3D Knee and Hip Angle Estimation With Reduced Wearable IMUs via Transfer Learning During Yoga, Golf, Swimming, Badminton, and Dance.

Wearable lower-limb joint angle estimation using a reduced inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor set could enable quick, economical sports injury risk assessment and motion capture; however the vast majority of existing research requires a full IMU set attached to every related body segment and is implemented in only a single movement, typically walking. We thus implemented 3-dimensional knee and hip angle estimation with a reduced IMU sensor set during yoga, golf, swimming (simulated lower body swimming in a seated posture), badminton, and dance movements. Additionally, current deep-learning models undergo an accuracy drop when tested with new and unseen activities, which necessitates collecting large amounts of data for the new activity. However, collecting large datasets for every new activity is time-consuming and expensive. Thus, a transfer learning (TL) approach with long short-term memory neural networks was proposed to enhance the model's generalization ability towards new activities while minimizing the need for a large new-activity dataset. This approach could transfer the generic knowledge acquired from training the model in the source-activity domain to the target-activity domain. The maximum improvement in estimation accuracy (RMSE) achieved by TL is 23.6 degrees for knee flexion/extension and 22.2 degrees for hip flexion/extension compared to without TL. These results extend the application of motion capture with reduced sensor configurations to a broader range of activities relevant to injury prevention and sports training. Moreover, they enhance the capacity of data-driven models in scenarios where acquiring a substantial amount of training data is challenging.

The effect of the combined self-talk and mental imagery program on the badminton motor skills and self-confidence of youth beginner student-athletes.

BACKGROUND: The psychological strategies of self-talk (S.T.) and mental imagery (MI) have an essential role in training and sports performance, but their implementation, particularly in combination, is still limited. This study aimed to examine badminton motor skills (BMS) and self-confidence (S.C.) mastery after a psychological strategy intervention of S.T. and MI, which were integrated into the BMS training process in both independent and interactive functions. The S.T. strategy consisted of instructional (I-S.T.) and motivational (M-S.T.) functions, while the MI consisted of cognitive (C-MI) and motivational (M-MI) aspects. METHODS: Eighty youth beginner badminton student-athletes aged 10-12 years (male = 40, female = 40) were divided through a disproportional stratified sampling into four experimental groups (EG: 2-function S.T. × 2-function MI) and one control group (CG). The intervention program lasted eight weeks (three meetings a week for a total of 24 meetings). The participants completed a fidelity check at each session. At the end of the intervention, they took a BMS test and completed a self-confidence scale. RESULTS: The S.T. and MI strategies had a significant effect on BMS and S.C. mastery (independent and interaction functions) in multivariate and univariate ways; however, independently, they had no significant effect on S.C. The effect of I-S.T. > M-S.T. and the effect of C-MI > M-MI on BMS, but there was no difference in S.C. In the I-S.T. condition, the C-MI and M-MI strategies did not have a different interaction effect on BMS mastery, but the effect of M-MI > C-MI on S.C. In the M-S.T. condition, the effect of C-MI > M-MI on the BMS and S.C. mastery. In the C-MI condition, the I-S.T. and M-S.T. strategies did not have a different interaction effect on BMS mastery, but the effect of M-S.T. > I-ST on S.C. In the M-MI condition, the effect of I-S.T. > M-S.T. on the BMS and S.C. mastery. CONCLUSION: The results of this study contribute to the existing evidence on the effectiveness of S.T. and MI strategies in the motor skill mastery and psychological skill development of beginner student-athletes. Thus, S.T. and MI strategies can be adapted as psychological strategies that coaches and physical educators can use to improve beginner student-athlete learning, sports performance, and psychological skills.

A comparative study of the effectiveness of an osteopathic primary care sports medicine led intervention on performance in men's collegiate lacrosse players.

CONTEXT: Comprehensive sports medicine care goes beyond the treatment of injuries resulting from athletic activities. Ultimately, it is a competence that includes knowledge in physical therapy, training, nutrition, coaching, motivation, competition, mentoring, psychology, and spirituality that allows the physician and patient to collaborate on promoting the patient's health goals. The current literature demonstrates a lack of knowledge in the Osteopathic Primary Care Sports Medicine Model's effectiveness in performance. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether a comprehensive osteopathic primary care sports medicine approach can improve performance and health outcomes in collegiate athletes. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial commenced just prior to the start of the lacrosse season and concluded at the end of the season. All the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) collegiate lacrosse players were educated first in a 1-day seminar of the core competencies, and all participants had access to ask questions on their own volition. Then they were randomized into two groups, either the experimental group receiving the direct osteopathic primary care sports medicine intervention (n=18) or the control group not having active intervention (n=19). Also, the overall team winning percentage for that season was computed and compared to that for the previous years and the following year. Participants were assessed before and after the intervention with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), custom Osteopathic Primary Care Sports Medicine questionnaire, and body fat composition, and their changes were compared between the experimental group and the control group. Collected data were analyzed using the repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: Thirty-seven participants were enrolled in the study. After 14 participants were excluded due to being lost to follow-up, 23 athlete records were analyzed. The winning percentage of the team was highest during the year of the study period time than in the 3 previous years and the following year. The test group did not have any statistically significant change in the PHQ-9, SF-36, custom Osteopathic Primary Care Sports Medicine questionnaire, as well as in body fat composition. CONCLUSIONS: When used during a collegiate lacrosse season, this Osteopathic Primary Care Sports Medicine intervention did not significantly improve health outcomes. This preliminary study, despite its limitations in compliance and study population size, did demonstrate improvement in overall team performance when comparing the intervention sport season to other seasons but was not statistically significantly. Therefore, further studies are warranted to improve the understanding in this approach to athlete health outcomes and performance.

Effects of Probiotics on Anxiety, Stress, Mood and Fitness of Badminton Players.

BACKGROUND: Reports of probiotic consumption on athletes' performance are debatable due to their equivocal results. There is a need for more evidence on the effects of probiotic intake on psychological state and fitness level. Thus, this study determined the effects of daily probiotic consumption on competitive anxiety, perceived stress and mood among university badminton players, besides their fitness like aerobic capacity, strength, speed, leg power and agility. METHODS: Thirty university badminton players aged from 19 to 22 years old were randomly divided equally into two groups, where the probiotic group (PG; n = 15) received a drink that contained Lactobacillus casei Shirota (3 × 1010 CFU) and placebo group (CG; n = 15) a placebo drink for six weeks. Anxiety, stress and mood levels were determined using the CSAI-2R, PSS and BRUMS questionnaires, respectively. Fitness levels were measured using by subjecting the players to 20-m shuttle runs (aerobic capacity), handgrips (muscular strength), vertical jumps (leg power), 40-m dash (speed) and T-test (agility). The Student's t-test (p < 0.05) was used to determine the differences between PG and CG players. RESULTS: After six weeks, the anxiety and stress levels of PG players significantly decreased by 16% (p < 0.001) and 20% (p < 0.001), respectively, but there were no significant changes detected in CG players. Supplementation of probiotics also improved aerobic capacity in PG players by 5.9% (p < 0.001) but did not influence the speed, strength, leg power and agility. CONCLUSIONS: Probiotics supplementation showed improved aerobic capacity and relieve anxiety and stress. However, further studies need to be carried out to determine the mechanisms through which probiotic intake produces these effects.

CSF and Blood Neurofilament Levels in Athletes Participating in Physical Contact Sports: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether participating in physical contact sports is associated with a release of neurofilaments and whether such release is related to future clinical neurologic and/or psychiatric impairment. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases using a combination of the search terms neurofilament(s)/intermediate filament and sport(s)/athletes. Original studies, written in English, reporting on neurofilaments in CSF and/or serum/plasma of contact sport athletes were included. This review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Analyses guidelines. RESULTS: Eighteen studies in 8 different contact sports (i.e., boxing, American football, ice hockey, soccer, mixed martial arts, lacrosse, rugby, and wrestling) matched our criteria. Elevated light chain neurofilament (NfL) levels were described in 13/18 cohorts. Most compelling evidence was present in boxing and American football, where exposure-related increases were appreciable at the intraindividual level (up to 4.1- and 2.0-fold, respectively) in well-defined groups. Differences in exposure severity (including previous cumulative effects), sampling/measurement time points (with regard to expected peak values), and definitions of the baseline setting are considered as main contributors to the variability in findings. No studies were encountered that have investigated the relationship with the targeted clinical end points; therefore no NfL cutoffs exist that are associated with a poor outcome. CONCLUSION: NfL release can be seen, as a potential marker of neuronal brain damage, in participants of physical contact sports, particularly boxing and American football. The exact significance regarding the risk for future clinical impairment remains to be elucidated.

Nutritional Ergogenic Aids in Racquet Sports: A Systematic Review.

A nutritional ergogenic aid (NEA) can help athletes optimize performance, but an evidence-based analysis is required in order to support training outcomes or competition performance in specific events. Racquet sports players are regularly exposed to a high-intensity workload throughout the tournament season. The activity during a match is characterized by variable durations (2-4 h) of repeated high-intensity bouts interspersed with standardized rest periods. Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO were searched from their inception until February 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Two independent reviewers extracted data, after which they assessed the risk of bias and the quality of trials. Out of 439 articles found, 21 met the predefined criteria: tennis (15 trials), badminton (three trials), paddle (one trial), and squash (two trials). Among all the studied NEAs, acute dosages of caffeine (3-6 mg/kg) 30-60 min before a match have been proven to improve specific skills and accuracy but may not contribute to improve perceived exertion. Currently, creatine, sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, beetroot juice, citrulline, and glycerol need more studies to strengthen the evidence regarding improved performance in racquet sports.

Jogos escolares da rede pública do estado da bahia: análise das edições 2009 a 2017 / Bahia state public schools championship: analysis of editions from 2009 to 2017

RESUMO A partir da análise documental de 210 relatórios dos Jogos Escolares da Rede Pública da Bahia (JERP), este estudo teve por objetivo descrever a evolução histórica do JERP de 2009 a 2017, considerando as modalidades comuns e inovadoras ofertadas, número de escolares, número de escolas, número de professores e recursos financeiros descentralizados. Verificamos que as modalidades inovadoras foram numericamente superiores às modalidades comuns e apresentaram maior diversificação das práticas esportivas; o número de escolares, escolas e professores na primeira etapa dos jogos (dentro das escolas) foi superior a terceira etapa (regional), além de aumentar ao longo dos anos em ambas as etapas; e que o valor financeiro descentralizado tendeu a crescer no período histórico analisado. Concluímos que o JERP se apresenta como uma oportunidade dos alunos vivenciarem diferentes modalidades esportivas, entretanto esta oportunidade é ressaltada apenas na primeira etapa. Em relação aos recursos financeiros descentralizados para o JERP, parece não haver planejamento prévio com relação a proporção destes recursos e a proporção de escolares participantes deste programa. Sugerimos maior concentração de recursos em competições locais do que estaduais, uma vez que atendem mais crianças e jovens e favorecem a valorização da diversificação de modalidades e respeito à cultura esportiva local.

ABSTRACT Based on the documentary analysis of 210 reports of the Scholars Games of the Bahia State Public System (JERP), this study aimed to describe the historical evolution of the JERP from 2009 to 2017 considering the common and innovative modalities offered, number of school children, number of schools , number of teachers and decentralized financial resources. It was verified that the innovative modalities were numerically superior to the common modalities and presented a greater diversification of the sports practices; the number of students, schools, and teachers in the games' first stage (inside of the schools) was superior to the third stage (regional), besides increase over the years in both stages; and that the decentralized financial value tended to grow in the historical period analyzed. It is concluded that the JERP presents itself as an opportunity for students to experience different sports modalities, however this opportunity is highlighted only in the first stage. Regarding the decentralized financial resources for the JERP, there seems to be no prior planning regarding the proportion of these resources and the proportion of students participating in this program. We suggest a higher concentration of resources in local rather than state competitions, since the local competitions serve more children and young people and support the modalities diversification and respect to the local sports culture.

Superficial heat administration and foam rolling increase hamstring flexibility acutely; with amplifying effects.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the objective and subjective efficacy of three treatments on acute hip-flexion range of motion (ROM). DESIGN: Assessor-blind, randomized within-subject cross-over. SETTING: University athletic training clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two female collegiate lacrosse and soccer athletes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The passive straight-leg-raise (PSLR) was used to measure acute hip-flexion ROM pre- and post foam rolling (FR), superficial heating (SH), combination (SH + FR) and control treatments. A seven-point Likert scale statement measured the perceived effectiveness of each treatment. RESULTS: Superficial heat (+10.4%, ES = 0.78), FR (+7.26%, ES = 0.52), and SH + FR treatment (+12.9%, ES = 1.26) improved hip ROM when compared to the control (+2.4%, ES = 0.24) (all p < 0.001). The SH + FR treatment resulted in a greater improvement in hip ROM compared to FR (p = 0.001, ES = 0.95), whereas no significant difference was observed between the SH and FR (p = 0.083, ES = 0.68) or SH and SH + FR treatment (p = 0.270, ES = 0.43). SH + FR was perceived as more effective than FR (p = 0.033, ES = 1.21), but not SH (p = 0.193, ES = 0.63). However, only a moderately positive correlation (r = 0.508) between objective and subjective measures of hamstring flexibility was found. CONCLUSIONS: All treatments significantly improve hamstring flexibility with SH + FR being the most effective. Rehabilitation professionals should practice caution when relying on athlete perception and should prescribe treatments on an individual basis.

Effects of kinesiology taping on shoulder girdle muscle activity and sports performance during badminton forehand overhead strokes in amateur badminton players with shoulder impingement syndrome.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the influence of kinesiology taping (KT), various overhead stroke techniques, and their interactions on shoulder girdle muscle activity and on sports performance in badminton players with shoulder impingement syndrome. METHODS: Twenty-five amateur badminton players with shoulder impingement syndrome participated in the study. Each was exposed to two KT conditions (no taping and taping) while performing four badminton strokes (defensive clear, attacking clear, smash, and drop shot) in a random order. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to evaluate the activity of the pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, infraspinatus, and latissimus dorsi muscles. The EMG data are expressed as a percentage of the EMG amplitude recorded during a maximal voluntary isometric contraction of the respective muscles. The shuttlecock speed was also measured via video analysis. RESULTS: The pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, infraspinatus, and latissimus dorsi EMG amplitudes were greatest during smashes (P<0.05), followed in general by attacking clearances (P<0.05) and defensive clearances (P<0.05). Drop shots induced the lowest EMG amplitudes in the shoulder girdle muscles (P<0.05). No significant main effect of the KT condition or KT-badminton stroke interaction effects were found (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of KT conferred no immediate benefits in improving shoulder girdle muscle activity or sports performance in amateur badminton players with shoulder impingement syndrome. Shoulder girdle muscle activity and sports performance were primarily influenced by the badminton overhead stroke techniques.

Analysis of Nutritional Supplements Consumption by Squash Players.

The aim of the present study is to analyse nutritional supplements (NS) consumption by squash players of different levels (international vs. national). A total of 14 international players and 28 national ones answered a NS consumption frequency questionnaire that had been previously validated. A T-Student test was used for independent samples and a χ² test was used in the comparative analysis among athletes of different levels. International level players consume NS in greater proportion vs. national level players (100% vs. 67.9% p = 0.017), with differences in the consumption of bicarbonate of soda, glutamine, branched-chain amino acids, and flaxseed oil (p < 0.05). Even though international level athletes show a greater total number of NS, as well as of the total of NS of each of the categories based on scientific evidence level (sports food, medical supplements, and ergogenic aids of groups A, B, C, and D) in relation to the national level athletes, no statistically significant differences were detected (p > 0.05). With regard to nutritional advice, there are also differences among performance levels (p = 0.003), being personal trainers (28.6%) and dietitians-nutritionists (21.4%) the greatest prescribers when it comes to international-level players, whereas 55.6% of the national-level players do not receive nutritional advice. The pattern of NS consumption, based on evidence level, is unbalanced and its performance could be favored if the dietitian-nutritionist were included as a nutritional advisor for these athletes.

Efectos de la estimulación interfibrilar contrairritante musculoesquelética en epicondilalgias de jugadores de pádel amateurs. Estudio piloto / Effects of the musculoskeletal interfibrillar counterirritattion stimulation technique on amateur paddle-tennis players’ epicondylalgia. Pilot study

Objetivo: Analizar la eficacia de la técnica de estimulación interfibrilar contrairritante musculoesquelética en jugadores de deportes de raqueta con epicondilalgia y puntos gatillo miofasciales (PGM) activos. Material y métodos: Se trata de un estudio piloto diseñado como ensayo clínico (prospectivo) aleatorizado a doble ciego. Se contó con jugadores de pala o raqueta que cumplían los siguientes criterios de inclusión: tener una edad comprendida entre 18 y 60 años (ambos incluidos), tener dolor en la zona del epicóndilo lateral y tener un PGM activo central en la musculatura epicondílea. La muestra fue de 68 sujetos, de los cuales 61 completaron el estudio; 30 del grupo intervención (aplicación de la técnica) y 31 del grupo control (aplicación de un vendaje simple). La variable principal fue la algometría (umbral de dolor a la presión sobre el PGM) y las secundarias fueron la escala analógica visual (EVA 0-10) y el Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation. Resultados: Los valores de algometría y los valores de EVA muestran que hubo una disminución del dolor en ambos grupos, aunque sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ellos. La comparación de los porcentajes iniciales y finales EVA≥4 tampoco muestra diferencias entre grupos, pero la comparación antes/después de ambos grupos es estadísticamente significativa (p<0,05). Conclusiones: La técnica de estimulación interfibrilar contrairritante musculoesquelética, aplicada en PGM centrales de la musculatura epicondílea en sujetos con epicondilalgia que practican deportes de raqueta/pala, no parece ser más efectiva que la aplicación de un vendaje simple sobre la zona

Objective: To analyse the effectiveness of the musculoskeletal interfibrillar counterirritattion stimulation technique (MICS) in racquet sports players with epicondylalgia and active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). Material and methods: This is a pilot study designed as double-blind randomized clinical trial (prospective). It featured paddle or racquet sport players who met the following inclusion criteria: to be aged between 18 and 60 (inclusive), to have pain in the lateral epicondyle and to have a central active MTrP in the epicondylar musculature. The sample consisted of 68 subjects, of whom 61 completed the study; divided into 30 for the Intervention group (technique application) and 31 for the Control group (simple bandage). The primary variable was algometry (pain threshold to pressure on the MTrPs) and secondary variables were the VAS (visual analogue scale, 0-10) and the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation. Results: Algometry values and VAS values show that there was a decrease in pain in both groups, but no statistically significant differences between them. The comparison of the initial and final percentages VAS≥4 also do not show differences between groups, but improvement of both groups is statistically significant (P<.05). Conclusions: The musculoskeletal interfibrillar counterirritattion stimulation technique applied in the central MTrPs of epicondylar muscles in subjects with epicondylalgia who play racquet sports/paddle does not seem to be more effective than the application of a simple bandage over the area

Improvement of Table Tennis Dystonia by Stereotactic Ventro-Oral Thalamotomy: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Task-specific focal dystonia, such as writer's cramp and musician's cramp, is a type of dystonia that affects performance of particular tasks. Such movement disorders have been treated with stereotactic ventro-oral (Vo) thalamotomy with excellent outcomes. However, there has been no previous report of treatment of sport-related or athlete's dystonia by means of stereotactic surgery. We treated a patient with table tennis-related dystonia with Vo thalamotomy, and evaluated the outcome. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 20-year-old, female, left-handed table tennis player complained of difficulty hitting a ping-pong ball. She started playing table tennis at 8 years of age, practiced for more than 4 hours every day, and participated in national tournaments. Abnormal flexion of the left wrist when hitting a ball became apparent when she was 19 years old. The abnormal movement emerged on the forehand stroke and, subsequently, on the backhand, until finally she could not continue playing. The diagnosis was task-specific focal dystonia that did not recover with medication. She visited our hospital and underwent right Vo thalamotomy. The surgery was performed using local anesthesia, with the patient swinging a paddle during stimulation and coagulation of the thalamus. Her symptoms had improved completely the day after surgery, such that she was able to participate in tournaments again. CONCLUSIONS: We applied Vo thalamotomy for the successful treatment of athlete's dystonia, suggesting that this condition has an underlying mechanism similar to that of other task-specific focal dystonias. This provides new hope to patients with athlete's dystonia refractive to other therapies.

Effect of core strength training on dynamic balance and agility in adolescent badminton players.

The aim of the present study was to investigate effect of core strength training (CST) on core endurance, dynamic balance and agility in adolescent badminton players. Twenty adolescent (age = 10.8 ± 0.3 years; height = 140.6 ± 4.4 cm, weight = 33.9 ± 5.8 kg) badminton players were randomly divided into two groups as training group (TG) and control (CG) group. All subjects were evaluated with Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), Illinois Agility Test, and the core endurance tests. The TG completed CST twice a week, for 6 weeks. There were significant increases in (p < 0.05) directions of SEBT and core endurance tests (p < 0.05). However, no significant change was observed for agility (p > 0.05). The CST resulted in significant gains in directions of the SEBT and core endurances in adolescent badminton players, but not in agility.

La cafeína y su efecto ergogénico en el deporte (primera parte) / Caffeine and its ergogenic effect in sport (first part)

Los efectos de la cafeína sobre el organismo humano han sido estudiados desde hace tiempo y, a día de hoy, ya conocemos gran parte de sus características. En el mundo del deporte, la cafeína es una de las ayudas ergogénicas más populares y empleadas por entrenadores y atletas. Debido a su importancia, en este trabajo nos hemos propuesto el objetivo de analizar los efectos ergogénicos de la cafeína sobre el rendimiento deportivo y todo lo que rodea a esta acción, a través de una revisión de la literatura científica más actual. Hemos seleccionado aquellos estudios que incluyeran sujetos bien entrenados realizando una actividad física que reflejara las actuales prácticas en el deporte, prestando mucha atención a la metodología empleada, esto es la dosis, el momento y la forma de administración de la cafeína, para conseguir alcanzar nuestra meta de constituir una guía actualizada sobre todo lo que rodea a la cafeína como ayuda ergogénica en el deporte. Los resultados obtenidos nos han mostrado una gran variedad de estudios que han investigado acerca de la cafeína y el ejercicio físico siguiendo diferentes metodologías, lo que provoca una imposibilidad de generalizar sobre el asunto. Sin embargo, hemos podido extraer valiosas conclusiones como la clara tendencia hacia la efectividad de la cafeína como ayuda ergogénica en situaciones determinadas, nuevos hallazgos que tienen que ver con el uso de la cafeína en días consecutivos de actividad física, el mejor momento del día para el consumo de la sustancia o la administración estratégica de cafeína para contrarrestar la falta de sueño, y hacia dónde se dirigen las últimas tendencias en investigación dentro de la materia

The effects of caffeine on the human body have been studied for some time and much is now known about its characteristics. In the sports world, caffeine is one of the most popular ergogenic aids and is widely used by coaches and athletes. Given its importance, in this paper we analyze the ergogenic effects of caffeine on athletic performance and related actions, through a review of the latest scientific literature. We selected studies that included well-trained subjects performing a physical activity that reflects current practices in sport. Close attention was given to the methodology used, including the dose, timing and administration method of the caffeine, with the aim of establishing an updated guide to caffeine as an ergogenic aid in sport. The results show there are a variety of studies that have investigated the effects of caffeine on exercise using different methodologies, making it impossible to reach a general assumption. Nevertheless, we are able to draw valuable conclusions including the clear trend towards the effectiveness of caffeine as an ergogenic aid in certain situations, new findings that deal with the use of caffeine on consecutive days of physical activity, the best time of day to take the substance, the strategic management of caffeine to counteract sleep deprivation, and in what direction the latest research trends in this field are moving

The effect of motor imagery with specific implement in expert badminton player.

Motor skill can be improved with mental simulation. Implements are widely used in daily life and in various sports. However, it is unclear whether the utilization of implements enhances the effect of mental simulation. The present study was designed to investigate the different effects of motor imagery in athletes and novices when they handled a specific implement. We hypothesize that athletes have better motor imagery ability than novices when they hold a specific implement for the sport. This is manifested as higher motor cortical excitability in athletes than novices during motor imagery with the specific implement. Sixteen expert badminton players and 16 novices were compared when they held a specific implement such as a badminton racket and a non-specific implement such as a a plastic bar. Motor imagery ability was measured with a self-evaluation questionnaire. Transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to test the motor cortical excitability during motor imagery. Motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) in the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) and extensor carpi radialis muscles were recorded. Athletes reported better motor imagery than novices when they held a specific implement. Athletes exhibited more MEP facilitation than novices in the FDI muscle with the specific implement applied during motor imagery. The MEP facilitation is correlated with motor imagery ability in athletes. We conclude that the effects of motor imagery with a specific implement are enhanced in athletes compared to novices and the difference between two groups is caused by long-term physical training of athletes with the specific implement.

The recommendation and provision of mouthguards: a survey of consultant orthodontists in the UK.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the recommendation and provision of mouthguards for orthodontic patients attending hospital departments in the UK. DESIGN: Prospective, online questionnaire. SETTING: Hospital orthodontic departments in the UK. PARTICIPANTS: In total, 196 out of 254 consultant orthodontists completed a questionnaire (response rate 77%). METHOD: Consultants were asked to complete an online questionnaire regarding the recommendation and provision of mouthguards in their units. RESULTS: The majority of consultants (73%) routinely advise the use of a mouthguard to patients wearing fixed appliances whilst playing contact sports. Adaptable mouthguards are most frequently recommended, followed by custom-made and stock mouthguards. One hundred and eight consultants (55%) stated that they were able to provide custom-made mouthguards in their units. Thirty-four consultants charged for the service, at an average price of £37. The majority of consultants (63%) did not provide adaptable or stock mouthguards. In departments where adaptable or stock mouthguards were sold, the average price was £13. Thirty-eight consultants (20%) did not routinely give advice regarding the lifespan, or the possible need to replace the mouthguard. CONCLUSIONS: The recommendation and provision of mouthguards varies amongst consultants. The majority of consultant orthodontists provide custom-made mouthguards.

Differential analysis of the doping behaviour templates in three types of sports.

Conducted researches recognize various risk factors, as well as protective factors against doping behaviour in different sports i.e. sports disciplines or activities. The main goal of this research was to identify the correlation between selected socio-demographic, health-related, and sports-related predictors with doping factors in three different types of sports, which are (1) highly energetic demanding sports (weightlifting), (2) highly technical demanding sports (racquet sports), and (3) highly tactical demanding sports (sailing). The research consisted of three separate studies, each one of them researching one of the sports. The sample of subjects included altogether 293 athletes, senior level competitors (older than 18years of age). In total, the sample comprised three homogenous sub-samples, as follows: athletes in highly energetic demanding sports (weightlifters and power lifters; N=27), athletes in highly technical demanding sports (table tennis, tennis and badminton players; N=188), and athletes in highly tactical demanding sports (sailing; N=78). The first study involved weightlifters where we should point out the existence of high doping behaviour In this study, religiousness was interpreted as the most significant protective factor against doping behaviour, while sports factors are not found to be significantly related to doping. The study involving racquet sport athletes suggests a high risk of doping behaviour among those athletes who observe doping behaviour in their sport. We noticed low levels of athletes' trust in their coaches' and physicians' opinions on doping issues. This is an issue which should be researched in the future, because the underlying cause has not been studied as yet. Briefly, it seems that either the athletes are not convinced of their coaches '/physicians' expertise regarding doping issues, and/or they do not believe in their good intentions. It is particularly important, as the previous research has shown that with the increased trust in coaches and physicians, the chance that an athlete will use doping decreases. As expected, it is characteristic for sailing that it has a low likelihood of potential doping behaviour, although the consumption of dietary supplements is high. Substance abuse in sports spreads beyond those that enhance athletic performance. All of these issues should be studied in more detail in the future and, if appropriately validated, incorporated into anti-doping intervention programs.

[The use of Charcot's douche with different temperature regimes in the training process of the athletes].

Thirty six male athletes at the age from 17 to 25 years (masters and candidate masters of sports) were divided into two groups as follows: group 1 (fencing, n=20) and group 2 (badminton, n=16). The athletes used Charcot's douche with a water temperature either 20 degrees C or 38-40 degrees C after each evening training session. Their functional conditions were estimated based on the results of the measurements of the muscular tone and tensodynamometry. The data obtained were supplemented by the assessment of the subjective state of the athletes and pedagogical testing. It was shown that the hydroprocedures using water with a temperature of 20 degrees C produced tonic effect while the application of water with a temperature of 38-40 degrees C had a relaxing action. Taken together, the results of the study indicate that Charcot's douche with different temperature regimes can be recommended as a tool for controlling the adaptive mechanisms in the athletes, enhancing their functional abilities, and improving the efficacy of the training process.

Is there a danger for myopia in anti-doping education? Comparative analysis of substance use and misuse in Olympic racket sports calls for a broader approach.

BACKGROUND: Racket sports are typically not associated with doping. Despite the common characteristics of being non-contact and mostly individual, racket sports differ in their physiological demands, which might be reflected in substance use and misuse (SUM). The aim of this study was to investigate SUM among Slovenian Olympic racket sport players in the context of educational, sociodemographic and sport-specific factors. METHODS: Elite athletes (N=187; mean age=22±2.3; 64% male) representing one of the three racket sports, table tennis, badminton, and tennis, completed a paper-and-pencil questionnaire on substance use habits. Athletes in this sample had participated in at least one of the two most recent competitions at the highest national level and had no significant difference in competitive achievement or status within their sport. RESULTS: A significant proportion of athletes (46% for both sexes) reported using nutritional supplements. Between 10% and 24% of the studied males would use doping if the practice would help them achieve better results in competition and if it had no negative health consequences; a further 5% to 10% indicated potential doping behaviour regardless of potential health hazards. Females were generally less oriented toward SUM than their male counterparts with no significant differences between sports, except for badminton players. Substances that have no direct effect on sport performance (if timed carefully to avoid detrimental effects) are more commonly consumed (20% binge drink at least once a week and 18% report using opioids), whereas athletes avoid substances that can impair and threaten athletic achievement by decreasing physical capacities (e.g. cigarettes), violating anti-doping codes or potentially transgressing substance control laws (e.g. opiates and cannabinoids). Regarding doping issues, athletes' trust in their coaches and physicians is low. CONCLUSION: SUM in sports spreads beyond doping-prone sports and drugs that enhance athletic performance. Current anti-doping education, focusing exclusively on rules and fair play, creates an increasingly widening gap between sports and the athletes' lives outside of sports. To avoid myopia, anti-doping programmes should adopt a holistic approach to prevent substance use in sports for the sake of the athletes' health as much as for the integrity of sports.