Monitoring the physiological inflammatory alertness in horse after road transport.

The aim of this study was to assess the changes of pro-inflammatory interleukins in 10 horses subjected to road transport practices (distance of 150 km) from the training site (Messina, Sicily) to the competition centre in Syracuse (Sicily). Blood sampling and interleukins analysis were performed during a round trip transportation (transport 1 and transport 2). In particular, blood samples were collected before the transport took place (Pre), five minutes later (Post) and one hour later (Post 1 h), for each transport, in order to assess the serum concentration of IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2 and IL-6. The results showed that the serum concentration of IL-1α decreased at Post and Post 1 h compared to the values obtained at rest condition (P < 0.05). The other interleukins analysed (i.e. IL-1ß, IL-2 and IL-6) showed increased levels at Post than Rest and Post 1 h in transport 1 (P < 0.05). In transport 2 the analysed parameters showed no change throughout the analysed time points (P > 0.05); however, higher levels of IL-1α at Pre and higher IL-1ß, IL-2 and IL-6 values at Post were found in transport 1 than transport 2 (P < 0.05). The increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines after transport 1 suggests the triggering of the inflammatory event and this may show that, although horses are animals accustomed to transport, this is a stressful event that could activate the well-orchestrated inflammation cascade, albeit physiological and temporary, as highlighted by the lower serum concentrations of the investigated interleukins found in transport 1 than transport 2 and by the lack of significant differences in the serum concentrations of the investigated interleukins among the time points of transport 2. It must be taken into account that enrolled animals are well-trained and healthy athletic horses participating to a jumper competition, thus, such inflammation did not occur thanks to a good balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines which allowed a prompt restoration of homeostasis eventually impaired by the stressful event.

Running sprint force-velocity-power profile obtained with a low-cost and low frame rate acquisition video technique: reliability and concurrent validity.

The Force-velocity (F-v) and Power-velocity (P-v) relationships quantify athlete's horizontal force production capacities during sprinting. Efforts are underway to enhance ecological validity for practitioners and sports coaches. This study provides detailed data comparison of a low frames per second setup (30 Hz; FPSlow) with splits from a high FPS camera to derive F-v and P-v relationships. Sixty-six sprints performed by 11 university track and field athletes (6 male, 5 female) were evaluated. Data were recorded using FPSlow, photocells, and a high-speed camera (240 Hz; MySprint). In the FPSlow setup, bias was 0.17s, and Limits of agreement was 0.09s compared to photocells. ICC was 1.00, and the coefficient of variation (CV) was 1.0% [0.8-1.1%]. Time acquisition comparison between MySprint and FPSlow setups revealed high consistency (ICC = 0.99) and low CV (2.9% [2.8-3.1%]). F-v profile variables exhibited biases from trivial to small, with ICC ranging from moderate to nearly perfect. CV ranged from 2.7% to 11.8%, and improved using the average of three sprints (CV between 1.8% and 8.6%). The 'simple method' applied to data from the low FPS video setup yielded kinetic and kinematic parameters comparable to those obtained by the validated previous method and photocells.

Effects of Acute Sleep Deprivation on Sporting Performance in Athletes: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: Using meta-analysis to comprehensively and quantitatively evaluate the impact of acute sleep deprivation on different sports performance of athletes, this study aims to provide scientific guidance for coaches in optimizing and adjusting training and competition arrangements. Methods: Establishing literature inclusion and exclusion criteria, we conducted searches in both Chinese and English databases. Using stata 14.0, we analyzed 75 indicators from 27 included literature, focusing on three aspects: the impact of acute sleep deprivation on overall athletic performance, the impact on sporting performance across various athletic abilities, and the disparities in athletic performance between morning and afternoon following acute sleep deprivation. Results: The effect size of acute sleep deprivation on overall athletic performance was -0.56 (P<0.05). Sub-analyses revealed effect sizes of -0.23 (P<0.05) for whole night sleep deprivation, -1.17 (P<0.05) for partial sleep deprivation at the end of the night, and -0.25 (P>0.05) for partial sleep deprivation in the beginning of the night. The effect sizes of acute sleep deprivation on high intensity intermittent exercise, skill control, speed, aerobic endurance, and explosive power indicators were -1.57, -1.06, -0.67, -0.54, and -0.39 respectively (P<0.05). The effect sizes of acute sleep deprivation on the overall athletic performance in the morning and afternoon were -0.30, and -1.11, respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion: Acute sleep deprivation significantly impairs the overall athletic performance of athletes, with a more pronounced negative impact observed with partial sleep deprivation at the end of the night. Various types of exercise performance are adversely affected by acute sleep deprivation, with magnitude of impact ranking high intensity intermittent, skill control, speed, aerobic endurance, and explosive power. Following acute sleep deprivation, athletes' overall sporting performance in the afternoon is inferior to that in the morning.

Iron deficiency in athletes: Prevalence and impact on VO2 peak.

BACKGROUND: Iron is an important micronutrient in pathways of energy production, adequate nutrient intake and its balance is essential for optimal athletic performance. However, large studies elucidating the impact of iron deficiency on athletes' performance are sparse. METHODS: Competitive athletes of any age who presented for preparticipation screening 04/2020-10/2021 were included in this study and stratified for iron deficiency (defined as ferritin level <20 µg/l with and without mild anemia [hemoglobin levels ≥11 g/dl]). Athletes with and without iron deficiency were compared and the impact of iron deficiency on athletic performance was investigated. RESULTS: Overall, 1190 athletes (mean age 21.9 ± 11.6 years; 34.2% females) were included in this study. Among these, 19.7% had iron deficiency. Patients with iron deficiency were younger (18.1 ± 8.4 vs. 22.8 ± 12.1 years, P < 0.001), more often females (64.5% vs. 26.8%, P < 0.001), had lower VO2 peak value (43.4 [38.5/47.5] vs. 45.6 [39.1/50.6]ml/min/kg, P = 0.022) and lower proportion of athletes reaching VO2 peak of >50 ml/min/kg (8.5% vs. 16.1%, P = 0.003). Female sex (OR 4.35 [95% CI 3.13-5.88], P > 0.001) was independently associated with increased risk for iron deficiency. In contrast, the risk for iron deficiency decreased by every life year (OR 0.97 [95% CI 0.95-0.99], P = 0.003). Iron deficiency was independently associated with reduced VO2 peak (OR 0.94 [0.91-0.97], P < 0.001) and lower probability to reach VO2 peak >50 ml/min/kg (OR 0.42 [95% CI 0.25-0.69], P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Iron deficiency is common in athletes (predominantly in female and in young athletes). Iron deficiency was independently associated with reduced VO2 peak during exercise testing and lower probability to reach a VO2 peak >50 ml/min/kg.

Echinacea Supplementation Does Not Impact Aerobic Capacity and Erythropoiesis in Athletes: A Meta-Analysis.

Athletes are increasingly relying on natural supplements to improve athletic performance. Echinacea, a common herbal supplement, has been studied for its potential erythropoietin-enhancing effects, with mixed results in the literature. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to determine whether echinacea supplementation has erythropoietic or ergogenic effects in athletes. A search strategy was developed to identify trials studying the impact of echinacea supplementation on erythropoiesis and maximal oxygen uptake. The database search yielded 502 studies, 496 of which were excluded in the two-reviewer screening process. Six studies with a total of 107 athletes were included in the analysis. For hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, there were small, positive effect sizes when comparing the difference in pre- and post-intervention levels between the echinacea and placebo groups, at 0.38 (p = 0.02, 95% CI -0.04-0.80, I2 = 70%) and 0.34 (p < 0.01, 95% CI -0.10-0.78, I2 = 86%), respectively, though they did not reach statistical significance. There was also no statistically significant change in erythropoietin (effect size -0.29, p = 0.05, 95% CI -0.75-0.17, I2 = 67%) or maximal oxygen uptake (effect size -0.20, p = 0.95, 95% CI -0.60-0.21, I2 = 0%). Echinacea supplementation did not influence erythropoietin, hemoglobin, hematocrit, or maximal oxygen uptake in athletes; however, the evidence base is limited.

Screening for Incidence and Effect of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in College-Aged Athletes.

Background: Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) occurs when muscles of the pelvic floor become weakened, impaired, or experience tension leading to a variety of complications. Due to the reactive nature and high demands of many sports, athletes are at increased susceptibility and of particular interest concerning PFD. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of PFD among college-aged athletes, assess how PFD impacted athletic performance, and identify contributing factors for increased likelihood of PFD in athletes. Study Design: Cross-Sectional Study. Methods: All fully active LVC NCAA Division 3 athletes were recruited for screening for PFD using the Cozean Pelvic Dysfunction Screening Protocol and were surveyed on their self-knowledge of PFD. Athletes who scored ≥ 3 on this tool completed an additional survey, created by the investigators, to identify the impact PFD had on their athletic performance and personal life and were then randomly assigned to one of three investigators to undergo a noninvasive coccygeal assessment to determine underactive, overactive, or normal pelvic floor muscle (PFM) activity. Results: Fifty-three Division III male and female athletes between the ages of 18-25 years old participated in the study. Statistically significant differences were found between Cozean scores and demographic factors of age (p \<0.001), gender (p \<0.05), self-knowledge of PFD (p \<0.001), and sport (p \<0.001) among all participants that contributed to the increased likelihood of PFD. Thirteen athletes scored ≥ 3 on the Cozean with the 92.3% experiencing under/over active PFM activity and the majority indicating that PFD significantly impacted their athletic performance and quality of life. Conclusion: The results indicate that older female NCAA Division III college athletes who participate in swimming and who possess self-knowledge of PFD are more likely to experience PFD. Additionally, these athletes are likely to encounter a significant impact on their athletic performance and quality of life. These results provide preliminary evidence on the need of PFD awareness and assessment among college athletes. Level of Evidence: Level 3b.

Green strength: The role of micronutrients in plant-based diets for athletic performance enhancement.

This review examines the correlation between plant-based diets and athletic performance, with a specific emphasis on the vital aspect of optimizing micronutrients for athletes. In light of the increasing prevalence of plant-based nutrition among athletes due to its perceived advantages in terms of health, ethics, and the environment, this study investigates the ability of these diets to satisfy the demanding nutritional requirements essential for achieving optimal performance and facilitating recovery. The article emphasizes the significance of essential micronutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids and also addressing the challenges with their absorption and bioavailability from plant sources. The review consolidates existing scientific knowledge to propose strategies for improving micronutrient consumption, comparing the effects of supplements against whole foods, and highlighting the significance of enhancing bioavailability. The proposal supports the implementation of personalized meal planning, with the assistance of sports nutritionists or dietitians, and is substantiated by case studies showcasing the success of plant-based athletes. Future research directions examine the long-term effects of plant-based diets on micronutrient status and athletic performance, as well as developing nutritional trends and technology. The review concludes that plant-based diets can meet athletes' nutritional demands and improve peak performance while aligning with personal and ethical values with strategic planning and professional guidance. This study intends to help athletes, coaches, and nutritionists understand plant-based nutrition for enhanced athletic performance.

Considerations for the care of transgender patients in orthopaedics and sports medicine: a narrative review.

Orthopaedic and sports medicine clinicians can improve outcomes for transgender patients by understanding the physiological effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). This narrative review investigated the role of GAHT on bone mineral density, fracture risk, thromboembolic risk, cardiovascular health and ligament/tendon injury in this population. A search from the PubMed database using relevant terms was performed. Studies were included if they were levels 1-3 evidence. Due to the paucity of studies on ligament and tendon injury risk in transgender patients, levels 1-3 evidence on the effects of sex hormones in cisgender patients as well as basic science studies were included for these two topics. This review found that transgender patients on GAHT have an elevated fracture risk, but GAHT has beneficial effects on bone mineral density in transgender women. Transgender women on GAHT also have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism, stroke and myocardial infarction compared with cisgender women. Despite these elevated risks, studies have found it is safe to continue GAHT perioperatively for both transgender women and men undergoing low-risk operations. Orthopaedic and sports medicine clinicians should understand these unique health considerations for equitable patient care.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of Chinese coach leadership and athlete satisfaction and cohesion.

Introduction: This meta-analysis investigates the relationship between coach leadership behaviors and athlete satisfaction and group cohesion within the realm of Chinese sports. The study also explores player sex and player classification as potential moderating variables. The primary focus is on evaluating the impact of coaching behaviors, as measured by the Leadership Scale for Sports, on athlete satisfaction and group cohesion. Methods: Standard literature searches from China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang academic databases produced 26 studies encompassing a total of 319 effect sizes and a participant pool of 7,121 athletes across various sports. Results: Using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) to examine relevant data, results reveal a moderate and positive association between coach leadership and athlete satisfaction (ES = 0.412). Specifically, training and instruction (ES = 0.531), positive feedback (ES = 0.526), social support, and democratic decision-making exhibit positive effects, while autocratic behavior demonstrates a marginal positive effect. Similarly, a moderate positive relationship is identified between coach leadership and overall group cohesion (ES = 0.275), with training and instruction (ES = 0.396), social support (ES = 0.356), positive feedback, and democratic behavior positively influencing cohesion. Conversely, autocratic behavior has a small negative impact on cohesion. Furthermore, female athletes (ES = 0.603) and professional players (ES = 0.544) display stronger positive associations between coach leadership and satisfaction. Conclusion: These findings highlight the significance of diverse coaching behaviors aligned with player characteristics for fostering positive athlete satisfaction and group cohesion within the Chinese sports context, offering valuable guidance to Chinese coaches aiming to enhance their coaching strategies.

Efficacy of plantar tactile sensation and balance in patients with subacute stroke following plantar kinesio taping: a randomized, cross-over preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Kinesio tape (KT) is known to enhance tactile sensation. In stroke rehabilitation, KT is often used alongside conventional therapy (CT) to improve balance recovery. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of plantar KT in enhancing plantar tactile sensation (PTS) and balance ability in subacute stroke patients. METHODS: In this randomized crossover trial, 22 subacute stroke participants were randomly assigned to receive no taping, paretic plantar KT, or bilateral plantar KT, with a 24-h washout period between each condition. All participants underwent 30 min of CT. The primary outcome was PTS, involving tactile sensitivity in five areas on the plantar surface and the contact area with the ground of the paretic foot. The one-leg stand (OLS) time, functional reach test (FRT), and timed up-and-go test (TUG) were employed as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Paretic plantar KT application led to significant increases in the contact area, OLS, FRT, and TUG test times. Particularly, bilateral plantar KT showed significantly greater improvement in PTS compared to paretic plantar KT. Additionally, bilateral plantar KT significantly improved OLS (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.575), FRT (p < 0.001, η2 = 781), and TUG (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.771) times compared with paretic plantar KT. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that plantar KT improved PTS and balance ability in stroke rehabilitation. The findings suggest that bilateral plantar KT as an adjunct to CT may have a beneficial effect on balance recovery in patients with subacute stroke. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial KCT0009048.

Effect of Forearm Supination and Pronation on Median & Ulnar Nerve Conduction Velocity Among Throwers, Archers, and Non-Athletes.

The distinct and specialized movements performed in different sports disciplines may significantly influence nerve performance, potentially affecting nerve responses and the overall function within the respective athletic activities. The purpose of this study is to find the effect of forearm supination and pronation across the elbow joint on ulnar and median nerve conduction velocity (NCV) in throwers, archers, and non-athletes. A total of 34 participants both male and females were recruited with a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2. Nerve conduction study (NeuroStim NS2 EMG/NCV/EP System) was used for measuring ulnar and median NCV across the elbow joint at different angles with the forearm in supination and pronation. Repeated measure analysis of variance (RMANOVA) revealed that there are statistically significant differences in mean values of forearm positions, angles, nerves and groups (p < .05). This study illuminates distinctive NCV variations across diverse athletic groups during forearm supination and pronation movements. Pronation consistently exhibited faster ulnar NCV compared to the median nerve across throwers, archers, and non-athletes, while in supination specific joint positions revealed notable differences within sports groups and nerve function.

Centering the female athlete voice in a sports science research agenda: a modified Delphi survey with Team USA athletes.

OBJECTIVES: To co-construct a sports medicine and exercise science research and translational agenda with Team USA elite female athletes serving as the experts on their health, performance and well-being. METHODS: 40 Team USA female athletes across sports disciplines participated in an online, anonymous, modified Delphi survey by ranking topics on a Likert scale (1='strongly disagree' and 5='strongly agree') and providing qualitative justification regarding whether they believed having more information and research on each topic would support their athletic performance, health and well-being. After each Delphi round, quantitative rankings of topics and qualitative justifications were analysed, informing revisions to the list of topics for review in the subsequent round. Researchers provided athletes with a detailed report of findings and revisions following each round. RESULTS: The final list contained 14 ranked topics. The top five were menstrual cycle symptoms (4.58±0.74), recovery (4.58±0.59), birth control (4.55±0.89), mental health (4.50±0.55) and fueling and the menstrual cycle (4.43±0.74). New topics originating from athletes included recovery, menstrual cycle symptoms, fueling and the menstrual cycle, mental health and sports performance, team dynamics, and institutionalised sexism. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to co-construct a research and translational agenda with Team USA elite female athletes. The list of sports science research topics developed by focusing on elite female athletes' voices lays the foundation for future research and provides valuable insight into the specific needs of female athletes.

The effect of fresh and used ankle taping on lower limb biomechanics in sports specific movements.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the effects of ankle taping on lower extremity biomechanics related to injury development and how these effects change after sports-specific use. DESIGN: Randomized, repeated measures design with three conditions: Barefoot, tape applied fresh, and tape after sports-specific use (between-subject factor: sex). METHODS: Twenty-five healthy participants (ten female) performed sports-specific movements, including running, drop jumping, and 180° change of direction, under the three conditions. Kinetic and kinematic data were collected using 3D motion capturing and force platforms. RESULTS: Tape applied fresh and tape after sports-specific use significantly reduced peak ankle inversion. Biomechanical risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament or running overuse injuries were either unchanged or decreased with tape applied fresh, except for the peak loading rate of the resultant ground reaction force, which increased between 4% and 18% between movement types. After 15 minutes of sports-specific use of the tape, the alterations induced by tape applied fresh remained for some biomechanical risk factors while they became closer to barefoot again for others, indicating a differential response to prolonged use of taping for different biomechanical variables. CONCLUSIONS: Ankle taping protects the ankle joint by reducing biomechanical risk factors associated with ankle sprains, and most biomechanical risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament or running overuse injuries are not increased. Further research is needed to explore the duration of protective effects, variations across sports, and its impact on patients with chronic ankle instability, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of ankle taping's influence on lower extremity biomechanics.

Chronotype as a predictor of athletic performance in youth with mild intellectual disabilities.

Aim: This study aimed to explore the influence of circadian rhythms on athletic performance in individuals with mild intellectual disabilities (ID), with a specific focus on elucidating the association between chronotype and various performance metrics. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study consisting of 30 male participants aged between 11 and 19 years and diagnosed with mild ID. The chronotypes of all participants were assessed using the Childhood Chronotype Questionnaire (CCQ). Performance assessments were divided into three groups. Group A tests [sit and reach, medicine ball throw (MBT), plank], group B tests [handgrip strength (HGS), standing long jump (SLJ), 20-m sprint (20 ms)] and group C tests [vertical jump (VJ), hanging with bent arm (HBA), Illinois agility test) in order to ensure adequate rest periods between tests and not to affect the results. These group tests were performed 48 h apart, between 09:00-10:00 and 17:00-18:00, after a dynamic warm-up session. Results: Significant variations were observed in the sit-and-reach test (t = -4.154, d = -0.75, p < .001), HGS (t = -2.484, d = -0.45, p = .019), SLJ (t = -2.117, d = -0.38, p = .043), VJ (t = -5.004, d = -0.91, p < .001), and plank duration (t = -4.653, d = -0.84, p < .001). Evening performances showed improvement in MBT, HBA, 20 ms, and the Illinois agility test, although these differences were not statistically significant (p > .05). Notably, positive correlations were identified between participants' chronotypes and their performance in HBA (morning/evening; r = .693, p = .026; r = .656, p = .039, respectively) and the plank (evening; r = .717, p = .020), with negative correlations noted in the 20 ms (morning/evening; r = -.703, p = .023; r = -.710, p = .021, respectively). Conclusion: The findings suggest that individuals with mild ID exhibit enhanced athletic performance during evening hours. These insights underscore the importance of considering chronotype in tailoring exercise interventions for this population to optimize outcomes.

Effect of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Maximal Intensity Exercise in Trained Young Male Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Beta-alanine is a nonessential amino acid that is commonly used to improve exercise performance. It could influence the buffering of hydrogen ions produced during intense exercise and delay fatigue, providing a substrate for increased synthesis of intramuscular carnosine. This systematic review evaluates the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on maximal intensity exercise in trained, young, male individuals. Six databases were searched on August 10, 2023, to identify randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials investigating the effect of chronic beta-alanine supplementation in trained male individuals with an age range of 18-40 years. Studies evaluating exercise performance through maximal or supramaximal intensity efforts falling within the 0.5-10 min duration were included. A total of 18 individual studies were analyzed, employing 18 exercise test protocols and 15 outcome measures in 331 participants. A significant (p = .01) result was observed with an overall effect size of 0.39 (95% confidence interval [CI] [0.09, 0.69]), in favor of beta-alanine supplementation versus placebo. Results indicate significant effects at 4 weeks of supplementation, effect size 0.34 (95% CI [0.02, 0.67], p = .04); 4-10 min of maximal effort, effect size 0.55 (95% CI [0.07, 1.04], p = .03); and a high beta-alanine dosage of 5.6-6.4 g per day, effect size 0.35 (95% CI [0.09, 0.62], p = .009). The results provide insights into which exercise modality will benefit the most, and which dosage protocols and durations stand to provide the greatest ergogenic effects. This may be used to inform further research, and professional or recreational training design, and optimization of supplementation strategies.

Impact of Psychological Factors on Rehabilitation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

CONTEXT: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are a common orthopaedic injury, and the incidence of ACL reconstruction (ACLR) continues to increase. Current clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) recognize the role of psychological factors in rehabilitation, but patient-reported outcome measures (PROs) and psychological readiness are rarely incorporated into rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review was to highlight the importance of psychological health after ACL injury, understand the current metrics used to monitor psychological recovery, and outline how psychological recovery can be better incorporated in current CPGs. DATA SOURCES: A systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA); 63 studies were identified with a PubMed search using the term "ACL Injuries/psychology". STUDY SELECTION: Exclusion criteria included lack of consideration of psychological effects or studies validating PROs after ACLR. Studies were reviewed by multiple reviewers, and a total of 38 studies were included after applying exclusion criteria. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3b. DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent reviewers analyzed the included articles to extract sample size, psychological readiness scale or other measures used, and key results. RESULTS: Psychological outcomes, especially kinesiophobia and fear of reinjury, are seen commonly after ACLR. Psychological factors were shown to impede return to sport (RTS), alter measurable knee biomechanics, and potentially increase the risk for re-rupture. Targeted interventions such as kinesiotaping, knee bracing, and imagery training can help improve psychological and functional testing after ACLR. CONCLUSION: ACLR is often complicated by psychological factors. Psychological readiness is a crucial yet often unincorporated part of rehabilitation. Patients with higher levels of kinesiophobia and lower psychological readiness to RTS specifically should be identified to allow for administration of interventions, such as imagery training, knee bracing, or kinesiotaping, that can mitigate the negative effects of psychological outcomes and improve recovery.

Exploring the relationship between caffeine metabolism-related CYP1A2 rs762551 polymorphism and team sport athlete status and training adaptations.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to achieve a dual objective: to compare the frequencies of CYP1A2 rs762551 genotypes between team sport athletes and a control group, and to determine the association between the rs762551 polymorphism and changes in physical performance after a six-week training program among elite basketball players. METHODS: The study encompassed an analysis of 504 individuals, comprising 320 athletes and 184 controls. For the Turkish cohort, DNA was isolated using the buccal swab method, and genotyping was conducted using the KASP technique. Performance assessments included the Yo-Yo IR2 and 30 m sprint tests. For Russian participants, DNA samples were extracted from peripheral blood, a commercial kit was used for DNA extraction, and genotyping of the rs762551 polymorphism was conducted using DNA microarray. RESULT: Notably, a statistically significant linear decline in the prevalence of the CC genotype was observed with ascending levels of athletic achievement within team sports (sub-elite: 18.0%, elite: 8.2%, highly elite: 0%; p = 0.001). Additionally, the CA genotype was the most prevalent genotype in the highly elite group compared to controls (80.0% vs. 45.1%, p = 0.048). Furthermore, statistically significant improvements in Yo-Yo IR2 performance were noted exclusively among basketball players harboring the CA genotype (p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: The study's findings indicate that the rs762551 CC genotype is a disadvantage in elite team sports, whereas the CA genotype provides an advantage in basketball performance.

Physiological and performance adaptations to beta alanine supplementation and short sprint interval training in volleyball players.

This study aimed to elucidate the impact of combining Beta-Alanine (BA) supplementation with short sprint interval training on cardiorespiratory fitness, anaerobic power, and bio-motor abilities in volleyball players. Twenty young male athletes were randomly divided into 2 equal groups and performed 8 weeks of short sprint interval training while supplementing 4.8 g daily BA or placebo (polydextrose). The players were evaluated for volleyball-specific bio-motor abilities (vertical jump, horizontal jump, spike jump, block jump, 10-m linear sprint, and T-test change of direction speed) and physiological parameters (cardiorespiratory fitness and anaerobic power) pre- and post-intervention. Both groups demonstrated significant (p ≤ 0.05) improvements in all measured variables over time. A time-regimen interaction was observed in jumping ability enhancement from pre- to post-training, wherein BA elicited more significant changes in both vertical and horizontal jumps compared to the placebo. Analyzing residuals in changes and the coefficient of variations (CV) in mean group changes demonstrated that BA supplementation results in uniformly inducing adaptive changes among individuals. Therefore, in light of these results, it is recommended that coaches and trainers take into consideration the utilization of BA as an ergogenic aid to enhance the vertical and horizontal jumps of volleyball players and increase the homogeneity in adaptive responses over the training period.

Variations in strength-speed-power performance across the season: do true changes occur in elite rugby players?

This study aimed to determine, through the use of a highly sensitive statistical tool, whether real changes in performance were present; and compare the rates of meaningful variations in strength, speed, and power parameters at different time-points during the competitive season in national team rugby players. Thirty-two players were assessed 5 times across the season using the following tests: squat jump and countermovement jump tests; 30-m sprint velocity; and one-repetition maximum (1RM) in the half-squat and bench-press exercises. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted to test for differences between successive time-points. Individual coefficients of variation values were used to set target scores for post-measurements and examine whether changes in performance parameters were greater than the natural test variance, thus providing an indication of whether "true changes" occurred. No significant changes were detected in the vertical jump height, 1RM measures, and sprint velocity and momentum throughout the 11-month period (P > 0.05). True changes occurred much more frequently for strength-power measures than for sprint velocity and momentum. Elite rugby union players did not exhibit significant variations in neuromuscular performance across the competitive period, when a group-based analysis was conducted. However, at the individual level, "true changes" in strength-power-(but not in speed-) related qualities were consistently observed over the competitive season.