Serkan Uslu

Uslu, S and Cetin Ozdogan, E. Load-dependent modulation of intermuscular coherence during drop jumps in female athletes: Insights into the performance optimization. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2026—Mechanical outcomes of drop jumps (DJs) are well-documented; however, how mechanical load modulates neuromuscular coordination in female athletes remains unclear —an issue of particular importance for performance and injury. Despite widespread use of DJs in training and assessment, the neural mechanisms and injury risk remain underexplored. Intermuscular coherence (IMC) provides frequency-specific insights into shared synaptic input and corticospinal drive, which may refine training programs and injury prevention. Thirty-six physically active female athletes performed DJs from 30, 40, 50, and 60 cm. Surface electromyography from tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius (dominant leg) was processed, and IMC was quantified within delta, alpha, beta, and gamma bands during pre- and postcontact phases. Ground contact time (GCT), jump height, and reactive strength index (RSI) were measured. Repeated-measures analyses of variance with Bonferroni adjustments tested the effect of height. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05 for all analyses. Drop jump height significantly affected performance: GCT, F (2.08–72.67) = 12.41, p < 0.001; RSI, F (2.43–85.07) = 27.45, p < 0.001; jump performance, F (1.96–68.57) = 8.81, p < 0.001. Intermuscular coherence was also height-dependent. Delta-band coherence declined with increasing height (precontact: F (3–105) = 8.61, p < 0.001; postcontact: F (1.93–67.63) = 30.88, p < 0.001). Beta-band coherence showed the strongest suppression at 30 cm, while 40–50 cm showed higher values. Moderate heights (≈40–50 cm) optimize neuromechanical efficiency and performance while maintaining beta/gamma coherence, whereas 60 cm prolongs GCT, decreases RSI, and suppresses beta-band IMC, representing neuromechanical overload. Concurrent assessment of IMC and RSI might provide criteria for individualized DJ applications and for early identification of neuromuscular deficits relevant to injury prevention.

Background: Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is the most commonly performed minimally invasive intensive care unit procedure worldwide. Methods: This study evaluated the percentage of consistency between the entry site observed with fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) and the prediction for the PDT level based on pre-procedural ultrasonography (USG) in PDT procedures performed using the forceps dilatation method. The effect of morphological features on intervention sites was also investigated. Complications that occurred during and after the procedure, as well as the duration, site, and quantity of the procedures, were recorded. Results: Data obtained from a total of 91 patients were analyzed. In 57 patients (62.6%), the USG-estimated tracheal puncture level was consistent with the intercartilaginous space observed by FOB, while in 34 patients (37.4%), there was a discrepancy between these two methods. According to Bland Altman, the agreement between the tracheal spaces determined by USG and FOB was close. Regression formulas for PDT procedures defining the intercartilaginous puncture level based on morphologic measurements of the patients were created. The most common complication related to PDT was cartilage fracture (17.6%), which was proven to be predicted with maximum relevance by punctured tracheal level, neck extension limitation, and procedure duration. Conclusions: In PDT procedures using the forceps dilatation method, the prediction of the PDT intervention level based on pre-procedural USG was considerably in accordance with the entry site observed by FOB. The intercartilaginous puncture level could be estimated based on morphological measurements.