Monika Szot

Background/Objectives: This study examined the effects of a six-week eccentric–reactive training program on neuromechanical markers of lateral explosiveness, asymmetry, and stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) efficiency in elite male youth table tennis players. Fourteen national-level athletes (mean age = 16.6 years) were assigned to either an experimental group (EG, n = 7) or a control group (CG, n = 7). EG performed flywheel squats and lateral depth jumps three times per week, while CG maintained regular training. Pre- and post-intervention testing included countermovement jumps, reactive strength index (RSI_DJ), force asymmetry, time-to-stabilization, SSC efficiency, and energy transfer ratio (ETR), measured via force plates, EMG, and inertial sensors. Methods: Multi-dimensional statistical analysis revealed coordinated improvements in explosive power and movement efficiency following eccentric training that were not visible when examining individual measures separately. Athletes in the training group showed enhanced neuromechanical control and developed more efficient movement patterns compared to controls. The analysis successfully identified distinct performance profiles and demonstrated that the training program improved explosive characteristics in elite table tennis players. Results: Univariate ANOVAs showed no significant Group × Time effects for RSI_DJ, ETR, or SSC_Eff, although RSI_DJ displayed a moderate effect size in EG (d = 0.47, 95% CI [0.12, 0.82], p = 0.043). In contrast, MANOVA confirmed a significant multivariate Group × Time interaction (p = 0.013), demonstrating integrated neuromechanical adaptations. Regression analysis indicated lower baseline CMJ and RSI_DJ predicted greater RSI improvements. Conclusions: In conclusion, eccentric–reactive training promoted multidimensional neuromechanical adaptations in elite racket sport athletes, supporting the use of integrated monitoring and targeted eccentric loading to enhance lateral explosiveness and efficiency.

Background: Proper diet is crucial for the health and physical fitness for bothtraditional sport and esport. The study aimed to evaluate eating behaviours of elitePolish esports players using the QDS questionnaire.Methods: It was conducted on a group of 188 men aged 18-29 years, and a proprietarystandardized questionnaire for rapid dietary assessment (QDS) was utilized. A chi-square test was used for the statistical analysis, assuming a significance level of p 0.05).Conclusions: The Quick Diet Survey (QDS) questionnaire used in the study is avaluable and reliable tool for rapid diet assessment. Therefore, the high prevalence ofinappropriate eating behaviours among esports players highlights the need fornutrition education.

Professional esport requires players to maintain mental skills at a high level and health-promoting physical condition. The aim of this study was to analyze the levels of physical activity (PA), exercise capacity and physical fitness. The study included 196 male Polish esports players (mean: 20.5±2.4 years), who completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) (n= 187), underwent exercise test using a cycle ergometer (n= 141) and participated in selected tests of physical fitness (n= 175). The average total energy expenditure was 1040 MET-min⋅week-1. The results show that most esports players had low (38%) and moderate (36.4%) levels of PA, and were characterized by an average level of cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max= 41.92±5.41 mL∙kg-1∙min-1), and the amount of muscle power generated at the level of AeT (90.98±27.19 W), AnT (149.91± 29.91 W) and VO2max (210.29±42.63 W) was lower than published evidence on physically-active men. Physical fitness of the players was assessed as being satisfactory, but more research needed to clearly confirm this.

The aim of this study was to quantify the dietary patterns (DPs) of Polish esports players aged 18–26 years. Data were obtained via questionnaires that assessed dietary habits and frequency of food consumption. Dietary patterns were derived using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Factor Analysis (FA). In total, nine distinct DPs were identified. Eight DPs were considered unhealthy; ‘fast food’, ‘High-processed food, meat and confectionery’, ‘Sweet’, ‘Fat-diary products’, ‘Vegetable-fruit’, ‘Spices and additives’, ‘Fats’ and ‘Cereal’; and only one was deemed healthy. E-athletes presented mostly poor dietary habits, which included: irregular eating of meals, frequent snacking, at least three meals a day and composition of snacks, frying of meat dishes and sweetening of hot drinks. Healthy dietary habits included proper hydration during the day and consumption of mainly non-sparkling water. The unbalanced and largely unhealthy dietary habits of esports players raise health concerns for these e-athletes, particularly when combined with a sedentary lifestyle. Future research could assess the nutritional knowledge of this group as it relates to national guidelines, investigate interventions designed to introduce healthier eating options into their lifestyle and examine the relationship between DPs and health or cognitive performance.

Factors influencing brain function and cognitive performance can be critical to athletic performance of esports athletes. This review aims to discuss the potential beneficial effects of micronutrients, i.e., vitamins, minerals and biologically active substances on cognitive functions of e-athletes. Minerals (iodine, zinc, iron, magnesium) and vitamins (B vitamins, vitamins E, D, and C) are significant factors that positively influence cognitive functions. Prevention of deficiencies of the listed ingredients and regular examinations can support cognitive processes. The beneficial effects of caffeine, creatine, and probiotics have been documented so far. There are many plant products, herbal extracts, or phytonutrients that have been shown to affect precognitive activity, but more research is needed. Beetroot juice and nootropics can also be essential nutrients for cognitive performance. For the sake of players’ eyesight, it would be useful to use lutein, which, in addition to improving vision and protecting against eye diseases, can also affect cognitive functions. In supporting the physical and mental abilities of e-athletes the base is a well-balanced diet with adequate hydration. There is a lack of sufficient evidence that has investigated the relationship between dietary effects and improved performance in esports. Therefore, there is a need for randomized controlled trials involving esports players.