Research Article
Efficacy of Eggshell Membrane Supplementation on Joint Pain, Stiffness, and Functional Capacity in Recreationally Active Adults
Javier Moran*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
13-20
Received:
9 March 2026
Accepted:
23 March 2026
Published:
7 April 2026
Abstract: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis, affecting millions worldwide, and current pharmacological treatments often have limited efficacy or significant side effects. Eggshell membrane (ESM), a natural source of collagen, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and dermatan sulfate, has emerged as a promising dietary supplement for joint health. The objective of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a 500 mg daily dose of eggshell membrane supplement (MembraSport) on joint pain, functional capacity, quality of life, and isokinetic strength in recreationally active adults over a 60-day period. Fifty-nine recreationally active subjects (aged 18–55 years) with persistent joint pain (hip, knee, or ankle) were randomized to receive either MembraSport (n=30) or placebo (n=29). Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functional capacity via the WOMAC questionnaire, quality of life via the EQ-5D questionnaire, and isokinetic strength via dynamometry at 180°/s. After 60 days, the MembraSport group showed a statistically significant reduction in joint pain (p=0.049 at rest; p=0.009 during physical activity), a significant improvement in WOMAC functional capacity scores (p=0.003), and a significant improvement in quality of life (p=0.017). Isokinetic parameters consistently favored the MembraSport group, with a notable reduction in the fatigue index (−3.16% vs. +2.45% in placebo), greater gains in total work (+145.28 J vs. +95.87 J), and improvements in peak torque, suggesting enhanced muscular endurance and joint function. Both groups significantly improved average power, reflecting ongoing physical activity benefits. No adverse events were reported, confirming an excellent safety profile. These findings demonstrate that daily supplementation with 500 mg of eggshell membrane for 60 days is a safe and effective complementary approach that significantly improves pain perception, functional capacity, and quality of life, while also showing consistent improvements across all isokinetic performance parameters in recreationally active adults with joint pain.
Abstract: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis, affecting millions worldwide, and current pharmacological treatments often have limited efficacy or significant side effects. Eggshell membrane (ESM), a natural source of collagen, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and dermatan sulfate, has emerged as a promising dietary supplement fo...
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Review Article
Scoping Review of Knowledge and Attitude of High School Sports Players to Concussion
Stacey Jankelowitz*,
Kylie Tastula
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
21-24
Received:
20 December 2025
Accepted:
14 January 2026
Published:
10 April 2026
Abstract: Sports related concussion has received a lot of media and scientific attention because of the risk of longterm or delayed cognitive changes. These include the pathological changes consistent with chronic traumatic encephalopathy and the clinical condition defined as traumatic encephalopathy syndrome. While there have been major changes to concussion management in professional sports, little is known about knowledge and attitudes with respect to concussion in high school athletes. This scoping review assessed the currently available data over the last 25 years. The authors identified only 6 studies that explored the knowledge and attitudes of the athletes themselves. Most paper were concerned with coach or parent related knowledge and beliefs. The data was mostly related to male rugby players and showed better knowledge in metropolitan versus rural areas in most studies. Of note, the school nurse was highlighted as a previously not considered source of advice with respect to concussion management. This was particularly so in rural areas or low socioeconomic areas where access to a doctor was more difficult. The studies also highlighted that despite the improved knowledge with respect to concussion, there has not been an associated change in behaviour with most high school athletes continuing to play, or returning to play early, for so called ‘important” matches.
Abstract: Sports related concussion has received a lot of media and scientific attention because of the risk of longterm or delayed cognitive changes. These include the pathological changes consistent with chronic traumatic encephalopathy and the clinical condition defined as traumatic encephalopathy syndrome. While there have been major changes to concussio...
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Research Article
Muscle Architectural Predictors of Athlete Power: Integrating Muscle Thickness, Pennation, and Fascicle Length Using Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
25-36
Received:
17 April 2026
Accepted:
29 April 2026
Published:
16 May 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajss.20261402.13
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Abstract: Muscle architecture parameters, including muscle thickness (MT), fascicle length (FL), and pennation angle (PA), play a critical role in determining muscle performance. This study utilized structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate the structural relationships between these morphological features and key performance metrics in athletes. By examining how architectural variations contribute to force production and explosive power, the research aims to bridge gaps in understanding muscle–performance dynamics. The primary objective was to evaluate the influence of muscle architecture parameters (MT, FL, and PA) on muscle performance tests, including vertical jump height, leg press power, and one-repetition maximum (1RM) squat strength, through SEM analysis. The study selected 50 male athletes aged 18–25 years, each possessing at least three years of structured training experience. Muscle architecture was assessed via B-mode ultrasonography targeting the vastus lateralis muscle. Performance evaluations encompassed vertical jump height, leg press power output, and 1RM squat strength. Data normality was verified using the Shapiro–Wilk test, which indicated normal distribution for most variables except squat strength. SEM was employed to test hypothesized pathways, with model fit assessed through χ2, RMSEA, SRMR, and CFI indices. SEM demonstrated excellent model fit (χ2 = 4.88, p = 0.770; RMSEA = 0.000; SRMR = 0.044; CFI = 1.000), confirming the validity of the proposed relationships. Muscle thickness was the strongest morphological predictor (β = 0.580), emphasizing its role in hypertrophy and force generation. Fascicle length showed a significant negative association (β = –0.410, p = 0.002), indicating potential limitations in maximal strength tasks despite benefits in speed-related activities. Pennation angle had a weak, non-significant effect (β = –0.167, p = 0.178), suggesting its influence is highly context-specific. Among performance measures, 1RM squat strength exerted the greatest impact (β = 0.963, p < 0.001), followed by vertical jump (β = 0.737) and leg press power (β = 0.630). These results highlight muscle thickness as a key driver of explosive performance, while maximal dynamic strength (1RM squat) emerges as the most reliable performance indicator. The findings offer practical implications for refining training protocols, enhancing talent scouting, and advancing theoretical frameworks of muscle–performance interactions in elite athletes.
Abstract: Muscle architecture parameters, including muscle thickness (MT), fascicle length (FL), and pennation angle (PA), play a critical role in determining muscle performance. This study utilized structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate the structural relationships between these morphological features and key performance metrics in athletes. By e...
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