This study aimed to examine the effects of open and closed kinetic chain exercise interventions and to determine how these structured training programs influence selected physiological variables, specifically breathe holding time and VO2 Max, among inter-collegiate cricketers. A total of 45 inter-collegiate male cricketers aged 18–25 years from AAA College of Engineering and Technology, Amathur, Sivakasi, Tamilnadu were selected for the study. The participants were randomly assigned into three groups: An Open Kinetic Chain Exercise Group (OKCEG), a Closed Kinetic Chain Exercise Group (CKCEG), and a Control Group (CG). The experimental groups underwent their respective structured kinetic chain training programs for six weeks, while the control group continued with their regular physical activities. Breathe holding time and VO2 Max was selected as the dependent physiological variable and were assessed using a standardized test. Pre- and post-intervention data were statistically analyzed using appropriate inferential statistical techniques to determine significant differences among the groups. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. The results revealed significant improvements in breathe holding time and VO2 Max in both the open and closed kinetic chain exercise groups when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The control group did not exhibit any significant change in breathe holding time and VO2 Max. The findings of the study indicate that structured open and closed kinetic chain exercise interventions are effective in enhancing breathe holding time and VO2 Max among inter-collegiate cricket players. Both training methods proved superior to regular activity alone, highlighting the importance of incorporating kinetic chain exercises into cricket training programs to improve physiological performance.

Background: Middle age involves shifts in neuromuscular and functional aspects that impact women’s motor fitness and gait. Among women in this age range, balance, coordination, reaction time, and gait pattern declines can increase the risk of functional limitations later in life. Although multicomponent exercise programmes have proven benefits for older women, there is a lack of evidence for middle-aged women, particularly for short-duration interventions. Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the impact of a six-week multicomponent exercise programme on some motor fitness components and gait patterns of middle-aged women. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 40 apparently healthy women aged 40-55 years old into two groups. Based on a non-repeated random number, all the volunteers were divided into two groups; control group (N=20) and experimental group (N=20). The experimental group completed a supervised six-week multicomponent exercise program, while the control group maintained their usual daily activities. The motor fitness variables and their assessing tools included reaction time (ruler drop test), hand-eye coordination (alternate-hand wall-toss test), and balance (unipedal balance test). The 10 m walk test was used to assess gait performance. The intervention program was conducted four days a week for about 50 minutes, with difficulty increased each week. Results: The experimental group offered improvements in all of the assessed components of motor fitness and in gait performance. However, between group differences did not reach significance, although in the experimental group there were positive changes in reaction time, coordination, balance, and speed of gait. Conclusion: Positive trends were observed in motor fitness and gait parameters in middle-aged women after participating in a six-week, multicomponent exercise program. Findings demonstrate that short-term, structured multicomponent exercise programs may be effective in preventing decline in functional mobility and midlife neuromuscular efficiency; however, longer term exercise interventions are required to achieve significant improvements.

Background: Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) is widely recognized as the gold-standard indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness and an essential determinant of endurance performance, clinical prognosis, and physiological adaptation to training. VO₂max can be quantified directly through laboratory-based gas exchange analysis or indirectly estimated using field-based performance tests. Despite widespread application of both approaches, uncertainty persists regarding their comparative accuracy, validity, and reliability in athletic populations. Objective: To systematically compare laboratory-based (direct) and field-based (indirect) methods of VO₂max assessment with respect to measurement accuracy, criterion validity, and test–retest reliability in athletes. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Peer-reviewed studies comparing directly measured VO₂max obtained via graded exercise testing and open-circuit spirometry with estimates derived from field-based protocols (e.g., Bruce protocol adaptations, Cooper 12-minute run, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, and multistage shuttle run tests) were included. Methodological quality, validity coefficients, reliability indices, and estimation errors were extracted and synthesized. Results: Laboratory-based assessments consistently demonstrated superior accuracy and served as the criterion reference standard. Direct measurement showed minimal technical error and high reproducibility under standardized conditions. Field-based tests exhibited moderate-to-high criterion-related validity (typically r = 0.70 – 0.90) and good-to-excellent reliability when protocols were standardized. However, systematic over- or under-estimation and prediction error were frequently reported, particularly when regression equations were applied beyond their validated populations. Conclusion: Direct laboratory measurement remains the most accurate and valid method for assessing VO₂max in athletes. Nevertheless, field-based tests provide reliable, cost-effective, and ecologically valid alternatives for large-scale screening and sport-specific monitoring when laboratory testing is impractical. Selection of assessment method should therefore consider the required level of precision, available resources, and contextual application.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of Orangetheory fitness training, yogic practices, and their combined application on psychological stress among obese school students. Sixty obese students aged between 12 and 14 years from schools in and around Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, were selected as participants. The subjects were randomly assigned into four groups consisting of fifteen students each. Group I participated in Orangetheory fitness training, Group II performed yogic practices, Group III underwent a combined programme of Orangetheory training and yoga, while Group IV served as the control group without any specific intervention. Psychological stress was considered the dependent variable and was measured using the standardized Every and Grinodo Psychological Stress Scale. The experimental programmes were conducted for twelve weeks with five sessions per week. Data were collected before the commencement of the training and immediately after the completion of the intervention period. The collected data were analysed using the dependent t-test and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Whenever the adjusted post-test F-ratio was found significant, Scheffe’s post-hoc test was applied to determine the paired mean differences. The level of significance was fixed at 0.05. The findings revealed significant differences among the experimental and control groups, and the combined training programme produced greater stress reduction compared with the individual training methods.