Addressing Circadian Disruptions in Visually Impaired Paralympic Athletes.

PURPOSE: Transmeridian travel is common for elite athletes participating in competitions and training. However, this travel can lead to circadian misalignment wherein the internal biological clock becomes desynchronized with the light-dark cycle of the new environment, resulting in performance decrement and potential negative health consequences. Existing literature extensively discusses recommendations for managing jet lag, predominantly emphasizing light-based interventions to synchronize the internal clock with the anticipated time at the destination. Nevertheless, visually impaired (VI) athletes may lack photoreceptiveness, diminishing or nullifying the effectiveness of this therapy. Consequently, this invited commentary explores alternative strategies for addressing jet lag in VI athletes. CONCLUSIONS: VI athletes with light perception but reduced visual acuity or visual fields may still benefit from light interventions in managing jet lag. However, VI athletes lacking a conscious perception of light should rely on gradual shifts in behavioral factors, such as meal timing and exercise, to facilitate the entrainment of circadian rhythms to the destination time. Furthermore, interventions like melatonin supplementation may prove useful during and after travel. In addition, it is recommended that athlete guides adopt phase-forward or phase-back approaches to synchronize with the athlete, aiding in jet-lag management and optimizing performance.

Energy Availability and Nutritional Intake during Different Training Phases of Wheelchair Athletes.

Optimizing nutritional intake and timing helps athletes to improve performance and long-term health. Different training phases can require varying nutritional needs. In this study, we conducted a descriptive assessment of dietary intake, energy availability (EA), and blood biochemical parameters in elite wheelchair athletes during distinct training phases. Data analyzed in this study were collected as part of a randomized controlled crossover trial exploring the feasibility of probiotics and prebiotic supplementation. Data were obtained from consecutive three-day diaries and blood samples, both collected at four different time points across four consecutive months. We included 14 athletes (mean (standard deviation) age 34 (9) years, eight females, and six males) active in different wheelchair sports. The mean daily nutritional intake (g/kg body mass) for females and males was 2.7 (0.9) and 4.0 (0.7) for carbohydrates, 1.1 (0.3) and 1.5 (0.3) for protein, and 0.8 (0.3) and 1.4 (0.2) for fat. EA did not change across the four time points in either female (p = 0.30) or male (p = 0.05) athletes. The mean EA was lower in female athletes compared to male athletes (p = 0.03). Low EA (≤30 kcal/ kg fat-free mass/day) was observed in female (58 (29) % of days) and male (34 (23) % of days) athletes. Iron deficiency with anemia was observed in two female athletes. Mean vitamin D levels were insufficient (<75 nmol/L). Macronutrient intake, EA, and blood biochemical parameters were suboptimal in this cohort of elite wheelchair athletes, especially in female athletes.

Supplementation and Performance for Wheelchair Athletes: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review aimed to identify nutritional interventions and supplements that improve the performance for wheelchair athletes. Intervention trials involving high-performance wheelchair athletes were analyzed, including those that comprised a nutritional intervention, defined as any intervention related to food, beverages, and supplementation aiming at evaluating the performance of wheelchair athletes. Of the included studies, four evaluated caffeine supplementation, of which one also evaluated sodium citrate supplementation; two studies evaluated vitamin D supplementation; one study assessed creatine monohydrate supplementation; and one assessed carbohydrate supplementation. Most studies were conducted on athletes with spinal cord injury. Athletes who consumed caffeine exhibited an improvement in performance, but this finding is not strong enough to become a recommendation.

Dietary Supplementation for Para-Athletes: A Systematic Review.

The use of dietary supplements is high among athletes and non-athletes alike, as well as able-bodied individuals and those with impairments. However, evidence is lacking in the use of dietary supplements for sport performance in a para-athlete population (e.g., those training for the Paralympics or similar competition). Our objective was to examine the literature regarding evidence for various sport supplements in a para-athlete population. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, SPORTDiscus, MedLine, and Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Source. Fifteen studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in our review. Seven varieties of supplements were investigated in the studies reviewed, including caffeine, creatine, buffering agents, fish oil, leucine, and vitamin D. The evidence for each of these supplements remains inconclusive, with varying results between studies. Limitations of research in this area include the heterogeneity of the subjects within the population regarding functionality and impairment. Very few studies included individuals with impairments other than spinal cord injury. Overall, more research is needed to strengthen the evidence for or against supplement use in para-athletes. Future research is also recommended on performance in para-athlete populations with classifiable impairments other than spinal cord injuries.

Effect of vision impairment on match-related performance and technical variation in attacking moves in Paralympic judo.

In Paralympic judo for athletes with vision impairment (VI judo) all eligible athletes (i.e. B1, B2 and B3 classes) compete against each other in the same competition. Evidence suggests that athletes with more impairment may be disadvantaged, but that more sensitive measures of performance are necessary to understand the impact of impairment on performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Para sport class and technical variation, time-motion variables, and performance in Paralympic judo. All 175 judo matches from the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games were analysed across 129 competitors (82 male and 47 female). The main results indicated that athletes who demonstrated less technical variation also experienced less competitive success, with the functionally blind athletes (class B1) demonstrating less technical variation than partially sighted (class B2 and B3) athletes (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the time-motion variables between sport classes (p > 0.05). We conclude that measures of technical variation are sensitive to differences in impairment and are suitable for studies that investigate the impairment-performance relationship in VI judo. Results further confirm that some athletes with impairment are disadvantaged under the current rules of VI judo.

May the best-sighted win? The relationship between visual function and performance in Para judo.

This study aimed to establish the optimal cut-off point(s) between classes in a new, evidence-based classification system for VI judo. We collected results from international VI judo competitions held between 2012 and 2018. Data on visual acuity (VA) and visual field (VF) measured during classification were obtained. Performance was determined by calculating a win ratio for each athlete. VA was significantly associated with judo performance (r = -.33, p <.001), VF was not (r =.30, p =.15). Decision tree analysis suggested to split the data into two groups with a VA cut-off of 2.5 logMAR units. Stability assessment using bootstrap sampling suggested a split into two groups, but showed considerable variability in the cut-off point between 2.0 and 3.5 logMAR. We conclude that to minimise the impact of impairment on the outcome of competition, VI judo should be split into two sport classes to separate partially sighted from functionally blind athletes. To establish an exact cut-off point and to decide if other measures of visual function need to be included, we argue for continued research efforts together with careful evaluation of research results from a multidisciplinary perspective.

Micronutrient deficiency in the diets of para-athletes participating in a sports scholarship program.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the usual energy and micronutrient intake distributions and compare the prevalence of insufficient/excessive micronutrient intake in Brazilian para-athletes with and without scholarship support. METHODS: The study was conducted between September 2018 and August 2019 and included 101 athletes with a disability from 13 Paralympic disciplines living in Brasília, the Federal District. Food intake was estimated from two or four non-consecutive 24-h food recalls in which para-athletes reported all food, beverages, and supplements consumed in the previous 24-h. Dietary intake analysis was performed by implementing the National Cancer Institute method. Comparisons between scholarship and non-scholarship athletes were performed using Student's t tests for parametric variables and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for nonparametric variables. RESULTS: Mean usual energy intake was significantly lower in scholarship para-athletes (2128 ± 125 kcal/d) than in non-scholarship para-athletes (2239 ± 116 kcal/d; P < 0.001). The prevalence of inadequacy for vitamin D, calcium, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, and zinc was significantly higher in scholarship than in non-scholarship para-athletes (P < 0.001). The prevalence of risk for iron deficiency was 29.5% in female para-athletes. The prevalence of micronutrient inadequacy was >10% for eight (60%) and seven (54%) micronutrients among scholarship and non-scholarship para-athletes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian Federal sport scholarship assistance program in its current format is insufficient to protect athletes from micronutrient inadequacies.

Can Creatine Supplementation Interfere with Muscle Strength and Fatigue in Brazilian National Level Paralympic Powerlifting?

The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of creatine (Cr) supplementation on peak torque (PT) and fatigue rate in Paralympic weightlifting athletes. Eight Paralympic powerlifting athletes participated in the study, with 25.40 ± 3.30 years and 70.30 ± 12.15 kg. The measurements of muscle strength, fatigue index (FI), peak torque (PT), force (kgf), force (N), rate of force development (RFD), and time to maximum isometric force (time) were determined by a Musclelab load cell. The study was performed in a single-blind manner, with subjects conducting the experiments first with placebo supplementation and then, following a 7-day washout period, beginning the same protocol with creatine supplementation for 7 days. This sequence was chosen because of the lengthy washout of creatine. Regarding the comparison between conditions, Cr supplementation did not show effects on the variables of muscle force, peak torque, RFD, and time to maximum isometric force (p > 0.05). However, when comparing the results of the moments with the use of Cr and placebo, a difference was observed for the FI after seven days (U3: 1.12; 95% CI: (0.03, 2.27); p = 0.02); therefore, the FI was higher for placebo. Creatine supplementation has a positive effect on the performance of Paralympic powerlifting athletes, reducing fatigue index, and keeping the force levels as well as PT.

Diet in neurogenic bowel management: A viewpoint on spinal cord injury.

The aim of this review is to offer dietary advice for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and neurogenic bowel dysfunction. With this in mind, we consider health conditions that are dependent on the level of lesion including skeletal muscle atrophy, autonomic dysreflexia and neurogenic bladder. In addition, SCI is often associated with a sedentary lifestyle, which increases risk for osteoporosis and diseases associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, including cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases. The Mediterranean diet, along with exercise and dietary supplements, has been suggested as an anti-inflammatory intervention in individuals with SCI. However, individuals with chronic SCI have a daily intake of whole fruit, vegetables and whole grains lower than the recommended dietary allowance for the general population. Some studies have reported an increase in neurogenic bowel dysfunction symptoms after high fiber intake; therefore, this finding could explain the low consumption of plant foods. Low consumption of fibre induces dysbiosis, which is associated with both endotoxemia and inflammation. Dysbiosis can be reduced by exercise and diet in individuals with SCI. Therefore, to summarize our viewpoint, we developed a Mediterranean diet-based diet and exercise pyramid to integrate nutritional recommendations and exercise guidelines. Nutritional guidelines come from previously suggested recommendations for military veterans with disabilities and individuals with SCI, chronic kidney diseases, chronic pain and irritable bowel syndrome. We also considered the recent exercise guidelines and position stands for adults with SCI to improve muscle strength, flexibility and cardiorespiratory fitness and to obtain cardiometabolic benefits. Finally, dietary advice for Paralympic athletes is suggested.

Hematological parameters in champion of Brazilian jiu-jitsu paradesport: Case study.

The behavior of biochemical and immunological parameters investigated in the field conditions in athletes is important to influence in the management of recovery and disease prevention as well as, to support the training program, as well as to improve the physical conditioning associated with health and performance. However, for amputee athletes, Brazilian jiu-jitsu paradesport practitioners, there are no published data to date. Thus, the objective of this case study was to quantify the magnitude of biochemical, hematological, and urinary alterations after a simulated fight session in elite athlete with world titles. Outcomes were obtained through blood analysis of samples collected at four different moments (M1-fasting; M2-1.5 hr after caloric intake; M3-Immediately after the simulated fight; M4-24 hr after the simulated fight). Responses triggered by the simulated fight between baseline and after 24 hr were found to increase in monocyte (100%), neutrophil (20%), and insulin (57%) concentrations, while reductions were observed in eosinophils (-50%), lymphocytes (-26.6%), platelets (-22%), cortisol (-50%), and creatine phosphokinase (-45.2%). After 24 hr lactate values returned to baseline levels. The different changes in biochemical and hematological parameters observed constitute responses to acute physical exercise and were according to the level of the high performance athlete. From these data it will be possible to evaluate the periodization, training load, and recovery techniques according to the individual response verified. In addition, these data may be used for comparison purposes within this specific sport, whose literature is still limited.