Potential Risk of Higenamine Misuse in Sports: Evaluation of Lotus Plumule Extract Products and a Human Study.

Since 2017, higenamine has been added to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list as a ß2-agonist prohibited at all times for sportspersons. According to WADA's report, positive cases of higenamine misuse have been increasing yearly. However, higenamine occurs naturally in the Chinese herb lotus plumule-the green embryo of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn) seeds-commercially available as concentrated powder on the Asian market. This study evaluated the major phytochemical components of lotus plumule products using an appropriate extraction method, followed by a human study in which the products were orally administered in multiple doses to investigate the risk of doping violations. Comparing various extraction methods revealed that optimized microwave-assisted extraction exhibited the highest extraction efficiency (extraction time, 26 min; power, 1046 W; and temperature, 120 °C). Subsequently, the alkaloids in lotus plumule products were quantitatively confirmed and compared. Human study participants (n = 6) consumed 0.8 g of lotus plumule (equivalent to 679.6 µg of higenamine) three times daily for three consecutive days. All participants' urinary higenamine concentrations exceeded the WADA reporting cut-off of 10.0 ng/mL. Accordingly, lotus plumule consumption may engender adverse analytical findings regarding higenamine. Athletes should avoid consuming lotus plumule-containing products during in- and out-of-competition periods.

Efectividad de los suplementos antioxidantes en la mejoría del desempeño físico atlético. Artículo de revisión / Effectiveness of antioxidant supplements in the improvement of athletic physical performance: Review article

Introducción: En la actualidad se ha incrementado el uso de antioxidantes en el ámbito deportivo, sin embargo, no existe evidencia concluyente del efecto de estas sustancias en la mejora del desempeño físico de los atletas. Objetivo: Determinar la efectividad del uso de suplementos antioxidantes en la mejoría del desempeño físico atlético. Material y Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en bases de datos en línea como Pubmed, Scopus, la Web of Knowledge y el buscador google academic. Se incluyeron solo trabajos originales de estudios doble ciego relacionados con la intervención de un suplemento antioxidante. El periodo de revisión fue del 2009 a diciembre del 2017. Desarrollo: Se identificaron un total de 1053 artículos de los cuales 33 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión de la revisión. De acuerdo con el tipo de suplemento, 2 correspondieron a vitaminas, 9 a polifenoles, 11 comerciales y los 9 restantes diversos. La antigüedad de los artículos analizados fue de 4,8 ± 2,4 años, en cuanto a la obsolescencia, determinado por el semiperiodo de Burton y Kleber y el índice de Price, fue 5,5 y 61,0 por ciento respectivamente. Conclusiones: Hasta el momento no existe evidencia sólida de que la ingesta de suplementos antioxidantes mejore el desempeño físico atlético. Son pocos los resultados positivos en alguna de las variables evaluadas, por tal motivo se requiere de mayor evidencia para poder dilucidar el efecto de los suplementos antioxidantes(AU)

Introduction: At present, the use of antioxidants in the sports field has increased. However, there is no conclusive evidence of the effect of these substances in improving the physical performance of athletes. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of antioxidant supplements in the improvement of athletic physical performance. Material and Methods: A bibliographic review was carried out through the search on online databases such as Pubmed, Scopus, the Web of Knowledge and Google Scholar search engine. Only original double-blind studies related to the intervention of an antioxidant supplement were included. The review period was from 2009 to December 2017. Development: A total of 1053 articles were identified, of which 33 met the inclusion criteria for the review. Regarding the type of supplement, 2 of them corresponded to vitamins, 9 to polyphenols, 11 to commercials, and the remaining 9 ones to several types. The historic period of the articles analyzed was 4.8 ± 2.4 years in terms of obsolescence, which was determined by the Burton and Kleber half-period and the Price index (5.5 and 61.0 percent respectively). Conclusions: To date, there is no solid evidence that the intake of antioxidant supplements improves physical athletic performance. There are few positive results in some of the evaluated variables; for this reason, more evidence is required to elucidate the effect of antioxidant supplements(AU)

Changes in hemoglobin profile reflect autologous blood transfusion misuse in sports.

The changes in hemoglobin (Hb) profile following autologous blood transfusion (ABT) for the first time were studied for anti-doping purposes. Twenty-four healthy, trained male subjects (aged 18‒40) were enrolled and randomized into either the transfusion (T) or control (C) groups. Blood samples were taken from the T subjects at baseline, after withdrawal and reinfusion of 450 ml of refrigerated or cryopreserved blood, and from C subjects at the same time points. Hematological variables (Complete blood count, Reticulocytes, Immature Reticulocytes Fraction, Red-cell Distribution Width, OFF-hr score) were measured. The Hb types were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography and the Hemoglobin Profile Index (HbPI) arbitrarily calculated. Between-group differences were observed for red blood cells and reticulocytes. Unlike C, the T group, after withdrawal and reinfusion, showed a significant trend analysis for both hematological variables (Hemoglobin concentration, reticulocytes, OFF-hr score) and Hb types (glycated hemoglobin-HbA1c, HbPI). The control charts highlighted samples with abnormal values (> 3-SD above/below the population mean) after reinfusion for hematological variables in one subject versus five subjects for HbA1c and HbPI. A significant ROC-curve analysis (area = 0.649, p = 0.015) identified a HbA1c cut-off value ≤ 2.7% associated to 100% specificity of blood reinfusion (sensitivity 25%). Hemoglobin profile changed in trained subjects after ABT, with abnormal values of HbA1c and HbPI in 42% of subjects after reinfusion. Future studies will confirm the usefulness of these biomarkers in the anti-doping field.

Sport Psychology for the Soldier Athlete: A Paradigm Shift.

Background: Competitive athletes train body and mind in preparation for competition with mental fortitude often providing the "winning edge." Similarly, the current-day warfighter faces significant physical and psychological challenges and must be prepared to respond to life-threatening danger with mental and physical agility. Sport Psychology for the Soldier Athlete recognizes the soldier as an elite athlete and provides training required to perform at the highest caliber. Through this curriculum, mental skills coaching in goal setting, imagery, positive self-talk, and heart rate control is integrated into routine physical fitness training. These skills commonly used by professional and Olympic athletes for optimal performance provide soldiers with the ability to manage every day military stressors. Sport Psychology for the Soldier Athlete supports GEN Milley's top priority of readiness and decreases the cost of Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) failures. Procedures: Soldiers from a large military treatment facility participated in a 6-wk sport psychology mental skills training program led by an Army occupational therapist. The training that was integrated into regularly scheduled physical training consisted of 10 min of physical readiness training, 10 min of mental skills coaching followed by push-up, sit-up, and running drills focusing on the mental skills learned. Semi-annual APFT scores following the sport psychology training were compared with the five previous semi-APFT scores for the same company using analysis of variance. Findings: Results comparing company APFT scores to the previous five semi-annual tests showed statistical significance of 0.001 with the intervention group achieving an average 13- to 14-point improvement. Post-training survey showed 91% of participants recognizing the benefit of these "life skills" in other Army tasks such as weapons qualification, combat medic tasks, and career planning. Soldiers acknowledged this curriculum as quality hands-on training with the suggestion for further development. Discussion: A proactive approach to incorporating mental skills training into the military culture, Sport Psychology for the Soldier Athlete, is in direct alignment with The Army Human Dimension Strategy of developing mental and physical proficiency. This paradigm shift is both timely and necessary for answering readiness and resilience needs of U.S troops and provides additional tools for attaining optimal physical and mental endurance.

Guía de estilos de vida y glaucoma (i). Deporte y actividades / Lifestyles guide and glaucoma (i). Sports and activities

Objetivos: El aumento de la calidad y de la esperanza de vida y el hecho de que el glaucoma se diagnostique cada vez más precozmente hace preguntarse a muchos pacientes si afectan a su enfermedad determinados deportes, actividades o aficiones. El objetivo de este trabajo es establecer unas guías para aconsejar a los pacientes con base en la evidencia científica de los trabajos publicados. Métodos: Revisión de todos los trabajos publicados sobre glaucoma y deportes u otras actividades. Los trabajos fueron clasificados según el nivel de evidencia científica basada en la clasificación del Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. Resultados: Las actividades aeróbicas son beneficiosas para el paciente. Se han de evitar deportes o técnicas de relajación tipo yoga con maniobras de Valsalva o colocación de la cabeza en posición inferior. También se deben evitar los cambios bruscos en altura. El calor intenso no parece influir en el glaucoma, pero el frío intenso puede afectar a pacientes con disregulación vascular. Las actividades de visión próxima disminuyen levemente la presión intraocular. El uso de instrumentos de viento puede elevar la presión intraocular dependiendo de la técnica utilizada. Conclusiones: Ciertos deportes y actividades pueden tener una influencia en la aparición o la progresión del glaucoma. Los especialistas en glaucoma deben tener información adecuada sobre la evidencia científica de las publicaciones para poder aconsejar apropiadamente a los pacientes (AU)

Purposes: The increase in quality and life expectancy, often leads to many patients asking the glaucoma specialist whether some sports, activities or hobbies would affect their illness. The aim of this article is to establish guidelines for patients, based on the scientific evidence of published papers. Methods: Review of all published articles on glaucoma and sports or other activities. The papers were classified according to the level of scientific evidence based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine classification. Results: Aerobic sports are beneficial for the patient. Yoga indoor sports or relaxation techniques should be avoided if Valsalva manoeuvres are performed or the head is placed very low. Also, the patients must avoid sudden changes in height. Intense heat does not seem to lead to progression of glaucoma, but intense cold can affect patients with vascular dysregulation. Activities using the near vision slightly reduce the intraocular pressure. The use of wind instruments may raise intraocular pressure, depending on the technique used. Conclusions: Certain sports and activities may have an influence on the onset or progression of glaucoma. Glaucoma specialists should have adequate information about the scientific evidence in the publications, in order to properly advise the patients (AU)

Luchas y pacificación en la historia de la kinesiologia americana / Struggles and pacification in the history of american kinesiology

En este artículo estudiamos la disputa epistemológica y pedagógica sobre la kinesiología/educación física que ha tenido lugar en las universidades de Estados Unidos desde 1990 hasta la actualidad. Hemos recogido el pensamiento de una muestra amplia de autores involucrados, con el propósito de obtener una visión de conjunto de un proceso que, de acuerdo con Morrow (2006), trata de esclarecer ¿de dónde venimos?, ¿qué somos?, ¿a dónde vamos? Tras el cotejo y análisis de la documentación más relevante concluimos que el periodo 1990-2013, caracterizado por una enconada pugna de paradigmas -en la que han estado implicados humanistas, positivistas, crosdisciplinaristas y subdisciplinaristas-, ha dado como resultado el dominio del paradigma integrador de Kretchmar (2007, 2008) (AU)

In this article we review the epistemological and pedagogical debate on Kinesiology and Physical Education that has been going on in the universities of the US from 1990 to the present. We have compiled the opinions of a wide sample of authors, with the intention of getting the most complete picture of a process that, according to Morrow (2006), seeks to answer the questions "where we come from, who we are, and where we are going". After comparing and analysing the most relevant documents, we conclude that the period 1990-2013, characterized by a bitter struggle between paradigms fought by humanists, positivists, cross-disciplinarists, and sub-disciplinarists, has revealed the eventual predominance of the integrative paradigm of Kretchmar (2007, 2008) (AU)

Detección de T-patterns en la observación de deportes de combate / Detecção de padrões-t na observação de desportos de combate / T-pattern detection in combat sports

El objetivo de esta investigación es implementar el análisis y detección de las estructuras temporales de los acontecimientos deportivos o patrones temporales o T-pattern para detectar los errores técnicos y sus secuencias conductuales en la proyección de judo kosoto-gari y así proponer cambios metodológicos en los procesos de enseñanza del judo. Los participantes (n = 50; 38 hombres y 12 mujeres; M = 19.23 años; DE = 1.12), estudiantes del grado en CAFE sin experiencia previa en judo, se sometieron, a partir de un estudio observacional sistemático, a un registro en video de la ejecución de la técnica de estudio. Los resultados, determinados mediante estadística descriptiva y análisis secuencial de T-Patterns obtenido con el programa Theme 5, corroboran que existe una serie de defectos típicos que comete el sujeto en el aprendizaje de esta proyección, así como unas secuencias de errores en cadena, que básicamente afectan al desequilibrio, a la posición de los pies y cadera-tronco, a la incorrecta acción de siega y a la acción final de los brazos. Estos resultados nos permiten proponer, en el aprendizaje del judo, secuencias de movimientos que garanticen el éxito en la proyección y recomendaciones sobre la utilización del feedback

By identifying and analysing temporal patterns (T-patterns) in behaviour, this study aims to detect technical errors and behavioural sequences in the kosoto gari judo throw, and, based on this, to propose changes to the way in which judo is taught. The participants (n = 50: 38 men and 12 women; Mage = 19.23 years, SD = 1.12) were students studying for a physical education and sports science degree with no previous experience of judo. This was a systematic observational study in which the students were filmed performing the kosoto gari technique. The results, derived from descriptive statistics and a sequential analysis of T-patterns conducted by means of Theme 5, revealed that the students committed a series of typical errors when learning to perform the throw. Furthermore, these errors often appeared in sequence, mainly involving a lack of balance, the position of the feet and hips/trunk, an incorrect reap and the final arm movement. The results can be used to propose movement sequences that would ensure that the throw is learnt correctly, and also to enable recommendations to be made regarding the use of feedback

O objectivo desta investigação é implementar a análise e detecção de estruturas temporais dos acontecimentos desportivos, ou padrões temporais (Padrões-T), para detectar erros técnicos e as suas sequências comportamentais na projecção do judo kosoto-gari e assim sugerir mudanças metodológicas nos processos de ensino do judo. Os participantes (n = 50; 38 homens e 12 mulheres; M = 19.23 anos; DP = 1.12), estudantes do grau em CAFE sem experiência prévia no judo, submeteram-se, a partir de um estudo observacional sistemático, a um registo em vídeo da execução da técnica em estudo. Os resultados, determinados mediante estatística descritiva e análise sequencial de Padrões-T obtidos com o programa Theme 5, corroboram a existência de uma série de erros típicos que os sujeito cometem na aprendizagem desta projecção, assim como uma sequência de erros em cadeia, que basicamente afectam o desequilíbrio, a posição dos pés e do tronco, a incorrecta acção de pega e a acção final dos braços. Estes resultados permitem-nos propor, na aprendizagem do judo, sequências de movimentos que garantam o êxito na projecção e recomendações sobre a utilização do feedback

Efeito da ingestão de taurina no desempenho físico: uma revisão sistemática / Effect of taurine intake on physical performance: a systematic review

Objetivo. Presentar los efectos de la taurina (Tau) en la capacidad aeróbica y anaeróbica, además de describir sus mecanismos de acción. Método. Se ha realizado una revisión sistemática de la literatura en las bases de datos PubMed/Medline y SportDiscus, teniendo como criterios de inclusión estudios con humanos, publicados en lengua inglesa, entre el 1 de enero de 2000 hasta el 1 de septiembre de 2011. La manera de consumo de Tau fue: Tau aislada o como ingrediente de bebidas energéticas evaluada con un suplemento placebo. La calidad de los estudios seleccionados fue valorada por la escala de PEDro siendo considerados los artículos con puntuaciones por encima de 5. Resultados. Fueron seleccionados 14 estudios, siendo 11 los que obtuvieron cambios en la capacidad física aeróbica y 3 en la anaeróbica. Se observaron mejoras significativas en las actividades aeróbicas (8 de los 11 artículos) de igual manera que en las anaeróbicas (2 de los 3 estudios) tras ingesta de Tau frente a placebo. Conclusión. El consumo agudo de apenas 1 g de Tau, independiente del tiempo previo de ingesta presentó un efecto positivo frente la capacidad física aeróbica y anaeróbica. El principal efecto ergogénico que se observó en el componente aerobio fue aumentar la capacidad temporal para realizar un ejercicio, sin embargo en la actividad anaerobia proporcionó una mejora en la respuesta de los iones de calcio durante la contracción muscular(AU)

Objective. Describe the effects of taurine (Tau) on aerobic and anaerobic physical performance as well as its mechanisms of action. Method. A systematic literature review on PubMed/Medline and SPORTDiscus was performed, including studies on humans which were published in English between January 1st, 2000 and September 1st, 2011.The forms of Tau intake were as the isolated compound (Tau) or as an ingredient in energy drinks analyzed with a placebo supplement. The quality of the selected articles was assessed using the PEDro scale and included articles with at least 5 points. Results. After the filtering process, 14 studies were selected from which 11 presented changes in aerobic physical performance and 3 in anaerobic physical performance. Significant improvements were observed in aerobic activities (8 out of 11 articles) and in anaerobic activities (2 out of 3 studies) after intake of Tau, compared to the placebo. Conclusion. The consumption of only 1 g of Tau, regardless of the time prior to intake, showed a beneficial effect on aerobic and anaerobic physical performance. The main ergogenic effect observed in the aerobic component was an increase on the temporal capacity of performing an exercise, whereas for the anaerobic activity there was a better response of calcium ions during muscle contraction(AU)

A Constituição de um subcampo do esporte: o caso do taekwondo / La constitución de un sub campo del deporte: el caso de taekwondo / The taekwondo case: the constitution of a subfield of the sports

Este trabalho discute a relação do Taekwondo com o esporte moderno. Identificaram-se fatores históricos, sociais e políticos envolvidos em seu possível processo de esportivização. Optou-se pelo referencial teórico de Pierre Bourdieu e Norbert Elias. Utilizou-se a técnica de entrevista semiestruturada com os “mestres”. Considerou-se: a) que evidências advindas de um processo evolutivo social não planejado formam a configuração na qual o Taekwondo assentou seu arcabouço corporal, cultural e social; b) sua divulgação como subcampo esportivo dá o valor diplomático e simbólico necessário para a divulgação de uma moral nacional garantindo sua passagem pelo mundo; c) sua exposição alavancou um processo de imposição da nacionalidade coreana como forma de violência simbólica.

The present work discusses the relation of Taekwondo with modern sports. Historical, social and political elements involved in an eventual process of “sportivization” were identified. The option was to work with the theoretic referential of Pierre Bourdieu and Norbert Elias and also a semi- structured technique interview with the masters was used. Considerations: a) its evidences occurred to a social evolutionary process not planned, created the configuration in which Taekwondo placed its corporal, cultural and social framework. b) its diffusion as a sports sub field offers the diplomatic and symbolical necessary values towards a diffusion of a national moral that confirms its entry to the world. c) its exposition led off to an imposing process of the corean nationality as a symbolic violence aspect.

El trabajo presente discute la relación de Taekwondo con lo deporte moderno. Históricos, sociales y políticos elementos implicados en un proceso eventual de esportivización se identificaron. La opción fue trabajar con el referencial teórico de Pierre Bourdieu y Norbert Elias y también un medido estructurado de técnica se utilizó. Las consideraciones: a) sus evidencias ocurrieron a un proceso evolutivo social no planeado, creó la configuración en la que Taekwondo colocó a su cabo, armazón cultural y social. b) su difusión como un sub-campo de deporte ofrece los valores diplomáticos y simbólicos necesarios hacia una difusión de una moral nacional que confirma su entrada al mundo. c) su exposición empezó a un proceso imponente de la nacionalidad coreana como un aspecto simbólico de violencia.

Efectos de la suplementación con beta-hidroxi-beta-metilbutarato (HMB) sobre el daño muscular consecutivo a esfuerzo físico / Effects of HMB supplementation on muscle damage after exercise

Las exigencias físicas de ciertos tipos de deporte y pautas de entrenamiento plantean la necesidad de recurrir al uso de suplementos nutricionales que garanticen un adecuado recambio de aquellas sustancias sometidas a una alta tasa catabólica. El β-hidroxi -β-metilbutarato (HMB) ha demostrado poseer un efecto ergogénico sobre el rendimiento deportivo y prácticamente ningún efecto perjudicial sobre la salud del atleta. La suplementación con HMB pretende, en su aplicación más práctica y conociendo su poder anticatabólico, ayudar al deportista de alto nivel o al deportista poco entrenado a recuperar después de un ejercicio estresante obteniendo un grado de recuperación óptimo para emprender nuevas sesiones de actividad física y/o deportiva específica con el menor daño acumulado en su organismo (AU)

Most of the sport modalities and current training patterns demand high physiological, psycological, tecnical and tactical qualities from the athletes. There is a need for an optimal turnover of those substances with high catabolic rate. Several nutritional ergogenic aids can contribute to optimize these processes. In this sense, β-hydroxi- β-methylbutarate (HMB) has been proposed to have an ergogenic effect on athletic performance without having practically any adverse effect on the athlete’s health. This article reviews the literature about HMB in regard to mechanisms of action, effects on trained and non-trained subjects, optimal dose, and future research. In both highly-and low-trained subjects, HMB supplementation seems to contribute to a better recovery after hard training. This effect can contribute to decrease the accumulative effect on muscle damage caused by daily training sessions (AU)

Amenorrea, anorexia y deporte en adolescencia / Amenorrhea, anorexia and sport in the adolescence

La amenorrea es una patología que produce gran ansiedad tanto en la adolescente como en la mujer adulta. El objetivo del presente artículo es la revisión de la etiología, diagnóstico y tratamiento de la amenorrea en la adolescente, así como su relación con el deporte y la anorexia

Amenorrhea produces big anxiety in adolescence and women of all ages. The aim of this article is the study of aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of amenorrhea in adolescence and its relation with sports and anorexia