A single session of a beach volleyball exergame did not improve state anxiety level in healthy adult women.

This study evaluated the acute effect of the exergame Kinect Sports® beach volleyball on state anxiety level in adult women. Thirty healthy adult women (age: 21 [4] years, body mass: 54.70 [19.50] kg, height: 1.61 ± 0.05 m, and body mass index: 21.87 [5.76] kg/m2, data are expressed as median [interquartile range] and as the mean ± standard deviation) were assigned to play an exergame of beach volleyball in singleplayer mode session (intervention session) for ~ 30 min using the Xbox 360 Kinect® or remained seated (control session). State anxiety was evaluated before and after the intervention and control sessions through the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. State anxiety obtained in both sessions (exergame and control) was classified as intermediate before (median: 36.00 [IQR: 4.75] and mean = 38.73 ± 7.23, respectively) and after (mean: 34.86 ± 6.81 and mean: 37.66 ± 8.44, respectively). Friedman test found no time significant effect on state anxiety of the sessions (χ2 [3] = 6.45, p-value = 0.092, Kendall's W = 0.07 "trivial"). In conclusion, the present study showed that there were no significant differences in the state anxiety level after an acute session of the exergame beach volleyball.

KEY POINTS: • Exergame beach volleyball presented high enjoyment and a moderate to strong future engagement possibility. • A session of the volleyball exergame did not improve affectivity and state anxiety level compared with control condition. • A session of the volleyball exergame elicited moderate physical exercise intensity.

Maximal Oxygen Uptake, Muscular Oxidative Capacity, and Ventilatory Threshold in Amateur Triathletes: Eight-Month Training Follow-Up.

Purpose: Endurance sports performance is influenced by several factors, including maximal oxygen uptake (⩒O2max), the percentage of ⩒O2max that can be sustained in endurance events, running economy, and body composition. Traditionally, ⩒O2max can be measured as an absolute value, adjusted for body mass, reflecting the athlete's central capacity (maximal cardiac output), or adjusted for lean mass (LM), reflecting the athlete's peripheral capacity (muscular oxidative capacity). The present study aims to evaluate absolute, total body mass, and lower limb LM-adjusted ⩒O2max, ventilatory thresholds (VT), respiratory compensation points (RCP), and body composition during two training periods separated by 8 months. Patients and Methods: Thirteen competitive amateur triathletes [seven men (40.7±13.7 years old, 76.3±8.3kg, and 173.9±4.8cm) and six women (43.5±6.9 years old, 55.0±2.7kg, 164.9±5.2cm)] were evaluated for body composition with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and ⩒O2max, VT, RPC, and maximal aerobic speed (MAS) with a cardiorespiratory maximal treadmill test. Results: The absolute ⩒O2max (p = 0.003, d = 1.05), body mass-adjusted ⩒O2max (p < 0.001, d = 1.2859), and MAS (p = 0.047, d = 0.6139) values differed significantly across evaluation periods. Lower limb LM-adjusted ⩒O2max (p = 0.083, d = -0.0418), %⩒O2max at VT (p = 0.541, d = -0.1746), speed at VT (p = 0.337, d = -0.2774), % ⩒O2max at RCP (p = 0.776, d = 0.0806), and speed at RCP (p = 0.436, d = 0.2234) showed no difference. Conclusion: The sensitivities of ⩒O2max adjusted for body mass and ⩒O2max adjusted for LM to detect changes in physical training state differ. Furthermore, decreases in physical fitness level, as evaluated by ⩒O2max values, are not accompanied by changes in VT.

Prevalence of dietary supplement use among male Brazilian recreational triathletes: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE: The literature shows that the prevalence of dietary supplements is high and guidance by a nutritionist or specialized professional is low in professional triathletes. It is reasonable to assume that in recreational triathletes, the prevalence of dietary supplements will also be high and that a significant portion of the sampled population will use supplements without any guidance from a qualified professional. The present study investigated dietary supplement use among Brazilian male recreational triathletes. METHODS: A total of 724 Brazilian male recreational triathletes (age: 38.00 [10.00] years and body mass index: 24.16 [3.02] kg/m2) took part in this study. All participants answered an online questionnaire containing questions about their demographic characteristics and the nutritional aspects of their diet. RESULTS: The results showed that ~ 90% (n = 653) of the interviewed participants reported using at least one dietary supplement. Surprisingly, ~ 25% did not receive supplement advice from a professional nutritionist. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of dietary supplements in male recreational triathletes was high, and a substantial part of the sample did not receive professional recommendations. This situation is worrisome because dietary supplements should be prescribed by a professional nutritionist. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our results suggest the need for an appropriate attitude and guidance by health professionals who deal with this population, especially nutritionists, to promote safe practices.

Investigating academic performance and perceptions of human physiology and exercise physiology courses among undergraduate students of physical education at a Brazilian public university.

PURPOSE: To compare the academic performance of undergraduate students in physical education who studied exercise physiology before and after studying human physiology and investigate students' perceptions of human physiology and exercise physiology courses. METHODS: This study included 311 undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor's degree in physical education. Participants were divided into two groups: those who had previously attended and completed the human physiology course (group 1, n = 212, 68.2%) and those who had not previously attended or had attended but failed the human physiology course (group 2, n = 99, 31.8%). The prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated using a Poisson regression model with a robust variance estimator. The second aim comprised 67 students with bachelor's degrees in physical education who completed an electronic questionnaire about their perceptions of human physiology and exercise physiology curriculum. RESULTS: Compared with those who attended human physiology and passed, those who had not previously attended or had attended but failed the human physiology course have a higher PR of 2.37 (95% CI, 1.68-3.34) for failing exercise physiology. Regarding the students' perceptions of human physiology and exercise physiology courses, most students reported that they were challenging (58.2% and 64.2%, respectively), but they also recognized the importance of these courses for professional practice (59.7% and 85.1%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Human physiology should be considered a prerequisite for an undergraduate course leading to a bachelor's degree in physical education. Furthermore, students considered human physiology and exercise physiology courses important yet challenging. Therefore, continuous student assessment is vital for improving the teaching-learning process.

"Impact of aging on maximal oxygen uptake adjusted for lower limb lean mass, total body mass, and absolute values in runners".

Performance in endurance sports decreases with aging, which has been primarily attributed to cardiovascular and musculoskeletal aging; however, there is still no clear information on the factors that are most affected by aging. The aim of this study was to compare two groups of runners (< 50 and > 50 years of age) according to their absolute, weight-adjusted maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), lower limb lean mass-adjusted V̇O2max, ventilatory threshold, and respiratory compensation point (RCP). A total of 78 male recreational long-distance runners were divided into Group 1 (38.12 ± 6.87 years) and Group 2 (57.55 ± 6.14 years). Participants were evaluated for body composition, V̇O2max, VT, and RCP. Group 1 showed higher absolute and body mass-adjusted V̇O2max (4.60 ± 0.57 l·min-1 and 61.95 ± 8.25 ml·kg-1·min-1, respectively) than Group 2 (3.77 ± 0.56 l·min-1 and 51.50 ± 10.22 ml·kg-1·min-1, respectively), indicating a significant difference (p < 0.001, d = - 1.46 and p < 0.001, d = - 1.16). Correspondingly, Group 1 showed a significantly higher lower limb lean mass-adjusted V̇O2max (251.72 ± 29.60 ml·kgLM-1·min-1) than Group 2 (226.36 ± 43.94 ml·kgLM-1·min-1) (p = 0.008, d = - 0.71). VT (%V̇O2max) (p = 0.19, d = 0.19) and RCP (%V̇O2max) (p = 0.24, d = 0.22) did not differ between the groups. These findings suggest that both variables that are limited by central or peripheral conditions are negatively affected by aging, but the magnitude of the effect is higher in variables limited by central conditions. These results contribute to our understanding of how aging affects master runners.

Acute effects of moderate-intensity continuous physical exercise performed with different amounts of muscle mass on executive function in healthy young adults: a randomized trial.

We examined the effect of amount of muscle mass involved in moderate-intensity continuous physical exercise on executive function. To this end, fifty-five participants completed two acute physical exercise sessions on an airbike ergometer using the upper and lower limbs simultaneously and only the upper limbs, and a resting control session in a randomized order. The physical exercise session lasted 30 min and was performed at moderate intensity (between 64 %-76 % of maximal heart rate evaluated in graded maximal exercise testing). Participants took the Stroop test (congruent and incongruent trials) before and after the sessions to assess executive performance. For the congruent trial, both physical exercise interventions improved executive function performance (pre vs. post, p-value = 0.002 and 0.003 for physical exercise with upper limbs and physical exercise with upper and lower limbs, respectively). Furthermore, executive function performance was higher after the physical exercise interventions than after the control session (p-value = 0.002 and 0.004 for physical exercise with upper limbs and physical exercise with upper and lower limbs, respectively). For the incongruent trial, both physical exercise interventions also improved executive function performance (pre vs. post, p-value < 0.001 for physical exercise with upper limbs and physical exercise with upper and lower limbs, respectively). However, there were no significant differences after both physical exercise interventions and resting control session (p-value = 0.175). Executive function (congruent trial) was positively impacted by acute aerobic physical exercise regardless of the amount of muscle mass involved (upper limbs or upper plus lower limbs). Therefore, we recommend aerobic physical exercise with less or more muscle mass involved to improve cognitive function.

The Decision-Making of High-Level Volleyball Setters in the 2021-2022 Volleyball Men's Superliga: Does the Opponent Matter?

Our primary objective in this study was to investigate the offensive strategies employed in the attack phase of men's volleyball, specifically focusing on side-out as stratified by the type of confrontation that was determined by the opponent's team performance. We analyzed 5524 attacking actions during 22 games of the 12 teams that participated in the Volleyball Men's Superliga (season 2021-2022). Based on their final rankings in the championship, we classified these teams into three tiers: high-performance, intermediate-performance, and low-performance. Subsequently, we examined the dynamics of these matches using Social Network Analysis. We found that the opponent teams' performance levels did not influence the game dynamics. Notably, the eigenvector values were prominently higher for Attack Zones 2 and 4, wherein the middle-blocker jumped to attack close to the setter across all networks. Thus, setters opted for traditional and low-risk strategies to minimize errors, disregarding available information about the skill level of the opposing team, making their offensive tactics predictable.

The burden of prolonged sedentary behavior imposed by uberization.

Mobility applications are rapidly growing in cities worldwide due to their convenience and low cost. Mobility applications drivers experience vast flexibility in work hours, often work longer than in fixed-hours jobs, and can constantly transport passengers in their vehicles for up to 12 h; after this, they must go offline for eight consecutive hours before driving again. Nonetheless, drivers have found an easy way around this limitation by switching to other apps and continuing driving. This burden of prolonged work can increase sedentary behavior among mobility applications drivers. Sedentary behavior is any waking activity in which the individual expends 1.5 metabolic equivalents (METs) or less while sitting or reclining. This behavior can increase the risk of detrimental effects on health. In this opinion article, we aim to discuss the possible effects of the burden of prolonged work on the sedentary behavior of mobility applications drivers and propose possible strategies to face this concerning situation.

Sex Differences in Maximal Oxygen Uptake Adjusted for Skeletal Muscle Mass in Amateur Endurance Athletes: A Cross Sectional Study.

Male athletes tend to outperform female athletes in several endurance sports. Maximum cardiac output can be estimated by maximal oxygen consumption (V˙O2max), and it has been established that men present V˙O2max values about 20% higher than women. Although sex differences in V˙O2max have already been well studied, few studies have assessed sex differences with regard to muscle oxidative capacity. The aim of this study was to compare aerobic muscle quality, accessed by V˙O2max and adjusted by lower limb lean mass, between male and female amateur triathletes. The study also aimed to compare sex differences according to V˙O2 submaximal values assessed at ventilatory thresholds. A total of 57 participants (23 women and 34 men), who had been training for Olympic-distance triathlon races, underwent body composition evaluation by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and performed a cardiorespiratory maximal test on a treadmill. Male athletes had significantly higher V˙O2max, both absolutely and when adjusted to body mass. Conversely, when V˙O2max was adjusted for lean mass, there was no significant difference between sexes. The same was observed at submaximal exercise intensities. In conclusion, differences in V˙O2max adjusted to body mass but not lean mass may explain, at least in part, sex differences in performance in triathlons, marathons, cycling, and other endurance sports.

Comparison of Knee Muscular Strength Balance among Pre- and Post-Puberty Adolescent Swimmers: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study.

Muscular weakness and strength imbalance between the thigh muscles are considered risk factors for knee injuries. Hormonal changes, characteristic of puberty, strongly affect muscle strength; however, it is unknown whether they affect muscular strength balance. The present study aimed to compare knee flexor strength, knee extensor strength, and strength balance ratio, called the conventional ratio (CR), between prepubertal and postpubertal swimmers of both sexes. A total of 56 boys and 22 girls aged between 10 and 20 years participated in the study. Peak torque, CR, and body composition were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, respectively. The postpubertal boys group presented significantly higher fat-free mass (p < 0.001) and lower fat mass (p = 0.001) than the prepubertal group. There were no significant differences among the female swimmers. Peak torque for both flexor and extensor muscles was significantly greater in postpubertal male (p < 0.001, both) and female swimmers (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively) than in prepubertal swimmers. The CR did not differ between the pre- and postpubertal groups. However, the mean CR values were lower than the literature recommendations, which brings attention to a higher risk of knee injuries.

Inter e intra-variability of the best ranked teams: A network analysis in male high-level volleyball.

The present research objective was to analyze the offensive phase from Complex I in high-level male volleyball teams in a macro- and micro-level view, through the inter e intra-team variability analysis of eight best teams of the 2018 Men's Volleyball World Championship over the social network analysis and eigenvector centrality. The sample consisted of 22 matches and 2,743 offensive actions, resulting in 8 sub-networks with 368 nodes and 6221 edges. The results showed from macro view the variables that presented highest centrality values were Attack Zone 4 (range 0.56-0.90), Attack Tempo 2 (0.65-0.87), Power Attack (0.62-0.94), No Touch Block (0.61-1), Attack Effect Continuity (0.59-0.94), and Middle Blocker Centralized (0.60-0.95). In a micro view, Reception Effect, Play Position, Reception Zone, and Block Composition showed high variability in each sub-network. The intra- and inter-team variability presented the importance of to respect each team idiosyncrasies and to consider the different approaches to the game and success.

Physiological Features of Olympic-Distance Amateur Triathletes, as Well as Their Associations with Performance in Women and Men: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The purpose of this study was to verify the physiological and anthropometric determinants of triathlon performance in female and male athletes. This study included 40 triathletes (20 male and 20 female). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was used to assess body composition, and an incremental cardiopulmonary test was used to assess physiological variables. A questionnaire about physical training habits was also completed by the athletes. Athletes competed in the Olympic-distance triathlon race. For the female group, the total race time can be predicted by V̇O2max (ß = -131, t = -6.61, p < 0.001), lean mass (ß = -61.4, t = -2.66, p = 0.018), and triathlon experience (ß = -886.1, t = -3.01, p = 0.009) (r2 = 0.825, p < 0.05). For the male group, the total race time can be predicted by maximal aerobic speed (ß = -294.1, t = -2.89, p = 0.010) and percentage of body fat (ß = 53.6, t = 2.20, p = 0.042) (r2 = 0.578, p < 0.05). The variables that can predict the performance of men are not the same as those that can predict the triathlon performance of women. These data can help athletes and coaches develop performance-enhancing strategies.

The effects of three different low-volume aerobic training protocols on cardiometabolic parameters of type 2 diabetes patients: A randomized clinical trial.

Objective: To compare the effects of different aerobic training protocols on cardiometabolic variables in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: This study was a parallel clinical trial. Fifty-two men and women with T2DM (>40 years) were randomly allocated into three groups, and 44 (22 males/22 females) were included in the final analysis. Exercise intensity was based on the speed corresponding to the maximum oxygen consumption (v V ˙ O2max). Moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) involved 14 minutes at 70% of v V ˙ O2max; short interval high-intensity interval training (S-HIIT) consisted of 20 bouts of 30 seconds at 100% of V˙O2max with 30 seconds passive recovery; long interval high-intensity training (L-HIIT) consisted of 5 bouts of 2 minutes at 100% of v V ˙ O2max with 2 minutes passive recovery. Training protocols were performed on a motorized treadmill two times per week for eight weeks. Glycated hemoglobin (Hb1Ac), total cholesterol, triglycerides, resting systolic blood pressure (SBP), resting diastolic blood pressure (DBP), resting heart rate (resting HR) and maximum oxygen consumption (V˙O2max) were measured before and after the exercise intervention. The study was registered on the Brazilian clinical trial records (ID: RBR45 4RJGC3). Results: There was a significant difference between groups for changes on V ˙ O2max. Greater increases on V ˙ O2max were achieved for L-HIIT (p = 0.04) and S-HIIT (p = 0.01) in comparison to MICT group, with no significant difference between L-HIIT and S-HIIT (p = 0.9). Regarding comparison within groups, there were significant reductions on HbA1c and triglycerides levels only for L-HIIT (p< 0.05). V ˙ O2max significantly increased for both L-HIIT (MD = 3.2 ± 1.7 ml/kg/min, p< 0.001) and S-HIIT (MD = 3.4 ± 1.7, p< 0.001). There was a significant reduction on resting SBP for L-HIIT group (MD = -12.07 ± 15.3 mmHg, p< 0.01), but not for S-HIIT and MICT. There were no significant changes from pre- to post-training on fasting glycemia, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, resting HR and resting DBP for any group (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Low-volume HIIT promoted greater improvements in cardiorespiratory capacity in comparison with low-volume MICT, independent of the protocols used. There were no other differences between groups. All protocols improved at least one of the variables analyzed; however, the most evident benefits were after the high-intensity protocols, especially L-HIIT.

Reference values for bone mass in young athletes: a cross-sectional study in São Paulo, Brazil.

Reference values for bone mass in young athletes need to be used for screening purposes, and country/regional reference values should be used to improve precision of comparisons. The aim of the present study was to develop reference values for bone health variables in Brazilian young athletes. The bone mass content (BMC), bone mass density (BMD), and total body less head (TBLH) BMD using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were measured in 702 young athletes (327 men and 375 women) aged 8.5-18.5 years, divided into 5 groups, according to their age: group 1 (8.5-10.5 years), group 2 (10.6-12.5 years), group 3 (12.6-14.5 years), group 4 (14.6-16.5 years), and group 5 (16.6-18.5 years). Comparisons between the sexes and ages were performed and age-sex-smoothed reference values were constructed. Male athletes presented high BMC and BMD than female athletes in age groups 3, 4, and 5 (p < 0.005) and high TBLH BMD than female athletes in age groups 4 and 5 (p < 0.005). Reference values, including the percentiles are presented for the bone health variables of each sex and age group. The age-, sex-, and ethnic-specific reference data for bone variables presented in this study enabled more precise reference data for young Brazilian athletes. These data may assist in monitoring changes during an athletes' growth and different phases of athletic training.

Prevalence of fear of COVID-19, depression, and anxiety among undergraduate students during remote classes.

BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, undergraduate students were exposed to symptoms of psychological suffering during remote classes. Therefore, it is important to investigate the factors that may be generated and be related to such outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between fear of COVID-19, depression, anxiety, and related factors in undergraduate students during remote classes. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 218 undergraduate students (60.6% women and 39.4% men). Students answered a self-administered online questionnaire designed to gather personal information, pandemic exposure, physical activity level, fear of COVID-19 using the 'Fear of COVID-19 Scale', symptoms of depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and anxiety using General Anxiety Disorder-7. RESULTS: Undergraduate students had a high prevalence of depression and anxiety (83.0% and 76.1%, respectively) but a low prevalence of fear of COVID-19 (28.9%) during remote classes. Multivariate analysis revealed that women who reported health status as neither good nor bad and who had lost a family member from COVID-19 had the highest levels of fear. For depression and anxiety, the main related factors found were female gender, bad health status, insufficiently active, and complete adherence to the restriction measures. CONCLUSION: These findings may be used to develop actions to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression among students, with interventions through physical activity programmes to improve mental health.

Functional exercise capacity in maximal and submaximal activities of individuals with polio sequelae.

PURPOSE: Poliomyelitis is an infectious disease that can cause total paralysis. Furthermore, poliomyelitis survivors may develop new signs and symptoms, including muscular weakness and fatigue, years after the acute phase of the disease, i.e., post-polio syndrome (PPS). Thus, the objective was to compare the functional exercise capacity during maximal and submaximal exercises among individuals with polio sequelae (without PPS diagnosis), PPS, and a control group. METHODS: Thirty individuals participated in three groups: a control group (CG, n = 10); a group of individuals with polio sequelae but without PPS diagnosis (PG, n = 10); and a PPS group (PPSG, n = 10). All participants underwent (i) a cardiopulmonary exercise test to determine their maximal oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]) and (ii) a series of functional field tests (i.e., walking test, sit-to-stand test, and stair climbing test). RESULTS: [Formula: see text]O2max was 30% lower in PPSG than in CG and PG. Regarding functional field tests, walking and stair climbing test performances were significantly different among all groups. The PPSG sit-to-stand performance was lower than CG. CONCLUSION: The sequelae of paralytic poliomyelitis impair functional exercise capacity obtained from maximal and submaximal tests, especially in patients with PPS. Furthermore, submaximal variables appear to be more negatively impacted than maximal variables.

Running economy in long-distance runners is positively affected by running experience and negatively by aging.

INTRODUCTION: The maximum oxygen uptake (V˙O2max), the maximum rate of oxygen that can be sustained before the onset of blood lactate accumulation, and the metabolic cost of locomotion are the main physiological factors associated with long-distance running performance. The latter is known as the running economy. Generally, runners reach peak performance in long races between 25 and 30 years of age, with a progressive decline occurring thereafter. However, it is not known whether the running economy is affected or how it is affected by aging. AIM: To investigate the effect of age and years of running experience on the running economy of amateur long-distance runners aged 20-80 years. METHODS: Sixty-nine recreational long-distance runners, divided into five age groups according to decade of life, participated in this study: Group 1 (n= 9) 27.2 ± 1.3 years, Group 2 (n= 18) 35.9 ± 2.2 years, Group 3 (n= 17) 43.4 ± 2.8 years, Group 4 (n= 17) 53.0 ± 2.3 years, and Group 5 (n= 8) 65.5 ± 2.9 years. For running economy assessment, oxygen cost (OC) and energy cost (EC) were measured. Furthermore, the participants were interviewed on their running experience. RESULTS: For EC, the two independent variables composing the regression model were age (ß = 0.703, t= 5.443, p < 0.001) and running experience (ß = -0.230, t = -1.785, p= 0.07), and 34% of the energy cost variation can be explained by these two factors. EC and OC were compared among the groups. There were no significant differences between Groups 1 and 2 (p= 0.999), Groups 1 and 3 (p= 1.000), and Groups 1 and 4 (p= 0.528). However, Group 5 had a significantly higher energy cost than Group 1 (p < 0.001), Group 2 (p < 0.001), Group 3 (p < 0.001) and Group 4 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The number of years of running experience has a positive effect on running economy, but it is insufficient to overcome the negative effect of the aging process. Furthermore, running economy was significantly worse in participants aged ≥60 years compared with that in younger athletes.

Shoulder Internal Rotator Strength as Risk Factor for Shoulder Pain in Volleyball Players.

The aim of this study was to identify the intrinsic factors that could increase risk of shoulder pain in adolescent volleyball players. Twenty-eight young male volleyball players (between 14 and 18 years old) participated in this study. Athletes were submitted to: isokinetic muscle strength assessment of shoulder rotator muscles, ball service speed assessment, anterior and posterior drawer test, apprehension test, groove sign and scapular dyskinesia test. Athletes were followed for 16 weeks to monitor the presence of shoulder pain. All athletes were submitted to the same training protocol. During the 16 weeks, 28.5% of the athletes (n=8) experienced shoulder pain in the dominant limb higher than 3 according to Numerical Rating Scale criteria; 71.5% of the athletes (n=20) did not experience pain, or pain equal or lower than 3. The main result of our study was that the odds of feeling pain higher than 3 was significantly higher among players who presented higher values for internal rotation peak torque (OR=1.113, CI 95%=1.006 to 1.232 and p=0.038). The odds of feeling pain increased by 11% for every N·m of the internal rotator muscles. Pre-season isokinetic rotator strength assessments can help identify adolescent volleyball players at increased risk of a shoulder injury.

Sex Difference in Female and Male Ice Swimmers for Different Strokes and Water Categories Over Short and Middle Distances: A Descriptive Study.

BACKGROUND: Winter swimming developed from a national tradition into a health-improving sport with international competitions. The difference in performance between women and men was thoroughly examined in various sporting disciplines; however, there is little data on winter swimming events. Therefore, this study aims to compare the sex differences in female and male winter swimmers for a distinct stroke over distances of 25 m and 200 m in ice water, freezing water and cold water in the multiple stages of the Winter Swimming World Cup, hosted by the International Winter Swimming Association (IWSA) since 2016. METHODS: All data included in this study were obtained from the official results of the Winter Swimming World Cup, published on the "International Winter Swimming Association" (IWSA) website. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare race time between sexes in different swimming strokes and categories of water. In contrast, the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare differences between swimming strokes or water categories for the same sex. RESULTS: For 25 m and 200 m events of the "IWSA World Cup," male athletes were faster than female athletes, regardless of stroke and water temperature category. However, the effect size of the difference between the sexes was greater in 25 m than in 200 m for all strokes and water temperatures. Swimming speed for the same-sex differed between the swimming stroke in relation to the water temperature category. Head-up breaststroke was found to be the slowest stroke (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In water temperatures between - 2° and + 9 °C, men were faster than women in all stages of the "IWSA World Cup," regardless of the swimming stroke, but the effect size of the difference between the sexes was greater in shorter than in longer events.