Analysis of the diet, weight-loss behavior, and nutritional knowledge of athletes and coaches in weightclass sports: influence of a coach's nutritional knowledge on athletes.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to investigate the nutritional knowledge of elite athletes undergoing weight loss and to identify differences in weight-loss strategies according to nutritional knowledge. METHODS: The participants included 22 coaches and 88 elite athletes registered under the same affiliation. The survey involved translating the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (GNKQ), and interviews were used to confirm the diet and weight loss patterns of the athletes. The coaches and athletes were divided into high-rank (12 coaches and 57 athletes) and low-rank (10 coaches and 31 athletes) groups based on GNKQ scores. Paired t-tests, correlation analysis, and logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: GNKQ results showed significant differences between high-ranking and low-ranking coaches (p < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant difference in nutrition knowledge scores was also noticed between athletes with high-ranking and low-ranking coaches (p < 0.001). A strong correlation was observed between the GNKQ scores of coaches and athletes (r = 0.369; p < 0.001). The nutritional knowledge of coaches was also correlated with weight-loss strategies (weight loss attempt frequency; r = -0.235; p = 0.027; weight loss duration; r = -0.268; p = 0.012). Additionally, differences were observed in the intake of all nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fat) in the diets of athletes (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that the nutritional knowledge of coaches indirectly affects athletes. Coaches have significant influence over athletes and possess experience with diet and weight-loss patterns. This insight should be effectively utilized to enhance the training and performance of athletes and coaches.

Metabolomic profiling of elite female soccer players: urinary biomarkers over a championship season.

INTRODUCTION: In soccer, most studies evaluate metabolic profile changes in male athletes, often using data from a single match. Given the current landscape of women's soccer and the effects of biological sex on the physiological response and adaptation to exercise, more studies targeting female athletes and analyzing pre- and post-game moments throughout the season are necessary. OBJECTIVES: To describe the metabolomics profile of female soccer athletes from an elite team in Brazil. The study observed the separation of groups in three pre- and post-game moments and identified the discriminating metabolites. METHODS: The study included 14 female soccer athletes. Urine samples were collected and analyzed using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in pre-game and immediate post-game moments over three national championship games. The metabolomics data were then used to generate OPLS-DA and VIP plots. RESULTS: Forty-three metabolites were identified in the samples. OPLS-DA analyses demonstrated a progressive separation between pre-post conditions, as supported by an increasing Q2 value (0.534, 0.625, and 0.899 for games 1, 2 and 3, respectively) and the first component value (20.2% and 19.1% in games 1 and 2 vs. 29.9% in game 3). Eight out of the fifteen most discriminating metabolites appeared consistently across the three games: glycine, formate, citrate, 3-hydroxyvalerate, glycolic acid, trimethylamine, urea, and dimethylglycine. CONCLUSION: The main difference between the three games was the increasing separation between groups throughout the championship. Since the higher VIP-scores metabolites are linked to energy and protein metabolism, this separation may be attributed several factors, one being the accumulation of fatigue.

Mental health symptom burden in elite ice hockey players and its association with self-reported concussive events.

BACKGROUND: Some studies suggest that elite athletes experience adverse mental health symptoms at rates commensurate with the general population, despite the well-established buffering effects of exercise. Within contact sports, such as ice-hockey, recurrent concussions may be a source of this discrepancy. We compared the point prevalence of various mental health outcomes with other athlete and general population samples, as well as investigated their relationship with concussive events. METHODS: We surveyed 648 active ice hockey players from the top two men's tiers and the top women's tier in Swedish elite ice hockey on lifetime concussive events, hazardous alcohol use, problematic social media use, depression, anxiety, and burnout. RESULTS: Hazardous alcohol use was more prevalent among male ice hockey players (29.5% AUDIT-C ≥ 6) compared to other athlete and general population samples, while other mental health symptoms were less common. Female ice hockey players reported higher hazardous alcohol consumption (36.4% AUDIT-C ≥ 4) than another athlete sample and more burnout (19.1%) than the general population. After adjusting for covariates, athletes with 3+ concussive events had 2.1 times the odds of elevated depressive symptoms and 3.5 times the odds of elevated burnout symptoms compared to those with no concussion history. Treating lifetime concussive events as a continuous predictor revealed positive correlations with all outcomes except for hazardous alcohol use. CONCLUSIONS: Mental health outcome rates among active elite ice hockey athletes differ from those of other athlete and general population samples, whilst concussive events may be particularly linked to elevated symptoms of depression and burnout.

Mental health literacy and help-seeking intention among Chinese elite athletes: the mediating roles of stigma and social support.

Objectives: Considering the importance of mental health help-seeking, researchers have closely examined the relationship between mental health literacy (MHL) and help-seeking intention (HSI). Furthermore, the high impact of stigma and the potential value of social support on HSI have been recognised. However, the relationship between these variables has not been fully tested within the context of Chinese elite athletes. This study addressed this gap by examining the relationship between MHL and HSI. Furthermore, it explored the mediating effects of public stigma, self-stigma, and social support on the relationship between MHL and HSI among Chinese elite athletes. Methods: 450 Chinese elite athletes (M age = 18.12, SD = 3.20, 46.2% female) self-reported their MHL, public stigma, self-stigma, social support, and HSI. Mediation analysis was conducted using the bootstrap approach of the PROCESS macro version 3.3 of SPSS 25. Results: The results showed a significant positive correlation between MHL and HSI (r = 0.348). The results also demonstrated that MHL was a predictor of HSI (ß = 0.337, 95%CI [0.249, 0.425], p < 0.001). Furthermore, 1) the indirect effect of MHL → public stigma→HSI was 0.024 and a 95%CI [0.003, 0.053]. Specifically, MHL predicted public stigma (Estimate = -0.151, 95%CI [-0.187, -0.045], p < 0.001), and public stigma predicted HSI (Estimate = -0.161, 95%CI [- 0.549, -0.164], p < 0.001); 2) the indirect effect of MHL → self-stigma→ HSI was 0.016 and 95%CI [0.002, 0.038]. Specifically, MHL predicted self-stigma (Estimate = -0.137, 95%CI [-0.069, -0.013], p < 0.01), and self-stigma predicted HSI (Estimate = -0.120, 95%CI [-1.181, -0.186], p < 0.01); as well as 3) the indirect effect of MHL → social support→HSI was 0.029 and a 95%CI [0.009, 0.055]. Specifically, MHL predicted social support (Estimate = 0.208, 95%CI [0.018, 0.047], p < 0.001), and social support predicted HSI (Estimate = 0.141, 95%CI [0.578, 2.442], p < 0.01). Additionally, the direct effects from MHL to HSI is (ß = 0.452, 95%CI [0.304, 0.600], p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our findings provide empirical support for the roles of public stigma, self-stigma, and social support as mechanisms of behavioural change in MHL interventions. These factors increase HSI among elite athletes. Future studies should further test these mediating effects using experimental designs.

Brain endurance training improves soccer-specific technical skills and cognitive performance in fatigued professional soccer players.

OBJECTIVES: Brain Endurance Training (BET) - the addition of mentally fatiguing cognitive tasks to standard physical training - could improve performance in soccer. We tested whether BET, with cognitive tasks intermixed with physical training activities, improved players' cognitive and soccer-specific technical performance compared to physical training alone when fresh and fatigued. DESIGN: The study employed a pre/training/midtest/training/posttest design. METHODS: 31 professional male soccer players were randomly assigned to BET or control groups and completed 18 physical training sessions over 6 weeks. In between the physical training activities, the BET group completed demanding cognitive tasks, whereas the control group rested. Players completed the Loughborough soccer passing (LSPT) and shooting test (LSST) before and after completing a 30-min Stroop task. A brief psychomotor vigilance test (PVT-B), a visual analog rating of mental fatigue (MF-VAS), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during testing and training. RESULTS: During testing, the 30-min Stroop task elicited a state of MF, confirmed by higher subjective ratings (P < .01). Compared to pre-testing, at mid- and post-testing, the BET group improved passing (all P < .01), shooting (all P < .01), and PVT-B performance (all P < .01) when tested after (fatigued) but not before (fresh) the Stroop task, whereas the control group did not change performance either way. During training the BET group reported higher MF (P < .01) and exhibited slower PVT-B responses (P < .01) compared to control. CONCLUSIONS: Intermixed BET was more effective than physical training alone at improving cognitive and soccer-specific technical performance of professional soccer players when fatigued.

Resting muscle tension and trigger points in elite junior short-track athletes and healthy non-athletes: a cross-sectional examination.

Introduction: Short-track speed skating (short track) is an Olympic sport characterized by a specific body position and counterclockwise movement on the track. Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that athlete body positions employed in this sport could lead to asymmetric overuse disorders of the left lower limb muscles. An increased number of latent trigger points (LTrPs) was confirmed in individual muscles of the overloaded left limb of short-track athletes. This study aimed to compare the number of LTrPs and the level of resting muscle tone between elite junior short-track athletes and healthy non-athletes. Methods: The experimental (EXP) group comprised 15 elite short-track junior athletes from the Polish national team and the control (CON) group comprised 15 healthy young volunteers. In both groups, the left leg was tested for (i) the presence of LTrPs and (ii) resting muscle tone (RMT), assessed using surface electromyography in six muscles. Results: The EXP group showed a higher number of LTrPs in the left lower limb, compared with the CON group. The muscle that was most significantly affected in the athletes was the vastus lateralis obliquus [χ 2 (1, N = 30), p < 0.001, V Cramer = 0.71]. This muscle also differed significantly between the groups in terms of the RMT (p = 0.033, Cohen's d = 0.87). Conclusions: Elite short-track junior athletes presented with increased RMT and an increased number of LTrPs in the vastus lateralis oblique muscle, compared with healthy non-athletes.

The Spectrum of Coronary Artery Disease in Elite Endurance Athletes-A Long-Standing Debate: State-of-the-Art Review.

Physical activity is recommended for the prevention of primary and secondary cardiovascular (CV) disease as it is linked to a number of health benefits, especially CV. However, recent research suggests that high-volume, long-term endurance exercise may hasten rather than slow the coronary atherosclerosis progression. This contentious theory has generated a great discussion and is still a major source of doubt when it comes to the clinical treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) in athletes. CAD is the primary cause of sudden cardiac death in athletes over 35 years. Thus, recent studies evaluated the prevalence of CAD in athletes and its clinical and prognostic implications. Indeed, many studies have shown a relationship between endurance sports and higher volumes of coronary calcified plaque as determined by computed tomography. However, the precise pathogenetic substrate for the existence of an increased coronary calcification burden among endurance athletes remains unclear. Moreover, the idea that coronary plaques in elite athletes present a benign morphology has been cast into doubt by some recent studies showing potential association with adverse cardiovascular events. This review aims to analyze the association between physical activity and CAD, explaining possible underlying mechanisms of atherosclerotic progression and non-ischemic coronary lesions, focusing primarily on clinical and prognostic implications, multimodal evaluation, and management of CAD in endurance athletes.

The Kinematic and Electromyographic Analysis of Roller Skating at Different Speeds on a Treadmill: A Case Study.

Elite athletes in speed roller skates perceive skating to be a more demanding exercise for the groin when compared to other cyclic disciplines, increasing their risk of injury. The objective of this study was to monitor the kinematic and electromyographic parameters of roller speed skaters, linearly, on a treadmill, and to compare different skating speeds, one at 20 km/h and one at 32 km/h, at a 1° inclination. The acquisition was carried out by placing an inertial sensor at the level of the first sacral vertebra, and eight surface electromyographic probes on both lower limbs. The kinematic and electromyographic analysis on the treadmill showed that a higher speed requires more muscle activation, in terms of maximum and average values and co-activation, as it not only increases the intrinsic muscle demand in the district, but also the athlete's ability to coordinate the skating technique. The present study allows us to indicate not only how individual muscle districts are activated during skating on a surface different from the road, but also how different speeds affect the overall district load distributions concerning effective force, which is essential for the physiotherapist and kinesiologist for preventive and conditional purposes, while also considering possible variations in the skating technique in linear advancement.

An examination of relationships between transdiagnostic psychological processes and mental health disorders in athletes.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were (a) to identify links between transdiagnostic psychological processes and mental health disorder (MHD) symptoms, and (b) to examine differences in MHD and transdiagnostic psychological processes as a function of demographic variables, including, gender, status as an athlete (elite vs. non-elite), number of training sessions per week, previous severe injuries, and use of medical care following severe injuries. METHODS: A total of 159 competitive athletes aged between 18 and 40 years old (44 % female; mean age = 24.20 ± 4.88 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire along with validated questionnaires evaluating MHD symptoms and transdiagnostic processes including: motivation to practice sport, emotional competencies, self-efficacy, repetitive negative thinking, meta-cognitive beliefs, and impulsive and perfectionist behaviors. RESULTS: MHD symptoms were positively correlated with controlled forms of motivation, repetitive negative thinking, meta-cognitive beliefs, and impulsive and perfectionistic behaviors; and negatively correlated with emotional competencies and self-efficacy. Gender differences showed that women were more likely to experience MHD, higher levels of repetitive negative thinking, meta-cognitive beliefs, and lower levels of emotional competencies and self-efficacy than men. Finally, elite athletes showed higher personal standards than their non-elite counterparts and those training more than four times per week showed significantly higher perfectionistic behaviors. DISCUSSION: These results are in line with previous findings in clinical psychology and shed light on the role of transdiagnostic processes and the risk of MHD in a sample of French athletes. Further research on the identification of key risk factors for MHD in competitive athletes is needed.

Association between Complex ACTN3 and ACE Gene Polymorphisms and Elite Endurance Sports in Koreans: A Case-Control Study.

ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D polymorphisms are associated with endurance exercise ability. This case-control study explored the association of ACTN3 and ACE gene polymorphisms with elite pure endurance in Korean athletes, hypothesizing that individuals with both ACTN3 XX and ACE II genotypes would exhibit superior endurance. We recruited 934 elite athletes (713 males, 221 females) and selected 45 pure endurance athletes (36 males, 9 females) requiring "≥90% aerobic energy metabolism during sports events", in addition to 679 healthy non-athlete Koreans (361 males, 318 females) as controls. Genomic DNA was extracted and genotyped for ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D polymorphisms. ACE ID (p = 0.090) and ACTN3 RX+XX (p = 0.029) genotype distributions were significantly different between the two groups. Complex ACTN3-ACE genotypes also exhibited significant differences (p = 0.014), with dominant complex genotypes positively affecting endurance (p = 0.039). The presence of RX+II or XX+II was associated with a 1.763-fold higher likelihood of possessing a superior endurance capacity than that seen in healthy controls (90% CI = 1.037-3.089). Our findings propose an association of combined ACTN3 RX+XX and ACE II genotypes with enhanced endurance performance in elite Korean athletes. While causality remains to be confirmed, our study highlights the potential of ACTN3-ACE polymorphisms in predicting elite endurance.

Anaerobic Performance Profiling in Elite Amateur Boxers.

While anaerobic fitness is highly important for the performance in Olympic (amateur) boxing, the relationship between anaerobic performance metrics is poorly understood, and profiling boxers according to their anaerobic capacity is still a challenge. With the current study in elite amateur boxers, we aimed to compare the metabolic and cardiovascular responses to different maximal tests and the intercorrelations between performance indices (peak and mean power, duration of the test, punching frequency) of several all-out tests and their correlation to physiological response metrics (blood lactate and heart rate, HR). Twelve male Olympic boxers performed a battery of tests, including 30 s Wingate cycling and arm cranking, boxing bag punching, steep uphill treadmill running to exhaustion, and progressive treadmill running VO2max test. Performance indices of different anaerobic tests were not closely correlated except for the duration of uphill running with body weight scaled (relative) peak and mean power produced during Wingate cycling test and absolute mean power of both Wingate tests. The number of punches landed on a bag per 30 s was associated only with relative power achieved during Wingate cycling test. HRpeak but not peak lactate response correlated strongly across exercise tasks. Finally, no correlation between the highly developed aerobic and anaerobic capacity, suggests a complex picture of the adaptation in elite amateur boxers.

Effects of Ten Biofeedback Sessions on Athletes' Physiological, Psychological, and Cognitive Functioning: A Randomized Controlled Trial with International Tennis Players.

Our aim in this study was to test the effect of 10 sessions of biofeedback (BFB) on physiological, psychological, and cognitive functioning of international tennis players. In this randomized controlled trial, we recruited 16 international tennis players (11 male, 5 female; Mage = 17.31, SD = 0.87 years), who were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (IG; n = 8) or a control group (CG; n = 8). Those in the IG received 10 multimodal BFB sessions over four weeks, while those in the CG received no intervention. We assessed physiological, psychological, and cognitive parameters before and after the intervention and found a positive effect for skin temperature, state anxiety, and cognitive performance in the IG versus the CG. We provide preliminary data that 10 sessions of multimodal BFB improved cognitive functions and reduced anxiety symptoms in international tennis players. Future investigators should consider increasing sample size, incorporating an active CG, and studying these effects across diverse athletic disciplines.

Career Length After Surgically Treated ACL Plus Collateral Ligament Injury in Elite Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Limited data are available regarding career length and competition level after combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial- or lateral-sided surgeries in elite athletes. PURPOSE: To evaluate career length after surgical treatment of combined ACL plus medial collateral ligament (MCL) and ACL plus posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries in elite athletes and, in a subgroup analysis of male professional soccer players, to compare career length and competition level after combined ACL+MCL or ACL+PLC surgeries with a cohort who underwent isolated ACL reconstruction (ACLR). STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A consecutive cohort of elite athletes undergoing combined ACL+MCL and ACL+PLC surgery was analyzed between February 2001 and October 2019. A subgroup of male elite soccer players from this population was compared with a previously identified cohort having had isolated primary ACLR without other ligament surgery. A minimum 2-year follow-up was required. Outcome measures were career length and competition level. RESULTS: A total of 98 elite athletes met the inclusion criteria, comprising 50 ACL+PLC and 48 ACL+MCL surgeries. The mean career length after surgical treatment of combined ACL+MCL and ACL+PLC injuries was 4.5 years. Return-to-play (RTP) time was significantly longer for ACL+PLC injuries (12.8 months; P = .019) than for ACL+MCL injuries (10.9 months). In the subgroup analysis of soccer players, a significantly lower number of players with combined ACL+PLC surgery were able to RTP (88%; P = .003) compared with 100% for ACL+MCL surgery and 97% for isolated ACLR, as well as requiring an almost 3 months longer RTP timeline (12.9 months; P = .002) when compared with the isolated ACL (10.2 months) and combined ACL+MCL (10.0 months) groups. However, career length and competition level were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: Among elite athletes, the mean career length after surgical treatment of combined ACL+MCL and ACL+PLC injuries was 4.5 years. Professional soccer players with combined ACL+PLC surgery returned at a lower rate and required a longer RTP time when compared with the players with isolated ACL or combined ACL+MCL injuries. However, those who did RTP had the same career longevity and competition level.

A New Versatile Jig for the Calibration and Validation of Force Metrics with Instrumented Paddles in Sprint Kayaking.

The interest in using new technologies to obtain recordings of on-water kinetic variables for assessing the performance of elite sprint kayakers has increased over the last decades but systematic approaches are warranted to ensure the validity and reliability of these measures. This study has an innovative approach, and the aim was to develop a new versatile jig including reference force sensors for both the calibration and validation of mutual static and dynamic stroke forces as measured with instrumented paddles at the high force levels used in elite sprint kayaking. METHODS: A jig was constructed using a modified gym weight stack and a frame consisting of aluminum profiles permitting a fastening of custom-made kayak paddle shaft and blade support devices with certified force transducers combined with a data acquisition system to record blade and hand forces during static (constant load) and dynamic conditions (by paddle stroke simulation). A linear motion path incorporating a ball-bearing equipped carriage with sensors for the measurement of vertical distance and horizontal displacement was attached to the frame for recordings of various position measures on the paddle. The jig design with all components is extensively described to permit replication. The procedures for assessing the accuracy of the jig force instrumentation are reported, and with one brand of instrumented paddle used as an example, methods are described for force calibration and validation during static and dynamic conditions. RESULTS: The results illustrate that the measured force with the jig instrumentation was similar to the applied force, calculated from the applied accurate mass (within a -1.4 to 1.8% difference) and similar to the force as calculated from the applied mass with the weight stack (within a -0.57 to 1.16% difference). The jig was suitable for the calibration and validation of forces in a range relevant for elite sprint kayaking under both static and dynamic conditions. During static conditions with a force direction equal to the calibration conditions and a force range from 98 to 590 N, all values for the instrumented paddle were within a -3.4 to 3.0% difference from the jig sensor values and 28 of 36 values were within ±2%. During dynamic conditions with paddle stroke simulations at 60 and 100 strokes/min and a target peak force of 400 N, the common force variables as measured by the instrumented paddle were not significantly different from the same measures by the jig (values at 100 strokes/min: peak force; 406.9 ± 18.4 vs. 401.9 ± 17.2 N, mean force; 212.8 ± 15.4 vs. 212.0 ± 14.4 N, time to peak force; 0.17 ± 0.02 vs. 0.18 ± 0.02 s, force impulse; 90.8 ± 11.2 vs. 90.5 ± 10.8 Ns, impulse duration; 0.43 ± 0.03 vs. 0.43 ± 0.03 s). CONCLUSION: A novel jig with several new functions is presented that enables the calibration and validation of force measurements with instrumented paddles by providing standardized conditions for calibration and force validation during both static and dynamic conditions in a force range relevant to elite sprint kayaking.

The influence of competitive anxiety of Chinese elite swimmers.

Background: Competitive anxiety is a common stress response in competitive environments, influencing sports performance, particularly among elite swimmers. Purpose: This study aims to examine how the characteristics of competitive anxiety impact sports performance across different phases of competitive preparation, alongside its correlation with trait anxiety. Methods: A longitudinal research design, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches, was employed with 20 swimmers from the Chinese national swimming team participating in both the 2023 Fukuoka World Championships and the Hangzhou Asian Games. The mental readiness form-3 (MRF-3) scale was employed at four time points during the preparation period for longitudinal tracking, complemented by the trait anxiety inventory (T-AI) scale to assess trait anxiety. Results: The study identified a negative correlation between cognitive anxiety and somatic anxiety among elite swimmers, with confidence demonstrating a positive correlation. Additionally, there was a significant between trait anxiety and competitive anxiety (p < 0.05). Variations in competitive anxiety were found at different stages of the preparation cycle (F = 15.074; 11.627; 19.552, p < 0.05), impacting sport performance. Conclusion: To optimise performance, tailored psychological intervention programs should be developed and implemented to address the distinct characteristics of competitive anxiety experienced by elite swimmers throughout the preparation phases.

Circulating miRNA Signaling for Fatty Acid Metabolism in Response to a Maximum Endurance Test in Elite Long-Distance Runners.

Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is a determining indicator for cardiorespiratory capacity in endurance athletes, and epigenetics is crucial in its levels and variability. This initial study examined a broad plasma miRNA profile of twenty-three trained elite endurance athletes with similar training volumes but different VO2max in response to an acute maximal graded endurance test. Six were clustered as higher/lower levels based on their VO2max (75.4 ± 0.9 and 60.1 ± 5.0 mL.kg-1.min-1). Plasma was obtained from athletes before and after the test and 15 ng of total RNA was extracted and detected using an SYBR-based 1113 miRNA RT-qPCR panel. A total of 51 miRNAs were differentially expressed among group comparisons. Relative amounts of miRNA showed a clustering behavior among groups regarding distinct performance/time points. Significantly expressed miRNAs were used to perform functional bioinformatic analysis (DIANA tools). Fatty acid metabolism pathways were strongly targeted for the significantly different miRNAs in all performance groups and time points (p < 0.001). Although this pathway does not solely determine endurance performance, their significant contribution is certainly achieved through the involvement of miRNAs. A highly genetically dependent gold standard variable for performance evaluation in a homogeneous group of elite athletes allowed genetic/epigenetic aspects related to fatty acid pathways to emerge.

Dietary Intake, Body Composition, and Nutritional Knowledge of Elite Handball Players.

Nutrition affects both body composition and, consequently, athletic performance. Only a few studies have assessed the nutritional behavior and knowledge of elite players. The present study aimed to assess the dietary intake, body composition, and nutritional knowledge of elite handball players. Thirty-nine handball players (age: 23.2 ± 2.7 years, weight: 88.2 ± 10.1 kg, height: 1.87 ± 0.07 m, and years of training: 13 ± 2) participated in the study. The athletes completed a set of anthropometric measurements, a 24 h food recall, and a translated edition of Abridged Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire (A-NSKQ). The average body fat percentage was 16.7 ± 3.8%, while the average fat free mass was 73.9 ± 8.5 kg. The athletes' average daily energy intake was 2606.6 ± 756 kcal, while the average daily intake for carbohydrates, proteins, and fats was 243.85 ± 107.79 g [2.8 ± 1.3 g/kg BW/d-37.2 ± 10.5% of Total Energy Intake (TEI)], 131.59 ± 53.28 g (1.51 ± 0.7 g/kg BW/d-20.3 ± 6.9% of TEI), and 117.65 ± 40.52 g (40.9 ± 9.9% of TEI), respectively. For iron, calcium, and vitamin D, the average daily intakes were 19.33 ± 10.22 mg, 1287.7 ± 676.42 mg, and 3.22 ± 3.57 mcg respectively. The average success rate on the A-NSKQ was only 38.5 ± 10.7% out of 100. Elite handball players exhibit inadequate dietary intake and sports nutrition knowledge. Nutritional education should be a primary concern towards the amelioration of their athletic performance.

Olympic team rowers and team swimmers show altered functional brain activation during working memory and action inhibition.

BACKGROUND: High-level expertise in team-sports is associated with superior performance on executive functions (EFs) such as working memory (WM) and action inhibition, and with altered activation of brain areas related to these EFs. In most such studies, athletes were sampled from the domain of dynamic (i.e., open-skill) team-sports (e.g., soccer players). Whether static (i.e., closed-skill) team-sports athletes (e.g., rowers and synchronized swimmers) also show superior EFs performance and differential EF-related functional brain activation remains unknown. METHODS: We recruited 14 elite closed-skill athletes, all national champions, and internationally competitive in various rowing disciplines, as well as 14 controls matched on gender, age, and education, and had them perform working memory and action inhibition (stop-signal) tasks during fMRI scanning. RESULTS: Group differences in performance in either task failed to obtain statistical significance, although athletes showed a numerical trend toward higher WM capacity than controls. Importantly, task-related BOLD responses suggested that Olympic closed-skill team athletes show stronger recruitment of brain areas that emphasize relatively stable task demands and weaker engagement of brain areas that emphasize rapidly changing demands imposed by extraneous stimulation. CONCLUSION: Functional brain imaging data suggest elite closed-skill athletes may employ different cognitive strategies.

Bridging the Gap Between Training and Competition in Elite Rink Hockey: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Monitoring training load and competition load is crucial for evaluating and improving athlete performance. This study proposes an applied approach to characterize and classify the training task specificity in relation to competition in a top-level rink hockey team, considering external and internal load from training tasks and competition. HYPOTHESIS: Training tasks and game demands have significant dose-response differences, and exercises can be classified successfully based on their physiological and biomechanical demands. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5. METHODS: Ten elite-level male rink hockey players participated in this study. Players were monitored on 6 different task categories during 8 training sessions and 2 official games. A linear mixed model with random intercepts was used to compare training tasks and competition load, accounting for individual repeated measures. A 2-step cluster analysis was performed to classify the training tasks and games based on physiological and biomechanical load, employing log-likelihood as the distance measure and Schwartz's Bayesian criterion. RESULTS: Average heartrate , maximum heartrate, and high-speed skating (18.1-30 km/h) were the best physiological load predictors, while the most effective biomechanical load predictors were impacts [8-10] g(n), decelerations [-10 to -3]m/s²(n), and accelerations [3-10]m/s²(n). Different physiological and biomechanical responses were verified between training tasks and match demands. A 4-quadrant efforts assessment for each task category revealed that training tasks used by the team in the analysis presented lower biomechanical and physiological load demands than competition. CONCLUSION: Training tasks failed to adequately replicate the specific demands of competition, especially regarding high mechanical stress, such as the absence of high-intensity impacts and decelerations. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This method of classification of training tasks may allow coaches to understand further the specificity and contribution of each task to competition demands, consequently improving the capacity of load management and the preparedness and readiness of players for competition.

Prevalence of Specific Mood Profile Clusters among Elite and Youth Athletes at a Brazilian Sports Club.

Those responsible for elite and youth athletes are increasingly aware of the need to balance the quest for superior performance with the need to protect the physical and psychological wellbeing of athletes. As a result, regular assessment of risks to mental health is a common feature in sports organisations. In the present study, the Brazil Mood Scale (BRAMS) was administered to 898 athletes (387 female, 511 male, age range: 12-44 years) at a leading sports club in Rio de Janeiro using either "past week" or "right now" response timeframes. Using seeded k-means cluster analysis, six distinct mood profile clusters were identified, referred to as the iceberg, surface, submerged, shark fin, inverse iceberg, and inverse Everest profiles. The latter three profiles, which are associated with varying degrees of increased risk to mental health, were reported by 238 athletes (26.5%). The prevalence of these three mood clusters varied according to the response timeframe (past week > right now) and the sex of the athletes (female > male). The prevalence of the iceberg profile varied by athlete sex (male > female), and age (12-17 years > 18+ years). Findings supported use of the BRAMS as a screening tool for the risk of psychological issues among athletes in Brazilian sports organisations.