Sports, Performance and Wellbeing: Table of Contents

Analytical model of modular upper limb rehabilitation

Hasanlu, M. — 2026-02-21T00:00:00Z

Sports, Performance and Wellbeing, (in Press).
M. Hasanlu, M. Siavashi, M. Shirvani
This article presents a modular, reconfigurable robotic system for upper-limb rehabilitation that supports customizable therapy of the wrist, elbow, and shoulder – individually or in coordinated multi-joint modes. Unlike fixed-structure devices, the design features adjustable link lengths and a symmetric architecture that accommodates both left and right limbs and a wide range of patient anatomies. The current paper develops complete kinematic and dynamic models that include nonlinear inertial, Coriolis, and gravitational effects and integrates these models with real-time torque- and force-control strategies to achieve precise, safe motion tracking. The modular hardware and control stack facilitate instantaneous reconfiguration of the workspace, impedance, and safety limits to align with patient-specific protocols and progression. This research paper simulates the approach in detailed numerical modeling that demonstrates the robot’s kinematic reachability, dynamic controllability, and the effectiveness of fault-tolerant reconfiguration strategies under representative disturbance scenarios. Finally, the current analyses discuss practical considerations for implementation, friction and contact modeling – and outline how the system can accelerate translation for clinical trials. This work mathematically provides a practical, model-based platform for patient-tailored rehabilitation robotics and a foundation for further research in adaptive control and assistive therapy technologies.

Mining the training load metrics in basketball: a systematic review

Sousa, Ana — 2026-02-21T00:00:00Z

Sports, Performance and Wellbeing, (in Press).
Ana Sousa, Filipe Nogueira, João Barros, Rafael Rocha, João Couto, Luís Melo, Luís Branquinho, Luciano Bernardes Leite, Pedro Rodrigues, Alexandra Malheiro, José Eduardo Teixeira
This systematic review aimed to analyze the internal and external training load metrics used in basketball training and competition. A systematic search following PRISMA guidelines was conducted in the PubMed database from the earliest record to May 2022, and methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. A systematic search of the PubMed database identified 95 records, from which seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Internal load was primarily quantified using peak heart rate (HR) during 3×3 matches (%HRmax, n= 1), HR monitoring (n= 3), training momentum (n= 1), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE, n = 4). External load metrics included changes of direction and peripheral fatigue (n= 1), vertical jumps (n= 2), motion analysis, and GPS tracking (n= 1). The most commonly applied training load measures were RPE, HR-based monitoring, and time-motion analysis. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing workload management in basketball. Coaches can use individualized training approaches considering positional demands, integrate small-sided games to manipulate load, and apply wearable technology for real-time monitoring. Additionally, injury prevention strategies should incorporate acute-to-chronic workload ratios. However, it must be acknowledged that the restricted use of PubMed as the sole database severely limited the comprehensiveness of the review, and therefore the conclusion that only seven studies exist should be interpreted with caution. Further research is needed on female and youth players to enhance evidence-based monitoring strategies across different populations.

Exercise as a strategy to mitigate treatment-related toxicity in colon cancer: a narrative review

Peixoto, Rafael — 2026-02-21T00:00:00Z

Sports, Performance and Wellbeing, (in Press).
Rafael Peixoto, Cristiana Freire, Inês Teixeira, Matilde Adegas, Rafael Gomes, Ricardo Rabaçal, Sara Silva, Alexandra Malheiro, Tiago Rafael Moreira
Colon cancer remains a major contributor to global cancer incidence and mortality. Standard treatments, including surgery, fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy, and targeted biological agents are frequently accompanied by substantial toxicity, such as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and postoperative functional decline, which can impair quality of life and compromise treatment adherence [2, 5]. Physical exercise has emerged as a promising supportive strategy to attenuate these adverse effects and promote functional recovery [10, 2]. This narrative review synthesizes available evidence on toxicity associated with colon cancer treatment and examines the potential mitigating role of structured exercise interventions, with particular emphasis on CIPN and postoperative functional outcomes. A focused review of recent clinical studies was conducted, emphasizing four key investigations that evaluated exercise-based interventions during or after treatment with chemotherapy and/or surgery. These studies included randomized controlled trials, a qualitative study, and a process-evaluation protocol, and assessed outcomes related to neurological toxicity, physical fitness, feasibility, and acceptability of exercise programs. Across studies, exercise interventions ranging from supervised walking plus resistance programs to home-based and isometric training were consistently safe, well tolerated, and associated with beneficial effects on CIPN symptoms, physical fitness, and patient-reported feasibility [11-14]. Adherence was generally high, and no serious exercise-related adverse events were reported. Individualized prescription, flexibility of delivery (hospital and home-based), and ongoing clinical support emerged as critical determinants of success. The available evidence suggests that physical exercise can attenuate selected toxicities related to colon cancer treatment particularly neurological and functional impairments while supporting rehabilitation and survivorship. Integration of exercise into standard care pathways is recommended as a feasible and safe strategy, although larger, well-designed trials are required to define optimal exercise type, dose, and timing in patients with colon or colorectal cancer.