Determinants of supraventricular extra beats in elite athletes practicing different sporting disciplines.

BACKGROUND: Supraventricular extra beats (SVEB) are frequently observed in athletes but data on significance, prognostic role and correlation with cardiac remodeling are contrasting. It is uncertain whether SVEB may indicate the development of more complex arrhythmias and the need for closer monitoring is undetermined. The aim was to assess the prevalence and clinical significance of BESV in Olympic athletes of different sporting disciplines, evaluating potential correlations with cardiac remodeling and clinical features. METHODS: We enrolled athletes who participated at 2012-2022 Olympic Games, submitted to physical examination, blood tests, echocardiography and exercise tests, categorized into power, skills, endurance and mixed disciplines. RESULTS: We studied 1492 elite athletes: 56% male individuals, mean age 25.8 ±â€Š5.1 years; 29.5% practiced power, 12.3% skills, 21% endurance and 37.2% mixed disciplines. At exercise-stress tests, 6.2% had SVEB, mostly single beats. SVEB were not influenced by anthropometrics or blood test results. They were more common in male individuals (77.4 vs. 54.6%, P < 0.0001) and older athletes (27.1 ±â€Š5.7 vs. 25.7 ±â€Š5.1, P = 0.01). In male athletes with SVEB, higher left atrial volumes were observed (24.2 ±â€Š7.3 vs. 22.2 ±â€Š7.1 ml/m2, P = 0.03). No differences were found in terms of sporting discipline: despite larger left atrial dimensions in aerobic disciplines, SVEB rates were similar in different sporting disciplines (6.1% endurance, 6.3% mixed, 5.2% power and 8.7% skills; P = 0.435). CONCLUSION: SVEB were more common in older, male athletes and associated with higher left atrial volume (especially in male individuals) regardless of sport practiced. Athletes with greater left atrial volume and SVEB are supposed to have higher risk, in middle age, of developing more complex arrhythmias.

Early sports specialization in Japanese young soccer players and related factors.

Although understanding the status of sports participation is essential for preventing injuries in young athletes, the level of specialization and relevant information in Japan is unknown. This study aimed to clarify the status of sports specialization and examine the relationships between specialization and training status in Japanese young soccer players. Four hundred Japanese young male soccer players were included. The players' parents completed a web questionnaire that consisted of three-point questions regarding specialization and training status (year, days of playing soccer, age when starting soccer). The level of specialization and accompanying information were calculated, and data were compared by specialization status. Of the participants, 53.8% demonstrated a high level of specialization. In addition, 74.5% considered soccer more important than other sports, 89.0% trained in soccer for more than 8 months of the year, and 74.0% had quit other sports to focus on soccer or played only soccer. The proportion of participants who played only soccer was significantly higher in the high-specialization group (37.6%) than in the moderate-specialization (22.5%; P < .01) and low-specialization (7.1%; P < .01) groups. By specialization status at grades 4 to 6 (9-12 years), 40.3% of participants demonstrated a high level of specialization. Young Japanese soccer players tend toward early specialization. Factors contributing to the high specialization level are being active throughout the year and rarely playing other sports. Training volume should be controlled, and an environment allowing young soccer players to participate in other sports simultaneously is needed, with early specialization being avoided.

Assessment of Nutritional Practices of Mountain Runners before and during Competitions.

Mountain running, distinct from traditional road running, involves natural trails with significant elevation changes. This study aims to analyze dietary and supplementation practices among advanced and elite Polish mountain runners. Conducted from May to October 2023, this study included 36 participants (13 women, 23 men) aged 21-43 years. A custom questionnaire assessed nutrition two days before and during a competition, focusing on macronutrient intake, hydration, and supplementation. Statistical analyses were performed to compare advanced and elite athletes. Participants consumed an average of 3164.14 kcal two days before and 3176.97 kcal the day before the competition. Carbohydrate intake averaged 7.69 g/kg two days before and 7.64 g/kg the day before the race, potentially insufficient for optimal glycogen stores. Protein intake was adequate, averaging 1.63 g/kg two days before and 1.73 g/kg the day before the race. Fluid intake averaged 2811.25 mL two days before and 2891.80 mL the day before the race. During races, carbohydrate intake averaged 58.56 g/h, with variations based on race duration. Most participants used isotonic drinks and water for hydration. Mountain runners generally adhere to proper nutrition guidelines, with adequate protein and fluid intake. However, their carbohydrate intake may be insufficient for longer races. Higher carbohydrate intake during exercise could provide additional benefits.

Characteristics of Vitamin D Concentration in Elite Israeli Olympic Athletes.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has been a growing concern in recent years. Vitamin D is important in many of the body's physiological systems, such as the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and immune functions. A deficiency of vitamin D in athletes may negatively impact both muscle functions and recovery and, thus, affect performance and increase the risk of injury. Many studies assessed the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in athletes; however, as of today, there are no official recommendations/protocols for screening vitamin D levels in athletes, and only a few studies were performed in male and female elite athletes (i.e., Olympic level), in different sport disciplines. METHOD: We investigated the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among athletes entering the Israeli Olympic team. A total of 761 samples of Vitamin D(OH)25 from 334 athletes were analyzed. For this analysis, we used the first test the athlete had performed when joining the Olympic team. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/L, as defined by the Endocrine Society Committee) was investigated according to gender, types of sports and outdoor vs. indoor sports through the different seasons of the Israeli Olympic team athletes. RESULT: Twenty-five athletes (7.5%) were diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency. One hundred and thirty-one athletes (39.2%) had insufficient levels of vitamin D (50-75 nmol/L). The highest incidence of vitamin D deficiency was found amongst gymnastics and combat sport athletes. A significant difference was also found in vitamin D concentration between seasons. Vitamin D average concentration in the winter was 74.1 nmol/L compared to 86.4 nmol/L in the Summer (p < 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: Due to the importance of vitamin D to athletic performance and the high prevalence of deficiency and insufficiency, we suggest careful and frequent monitoring of groups at risk, including elite athletes, especially in susceptible sports and during the winter. Future studies are necessary to investigate the effectiveness of Vitamin D supplementation in athletes with low baseline vitamin D levels.

Anthropometric and Body Composition Changes during Pre-Season of Spanish Professional Female Soccer Players According to Playing Position.

BACKGROUND: In professional soccer, body composition analysis is crucial to assess preparation and optimize performance. Different playing positions have different physical demands, which can lead to variations in body composition. However, there are few studies on women's soccer that consider the playing position. This study aims to fill that gap by examining position-specific differences in anthropometric and body composition characteristics among Spanish professional female soccer players at the beginning and end of pre-season. Furthermore, it investigates the possible changes during the pre-season period between positions and correlates the data obtained from anthropometric equations with bioimpedance (BIA) measurements. METHODS: Thirty-four female soccer players: 8 midfielders, 12 defenders, 11 forwards, and 3 goalkeepers (age: 23.06 ± 4.29 years, height: 164.15 ± 5.84 cm, weight: 58.39 ± 6.62 kg, and ∑6 skinfolds: 74.57 ± 18.48 mm) completed the study that lasted 4 weeks (pre-season) where they were measured anthropometrically and by bioimpedance twice. RESULTS: Goalkeepers showed greater wingspan (176.60 ± 7.06 p < 0.05) compared to other positions. Regarding differences during pre-season, midfielders had the greatest decrease in ∑6 skinfolds compared to other positions (∆ -12.10 ± 5.69 p < 0.05). There was a correlation of % fat between Faulkner's equation and BIA (Pearson's r = 0.817). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that there are no significant differences in terms of positions and body composition, except for the wingspan and ankle diameter. During pre-season, midfielders are the ones who improve their body composition the greatest. The anthropometric equation for body fat that shows the highest correlation with BIA is Faulkner's equation, followed by Durnin's equation.

Assessment of exercise-induced dehydration in underhydrated athletes: Which method shows the most promise?

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Athletes are commonly exposed to exercise-induced dehydration. However, the best method to detect dehydration under this circumstance is not clear. This study aimed to analyze pre- and post-dehydration measurements of biomarkers, including saliva osmolality (SOsm), urine osmolality (UOsm), urine-specific gravity (USG), urine color (Ucolor), serum osmolality (SeOsm), serum arginine vasopressin (AVP), serum sodium (Na+), and thirst sensation in underhydrated athletes, using the body mass loss (BML) as the reference method. METHODS: In this clinical trial (NCT05380089), a total of 38 athletes (17 females) with a regular low water intake (<35 mL/kg/day) were submitted to exercise-induced dehydration with a heat index of 29.8 ± 3.1 °C and an individualized running intensity (80-90% of first ventilatory threshold). RESULTS: ROC curve analysis revealed significant discriminative abilities of SOsm, with AUC values of 0.76 at 1.5% BML, 0.75 at 1.75% BML, and 0.87 at 2% BML, while Na+ and SeOsm showed the highest AUC of 0.87 and 0.91 at 2% BML, respectively. SOsm showed high sensitivity at 1.5% of BML, while SeOsm and Na+ demonstrated high sensitivity at 2% of BML. CONCLUSION: This study highlights SOsm as a potential indicator of hydration status across different levels of BML. Additionally, Na+ and SeOsm emerged as accurate dehydration predictors at 1.75% and 2% of BML. Notably, the accuracy of urinary indices and thirst sensation for detecting hydration may be limited.

Safety and Early Return to Sports for Early ACL Reconstruction in Young Athletes: A Retrospective Study.

Background and Objectives: Although previous reports have shown that early anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is associated with an increased risk of stiffness, recommendations for delayed surgery are based on outdated literature. The advent of arthroscopic surgery and accelerated rehabilitation protocols warrants a reexamination of the optimal surgical timing. The purpose of this study was to investigate complications during early ACL reconstruction after injury in young athletes. Materials and Methods: A total of 87 patients (27 males and 60 females) were included in this study. Patients who underwent anatomic ACL reconstruction using hamstring autografts were evaluated. Patients under 25 years of age with a Tegner activity score greater than 6 were included and classified into three groups according to the time from injury to surgical treatment: one week from injury to surgery (early group), three to six weeks from injury to surgery (normal group), and three to six months from injury to surgery (delayed group). We evaluated the rates of various complications such as graft rupture, contralateral injury, the need for manipulation for loss of ROM, infection, and fracture around the knee up to 2 years postoperatively. In addition, we investigated postoperative muscle strength, Lysholm score, Tegner activity score, and period of the return to sport from injury. Results: Patients in the delayed group were younger than those in the other groups (p = 0.009). Patients in the early group had a lower range of motion than those in the other groups preoperationly. However, the 1-month postoperative range of motion was comparable between groups. Patients in the early group had greater postoperative Tegner activity scores than those in the other groups. The period of return to sport from injury in the delayed group was longer than in the other groups. There were no statistically significant differences in the postoperative complication rate, muscle strength, or Lysholm score. Conclusions: ACL reconstruction performed 1 week from injury to surgery in young athletic patients indicated the rate of complications were not significantly different among the groups. Early ACL reconstruction with no postoperative complications may be related to early return to sports and a high level of sports.

Analyzing activity and injury risk in elite curling athletes: seven workload monitoring metrics from session-RPE.

Objective: The study aimed to compare the differences in the performance of seven session-rating of perceived exertion (RPE)-derived metrics (coupled and uncoupled acute: chronic workload ratio (ACWR), weekly ratio of workload change, monotony, standard deviation of weekly workload change, exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA), and robust exponential decreasing index (REDI)) in classifying the performance of an injury prediction model after taking into account the time series (no latency, 5-day latency, and 10-day latency). Design: The study documented the RPE of eight curlers in their daily training routine for 211 days prior to the Olympic Games. Methods: Seven Session-RPE (sRPE)-derived metrics were used to build models at three time series nodes using logistic regression and multilayer perceptron. Receiver operating characteristic plots were plotted to evaluate the model's performance. Results: Among the seven sRPE-derived metrics multilayer perceptron models, the model without time delay (same-day load corresponding to same-day injury) exhibited the highest average classification performance (86.5%, AUC = 0.773). EMWA and REDI demonstrated the best classification performance (84.4%, p < 0.001). Notably, EMWA achieved the highest classifying accuracy in the no-delay time series (90.0%, AUC = 0.899), followed by the weekly load change rate under the 5-day delay time series (88.9%, AUC = 0.841). Conclusion: EWMA without delay is a more sensitive indicator for detecting injury risk.

Do SOD2 and SOD3 gene polymorphisms impact the oral health-related quality of life in Para athletes?

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether polymorphisms in SOD2 and SOD3 genes modulate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of Para athletes with dental caries experience. The cross-sectional study included 264 Para athletes (143 in athletics, 61 in weightlifting and 60 in swimming). A trained and calibrated team recorded the decayed, missing and filled teeth index (DMFT). The Brazilian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) was used to measure OHRQoL. Genomic DNA was extracted from the athletes' saliva, and genetic polymorphisms in the SOD2 (rs5746136 and rs10370) and SOD3 (rs2855262 and rs13306703) genes were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. A multivariate General Linear Model analysis, adjusted for sex, revealed that the SOD3 gene polymorphism (rs2855262) had a significant effect on the psychological disability domain [codominant (p = 0.045) and recessive (p=0.038) models]. The SOD2 gene polymorphism (rs5746136) had a significant effect on the total OHIP-14 score [dominant model (p = 0.038)] and the psychological discomfort [dominant model (p = 0.034)] and physical disability [codominant model (p=0.037)] domains. Presence of the SOD2 rs10370 polymorphism led to statistical differences in the total score [codominant (p = 0.026) and dominant (p = 0.023) models] and the handicap domain scores [codominant (p = 0.027) and dominant (p = 0.032) models]. Polymorphisms of the SOD2 and SOD3 genes may be important biomarkers of OHRQoL in Para athletes with dental caries experience.

Correlation of Posterior Tibial Tendon Ultrasound with Calcaneal Inclination Angle in Indonesian Professional Athletes with Medial Ankle Pain.

Background: Adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) is characterized by partial or complete flattening of the longitudinal medial arch, which develops after maturity. AAFD secondary to posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is one of professional athletes' most common foot and ankle pathologies. Different modalities and procedures can be used to establish the diagnosis of AAFD and PTTD. However, imaging measurements such as the calcaneal inclination index and ultrasonography (US) of the posterior tibialis tendon (PTT) in professional athletes with medial ankle and focal pain along the PTT have yet to be widely studied. This study investigates the correlation of PTT ultrasound for evaluating PTTD with calcaneal inclination angle (CIA) for evaluating AAFD in professional athletes with medial ankle and focal pain along the PTT. Through this study, clinicians and radiologists may benefit from considering AAFD in athletes with PTTD. Methods: 112 Indonesian professional athletes with medial ankle or foot pain and focal pain along the direction of the PTT underwent foot radiography using the CIA and ankle ultrasound to observe PTT abnormalities. Results: A negative correlation between fluid thickness surrounding the PTT and the CIA (p<0.001; 95% CI - 0.945, - 0.885), as well as a negative correlation between PTT thickness and CIA (p<0.001, 95% CI - 0.926, - 0.845), with a correlation coefficient (r) of - 0.921 and - 0.892, respectively. No significant correlation was found between PTT tear and CIA (p = 0.728; 95% CI -0.223, - 0.159; r - 0.033). Conclusion: This study showed a negative correlation between PTTD and AAFD via ultrasound and CIA in professional athletes with medial ankle and focal pain along the PTT. A better understanding of PTTD and AAFD imaging will lead to more effective management and prompt treatment.

Analysis of food supplements and sports foods consumption patterns among a sample of gym-goers in Portugal.

BACKGROUND: Gym-goers usually seek methods to improve performance, muscle gain, and overall health. One of the main strategies is including food supplements (FS) into their routine as aids to enhance their athletic capabilities and satisfy their nutritional needs. Thus, this study aimed to investigate and characterize the main FS and Sports Foods (SF) currently consumed, as well as the main reasons for their use and the source of advice in a group of gym-goers in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (Portugal). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 303 gym-goers from Lisbon, Portugal, who were 133 women and 170 males (30.8 ± 12.9 years old). Face-to-face interviews were used by qualified researchers to gather data. RESULTS: Most of the interviewed athletes (71.95 %) took FS/SF, being men the main consumers. On average, 1.59 supplements were consumed per athlete. Logistic regression models indicated significant associations between age, gender, and motivations for gym attendance. While men and younger groups attended mainly for hypertrophy, women and older groups were focused on well-being. Protein (59.17 %) was the most used FS/SF, followed by creatine (41.28 %) and multivitamins (27.06 %). Men and younger individuals preferred protein and creatine, while older individuals focused more on specific vitamins and minerals. Women seemed to prefer L-carnitine and protein yogurts. Main sources of information included the internet, friends, and dietitians with notable gender and age-based preferences. Online stores were the main place of purchase. Monthly expenditures on FS/SF were not significantly affected by age or gender, but motivations for use had an influence. CONCLUSION: Most of the athletes interviewed took FS/SF, being men the major consumers. Protein was the principal FS/SF used, with online stores being the main place of purchase and the internet the primary source of information. Age and gender were key factors in adopted training, in the FS/SF chosen, and in the source of information selected. It is crucial that health professionals take primary responsibility for providing this guidance.

Body Composition and Dietary Intake Profiles of Elite Iranian Swimmers and Water Polo Athletes.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to conduct a detailed and comparative analysis of body composition and dietary habits in elite swimming and water polo athletes. Through the examination of these key parameters, this study seeks to compare the dietary intake of these two distinct aquatic sports disciplines. METHODS: A total of 10 top-level swimmers and 13 water polo athletes participated in anthropometric and body composition assessments, as well as a detailed analysis of nutritional intake. To compare the two groups, an independent samples t-test was used, and variance homogeneity was checked using Levene's test. The effect size of the group differences was evaluated using Hedges' g. RESULTS: Water polo athletes showed significantly greater height (189.4 ± 2.9 vs. 186.5 ± 2.0 cm, p = 0.013), body mass index (24.3 ± 1.4 vs. 22.1 ± 0.5 kg/m2, p < 0.001), fat-free mass (62.9 ± 1.4 vs. 61.1 ± 1.38 kg, p < 0.001), skeletal muscle mass (47.1 ± 1.3 vs. 43.9 ± 1.6 kg, p < 0.001), and overall weight (86.9 ± 6.9 vs. 76.7 ± 2.2 kg, p < 0.001) in comparison to swimmers. Swimmers consumed greater amounts of mean daily energy (60.0 ± 1.0 vs. 39.0 ± 1.0 kcal/kg, p < 0.001), carbohydrate (7.8 ± 0.3 vs. 4.4 ± 0.5 g/kg, p < 0.001), protein (1.7 ± 0.5 vs. 1.4 ± 0.5 g/kg, p < 0.001), and fat (2.4 ± 0.5 vs. 1.7 ± 0.5 g/kg, p < 0.001) compared to water polo athletes. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the need for differentiated targeted nutritional interventions to enhance athletic performance in different types of water sports. Compared to water polo athletes, swimmers consumed significantly higher amounts of calories, matching their increased calorie demand from their specific training regime. However, this is an observational study and the differential needs of energy and macronutrients in water sports should be confirmed by studies with energy expenditure measurements.

Analysis of Sports Supplement Consumption of Elite Referees of the Spanish Professional Fotball League.

BACKGROUND: Sports supplements (SSs) are widely used among team sport athletes; however, evidence supporting the use of SSs among football referees at the elite level is scarce. The aim of the present study was to analyze the consumption of SSs among referees with respect to their level of competition and referee type (main referees (MRs) vs. assistant referees (ARs)). METHODS: A total of 106 football referees participated in this study, with 46.2% from the First Spanish Division and 53.8% from the Second Spanish Division, representing 84.13% of the total number of referees. Each participant completed a validated questionnaire about SS consumption, with the SSs classified according to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) ABCD system: Group A has strong evidence for enhancing athlete health and performance, Group B shows potential benefits but needs more evidence, Group C has inconclusive evidence against use, and Group D includes prohibited substances. RESULTS: A total of 84.0% of the MRs and ARs reported the consumption of at least one SS. Differences were found only in the consumption of medical supplements between division (p = 0.016) and type of referee (p = 0.041), though no significant differences were found among the remaining AIS SS categories (p > 0.05). Sport performance (49.6%), Internet (41.0%), and dietitian-nutritionists (31.7%) were the primary reason for SS consumption, purchase location, and source of information, respectively. The most frequently consumed SS were whey protein (45.3%), followed by creatine (33.0%), sport bars and sports drinks (28.3%), and caffeine (19.8%). CONCLUSIONS: MRs and ARs reported a high prevalence of dietary supplement (SS) consumption, with significant differences between division and referee type observed only in medical supplement consumption.

Sports Supplement Consumption in 316 Federated Female Road Cyclists.

Although the extensive use of sports supplements (SSs) is prevalent among cyclists, this area has been poorly explored; in fact, no studies have been conducted on this topic regarding women cyclists to date. This descriptive, cross-sectional study, which included 316 federated female road cyclists, aimed to analyze SS consumption patterns in relation to scientific evidence and various categories. SSs were categorized according to the groups and subgroups established by the Australian Sport Institute (AIS, 2023) based on the level of evidence supporting their use. The analysis found that 85.1% of the female road cyclists surveyed used SSs, with an average consumption of 7 ± 6 supplements per individual. Pharmacies (60.8%), dietitian-nutritionists (58.9%), and health status (60.1%) were the primary purchase location, source of information, and reason for use, respectively. The most frequently consumed supplements were sports bars (77.5%), sports gels (61.4%), and caffeine (49.1%). Significantly, 80% of the ten most commonly used supplements were from the group with the highest evidence level, as classified by the AIS, with an average intake of 5 ± 3 supplements per cyclist. In summary, the use of SSs is prevalent among female road cyclists, with reliable sources for both purchasing and obtaining advice on supplements.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Female Athletes.

This JAMA Insights discusses anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in female athletes, including modifiable and nonmodifiable sex-based risk factors and the implementation of ACL injury prevention programs.

Cross-sectional study assessing sleep behavior and musculoskeletal symptoms in elite junior badminton athletes.

Sleep inadequacy has previously been associated with increased risk of injury and reduced performance. It is unclear if sleep disorders are associated with musculoskeletal symptoms, which may be a predictor of serious injury and affect performance. The aim was therefore to assess sleep behavior in elite junior badminton players and its association to musculoskeletal symptoms. In 2018, players at the World Junior Badminton Championship completed the Athlete Sleep Behavior Questionnaire and a modified version of the World Olympic Association Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire. Participants were categorized with poor or moderate/good sleep behavior as the independent variable. Musculoskeletal symptoms were the primary outcome and was categorized using yes/no questions. Relevant musculoskeletal symptoms were defined as pain higher than 30 mm Numeric Rating Scale pain score or more than 30 minutes of joint stiffness a day. Group comparison was performed using chi-square analysis and logistic regression for primary outcome adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, previous injury, training load, and resting days. Of the 153 participants, 28% reported poor sleep scores. There was no difference between poor and moderate/good sleep score concerning demographic variables such as sex, age, ethnicity, previous injury, training load, and resting days. There were 27% with current musculoskeletal symptoms but with no difference in groups between poor and moderate/good sleep score (P = .376). This yielded an adjusted odds ratio of 1.23 (95% confidence intervals 0.52; 2.90). Twenty-eight percent of the participants reported poor sleep behavior. Twenty-seven percent experienced current musculoskeletal symptoms. We found no statistical differences in reported musculoskeletal symptoms when comparing athletes with poor sleep behavior to athletes with moderate/good sleep behavior.

Assessing the prevalence and knowledge of anabolic steroid use in male athletes in Al Madina Al Munawara, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of anabolic steroid use and the level of knowledge on anabolic steroids among the male athletes in Al Madina Al Munawara, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on male athletes randomly selected from the private athletic centers in Al Madina Al Munawara over 5 months. Data were collected from all participants using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire with 33 questions. The questionnaire covered the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants, and their knowledge, attitudes, and use of anabolic steroids. RESULTS: Of the 150 male athletes surveyed, 121 completed the questionnaire (response rate: 80.6%). Over half were aged between 18 and 23 years (56.2%) and were single (79.3%). Thirty-two percent reported using anabolic steroids, mainly to increase muscle mass, following coaches' advice (46.1%). Key sources included the internet (30.7%), coaches (30%), and friends (27.9%), and non-healthcare professionals. The top motivations were price, coach's/physician's advice, and availability. The perceived benefits included increased muscle mass, strength, and endurance, while the perceived adverse effects included kidney/liver damage and sexual problems. CONCLUSION: One-third of the male athletes surveyed used anabolic steroids, influenced by accessibility and social contact, rather than healthcare guidance. This highlights the need for greater awareness of the long-term health risks, ideally through education provided by sports medicine specialists.

Risk and prevalence of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) among professional female football players.

A high prevalence of low energy availability (LEA) has been reported in female football players. This is of concern as problematic LEA may evolve into a syndromic pattern known as relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs). Given the difficulties in accurately assessing LEA, our study shifts emphasis to measurable indicators of REDs, serving as proxies for health detriments caused by LEA. The present cross-sectional study aimed to quantify the risk of REDs and to assess the prevalence of indicators indicative of the syndrome. 60 players (tiers 3 and 4) from three Norwegian football teams were analyzed as a single cohort but also stratified based on player position and menstrual status. The proportion of players at risk for REDs was 22%, that is, 17% with mild, 3% with moderate to high, and 2% with very high/extreme risk, respectively. The majority of the cohort (71%) presented with no primary indicators, while 20%, 7%, and 2% presented with one, two, and three primary indicators, respectively. Regarding secondary indicators, 57% had none, 33% had one, and 10% had two indicators. For associated indicators, 30% had none, 42% had one, 18% had two, 8% had three, and 2% had four indicators. Player position did not affect the prevalence of REDs indicators. Among noncontraceptive users (n = 27), secondary amenorrhea (AME) was reported by 30%. These findings indicate that health and performance teams should prioritize universal health promoting strategies rather than selective or indicative strategies. Particularly, focus on nutritional periodization to secure sufficient energy availability, mitigating the risk of problematic LEA and REDs should be addressed.

Epidemiology of lateral ankle sprain focusing on indirect contact mechanism in male and female soccer players: An 18.5-month cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological research highlights the need to understand sports injuries for effective prevention. Yet, detailed knowledge about lateral ankle sprain (LAS) in soccer, especially related to indirect contact mechanisms and specific sports movements, remains scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of LAS by examining injury mechanisms, focusing on indirect contact, and analyzing sports-related movements. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. METHODS: In this prospective study, 304 high-school and college soccer players (age: 19.0 ± 2.2 years, height: 168.3 ± 10.6 cm, weight: 64.2 ± 11.1 kg) were monitored for 18.5 months. Attendance and LAS incidents were recorded daily. Injury details, including movement at the time of injury, contact presence, and direction, were collected through interviews conducted on the injury day. LAS were categorized into direct contact, indirect contact, and non-contact mechanisms. Direct contact injuries were due to external forces on the lower leg or foot. Indirect contact injuries resulted from impacts on areas other than the lower leg or foot, and non-contact injuries involved no interaction with the ball or opponent. Incidence rates per 1,000 athlete exposures and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, along with rate ratios (RR) to assess sex differences. RESULTS: The study recorded 59 LAS injuries. Indirect injuries were predominant, accounting for 47.5 % (n = 28) of the cases. Men experienced a higher incidence of indirect injuries, with an RR of 2.29 (95 % CI: 1.06-4.96). Outward contact was the most common (77.8 %; n = 21), while inward contact occurred in 22.2 % of the cases (n = 6). CONCLUSION: High school and college soccer players primarily sustained injuries through indirect contact mechanisms, with a significant number of injuries occurring during lateral contact. Men were more prone to indirect contact injuries. Furthermore, 47.5 % of LAS incidents involved reactive movements, and injuries frequently occurred during specific sports actions, such as ball interception.

Hallux valgus in preprofessional adolescent dancesport athletes: Prevalence and associated training factors.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the risk factors of hallux valgus angle among preprofessional adolescent dancesport athletes. METHODS: A total of 275 athletes, (73 males and 202 females) aged between the ages of 11 and 18 years, participated in this study. A cross-sectional questionnaire was used to survey their demographic characteristics (sex and age), training information (starting age, weekly training time, and athletic career [number of years of training at this specific dancesport school]), and measured their height and weight. The hallux valgus angle was measured based on foot photographs. The chi-square test was used to compare the difference with prevalence of hallux valgus between male and female athletes. A normal distribution test was performed, and based on the test results, unpaired t-test and multiple logistic regression were conducted to identify training factors for the hallux valgus in this cohort. RESULTS: Chi-square test showed higher prevalence of hallux valgus in female elite adolescent dancesport athletes than males. The t-test results did not show any significant differences between the hallux valgus group and non-hallux valgus groups with start age, athletic career, and weekly training time. Multiple logistic regression analysis with hallux valgus as the dependent variable revealed that the female sex was a strong predictor of a higher prevalence of hallux valgus (odds ratio [OR]: 3.954, 95% confidence interval 95% CI: 2.193-7.131, and p < 0.001). Weekly training time was also entered into the multiple logistic regression model (OR: 1.033, 95% CI: 1.001-1.067, and p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed that the prevalence of hallux valgus in adolescent dancesport athletes was higher in females than in males. Longer weekly training time was also a risk factor for hallux valgus. Training factors should be considered in preventive programs for elite adolescent dancesport athletes, and special attention should be paid to female athletes.