Optimizing strength training protocols in young females: A comparative study of velocity-based and percentage-based training programs.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of velocity-based strength training (VBT) and percentage-based strength training (PBT) on absolute strength, explosive strength, speed, and agility, as well as markers of muscle damage after 6 weeks of exercise programs. The study included 30 young female individuals, divided into three groups of 10 participants: VBT, PBT, and control group. The main findings indicated that the VBT group and PBT group showed significant improvement in 1RM squat exercise (Δ% 27.87 and Δ% 8.98, respectively) and 1RM bench press (Δ% 14.47 and Δ% 8.65, respectively), but a greater enhancement was observed in the VBT group. In addition, VBT induced substantial changes in SJ (Δ% 14.32) and CMJ height (Δ% 7.69), while PBT had an improvement only in the SJ test (Δ% 6.72). The improvement noted in the VBT group could be attributed to its ability to tailor training intensity according to the speed of movement execution. This approach allows athletes to perform each repetition as fast as possible, thus maintaining an optimal intensity for explosive strength development. The capacity of VBT to adapt training intensity based on the speed of movement execution may be the key factor contributing to these results. Therefore, coaches and athletes should consider implementing VBT as a valuable tool to optimize strength and power development. In conclusion, VBT induced greater improvement in the 1RM squat, 1RM bench press, SJ, and CMJ compared to the group that performed the traditional strength training modality. Therefore, VBT is considered a more effective training tool regarding the development of absolute and explosive strength in young women.

Return to Play and Performance After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Soccer Players: A Systematic Review of Recent Evidence.

BACKGROUND: The available literature referring to the return to play (RTP) and performance after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has already been comprehensively summarized in team sports such as basketball or American Football. Therefore, in this sense, it is necessary to synthesize evidence relating to the mentioned parameters in soccer players who underwent ACLR. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to examine RTP and the performance of soccer players after ACLR. METHODS: Three electronic databases, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed, have been comprehensively searched to identify relevant articles. The following inclusion criteria were applied: (1) the sample of respondents consisted of soccer players irrespective of their age, sex, or level of competition; (2) athletes experienced anterior cruciate ligament injury and underwent ACLR; (3) outcomes estimated referred to the RTP, RTP at the preinjury level of competition, RTP time, performance, and career duration of soccer players; (4) studies were written in the English language. The methodological quality of the research was evaluated using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS). RESULTS: Databases searched yielded a total of 694 studies, of which 17 fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis. These included 3657 soccer players, 2845 males and 812 females, who underwent ACLR and most commonly competed at the elite, national, amateur, and recreational levels. The results obtained indicated that 72% of soccer players successfully RTP and 53% RTP at the preinjury level of participation after ACLR. In addition, recent evidence provided in this literature review demonstrated that mean RTP time was 264 days or 8.7 months. Moreover, the majority of the studies unambiguously suggested that performance related to statistical aspects noticeably deteriorated compared with both the preinjury period and noninjured athletes. The mean career length of soccer players following ACL surgery was approximately between 4 and 5 years. CONCLUSION: Although a high percentage of athletes RTP after a relatively short period of absence from the sports field compared with other sports closely related to soccer, ACLR negatively impacts soccer players' performance and career duration.

New Regenerative and Anti-Aging Medicine Approach Based on Single-Stranded Alpha-1 Collagen for Neo-Collagenesis Induction: Clinical and Instrumental Experience of a New Injective Polycomponent Formulation for Dermal Regeneration.

This study explores the efficacy of a novel polycomponent formulation (KARISMA Rh Collagen® FACE, Taumedika Srl, Rome, Italy), containing 200 mg/mL of non-crosslinked high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA), 200 µg/mL of a human recombinant polypeptide of collagen-1 alpha chain, and 40 mg/mL of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a regenerative medicine for skin regeneration and rejuvenation. This formulation combines non-crosslinked high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, human recombinant polypeptide of collagen-1 alpha chain, and carboxymethyl cellulose to stimulate collagen type I production and enhance skin hydration. This study involved 100 subjects with varying skin conditions, divided into three groups based on skin aging, smoking history, and facial scarring, to evaluate the product's effectiveness in skin regeneration and aesthetic improvement. The methodology included two injections of Karisma (2 mL for each injection) one month apart, with evaluations conducted using FACE-Q questionnaires, the SGAIS Questionnaire, and Antera 3D skin scanner measurements at baseline, 30 days, and 60 days post-treatment. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in skin roughness and an improvement in skin quality across all the groups, with no correlation between the outcomes and the patient's age. The subjective assessments also indicated high satisfaction with the treatment's aesthetic results. The analyzed data allow us to conclude that the single-stranded collagen with hyaluronic acid and carboxymethyl-cellulose formulation is able to stimulate the skin's regenerative response, yielding significant results both in vitro and, through our study, also in vivo. This new polycomponent formulation effectively stimulates skin regeneration, improving skin quality and texture, with significant aesthetic benefits perceived by patients, and a low incidence of adverse events, marking a promising advancement in regenerative medicine.

Objectively evaluated physical activity among individuals following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To compare time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week, MVPA per day, and steps per day between individuals that were subjected to the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and healthy control group. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Data sources: Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed have been comprehensively searched to identify relevant investigations. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies: An observational research that objectively evaluated physical activity among respondents with a history of ACLR. Results: Of 302 records, a total of 12 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Four hundred and forty-three participants underwent the ACLR, 153 men and 290 women. The mean time between anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery and evaluation of analysed outcomes was 34.8 months. The main findings demonstrated that the ACLR group spent less time in weekly MVPA (standardised mean differences (SMD)=-0.43 (95% CI -0.66 to -0.20); mean = -55.86 min (95% CI -86.45 to -25.27); p=0.0003; τ2=0.00), in daily MVPA (SMD=-0.51 95% CI -0.76 to -0.26]; mean = -15.59 min (95% CI -22.93 to -8.25); p<0.0001; τ2=0.00), and they had fewer daily steps (SMD=-0.60 95% CI -0.90 to -0.30); mean = -1724.39 steps (95% CI -2552.27 to -896.50); p<0.0001; τ2=0.00) relative to their non-injured counterparts. Additionally, available investigations indicated that individuals with a history of ACLR participated in 316.8 min of MVPA per week, 67 min in MVPA per day, and 8337 steps per day. Conclusion: Long-term after ACLR, participants undergoing ACL surgery were less physically active compared with their non-injured peers, and they did not satisfy recommendations regarding steps per day. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023431991.

Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Male and Female Judo Athletes.

Changes in cardiac geometry develop after intense and prolonged training. Left ventricular enlargement, increased relative wall thickness, and growing mass of the left ventricle occur after strenuous exercise. Combat sports such as judo can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy. Previous studies have found that there are differences in left ventricular chamber size and thickness between the sexes, with female athletes having smaller wall diameters and less hypertrophy than male athletes. The research aims to examine heart muscle adaptations and remodeling of cardiac geometry among elite judo athletes and to evaluate differences between males and females. A cross-sectional study included a group of 19 (males n=10, females n=9) professional judokas between 20 and 30 years. Demographic and anthropometric data were collected. Cardiac geometry was determined by two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography. In terms of left ventricular mass and the left ventricular mass index significant differences were found between male and female judokas (233.44±68.75 g vs. 164.11±16.59 g, p=0.009), (105.16±24.89 vs. 84.66±15.06, p=0.044), respectively. A greater enlargement of the heart muscle is observed in male athletes compared to the female group. Left ventricle enlargement is likely to occur among elite-level judokas.

The Effects of Stretching Exercise on Levels of Blood Glucose: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity plays an important role in the management of blood glucose levels. However, compelling evidence exists only for aerobic and resistance training. In this review, we aimed to identify the potential effects of stretching exercises on blood glucose levels. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using the following databases: Scopus, NLM PubMed, and Web of Science. Studies regarding the effects of stretching exercise in humans on blood glucose or any related variable were included. Further inclusion criteria were: (1) original articles (published from database inception to October 2022), (2) applying stretching as a unique exercise modality, (3) having either longitudinal or acute interventions, (4) including healthy and pathological populations, and (5) having within each study a pre- and post-intervention measure. Quality assessment of the studies was conducted using the Downs and Black checklist. RESULTS: A total of 13 articles were included. The quality assessment revealed an overall moderate quality of the included records. Ten articles included patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), whereas the remaining three included at-risk populations. A total of 731 people with a mean age of 56.7 ± 6.1 years old were analysed. Fasting blood glucose, 2 h post-oral glucose uptake, post-stretching intervention blood glucose levels, and HbA1c were identified as variables related to blood glucose within the studies. After the stretching interventions, a significant reduction was observed in either blood glucose (ES = - 0.79; p = 0.0174) or HbA1c (ES = - 1.11; p = < 0.0001). Meta-analytic results highlighted greater effects in T2D patients (ES = - 1.15; p = 0.02) and for studies applying stretching as an exercise intervention (ES = - 1.27; p = 0.006) rather than considering stretching as a control exercise modality. CONCLUSION: The results of this systematic review highlight the potential of stretching exercises to reduce blood glucose levels. In particular, if stretching is applied as a specific form of exercise intervention in patients with T2D greater effects are observed. However, further studies with more solid research designs are required, therefore, caution is needed before prescribing stretching as an exercise intervention for glycaemic management.

Hormonal and psychological influences on performance anxiety in adolescent female volleyball players: a multi-approach study.

Background: The neuroendocrine system has important implications for affiliation behavior among humans and can be used to assess the correlation between social relationships, stress, and health. This can be influenced by social closeness; this aspect is the closeness towards another individual or a group of individuals such as a sports team. Sports performance anxiety is considered an unpleasant emotional reaction composed of physiological, cognitive, affective, and behavioral components. This motivates us to learn about the process that can influence the outcome of competition. Hormones and genetics would seem to influence outcome and performance. In this regard, many studies have focused on the exercise response as a function of ovarian hormones and it has been observed that progesterone is a hormone that plays a key role in reducing anxiety, and thus stress, in humans and other animals. On the other hand, high cortisol concentrations are known to contribute to increased anxiety levels. However, the salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) enzyme has been suggested as marker of acute stress than cortisol. Genetics also seem to influence anxiety and stress management as in the case of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and striatal dopamine transporter (DAT). Therefore, the study aims to investigate social closeness, as a measure of sports team cohesion that can influence athletes' performance results, and its ability to influence the secretion of hormones, such as progesterone and cortisol, that affect the management of sports anxiety while also taking into account genetic background during a volleyball match. Methods: Twenty-six female volleyball players who volunteered participated in this study (mean ± SD: age, 12.07 ± 0.7 years), and played in the final of the provincial volleyball championship in Palermo. All girls were during the ovarian cycle, in detail between the follicular and early ovulatory phases. Results: The results showed a significant decrease in salivary cortisol only in the winning group (p < 0.039). In fact, whilst in the latter the pre-match level was 7.7 ng/ml and then decreased to 4.5 ng/ml after the match, in the losers group change was not statistically significant (7.8 ng/ml vs 6.6 ng/ml pre- and post-match). As to the sAA concentration, the winning team showed a statistically significant variation between pre- and post-match than the losers (166.01 ± 250 U/ml vs 291.59 ± 241 U/ml) (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Analyzing the results of the SAS-2 psychological test it is highlighted that, on average, the loser group was more anxious than the winning group, and this contributed to the final result. In conclusion, there is strong evidence supporting the state of the art that many factors can affect performance anxiety and thus the performance itself.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its association with rapid weight loss among former elite combat sports athletes in Serbia.

BACKGROUND: In terms of the potential influence of rapid weight loss (RWL) on the metabolic health of former combat sports athletes (CSA), the scientific literature is quite scarce. Therefore, the objective of the presented research was to determine the differences in metabolic syndrome (MetS) parameters and the prevalence of MetS between former athletes who performed RWL and athletes who did not. METHODS: The sample of the presented study comprised 150 participants from Serbia, equally divided into two groups: 75 former athletes who had practiced combat sports and 75 ex-athletes of various other sports who did not practice RWL during their careers. The following parameters related to the MetS were evaluated: waist circumference, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, and triglycerides. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was used to assess the participant's body response to sugar. RESULTS: The RWL group had significantly higher both systolic (p < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.001) compared to the group of athletes who did not practice weight reduction during their careers. Additionally, a tendency toward statistically significant differences between groups was recorded in the variable triglycerides (p = 0.069). Regarding OGTT, increased values of fasting blood glucose at the final measurement were revealed only in the RWL group (p = 0.003). The prevalence of MetS was substantially higher in CSA than in the control group (39.5% vs. 16.2%, respectively p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that former elite CSA who used RWL during their sports career are susceptible to negative metabolic alterations at the end of their competitive period.

The influence of body mass index on physical activity engagement following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic literature review.

Background: The objective of this study was to summarize available literature that explored the impact of body mass index (BMI) on physical activity participation among individuals who were subjected to the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Methods: A total of three electronic databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed, were comprehensively searched to identify relevant investigations. The following inclusion criteria were applied: (1) study design was observational; (2) participants underwent the ACLR; (3) BMI was estimated as a predictor variable; and (4) outcomes evaluated referred to physical activity. The risk of bias was assessed with the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Results: After a database search, 787 studies were found, and only 10 of them met each of the eligibility criteria and were included in the qualitative analysis. Regarding respondents' characteristics, 7171 individuals underwent ACLR, 4080 males and 3091 females, with a mean age of 25.5 years. Most importantly, the average BMI of the examined population was 24.9 kg/m2. In all studies, physical activity was evaluated subjectively using the Tegner activity scale and the Marx activity scale. The main findings unambiguously demonstrated that a negative relationship between BMI and physical activity engagement was observed. More specifically, there is convincing evidence that BMI over 25 kg/m2 harmfully affected subjectively assessed physical activity in individuals with a history of ACLR. Conclusion: The results obtained in the presented research indicated that increased values of BMI were a factor that correlated with reduced physical activity levels in the ACLR population. Hence, taking into account the clinical and health implications of reduced physical activity participation, stimulation of a healthy lifestyle, such as a combination of adequately designed physical exercise and nutrition, seems necessary for the analyzed population.

Young basketball players have better manual dexterity performance than sportsmen and non-sportsmen of the same age: a cross-sectional study.

Manual dexterity is a key skill in motor development. There are conflicting studies on the influence of sports practice on this skill and on which type of sport trains this ability the most in youth. Manual dexterity is usually assessed with expensive and time-consuming tools not easily available to facilities such as schools or sports clubs. The aim of this study was to assess differences in manual dexterity performance between young basketball players, sportsmen, and non-sportsmen. A further aim was to analyze whether the coin rotation task was a reliable tool for assessing manual dexterity. Based on the characteristics of the sport, we hypothesized that basketball players had better manual dexterity performances. Seventy-eight participants were included in the study and categorized into "basketball", "sports", and "non-sports" groups. Manual dexterity was assessed with the grooved pegboard, the coin rotation task, and the handgrip tests. The basketball group showed better performance in all tests. Significant differences were found between the basketball group and sports group and between the basketball group and non-sport group in the grooved pegboard (p < 0.05) and in the handgrip (p < 0.05) tests. Test-retest reliability of the coin rotation task scores was moderate in the basketball group (ICC2,1 0.63-0.6). Basketball practice could positively influence manual dexterity. The coin rotation task showed an acceptable construct of validity.

Incidence of injuries and associated risk factors in a sample of Italian recreational padel players.

BACKGROUND: Padel is a racket sport similar to tennis, which since the COVID-19 pandemic has been gaining popularity among recreational players. Despite its popularity, epidemiological studies are still lacking. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of injuries among Italian recreational padel players and associated risk factors. METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to 127 recreational padel players between January 2022 to March 2022. The questionnaire consisted of questions to collect information regarding intrinsic and extrinsic factors related to padel practice, injury location, and injury typology. Frequencies and proportions were calculated for variable description. Binomial logistic regression was adopted to identify potential risk factors. RESULTS: Of the 127 participants, 100 (78.8%) reported having had an injury during the previous year. Such injury in most cases (37%) resulted in an absence from padel from 8 to 28 days. The most common injury locations were lower leg/Achilles tendon (17.1%) and elbow (13.8%), while the most common injury typologies were tendinopathies (33.6%) and contusions (14.9%). Among the identified risk factors the amount of time played padel (3.5-5 hours/week), racket type (round), and racket weight (either not knowing or 356-375 g) resulted in an increase in the probability of occurring an injury. CONCLUSIONS: Recreational padel results in a high percentage of injuries. These frequently result in tendinopathies of the Achilles tendon and elbow. Inadequate racket characteristics and the amount of time played could contribute to an increase in injury incidence.

Effectiveness of Pilates exercise on low back pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Low back pain is the most frequently reported musculoskeletal disorder and represents one of the highest patient burdens in healthcare. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Pilates exercise on pain intensity and functional disability caused by low back pain (LBP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted. Data sources: MEDLINE-NLM and MEDLINE-EBSCO. We also searched on Scopus Elsevier, Cochrane, DOAJ, SciELO, PEDro, and PLOS ONE databases. Eligibility criteria: randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating LBP in which the primary treatment was based on Pilates exercise compared with no exercise, or non-specific exercise. RESULTS: The search returned 1566 records of which 36 articles were included in the systematic review and 19 in the meta-analysis. Twenty-two studies compared the effects of Pilates exercise vs no exercise and 13 studies examined the effects of Pilates exercise vs non-specific exercise. Analysis showed that Pilates had a positive effect on the perception of LBP vs no exercise. A similar trend occurred with non-specific exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Pilates exercise can decrease LBP compared to no exercise and non-specific exercise. General practitioners should consider Pilates exercise as an effective strategy to manage LBP and counteract the growing health. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022308387.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONPilates is a good strategy for improving low back pain and is more effective than other exercise programs or no exercise.Pilates is a safe tool to apply to most of the population with low back pain.Pilates is a non-pharmacological strategy useful for counteracting low back pain.

Physical Exercise and Occupational Therapy at Home to Improve the Quality of Life in Subjects Affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that affects synovial membranes and typically causes joint pain and swelling. The resulting disability of RA is due to the erosion of cartilage and bone from the inflamed synovial tissue. Occupational therapy is a strategy and technique to minimize the joints' fatigue and effort. At the same time, physical exercise reduces the impact of systemic manifestations and improves symptoms in RA. This study investigates the role of a 30-day joint economy intervention (integration of physical exercise and occupational therapy) at home on the quality of life of subjects with RA. METHODS: One hundred and sixty outpatients with RA were enrolled in a single-center trial with PROBE design and were divided into the intervention group (IG), which combined joint protection movements and physical exercise to maintain muscle tone at home, and the control group (CG). Both groups included 80 patients. In all patients, data from the disease activity score (DAS 28), health assessment questionnaire (HAQ), and short-form health survey (SF-12) "Italian version" were collected. In addition, to IG, a brochure was distributed, and the joint economy was explained, while to CG, the brochure only was distributed. The comparison between groups was made using Fisher's exact test for contingency tables and the z-test for the comparison of proportions. The non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare quantitative variables between groups. The Wilcoxon signed-ranked test was used for post-intervention versus baseline comparisons. RESULTS: Among the recruited patients, 54% were female. The mean age was 58.0 (42.4-74.7) for the CG and 54.0 (39.7-68.3) for the IG. Patients included in the IG had a higher cumulative illness rating scale for the evaluation of severity and comorbidity index (2.81 vs. 2.58; 2.91 vs. 2.59, respectively), as well as morning stiffness (33.8 vs. 25.0), even if not significant compared with CG patients. Our results indicate that, after 30 days of joint economy intervention at home, the DAS28 erythrocyte sedimentation rate (esr) and DAS28 C-reactive protein (crp), HAQ, and SF-12 mental component score were significantly improved (p = 0.005, p = 0.004, p = 0.009, and p = 0.010, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that the combination of physical exercise and occupational therapy positively affects patients' quality of life with RA considering disease activity, global health status, and mental health.

Rapid weight loss can increase the risk of acute kidney injury in wrestlers.

Objective: Restrictive diets, forced starvation or voluntary weight loss are attracting more and more attention from scientists. Overall trends show that about 80% of combat sports athletes use specific methods of reducing body mass. Rapid weight loss could be a risk factor for kidney-related adverse outcomes. This study aimed to examine the impact of high-intensity specific training combined with rapid weight loss in the first and without rapid weight loss in the second phases on body composition and biochemical markers of kidney function. Methods: The study was conducted on 12 male wrestlers. Kidney function markers were measured, including blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, uric acid and serum Cystatin-C. Alterations in analysed markers were noted in both phases of the research. Results: According to the data, a significant increase was noted in blood urea nitrogen (p=0.002), uric acid (p=0.000) and serum creatinine (p=0.006) during the first phase in comparison with the second phase. The levels of serum Cystatin-C were slightly elevated after both phases compared with the initial measurement. Conclusion: It is evident that high-intensity specific training combined with rapid weight loss significantly affects the increase in kidney function markers compared with identical training without rapid weight loss. The findings in this study suggest that rapid body mass reduction is associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury in wrestlers.

What Determines the Competitive Success of Young Croatian Wrestlers: Anthropometric Indices, Generic or Specific Fitness Performance?

Identifying factors influencing wrestling performance is important for determining which capacities should be developed the most. This research aimed to investigate whether anthropometric indices, generic fitness, and specific fitness performance determine the competitive success of young wrestlers. This research included 49 Croatian Greco-Roman male wrestlers aged 17.75 ± 1.51 years. Variables included training and competing experience, anthropometric indices, generic fitness (countermovement jump and handgrip strength), and specific wrestling fitness test (SWFT). Wrestlers were separated into medallists and non-medallists (i.e., wrestlers who won a medal at the previous National Championship and wrestlers who did not win a medal, respectively). The t-test for independent samples was used to determine the differences between the two categories in all variables. Moreover, discriminant analysis was performed to identify differences in a multivariate manner. Medallists and non-medallists did not differ in anthropometric indices and wrestling experience. Medallists had better results in the countermovement jump (t = 2.55, p < 0.01), handgrip strength (t = 2.77, p < 0.01), and SWFT performance (t = 2.29, p < 0.05) than non-medallists. The discriminant analysis confirmed that performance categories differed in generic and specific fitness tests (Wilks' Lambda = 0.73, p < 0.05). It could be suggested that coaches should develop both the generic and specific fitness of their wrestlers to become more successful at competitions.

Analyzing the Relationship between Participation in Sports and Harmful Alcohol Drinking in Early Adolescence: Two-Year Prospective Analysis.

Alcohol drinking is an important health-related problem and one of the major risk factors for a wide array of non-communicable diseases, while there is a lack of studies investigating environment-specific associations between sports participation and alcohol drinking in adolescence. This study prospectively investigated the relationship between sports factors (i.e., participation in sports and competitive achievement), with the prevalence of harmful alcohol drinking (HD), and HD initiation in 14-to-16 years old adolescents from Bosnia and Herzegovina (n = 641, 337 females, 43% living in rural community). Participants were tested over 4-time points divided by approximately 6 months, from the beginning of high school to the end of the second grade. Variables included gender, factors related to sport participation, a community of residence (urban or rural), and outcome: alcohol consumption was assessed by the AUDIT questionnaire. Results evidenced that the prevalence of HD increased over the study period from 6 to 19%, with no significant differences between urban and rural youth. Logistic regression for HD as criterion evidenced adolescents who participated in sports and then quit as being at particular risk for drinking alcohol at the study baseline. Sports factors were not correlated with HD initiation in the period between 14 and 16 years of age. It seems that the problem of alcohol drinking should be preventively targeted in all youth, irrespective of living environment. Although sports participation was not evidenced as being a factor of influence on HD initiation, results highlight the necessity of developing targeted preventive campaigns against alcohol drinking for adolescents who quit sports.

Effects of school-based physical activity interventions on physical fitness and cardiometabolic health in children and adolescents with disabilities: a systematic review.

Background: This study aimed to examine the influence of school-based physical exercise programs on physical fitness and cardiometabolic health in children and adolescents with disabilities. Methods: Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed were thoroughly searched to identify relevant investigations. To be included in the systematic review, studies needed to fulfill the following inclusion criteria: 1) performed school-based physical exercise interventions; 2) parameters evaluated referred to health-related physical fitness (HRPF), skill-related physical fitness (SRPF), and cardiometabolic health; 3) a sample of participants consisted of children and adolescents with disabilities; 4) the mean age of respondents was less than 18 years; and 5) were written in the English language. Results: After searching the databases, a total of 474 studies have been identified, 18 of them met the eligibility criteria, and their outcomes were presented. Relating to the respondents' characteristics, the investigations involved 681 children and adolescents with disabilities, out of which 440 were male and 241 female. Regarding types of physical exercise interventions, the most commonly implemented were combined aerobic and resistance training, aerobic exercise, sports games, adapted high-intensity interval training, as well as sprint interval training. The obtained results unambiguously demonstrated that applied exercise interventions improved HRPF components such as cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, and flexibility. In terms of the SRPF, agility, balance, coordination, and power were considerably enhanced following the school-based exercise. On the other hand, the influence on indices of body composition and cardiometabolic health is quite controversial. The majority of the available studies did not find favorable effects. Additionally, no adverse events were reported in 7 of 8 research, and adherence to exercise was approximately 92%. Conclusion: School-based physical exercise programs were very efficient in improving HRPF and SRPF in children and adolescents with disabilities, while the evidence concerning the variables of body composition and cardiometabolic health is inconclusive and warrants further investigations.

Injury Occurrence in Amateur Rugby: Prospective Analysis of Specific Predictors over One Half-Season.

Background and objectives: The incidence of injuries in rugby is extremely high, but studies have rarely examined the predictors of injury in amateur players. This study aimed to systematically analyse sports and injury factors as potential predictors of musculoskeletal injuries in senior-level amateur rugby players. Methods: The participants in this study were 101 senior-level rugby players from Croatia (average of 24.64 years old). At baseline, all participants were tested on sociodemographic and anthropometric parameters (age, body height and mass), consumption of dietary supplements, preseason injury status and training volume, and sport factors (position in game). Data on injury occurrence (dependent variable), prevalence of pain, training status, and characteristics of the played match were surveyed prospectively once a week during the three-month period (one half-season). Results: The logistic regression revealed a higher injury occurrence in forward players of the 1st row, 2nd row (OR = 5.07; 95% CI: 1.64-15.69), and center (OR = 4.72; 95% CI: 1.28-14.31), with reference to outside back players. When observed univariately, higher body mass, higher level of competition, more weekly training sessions, self-perceived pain, and playing with pain were significant injury risk factors. The multivariate logistic regression identified pre-season injury (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.09-1.52), higher level of the game/match (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.13-1.76), higher body mass (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.05), and pain prevalence (OR = 5.71, 95% CI: 3.22-7.70) as multivariate predictors of injury occurrence over the season. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that among sport factors, the playing position, level of competition, and training exposure represent major injury risk factors. Therefore, in order to reduce the number of injuries, special emphasis should be placed on the specific tackling technique of forward players, which could both increase their situational efficiency and protect them from injuries. Additionally, perceived pain, injury history, and playing with injury were noted among injury factors as the ones that can be predictors of future injuries. In that manner, it is important that coaching and medical staff monitor players with previous injuries and with pain symptoms in order to act preventively against injury occurrence.

Disrupting arrhythmia in a professional male wrestler athlete after rapid weight loss and high-intensity training-Case report.

Introduction: Physiological heart adaptations may lead to increased susceptibility to arrhythmia in athletes. Furthermore, vigorous training and method like rapid weight loss (RWL) in combat sports could pose additional risks. This case represents how routine cardiovascular screening during high-risk methods like RWL and high-intensity training (HIT) reveal abrupt ventricular arrhythmias in a young athlete. Case report: We report a case of a 20-year-old male wrestler athlete who developed disrupting arrhythmia during RWL and HIT. The study included: a medical exam, 12 lead electrocardiograms (ECG), transthoracic echocardiogram (ECHO), and 24 h of continuous ECG monitoring in baseline, phase one (P1), (in which the athlete had to simulate RWL through vigorous training and dietary intervention and HIT) and phase two (P2), (with the same HIT protocol performed without the RWL procedure). Baseline laboratory analyses were without abnormalities, ECG showed sinus rhythm with one premature atrial contraction (PAC) and ECHO showed signs of concentric remodeling with preserved systolic, diastolic function, and global longitudinal strain. After P1 RWL simulation, he lost 5.15% of body weight in 3 days, which resulted in lower blood glucose levels, higher urea, creatinine, creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB levels, and slightly increased levels of NT pro-BNP, ECG revealed sinus rhythm with one ventricular premature beat (VPB), 24-h continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed frequent ventricular premature beats (PVB) 2,150/ 24 h, with two couplets, and 8 PAC. After an advised 4-week period of de-training continuous 24 h, ECG monitoring was improved with only occasional PVB. The 24 h continuous ECG monitoring was repeated after HIT and revealed even more frequent PVB, 5% of all beats for 24 h, 4,205 in total, and almost all VPB were in bigeminy and trigeminy. The athlete was advised against RWL and extremely vigorous exercise and for regular, frequent checkups with occasional ECG monitoring during and after exercise. Conclusion: The short and long-term implication of abrupt ventricular arrhythmias provoked by intensive training and methods like RWL is unknown. We postulate that cardiovascular screening is necessitated, especially during high-risk methods like RWL and HIT, in helping us prevent adverse outcomes and come to individual-based clinical making decisions for each athlete.

Effects of Additional Plyometric Training on the Jump Performance of Elite Male Handball Players: A Systematic Review.

Handball is one of the most popular team sports around the world that has become physically very demanding, related to both competitions and daily training sessions. Optimal training programs are necessary to improve performance, especially when taking into account the frequency of jump shots (vertical jumps) and handball feints (changes of directions) during daily training. The main objective of the present study is to review the available literature systematically, and to determine what are the effects of additional plyometric training on handball players' vertical jump abilities. According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis, six studies were selected after a systematic search through four digital databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. The available scientific articles show that plyometric training alone or in combination with standard handball training, lasting at least six weeks, and including two training sessions per week, contributes to improving the performance of elite- or national-level handball players. Plyometric training is recommended to improve performance, as well as to maintain explosive strength parameters during the season.