The second, HIPADD, assessed long-lever isometric hip adductor strength on a ForceFrame, with players lying supine and squeezing their medial malleoli against force transducers. Before each test, players completed warm-up contractions at roughly 40, 60 and 80 percent of perceived maximum effort, followed by a set of three maximal three-to-five-second contractions, with the highest total force value retained for analysis.

Strength testing took place in the penultimate hour before each of three weekly on-field sessions across the 2023/2024 preseason, generating 746 individual player-session observations across 22 training days. On the training track, physical output was captured using Vector S7 global navigation satellite system devices with integrated triaxial accelerometers, each player wearing the same individually assigned unit throughout to minimize inter-device variability. The satellite units quantified running distances and intensities across absolute and relative velocity bands, while inertial movement analysis algorithms derived change-of-direction effort counts in both the mediolateral and anteroposterior planes at low, medium and high magnitude thresholds. The researchers then built linear mixed models that related each player’s percentage change in strength from his rolling seasonal average to subsequent training outputs, while statistically accounting for session, week, playing position and individual player identity.

The headline result concerned the knee flexors. Changes in pretraining knee flexor strength from baseline were significantly associated with subsequent running intensity measured in meters per minute at velocities exceeding 70 percent of each player’s relative maximum velocity. Notably, this was the only running variable that showed a significant association: neither absolute high-speed running thresholds nor very high-speed or sprint distances, nor acceleration and deceleration counts, tracked with pretraining hamstring strength. The authors had hypothesized that the strongest associations would appear at the very highest intensities, given that hamstring activation increases in proportion to running velocity, but the data told a different story. Average running intensity at velocities above 25.2 kilometers per hour was a mere 0.79 meters per minute, and above 80 percent relative maximum velocity just 0.46 meters per minute, so scores clustered near zero left little variance for fatigue to explain at those extremes.

The second major finding concerned the hip adductors, and it came with a number attached. Declines in pretraining hip adduction strength were significantly associated with subsequent change-of-direction outputs at low and medium magnitude thresholds, but not at high magnitudes. The summated variables told an even stronger story, with the greatest association observed for combined low-to-medium efforts per minute. Translated into practical terms, decreases of 10, 15 and 20 percent in pretraining hip adductor strength corresponded to estimated reductions of roughly 2.49, 3.76 and 5.04 percent in change-of-direction efforts per minute, respectively. Such strength decrements were not rare curiosities: the club recorded drops below minus 15 percent on 38 occasions and below minus 20 percent on 20 occasions across the preseason, representing 5.2 and 2.8 percent of all hip adductor measurements.

The absence of associations at the highest thresholds carried its own important message about measurement technology. The manufacturer’s high-magnitude change-of-direction threshold of greater than 3.5 meters per second registered only 0.39 efforts per minute on average, a scarcity the authors argue likely reflects collision-based positional changes rather than the agile, preplanned and reactive cuts that define football movement. Elite soccer studies using lower high-intensity thresholds have found better agreement with video-coded explosive changes of direction, and tackle quantification research in Australian football shows collision-driven movements occur at far greater magnitudes than agility cuts. If the high threshold primarily captures collisions, then the low and medium bands are where agility genuinely lives, and those were precisely the bands most sensitive to adductor fatigue.

The findings also fuel a broader debate about absolute versus relative speed zones in team sport monitoring. Only the relative running threshold, expressed as a percentage of each player’s own maximum velocity, proved sensitive to neuromuscular state, while fixed absolute thresholds did not. This aligns with a growing body of criticism that arbitrary absolute cutoffs overestimate high-velocity running for faster players and underestimate it for slower ones, potentially misinforming decisions about readiness and load. For practitioners, the implication is that individualized velocity bands, paired with localized strength screening, provide a more physiologically faithful picture of the stress each athlete is actually absorbing.

The authors are careful to frame the study as observational, and they acknowledge its limitations. The data came from a single club during a single preseason, adherence to maximal effort in testing cannot be fully guaranteed despite athlete familiarization, and the use of a rolling seasonal average as the baseline means early-season scores may have been skewed by familiarization effects. Yet the practical implications are tangible. A strength drop exceeding 15 percent could serve as a triage flag, prompting medical staff to review a player before training or match play, and the estimated output reductions allow coaches to anticipate whether planned session demands can be tolerated or should be scaled to facilitate recovery. Rather than replacing the countermovement jump, the knee flexor and hip adductor tests appear to measure largely independent qualities, strengthening the case for a diverse neuromuscular battery. As accumulated neuromuscular fatigue is linked to elevated injury risk and degraded performance, a 90-second squeeze and a heel pull may become indispensable tools for deciding, before the first whistle of the day, exactly how hard a footballer’s body is ready to work.

Subject of Research: Pretraining lower-limb isometric strength changes and subsequent physical training outputs in elite Australian Rules football players

Article Title: Examining the Relationship Between Changes in Lower-Limb Isometric Strength and Subsequent Physical Training Outputs in Elite Australian Rules Football Players

Article References: Grimmond, E. J., Stindl, T. J., Engel, A. C., Maros, T. M., Lehane, S., & Borges, N. R. (2026). Examining the Relationship Between Changes in Lower-Limb Isometric Strength and Subsequent Physical Training Outputs in Elite Australian Rules Football Players. Sports Medicine – Open, 12(1), Article 132. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-026-01105-x

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1186/s40798-026-01105-x

Keywords: neuromuscular fatigue, isometric strength, Australian Rules football, player readiness, knee flexor strength, hip adductor strength, change of direction, GNSS tracking, training load monitoring, relative maximum velocity, dynamometry, preseason training

Functional movement tests are designed to assess an athlete’s movement patterns, identification of asymmetries, and potential areas of weakness. The study employs the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), a comprehensive tool used to evaluate fundamental movement patterns. The aim is to reveal how well players can coordinate their body mechanics in response to the demands of the sport. Volleyball, a demanding sport characterized by explosive movements, agility, and dynamic positioning, necessitates that players possess high levels of both strength and coordination.

In the study conducted by Uysal and Baydemir, a selection of female volleyball players was analyzed across various playing positions such as outside hitter, setter, and middle blocker. These athletes underwent functional movement assessments using the FMS method to identify any imbalances or limitations that could potentially hinder their performance. One of the key findings indicated that different positions exhibit diverse patterns of movement, which can lead to varying levels of functional performance.

Asymmetry in movement has long been a topic of concern in sports science. In essence, when one side of the body is not operating with equal strength or mobility compared to the other, the risk of injury escalates. For athletes in positions that require lateral movements—such as setters who frequently jump and pivot—excessive asymmetry could lead to overuse injuries or chronic pain conditions. The functional movement assessments unveil these asymmetries, allowing trainers to develop targeted intervention strategies to mitigate injury risk.

Furthermore, the study examines the relationship between functional movement scores and self-reported injuries among players. It appears that athletes with lower functional movement scores are more prone to injuries, particularly when these scores correlate with asymmetrical movement patterns. For example, players demonstrating decreased mobility in their hips or shoulders may experience increased muscle strain, ultimately impacting their performance during matches.

Utilizing FMS scores provides coaches with invaluable insights into the players’ conditioning. The screening results can shape training programs tailored to individual needs, transforming the approach toward skill development. By addressing movement inefficiencies early, strength and conditioning coaches can implement preventive measures, minimizing injury occurrences and improving overall athlete longevity.

Moreover, understanding asymmetries offers a pathway to enhance competitive performance. For instance, if a middle blocker shows a significant decrease in their power generation on one side, targeted strength programs can be designed to enhance this capability. This is crucial in a sport where vertical leaps can significantly determine match outcomes. When players optimize their physical abilities and fix imbalances, they can reach new performance heights.

The research goes beyond individual assessment. By compiling data from various players across positions, the study paints a broader picture of the trends observed in the female volleyball population. It highlights the need for systematic training protocols that incorporate functional movement principles based on positional demands. Coaches need to understand that one-size-fits-all training regimens may not accurately serve athletes across different positions, as their functional needs diverge due to the specific requirements of their roles on the court.

The application of findings from this study can lead to broader discussions around sport science, particularly how data-driven ratings can inform coaching tactics. In a landscape where performance metrics are continually evolving, the evidence from Uysal and Baydemir’s work suggests that focusing on functional movement can not only enhance performance but also cultivate a culture of injury awareness and wellness among athletes.

As the study emphasizes, the relationship between functional movement and player position provides a foundation for future research in sports science. As volleyball continues to evolve, so too does the need for comprehensive assessments that embrace individual differences in physical capabilities. Sports practitioners are encouraged to adopt FMS in their routines to remain at the forefront of athlete care and development.

As we look forward, these insights compel us to consider the critical role that functional movement plays not only in volleyball but across all sports. By fine-tuning training regimens based on scientific observations, we can foster an environment that prioritizes health and performance, ensuring athletes achieve their fullest potential while minimizing the risk of injury. Continued research, like that undertaken by Uysal and Baydemir, is essential for driving this conversation forward and setting new standards in athletic training.

The ongoing pursuit of understanding functional movements will have far-reaching implications for athlete development. With individual assessments serving as the cornerstone of training strategies, a model emerges where athletes can thrive in their sport while safeguarding their physical well-being. In an age where every millisecond counts, developing a holistic view of athletic performance through functional assessment is not just an option; it has become a necessity.

As the insights from Uysal and Baydemir generate conversation among coaches, trainers, and athletes, one can look forward to a more injury-resistant, high-performing generation of female volleyball players, armed with the knowledge and tools to take their game to the next level. By embracing scientific findings within training practices, we advance towards a future where performance peaks can be reached, and the health of athletes preserved in equal measure.

Through collaborative efforts within the sports community, the findings of this research can pave the way for enhanced methodologies aimed at optimizing performance and promoting longevity in athletics. The integral role of functional movement in shaping a player is immense, and as more practitioners recognize and embrace its value, the potential for improvement in both safety and performance becomes boundless.

Subject of Research: The relationship between functional movement screening and asymmetries in female volleyball players across playing positions.

Article Title: Functional movement screen and asymmetries in female volleyball players across playing positions.

Article References:

Uysal, G.E., Baydemir, B. Functional movement screen and asymmetries in female volleyball players across playing positions.
Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-35725-w

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI:

Keywords: Functional Movement Screening, Asymmetry, Female Volleyball Players, Injury Prevention, Athletic Performance, Position-Specific Training.

Her journey into research was not born from mere academic curiosity; it was fueled by a profound desire to bridge gaps in training methodologies that she observed during her coaching career. While her PhD focused on observational analysis in elite sports, it served as a springboard into a world where data and performance intersect. In an era where competitive pressure is at an all-time high, athletes are constantly seeking marginal improvements in their performance—an endeavor that can benefit significantly from empirical research such as hers.

In her latest study, published in the prestigious journal “Frontiers in Sports and Active Living,” Dr. Casal García engaged in an observational analysis, meticulously examining the stride patterns of female athletes over the past five years. This research revealed that the evolution of these patterns correlates with enhancements in overall performance, suggesting that small adjustments in technique can yield substantial outcomes. Her findings serve to inform coaches and athletes alike, providing them with the knowledge required to enhance training regimens and ultimately improve competitive performance.

As the realm of sports science advances, the integration of biomechanical analysis becomes increasingly vital. Dr. Casal García emphasizes the importance of understanding how various factors—including body mechanics, environmental conditions, and psychological states—impact athletic performance. Her research aims to dissect these variables to offer tailored solutions for athletes, thereby equipping coaches with the tools to create more effective training programs. Consequently, this personalized approach can lead to optimized performance, addressing individual strengths and weaknesses in distinct athletic profiles.

Another critical area of focus in Dr. Casal García’s work is the misconception that data exclusive to Olympic finalists can be universally applied. She argues that while such data is valuable, the unique nature of individual athletes necessitates a more nuanced understanding of training methods. Individual variability plays a crucial role in performance, asserting that tailored training regimens should be prioritized over generalized approaches. This forward-thinking stance not only advocates for a shift in how research is conducted but also highlights the need for practical applications in coaching methodologies.

The technological landscape surrounding sports science is evolving rapidly, with advancements in data collection and analysis allowing for unprecedented insights into athlete performance. Dr. Casal García envisions a future where real-time data—encompassing internal loads, biomechanical feedback, and detailed performance metrics—will reshape training strategies. The implementation of such technology holds the potential to enhance training efficacy and enable athletes to reach previously unattainable heights of performance.

In her interactions with sports coaches, Dr. Casal García has identified a significant gap in accessibility to scientific research. While academia produces a wealth of valuable knowledge, a disconnect often exists between research findings and their practical application in the coaching community. Open science initiatives serve as a remedy to this issue, democratizing access to research and making vital information available to those on the front lines of athletic training. By bridging this divide, open-access research can empower coaches with the insights needed to adapt and refine their training techniques.

Dr. Casal García’s trajectory exemplifies the fusion of academic rigor and practical application, as she continues to explore performance analysis in athletics. Her research team’s commitment to identifying key performance variables across different events aims to unlock optimized training approaches tailored to individual athlete profiles. These ongoing efforts promise to elevate the standards of coaching and enhance athlete performance across various disciplines.

Through her dedication to excellence in sports science, Dr. Casal García is paving the way for future generations of athletes and coaches. Her vision for the future of sports research underscores the potential to revolutionize the way performance is evaluated, understood, and improved. As the field progresses, the influence of such pioneering research will undoubtedly resonate throughout the athletic community, inspiring innovation and a deeper understanding of what it truly means to excel in sports.

In summary, Dr. Nerea Casal García’s research not only addresses immediate concerns related to athletic performance but also sets the stage for a more scientific understanding of training methodologies. By focusing on the intricacies of biomechanics and the importance of personalized training approaches, her work stands to inspire a new wave of research that prioritizes both empirical evidence and practical application. Such efforts are essential for advancing the field of sports science, as they ultimately enhance the performance of athletes worldwide.

In conclusion, the strides being made in the realm of sports science, particularly through the studies conducted by Dr. Nerea Casal García, are an essential aspect of the ongoing dialogue surrounding athletic performance optimization. As she continues to explore these vital areas of research, the implications for future training frameworks and athletic excellence remain profoundly significant.

Subject of Research: People
Article Title: Changes in stride pattern of elite women’s 400 metres hurdles from 2019 to 2022: an analysis by performance level
News Publication Date: 27-Feb-2025
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2025.1515441
References: [Not Provided]
Image Credits: Nerea Casal García

Keywords: sports science, biomechanics, athletic performance, personalized training, coaching methodologies, open science, observational analysis, elite athletes, sports research, performance optimization.