Effects of High-Intensity Training on Complete Blood Count, Iron Metabolism, Lipid Profile, Liver, and Kidney Function Tests of Professional Water Polo Players.

AIM: Our goal was to examine the effect of high-intensity physical activity on changes in the lipid profile, complete blood count (CBC), iron metabolism, and kidney and liver function tests of professional water polo players. METHODS: This study included twenty professional male water polo players. Blood sampling was carried out at the beginning of the season and during periods of high-intensity training. CBCs were determined with a Siemens Advia 2120i hematology analyzer. A Beckman CoulterAU680 chemistry analyzer was used to determine the serum concentrations/activities of lipid profiles and liver and kidney function test analytes. The lipid athlete scores were also determined. RESULTS: The mean corpuscular volume (p = 0.006), platelet count (p = 0.008), and mean platelet volume (p < 0.001) significantly decreased during the high-intensity period, compared with the beginning of the season. The total iron-binding capacity increased (p = 0.001), and ferritin concentrations significantly declined (p = 0.017). The lipid profiles revealed a significant difference between phases, with slight increases in serum total (p = 0.025) and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.002) levels and a decrease in triglyceride concentrations (p = 0.040) in the high-intensity period. During the high-intensity period, the liver and kidney function tests showed a substantial positive effect on lactate dehydrogenase levels (p < 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.028) serum activity, and total protein concentrations (p = 0.033), compared with the beginning of the season. CONCLUSIONS: Water polo players might exhibit a decrease in some CBC parameters, an increase in LDL cholesterol, and a decrease in liver function biomarkers due to intense training at the peak of the competitive season. Kidney function biomarkers remain unchanged.

Effects of a Dietary Microalgae (Arthrospira platensis) Supplement on Stress, Well-Being, and Performance in Water Polo Players: A Clinical Case Series.

BACKGROUND: A common tactic used by athletes to improve performance, lessen tiredness, and hasten recovery is dietary supplementation. We aimed to assess the role of a microalgae dietary liquid supplement additivated with Copper 22.5% NRV in water polo players' performance. METHODS: Twenty male water polo players were split into two groups: ten (spirulina group) took a twice-daily nutritional supplement containing 15 mL of spirulina liquid extract (titrated in Phycocyanin 1 mg/mL) and additivated with Copper 22.5% NRV for eight weeks, and ten (the placebo group) did not take the supplement. Subjective evaluations were finished using the Athlete's Subjective Performance Scale (ASPS). Levels of the biomarker creatine phosphokinase (CPK) were also assessed. RESULTS: The spirulina group's mean total ASPS score increased significantly from baseline to follow-up and was significantly better than that of the placebo group (p < 0.001). Conversely, ASPS ratings in the placebo group slightly decreased. A positive correlation between spirulina supplementation and less severe ASPS was found using correlation matrix analysis. However, there was a slight difference in CPK levels from the baseline to the follow-up in the spirulina group. CONCLUSIONS: A dietary supplement comprising spirulina and copper may help water polo players' subjective performance measurements by lowering muscular tension. Larger, randomized controlled trials are yet required.

Effect of self-modeling and self-controlled feedback on the performance of professional swimmers and waterpolo players.

Self-modeling (SM) and self-control (SC) feedback can be presented as two solutions for learning improvement. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of SM and SC feedback on 100-m freestyle performance of professional swimmers and waterpolo players. 25 elite male swimmers and waterpolo players, were randomly assigned to four groups: swimmer group with SM, swimmer group with SM and SC feedback, waterpolo players group with SM, and waterpolo players group with SM and SC feedback. 100-m freestyle times and performance were recorded. SM and SC feedback for the participants were utilized at the acquisition stage. The device used included a Lenovo B570 laptop and an Exilim ZR200 canon camcorder. SM and SC feedback presented to the swimmers and waterpolo players led to improved speed and results, and the effect of presenting SM with SC feedback to swimmers had better results. In conclusion, the present study indicates that SC modeling of watching video is a suitable method for professional swimmers. Water polo trainers can also use SM and SC feedback to enhance their players' swimming technique.

The Epidemiology of Shoulder Injuries in Water Polo Players: A Monocentric Descriptive Study on Clinical and Radiological Presentation.

Water polo players' shoulders are exposed to repeated overhead and throwing motions as well as direct and indirect traumas. Shoulder injuries account for over half of all injuries sustained by water polo players. This is a monocentric descriptive epidemiological study on the clinical and radiological presentation of a consecutive series of water polo players from January 2002 to September 2022. All patients underwent clinical and physical examinations and an MRI arthrogram. A total of 92 water polo players were included in this study. Fifty-three patients (57.6%) reported at least one previous shoulder instability episode; 100% of patients in this group were diagnosed with a capsulolabral complex lesion, and 88.7% of these players complained of subjective symptoms of shoulder instability (RR: 4.4). A total of 39 out of 92 patients (42.4%) did not report previous shoulder dislocation episodes; the mean age at presentation in this group was significantly higher than the mean age of the patients who experienced previous instability episodes (p < 0.01), and the throwing arm was affected in 79.5% of patients (RR = 1.41).

Energetic and Cognitive Demands of Treading Water: Effects of Technique and Expertise.

Being able to tread water effectively can improve the likelihood of survival following accidental immersion. People tread water in various ways, ranging from rudimentary 'doggy-paddle' to more elaborate techniques like the eggbeater, but little is known about the energetic and cognitive requirements of treading water. We therefore aimed to measure the demands of treading water techniques for people of different experience levels. Three cohorts, comprising 21 adult water treading experts (water polo players), 15 intermediate swimmers and 16 inexperienced swimmers, treaded water for 3 min each using four different techniques while cognitive and energetic economy measures were taken. For inexperienced swimmers, the flutter kick and breaststroke patterns produced the lowest self-reported physical and task load (rating of perceived exertion, NASA task load index), while cognitive (probe reaction time), cardiac (heart rate) and metabolic (oxygen consumption) load did not differ between techniques. In contrast, for expert water treaders, both breaststroke and eggbeater patterns produced lower cognitive, cardiac and metabolic loads. For intermediate swimmers, breaststroke resulted in the lowest cardiac and metabolic loads, as well as self-reported task load. Probe reaction time was highest while performing the eggbeater technique, indicating that this technique was challenging to coordinate and cognitively demanding. While the energetic demands of antiphase kicking patterns (such as eggbeater in experts or flutter kick in beginners) may be similarly low, the symmetric coordination of upright breaststroke may explain why this pattern's cognitive economy was favourable for all groups. As the eggbeater can be challenging to perform for many people, an upright breaststroke technique is an adequate alternative to adopt in survival situations.

Tokyo 2021 Olympic Water Polo Champions and Their Anthropometric Characteristics and Body Composition Compared to Other Players / Campeones Olímpicos de Waterpolo de Tokio 2021 y sus Características Antropométricas y Composición Corporal en Comparación con Otros Jugadores

SUMMARY: The Olympic Games always offer great interest when it comes to water polo. Currently, many selections have an approximate quality and details determine who will win. Prior to the tournament the authors wanted to verify body composition and anthropometric characteristics of players of the three national teams, Serbia, the United States of America (USA) and Montenegro. The purpose of this research was to determine the differences in body composition and anthropometric characteristics between the water polo players of the national team of Serbia and Olympic champion in Tokyo 2021, the national team of USA which took sixth place and the national team of Montenegro, which took the eighth place. Body mass index, fat percentage and muscle mass (body composition variables) were evaluated by Bioelectric Impedance type MC-980 and body height, body weight, triceps skinfold, biceps skinfold, skinfold of the back, abdominal skinfold, upper leg skinfold, lower leg skinfold (other anthropometric characteristics) were evaluated by an anthropometer and a calliper. ANOVA showed that there was a statistically significant difference in fat percentage. The LSD post hoc test showed statistically significant differences between the water polo players of the Montenegrin national team (13.33 %) compared to the water polo players of the USA national team (16.67 %). It can be stated that water polo players from Montenegro had a statistically significantly lower fat percentage than water polo players from the USA and a lower level of fat than water polo players from Serbia, though this was not statistically significant. Although the fat percentage is a disruptive factor with athletes, it had no effect on the result at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, because Serbia eventually won the gold medal, the USA obtained sixth place, and Montenegro eighth place. It means that some other abilities influenced the results at the Tokyo Olympics in water polo, for example tactical, physical, psychological, technical... which is to be shown by some other research.

Los Juegos Olímpicos siempre ofrecen un gran interés en lo que respecta al waterpolo. Actualmente, muchas selecciones tienen una calidad aproximada y los detalles determinan quién ganará. Antes del torneo, los autores deseaban comprobar la composición corporal y las características antropométricas de los jugadores de las tres selecciones nacionales: Serbia, Estados Unidos (EE.UU.) y Montenegro, que siempre tienen las mayores ambiciones en las grandes competiciones. El propósito de esta investigación fue determinar las diferencias en composición corporal y características antropométricas entre los jugadores de waterpolo de la selección nacional de Serbia, que fue campeona olímpica en Tokio 2021, la selección nacional de Estados Unidos que ocupó el sexto lugar y la selección nacional de Montenegro, que acabó octavo. El índice de masa corporal, el porcentaje de grasa y la masa muscular (variables de composición corporal) se evaluaron mediante Impedancia Bioeléctrica tipo MC-980 y la altura corporal, el peso corporal, el pliegue del tríceps, el pliegue del bíceps, el pliegue de la espalda, el pliegue abdominal, el pliegue de la parte superior de la pierna y la parte inferior de la pierna. Los pliegues cutáneos (otras características antropométricas) fueron evaluados mediante un antropómetro y un calibrador. ANOVA mostró que había una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el porcentaje de grasa. La prueba post hoc de LSD mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los jugadores de waterpolo de la selección nacional de Montenegro (13,33 %) en comparación con los jugadores de waterpolo de la selección de Estados Unidos (16,67 %). Se puede afirmar que los jugadores de waterpolo de Montenegro tenían un porcentaje de grasa estadísticamente significativamente menor que los jugadores de waterpolo de EE. UU. y un nivel de grasa más bajo que los jugadores de waterpolo de Serbia, lo que no es estadísticamente significativo. Aunque el porcentaje de grasa es un factor perturbador para los atletas, no tuvo ningún efecto en el resultado de los Juegos Olímpicos de Tokio, ya que al final Serbia ganó la medalla de oro, Estados Unidos quedó en sexto lugar y Montenegro en el octavo lugar. Esto significa que en los resultados de los Juegos Olímpicos de Tokio en el waterpolo influyeron otras habilidades, por ejemplo tácticas, físicas, psicológicas y técnicas, tal como lo demostrarán investigaciones a futuro.

Perfil postural en jugadores élite de polo acuático

La postura corporal es el resultado de la compleja interacción del sistema músculo-esquelético y nervioso que permite al cuerpo mantenerse en una posición adecuada, con un balance ergonómico y un gasto de energía mínimo. Las exigencias técnicas y el perfil morfofuncional del polista se complementan como factores internos predisponentes a lesiones por sobreuso. El objetivo del estudio consistió en analizar el perfil postural en jugadores élite de polo acuático. Se diseñó un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo y transversal. Los métodos científicos seleccionados estuvieron en el nivel teórico, empírico y estadístico-matemático. Se evaluaron 18 polistas masculinos, de élite, de 18 a 33 años de edad. En el plano frontal, el perfil predominante fue cabeza centrada (13; 72,2 %), con hombro izquierdo más alto (14; 77,8 %), espina iliaca anterosuperior homolateral más alta (10; 55,6 %), triángulo torácico derecho más grande que el izquierdo (10; 55,6%) y ambas rodillas con correcta alineación frontal (10; 55,6 %). En el plano sagital la cabeza se observó adelantada (18; 100 %), pelvis neutra (14; 77,78 %), ambas rodillas en recurvatum (10; 55,6 %) e inclinación corporal anterior (18; 100 %) con un rango de angulación de 2-6 grados. En el plano frontal posterior la cabeza se encontró neutra (14; 77,78 %) con inclinación corporal izquierda (12; 66,67 %). La evaluación del perfil de postura en polistas es útil para diagnosticar desalineaciones en los segmentos corporales, al generar una herramienta en el control biomédico del entrenamiento deportivo.

A postura corporal é resultado da complexa interação do sistema musculoesquelético e nervoso que permite ao corpo permanecer em uma posição adequada, com equilíbrio ergonômico e mínimo gasto energético. As exigências técnicas e o perfil morfofuncional do jogador de pólo complementam-se como fatores internos predisponentes a lesões por uso excessivo. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar o perfil postural em jogadores de elite de pólo aquático. Foi desenhado um estudo descritivo, prospectivo e transversal. Os métodos científicos selecionados foram de nível teórico, empírico e estatístico-matemático. Foram avaliados 18 jogadores de pólo de elite do sexo masculino, com idades entre 18 e 33 anos. No plano frontal, o perfil predominante foi cabeça centrada (13; 72,2%), com ombro esquerdo mais alto (14; 77,8%), espinha ilíaca ântero-superior ipsilateral mais alta (10; 55,6%), triângulo torácico direito maior que o esquerdo ( 10; 55,6%) e ambos os joelhos com alinhamento frontal correto (10; 55,6%). No plano sagital observou-se cabeça para frente (18; 100%), pelve neutra (14; 77,78%), ambos os joelhos em recurvatum (10; 55,6%) e inclinação anterior do corpo (18; 100%) com amplitude de angulação de 2-6 graus. No plano frontal posterior a cabeça estava neutra (14; 77,78 %) com inclinação do corpo para a esquerda (12; 66,67 %). A avaliação do perfil postural em jogadores de pólo é útil para diagnosticar desalinhamentos em segmentos corporais, gerando uma ferramenta no controle biomédico do treinamento esportivo.

Body posture is the result of the complex interaction of the musculoskeletal and nervous system that allows the body to remain in an adequate position, with ergonomic balance and minimal energy expenditure. The technical demands and the morphofunctional profile of the polo player complement each other as internal factors predisposing to injuries due to overuse. The objective of the study was to analyze the postural profile in elite water polo players. A descriptive, prospective and cross-sectional study was designed. The selected scientific methods were at the theoretical, empirical and statistical-mathematical level. 18 elite male polo players, aged 18 to 33, were evaluated. In the frontal plane, the predominant profile was centered head (13; 72.2 %), with higher left shoulder (14; 77.8 %), higher ipsilateral anterior superior iliac spine (10; 55.6 %), triangle right thoracic larger than the left (10; 55.6 %) and both knees with correct frontal alignment (10; 55.6 %). In the sagittal plane, the head was observed forward (18; 100 %), neutral pelvis (14; 77.78 %), both knees in recurvatum (10; 55.6 %) and anterior body inclination (18; 100 %) with an angulation range of 2-6 degrees. In the posterior frontal plane, the head was neutral (14; 77.78 %) with left body inclination (12; 66.67 %). The evaluation of the posture profile in polo players is useful to diagnose misalignments in body segments, generating a tool in the biomedical control of sports training.

The Association of Serum Calprotectin with Fitness Indicators and Biochemical Markers in High-Level Athletes: A Continuous Dynamic Monitoring during One Competitive Season.

The objective was to determine the associations between several biochemical indicators and the dynamics of concentration change across four physical fitness phases over the period of a competitive season. Furthermore, associations between serum calprotectin and biomarkers of inflammation or muscle injury and physical indicators were examined. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty professional male water polo players (median age: 28 (22-42)) were included in this study. Serum creatine kinase activity was determined by the automated photometric UV method. The concentrations of calprotectin, C-reactive protein, and myoglobin were measured using an automated immunoturbidimetric method, while an automated immunochemistry method was employed for interleukin-6, troponin I, and cortisol determination. Tests of repeated strength, maximal strength, and static strength were used to evaluate physical activity. RESULTS: Serum calprotectin concentrations expressed in median and IQR were significantly different: T1: 2.92 g/mL (2.47; 3.86); T2: 2.35 g/mL (1.26; 2.87); T3: 2.27 g/mL (1.60; 3.27); and T4: 1.47 g/mL (1.04; 2.85) (p = 0.004). Cortisol concentration and CK activity showed significant changes among phases (p = 0.049 and p = 0.014, respectively). Each physical activity examined showed a significant seasonal decrease (all p values were 0.001). Calprotectin serum concentration and indicators of muscular injury, inflammation, and physical activity were found to be correlated during particular stages of the seasonal examination. CONCLUSIONS: Calprotectin values determined throughout one competitive season decreased as training intensity among water polo players increased. Serum calprotectin concentrations and indicators were related to biochemical markers of inflammation and muscle damage.

The Oral Microbiome Profile of Water Polo Players Aged 16-20.

OBJECTIVES: Chlorine has a strong antibacterial property and is the disinfectant most frequently used in swimming pools. Therefore, the microbiota community in the oral cavity of those who practice water sports is assumed to be special due to their regular immersion in water. Adverse changes in the composition of oral cavity microbiota may have serious health consequences. We aimed to compare the oral microbiome between water polo players and non-athletes. We hypothesized that the oral cavity microbiota community differed between water polo players and non-athletes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Altogether, 124 water polo players (62 males and 62 females, aged between 9 and 20 years) and 16 non-athlete youths (control group, eight males and eight females, aged between 16 and 20 years, mean age + SD = 17.1 + 1.4 years) who participated in body structure examinations voluntarily agreed to participate in the study. In a randomly selected subsample of water polo players (n: 29, aged between 16 and 20 years, mean age + SD = 17.3 + 1.0 years), saliva samples were also collected. Saliva samples were collected from all non-athlete youths (n: 16, aged between 16 and 20 years). The oral microbiome was determined from a saliva sample, and DNA was isolated using the QIAmp DNA Blood Mini Kit. The 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing method was used to analyze the microbiome community. PCR primers were trimmed from the sequence reads with Cutadapt. R library DADA2 was used to process reads in the abundance analysis. RESULTS: In general, Streptococcus, Veilonella, and Prevotella genera constituted more than 50% of the oral microbiome community in the two participant groups combined (n = 45). The oral microbial profile had significant sexual dimorphism and differed between water polo players and the non-athletes. Compared to females, males had a higher (p < 0.05) relative abundance of the Atopobium (medium effect size) and Pravotella_7 (very large effect size) genera and a lower (p < 0.05) relative abundance of the Fusobacterium (large effect size), Gemella (large effect size), and Streptococcus (large effect size) genera. Compared to non-athletes, water polo players had higher (p < 0.05, medium effect size) relative abundance of the genus Veillonella and lower (p < 0.05, large effect size) relative abundance of the genus Gemella. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that regular water training can unfavorably alter the composition of the oral microbial community.