Optimizing wheelchair basketball lineups: A statistical approach to coaching strategies.

This study was designed to support the tactical decisions of wheelchair basketball (WB) coaches in identifying the best players to form winning lineups. Data related to a complete regular season of a top-level WB Championship were examined. By analyzing game-related statistics from the first round, two clusters were identified that accounted for approximately 35% of the total variance. Cluster 1 was composed of low-performing athletes, while Cluster 2 was composed of high-performing athletes. Based on data related to the second round of the Championship, we conducted a two-fold evaluation of the clusters identified in the first round with the team's net performance as the outcome variable. The results showed that teams where players belonging to Cluster 2 had played more time during the second round of the championship were also those with the better team performance (R-squared = 0.48, p = 0.035), while increasing the playing time for players from Classes III and IV does not necessarily improve team performance (r2 = -0.14, p = 0.59). These results of the present study suggest that a collaborative approach between coaches and data scientists would significantly advance this Paralympic sport.

Sex differences in neuromuscular and biological determinants of isometric maximal force.

AIM: Force expression is characterized by an interplay of biological and molecular determinants that are expected to differentiate males and females in terms of maximal performance. These include muscle characteristics (muscle size, fiber type, contractility), neuromuscular regulation (central and peripheral factors of force expression), and individual genetic factors (miRNAs and gene/protein expression). This research aims to comprehensively assess these physiological variables and their role as determinants of maximal force difference between sexes. METHODS: Experimental evaluations include neuromuscular components of isometric contraction, intrinsic muscle characteristics (proteins and fiber type), and some biomarkers associated with muscle function (circulating miRNAs and gut microbiome) in 12 young and healthy males and 12 females. RESULTS: Male strength superiority appears to stem primarily from muscle size while muscle fiber-type distribution plays a crucial role in contractile properties. Moderate-to-strong pooled correlations between these muscle parameters were established with specific circulating miRNAs, as well as muscle and plasma proteins. CONCLUSION: Muscle size is crucial in explaining the differences in maximal voluntary isometric force generation between males and females with similar fiber type distribution. Potential physiological mechanisms are seen from associations between maximal force, skeletal muscle contractile properties, and biological markers.

Randomised controlled trial combining vitamin E-functionalised chocolate with physical exercise to reduce the risk of protein-energy malnutrition in predementia aged people: study protocol for Choko-Age.

OBJECTIVE: Protein-energy malnutrition and the subsequent muscle wasting (sarcopenia) are common ageing complications. It is knowing to be also associated with dementia. Our programme will test the cytoprotective functions of vitamin E combined with the cortisol-lowering effect of chocolate polyphenols (PP), in combination with muscle anabolic effect of adequate dietary protein intake and physical exercise to prevent the age-dependent decline of muscle mass and its key underpinning mechanisms including mitochondrial function, and nutrient metabolism in muscle in the elderly. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: In 2020, a 6-month double-blind randomised controlled trial in 75 predementia older people was launched to prevent muscle mass loss, in respond to the 'Joint Programming Initiative A healthy diet for a healthy life'. In the run-in phase, participants will be stabilised on a protein-rich diet (0.9-1.0 g protein/kg ideal body weight/day) and physical exercise programme (high-intensity interval training specifically developed for these subjects). Subsequently, they will be randomised into three groups (1:1:1). The study arms will have a similar isocaloric diet and follow a similar physical exercise programme. Control group (n=25) will maintain the baseline diet; intervention groups will consume either 30 g/day of dark chocolate containing 500 mg total PP (corresponding to 60 mg epicatechin) and 100 mg vitamin E (as RRR-alpha-tocopherol) (n=25); or the high polyphenol chocolate without additional vitamin E (n=25). Muscle mass will be the primary endpoint. Other outcomes are neurocognitive status and previously identified biomolecular indices of frailty in predementia patients. Muscle biopsies will be collected to assess myocyte contraction and mitochondrial metabolism. Blood and plasma samples will be analysed for laboratory endpoints including nutrition metabolism and omics. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: All the ethical and regulatory approvals have been obtained by the ethical committees of the Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona with respect to scientific content and compliance with applicable research and human subjects' regulation. Given the broader interest of the society toward undernutrition in the elderly, we identify four main target audiences for our research activity: national and local health systems, both internal and external to the project; targeted population (the elderly); general public; and academia. These activities include scientific workshops, public health awareness campaigns, project dedicated website and publication is scientific peer-review journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05343611.

Evaluating field-goal shooting effectiveness in wheelchair basketball players across a competitive season: a preliminary study.

Background: Information about non-elite wheelchair basketball (WB) players across national competitive seasons are still missing. This study aimed at identifying which situational-related variables were associated with shooting effectiveness in non-elite WB players. Methods: All the matches played by one WB team across one national competitive season were video-recorded and analysed; 333 shooting attempts from high-point players and several situational-related variables were considered. Results: Pearson's Chi-square test showed that increased shooting effectiveness under the following conditions: playing on home ground, during won matches, while taking shots with the wheelchair in motion, and when no opposing player raised their arm in defence. Results of the multivariable logistic regression analysis showed a statistically significant influence of match location (p-value = 0.001), shot-clock remaining (p-value = 0.015) and modality of press (p-value < 0.001). The highest attack effectiveness was achieved when teams played at home (odds ratio [OR] = 2.49), while the shooting effectiveness decreased when the shot occurred during the last seconds of the action (OR = 0.36), or the opponents defended with the arm raised (OR = 0.19). These results suggest that coaches should include exercises aimed at shooting under conditions of increased pressure in their programmes in order to create specific situations during the training sessions to prepare their high-point athletes for shots under specific match constraints.

Predictors of Ball Velocity in the Sitting Volleyball Serve: A Causal Analysis.

This study explored the performance of the Sitting Volleyball serve by investigating the causal factors associated with ball velocity. Thirty-seven athletes underwent anthropometry and strength assessment and performed ten successful maximal effort serves. Ball velocity was measured using a sports radar gun. The hip, shoulder, elbow and wrist angles at the instant of ball impact as well as the height of ball impact were estimated through two-dimensional motion analysis. The causal relationships between variables were described through a linear Structural Equation Model and a Directed Acyclic Graph. Results showed that a smaller hip angle determines a greater shoulder angle, which in turn causes a greater elbow angle. A more open elbow angle together with a greater vertical reach allowed for a greater height of ball impact. Finally, increased height of ball impact along with greater abdominal strength are beneficial for higher ball velocity. These results underlined that the Sitting Volleyball serve is a multifactorial stroke involving anthropometric, technical and strength factors and suggest that athletes should improve their abdominal strength and master the technique necessary to perform the serve with the shoulder and the elbow joints fully extended in order to produce the greatest possible impact on the ball.

Type 2 Diabetes Related Mitochondrial Defects in Peripheral Mononucleated Blood Cells from Overweight Postmenopausal Women.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a multisystem disease that is the subject of many studies, but the earliest cause of the disease has yet to be elucidated. Mitochondrial impairment has been associated with diabetes in several tissues. To extend the association between T2D and mitochondrial impairment to blood cells, we investigated T2D-related changes in peripheral mononucleated blood cells' (PBMCs) mitochondrial function in two groups of women (CTRL vs. T2D; mean age: 54.1 ± 3.8 vs. 60.9 ± 4.8; mean BMI 25.6 ± 5.2 vs. 30.0 ± 5), together with a panel of blood biomarkers, anthropometric measurements and physiological parameters (VO2max and strength tests). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan analysis, cardio-pulmonary exercise test and blood biomarkers confirmed hallmarks of diabetes in the T2D group. Mitochondrial function assays performed with high resolution respirometry highlighted a significant reduction of mitochondrial respiration in the ADP-stimulated state (OXPHOS; −30%, p = 0.006) and maximal non-coupled respiration (ET; −30%, p = 0.004) in PBMCs samples from the T2D group. The total glutathione antioxidant pool (GSHt) was significantly reduced (−38%: p = 0.04) in plasma samples from the T2D group. The fraction of glycated hemoglobin (Hb1Ac) was positively associated with markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein-CRP r = 0.618; p = 0.006) and of dyslipidemia (triglycerides-TG r = 0.815; p < 0.0001). The same marker (Hb1Ac) was negatively associated with mitochondrial activity levels (OXPHOS r = −0.502; p = 0.034; ET r = −0.529; p = 0.024). The results obtained in overweight postmenopausal women from analysis of PBMCs mitochondrial respiration and their association with anthropometric and physiological parameters indicate that PBMC could represent a reliable model for studying T2D-related metabolic impairment and could be useful for testing the effectiveness of interventions targeting mitochondria.

The role of muscle mass in vascular remodeling: insights from a single-leg amputee model.

PURPOSE: Both muscle mass and physical activity are independent mechanisms that play a role in vascular remodeling, however, the direct impact of muscle mass on the structure and function of the vessels is not clear. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of muscle mass alteration on lower limbs arterial diameter, blood flow, shear rate and arterial stiffness. METHODS: Nine (33 ± 13 yrs) male individuals with a single-leg amputation were recruited. Vascular size (femoral artery diameter), hemodynamics (femoral artery blood flow and shear rate were measured at the level of the common femoral artery in both amputated (AL) and whole limbs (WL). Muscle mass of both limbs, including thigh for AL and thigh and leg for WL, was measured with a DXA system. RESULTS: AL muscle mass was reduced compared to the WL (3.2 ± 1.2 kg vs. 9.4 ± 2.1 kg; p = 0.001). Diameter of the femoral artery was reduced in the AL (0.5 ± 0.1 cm) in comparison to the WL (0.9 ± 0.2 cm, p = 0.001). However, femoral artery blood flow normalized for the muscle mass (AL = 81.5 ± 78.7ml min-1 kg-1,WL = 32.4 ± 18.3; p = 0.11), and blood shear rate (AL = 709.9 ± 371.4 s-1, WL = 526,9 ± 295,6; p = 0.374) were non different between limbs. A correlation was found only between muscle mass and femoral artery diameter (p = 0.003, R = 0.6561). CONCLUSION: The results of this study revealed that the massive muscle mass reduction caused by a leg amputation, but independent from the level of physical activity, is coupled by a dramatic arterial diameter decrease. Interestingly, hemodynamics and arterial stiffness do not seem to be impacted by these structural changes.

Anthropometric prediction of DXA-measured percentage of fat mass in male karate athletes.

BACKGROUND: In karate, high percentages of fat mass (%FM) are often associated with poor sport performance. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) can accurately measure the %FM (%FM-DXA), but it may not be practical in some sport settings, where anthropometry has long been used as an alternative. This study aimed to explore the ability of sixteen available anthropometric equations to estimate the %FM (%FM-AE) in karate athletes using the %FM-DXA as the criterion. Furthermore, two population-specific predictive equations to estimate the %FM-DXA were developed from anthropometric measurements. METHODS: Forty-six male athletes aged 21.7±3.8 years underwent anthropometry and a whole-body DXA scan. RESULTS: The results showed that in male karate athletes all the considered anthropometric equations are mostly inaccurate in estimating the %FM-DXA within a range of the limits of agreement in the Bland-Altman analysis, which ranged from 6.43% to 13.37%. Regression analysis yielded two statistically significant models (P<0.001 for both) to predict the %FM-DXA. In the first model (cross-validated estimation of R2=0.85), the predictors were the abdominal, triceps, calf, and biceps skinfolds and in the second model (cross-validated estimation of R2=0.77), the predictor was the sum of nine skinfolds (i.e., biceps, triceps, subscapular, chest, axilla, suprailiac, abdominal, anterior thigh and calf skinfolds). CONCLUSIONS: These results underlined the need for sport-specific anthropometric equations to accurately estimate the %FM-DXA in male karate athletes. The two predictive anthropometric equations presented in this study provided a promising tool for professionals dealing with body composition in this athletic population to accurately estimate the %FM-DXA by means of anthropometry.

Effect of different anthropometry-driven block settings on sprint start performance.

ABSTRACTFew studies have focused on the effect of individual anthropometrics when considering "set" position posture during the sprint start. This study aimed to measure the effect of different anthropometry-driven block settings on kinetic and kinematic parameters and performance during the start in well-trained and non-trained sprinters. Front block-starting line (FB/SL) distance was manipulated between 50% and 70% of each individual's leg length at 5% intervals, whilst the inter-block distance was held constant at 45% of leg length. Thirty-six sprinters performed three maximal-effort 10 m sprints in each of the five conditions. Joint angles in the "set" position were quantified though 2D video analysis, the forces generated during block clearance phase were measured by dynamometric starting blocks, and times to 5 and 10 m were measured with photocells. The effects of the five block setting conditions were largely consistent irrespective of ability level. Shorter FB/SL distances were associated with significantly more flexed hip and knee angles in the "set" position, a significantly more plantar flexed front ankle, and a significantly more dorsiflexed rear ankle. There were no significant effects of FB/SL distance on total block time, and thus the greater rear block peak forces and impulses produced from the shorter FB/SL distances combined with no effects on the resultant front block peak forces and impulses, led to higher levels of sprint start performance from the shorter FB/SL distances. Considering FB/SL distances closer to 50% of leg length may be beneficial for coaches and athletes to explore during sprint start training.HighlightsThe effects of different front-block starting line distances on "set" position kinematics, block clearance kinetics and sprint start performance are largely consistent irrespective of ability level.When using a medium inter-block distance (45% of leg length), shorter front block-starting line distances (down to 50% of the leg length) led to improved sprint start performance.From shorter front block-starting line distances, sprint start performance was primarily improved through greater force production against the rear block which led to greater impulses due to no change in push durations or resultant front foot forces.Lower-limb length is an important consideration when adjusting anteroposterior block distances.

Sporting activity does not fully prevent bone demineralization at the impaired hip in athletes with amputation.

There is lack of information about bone mineralization at the lumbar spine and bilateral hips of athletes with unilateral lower limb amputation. The present study assessed for the first time the areal bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and at the hip of the able and impaired leg by means of Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry using a large sample (N = 40) of male athletes. Results showed that bone demineralization in athletes with unilateral lower limb amputation is found at the impaired hip but not at the lumbar spine and may therefore be site-specific. The extent of hip demineralization was influenced by the level of amputation, with about 80% of athletes with above knee amputation and 10% of athletes with below knee amputation showing areal bone mineral density below the expected range for age. Nevertheless, a reduced percentage of fat mass and a lower fat-to-lean mass ratio in the residual impaired leg as well as a greater amount of weekly training was positively associated with bone mineralization at the impaired hip (partial correlation coefficients = 0.377-0.525, p = 0.040-0.003). Results showed that participation in adapted sport has a positive effect on bone health in athletes with unilateral lower limb amputation but is not sufficient to maintain adequate levels of bone mineralization at the impaired hip in athletes with above-knee amputation. Accordingly, physical conditioners should consider implementing sporting programs, according to the severity of the impairment, aimed at improving bone mineralization at the impaired hip and improve body composition in the residual impaired leg.

Physique and performance in male sitting volleyball players: implications for classification and training.

Background: This study assessed whether anthropometry, physical fitness and sport-specific sprint performance vary across the three groups of sitting volleyball (SV) athletes (athletes with a disability (VS1), athletes with a minimal disability (VS2) and able-bodied SV athletes (AB)) in order to explore the validity of the current system of classification. This study also investigated how the anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics of athletes relate to their sprint performance. Methods: Thirty-five SV male athletes aged 37.4 ± 10.8 years and practicing SV at a national/international level volunteered for this study. Testing consisted in the evaluation of linear anthropometry, physical fitness (body composition by-means of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and upper-body strength) and sprint performance (5-meter sprint tests, agility test and speed and endurance test). Results: Athletes in the three groups differed in fat mass percentage (%FM) which was higher in VS1 versus AB at the sub-total level (+9%), in the arms (+15%) and in the non-impaired leg (+8%) regions. Greater hand span, greater length of the impaired lower leg, lower %FM at both the sub-total and regional level and a higher level of strength in the upper body are all associated with better performances in the considered sprint tests (P < 0.05 for all). These results do not confirm the validity of the current system of classification of athletes adopted in SV. Professionals dealing with SV athletes should include specific exercises aimed at improving whole-body and regional body composition and the strength of the trunk and upper limbs in their training programs.

Is handgrip strength a marker of muscle and physical function of the lower limbs? Sex differences in older adults with obesity.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In this cross-sectional study we investigate the association between handgrip strength (HGS) and muscle function of the lower limbs and the predictors of the appendicular lean mass index (ALMI) in older adults with obesity of both sexes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eighty-four older (67 ± 5 years) men (N = 44) and women (N = 40) with obesity (body mass index (BMI) 33 ± 4 kg/m2) performed: the HGS, isokinetic knee extensors (KE) and flexors (KF) muscle strength and power and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). The correlation between HGS and lower limbs muscle function was evaluated, and four multiple hierarchical linear models were built to assess the contribution of each ALMI predictor (i.e., HGS, BMI, SPPB, muscle strength and power). In men, HGS was weakly-to-moderately associated (p < 0.05) with KE, KF muscle function and physical performance. In women, HGS showed a weak association (p < 0.05) with KE muscle function. The significant predictors of ALMI were only the BMI in women, whereas in the group of men BMI, KE maximal strength and power better explain the variance in ALMI than HGS alone. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that HGS should not be used alone as a marker of lower muscle nor physical function. Sex differences exist with the BMI that is a contributor of ALMI both in men and women. However, at least in the group of men, markers related to strength and power of the lower limbs can better describe variations in ALMI compared to HGS in this kind of population. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NA.

The Limited Impact of Low-Volume Recreational Dance on Three-Compartment Body Composition and Apparent Bone Mineral Density in Young Girls.

Recreational dance is practiced worldwide as a multidimensional physical activity with a potential for prevention of a sedentary lifestyle and overweight/obesity. This study explored in young (7−15 year; n = 21) girls the effect of long-term (>1 year) exposure to recreational (2 h/w) dancing on three-compartment body composition. Recreational dancers (RD) were compared with recreational (≤4 h/w) artistic gymnasts (RG, n = 22) and physically active young girls not involved in structured extracurricular physical activity (control; C, n = 22), adjusting for confounding variables (age, body mass, menarche). We hypothesized for RD an intermediate body composition between RG and C. The three groups had similar age and body mass index. Body composition indices in RD were intermediate between that of C and RG, but RD values were not statistically significantly different vs. C. This agreed with the not statistically significant higher energy expenditure (MET-min/w) in RD vs. C (1357.7 ± 805.32 and 1090.9 ± 596.63, p = 0.172). In conclusion, long-term recreational dance exposure at low volume had limited positive effect on body composition of young girls vs. unstructured extracurricular physical activity. Future work will explore the potential of recreational dance at higher volume (3−4 h/w) to improve body composition in young girls.

Relationships between anthropometric characteristics, block settings, and block clearance technique during the sprint start.

This study aimed to identify how body dimensions interact with anteroposterior block distances to influence lower limb joint angles in the "set" position, how these angles relate to block clearance kinetic and kinematic parameters, and how these biomechanical parameters influence sprint start performance in sprinters of both sexes and of different ability levels. Seventy-eight sprinters performed six maximal-effort 10 m sprints. Joint angles in the "set" position were quantified through 2D video analysis, and the forces generated during block exit were measured by dynamometric starting blocks. Lower limb length was associated with the front block-starting line distance ([FB/SL], partial correlation [rPC] = 0.48) and was a significant predictor of FB/SL (R2 = 0.39). The FB/SL was associated with front hip angle (rPC = 0.38), which was consequently associated with numerous kinetic variables during block clearance (rPC from -0.41 to -0.61). Coaches should be encouraged to explore the interactions between individual lower limb lengths and the FB/SL distance in both male and female sprinters to manipulate the front hip angle in the "set" position in an attempt to achieve more favourable block clearance kinetics.

Dietary Intakes and Food Habits of Wheelchair Basketball Athletes Compared to Gym Attendees and Individuals who do not Practice Sport Activity.

BACKGROUND: Mediterranean diet (Med-D) has been previously suggested for athletes, but Paralympics usually have a low intake of plant foods. Orthorexia nervosa (ON) can drive dietary intake of both athletes and gym attendees. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare dietary intakes and food habits of elite wheelchair basketball athletes (WBA) and able-bodied individuals who practice or not sport activity and with different fat mass percentage (FM%). METHODS: We recruited 15 WBA from the Italian National team and 3 control groups (15 each group): healthy individuals who do not practice any sports activity (NSA) and gym attendees with low (GAL, FM%<17) and high (GAH, FM%>18) FM%. Food consumption was monitored by a 3- d diary, while Med-D scores and ON score were evaluated through standardized questionnaires. In WBA we also assessed Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction (NBD), GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), allergy questionnaire for athletes (AQUA) and Starvation Symptoms Inventory (SSI). RESULTS: In WBA, ON correlated with GERD and SSI. WBA and GAH with eating behavior of ON had higher adherence to Med-D, whereas NSA had less adherence to Med-D. Sub-score, including fruits, vegetables and legumes, was higher in the GAL and GAH groups compared to the WBA and NSA groups. Med-D was inversely related to animal protein intake (PRO-AN) in NSA and GAL. FM% was inversely related to PRO-AN in WBA and GAH, and to ON only in GAH. In WBA, PRO-AN and vegetable protein intake correlated with both carbohydrate and energy intakes. CONCLUSION: In WBA, commitment to wellness (ON and Med-D adherence) could be a response to gastrointestinal and starvation symptoms. WBA should be involved in setting their own individualized dietary strategies.

Body composition and bone mineral density in athletes with a physical impairment.

BACKGROUND: The impact of the type and the severity of disability on whole-body and regional body composition (BC), and bone mineral density (BMD) must be considered for dietary advice in athletes with a physical impairment (PI). This study aimed to investigate the impact of the type and the severity of disability on BC, the pattern of distribution of fat mass at the regional level, and BMD in athletes with a PI. METHODS: Forty-two male athletes with spinal cord injury (SCI, n = 24; age = 40.04 ± 9.95 years, Body Mass Index [BMI] = 23.07 ± 4.01 kg/m2) or unilateral lower limb amputation (AMP, n = 18; age = 34.39 ± 9.19 years, BMI = 22.81 ± 2.63 kg/m2) underwent a Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry scan. Each athlete with a PI was matched by age with an able-bodied athlete (AB, n = 42; age = 37.81 ± 10.31 years, BMI = 23.94 ± 1.8 kg/m2). RESULTS: One-Way Analysis of Variance showed significant differences between the SCI, AMP and AB groups for percentage fat mass (%FM) (P < 0.001, eta squared = 0.440). Post-hoc analysis with Bonferroni's correction showed that athletes with SCI had significantly higher %FM vs. the AMP and AB groups (25.45 ± 5.99%, 21.45 ± 4.21% and 16.69 ± 2.56%, respectively; P = 0.008 vs. AMP and P < 0.001 vs. AB). The %FM was also significantly higher in the AMP vs. the AB group (P < 0.001). Whole-body BMD was negatively affected in SCI athletes, with about half of them showing osteopenia or osteoporosis. In fact, the mean BMD and T-score values in the SCI group (1.07 ± 0.09 g/cm2 and -1.25 ± 0.85, respectively) were significantly lower in comparison with the AB group (P = 0.001 for both) as well as the AMP group (P = 0.008 for both). The type of disability affected BC and BMD in the trunk, android, gynoid and leg regions in SCI athletes and the impaired leg only in AMP athletes. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the type of disability and, partly, the severity of PI impact on BC and BMD in athletes with a PI. Nutritionists, sports medicine doctors, clinicians, coaches and physical conditioners should consider athletes with SCI or AMP separately. Athletes with a PI would benefit from specific nutrition and training programs taking into account the type of their disability.

Long-Term Patterns of Bone Mineral Density in an Elite Soccer Player.

Changes in bone mineral density (BMD) have been associated with association football (soccer) participation. Seasonal changes in BMD of soccer players have been proposed as well. However, previous investigations were based on short-term observations. Actually, longitudinal investigation of BMD in soccer players is lacking, possibly because of frequent inter-club transfer, changes in club policy or continued availability of the relevant facilities. Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA)-measured areal BMD (aBMD) was obtained during the competitive season in an elite soccer player along 10 consecutive years. Findings showed that (1) aBMD tends to increase with age, independently of body mass; (2) The right (preferred, kicking) leg has higher aBMD than the left (non-preferred, support) one; (3) Meaningful (i.e., >least significant change, LSC) changes in aBMD take place along the season; and (4) The off-season (transition) period has no effect on aBMD. Findings prompt for future research aimed at clarifying the long-term and seasonal patterns of bone characteristics in soccer in relation with age and type/dose of training. Season-around, long-term scrutiny of bone status in soccer players would help controlling for possible changes/asymmetries in bone mineralization/strength.

Full characterisation of knee extensors' function in ageing: effect of sex and obesity.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Muscle function is a marker of current and prospective health/independence throughout life. The effects of sex and obesity (OB) on the loss of muscle function in ageing remain unresolved, with important implications for the diagnosis/monitoring of sarcopenia. To characterise in vivo knee extensors' function, we compared muscles torque and power with isometric and isokinetic tests in older men (M) and women (W), with normal range (NW) of body mass index (BMI) and OB. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In 70 sedentary older M and W (69 ± 5 years), NW and OB (i.e. BMI < 30 kg m-2 and ≥30 kg m-2, respectively) we tested the right knee's extensor: (i) isometric torque at 30°, 60°, 75° and 90° knee angles, and (ii) isokinetic concentric torque at 60, 90, 150, 180 and 210° s-1 angular speeds. Maximal isometric T-angle, maximal isokinetic knee-extensor torque-velocity, theoretical maximal shortening velocity, maximal power, optimal torque and velocity were determined in absolute units, normalised by body mass (BM) and right leg lean mass (LLMR) and compared over sex, BMI categories and angle or angular speeds by three-way ANOVA. RESULTS: In absolute units, relative to BM and LLMR, sex differences were found in favour of M for all parameters of muscle function (main effect for sex, p < 0.05). OB did not affect either absolute or relative to LLMR isometric and isokinetic muscle function (main effect for BMI, p > 0.05); however, muscle function indices, when adjusted for BM, were lower in both M and W with OB compared to NW counterparts (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed sex differences in absolute, relative to BM and LLMR muscle function in favour of men. While overall muscle function and muscle contractile quality is conserved in individuals with class I OB, muscle function normalised for BM, which defines the ability to perform independently and safely the activities of daily living, is impaired in comparison with physiological ageing.

Post-Exercise Ketosis, Salivary Uric Acid and Interleukin-6 after a Simulated Wheelchair Basketball Match.

BACKGROUND: Interleukin (IL)-6, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and uric acid (UA) increase after exercise in able-bodied individuals. Wheelchair Basketball Athletes (WBA), having low muscle mass, could be at risk of post-exercise ketosis. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the post-exercise ketosis, IL-6, and antioxidant response, in WBA of the Italian National team, after a simulated match. METHODS: Dietary intakes, Starvation Symptoms Inventory (SSI), percentage of fat mass (FM%) and basal Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER) and Basal Energy Expenditure (BEE), were evaluated. Salivary TAC, UA and IL-6 were measured: before (PreM), at the end (EM) and 20 minutes after (PostM) the match. Capillary glucose and ß-hydroxybutyrate (ßHB) were monitored. Percentage of Heart Rate Reserve (%HRR) was measured to evaluate exercise intensity. RESULTS: WBA had low carbohydrates (43.5% of daily energy intake (En)) and high fat (36.3% En) intakes. The increase in UA at PostM correlated with En (0.810, p<0.01) and was inversely related to ßHB at EM (-0.719, p<0.05). Furthermore, at PostM growing IL-6 levels correlated with BEE (0.778, p<0.05) and inversely related to FM% (-0.762, p<0.5) were found, which in turn was correlated to SSI (0.781, p<0.05). Also ßHB PostM correlated with SSI (0.761, p<0.05) but was inversely related to RER (-0.745, p<0.05) and En (-0.826, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that some WBA should improve their dietary habit in order to prevent post-exercise ketosis and ameliorate the endogenous antioxidant response after exercise.