Exploring the impact of verbal encouragement on strength, endurance, and psychophysiological responses: enhancing teaching strategies in sports science education.

Introduction: This study investigates the effects of teacher verbal encouragement (VE) on strength, endurance, and psychophysiological responses, aiming to enhance teaching strategies in sports science education. Methods: Forty-eight sports science students, aged 21.3 ± 0.5 years, participated in this study. The sample was randomly divided into two groups, and a counterbalancing procedure was implemented. Participants completed strength and endurance testing sessions under normal conditions in the first week and repeated similar sessions in the second week with teacher VE. Strength was assessed using the 1RM bench press, squat, and deadlift tests, while endurance was evaluated through 8-minute time trials (8MTT: burpees, box jumps, hand-release push-ups, and sit-ups). Perceived exertion and physical activity enjoyment were investigated using self-reporting instruments. Results: The key findings showed that participants lifted greater weights in the 1RM bench press (p < 0.01; r = 0.45, medium to large effect), squat (p < 0.001; Hedges' g = 1.36, large effect), and deadlift tests (p < 0.001; r = 0.79, large effect) and completed a greater number of repetitions in the 8MTT (p < 0.001; r = 0.87, large effect) under VE. Perceived exertion was found to be lower under normal conditions (p < 0.05; r = 0.29, small effect), yet physical activity enjoyment significantly increased under VE (p < 0.05; r = 0.81, large effect). Discussion: In conclusion, implementing teacher VE in sports science education can contribute to improved strength and endurance training outcomes and student psychophysiological response.

Developing normative values and predictive models for the 6-minute walk test across diverse adolescent developmental stages.

The six-minute walking test (6MWT) is commonly used to measure functional capacity in field settings, primarily through the distance covered. This study aims to establish reference curves for the six-minute walking distance (6MWD) and peak heart rate (PHR) and develop a predictive equation for cardiovascular capacity in Tunisian children and adolescents. A total of 1501 participants (706 boys and 795 girls), aged 10-18 years, were recruited from schools in Tunisia. The Lambda (L), Mu (M), and Sigma (S) methods (LMS method) were employed to develop smoothed percentile curves for 6MWD and PHR. Multivariate linear regression was utilized to formulate a prediction equation for 6MWD. Smoothed percentiles (3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 97th) for 6MWD and PHR were presented with age. All variables showed a strong positive correlation (p < 0.001) with a six-minute walking distance (r ranged from 0.227 to 0.558 for girls and from 0.309 to 0.610 for boys), except resting heart rate, which showed a strong negative correlation (girls: r = -0.136; boys: r = -0.201; p < 0.001). Additionally, PHR showed a weak correlation (p > 0.05). The prediction equations, based on age as the primary variable, were established for both genders. For boys: 6MWD = 66.181 + 38.142 × Age (years) (R2 = 0.372; Standard Error of Estimate (SEE) = 122.13), and for girls: 6MWD = 105.535 + 28.390 × Age (years) (R2 = 0.312; SEE = 103.66). The study provides normative values and predictive equations for 6MWD and PHR in Tunisian children and adolescents. These findings offer essential tools for identifying, monitoring, and interpreting cardiovascular functional deficits in clinical and research settings.

Examining the interplay between physical activity, problematic internet use and the negative emotional state of depression, anxiety and stress: insights from a moderated mediation path model in university students.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Problematic Internet Use (PIU), emotional states of stress, anxiety and depression, and the practice of physical activity among Tunisian students. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were collected from 976 university students aged 20.76 ± 1.63 years (46.8% female). They filled out an online survey comprised of a socio-demographic questionnaire, the depression, anxiety and stress scale- 21 items (DASS-21), the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) and the compulsive internet use scale (CIUS). Students were divided, based on their economic levels, into three groups: low (n = 256, 26.23%), medium (n = 523, 53.59%) and high (n = 197, 20.18%). RESULTS: Mediation analysis: Indirect effects of IPAQ and gender on DASS-21 were highlighted: ß= -0.18 (p < 0.01) and ß= -0.04, P < 0.01) respectively. In addition, a significant and negative effect of IPAQ on CIUS was demonstrated (ß = -0.45, P < 0.01). In addition, the effect of CIUS on DASS-21 was significant (ß = 0.39, P < 0.01). Also, the effect of gender on CIUS was significant (ß=-0.10, P < 0.01) However, its effect on DASS-21 was not significant (ß = 0.05, p = 0.078). The total effect of IPAQ on DASS21 was significant (ß= -0.52, p < 0.01) but the effect of Gender on DASS-21 was not significant (ß = 0.01, p = 0.817). Moderation analysis: the results showed a significant moderation effect of the interaction between IPAQ and Gender on CIUS (ß = 0.07, p < 0.01). However, it was not significant between Gender and CIUS on DASS-21 (ß = 0.09, p = 0.390) and between IPAQ and Gender on DASS21 (ß = 0.01, p = 0.736) Also, the interaction between IPAQ and CIUS did not have a significant moderation effect on DASS-21 (ß = 0.15, p = 0.115). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that relationships between PIU and negative emotional state of depression, anxiety and stress are mediated via physical exercise. These results underscore the importance of the physical activity factor in the studies analyzing longitudinal effects of PIU on mental health outcomes.

The impact of intermittent fasting during Ramadan on psychomotor and cognitive skills in adolescent athletes.

Introduction: Intermittent fasting (IF) represents a dietary intervention similar to caloric restriction, characterized by the strategic limitation of food consumption. Among the diverse array of practices for IF, Ramadan IF (RIF), a religious observance in Islam, mandates that healthy adult Muslims abstain from both food and drinks during daylight hours. In sports, researchers have extensively studied IF effects on health, including sleep and physical performance, but its impact on cognitive functions during RIF remains understudied. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the influence of RIF on psychomotor and cognitive performance among young female athletes. Methods: To achieve this purpose, a cohort of 23 female handball players, aged 17.2 ± 0.5 years, participated in a series of six testing sessions: one conducted prior to Ramadan (R0), and others during the first (R1), second (R2), third (R3), and fourth (R4) weeks of Ramadan, followed by a session in the week after Ramadan (R5). Each session involved assessments using a Simple Reaction Time Test (SRT), Choice Reaction Time Test (CRT), Vigilance Test (VT), and Mental Rotation Test (MRT). Additionally, dietary intake, body composition, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores were evaluated during these periods. Results and discussion: The obtained data illustrated that there was a decrease in SRT, CRT, VT, and MRT performances during R1 in comparison to R0 (all p < .001). This reduction was also observed in R2, R3, R4, and R5. Notably, during the fourth week of Ramadan (R4), these cognitive and psychomotor parameters were significantly lower than during the earlier weeks (R1, R2, R3; all p < .001). Furthermore, a gradual decrease in total PSQI scores, sleep quality, and sleep duration was observed throughout the Ramadan period, reaching the lowest levels during R4. These findings illustrate that RIF has a significantly detrimental impact on neuromuscular and cognitive abilities as well as sleep quality in young female athletes. The study also highlights a fluctuating pattern in cognitive function across the four weeks of Ramadan, with the most pronounced decline observed during the final week of fasting illustrating the importance of conducting similar studies on normal individuals from both genders with larger sample size.

Investigating the association between the lunar cycle and sleep, physiological, cognitive, and physical performance in children with Down syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Children with Down syndrome (DS) offer a compelling context within the fieldof human biology for examining potential lunar influences. While the exact mechanisms governing lunar effects are still under investigation, a growing body of scientific inquiry suggests possible connections between lunar phases and physiological, physical, and cognitive parameters. This investigation holds promise for uncovering the intricate interplay between lunar cycles (LCs) and the unique biology of children with DS. This study investigated the potential influence of the LC on physiological, physical, and cognitive parameters in children with DS, focusing on sleep patterns, physical performance, and cognitive abilities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen children with DS participated in this study. Sleep data, physical performance metrics, and cognitive test results were collected throughout the LC, including the new moon (NM), first quarter, full moon (FM), and third quarter. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess the differences in these parameters across lunar phases. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in sleep patterns, with reduced total sleep time (P < 0.01) and sleep efficiency (P < 0.001) during the FM phase. Heart rates (HRs) before (P < 0.001) and after (P < 0.01) exercise also displayed pronounced changes during LC. Additionally, the reaction time (RT) exhibited a significant difference (P < 0.01) across the lunar phases. However, physical performance metrics, including squat jump (SJ), sprint, and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), did not show significant variations. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that LC may have a moderating effect on sleep patterns, HR, and cognitive performance in children with DS. These findings have practical implications for caregivers and educators and highlight the importance of considering lunar-associated variations in planning schedules and interventions for children with DS.

The variability of physical enjoyment, physiological responses, and technical-tactical performance according to the bout duration of small-sided games: a comparative study between female and male soccer players.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare various factors, namely perceived enjoyment (PE), percentage of peak heart rate (%HRpeak), blood lactate (La), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and technical-tactical performance among soccer players across different bout durations (CB: continuous bout, MIB: medium intermittent bouts, and SIB: short intermittent bouts) and between male and female players during four-a-side (4vs4) small-sided games (SSGs) including goalkeepers. METHODS: sixteen female soccer players (age: 20.1 ± 0.5 years old) and sixteen professional male adults (age: 20.7 ± 0.7 years old) participated in the study. SSGs (4vs4) were performed in a CB: (1 × 12 min), and in an interval format: MIB: (2 × 6 min), and SIB: (3 × 4 min) with 2 min of passive recovery. PE was collected after each SSGs. The players' heart rate (HR) was continuously measured, whereas ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and, blood lactate concentration ([La]) were determined at the end of each SSGs. Technical-tactical performance were analyzed during each session of SSGs. Pitch dimensions were (length x width) (25 × 32 m), and relative space per players was 100 m2. RESULTS: For female soccer players, medium intermittent bouts (MIB) elicited significantly higher perceived enjoyment (PE) compared to continuous bouts (CB) (p < 0.001) and short intermittent bouts (SIB) (p < 0.01). Conversely, for male soccer players, CB resulted in higher PE compared to MIB (p < 0.001) and SIB (p < 0.001). During CB and MIB, peak heart rate (PeakHR) and percentage of peak heart rate (%HRpeak) were significantly higher in female players compared to SIB (PeakHR: CB: p < 0.001; PeakHR: MIB: p < 0.01; %HRpeak: CB: p < 0.001; %HRpeak: MIB: p < 0.01). Blood lactate (La) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were significantly greater in CB compared to MIB (La: p < 0.001; RPE: p < 0.01) and SIB (La: p < 0.001; RPE: p < 0.001) for female players only. For male players, CB resulted in significantly higher PeakHR, %HRpeak, La, and RPE compared to MIB (peak HR: p < 0.01, dunb = 1.35; %HR: p < 0.01; La: p < 0.01; RPE: p < 0.01) and SIB (peak HR: p < 0,01; %HR: p < 0.01; RPE: md = 0.87, p < 0.05). Regarding technical-tactical performance, in female players, the % of successful passes, successful tackles, and successful duels were higher during SIB compared to CB (p < 0.01; p < 0.001; p < 0.001) and MIB compared to CB (p < 0.01; p < 0.001; p < 0.001), while ball loss was lower during SIB compared to CB (p < 0.001) and MIB compared to CB (p < 0.001). In male players, % of successful passes and tackles were higher during CB compared to MIB (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05) and SIB (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05), while CB had a lower % of ball loss compared to MIB (p < 0.01) and SIB (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the % of successful duels between the bouts for either gender. CONCLUSION: This study showed a difference in physical enjoyment between male and female soccer players depending on the bout duration of SSGs. For that, trainers should consider intermittent bouts for female soccer players and continuous bouts for male soccer players when designing SSGs-based training in order to significantly improve PE, training load, and technical-tactical performance.

The effects of high-intensity interval training and Iranian propolis extract on serum levels of TRPV4 and CYP2E1 proteins in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver.

INTRODUCTION: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of liver failure, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, which can eventually lead to death. AIM: To investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and iranian propolis extract on serum levels of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 (TRPV4) and cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) proteins in patients with NAFLD. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with NAFLD (mean±standard deviation of age: 45.1±3.6 years; body mass index: 30.0±3.6 kg/m2) were assigned in a randomized control trial to one of the following groups: HIIT (n=8), propolis supplement (n=8), propolis + HIIT (n=8), and controls (n=8). The subjects participated in eight weeks of HIIT (one bout of 1-min intervals at 80-95% of the maximal heart-rate, interspersed by two min at 50-55% of the reserve heart-rate). The Propolis supplement was taken three times a day by the patients in the form of 50 mg tablet after the main meals. Body composition, liver injury test (eg; Alanine- and Aspartate- aminotransferase levels), liver ultrasound and serum levels of TRPV4 and CYP2E1 were measured before and after intervention. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare post-tests among the groups. RESULTS: HIIT significantly reduced serum levels of TRPV4 protein (p=0.001). The reduction in CYP2E1 was not significant in HIIT group (p=0.075). Propolis consumption had no significant effect on serum levels of CYP2E1 protein (p=0.059), and TRPV4 (p=0.072). There was a significant decrease in TRPV4 and CYP2E1 in the HIIT (p=0.001) and propolis supplement (p=0.032) groups. CONCLUSION: HIIT and propolis supplementation can be used to reduce TRPV4 and CYP2E1, which in turn reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with NAFLD.

Using artificial intelligence for exercise prescription in personalised health promotion: A critical evaluation of OpenAI's GPT-4 model.

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in healthcare provides new possibilities for personalized health management. AI-based fitness applications are becoming more common, facilitating the opportunity for individualised exercise prescription. However, the use of AI carries the risk of inadequate expert supervision, and the efficacy and validity of such applications have not been thoroughly investigated, particularly in the context of diverse health conditions. The aim of the study was to critically assess the efficacy of exercise prescriptions generated by OpenAI's Generative Pre-Trained Transformer 4 (GPT-4) model for five example patient profiles with diverse health conditions and fitness goals. Our focus was to assess the model's ability to generate exercise prescriptions based on a singular, initial interaction, akin to a typical user experience. The evaluation was conducted by leading experts in the field of exercise prescription. Five distinct scenarios were formulated, each representing a hypothetical individual with a specific health condition and fitness objective. Upon receiving details of each individual, the GPT-4 model was tasked with generating a 30-day exercise program. These AI-derived exercise programs were subsequently subjected to a thorough evaluation by experts in exercise prescription. The evaluation encompassed adherence to established principles of frequency, intensity, time, and exercise type; integration of perceived exertion levels; consideration for medication intake and the respective medical condition; and the extent of program individualization tailored to each hypothetical profile. The AI model could create general safety-conscious exercise programs for various scenarios. However, the AI-generated exercise prescriptions lacked precision in addressing individual health conditions and goals, often prioritizing excessive safety over the effectiveness of training. The AI-based approach aimed to ensure patient improvement through gradual increases in training load and intensity, but the model's potential to fine-tune its recommendations through ongoing interaction was not fully satisfying. AI technologies, in their current state, can serve as supplemental tools in exercise prescription, particularly in enhancing accessibility for individuals unable to access, often costly, professional advice. However, AI technologies are not yet recommended as a substitute for personalized, progressive, and health condition-specific prescriptions provided by healthcare and fitness professionals. Further research is needed to explore more interactive use of AI models and integration of real-time physiological feedback.

Artificial intelligence in sport: Exploring the potential of using ChatGPT in resistance training prescription.

OpenAI's Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) technology enables conversational interactions with applications across various fields, including sport. Here, ChatGPT's proficiency in designing a 12-week resistance training programme, following specific prompts, was investigated. GPT3.5 and GPT4.0 versions were requested to design 12-week resistance training programmes for male and female hypothetical subjects (20-years-old, no injury, and 'intermediate' resistance training experience). Subsequently, GPT4.0 was requested to design an 'advanced' training programme for the same profiles. The proposed training programmes were compared with established guidelines and literature (e.g., National Strength and Conditioning Association textbook), and discussed. ChatGPT suggested 12-week training programmes comprising three, 4-week phases, each with different objectives (e.g., hypertrophy/strength). GPT3.5 proposed a weekly frequency of ~3 sessions, load intensity of 70-85% of one repetition-maximum, repetition range of 4-8 (2-4 sets), and tempo of 2/0/2 (eccentric/pause/concentric/'pause'). GPT4.0 proposed intermediate- and advanced programme, with a frequency of 5 or 4 sessions, 60-90% or 70-95% intensity, 3-5 sets or 3-6 sets, 5-12 or 3-12 repetitions, respectively. GPT3.5 proposed rest intervals of 90-120 s, and exercise tempo of 2/0/2. GPT4.0 proposed 60-180 (intermediate) or 60-300 s (advanced), with exercise tempo of 2/1/2 for intermediates, and 3/0/1/0, 2/0/1/0, and 1/0/1/0 for advanced programmes. All derived programmes were objectively similar regardless of sex. ChatGPT generated training programmes which likely require additional fine-tuning before application. GPT4.0 synthesised more information than GPT3.5 in response to the prompt, and demonstrated recognition awareness of training experience (intermediate vs advanced). ChatGPT may serve as a complementary tool for writing 'draft' programme, but likely requires human expertise to maximise training programme effectiveness.

Comparative Study of the Long-Term Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health and Nutritional Practices Among International Elite and Sub-Elite Athletes: A Sample of 1420 Participants from 14 Countries.

BACKGROUND: Although several studies have shown that the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown has had negative impacts on mental health and eating behaviors among the general population and athletes, few studies have examined the long-term effects on elite and sub-elite athletes. The present study aimed to investigate the long-term impact of COVID-19 lockdown on mental health and eating behaviors in elite versus sub-elite athletes two years into the pandemic. A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted between March and April 2022, involving athletes from 14 countries, using a convenient non-probabilistic and snowball sampling method. A total of 1420 athletes (24.5 ± 7.9 years old, 569 elites, 35% women, and 851 sub-elites, 45% women) completed an online survey-based questionnaire. The questionnaire included a sociodemographic survey, information about the COVID-19 pandemic, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21) for mental health assessment, and the Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants (REAP-S) for assessing eating behavior. RESULTS: The results showed that compared to sub-elite athletes, elite athletes had lower scores on the DASS-21 (p = .001) and its subscales of depression (p = .003), anxiety (p = .007), and stress (p < .001), as well as a lower REAP-S score indicating lower diet quality (p = .013). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, two years into the pandemic, elite athletes were likelier to have better mental health profiles than sub-elite athletes but surprisingly had lower diet quality.

Large-scale sporting events during the COVID-19 pandemic: insights from the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar with an analysis of patterns of COVID-19 metrics.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup (FIFA-WC) held in Qatar presented unique challenges, given the potential for rapid transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among over 1.4 million international fans attending the event. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the FIFA-WC 2022 on COVID-19 cases, deaths, and reproduction rate (R0) in Qatar. Additionally, it sought to understand the implications of hosting large-scale events during a pandemic without COVID-19 restrictive measures, providing critical insights for future decision-making. Data from "Our World in Data" were analysed for three distinct periods: one week before the FIFA-WC (week-preWC), the four weeks of the event (week-1WC to week-4WC), and one week after (week-postWC). The results revealed a significant increase in COVID-19 cases during week-3WC and week-4WC (compared to week-preWC) in Qatar, followed by a subsequent decrease during the week-postWC. Notably, Qatar experienced a more pronounced surge in positive cases than the global trend. Regarding COVID-19-related deaths, Qatar's peak occurred during week-2WC, while globally deaths peaked from week-3WC to week-postWC. Nevertheless, Qatar's death toll remained relatively low compared to the global trend throughout the event. The findings highlight that the FIFA-WC 2022 in Qatar demonstrated the feasibility of organizing large-scale sporting events during a pandemic with appropriate measures in place. They emphasize the importance of high vaccination coverage, continuous monitoring, and effective collaboration between event organizers, healthcare authorities, and governments. As such, the event serves as a valuable model for future gatherings, underlining the significance of evidence-based decision-making and comprehensive public health preparedness.

Normative reference and cut-offs values of maximal aerobic speed-20 m shuttle run test and maximal oxygen uptake for Tunisian adolescent (elite) soccer players.

This study aimed to develop reference curves of aerobic parameters of 20 m shuttle run test for Tunisian soccer players. The study was conducted in the 2022/2023 pre-season. The reference curves of the maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) were developed according to the Lambda, Mu and Sigma (LMS) method, using data from 742 Tunisian premier league soccer players aged 11-18 years. Measured variables included: weight, height, body mass index and maximal heart rate (HRmax). HRmax was measured when the participants completed the maximal aerobic speed. VO2max was estimated using the 20 m shuttle run test protocol (speed increment every minute). Our results presented the smoothed percentiles (3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 97th) of MAS (km/h) and VO2max (ml/kg•min⁻1) according to age. In addition, raw data showed that VO2 max was positively correlated with age (r = 0.333; P < 0.001), height (cm) (r = 0.279; P < 0.001), weight (kg) (r = 0.266; P < 0.001), practice period (years) (r = 0.324; P < 0.001) and BMI (kg/m2) (r = 0.10; P < 0.05). However, it was negatively correlated to HRmax (bpm) (r = -0.247; P < 0.001). Only the measurements within the age group [12-12.99] are significantly higher (p < 0.001; ES = 0.63) compared with the previous age group [11-11.99]. Finally, regarding prevalence, our findings showed that 15.5 % of the players in our sample had VO2max values above the 87.7th percentile cut-off, while only 0.3 % exceeded the 99.18th percentile. The development of normative curves could help coaches and physical trainers to more accurately detect weaknesses in the aerobic performance of their players in order to sustain high-intensity repetitive actions during a soccer match.

Normative data in resting and maximum heart rates and a prediction equation for young Tunisian soccer players: a cross-sectional study.

Heart rate (HR) is an important indicator of work intensity during physical activity. Maximum heart rate (MHR) is a physiological measure that is frequently used as a benchmark for maximal exercise intensity. The aim of this study was to establish reference curves for maximum heart rate (MHR) and resting heart rate (RHR) and to develop an estimated equation for Tunisian adolescent footballers. The study involved 801 adolescent players, aged 11 to 18, who belonged to five Tunisian first-division soccer teams. The LMS method was used for smoothing the curves and the multivariate linear regression to develop a prediction equation of MHR. Our results showed that MHR and RHR reference curves decrease with age. The values of the median curves of MHR and RHR ranged from 208.64 bpm (11 years) to 196.93 (18 years) and 73.86 (11 years) to 63.64 (18 years), respectively. The prediction equation obtained from the model was MHR= 225.08 - 1.55 X Age (years) (R2 = 0.317; P < 0.001; standard error of the estimate (SEE) = 5.22). The comparisons between the estimated values and the measured values have found that our model (- 0.004 ±5.22 bpm) was to be more accurate than two other widely known models. BOX's equation underestimates the measured MHR values by -3.17 ± 5.37 bpm and TANAKA's equation overestimates by + 4.33 ±5.5 bpm. The reference curves can be used by coaches and physical trainers to classify the resting heart rate (RHR) and maximum heart rate (MHR) of each adolescent player, track their evolution over time, and design tailored training programs with specific intensities for Tunisian soccer players.

ChatGPT for Sample-Size Calculation in Sports Medicine and Exercise Sciences: A Cautionary Note.

PURPOSE: To investigate the accuracy of ChatGPT (Chat generative pretrained transformer), a large language model, in calculating sample size for sport-sciences and sports-medicine research studies. METHODS: We conducted an analysis on 4 published papers (ie, examples 1-4) encompassing various study designs and approaches for calculating sample size in 3 sport-science and -medicine journals, including 3 randomized controlled trials and 1 survey paper. We provided ChatGPT with all necessary data such as mean, percentage SD, normal deviates (Zα/2 and Z1-ß), and study design. Prompting from 1 example has subsequently been reused to gain insights into the reproducibility of the ChatGPT response. RESULTS: ChatGPT correctly calculated the sample size for 1 randomized controlled trial but failed in the remaining 3 examples, including the incorrect identification of the formula in one example of a survey paper. After interaction with ChatGPT, the correct sample size was obtained for the survey paper. Intriguingly, when the prompt from Example 3 was reused, ChatGPT provided a completely different sample size than its initial response. CONCLUSIONS: While the use of artificial-intelligence tools holds great promise, it should be noted that it might lead to errors and inconsistencies in sample-size calculations even when the tool is fed with the necessary correct information. As artificial-intelligence technology continues to advance and learn from human feedback, there is hope for improvement in sample-size calculation and other research tasks. However, it is important for scientists to exercise caution in utilizing these tools. Future studies should assess more advanced/powerful versions of this tool (ie, ChatGPT4).

Global trends of monkeypox-related articles: A bibliometric analysis over the last five decades (1964 - July 14, 2022).

BACKGROUND: The first human monkeypox (MPX) case was identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 1970 with an outbreak in 2010 and the first human MPX case in the UK in 2022. In this study, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of the literature on monkeypox based on the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) of the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) to identify relevant topics and trends in monkeypox research. METHODS: We searched the Web of Science from 1964 until July 14, 2022, for all publications using the keywords "Monkeypox" and "Monkeypox virus." Results were compared using numerous bibliometric methodologies and stratified by journal, author, year, institution, and country-specific metrics. RESULTS: Out of 1170 publications initially selected, 1163 entered our analysis, with 65.26 % (n = 759) being original research articles and 9.37 % (n = 109) being review articles. Most MPX publications were in 2010, with 6.02 % (n = 70), followed by 2009 and 2022 at 5.67 % (n = 66) each. The USA was the country with the highest number of publications, with n = 662 (56.92 %) of total publications, followed by Germany with n = 82 (7.05 %), the UK with n = 74 (6.36 %), and Congo with n = 65 (5.59 %). Journal of Virology published the highest number of MPX publications, followed by Virology Journal and Emerging Infectious Diseases with n = 52 (9.25 %), n = 43 (7.65 %), and n = 32 (5.69 %) publications, respectively. The top contributing institutions were the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). CONCLUSION: Our analysis provides an objective and robust overview of the current literature on MPX and its global trends; this information could serve as a reference guide for those aiming to conduct further MPX-related research and as a source for those seeking information about MPX.