Can caffeine improve your performance? Psychophysiological effects - A systematic review.

Caffeine is a widely used ergogenic aid in society, which has made it a topic of interest due to its various benefits at cognitive, physiological, and sports levels, among others. This review aims to investigate the potential benefits of caffeine supplementation in psychophysiological performance through a structured search in the SportsDiscus/Scopus/MEDLINE and Web of Science databases (October 2022). This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline, and the inclusion criteria were defined based on the PICOS model. Double-blind, randomized/semi-randomized crossover articles comparing caffeine intake with an identical placebo condition were included. Filters by age or gender of the participants were not applied. The initial search gave a result of 201 articles, which after eliminating duplicates and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the final sample for this review was 8 studies. The review concluded that 3 (37.5 %) found favorable ergogenic effects, 4 (50 %) found partial effects, and 1 (12.5 %) found no effects of caffeine supplementation on variables related to psychophysiological performance. In general, both partial and negative results could be linked to insufficient doses to produce any change, likewise, habitual caffeine consumption is also a variable that could be attenuating its potential ergogenic effect. In conclusion, moderate doses of caffeine 3-6 mg/kg seem to be an effective strategy to improve the psychophysiological response in various contexts without generating detrimental effects on performance, as long as the intervention designs consider the variables that could condition its effect.

Psychological Aspects of Motocross Racing Considering Expected, Perceived, and Actual Performance.

Motocross racing is a seldom-researched popular extreme sport. This field research aimed to investigate feeling states, perceived arousal, anxiety, and negative and positive affect in the anticipatory and recovery race periods and their relationship to expected and perceived performance. Twenty Motocross racers completed psychometric scales before and after a national championship race. Results revealed that objective performance was unrelated to psychological measures. Arousal, anxiety, and positive affect were lower after the race. Expected performance was unrelated to postrace measures. Still, perceived performance correlated significantly with the feeling state, anxiety, and positive affect after the race and the feeling state before the race. Furthermore, racers who performed as expected or better showed improved feeling states after the race compared with those who did worse than expected. The core affect of the latter group declined. This research on psychological states during Motocross races could motivate new initiatives for future studies.

The Expanded Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI-3): Towards Reliable and International Screening of Exercise-Related Dysfunction.

Exercise addiction (EA) refers to excessive exercise, lack of control, and health risks. The Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI) is one of the most widely used tools in its assessment. However, the cross-cultural psychometric properties of the EAI could be improved because it misses three pathological patterns, including guilt, exercise despite injury, and experienced harm. Therefore, the present study tested the psychometric properties of the expanded EAI (EAI-3) in a large international sample. The EAI-3 was administered to 1931 physically active adult exercisers speaking five languages (Chinese, German, Italian, Japanese, and Turkish) and other measures for obsessive-compulsive behavior, eating disorders, and personality traits. The assessment structure and reliability of the EAI-3 were tested with factorial analyses and through measurement invariance across languages and sex. Finally, a cutoff point for dysfunction-proneness was calculated. The EAI-3 comprised two factors, reflecting the positive and pathological sides of exercise. The structure had excellent reliability and goodness-of-fit indices and configural and metric invariances of the scale were supported. However, three items caused violations in scalar invariance. The results of partial measurement invariance testing suggested an adequate fit for the data. Following sensitivity and specificity analysis, the EAI-3's cutoff score was 34 out of a maximum score of 48. This preliminary study suggests that the EAI-3 is a promising tool for screening EA in an international sample, with a robust and reliable structure comparable across languages and sex. In addition, the proposed cutoff could pave the way toward a consensus on a threshold to screen for EA.

Influence of Exogenous Factors Related to Nutritional and Hydration Strategies and Environmental Conditions on Fatigue in Endurance Sports: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to examine the influence of exogenous factors related to nutritional and hydration strategies and environmental conditions, as modulators of fatigue, including factors associated with performance fatigability and perceived fatigability, in endurance tests lasting 45 min to 3 h. A search was carried out using four databases: PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and EBSCO. A total of 5103 articles were screened, with 34 included in the meta-analysis. The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022327203) and adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. The study quality was evaluated according to the PEDro score and assessed using Rosenthal's fail-safe N. Carbohydrate (CHO) intake increased the time to exhaustion (p < 0.001) and decreased the heart rate (HR) during the test (p = 0.018). Carbohydrate with protein intake (CHO + PROT) increased lactate during the test (p = 0.039). With respect to hydration, dehydrated individuals showed a higher rate of perceived exertion (RPE) (p = 0.016) and had a higher body mass loss (p = 0.018). In hot conditions, athletes showed significant increases in RPE (p < 0.001), HR (p < 0.001), and skin temperature (p = 0.002), and a decrease in the temperature gradient (p < 0.001) after the test. No differences were found when athletes were subjected to altitude or cold conditions. In conclusion, the results revealed that exogenous factors, such as nutritional and hydration strategies, as well as environmental conditions, affected fatigue in endurance sports, including factors associated with performance fatigability and perceived fatigability.

Psychometric Properties of the Healthy Lifestyle Questionnaire for Ecuadorian University Students (EVS-EUE).

University students are considered a key population in promoting and establishing healthy lifestyles that will ensure a full life for the next generations. The purpose of this study was to do a cultural and linguistic adaptation of the healthy lifestyle questionnaire for Ecuadorian university students (EVS-EUE). Two thousand, one hundred and eight (2108) students from 17 to 19 years old (27%), 20 to 24 years old (57%), and over 24 years old (16%) participated (M = 21.81 years; SD = 3.04). A confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency analysis, and concurrent validity were conducted. The results of the EVS-EUE Questionnaire presented adequate values (χ2/d.f = 9.02, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.96, Incremental Fit Index (IFI) = 0.96, McDonald Fit Index (MFI) = 0.91, Adjusted Goodness of Fit Index (AGFI) = 0.94, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.06, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR) = 0.03). The internal consistency showed values above 0.70, and analyzed its concurrent validity, reaching adequate values. This study has provided a valid and reliable questionnaire to evaluate healthy lifestyles in the Ecuadorian population.

Modulators of the Personal and Professional Threat Perception of Olympic Athletes in the Actual COVID-19 Crisis.

The COVID-19 pandemic is now a major global health issue, affecting world population and high-performance athlete too. The aim of the present research was to analyze the effect of psychological profile, academic schedule, and gender in the perception of personal and professional threat of Olympic and Paralympic athletes facing the 2021 Tokyo Olympiad in the actual COVID-19 crisis. We analyzed in 136 Olympic (26.4 ± 6.2 years) and 39 Paralympic athletes (31.8 ± 9.3 years) academic and sport variables, individual perceptions about COVID-19 crisis, personality, loneliness, psychological inflexibility, and anxiety. Paralympic athletes perceived higher negative impact in their training and performance by the confinement than Olympic athletes (+24.18, p < 0.005, r = 0.60). Neuroticism and psychological inflexibility presented the greatest negative feelings for female athletes (+32.59, p < 0.000, r = 0.13) and the perception that quarantine would negatively affect their sports performance. Finally professional athletes showed lower values in personality tests (Agreeableness factor) about COVID-19 crisis than non-professionals (-40.62, p < 0.012, r = 0.88).

Propensión al riesgo en deportistas de Córdoba, Argentina / Risk propensity in athletes from Córdoba, Argentina

Resumen La propensión al riesgo es una decisión acerca de involucrarse o evitar los riesgos; tiene un aspecto general y otro específico. La premisa es que debe abarcar varios dominios y evaluarse temporalmente, ya que las inconsistencias en las aproximaciones al riesgo pueden deberse al nivel de propensión, las demandas de la situación, sexo, edad y experiencia pasada. El objetivo del estudio fue adaptar a deportistas cordobeses el índice de toma de riesgos; una medida simple y corta con formato de respuesta Likert donde las personas deben puntuar su frecuencia de asunción de riesgos en el presente y pasado en seis dominios distintos y, además, realizar análisis de diferencias entre grupos en función de variables socio-demográficas y deportivas, así como análisis de correlación entre las variables propensión al riesgo y ocurrencia de lesiones deportivas. Primero, el índice de toma de riesgos es una escala válida y consistente para evaluar propensión al riesgo en deportistas; el análisis factorial confirmatorio indicó que el ajuste de los datos al modelo teórico planteado es satisfactorio. La confiabilidad mostró índices elevados. Segundo, se hallaron diferencias en la propensión al riesgo en función del sexo, la edad y la modalidad deportiva, así como un efecto de interacción entre estas variables. Tercero, se encontraron correlaciones bajas y positivas entre propensión y ocurrencia de lesiones deportivas. Se sugiere, a futuro, evaluar diferencias entre grupos contemplando el tipo de deporte, analizar esta variable en deportes de riesgo y profundizar el estudio de esta variable en población deportiva.

Abstract Risk propensity is a decision which entails either becoming involved in - or avoiding risks. Risk propensity has a general and specific aspect. The premise is that risk propensity has to encompass several domains and a temporal dimension. The level of propensity, situational demand, gender, age and past experience produce inconsistency in risk approaches. An instrumental study was developed to adapt the Risk Taking Index (RTI) in athletes from Córdoba, Argentina. The RTI is a simple and short measure with a Likert response format where people must rate their risk propensity in the present and past in six domains. In addition, differences between groups were performed, based on socio-demographic and sports variables, as well as correlation analysis between risk propensity and sports injuries occurrence. First, it was found that the RTI is a valid and consistent scale for assessing risk propensity in athletes. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the fit of the data to the theoretical model is satisfactory and reliability analysis showed high rates. Secondly, differences in risk propensity were found based on sex, age, and sports modality, as well as an interaction effect between these variables. Thirdly, small and positive associations were found between risk propensity and occurrence of both current and past sports injuries. In the future, it is suggested to evaluate differences between groups contemplating the type of sport, analizing risk in risky sports and delving into the study of this variable in the sports population.

Adaptación del Inventario Revisado de Ansiedad Estado Competitiva - 2 a población deportiva argentina / Adaptation of the Revised Competitive State Anxiety Inventory - 2 to sport argentinian population

La ansiedad es un proceso afectivo que recibió mucha atención en Psicología del Deporte, ya que por sus características es un ámbito fructífero para estudiar este proceso. En Argentina no se hallaron instrumentos adaptados que evalúen este constructo en ámbitos deportivos. El objetivo del estudio realizado fue adaptar el Revised Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (Cox, Martens & Russell, 2003) a una población de deportistas argentinos. Siguiendo la teoría multidimensional de la ansiedad de Martens (1974), este inventario posee 17 ítems distribuidos en tres factores: Ansiedad Somática (AS), Ansiedad Cognitiva (AC) y Autoconfianza (ACF). Se realizaron tres estudios instrumentales y uno de diferencias entre grupos para analizar si existen diferencias en los niveles de ansiedad en función del sexo, deporte y modalidad deportiva (individual - grupal). El estudio de entrevistas cognitivas posibilitó la ampliación del número de ítems por factor. Así, se analizó la estructura interna de 22 ítems mediante un análisis factorial confirmatorio. El inventario replicó la estructura factorial original con 8 ítems para ACF,7 para AS y 6 para AC. La confiabilidad presentó valores moderados a altos (de ρ = .84 a .96). Finalmente, se hallaron diferencias en función del sexo, deporte y modalidad deportiva en los niveles de AC y AS, mientras que las diferencias en ACF sólo se hallaron en función del sexo. El inventario posee adecuadas propiedades psicométricas y por lo tanto, es apropiado para la evaluación de la ansiedad estado competitiva en población deportiva argentina. Se espera que futuros estudios analicen las diferencias en los niveles de ansiedad considerando otros deportes, controlen el efecto de la edad y analicen la validez convergente del inventario.

Participating and/or competing in sports have certain characteristics that make the field of sports a productive one for the study of affective processes such as anxiety. It makes sense, then, that anxiety is a process that has received much attention in Sports Psychology since its beginnings as a discipline. Despite this, in Argentina there are currently no instruments to assess this construct in relation to sports. The aim of the present study was to adapt the Revised Competitive State Anxiety Inventory (CSAI-2R - Cox, Martens, & Russell, 2003) for use with Argentinean athletes. The CSAI-2R is composed of 17 items measuring three constructs, following Martens multidimensional anxiety theory (1974): Somatic Anxiety (SA), Cognitive Anxiety (CA), and Self-Confidence (SC). Three instrumental studies were carried out: cognitive interviews, a rating study and internal structure, and one of internal consistency. Finally, a group differences study was conducted. The cognitive interviews consisted in evaluating question comprehension by 10 athletes between the ages of 18 and 27 using a verbal probing technique. For the rating study, two experts in Sports Psychology and Psychometry judged the inventory's items in terms of their quality, as well as their congruence to the factors of interest. Lastly, for the studies of internal consistency and structure and of group differences study, the CSAI-2R was administered to 357 athletes 15 to 45 minutes prior to competing. The sample was made up of 162 females athletes and 195 males athletes between the ages of 11 and 47 (M = 21.83, SD = 5.90) overall averaging 9.18 years practicing their respective sports and all having competed at a regional to international level at least once a year (M = 2.94, SD = 2.38). The cognitive interviews helped clarify items, as well as add new ones (13 items) to be tested in subsequent studies. The rating study revealed complete agreement between the judges as regards congruence (k = 1.00; p < .05), although 8 items had to be eliminated due to poor quality (< 3). Thus, the final version the CSAI-2R replicated the original factorial structure with a total of 21 items. One item was eliminated and two had to be replaced because their factorial weight was below the established threshold of .40. Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed adequate indexes (CFI.954, TLI .948 RMSEA .062, 90% CI .055 .070, WRMR 1.199). Internal consistency of the inventory showed moderate to high composite reliability values, (from .84 to .90). Overall, the composite reliability for CSAI-2R was .96. Regarding sex differences, t tests yielded statistical differences in the levels of CA (Mmen = 11.32, Mwomen = 10.12, t(347) = 3.24, p < .05), SA (Mmen = 9.61, Mwomen = 10.81, t(347) = 3.81; p < .05), and SC (Mmen = 26.01, Mwomen = 24.55,t(347) = -2.87, p < .05). Also, sport modalities (group-individual) showed differences in SA (Mindividual = 10.89, Mgroup = 9.87, t (346) = 2.83, p < .05, d = .32) and AC (Mindividual = 9.94, Mgrupal = 10.94, t (347) = -2.47, p < .05, d = -.29). Finally, ANOVA showed differences in SA, F(3,345) = 4.39, p < .05 and CA, F(3, 345) = 3.31, p < .05 between sport type; Tukey post hoc tests showed that martial arts practitioners had higher levels of SA than soccer and hockey practitioners and lower levels of CA than field hockey practitioners. The CSAI-2R demonstrates good psychometric properties and, therefore, is an adequate instrument to assess competitive state-anxiety in Argentinian athletes. However, new instrumental studies are needed in order to check convergent validity and include new sports. Also, socio-demographic variables like age need to be taken into account in group differences studies.

Methodological and Conceptual Limitations in Exercise Addiction Research.

The aim of this brief analytical review is to highlight and disentangle research dilemmas in the field of exercise addiction. Research examining exercise addiction is primarily based on self-reports, obtained by questionnaires (incorporating psychometrically validated instruments), and interviews, which provide a range of risk scores rather than diagnosis. Survey methodology indicates that the prevalence of risk for exercise addiction is approximately 3 percent among the exercising population. Several studies have reported a substantially greater prevalence of risk for exercise addiction in elite athletes compared to those who exercise for leisure. However, elite athletes may assign a different interpretation to the assessment tools than leisure exercisers. The present paper examines the: 1) discrepancies in the classification of exercise addiction; 2) inconsistent reporting of exercise addiction prevalence; and 3) varied interpretation of exercise addiction diagnostic tools. It is concluded that there is the need for consistent terminology, to follow-up results derived from exercise addiction instruments with interviews, and to follow a theory-driven rationale in this area of research.

¿Cómo perciben los entrenadores de fútbol el rol del psicólogo del deporte?: un estudio comparativo / How perceived the soccer coaches the role of sport psychologist?: a comparative study / Como percebem os treinadores de futebol o papel do psicólogo do desporto?: um estudo comparativo

Pese al reconocimiento público y científico del papel que desempeñan las diferentes variables psicológicas en el rendimiento deportivo, existen pocos datos que permitan evidenciar cuál es la percepción que tienen los máximos responsables de la coordinación del trabajo y del entrenamiento deportivo, es decir, los entrenadores, sobre el rol que desempeña el psicólogo del deporte en un deporte tan extendido como es el fútbol. En el presente trabajo, se ha diseñado el Cuestionario de Evaluación de las Ideas Previas de los Entrenadores de Fútbol, aplicándolo a dos muestras de un total de 198entrenadores de fútbol, durante las temporadas 2003 y 2011. La comparación de los resultados, permite evidenciar cierto patrón de estabilidad en los resultados, si bien se profundiza en las diferencias encontradas, así como en la importancia de superar las barreras manifestadas por los técnicos (AU)

Despite the scientific and public recognition of the role of psychological variables in athletic performance, there is little evidence to show what is the coaches' perception on the role played by sport psychologist in a widespread sport like football. In this paper, we have designed the Cuestionario de Evaluación de las Ideas Previas de los Entrenadores de Fútbol, applying it to two samples of 198 football coaches during the 2003 and 2011 seasons. The comparison of results makes evident certain pattern of stability in the results, although the differences in depth, as well as the importance of overcoming the barriers raised by the coaches

Pese o reconhecimento público e científico do papel que desempenham as diferentes variáveis psicológicas no rendimento desportivo, existem pouco dados que permitam evidenciar qual é a percepção que têm os responsáveis máximos da coordenação do trabalho e do treino desportivo, isto é, os treinadores, sobre o papel que desempenha o psicólogo do desporto num desporto tão divulgado com é o futebol. No presente trabalho, foi criado o Cuestionario de Evaluación de las Ideas Previas de los Entrenadores de Fútbol, sendo este aplicado a duas amostras de um total de 198 treinadores de futebol, durante as temporadas 2003 e 2011. A comparação dos resultados permite evidenciar um certo padrão de estabilidade nos resultados, sendo aprofundadas as diferenças encontradas, assim como a importância de superar as barreiras manifestadas pelos técnicos