What do we know about beach soccer injuries? Systematic video analysis of four consecutive years with 580 match injuries.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the characteristics of match injury in male beach soccer players. Video recordings of all official beach soccer tournaments in which the European national male beach soccer teams participated from 2018 to 2021 were analysed by two sports medicine specialists retrospectively. Regarding each injury, data including the mechanism, location of the injury, whether the injury led to time-loss, and the relationship of the injury to the bicycle kick (BK), etc. were documented. A total of 632 injuries were documented, corresponding to 234.9 injuries/1000 player hours. Video footage was available for 580 injuries. Whilst 79.8% of medical attention injuries occurred due to opponent contact, 19.5% of time-loss injuries occurred due to non-contact, and 12.2% of indirect opponent contact (p < 0.01). The most common location of the BK related injury was the head/neck (68.7%), whereas most common location of the BK unrelated injury was the lower extremity (54.1%) (p < 0.01). The findings demonstrated that beach soccer injury incidence was quite high; the most common injury location was head/neck and head/neck injuries were associated with BK. In light of these results, some rule regulations, particularly those associated with BK, and the use of protective equipment should be considered to prevent these injuries.

Mental health correlates of athletic shame and guilt among elite-level youth athletes in Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the mental health correlates of athletic shame and guilt among elite-level youth athletes and provided psychometric data on the Turkish version of the Athletic Perceptions of Performance Scale. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: An online survey was sent to 645 Turkish elite-level youth athletes incorporating standardized scales assessing athletic shame, guilt, and symptoms of high prevalence mental disorders. A subset of participants (n = 45) provided test-retest data at 30 days. RESULTS: A total of 301 elite youth athletes participated (M = 16.42 ±â€¯0.49 years; 48.7 % response rate) equally representing team and individual sports. Confirmatory factor analysis validated the Turkish version of the Athletic Perceptions of Performance Scale and test-retest data supported temporal stability. Female athletes (compared to male athletes) and athletes participating in an individual sport (compared to participating in a team sport) reported higher athletic shame-proneness scores (p < 0.01 and p = 0.04; respectively). The Turkish version of the Athletic Perceptions of Performance Scale shame-proneness and no-concern scores were associated with athlete-specific stress, anxiety, and depression scores. The Turkish version of the Athletic Perceptions of Performance Scale guilt-proneness was associated with athlete-specific stress and anxiety scores. CONCLUSIONS: Findings provide cross-cultural validation of the Athletic Perceptions of Performance Scale assessing athletic shame and guilt, demonstrating that female athletes and athletes participating in an individual sport were more likely to experience athletic shame-proneness. Results suggest that athletes experiencing shame-proneness and performance concerns may benefit from supportive coaching and/or mental health supports.

The team behind the team: prevalence and correlates of mental health problems among professional football team medical and allied staff?

This study aimed to evaluate depression, anxiety, and stress prevalence and correlates among professional football team medical and allied health staff (MAHS) in Turkey. An online survey was sent to all MAHS (n = 865) attending the professional development accreditation course organized at the end of the 2021-2022 football season in Turkey. Three standardized scales assessed depression, anxiety, and stress. A total of 573 staff participated (response rate = 66.2%). 36.7% of MAHS reported at least moderate severity depression, 25% anxiety, and 80.5% stress. Younger (26-33 years) and less experienced (6-10 years) MAHS reported higher stress scores than their older (50-57 years) and more experienced (>15 years) counterparts (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively). Masseurs (compared to team doctors) and staff without a second job (compared to those with a second job) reported higher depression and anxiety scores (p = 0.02, p = 0.03, p = 0.03, p = 0.02, respectively). Depression, anxiety, and stress scores of MAHS whose monthly income was less than $519 were higher than those whose income was more than $1036 (all p < 0.01). Findings demonstrated that professional football team MAHS suffer from symptoms of mental-ill-health at substantial rates. In light of these results, organizational policies should be implemented to proactively support the mental health of MAHS working in professional football.

Examining the mental health status of referees in the turkish professional football league.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the mental health (MH) status of referees who officiate in the Turkish professional football leagues. METHOD: An online survey was sent to all referees in the Turkish professional football leagues (n = 630) incorporating standardized scales assessing depression, anxiety, and stress. RESULTS: A total of 433 referees participated in the study, yielding a response rate of 68.7%. Younger referees (18-27 years) reported higher depression (p = 0.01), anxiety (p < 0.01), and stress (p < 0.01) scores than older (>38 years) refereees. Depression, anxiety, and stress scores of single referees were higher compared to married referees (all p < 0.01). Lower-level referees reported higher depression (p < 0.01), anxiety (p = 0.01), and stress (p < 0.01) scores than their higher-level counterparts. Higher depression, anxiety, and stress scores were also associated with less income, performance concerns, severe injury history, and inadequate social support. CONCLUSION: MH problems in referees were associated with a wide range of variables including younger age, being single, refereeing at lower-levels, performance concerns, and inadequate social support. In light of these results, MH assessments should be undertaken with referees to detect which officials are at greater risk of MH problems. Doing so will help to enable appropriate and timely MH interventions.

Mental health symptoms and correlates among amateur football players: a cross-sectional study.

The objective of this study was to evaluate mental health problems reported by Turkish amateur football players. A total of 4516 Turkish amateur football players were invited to complete an anonymous online survey including demographic and COVID-19 pandemic related questions, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, General Anxiety Disorder-7 scale, and Athlete Psychological Strain Questionnaire. A total of 1263 players participated in the study (27.9% response rate). Single players reported higher depression and anxiety scores than married players. Higher depression, anxiety, and athletes-specific stress scores were reported by players with an annual income <$5,000 and those reporting an income loss >75% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Players with a sports injury history, psychiatric illness, sleep problems, and perceived inadequate social and/or organizational support reported poorer indices relative to their counterparts. Implementation of mental health screening among amateur football players may assist in detecting vulnerabilities and initiating appropriate timely intervention.

Which athletes are more vulnerable to mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 crisis? A cross-sectional study.

The present study evaluated the mental health (MH) of athletes according to a range of variables, including SARS-CoV-2 infection status and sport-specific factors. An online survey was sent to 1636 Turkish professional athletes incorporating standardized scales assessing athlete-specific stress, depression, and anxiety. A total of 579 professional athletes (29% SARS-CoV-2 positive) participated in the study. While female athletes reported higher anxiety scores than males (p < 0.01), the depression scores of the athletes who had been infected with SARS-CoV-2 were significantly higher than athletes who were not infected (p = 0.03). Higher athlete-specific stress, depression, and anxiety scores were associated with participating in an individual sport, experiencing chronic pain, severe sports injury history, and performance concerns (all p < 0.01). MH symptoms in athletes were associated with being infected with SARS-CoV-2, female gender, participating in an individual sport, and performance concerns. MH assessments should be undertaken with athletes to detect vulnerabilities and enable appropriate and timely MH interventions.

Electromyostimulation Application on Peroneus Longus Muscle Improves Balance and Strength in American Football Players.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 5 weeks of electromyostimulation (EMS) of the peroneus longus muscle on balance and muscle strength in American Football (AmF) players. METHODS: Thirty-two healthy male athletes (4 American Football team training sessions per week, college level) were randomly divided into the EMS and control groups. The EMS applications were conducted on the dominant peroneus longus muscle 3 times per week for 5 weeks, with each application lasting 25 minutes. Before and after the interventions, the strength of ankle dorsiflexion-plantar flexion and foot eversion-inversion was measured with isometric dynamometer and anterior-posterior sway, mediolateral sway, perimeter, and ellipse area were measured with the Technobody Balance System in unilateral stance positions, while eyes were open. RESULTS: Changes between initial and final tests for dorsiflexion and eversion strength, and mediolateral sway for dynamic balance in the groups were significantly different (P = .039, P = .027, P = .030, respectively). CONCLUSION: The EMS application had positive effects on muscle strength and dynamic balance of AmF players. The EMS can be used to improve isometric strength and dynamic balance in AmF players.

Mental health problems and risk assessment in football players infected with SARS-CoV-2: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Although the negative psychological impact of the pandemic on athletes is well known, there is currently insufficient evidence regarding mental health (MH) problems among athletes infected with SARS-CoV-2. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between MH problems, demographics, and SARS-CoV-2 related variables in football players infected with SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: An online survey included demographic questions, SARS-CoV-2 related questions, the Athlete Psychological Strain Questionnaire, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 was distributed to male and female professional football players aged between 18-38 and infected with SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS: A total of 261 football players participated in the study. The odds of athlete-specific distress in lower-level football players were up to 5.9 times more than those competing at the highest level (OR=3.06-5.93, 95% CI: 1.27-14.43, P<0.01). The odds of depression and stress in lower-level football players were up to 6.7 times more than those competing at the highest level (both OR=3.70-6.77, 95% CI: 1.18-19.20, P<0.01). In players who reported sleep problems, there was increased risk of athlete-specific distress (OR=2.43, 95% CI: 1.31-4.52, P<0.01), depression (OR=3.71, 95% CI: 1.98-6.95, P<0.01), anxiety (OR=2.93, 95% CI: 1.62-5.28, P<0.01), and stress (OR=7.08 95% CI: 3.52-14.02, P<0.01). There was increased risk of depression and stress in female players (OR=5.78, 95% CI: 2.03-16.4, P<0.01; OR=4.91, 95% CI: 1.57-15.4, P<0.01; respectively). The odds of anxiety in players who reported severe SARS-C0V-2 symptoms were up to 2.2 times more than asymptomatic players (OR=2.28, 95% CI: 1.08-4.82, P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: MH problems in football players infected with SARS-CoV-2 were associated with female gender, participation in football in the lower-level, performance concerns, and sleep problems. MH assessment is indicated in athletes infected with SARS-CoV-2 to support detection, and appropriate and timely intervention.

Injuries in elite level male beach soccer players: a prospective three year study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and characteristics of match and training injuries in elite-level national male beach soccer players. METHOD: The incidence, mechanism, location, type, severity, and burden of injuries of the Turkish national beach soccer team were recorded between 2017 and 2019. RESULTS: A total of 136 injuries occurred during the study period. Total injury incidence was 238.9 injuries/1,000 match hours (MHs) and 37.7 injuries/1,000 training hours (THs) (p < 0.001). Twenty-seven injuries led to time-loss, and the incidences for match and training injuries were 36.7 and 7.9 per 1,000 hours, respectively. Of medical attention injuries (MAI) caused by trauma, 54.6% (n = 53) were due to another player and, 60.9% (n = 14) of time-loss injuries (TLI) caused by trauma were due to non-contact trauma (p < 0.001). While 82% (n = 91) of training injuries occurred in lower extremities, 29% (n = 9) of match injuries occurred in the head/neck region (p < 0.001). Head injury incidence was 45.9 per 1,000 match hours. Of MAI, 50% (n = 57) were contusion, and 32.1% (n = 9) of TLI were strain (p < 0.001). Also, the most common injury subtype was foot/toe contusion during match and training (19.4%; n = 6, 27.9%; n = 31, respectively). The majority of injuries 91.9% (n = 125) had slight severity. CONCLUSION: Head trauma, tendon injury, and foot/toe contusion are important for clinical practice in beach soccer. Protective measures (rule regulation, use of protective equipment, etc.) should be considered to prevent these injuries.

Competing against COVID-19: what about the mental health problems of athletes with disabilities?

OBJECTIVES: Although there is growing interest in athletes' mental health (MH), there is a paucity of research exploring MH in athletes with disabilities (AWD). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological state of AWD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey including demographic questions, SARS-CoV-2-related questions, and standardized scales assessing depression, anxiety, stress, coronavirus anxiety (CAS), and nonspecific psychological distress was distributed to AWD. RESULTS: A total of 362 athletes (183 AWD) participated in the study (response rate 31.2%). AWD infected with SARS-CoV-2 reported higher depression, anxiety, and CAS scores than AWD not infected with SARS-CoV-2 (Z = -2.10, ES = 0.15 Z = -3.45, ES = 0.25; Z = -2.43, ES = 0.18; respectively). Female AWD reported higher anxiety scores compared to males (Z = -2.25, ES = 0.16). Depression (Z = -2.80, ES = 0.20), stress (Z = -2.12, ES = 0.15) and K-10 (Z = -2.02, ES = 0.14 scores of individual sport AWD were higher than team sports AWD. CONCLUSION: MH problems in AWD were associated with a wide range of variables such as being infected with SARS-CoV-2, female gender, competing in an individual sport, and having performance concerns. In light of these results, MH assessment should be undertaken for AWD to ensure appropriate and timely intervention.

The psychological impact of COVID-19 infection on athletes: example of professional male football players.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychological state of professional male football players who were infected by COVID-19.Method: The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale were sent to players' smartphones by sharing a link to the questionnaire. A total of 523 professional football players aged between 18-38 years from 93 different sports clubs participated in the study. The players were divided into 2 groups according to Sars-COV-2 PCR test results.Results: Depression, anxiety, stress, and psychological distress scores of football players who were infected by COVID-19 were higher compared to players who were not infected by COVID-19 (all p < 0.001). Depression, stress, and psychological distress scores were higher for football players with higher loss of income than players with lower loss of income (p = 0.017, p = 0.007, p = 0.005, respectively). There were significant differences in anxiety, depression, and psychological distress scores in favor of the 18-22-year age group (p = 0.002, p = 0.009, p = 0.004, respectively).Conclusion: COVID-19 infection negatively affects the psychological states of football players. The psychological states of professional football players who were infected by COVID-19 should be monitored closely and psychological support should be provided.