1. Disease severity affects knee range of motion but not strength deficits in knee osteoarthritis : a systematic review and meta-analysisManca Zupančič Opara, Nejc Šarabon, 2026, review article Abstract: Objectives: To compare knee range of motion and muscle strength between individuals with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis and healthy controls, and to assess how Kellgren–Lawrence grade and measurement protocols affect these outcomes.Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified studies comparing knee flexion/extension range of motion or flexor/extensor strength between patients with knee osteoarthritis and controls. Risk of bias was assessed with Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Pooled mean and standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using random-effects meta-analyses.Results: Thirty studies were included. Compared with healthy controls, individuals with knee osteoarthritis showed significantly reduced knee flexion [MD = 16.30°, 95%CI (11.40, 21.21)] and extension [MD = 4.25°, 95%CI (2.30, 6.19)], with greater flexion loss in advanced KL grades. Knee osteoarthritis participants also demonstrated significantly lower strength across all contraction types: isometric [extensors: SMD = 0.86, 95%CI (0.57, 1.14); flexors: SMD = 0.52, 95%CI (0.30, 0.74)], concentric [extensors: SMD = 1.07, 95%CI (0.65, 1.50); flexors: SMD = 0.77, 95%CI (0.43, 1.12)], and eccentric extensor strength. Strength deficits were consistent across Kellgren–Lawrence grades, knee joint angles, and angular velocities during testing.Conclusions: Individuals with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis present with marked reductions in knee range of motion and strength. While range of motion impairments worsen with disease severity, strength deficits are stable across Kellgren–Lawrence grades and measurement protocols. Given the very low to low certainty of evidence, results should be interpreted with caution. 1 Introduction
Keywords: osteoarthritis, knee, arthritis, risk factors, rehabilitation
Published in RUP: 18.02.2026; Views: 42; Downloads: 0
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3. Rate of torque development scaling factor decreased following a 6-week unilateral isometric training using electrostimulation or voluntary contractionsOlivera Knežević Milović, Nejc Šarabon, Amador García Ramos, Nikola Majstorović, Sladjan D. Milanović, Saša R. Filipović, Dragan Mirkov, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: This study explored the changes in the rate of torque development scaling factor (RTD-SF) and maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) variables following six weeks of unilateral isometric electromyostimulation (EMS) and voluntary (VOL) exercises. Twenty-six physically active participants were randomly assigned to EMS (n = 13) or a VOL group. MVC and RTD-SF of the quadriceps femoris of both legs were assessed before and after training. EMS and VOL exercises had identical frequency (three sessions/week), intensity (60% MVC), volume (40 contractions), and work-to-rest ratio (18 min: 6.25 s of work/20 s of rest). There were no between-group differences for the trained leg with overall increases in maximal torque (Tmax) of ~29% (d = 2.11–2.12), ~13% for RTDmax (d = 0.92–1.10); ~23% for Intercept (d = 0.72–0.78), and reduction in RTD-SF by ~15% (d = 1.01–1.10). In the non-trained leg, significant moderate change was only observed after EMS for RTD-SF which decreased by 12.5% (d = 0.76)
Keywords: quadriceps, strength, RTD-SF, RFD-SF, EMS
Published in RUP: 14.01.2026; Views: 209; Downloads: 0
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4. Vibration perception threshold as a method for detecting diabetic peripheral neuropathy : a systematic review of measurement characteristicsDanijela Ribič, Nejc Šarabon, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), leading to sensory loss, balance disturbances, and an increased risk of ulcers and amputations. Early screening is crucial, and devices for measuring vibration perception threshold (VPT) play an important role in the timely detection and management of this condition. Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and reliability of VPT measurement devices in individuals with DM. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in four databases, including studies that assessed the diagnostic accuracy and reliability of VPT measurement devices in patients with type 1 or type 2 DM, with VPT compared against reference standards for DPN, including nerve conduction studies (NCS) and clinical diagnosis. Cross-sectional and case–control studies were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Appraisal of Reliability (QAREL) tool and the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies. Results: Eighteen studies were analyzed. Most studies demonstrated moderate sensitivity and specificity and an acceptable level of reliability, with results varying according to technical and methodological factors. Conclusions: VPT measurement devices appear to be useful screening tools for detecting DPN; however, their diagnostic accuracy and reliability are not uniform and largely depend on technical and methodological factors. Standardized threshold values and measurement procedures, along with further research comparing the effectiveness of different protocols, are needed to improve clinical utility.
Keywords: vibration perception threshold, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, screening test, quantitative sensory testing, diagnostic validity
Published in RUP: 14.01.2026; Views: 223; Downloads: 0
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5. Effects of different lifting strategies during resistance training on lower body function in untrained adult women : a comparison between 6-weeks of 10% velocity loss and standard resistance trainingMatic Sašek, Hana Golob, Nejc Šarabon, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Introduction: This study investigated whether velocity-based resistance training provides additional benefits to lower limb performance compared to standard exercise execution. Methods: Twenty untrained adult women (37–55 years) were randomly assigned to two resistance training groups to perform resistance training with three sets of four lower body exercises per week for 6 weeks. The number of repetitions and lifting velocity differed between the groups. One group performed lower body exercises with maximal intent and a 10% velocity loss threshold termination (VB10%; n = 10), while the other group performed 10 repetitions at a standard 1:2 s concentric:eccentric tempo (STD; n = 10). The number of repetitions was recorded during the sessions. Before and after the intervention, power, muscular endurance and dynamic stability of the lower limbs were assessed using the mean propulsive velocity (MPV) and power (MPP) at 70% one-repetition maximum in the squat and deadlift, the Y-balance test (YBT) and the 30-second sit-to-stand test (STS), respectively. A two-way analysis of variance was used to assess the effects of time, group, and their interaction. Results: The difference between 10 repetitions in the STD and repetitions in the VB10% was assessed using a one-sample t-test. Both groups significantly improved MPP, MPV, YBT and STS [mean difference (MD) ≥5.4%; effect size (ES) ≥0.6]. Although 2.5–2.7 less repetitions were performed in VB10%, the improvements in MPP and MPV were slightly greater (ES ≥ 1.2 vs. ≥ 0.8). Conversely, STS and YBT improved more in STD (ES ≥ 0.4 vs. ≥ 1.0). Discussion: Regardless of the lifting method used, the training intervention improved lower limb power, muscular endurance and dynamic stability, indicating that resistance training is an effective strategy for enhancing these capacities in untrained adult women. Using 10% threshold may be a more time-efficient strategy for improving lower-limb power in this population and could represent a promising approach for mitigating early declines in power over time.
Keywords: adult women, dynapenia, muscle performance, power, powerpenia, resistance training, strength, velocity loss
Published in RUP: 14.01.2026; Views: 271; Downloads: 4
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8. Within-session reliability and comparison in resisted sprint performance with the 1080 Sprint between belt and harness attachment pointsMatic Sašek, Nicola Reiner Volk, Nejc Šarabon, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The application of resistance over the shoulder or hips during resisted sprints could influence performance outcomes but has not been thoroughly investigated. This study examined the within-session reliability of sprint performance measures and compared the outcomes of 1080 Sprint device between belt (hips) and harness (shoulders) attachment. Twelve student-athletes completed three 20 m sprints with resistance equivalent to 25% of body mass (14.0 to 24.7 kg). Sprint split times (5 m, 10 m, 15 m, 20 m), peak velocity, and distance at peak velocity were recorded with 1080 Sprint. Within-session reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC3.1) and coefficients of variation (CV), while differences in performance were analysed using paired t-tests and effect sizes (ES). Reliability was excellent for all variables (ICC3.1≥ 0.93; CV ≤ 3.08 %) except distance at peak velocity, which showed poor reliability (ICC3.1≥ 0.32; CV ≥ 17.2 %). Sprint times and peak velocity were faster with the belt attachment (ES ≥ 0.93), while peak velocity was reached earlier with the harness attachment (ES = 0.65). Both attachment points provided reliable measurements, but the belt consistently resulted in faster 20 m sprint performance. Coaches and practitioners should consider these differences when assessing resisted sprint performance or prescribing training to ensure consistent and individualized loading strategies
Keywords: resisted sprint, resistance, sprint performance, speed assessment
Published in RUP: 30.12.2025; Views: 268; Downloads: 0
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9. Joint torque and electromyographic activity during eccentric exercise for hip adductors at different hip flexion anglesJan Marušič, Oskar Cvjetičanin, Nejc Šarabon, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Our objective was to investigate the effects of three hip flexion angles (0°, 45°, and 90°) and leg dominance on peak joint torque, angle at peak torque, and peak electromyographic activity (EMGA) of the adductor longus during bilateral eccentric hip adduction. Sixteen recreationally active participants completed bilateral eccentric contractions at each hip flexion angle using a custom-built dynamometer. The primary outcome measures were peak adduction torque, angle at peak torque, and EMGA of the adductor longus. A 3×2 repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess the effects of hip angle and leg dominance. Hip flexion angle had a significant main effect on peak torque (F(2, 30) = 15.75, p<0.01), with peak torque significantly lower at 90° compared to 0° and 45°. No significant effects were observed for leg dominance or interaction. No significant main effects of hip flexion angle, leg dominance, or their interaction were observed on peak EMGA or peak torque angle. Eccentric hip adduction strength is reduced at 90° of flexion, likely due to mechanical disadvantage, while neural activation remains unchanged. These findings support the use of less flexed positions in eccentric training protocols for adductor strength development or injury prevention.
Keywords: adductor longus, eccentric training, injury prevention, strength
Published in RUP: 19.11.2025; Views: 400; Downloads: 9
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