Women's Involvement in Steady Exercise (WISE): Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is a serious public health problem for people of all ages and is currently the fourth highest global risk factor for mortality. The transition period from adolescence to adulthood coincides with a marked reduction in participation in physical activity, with more than 50% (and up to 80%) of young adults stopping physical activity. This decrease in physical activity is more evident in women than in men. Despite efforts, existing programs face challenges in effectively initiating and maintaining physical activity among individuals, particularly women, for extended durations. To address these limitations, the Women's Involvement in Steady Exercise (WISE) randomized controlled trial (RCT) seeks to assess the efficacy of a digital high-intensity training intervention complemented by nutritional plans and other health-related advice. METHODS: The study will be a three-center, randomized (1:1), controlled, parallel-group trial with a six-month intervention period. A total of 300 participants will be recruited at three study sites in Spain, Serbia and Italy. The participants will be randomized to one of the two groups and will follow a six-month program. The primary outcome of the study is the daily step count. Self-reported physical activity, the adherence to the exercise program, body composition, physical activity enjoyment, quality of sleep and physical capacities will also be evaluated.

Joint position statement of the International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) and European Federation of Sports Medicine Associations (EFSMA) on the IOC framework on fairness, inclusion and non-discrimination based on gender identity and sex variations.

The IOC recently published its framework on fairness, inclusion and non-discrimination based on gender identity and sex variations. This framework is drafted mainly from a human rights perspective, with less consideration for medical/scientific issues. The framework places the onus for gender eligibility and classification entirely on the International Federations (IFs), even though most will not have the capacity to implement the framework. The position of no presumption of advantage is contrary to the 2015 IOC consensus. Implementation of the 2021 framework will be a major challenge for IFs that have already recognised the inclusion of trans and women athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD) using a scientific/medical solution. The potential consequences for sports that need to prioritise fairness or safety could be one of two extremes (1) exclusion of all transgender or DSD athletes on the grounds of advantage or (2) self-identification that essentially equates to no eligibility rules. Exclusion of all transgender or DSD athletes is contrary to the Olympic charter and unlawful in many countries. While having no gender eligibility rules, sport loses its meaning and near-universal support. Athletes should not be under pressure to undergo medical procedures or treatment to meet eligibility criteria. However, if an athlete is fully informed and consents, then it is their free choice to undergo carefully considered or necessary interventions for gender classification for sport to compete fairly and safely in their chosen gender. Free choice is a fundamental human right, but so is the right to fair and safe competition.

Road Running After Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity: Rationale and Results of a New Protocol.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the pandemic explosion of obesity has led to the definition of a pre-eminent therapeutic role for bariatric surgery, confining physical activity to a success parameter of surgery rather than a primary prevention measure. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role for aerobic physical activity (road running) in strengthening the metabolic and psychosocial effects of bariatric surgery. METHODS: Ten patients who underwent gastric bypass for morbid obesity were submitted to an intensive program of road running training, aimed at completing a 10.5-km competition in September 2013. Inclusion criteria included age (<50), BMI (<35), suitability for sport activity, and good compliance. A cohort of 10 patients excluded for logistical issues were enrolled as a control group. During the training period, patients were submitted to biometrical, sport performance, cardiopulmonary, metabolic, and psychiatric evaluations. RESULTS: Protocol adherence was 70 %; no physical injury was registered among participants. More than weight loss (BMI 29.3 to 27.1), the runners experienced a redistribution of body mass with significant differences in fat percentage and waist/hip ratio. Participants had a significant running performance improvement and, differently from the controls, a significant amelioration of echocardiographic and cardiopulmonary parameters, predicting a reduction in cardiovascular risk. Psychiatric evaluation underlined a tendency to a reduction in anxiety, depression, and general psychopathology symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Road running seems to have an important supporting role in boosting bariatric surgery results. The utilization of monitored and regulated training programs represents a fundamental prerequisite to achieving satisfactory results and patient compliance.

Injuries in team sport tournaments during the 2004 Olympic Games.

BACKGROUND: Several authors have analyzed the incidence of injuries in a given sport, but only a few have examined the exposure-related incidence of injuries in different types of sports using the same methodology. PURPOSE: Analysis of the incidence, circumstances, and characteristics of injuries in different team sports during the 2004 Olympic Games. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: During the 2004 Olympic Games, injuries in 14 team sport tournaments (men's and women's soccer, men's and women's handball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's field hockey, baseball, softball, men's and women's water polo, and men's and women's volleyball) were analyzed. After each match, the physician of the participating teams or the official medical representative of the sport completed a standardized injury report form. The mean response rate was 93%. RESULTS: A total of 377 injuries were reported from 456 matches, an incidence of 0.8 injuries per match (95% confidence interval, 0.75-0.91) or 54 injuries per 1000 player matches (95% confidence interval, 49-60). Half of all injuries affected the lower extremity; 24% involved the head or neck. The most prevalent diagnoses were head contusion and ankle sprain. On average, 78% of injuries were caused by contact with another player. However, a significantly higher percentage of noncontact (57%) versus contact injuries (37%) was expected to prevent the player from participating in his or her sport. Significantly more injuries in male players (46%) versus female players (35%) were expected to result in absence from match or training. The incidence, diagnosis, and causes of injuries differed substantially between the team sports. CONCLUSION: The risk of injury in different team sports can be compared using standardized methodology. Even if the incidence and characteristics of injuries are not identical in all sports, prevention of injury and promotion of fair play are relevant topics for almost all team sports.