The Effects of a Nutrition Education Intervention on Sports Nutrition Knowledge during a Competitive Season in Highly Trained Adolescent Swimmers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a seven-week nutrition education intervention on the sports nutrition knowledge (SNK) of highly trained UK adolescent swimmers. Fifteen national and international adolescent swimmers (males = 5; females = 10, 15.5 ± 1.1 years, 170.2 ± 7.5 cm, 60.3 ± 5.7 kg) participated in the study during seven consecutive weeks of the competitive swimming season. The participants received 30 min of nutrition education once per week in a classroom-based setting after they had completed their regular swim training. An undergraduate sports nutrition student delivered all nutrition education sessions and SNK questionnaires were administered to the participants pre- and post-intervention. The mean total SNK score improved by 8.3% (SD = 8.4%, 95% CI = 4.1-12.6; p = 0.006; ES = 1.0) following the nutrition education sessions. On an individual basis, ten swimmers significantly improved their total SNK score, whereas four swimmers did not improve, and one swimmer performed significantly worse after the intervention. Moreover, the swimmers' knowledge of hydration improved by 22.2% (SD = 20.6%, 95% CI = 11.8-32.6, p = 0.004, ES = 1.1) over the seven-week timeframe, which was the only nutrition topic to have a significantly increased knowledge score. The current study therefore suggests that a nutrition education intervention can positively influence the SNK of highly trained adolescent swimmers.

Dupla carreira: dilemas entre esporte e escola / Dual career: dilemmas between sport and school

RESUMO Este artigo analisa os modelos de conciliação das rotinas na dupla carreira, esportiva e escolar, no Programa Bolsa Atleta do Governo Federal, com estudantes-atletas contemplados pelos resultados obtidos no ano de 2011. Caracteriza-se como uma pesquisa quantitativa realizada por meio de uma entrevista estruturada aplicada a 131 atletas das modalidades de atletismo, judô e natação, sendo 64 do sexo feminino e 67 do masculino. Os resultados evidenciam que: 1) as diferentes modalidades esportivas exigem dos seus atletas tempo e dedicação distintos; 2) processo de iniciação nas três modalidades exigem diferentes formas de investimentos; 3) menor escolaridade dos pais e atletas do atletismo, assim como, classe social mais baixa. Diante dos obstáculos da dupla carreira, atletas, clube, escola e famílias passam adotar táticas de conciliação e mesmo burla dos programas de suporte à formação esportiva.

ABSTRACT This article discusses the models for the reconciliation of career, sports and school routines in the Federal Government Athletic Scholarship Program, with students-contemplators and results obtained in 2011. Characterization as a quantitative research carried out by means of a structured interview invested in 131 athletes of the modalities of athletics, judo and swimming, being 64 female and 67 male. They show the following results: 1) as different sports modalities; 2) initiation process in the temporary variables of the forms of investment; 3) lower schooling of parents and athletes in athletics, as well as lower social class. In the face of the obstacles of the dual career, athletes, clubs, schools and families are adopting tactics of conciliation and even mockery of programs to support sports training.

Posiciones y técnicas de proyección de los judokas de la Universidad Médica de Holguín / Judo´s projection techniques and positions at the Medical University of Holguín

Introducción: el presente trabajo aborda un tema de gran vigencia, en el entrenamiento deportivo actual. El desarrollo de la preparación técnica y táctica de estudiantes- atletas de ambos sexos, de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Holguín (UCMHo), en el deporte de Judo. La investigación aporta una metodología sobre las técnicas de proyección en posiciones de transición, durante el entrenamiento y las competencias.Objetivo: elaborar una metodología que logre la ejecución de las técnicas de proyección en posiciones de transición, en los estudiantes- atletas de judo de la UCMHo. Métodos: se desarrolló un estudio pre-experimental de tipo exploratorio con una muestra de 16 estudiantes-atletas de la UCMHo, donde se realizó un ensayo inicial, luego se aplicó la metodología en un periodo de un año y, posteriormente, se realizó una evaluación de los resultados obtenidos. Resultados: al realizar una comparación entre los resultados logrados entre el ensayo inicial y la evaluación de la técnica que nos ocupa (la metodología), se pudo constatar una mejoría, pues en la parte preparatoria 5 sujetos fueron evaluados de excelente (E), 4 de muy bien (MB) y 5 de bien (B). En la parte principal predominaron los evaluados de bien (B) y muy bien (MB); y en la final se dispersan, pues 6 obtienen evaluación de muy bien (MB), 5 de bien (B), y 5 de regular. Conclusiones: el trabajo clarifica la utilidad de las técnicas como objeto de estudio en los entrenamientos, y su posible concertación en competencias.Todo esto fue analizado y utilizado por los entrenadores y especialistas de la provincia de Holguín, como argumento o documento de trabajo, según su aplicación, en el futuro competitivo de los atletas de Judo.(AU)

Introduction: this work shows a main topic in the sports training: the development of the technique and tactic in both sex students- athletes of Judo, at the Medical University of Holguín. The investigation brings about projection methodology techniques, during transition positions training.Objective: to improve techniques learning and execution methodology of the students-athletes, at the Medical University of Holguín.Methods: application of scientific methods like theoretical analysis and synthesis, sistemic-structure, induction and deduction and historical-logical; empirical such as: observation, interviews, surveys, experts criteria and statistics operations, using Microsoft Excel. Methodology includes the elaboration and application of 5 projection techniques during transition positions. To demonstrate this theory, 16 athletes showed their methodological steps, variants, combinations, defense and most common mistakes.Results: the 5 techniques used by practitioners and trainers of Judo increased their responses during competitions.Conclusions: roles clarify techniques´ utility for training, and their possible aplication at competitions. In Holguin province, trainers and specialists analized documents and their applications in Judo future competitions.(AU)

Identifying and assessing views among physically-active adult gym members in Israel on dietary supplements.

BACKGROUND: Sports dietary supplements are available for sale in public places including sports clubs. Although there is uncertainty regarding their safety, many gym members who regularly work out consume them. The present study aimed to identify the approaches and perspectives of the public who work out in gyms and take dietary supplements. It examined how professionals view sports dietary supplement consumption, and how they communicate this issue to gym members. The literature discusses the prevalence of SDS use among athletes, but rarely discusses or compares between the risk perceptions of gym members, trainers, and dietitians, who represent the physically-active general public, regarding SDS. METHODS: We conducted constructivist qualitative research in semi-structured one-on-one interviews (n = 34). We held in-depth interviews (n = 20) with a heterogeneous population of adult gym members who take dietary supplements, and (n = 14) with dietitians and fitness trainers. RESULTS: The main finding was a gap in risk perception of dietary supplement use between dietitians, gym members and fitness trainers. There was low risk perception among dietary supplements consumers. Trainers believed that benefits of supplement consumption exceeded risk, and therefore they did not convey a message to their clients about risk. In contrast, dietitians interviewed for this study renounced general use of sports dietary supplements and doubted whether trainers had proper nutritional knowledge to support it. CONCLUSION: Lack of awareness of risks suggests that there is a need for communication on this issue. We recommend that professionals (physicians and dietitians) be present in sports clubs that sell such products in an uncontrolled way.

Efecto de 8 semanas de corriente TENS modificada y la corriente rusa, sobre la fuerza muscular y la composición corporal / Efeito de 8 semanas de corrente TENS modificada e corrente russa sobre a força e composição corporal / Effects of 8 weeks of modified TENS current and russian current, on muscle strength and body composition

Objetivo. Comparar el efecto de 2 métodos de electroestimulación en las siguientes variables: fuerza y antropometría. Método. Se realizó una investigación experimental, aleatoria y simple ciego. Se evaluó a 18 sujetos, distribuidos en: Grupo Corriente TENS Modificada (CTM: n = 6), Grupo Corriente Rusa (CR: n = 6) y Grupo Control (TC: n = 6, sometido a corriente TENS Convencional, considerada en la presente investigación como placebo). Resultados. Al cabo de 8 semanas, solo CTM incrementó la fuerza máxima (p < 0.035) y redujo el grosor del pliegue subcutáneo de la pierna derecha (p < 0.03). Conclusiones. La técnica de electroestimulación con corriente TENS Modificada es efectiva para el entrenamiento muscular (AU)

Objetivo. Comparar o efeito de 2 métodos de eletroestimulação nas seguintes variáveis: força e antropometria. Método. Um estudo experimental, randomizado, cego simples. Foram avaliados 18 indivíduos, distribuídos em: grupo de corrente TENS modificada (CTM: n = 6), grupo corrente russa (CR: n = 6) e grupo controle (TC: n = 6, submetido a corrente TENS convencional, considerada nesta investigação como placebo). Resultados. Após 8 semanas, CTM aumentou a força máxima (p < 0,035) e reduziu a espessura de pregas subcutâneas da coxa direita (p < 0,03). Conclusões. A técnica de eletroestimulação com corrente TENS modificada é eficaz para treinamento muscular (AU)

Objective. To compare the effect of two methods of electrostimulation on the following variables: strength and anthropometry. Method. An experimental, randomized, and simple blind investigation was performed. Eighteen subjects were evaluated distributed into a Modified TENS Current Group (CTM: n = 6), Russian Current Group (CR: n = 6), and a Control Group (TC: n = 6, submitted to traditional TENS current, considered as placebo in this research). Results. After 8 weeks, only CTM obtained an increase in maximal strength (p < 0.035), and a reduction in the subcutaneous fat thickness of the right thigh (p < 0.03). Conclusions. A Modified TENS Current is effective for muscular training (AU)

Elementos para a compreensão da estética do Taekwondo / Elements for understanding the aesthetics of Taekwondo

Conhecimento com um vasto potencial ainda por explorar, a estética do desporto desperta cada vez maisinteresse no campo científico. Este ensaio busca contribuir para a compreensão da experiência estética vivenciada pelo atleta de Taekwondo. Realça-se que esta experiência decorre do jogo do Taekwondo, no qual importa considerar o desafio,a disputa, de que decorre imprevisibilidade, gerando-se situações de risco. Este arriscar, deslizar na imaginação e na ação, conduz umas vezes ao prazer, outras ao desprazer, ambos configuradores da experiência estética.

A Knowledge with a vast unexploited potential, the aesthetics of sport arouses increasing interest in the scientific field. This essay seeks to contribute to the understanding of aesthetic experience experienced by the Taekwondo athlete. It is emphasized that this experience stems of the Taekwondo game, in which it must be considers the challenge, the dispute, which stems from unpredictability, generating risk situations. This risk, slip on imagination and action, leads sometimes to pleasure, sometimes to the displeasure, both configurators of aesthetic experience.

Conocimiento con un vasto potencial sin explotar, la estética del deporte despierta un creciente interés en el campo científico. Este ensayo pretende contribuir a la comprensión de la experiencia estética experimentado por el atleta de Taekwondo. Subraye que este experimento se deriva del juego de Taekwondo, donde es importante razonar el desafío, la disputa, que compone lo impredecible, lo que genera situaciones de riesgo. Este riesgo, deslizar sobre La imaginación y la acción, a veces lleva al placer, a veces al desagrado, los dos configuradores de La experiencia estética.

Aikido experience and its relation to mindfulness: a two-part study.

The martial art Aikido may be useful in the development of mindfulness. In this study, the authors examined the potential association of training in Aikido may have on mindfulness. The sample of Study 1 comprised 159 participants completing two empirically validated scales of mindfulness and awareness, the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills and the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale. Study 2 was a longitudinal study of 20 Aikido students from beginning through 5th Kyu (approximately 9 months of training). The results from both studies show significant increases in mindfulness scores with increased Aikido training.

The development of nutritional-supplement fact sheets for Irish athletes: a case study.

The use of sport supplements presents a dilemma for many of those involved in supporting athletes, including coaches, families, support staff, and the athletes themselves. Often the information that they source can be incorrect and promote a biased view regarding the use of nutritional supplements. The aim of this case study was to describe the process that occurred around the development of a series of targeted educational fact sheets on a range of nutritional supplements for Irish athletes. It describes the initiation and support of the process by the Irish Sports Council; one of its subgroups, the Food and Food Supplements Committee; and the Irish Institute of Sport. A needs assessment through questionnaires was carried out to establish the most commonly used sport nutrition supplements by athletes age 16 or over in Ireland. Respondents completed 105 questionnaires over a 4-mo period in 2008-09 that led to the production of 20 supplement fact sheets. These supplement fact sheets will enable Irish athletes to access high-quality, up-to-date, scientific information about the supplements they have reported consuming. Since personal reading had a strong influence over athletes' decision-making process for taking nutritional supplements, as did scientific research, fact sheets available on the Internet from a reliable source are an ideal way to educate Irish athletes.

Dietary supplement intake in national-level Sri Lankan athletes.

Intake of dietary supplements is widespread among athletes in developed countries. This study evaluated the use of dietary supplements in athletes from a developing country. Dietary supplementation practices of 113 national-level athletes age 15-35 yr in Sri Lanka were assessed. All athletes from track-and-field, badminton, football, swimming, cycling, and karate squads who consented to participate in the study were administered an anonymous questionnaire by an interviewer. Information on number of supplements taken, frequency of use, nature of product, rationale, sources of advice, and reasons for taking supplements was obtained. Most athletes (94%) consumed dietary supplements. On average, 3.7 products/day were consumed. Footballers had significantly lower intake of supplements than other athletes (footballers 71%, others 98%; p < .05). They also consumed fewer products per day (footballers 0.7, others 3.5; p < .05). Popular supplements included multivitamins, vitamin E, calcium, energy foods and drinks, and creatine. Multiple supplement use was common, with 29% athletes taking 4 products/day. The athletes sought advice on supplement use from sports doctors (45%), team coaches (40%), or friends (15%). Most took supplements to improve performance (79%), and 19% claimed to take supplements to improve their overall health status. Dietary supplement use is widespread among national-level Sri Lankan athletes. The ad hoc use of supplements indicates that educational intervention in the sporting community is essential.