Changes in Circulating MicroRNA Levels as Potential Indicators of Training Adaptation in Professional Volleyball Players.

The increasing demand placed on professional athletes to enhance their fitness and performance has prompted the search for new, more sensitive biomarkers of physiological ability. One such potential biomarker includes microRNA (miRNA) small regulatory RNA sequences. The study investigated the levels of the selected circulating miRNAs before and after a 10-week training cycle in 12 professional female volleyball players, as well as their association with cortisol, creatine kinase (CK), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), using the qPCR technique. Significant decreases in the miR-22 (0.40 ± 0.1 vs. 0.28 ± 0.12, p = 0.009), miR-17 (0.35 ± 0.13 vs. 0.23 ± 0.08; p = 0.039), miR-24 (0.09 ± 0.04 vs. 0.05 ± 0.02; p = 0.001), and miR-26a (0.11 ± 0.06 vs. 0.06 ± 0.04; p = 0.003) levels were observed after training, alongside reduced levels of cortisol and IL-6. The correlation analysis revealed associations between the miRNAs' relative quantity and the CK concentrations, highlighting their potential role in the muscle repair processes. The linear regression analysis indicated that miR-24 and miR-26a had the greatest impact on the CK levels. The study provides insights into the dynamic changes in the miRNA levels during training, suggesting their potential as biomarkers for monitoring the adaptive responses to exercise. Overall, the findings contribute to a better understanding of the physiological effects of exercise and the potential use of miRNAs, especially miR-24 and miR-26a, as biomarkers in sports science and medicine.

Quantifying the Performance of Professional Athletes Following Traumatic Tibial Fractures.

INTRODUCTION: A tibial fracture is an uncommon, yet severe injury that occurs in professional athletes within all major sports leagues. These injuries are often debilitating for professional athletes and can require extensive rehabilitation prior to returning to play. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of a tibial fracture on athletic performance in all four major United States sports leagues. METHODS: A publicly available professional sports database, Pro Sports Transactions, was queried for tibial injuries from January 01, 2015, to May 31, 2023. The search included all four major U.S. sports leagues. To quantify and compare athletic ability before and after injury, performance-based statistics were collected from standardized player ratings in periods surrounding the date of injury. The percent change in player performance was measured and stratified. The Pearson correlation test was used to analyze player demographics. RESULTS: There were a total of 24 professional athletes who suffered 28 confirmed tibial fractures across all leagues. Upon return, there was a 14.7% decrease in overall player performance across all leagues. National Basketball Association, National Football League, and National Hockey League athletes had a decrease of 34.5%, 29.1%, and 14.2%, respectively, following their return to play. Major League Baseball players demonstrated an 8.1% increase in player performance following their recovery from tibial fracture. CONCLUSION: Players who suffer tibial fractures often undergo immediate surgery and, in unfortunate cases, may require multiple subsequent procedures. Additionally, athletes spend several months recovering prior to their return. Upon return, athletes' performance may be decreased; however, further study is required to strengthen the association between player performance and tibial fracture recovery.

The Role of Cervical Disc Arthroplasty in Elite Athletes.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) for the treatment of symptomatic cervical disc herniations (CDH) is a promising treatment for professional athletes. In recent years, a number of high-profile athletes have returned to professional play within three months after CDA, raising important questions about the potential of this procedure within this patient group. We provide the first comprehensive review of available literature for the safety and efficacy of CDA in professional contact sport athletes. RECENT FINDINGS: CDA provides theoretical biomechanical advantages over anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and posterior foraminotomy (PF), as CDA is the only operation for treatment of CDH that provides neural decompression, stability and height restoration, with preserved range of motion. While the comparative long-term results from each procedure are unknown, CDA has provided encouraging promise in its use in professional contact athletes. We aim to aid ongoing discussions regarding the controversies in spine surgery for professional athletes by providing a scientific review of the available evidence-based literature involving cervical disc arthroplasty in this population. In general, we believe that CDA is a viable alternative to ACDF and PF for the contact professional athlete who requires full neck range of motion and desires an expedited return to play. For collision athletes, the short- and long-term safety and efficacy profile of this procedure is promising but still unclear.

Return to Preinjury-Level Sports After Arthroscopic Latarjet for Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability in Professional Athletes.

Background: The Latarjet procedure is recommended to treat recurrent anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss. Longer return-to-sport (RTS) times have been reported after the open Latarjet when compared with the arthroscopic Latarjet. Purpose: To assess the clinical outcomes and RTS in athletes who underwent an arthroscopic Latarjet. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This study included 46 professional athletes with recurrent anterior shoulder instability who underwent an arthroscopic Latarjet between 2010 and 2016. Patients were divided by type of sport: noncollision and nonoverhead (n = 22), collision and martial arts (n = 13), and overhead (n = 11). Sport activity was evaluated with the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) score, Subjective Patient Outcome for Return to Sports score, and RTS time. Clinical results were evaluated by Constant-Murley score, Walch-Duplay score, and range of external and internal rotation. Complication rates, recurrence of shoulder instability, and number of revision procedures were recorded. Correlation tests were used to assess the relationship between measured parameters. Results: The mean ± SD patient age was 27.1 ± 7.3 years, and the mean follow-up was 50.7 ± 18 months. Overall, 44 patients (95.7%) returned to their previously practiced sports, and 40 (87%) returned to their preinjury levels. The RTS time was 5 ± 1.4 months, with no significant difference among sport types. KJOC and Subjective Patient Outcome for Return to Sports scores were 95.2 ± 5.6 and 9.5 ± 1, respectively. Significant pre- to postoperative improvement was seen on the Constant-Murley score (from 54.3 ± 9.4 to 87.9 ± 8.2; P = .001) and Walch-Duplay score (from 53.7 ± 7.3 to 88.1 ± 10.7; P = .001). Mean postoperative external and internal rotation was 72.8° ± 18.6° and 81.3° ± 11.3°. Procedure-related complications occurred in 10 patients (21.7%); recurrence of shoulder instability was observed in 4 (8.7%); and 4 (8.7%) underwent revision surgery. A worse Walch-Duplay score was significantly associated with longer RTS time (r = -0.39; P = .019) and lower KJOC score (r = 0.29; P = .03). Conclusion: There was a 95.7% RTS rate after the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure, although the procedure was not free from complications.

Use of Fantasy Points in Evaluating Professional Athlete Performance After Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction.

Our aim in performing this study was to evaluate whether fantasy and wins above replacement (WAR) scores of athletes undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructive surgery in the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), National Hockey League (NHL), and Major League Baseball (MLB) could be utilized in evaluating their performance post-surgery. We identified publicly accessible data on professional athletes from 1992 to 2015. Fantasy and WAR scores were calculated for each player. A total of 83 professional players met the inclusion criteria for this cross-sectional study. Decreased fantasy scores ranged from 33% to 42% across the four leagues after the index operation. NHL players had the lowest return-to-play (RTP) rate at 11/17 (82%), and MLB players had the highest RTP rate at 14/15 (93%). RTP rates of NBA and NFL players were comparable at 22/26 (85%) and 22/25 (88%), respectively. NFL players had the lowest average career length after surgery at 26 months, while NBA players had the longest average career length at 64 months. MLB players on average required the longest time to return to the pre-surgical level of performance (21 months). NHL players had the shortest average recovery time (eight months), and NBA players had the longest average recovery time (13 months). Approximately, more than half of all the studied players exhibited a decline in fantasy or WAR scores. In addition, NFL players had the lowest average career length, and NBA players enjoyed the longest average career length after surgery. NHL players had the lowest recovery time, while NBA players had the longest recovery time. The strength of this study is the utilization of fantasy points and WAR scores as a single unifying measure of a player's performance, which acts as an objective measure after ACL reconstruction. The average performance of a professional athlete, as evaluated through their fantasy score output, tends to decrease after undergoing ACL reconstruction. There is an overall long-term performance decline after initial spikes in their performance after surgery. Additional larger studies are needed to fully understand the effects of ACL reconstruction in professional athletes; however, the use of fantasy scores may be an objective tool in measuring the success rate of ACL reconstruction.

Occult Lunotriquetral Ligament Injuries in Adolescent Golfers.

Publications on lunotriquetral interosseous ligament (LTIL) injuries among adolescent professional golfers are scarce. Inconclusive clinical and radiographic imaging in rendering a definitive treatment may inform the lack of documentation in literature. In this case study, we present three case series of highly competitive adolescent golfers who presented with persistent and intractable ulnar-sided wrist pain. While the physical examination was clinically suspicious for lunotriquetral (LT) ligament injury, plain radiographs and MRI imaging did not elucidate the cause. The diagnosis was confirmed solely via wrist arthroscopy. Although most ulna-sided wrist pain can be treated conservatively, without a proper diagnosis, a missed LTIL injury can be disastrous to an adolescent golfers' future. This case series aims to create awareness of the diagnosis and stress the advantages of utilising wrist arthroscopy. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Isolated radial tears of the lateral meniscus midbody: a case series of professional athletes treated with outside-in repair.

PURPOSE: The main aim of the study is to assess clinical and functional outcomes of arthroscopic outside-in repair of isolated radial tears of the midbody of lateral meniscus in professional athletes and to evaluate the return to the sport activity after surgery. METHODS: A retrospective data collection on professional athletes with isolated complete lesion of the midbody of lateral meniscus, treated with arthroscopic outside-in repair was carried out. Outcome measures included functional assessment, Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) and Hamstring Quadriceps Ratio (HQR) and Lysholm score collected before surgery and at 4-month follow-up. Data on return to sport practice and re-injury were also retrieved. RESULTS: Fourteen patients satisfied the selection criteria. Full return to professional sport activity (Tegner 10) was registered in the 86% of the cohort at 4 months after the surgery. Functional testing of the athletes showed a return of the LSI and HQR to the pre-surgical condition, demonstrating a full recovery of the functional ability and muscle strength. Similarly, clinical evaluation through Lysholm score showed an improvement, reaching an average of 97.7 points at 4 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: A good functional recovery and a high rate of return to play has been observed in a population of professional athletes, at 4 months after outside-in repair.

High revision arthroscopy rate after ACL reconstruction in men's professional team sports.

PURPOSE: The study analysed unique data on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among German professional male team sports over five consecutive seasons with the aim of improving medical outcomes in the future. Sport-specific differences in injury occurrence, concomitant injuries, timing of ACL reconstruction, graft type selection and short-term complications were examined. METHODS: This retrospective study analysed trauma insurance data on all complete ACL tears from players with at least one competitive match appearance in the two highest divisions of German male basketball, ice hockey, football and handball. Each complete ACL tear registered by clubs or physicians between the 2014/15 and 2018/19 seasons with the German statutory accidental insurance for professional athletes (VBG) as part of occupational accident reporting was included. RESULTS: In total, 189 out of 7517 players (2.5%) sustained an ACL injury, mainly in handball (n = 82; 43.4%) and football (n = 72; 38.1%) followed by ice hockey (n = 20; 10.6%) and basketball (n = 15; 7.9%).Seventeen players (9.0%) also sustained a second ACL injury. Thus, 206 ACL injuries were included in the analysis. The overall match incidence of ACL injuries was 0.5 per 1000 h and was highest in handballs (1.1 injuries per 1000 h). A total of 70.4% of ACL injuries involved concomitant injury to other knee structures, and 29.6% were isolated ACL injuries. The highest rate of isolated ACL injuries was seen in ice hockey (42.9%). All ACL injuries, except for one career-ending injury, required surgery. In the four analysed team sports, hamstring tendons (71.4%) were the most commonly used grafts for ACL reconstruction; football had the highest percentage of alternative grafts (48.7%). During rehabilitation, 22.9% of all surgically treated ACL injuries (n = 205) required at least two surgical interventions, and 15.6% required revision arthroscopy. The main cause of revision arthroscopy (n = 32; 50.0%) was range-of-motion deficit due to arthrofibrosis or cyclops formation. CONCLUSION: The present study shows an overall high rate of revision arthroscopy after ACLR (15.6%), which should encourage surgeons and therapists to evaluate their treatment and rehabilitation strategies in this specific subpopulation. Hamstring tendon grafts are most commonly used for ACL reconstruction but have the highest revision and infection rates. Handball shows the highest ACL injury risk of the four evaluated professional team sports. Concomitant injuries occur in the majority of cases, with the highest share of isolated ACL injuries occurring in ice hockey. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Low back pain estimates in professional soccer: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Estimativas da dor lombar no futebol profissional: revisão sistemática e metanálise

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of low back pain (LBP) in adult professional soccer players. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Results: The review included 44 studies. The pooled prevalence of LBP during ≤ 1 season was 1% (95%CI = 0-4%) in men. The pooled point prevalence of LBP was 25% (95%CI = 16-36%) in men and 28% (95%CI = 20-37%) in women. The pooled past-year prevalence of LBP was 34% (95%CI = 24-44%) in men. The pooled lifetime prevalence of LBP was 32% (95%CI = 25-39%) in men and 50% (95%CI = 32-69%) in women. The pooled frequency of LBP/total number of injuries was 2% (95%CI = 1-3%) in men and 4% (95%CI = 2-5%) in women. The pooled incidence rate of LBP/1,000 player-hours of exposure was 0.30 (95%CI = 0.17- 0.53) in men and 0.32 (95%CI = 0.06 -1.87) in women. The recurrence of LBP ranged from 3% to 63% in men. The intensity of LBP ranged from 1.68 (2.39) to 4.87 (2.14) points on a 0-10 scale (minimum = 0 and maximum = 8 points). The severity of LBP (days absent from professional activities due to pain) ranged from 2 (0) to 10 (19) days (minimum = 1 and maximum = 28 days). Conclusion: Adult elite soccer players have a substantial prevalence of LBP. The frequency and incidence of LBP (compared with other conditions and sports) seems to be low. Estimates of the recurrence, intensity, and severity of LBP are uncertain. Level of Evidence II, Systematic Review of Level II Studies.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar as características epidemiológicas e clínicas da lombalgia em jogadores profissionais de futebol. Métodos: Revisão sistemática e metanálise. Resultados: A revisão incluiu 44 estudos. A prevalência combinada de lombalgia em até uma temporada foi de 1% (IC95% = 0-4%) em homens. A prevalência pontual combinada de lombalgia foi de 25% (IC95% = 16-36%) em homens e 28% (IC95% = 20-37%) em mulheres. A prevalência combinada de lombalgia no último ano foi de 34% (IC95% = 24-44%) em homens. A prevalência combinada de lombalgia ao longo da vida foi de 32%(IC95% = 25-39%) em homens e 50% (IC95% = 32-69%) em mulheres. A frequência combinada de lombalgia/número total de lesões foi de 2% (IC95% = 1-3%) em homens e 4% (IC95% = 2-5%) em mulheres. A taxa de incidência combinada de lombalgia/1.000 jogador-horas de exposição foi de 0,30 (IC95% = 0,17-0,53) em homens e 0,32 (IC95% = 0,06-1,87) em mulheres. A recorrência de lombalgia variou entre 3-63% em homens. A intensidade da lombalgia variou entre 1,68 (2,39)-4,87 (2,14) pontos em uma escala de 0-10 (mínimo = 0; máximo = 8 pontos). A gravidade da lombalgia (ausência das atividades profissionais devido à dor) variou entre 2 (0)-10 (19) dias (mínimo = 1; máximo = 28 dias). Conclusão: Jogadores de futebol profissional apresentam alta prevalência de lombalgia substancial. A frequência e a incidência da lombalgia parecem ser baixas comparadas a outros esportes e condições. As estimativas de recorrência, intensidade e gravidade da lombalgia são incertas. Nível de Evidência II, Revisão Sistemática de Estudos de Nível II.

Particularidades del entrenamiento físico y el control de los factores de riesgo en la población trans y de género diverso / Particularities of physical training and control of risk factors in the transgender and gender-diverse population

Resumen La población trans y de género diverso (TGD) tiene una gran relevancia en relación con la práctica de ejercicio y deporte. Se destacan desafíos específicos, como la inactividad física motivada por razones internas y externas, incluida la discriminación en entornos deportivos. Existen aspectos psicológicos y efectos de la terapia hormonal que generan implicaciones para la dificultar participación en competiciones deportivas. También se menciona la disparidad en los factores de riesgo cardiovascular y se plantea la necesidad de políticas deportivas inclusivas basadas en evidencia científica. El artículo enfatiza la importancia de abordar los aspectos sociales, psicológicos y médicos para promover la salud física y mental de la población TGD, especialmente en el ámbito deportivo profesional.

Abstract The transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) population holds significant relevance concerning exercise and sports practices. Specific challenges are highlighted, such as physical inactivity driven by internal and external reasons, including discrimination in sports environments. Psychological aspects and hormonal therapy effects create implications for hindering participation in sports competitions. Disparities in cardiovascular risk factors are also mentioned, emphasizing the need for inclusive sports policies based on scientific evidence. The article underscores the importance of addressing social, psychological, and medical aspects to promote the physical and mental health of the TGD population, particularly in the professional sports area.

Do Physical Activity, BMI, and Wellbeing Affect Logical Thinking?

We studied 6368 people (4544 women and 1824 men; aged 18-74 years). The research goal was to determine whether the Cognitive Reflection Test score (logical thinking compared with intuitive thinking) depends-and in what way it depends-on the healthy lifestyle components and emotional health-related components as well as age (18-74 years) and gender. We established that analytical vs. intuitive thinking depended on components of a healthy lifestyle, physical activity, sleep, eating habits, smoking and alcohol consumption, specificity of sporting activity, body mass index, and emotional health-related components (stress, depression, impulsivity, subjective health, emotional intelligence), as well as age and gender. We found that logical thinking was not associated with sleep, moderate-to-vigorous PA, impulsivity, subjective health, and components of a healthy lifestyle. However, logical thinking decreases with age, gender (higher in men than in women), BMI (decreases in both genders over the second degree of obesity), depression (the more severe depression in women, the worse their logical thinking), sedentary behavior (people who sat for longer periods had more difficulty solving problems), and in professional sportswomen (logical thinking is worse in professional sportswomen than in sedentary women, amateur sportswomen, or women who use gyms). Finally, we determined inverse correlations between logical thinking, emotional intelligence, and stress.

Efeito da distribuição da carga interna de treinamento no desempenho de salto vertical em uma pré-temporada de jogadores de voleibol de elite / Effect of the distribution of the internal load of training in vertical jump performance in a preseason of elite volleyball players

O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar os efeitos da distribuição da carga interna de treinamento no desempenho de salto vertical durante a pré-temporada em jogadores de voleibol. A amostra foi composta por 11 jogadores de voleibol da Superliga Masculina de Voleibol (26,4±5,7 anos; 96,6±9,0 kg; 197,6±7,8 cm; 8,1±2,8% de gordura). A pré-temporada foi composta por 11 semanas de treinamento, dividida em três etapas: Etapa 1, com duração de 6 semanas; Etapa 2, com duração de 3 semanas; Etapa 3, com duração de 2 semanas. A carga interna de treinamento foi avaliada em todas sessões de treinamento através da percepção subjetiva de esforço da sessão, as percepções subjetivas de fadiga foram avaliadas ao final de cada semana, por meio da escala de bem-estar e o salto vertical com contra movimento foi avaliado ao final de cada etapa. Os resultados mostraram maiores valores de carga interna de treinamento em Etapa 1 em comparação a Etapa 2 (p = 0,02) e Etapa 3 (p = 0,01), alterações no estado de bem-estar dos atletas durante as três etapas analisadas, considerando os indicadores fadiga (F = 13,1; p < 0,001), estresse (F = 23,8; p < 0,001), humor (F = 16,7; p < 0,001) e bem-estar total (F = 11,2; p < 0,001) e também alterações significativas no salto vertical com contra movimento nos diferentes momentos de avaliação (F = 7,2; p < 0,01). Conclui-se que a distribuição de carga interna de treinamento, juntamente com as capacidades físicas trabalhadas, contribui para que ocorresse melhoria do desempenho no salto vertical com contra movimento e também redução da percepção de fadiga ao final da pré-temporada. (AU)

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of internal training load distribution on vertical jump performance during preseason in volleyball players. The sample consisted of 11 volleyball players from a Men's Volleyball Superliga (26.4 ± 5.7 years, 96.6 ± 9.0 kg, 197.6 ± 7.8 cm, 8.1 ± 2.8% of fat). The pre-season consisted of 11 weeks of training, divided into three stages: Stage 1, lasting 6 weeks; Stage 2, lasting 3 weeks; Stage 3, lasting 2 weeks. The internal training load was evaluated in all training sessions through the session of rating perception of exertion, the subjective perceptions of fatigue were evaluated at the end of each week, through the well-being scale and the vertical jump with counter movement was evaluated at the end of each stage. The results showed higher internal training load values in Stage 1 compared to Stage 2 (p = 0.02) and Stage 3 (p = 0.01), changes in the athletes' state of well-being during the three stages analyzed, considering the fatigue indicators (F = 13.1; p < 0.001), stress (F = 23.8; p < 0.001), mood (F = 16.7; p < 0.001) and total well-being (F = 11.2; p < 0.001) and also significant changes in vertical jump with counter movement at different moments of assessment (F = 7.2; p < 0.01). It is concluded that the distribution of internal training load contributes to an improvement in performance in the vertical jump with counter movement and also a reduction in the perception of fatigue at the end of the pre-season. (AU)

Outcomes and Return to Sports Following the Ankle Lateral Ligament Reconstruction in Professional Athletes: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: The literature on the early reconstruction of severe acute lateral ligament injuries in professional athletes suggests earlier rehabilitation and reduced incidence of recurrent instability. Predicted time to return to training and sports is important to both the athlete and the club and has not previously been reported. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The primary aim was to establish the best treatment options available for lateral ligament injury in professional athletes and assess the average time to return to physical training and return to play (RTP). Secondary aims were to find out the rate of return to the pre-injury level of competitive sports and the reasons for delayed recovery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines to evaluate the demographics, clinical profile, management, and treatment outcomes. Electronic searches of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were performed. Studies conducted between Jan 2000 and Dec 2020 with articles reporting the ankle lateral ligament reconstruction in professional athletes were included. MAIN RESULTS: After initial screening, 982 articles were identified, of which, 10 articles evaluating 343 athletes met the criteria and were included for final review. The combined mean age was 23 years with an average follow-up of 58.4 months. After surgery 308 (89%) returned to their pre-injury level of sports, 7 (2%) patients returned to a lower-level sport while the remaining 28 (9%) never returned to play. CONCLUSION: Our results provide a guide to predict the expected time to return to play (RTP) after surgical repair of lateral ligament injuries along with associated injuries leading to delayed rehabilitation. Lateral ligament reconstruction is a safe and effective treatment for severe ruptures providing a stable ankle with a mean time of 16 weeks to return to sports. The available studies vary considerably in their metrics used for measuring patient-reported outcomes. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-021-00532-0.

Characteristics of the gut microbiome in esports players compared with those in physical education students and professional athletes.

Introduction: Esports is a category of competitive video games that, in many aspects, may be similar to traditional sports; however, the gut microbiota composition of players has not been yet studied. Materials and methods: Here, we investigated the composition and function of the gut microbiota, as well as short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and amino acids, in a group of 109 well-characterized Polish male esports players. The results were compared with two reference groups: 25 endurance athletes and 36 healthy students of physical education. DNA and metabolites isolated from fecal samples were analyzed using shotgun metagenomic sequencing and mass spectrometry, respectively. Physical activity and nutritional measures were evaluated by questionnaire. Results: Although anthropometric, physical activity and nutritional measures differentiated esports players from students, there were no differences in bacterial diversity, the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio, the composition of enterotype clusters, metagenome functional content, or SCFA concentrations. However, there were significant differences between esports players and students with respect to nine bacterial species and nine amino acids. By contrast, all of the above-mentioned measures differentiated professional athletes from esports players and students, with 45 bacteria differentiating professional athletes from the former and 31 from the latter. The only species differentiating all three experimental groups was Parabacteroides distasonis, showing the lowest and highest abundance in esports players and athletes, respectively. Conclusion: Our study confirms the marked impact of intense exercise training on gut microbial structure and function. Differences in lifestyle and dietary habits between esports players and physical education students appear to not have a major effect on the gut microbiota.

[Results of the study of functional recovery of professional athletes after minimally invasive lumbar fusion]. / Rezul'taty provedeniya minimal'no-invazivnogo poyasnichnogo spondilodeza u professional'nykh sportsmenov.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a comprehensive clinical-neurological assessment and to study the results of functional recovery of professional athletes after minimally invasive lumbar interbody fusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective study included 27 patients-professional athletes who were operated on using minimally invasive decompression and stabilization techniques in the period 2010 to 2019. Clinical-neurological effectiveness was assessed when returning to previous sports activity was 14 (9; 17) weeks and 4 (3; 5) years after surgery. RESULTS: The follow-up showed a significant improvement in clinical and neurological parameters: persistent elimination of radicular and muscular-skeletal symptoms, a decrease in the level of pain according to a visual analogue scale in the lumbar spine from 68 (61; 85) mm to 3 (2; 11) mm (p=0.002) and in the lower extremities from 84 (78; 91) mm to 1 (0; 3) mm (p=0.001), change in the physical component of health from 26.18 (23.58; 28.37) to 49.82 (49.03; 53.04) (p=0.002) and the psychological component of health from 27.87 (26.22; 29.29) to 52.18 (49.12; 55.66) (p=0.001), significant improvement in the perception of physical activity according to the Borg RPE Scale from 17 (16; 18) points to 9 (8; 9) (p<0.001). In one case (3.7%), the patient did not return to his previous sports career. CONCLUSION: The use of minimally invasive rigid stabilization in the overwhelming majority of professional athletes made it possible in the shortest possible time to achieve regression of neurological symptoms, reduce pain, improve the quality of life, restore the functional state and return to previous sports activities.

Mortality from mental disorders and suicide in male professional American football and soccer players: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk of mortality from mental disorders and suicide in professional sports associated with repeated head impacts. METHODS: A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus (since inception to June 8, 2021) to find studies comparing the incidence of mortality from mental disorders or suicide in former or active professional athletes of sports characterized by repeated head impacts vs athletes with no such exposure or the general non-athletic population. RESULTS: Seven retrospective studies of moderate-to-high quality that included data from boxers and from basketball, ice hockey, soccer, and National Football League (NFL) players, respectively (total = 27 477 athletes, 100% male) met all inclusion criteria. Former male NFL players (n = 13 217) had a lower risk of mortality from mental disorders (standard mortality rate [SMR] = 0.30; 0.12-0.77; p = 0.012) and suicide (SMR = 0.54; 0.37-0.78; p < 0.001) than the general population. This finding was also corroborated in male soccer players (n = 13,065; SMR = 0.55; 0.46-0.67; p < 0.001). Male athletes participating in sports associated with repeated head impacts (n = 18,606) had also a lower risk of all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality (all p < 0.01) than the general population. CONCLUSIONS: Participation of male athletes in American football or soccer at the professional level might confer a certain protective effect against mortality from mental disorders or suicide, besides its association with a lower risk of all-cause, CVD, or cancer-related mortality.

[Results of minimally invasive lumbar fusion in professional athletes: a single-center retrospective study]. / Rezul'taty minimal'no invazivnogo poyasnichnogo spondilodeza u professional'nykh sportsmenov: odnotsentrovoe retrospektivnoe issledovanie.

Professional athletes have a high basic level of physical fitness and significant motivation for returning to previous rhythm of functional activity within the shortest period after trauma without deterioration of baseline level of sportsmanship. Despite the well-presented results of lumbar spine fusion in general population, these data among professional athletes are not well understood. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results of minimally invasive lumbar fusion in professional athletes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study included 27 athletes (19 men and 8 women) aged 29 (26; 34) years after minimally invasive lumbar spine decompression and fusion via anterior, lateral and posterior approaches. Total lumbar lordosis, degenerative changes in adjacent segment, area of multifidus muscle, perioperative complications and timing of sports rehabilitation were analyzed within 3-5 (mean 4) years after surgery. RESULTS: We found an increase of total lumbar lordosis from 35.2° to 44.1° (p=0.02), no significant muscle atrophy (<30%) and degeneration of adjacent segment (p>0.05). There were 5 perioperative complications (18.5%). Mean period of sports rehabilitation was 14 (9; 17) weeks. One (3.7%) patient did not return to his previous sports career. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive short-segment lumbar interbody fusion in professional athletes is characterized by low risk of fixation element failure, no significant degeneration of adjacent level and postoperative muscle atrophy. This procedure ensures early rehabilitation and returning to sports.

Proximal adductor avulsions are rarely isolated but usually involve injury to the PLAC and pectineus: descriptive MRI findings in 145 athletes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to review the MRI findings in a cohort of athletes who sustained acute traumatic avulsions of the adductor longus fibrocartilaginous entheses, and to investigate related injuries namely the pyramidalis-anterior pubic ligament-adductor longus complex (PLAC). Associated muscle and soft tissue injuries were also assessed. METHODS: The MRIs were reviewed for a partial or complete avulsion of the adductor longus fibrocartilage, as well as continuity or separation of the adductor longus from the pyramidalis. The presence of a concurrent partial pectineus tear was noted. Demographic data were analysed. Linear and logistic regression was used to examine associations between injuries. RESULTS: The mean age was 32.5 (SD 10.9). The pyramidalis was absent in 3 of 145 patients. 85 of 145 athletes were professional and 52 competed in the football Premier League. 132 had complete avulsions and 13 partial. The adductor longus was in continuity with pyramidalis in 55 athletes, partially separated in seven and completely in 81 athletes. 48 athletes with a PLAC injury had a partial pectineus avulsion. Six types of PLAC injuries patterns were identified. Associated rectus abdominis injuries were rare and only occurred in five patients (3.5%). CONCLUSION: The proximal adductor longus forms part of the PLAC and is rarely an isolated injury. The term PLAC injury is more appropriate term. MRI imaging should assess all the anatomical components of the PLAC post-injury, allowing recognition of the different patterns of injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

"a gente tem que somar": fontes de captação financeira de atletas da seleção brasileira de judô / "we have to add": funding sources for athletes of brazil's national judo team / "tenemos que sumar": fuentes de captación financiera de los deportistas de la selección brasileña de judo

Resumo O judô é um esporte em destaque no Brasil. Um dos motivos para isso é o suporte financeiro que o país oferta. Por conta disso, este trabalho objetivou descrever e analisar as formas de captação de recursos financeiros dos atletas de ponta do judô e detalhar a utilização do Programa Bolsa Atleta em suas carreiras. Foram entrevistados 17 atletas da seleção brasileira de judô. Geralmente, os atletas se beneficiam de quatro fontes de recursos financeiros - clube, patrocínios individuais, Programa de Atletas do Alto Rendimento (PAAR) e Programa Bolsa Atleta. Além disso, a Confederação Brasileira de Judô (CBJ) auxilia com outros recursos. Concluiu-se, então, que as principais fontes de financiamento dos atletas vêm do governo federal. É possível se manter financeiramente como atleta de alto rendimento, contudo, há um déficit no financiamento de judocas de base, falta de suporte para recuperação de lesões e para o pós-carreira do atleta.

Abstract Judo is a prominent sport in Brazil, partly as a result of government-provided financial support. This work describes and analyzes top judo athletes' fundraising strategies and the uses they make of the Athlete Scholarship Program in their careers. Seventeen athletes from Brazil's national judo team were interviewed. Athletes usually benefit from four funding sources - clubs, individual sponsors, the High-Performance Athletes Program (PAAR), and the Athlete Scholarship Program. In addition, the Brazilian Judo Confederation (CBJ) assists with other resources. The study concludes that the main funding sources for athletes are provided by the federal government. High performance athletes are able support themselves, but lower-level athletes are underfunded and lack support to recover from injuries and for their post-career times.

Resumen El judo es un deporte destacado en Brasil, y una de las razones de esto es el apoyo financiero que ofrece el país. Por eso, este trabajo tuvo como objetivo describir y analizar las formas de captación de recursos económicos de los deportistas de élite del judo, y detalla la utilización del Programa Bolsa Atleta (Beca Atleta) en sus carreras. Fueron entrevistados 17 deportistas de la selección brasileña de judo. Generalmente, los deportistas se benefician de cuatro fuentes de recursos financieros: club, patrocinios individuales, Programa de Atletas de Alto Rendimiento (PAAR) y Programa Bolsa-Atleta. Además, la Confederación Brasileña de Judo (CBJ) colabora con otros recursos. Se concluyó que las principales fuentes de financiación de los deportistas provienen del gobierno federal. Es posible mantenerse económicamente como deportista de alto rendimiento, sin embargo, existe un déficit en la financiación de los judokas de base, falta de apoyo para la recuperación de lesiones y para la poscarrera del deportista.

Osteoarthritis Prevalence in Retired National Football League Players With a History of Ankle Injuries and Surgery.

CONTEXT: Ankle injuries are common at all levels of American football, and retired National Football League (NFL) players have a high prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA), but little is known about how ankle injuries influence OA prevalence and daily activities in this population or how surgical interventions for such injuries alter the risk of OA. OBJECTIVE: To examine (1) the association of ankle-injury history with OA prevalence, (2) the association of surgical intervention after ankle injury with OA prevalence, and (3) the relationships among ankle injuries, reported OA, and daily activities in retired NFL players. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Survey. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Data from the Retired NFL Players General Health Survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): We created a 7-category main exposure variable that differentiated respondents by football-related ankle injury and surgical intervention. Multivariable binomial regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Among those reporting OA, we examined the distribution of responses regarding whether OA affected daily activities. RESULTS: Among the 2446 respondents, 920 participants experienced OA in any joint during their lifetime. Compared with those reporting no ankle injuries, the prevalence of OA was higher among those with a history of ankle injury. Also, the prevalence of OA was higher among those who had undergone surgery versus those who had not. The number of retired NFL players who reported that OA often affected their daily activities increased with the number of ankle injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Among former NFL players, a history of ankle injury increased the prevalence of OA. More ankle injuries increased the probability that OA negatively affected daily activities. Future prospective research is needed to better determine the influence of surgical intervention at the ankle or foot on OA.