Consensus on a netball video analysis framework of descriptors and definitions by the netball video analysis consensus group.

Using an expert consensus-based approach, a netball video analysis consensus (NVAC) group of researchers and practitioners was formed to develop a video analysis framework of descriptors and definitions of physical, technical and contextual aspects for netball research. The framework aims to improve the consistency of language used within netball investigations. It also aims to guide injury mechanism reporting and identification of injury risk factors. The development of the framework involved a systematic review of the literature and a Delphi process. In conjunction with commercially used descriptors and definitions, 19 studies were used to create the initial framework of key descriptors and definitions in netball. In a two round Delphi method consensus, each expert rated their level of agreement with each of the descriptors and associated definition on a 5-point Likert scale (1-strongly disagree; 2-somewhat disagree; 3-neither agree nor disagree; 4-somewhat agree; 5-strongly agree). The median (IQR) rating of agreement was 5.0 (0.0), 5.0 (0.0) and 5.0 (0.0) for physical, technical and contextual aspects, respectively. The NVAC group recommends usage of the framework when conducting video analysis research in netball. The use of descriptors and definitions will be determined by the nature of the work and can be combined to incorporate further movements and actions used in netball. The framework can be linked with additional data, such as injury surveillance and microtechnology data.

Chronic prescription medication use in endurance runners: a cross-sectional study in 76,654 race entrants - SAFER XV.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of chronic prescription medication (CPM) use in distant runners (by age and sex) and to compare CPM use in 21.1 km vs. 56 km race entrants. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 76,654 race entrants who completed a pre-race medical screening questionnaire during race registration, which included questions on the use of CPM and CPM use in eight main categories of CPM. Prevalence (%, 95%CIs) and prevalence ratios (PR) are reported. RESULTS: The prevalence of any CPM use was 12.5% (12.2-12.8). CPM use was higher in older age categories vs. the youngest age category (31-40 yrs vs. ≤30 yrs: PR = 1.4; 41-50 yrs vs. ≤30 yrs: PR = 2.1; >50 yrs vs. ≤30 yrs: PR = 3.4) (p < 0.0001) and females vs. males (PR = 1.1; p < 0.0001). The use of any CPM was significantly higher in 21.1 km vs. 56 km race entrants (PR = 1.2; p < 0.0001). Prevalence of CPM use in main categories was: blood pressure lowering medication (3.7%), cholesterol lowering medication (3.6%), asthma medication (3.1%), and medication to treat anxiety/depression (2.6%). The pattern of CPM in the main categories differed between 21.1 km and 56 km race entrants. CONCLUSIONS: One in eight race entrants use CPM, with a higher prevalence of use among older race entrants, female vs. males, and 21.1 km vs. 56 km race entrants. Frequent CPMs used are blood pressure lowering medication, cholesterol lowering medication, asthma medication, and medication to treat anxiety/depression. The use of CPM medications may increase the risk of medical complications during exercise, and these data help identify subgroups of entrants that may be at higher risk for race medical encounters.

Chronic Disease, Allergies, and Increased Years of Running Are Risk Factors Predicting Gradual Onset Running-Related Injuries in Ultramarathon Runners-SAFER XIX Study in 29 585 Race Entrants.

OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors that predict gradual onset running-related injuries (GORRIs) in ultramarathon runners entering a mass community-based event. DESIGN: Descriptive cross-sectional study. SETTING: Two Oceans 56 km ultramarathon 2012 to 2015. PARTICIPANTS: Race entrants (n = 42 003) completed a compulsory pre-race medical history questionnaire; 29 585 (70.4%) of entrants consented. DEPENDENT/OUTCOME VARIABLE: A history of GORRIs in the past 12 months among race entrants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: In a multi-variate model, runner demographics, training variables (years of recreational running, weekly running distance, training running speed), history of chronic disease (composite score), and history of allergies were included as factors predicting GORRIs. Prevalence (%) and prevalence ratios (PR, 95% CIs) are reported. RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence of GORRIs in ultramarathon runners was 24.4%. Independent factors predicting GORRIs were: higher chronic disease composite score (PR = 2.05 times increase risk for every 2 additional chronic diseases; P < 0.0001), history of allergies (PR = 1.66; P < 0.0001), increased years of recreational running (PR = 1.07 times increased risk for every 5 year increase in running; P < 0.0001), lower average weekly running distance (PR = 0.98 times decreased risk for every 15 km increase weekly running distance; P < 0.0001), and slower average training running speed (PR = 0.96 times decreased risk for every km/h increase in training running speed; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Novel risk factors predicting GORRIs are increased number of chronic diseases and a history of allergies. These factors, together with training variables (years of recreational running, weekly running distance, and training running speed) can be targeted to develop and implement injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation interventions in ultramarathon runners.

Establishing a Global Standard for Wearable Devices in Sport and Exercise Medicine: Perspectives from Academic and Industry Stakeholders.

Millions of consumer sport and fitness wearables (CSFWs) are used worldwide, and millions of datapoints are generated by each device. Moreover, these numbers are rapidly growing, and they contain a heterogeneity of devices, data types, and contexts for data collection. Companies and consumers would benefit from guiding standards on device quality and data formats. To address this growing need, we convened a virtual panel of industry and academic stakeholders, and this manuscript summarizes the outcomes of the discussion. Our objectives were to identify (1) key facilitators of and barriers to participation by CSFW manufacturers in guiding standards and (2) stakeholder priorities. The venues were the Yale Center for Biomedical Data Science Digital Health Monthly Seminar Series (62 participants) and the New England Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting (59 participants). In the discussion, stakeholders outlined both facilitators of (e.g., commercial return on investment in device quality, lucrative research partnerships, and transparent and multilevel evaluation of device quality) and barriers (e.g., competitive advantage conflict, lack of flexibility in previously developed devices) to participation in guiding standards. There was general agreement to adopt Keadle et al.'s standard pathway for testing devices (i.e., benchtop, laboratory, field-based, implementation) without consensus on the prioritization of these steps. Overall, there was enthusiasm not to add prescriptive or regulatory steps, but instead create a networking hub that connects companies to consumers and researchers for flexible guidance navigating the heterogeneity, multi-tiered development, dynamicity, and nebulousness of the CSFW field.

Integrating Transwomen and Female Athletes with Differences of Sex Development (DSD) into Elite Competition: The FIMS 2021 Consensus Statement.

Sport is historically designated by the binary categorization of male and female that conflicts with modern society. Sport's governing bodies should consider reviewing rules determining the eligibility of athletes in the female category as there may be lasting advantages of previously high testosterone concentrations for transwomen athletes and currently high testosterone concentrations in differences in sex development (DSD) athletes. The use of serum testosterone concentrations to regulate the inclusion of such athletes into the elite female category is currently the objective biomarker that is supported by most available scientific literature, but it has limitations due to the lack of sports performance data before, during or after testosterone suppression. Innovative research studies are needed to identify other biomarkers of testosterone sensitivity/responsiveness, including molecular tools to determine the functional status of androgen receptors. The scientific community also needs to conduct longitudinal studies with specific control groups to generate the biological and sports performance data for individual sports to inform the fair inclusion or exclusion of these athletes. Eligibility of each athlete to a sport-specific policy needs to be based on peer-reviewed scientific evidence made available to policymakers from all scientific communities. However, even the most evidence-based regulations are unlikely to eliminate all differences in performance between cisgender women with and without DSD and transwomen athletes. Any remaining advantage held by transwomen or DSD women could be considered as part of the athlete's unique makeup.

Nowhere to hide: The significant impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) measures on elite and semi-elite South African athletes.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the perceptions of South African elite and semi-elite athletes on return to sport (RTS); maintenance of physical conditioning and other activities; sleep; nutrition; mental health; healthcare access; and knowledge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). DESIGN: Cross- sectional study. METHODS: A Google Forms survey was distributed to athletes from 15 sports in the final phase (last week of April 2020) of the level 5 lockdown period. Descriptive statistics were used to describe player demographic data. Chi-squared tests investigated significance (p<0.05) between observed and expected values and explored sex differences. Post hoc tests with a Bonferroni adjustment were included where applicable. RESULTS: 67% of the 692 respondents were males. The majority (56%) expected RTS after 1-6 months. Most athletes trained alone (61%; p<0.0001), daily (61%; p<0.0001) at moderate intensity (58%; p<0.0001) and for 30-60min (72%). During leisure time athletes preferred sedentary above active behaviour (p<0.0001). Sleep patterns changed significantly (79%; p<0.0001). A significant number of athletes consumed excessive amounts of carbohydrates (76%; p<0.0001; males 73%; females 80%). Many athletes felt depressed (52%), and required motivation to keep active (55%). Most had access to healthcare during lockdown (80%) and knew proceedings when suspecting COVID-19 (92%). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 had physical, nutritional and psychological consequences that may impact on the safe RTS and general health of athletes. Lost opportunities and uncertain financial and sporting futures may have significant effects on athletes and the sports industry. Government and sporting federations must support athletes and develop and implement guidelines to reduce the risk in a COVID-19 environment.