Effects of Boxing Matches on Metabolic, Hormonal, and Inflammatory Parameters in Male Elite Boxers.

Background and objectives: Boxing is a popular combat sport that requires high intensity and cooperation. However, there are limited data about the influence of boxing matches on blood parameters. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the match-induced changes in the metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory status in male elite boxers. Materials and methods: High-level 20 male boxers with more than 5 years experience in boxing voluntarily participated in this study. Venous blood samples of the boxers, before and after combat, were taken for determination of the plasma parameters. Results: Our results indicated that a 9-min boxing match caused significant increases in plasma energy fuels (glucose and lactate), metabolic hormones (insulin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and growth hormone), inflammatory markers (interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)), muscle damage indicators (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)), and oxidative stress marker (SOD). A decrease in total oxidant status (TOS) was also considered. However, there were no significant alterations in the plasma levels of androgenic hormone (free and total testosterone), anabolic hormone (IGF-1), lipids (total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)), kidney function markers (creatinine and urea), and minerals (iron (Fe) and magnesium (Mg)). Conclusion: Elevations in the level of energy fuels and metabolic hormones of the boxers could be taken as a reflection of high-energy turnover during combat performance. The increases in inflammatory and tissue damage indicators may possibly be an indication of traumatic injury. Understanding the biochemical changes that occur during boxing match could be valuable to optimize the performance improvement of the athletes.

Fluid balance and hydration assessment during the weight-stable preparation phase in elite youth boxers.

This study investigated (i) the prevalence of hypohydration and (ii) association between urinary indices of hydration status and confounding factors (e.g., urine protein content, water intake) in elite youth boxers during their weight-stable phase before competition. Sixteen national champion boxers (all male, 17 ± 1 y) were measured on 3 occasions (baseline, day 3, day 10), 30-day prior to competition. Body mass, total body water, urine specific gravity (USG), osmolality (UOSM) and total protein content (TPC) were evaluated to determine hydration status and fluid balance. Overall macronutrient and water intake were assessed using dietary records. Both UOSM and USG increased from day 3 to day 10 by 16% and 0.4% (P < 0.001), despite athletes being in their weight-stability period, and regardless of ad libitum fluid intake. Hypohydration was universally prevalent among all athletes on both test days with USG: 1.027 ± 0.003 g · mL-1 and UOSM: 1035 ± 108 mOsmol · kg-1. An inverse association between mean UOSM values and mean water intake was observed (R = -0.52, P = 0.04), while TPC was not associated with any urinary dehydration markers (USG, P = 0.51; UOSM, P = 0.61). The present outcomes find that the most prevalent urinary dehydration markers used to classify hydration status in competition exhibit large variability, even during weight-stable periods.

Effects of pre-competitional rapid weight loss on nutrition, vitamin status and oxidative stress in elite boxers.

Dietary intake, vitamin status and oxidative stress were evaluated in 17 elite male boxers. Ten of them frequently reduced body weight rapidly before competitions (Weight Loss Group) and 7 did not practice rapid weight loss (Control Group). Food record checklists, blood samples for determination of vitamin status and plasma glutathione levels were obtained during a week of weight maintenance, a pre-competition week and a post-competition week. The average dietary intakes in both groups were 33 ± 8 kcal·kg(-1), 3.7 ± 1.1 g·kg(-1) carbohydrates, 1.5 ± 0.4 g·kg(-1) protein, 1.2 ± 0.4 g·kg(-1) fat and 2.2 ± 1.0 L water per day (excluding pre-competition week in Weight Loss Group). Energy (18 ± 7 kcal·kg(-1)), carbohydrate (2.2 ± 0.8 g·kg(-1)), protein (0.8 ± 0.4 g·kg(-1)), fat (0.6 ± 0.3 g·kg(-1)) and water (1.6 ± 0.6 L) consumption (P-values <0.001) and intakes of most vitamins (P-values < 0.05) were significantly reduced during the pre-competition week in the Weight Loss Group. In both groups, the intakes of vitamins A, E and folate were below recommended values throughout the three periods; however, blood vitamin and plasma glutathione levels did not change significantly. Our findings indicate a low-caloric and low-carbohydrate diet in elite boxers, regardless of participating in rapid weight loss or not. Apparently, the pre-competitional malnutitrition in the Weight Loss Group did not induce alterations in the vitamin and glutathione status.

Comparação de resposta da pressão intraocular frente a duas diferentes intensidades e volumes do treinamento resistido / A comparison of the intraocular pressure response between two different intensities and volumes of resistance training

Objetivo: Verificar a influência de duas diferentes intensidades e volumes de treinamento resistido na pressão intraocular. Método: Dezenove boxeadores (13 homens e 6 mulheres; idade média de 22 ± 3 anos) foram randomicamente submetidos a duas diferentes sessões de exercícios resistidos: resistência muscular com 3 séries de 15 repetições máximas e hipertrofia muscular com 4 séries de 8RM. A pressão intraocular foi obtida com Tonometro de Perkins antes, durante e após as sessões de exercício resistido. Os dados foram expressos em média e desvio padrão. Foi realizada análise de variância (ANOVA) com medidas repetidas e pós teste de Tukey. Resultados: Foi observada redução da pressão intraocular durante as sessões de treinamento resistido. Contudo, a sessão de exercício para resistência muscular promoveu uma redução significativa da pressão intraocular comparada a de hipertrofia muscular. Ao final da sessão de resistência muscular a pressão intraocular retornou aos valores prévios ao exercício, por outro lado na sessão de hipertrofia muscular a pressão intraocular após o término dos exercícios apresentou-se acima dos valores iniciais. Conclusão: O treinamento resistido pode influenciar os valores da pressão intraocular, especificamente 3 séries de 15 repetições com 60% de 1RM promoveu respostas hipotensivas mais expressivas na pressão intraocular do que 3 séries de 8 repetições com 80% de 1RM. Esses achados podem contribuir para prescrição de exercício resistido para pessoas com fatores de risco para o glaucoma. .

Abstract Purpose: To verify the influence of two different intensities and volumes of resistance training on intraocular pressur. Method: Nineteen athletes boxers (13 male and 6 female; mean age of 22 ± 3 years) were randomly assigned to two different resistance exercise sessions: muscular endurance with 3 sets of 15 repetition maximum and muscular hypertrophy with 4 sets of 8 RM. The intraocular pressure was measured with a Perkins tonometer before, during and after the resistance exercise sessions. Data were expressed as mean and standard deviation. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used and the Tukey post hoc test for multiple comparisons were applied. Results: A reduction in intraocular pressure during the resistance exercise session was observed. However, the muscular endurance exercise produced a significant reduction in intraocular pressure when compared with muscular hypertrophy. At the end of session, intraocular pressure returned to pre-exercise levels in muscular endurance session and above to pre-exercise levels in hypertrophy session. Conclusion: Resistance exercises influence intraocular pressure values, thus 3 sets of 15 repetitions with 60%1RM promote better intraocular pressure responses than 3 sets of 8 repetitions with 80% 1RM. This finding of the present research can contribute in prescription of resistance exercise to people with glaucoma risk factors. .

Active video games as an exercise tool for children with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Active video games are used in many hospitals as exercise tools for children with cystic fibrosis. However, the exercise intensity associated with playing these games has not been examined in this population. METHODS: Children with cystic fibrosis [n=30, aged 12.3 (2.6) years, 17 boys, BMI 17.7 (2.8) kg/m(2)] were recruited from outpatient clinics in Dublin hospitals. Age and gender matched control children were recruited from local schools. Oxygen consumption, metabolic equivalents (METs) calculated from resting V˙O2, and heart rate were measured while playing Nintendo Wii™ (Nintendo Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) Sports Boxing and Nintendo Wii Fit Free Jogging using a portable indirect calorimeter (Oxycon Mobile). RESULTS: Playing Wii Boxing resulted in light intensity activity (2.46METs) while playing Wii Fit Free Jogging resulted in moderate intensity physical activity (4.44METs). No significant difference was seen between groups in the energy cost of playing active video games. CONCLUSION: Active video games are a useful source of light to moderate intensity physical activity in children with cystic fibrosis.

Cardiovascular issues in boxing and contact sports.

Despite the inherent risks associated with exercise in general and boxing in particular, the sport has had a limited number of catastrophic cardiovascular events. Screening should be based on risks involved and become more extensive with the advancement of the athlete. Anatomic and electrophysiologic risks need to be assessed and may preclude participation with resultant life style and economic complications. There should be adequate preparation for the rare potential cardiovascular complication at all events, with the ability to rapidly assess and treat arrhythmias.

Traumatic brain injury: a review and high-field MRI findings in 100 unarmed combatants using a literature-based checklist approach.

This study reviewed the literature for the extent of neuroimaging findings in boxers, indicative of traumatic brain injury (TBI) as identified in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The study then utilized a systematic checklist approach to assess 100 unselected consecutive 1.5- and 3.0-Tesla MRI examinations of professional unarmed combatants to determine the extent of identifiable TBI findings. The percentage of positive findings and the localization of lesions were quantified using the checklist that included the MRI findings previously reported in the medical literature. Seventy-six percent of the unarmed combatants had at least one finding that may be associated with TBI: 59% hippocampal atrophy, 43% cavum septum pellucidum, 32% dilated perivascular spaces, 29% diffuse axonal injury, 24% cerebral atrophy, 19% increased lateral ventricular size, 14% pituitary gland atrophy, 5% arachnoid cysts, and 2% had contusions. Statistical relationships were found between number of bouts and lateral ventricular size (tau-b = 0.149, p = 0.0489), with years of fighting correlating with the presence of dilated perivascular spaces (tau-b = 0.167, p = 0.0388) and diffuse axonal injury (tau-b = 0.287, p = 0.0013) findings. The improved resolution and increased signal-to-noise ratio on 1.5- and 3.0-Tesla high-field MRI systems defines the range of pathological variations that may occur in professional unarmed combatants. Additionally, the use of a systematic checklist approach insures evaluation for all possible TBI-related abnormalities. This knowledge can be used to anticipate the regions of potential brain pathology for radiologists and emergency medicine physicians, and provides important information for evaluating unarmed combatants relative to their safety and long-term neurocognitive outcome.

[Ruptures of the pectoralis major muscle - clinical results after operative and non-operative treatment]. / Rupturen des M. pectoralis major - Klinische Ergebnisse nach operativer und konservativer Behandlung.

AIM: Ruptures of the pectoralis major muscle should be treated operatively due to the expected loss of strength following conservative treatment. Minimal-invasive surgery technique using suture anchors can lead to perfect anatomical refixation of the muscle. We report mid-term clinical results. METHODS: We present clinical results of a comparative study concerning ruptures of the pectoralis major muscle. Between 2001 and 2006 a total number of 9 patients were treated operatively using suture anchors. The surgical procedure is described. A control group (n = 4) consisted of patients being treated conservatively in 1999 und 2000. For evaluation of results Bak's score was used. RESULTS: The mean follow-up-time was six months. We found 4 very good and 4 good results, only one patient showed a satisfying result. Among the patients who had followed the conservative treatment regime only one had a good outcome while three patients remained in a satisfying condition. All type-1-ruptures according to Roller showed postoperatively nearly equal strength conditions for both sides. CONCLUSION: The operative treatment of acute ruptures of the pectoralis major muscle in active people and athletes leads to better results concerning restoration of strength than conservative or delayed treatment. The surgical technique depends upon the type of rupture which has to be determined intraoperatively. The use of suture anchors aiming for intraosseous fixation helps to avoid intraoperative complications and leads to stable conditions with nearly full restoration of strength.

Weight cycling of athletes and subsequent weight gain in middleage.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of repeated cycles of weight loss and regain as young adults on long-term weight development. DESIGN: A follow-up study with questionnaires in 1985, 1995 and 2001. SETTING: Finland. SUBJECTS: A national cohort of 1838 male elite athletes who had represented Finland in major international sport competitions in 1920-1965, including 370 men engaged in sports in which weight-related performance classes are associated with weight cycling (boxers, weight lifters and wrestlers; further called as weight cyclers), and 834 matched control men with no athletic background. OUTCOME MEASURE: Weight change since the age of 20 years, body mass index (BMI) and prevalence of obesity and overweight. RESULTS: The weight cyclers gained 5.2 BMI units from age 20 years to their maximum mean weight, which was at age 58.7 years. Corresponding figures for the controls were 4.2 BMI units at 58.5 years and for other athletes 3.3 BMI units at age 62.5 years. The proportion of obese (BMI> or =30 kg/m(2)) subjects was greatest among the weight cyclers both in 1985 and 1995. In 2001, the weight cyclers were more often obese than other athletes, but did not differ from the controls. The odds ratio for the weight cyclers to be obese compared to other athletes in 1985 was 3.18 (95% confidence intervals 2.09-4.83), and compared to the controls 2.0 (1.35-2.96). The enhanced weight gain of the weight cyclers was not accounted for by present health habits (smoking, alcohol use, use of high-fat milk or physical activity) or weight at age 20 years. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated cycles of weight loss and regain appear to enhance subsequent weight gain and may predispose to obesity. Chronic dieting with weight cycling may be harmful for permanent weight control.