Para sport and anti-doping: a study of Swedish Para athletes' experiences and perceptions.

Introduction: A well-functioning anti-doping system relies on being perceived by athletes as effective, fair, and practically feasible to implement. While research has highlighted the views of Olympic athletes on anti-doping over the past decade, the experiences and perceptions of Para athletes have not been extensively explored. The purpose of this study was to examine Swedish elite Para athletes' experiences and perceptions of the policy and practice of the anti-doping system. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional approach was used, with a web survey elaborated from a survey with Olympic athletes adjusted for Para athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual impairments. The sample consisted of 66 active Para athletes competing at national or international level (response rate 71%). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and differences between subgroups were examined Fisher's exact test. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze open-ended questions. Results: Most of the respondents expressed a positive outlook on the anti-doping system, advocating for comprehensive efforts. A significant portion (35%) had not received anti-doping education, with those who did reporting increased confidence in avoiding unintentional doping. Despite their elite status, half of the respondents had not undergone doping control. Mistrust regarding the system's effectiveness and fairness was identified, with over half of the participants emphasizing the need for new technical solutions to enhance procedures specifically tailored for Para athletes. Discussion: The athletes in this study advocate for a Para sports-focused approach in the anti-doping system, emphasizing equal testing opportunities, procedural adjustments for independence and privacy, and increased access to education. The findings illuminate the unique conditions faced by athletes with impairments within the anti-doping system, offering valuable insights for policymaking in the development of anti-doping strategies tailored to Para athletes and their various impairments.

Exploring the Experiences and Perspectives of Division III Athletes Regarding Personalized Nutrition Plans for Improved Performance-A Qualitative Investigation.

(1) Background: This qualitative study explores Division III college student-athletes' experiences and perceptions of personalized nutrition plans in collegiate sports settings. (2) Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted using a general qualitative research design. Using a grounded theory approach, a thematic analysis was utilized to analyze the interview transcripts, allowing for the identification of recurring themes and patterns. (3) Results: A total of 30 Division III college student-athletes, 16 males (53.3%) and 14 females (46.7%), representing a diverse range of sports disciplines, engaged in discussions about personalized nutrition plans. Analysis of the data revealed five main themes: (1) Nutritional Knowledge and Awareness, (2) Perceived Benefits of Personalized Nutrition Plans, (3) Challenges and Barriers to Implementation, (4) Influence of Team Culture and Environment, and (5) Suggestions for Improvement. (4) Conclusion: This study sheds light on the complexities of implementing personalized nutrition plans in collegiate sports settings and emphasizes the need for comprehensive, athlete-centered approaches to optimize performance and well-being.

The Impact of Normobaric Hypoxia and Intermittent Hypoxic Training on Cardiac Biomarkers in Endurance Athletes: A Pilot Study.

This study explores the effects of normobaric hypoxia and intermittent hypoxic training (IHT) on the physiological condition of the cardiac muscle in swimmers. Hypoxia has been reported to elicit both beneficial and adverse changes in the cardiovascular system, but its impact on the myocardium during acute exercise and altitude/hypoxic training remains less understood. We aimed to determine how a single bout of intense interval exercise and a four-week period of high-intensity endurance training under normobaric hypoxia affect cardiac marker activity in swimmers. Sixteen young male swimmers were divided into two groups: one undergoing training in hypoxia and the other in normoxia. Cardiac markers, including troponin I and T (cTnI and cTnT), heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP), creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme (CK-MB), and myoglobin (Mb), were analyzed to assess the myocardium's response. We found no significant differences in the physiological response of the cardiac muscle to intense physical exertion between hypoxia and normoxia. Four weeks of IHT did not alter the resting levels of cTnT, cTnI, and H-FABP, but it resulted in a noteworthy decrease in the resting concentration of CK-MB, suggesting enhanced cardiac muscle adaptation to exercise. In contrast, a reduction in resting Mb levels was observed in the control group training in normoxia. These findings suggest that IHT at moderate altitudes does not adversely affect cardiac muscle condition and may support cardiac muscle adaptation, affirming the safety and efficacy of IHT as a training method for athletes.

Outrunning the grim reaper: longevity of the first 200 sub-4 min mile male runners.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of running a sub-4 min mile on longevity. It was hypothesised that there would be an increase in longevity for runners who successfully completed a sub-4 min mile compared with the general population. METHODS: As part of this retrospective cohort study, the Sub-4 Alphabetic Register was used to extract the first 200 athletes to run a sub-4 min mile. Each runner's date of birth, date of their first successful mile attempt, current age (if alive) or age at death was compared with the United Nations Life Tables to determine the difference in each runner's current age or age at death with their country of origin-specific life expectancy. RESULTS: Of the first 200 sub-4 min mile runners (100% male), 60 were dead (30%) and 140 were still alive. Sub-4 min mile runners lived an average of 4.7 years beyond their predicted life expectancy (95% CI 4.7 to 4.8). When accounting for the decade of completion (1950s, 1960s or 1970s), the longevity benefits were 9.2 years (n=22; 95% CI 8.3 to 10.1), 5.5 years (n=88; 95% CI 5.3 to 5.7) and 2.9 years (n=90; 95% CI 2.7 to 3.1), respectively. CONCLUSION: Sub-4 min mile runners have increased longevity compared with the general population, thereby challenging the notion that extreme endurance exercise may be detrimental to longevity.

The power of Para sport: the effect of performance-focused swimming training on motor function in adolescents with cerebral palsy and high support needs (GMFCS IV) - a single-case experimental design with 30-month follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the effect of a performance-focused swimming programme on motor function in previously untrained adolescents with cerebral palsy and high support needs (CPHSN) and to determine whether the motor decline typical of adolescents with CPHSN occurred in these swimmers. METHODS: A Multiple-Baseline, Single-Case Experimental Design (MB-SCED) study comprising five phases and a 30-month follow-up was conducted. Participants were two males and one female, all aged 15 years, untrained and with CPHSN. The intervention was a 46-month swimming training programme, focused exclusively on improving performance. Outcomes were swim performance (velocity); training load (rating of perceived exertion min/week; swim distance/week) and Gross Motor Function Measure-66-Item Set (GMFM-66). MB-SCED data were analysed using interrupted time-series simulation analysis. Motor function over 46 months was modelled (generalised additive model) using GMFM-66 scores and compared with a model of predicted motor decline. RESULTS: Improvements in GMFM-66 scores in response to training were significant (p<0.001), and two periods of training withdrawal each resulted in significant motor decline (p≤0.001). Participant motor function remained above baseline levels for the study duration, and, importantly, participants did not experience the motor decline typical of other adolescents with CPHSN. Weekly training volumes were also commensurate with WHO recommended physical activity levels. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that adolescents with CPHSN who meet physical activity guidelines through participation in competitive swimming may prevent motor decline. However, this population is clinically complex, and in order to permit safe, effective participation in competitive sport, priority should be placed on the development of programmes delivered by skilled multiprofessional teams. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12616000326493.

Thoracic outlet syndrome in overhead athletes.

Background: We aimed to retrospectively compare the clinical outcomes of endoscopy-assisted first-rib resection for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) between overhead athletes and nonathletes and investigate the return to same-level sports rate in overhead athletes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 181 cases with TOS (75 women, 106 men; mean age, 28.4 years; range, 12-57 years) who underwent endoscopy-assisted first-rib resection. We divided into two groups: 79 overhead athletes and 102 nonathletes groups. A transaxillary approach for first-rib resection and neurovascular decompression was performed under magnified visualization. Endoscopic findings related to the neurovascular bundle, interscalene distance, and scalene muscle were evaluated intraoperatively. We assessed the Roos and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores, return to same-level sports rate, and ball velocity. Results: Overhead athletes were significantly more likely to be men, younger, used the dominant side more frequently, and have a larger physique, more shoulder and elbow pain, and shorter symptom duration. The outcomes of the Roos score revealed significant differences in excellent or good results between overhead athletes (91.1%) and nonathletes (62.8%). The two groups significantly differed in preoperative and postoperative Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and recovery rate scores (P = .007, < .001, < .001). Conclusion: Overhead athletes with TOS were more likely to be men, younger, dominant side more frequently, and have more shoulder and elbow pain, and a shorter symptom duration. Endoscopy-assisted transaxillary first-rib resection and neurolysis provided superior clinical outcomes in overhead athletes with TOS compared with nonathletes and a high return-to-same-level-play rate in sports.

Day-to-Day Glycemic Variability Using Continuous Glucose Monitors in Endurance Athletes.

OBJECTIVES: The application of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to measure interstitial glucose in athletic populations is limited by the lack of accepted athlete-specific reference values. The aim of this study was to develop athlete-specific reference ranges for glycemic variability under standardized diet and exercise conditions. METHODS: A total of 12 elite racewalkers (n = 7 men, 22.4 ± 3.5 years, VO2max 61.6 ± 7.3 mL kg-1 min-1) completed two 4-d trials separated by 4-d. Athletes were provided a high-energy, high-carbohydrate diet (225 ± 1.6 kJ kg-1 day-1, 8.4 ± 0.3 g kg-1 day-1 carbohydrate) and completed standardized daily exercise. The timing of food consumed and exercise undertaken were matched each day across the 4-d trials. Interstitial glucose data were collected via Freestyle Libre 2 CGMs. Glycemic variability was calculated as the mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGEs), mean of daily differences (MODD), and standard deviation (SD). RESULTS: Twenty-four hour MODD, MAGE, and SD for interstitial glucose were 12.6 ± 1.8 mg/dL (0.7 ± 0.1 mmol/L), 36.0 ± 5.4 mg/dL (2.0 ± 0.3 mmol/L), and 16.2 ± 1.8 mg/dL (0.9 ± 0.1 mmol/L), respectively. Twenty-four hour mean glucose (MG; 102.6 ± 5.4 mg/dL [5.7 ± 0.3 mmol/L]) was higher than overnight (91.8 ± 5.4 mg/dL [5.1 ± 0.3 mmol/L]; P < .0001) and was lower in women than men (99.0 ± 3.6 mg/dL [5.5 ± 0.2 mmol/L] vs 104.4 ± 3.6 mg/dL [5.8 ± 0.2 mmol/L]; P = .059, d = 1.4). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides reference indices under standardized diet and exercise conditions for glycemic variability derived from CGMs in endurance athletes which are similar than previously reported for healthy individuals, despite strenuous daily training and a high daily energy and carbohydrate diet.

Female patients have greater improvement in pain symptoms and physical activity after fasciotomy for treatment of chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the lower leg.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify sex differences in postoperative outcomes and return-to-sport rates after fasciotomy for treatment of chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) of the lower leg. It was hypothesised that male CECS patients would have a higher rate of return to sport than female CECS patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving patients who underwent primary fasciotomy of one to four leg compartments for treatment of CECS at a single centre from 2010 to 2020. Each affected leg was treated as a separate subject. Postoperative outcomes included CECS pain frequency and severity, return to sport and Tegner activity level. Multivariable regression was used to determine if sex was an independent predictor of outcomes after adjusting for demographic and clinical covariates. p < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Eighty-one legs (44 M, 37 F) of 47 unique patients (34 of whom had bilateral symptoms) were included with a mean follow-up time of 51.5 ± 31.4 months. Male subjects were older (p < 0.001) and had higher body mass index (p < 0.001) compared to female subjects. Most subjects (84.0%) underwent two- or four-compartment fasciotomies. Female sex was found to be predictive of lower overall postoperative pain severity (p = 0.007), higher odds of return to sport (p = 0.04) and higher postoperative Tegner score (p = 0.005). However, female sex was not predictive of postoperative pain frequency, odds of reoperation or odds of return to sport to at least the presymptomatic level (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Female sex is independently predictive of reduced overall pain severity, higher odds of return to sport and higher postoperative improvement in Tegner score following fasciotomy for treatment of lower-limb CECS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Impact of treadmill running on distal femoral cartilage thickness: a cross-sectional study of professional athletes and healthy controls.

PURPOSE: This present study aimed to assess the impact of treadmill running on distal femoral cartilage thickness. METHODS: Professional athletes aged 20 to 40 years with a history of treadmill running (minimum 75 min per week for the past three months or more) and age-, sex-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy controls were recruited. Demographics and clinical features of participants were recorded. Athletes were divided into subgroup 1 with less than 12 months of treadmill running and subgroup 2 with 12 months or more of treadmill running. Distal femoral cartilage thicknesses were measured at the midpoints of the right medial condyle (RMC), right intercondylar area (RIA), right lateral condyle (RLC), left medial condyle (LMC), left intercondylar area (LIA), and left lateral condyle (LLC) via ultrasonography. RESULT: A total of 72 athletes (mean age: 29.6 ± 6.6 years) and 72 controls (mean age: 31.9 ± 6.7 years) were enrolled. Athletes had significantly thinner cartilages in the RLC (2.21 ± 0.38 vs. 2.39 ± 0.31 cm, p = 0.002), LLC (2.28 ± 0.37 vs. 2.46 ± 0.35 cm, p = 0.004), and LMC (2.28 ± 0.42 vs. 2.42 ± 0.36 cm, p = 0.039) compared with the control group. Furthermore, cartilage thickness was significantly thinner in subgroup 2 athletes compared with the control group in the RLC (2.13 ± 0.34 vs. 2.39 ± 0.31 cm, p = 0.001), LLC (2.22 ± 0.31 vs. 2.46 ± 0.35 cm, p = 0.005), and LMC (2.21 ± 0.46 vs. 2.42 ± 0.36 cm, p = 0.027); however, subgroup 1 athletes did not have such differences. There was a weak negative correlation between total months of treadmill running and cartilage thickness in the RLC (r = - 0.0236, p = 0.046) and LLC (r = - 0.0233, p = 0.049). No significant correlation was found between the distal femoral cartilage thickness at different sites and the patients' demographic features, including age, BMI, speed and incline of treadmill running, and minutes of running per session and week (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with healthy controls, professional athletes with a history of long-term high-intensity treadmill running had thinner femoral cartilages. The duration (months) of treadmill running was weakly negatively correlated with distal femoral cartilage thickness. Longitudinal studies with prolonged follow-ups are needed to clarify how treadmill running affects femoral cartilage thickness in athletes.

Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Elbow in Overhead Athletes: A Comprehensive Narrative Review.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the elbow mainly occurs in overhead athletes (OHAs). This narrative review aimed to comprehensively analyze the epidemiological data, etiological factors, clinical and imaging features, treatment options, and outcomes of OHAs with the diagnosis of elbow OCD. A literature search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science. Individuals with elbow OCD were usually 10-17 years of age with incidence and prevalence varying between studies, depending on the sport activity of the patients. The etiology of OCD lesions is multifactorial, and the main causes are believed to be repetitive trauma, the biomechanical disproportion of the articular surfaces, poor capitellar vascular supply, and inflammatory and genetic factors. Athletes usually presented with elbow pain and mechanical symptoms. The mainstay for the diagnosis of elbow OCD is MRI. The treatment of elbow OCD lesions should be conservative in cases of stable lesions, while various types of surgical treatment are suggested in unstable lesions, depending mainly on the size and localization of the lesion. The awareness of medical practitioners and the timely diagnosis of OCD lesions in OHAs are key to favorable outcomes.

Symptomatology and knowledge regarding pelvic floor dysfunctions and influence of gender stereotypes in female athletes.

Pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFD) are highly prevalent among females who do athletics, a sport requiring jumping, strength, and running. Although educational approaches are useful options, the educational need for this particular population remains unknown. The objective of the present study was to describe the level of knowledge regarding PFD and its relationship with symptomatology and gender stereotypes in female athletes in Spain. A total of 255 female athletes completed an anonymous online survey to explore their knowledge regarding urinary incontinence (UI), pelvic organ prolapse (POP), anal incontinence (AI), and sexual dysfunction (SexD), as well as their PFD symptoms and gender stereotyped beliefs related to sport. Educational level and sports characteristics (training volume, experience, and athletic modality) were also explored. Participants demonstrated a low level of knowledge in terms of POP (52.5%), AI (64.0%), and SexD (40%), but not for UI (70.8%). The proportion of PFD complaints was 63.5% for dyspareunia, 51.8% for urine leakage, 42.4% for pelvic pain, 17.3% for AI, and 9.0% for POP, with no associations with knowledge (p > 0.05). Lower knowledge about UI and SexD was related to greater gender stereotypes (p < 0.05) and rejection of professional healthcare (p = 0.010). As a conclusion, the level of knowledge about PFD was low in female athletes who train and compete in athletics in Spain, mainly with regard to sexual dysfunction. Although 63.5% of athletes had dyspareunia and 51.8% urinary leakages, symptomatology was not associated with level of knowledge. However, a lower level of knowledge was associated with more stereotyped beliefs and rejection of professional healthcare for PFD. These findings confirm the need to design appropriate educational interventions to disseminate information on all the types of PFD, particularly sexual contents. The potential influence of gender stereotypes makes it appropriate to include the gender perspective in these interventions.

Study of the influence of psychological mood on the performance and mental health of athletes in VR-aided basketball training.

The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of psychological mood on the performance and mental health of athletes during VR training. The study involved representatives of both men's and women's basketball teams from universities in China (62 girls and 65 boys, whose average age was 18.2). The participants were divided into 2 groups. Both groups trained regularly, except the experimental group used VR technology, while the control group did not. To study the physical performance of respondents, a complex psychophysiological test was used. The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) was used to assess the psychological mood and mental health of respondents. The VR training has been proven to increase the psychological attitude of basketball players during the training. Specifically, it has a positive effect on the psychophysiological performance indicators and mental health of athletes. Prospective research will be aimed at a comparative study of the impact of VR technology in the training process on the results of basketball players and representatives of other team sports.

IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON ELECTIVE KNEE SURGERIES IN ATHLETES.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, elective orthopedic surgeries were interrupted in most healthcare services. This leads to impacts on the quality of life, as well as on the emotional, professional, and financial situation of patient athletes who had their surgical treatment postponed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical, emotional, and professional impacts on athletes who had their knee surgery postponed. METHODS: This study included 21 patients who were diagnosed with knee injuries and were on a surgical waiting list. Participants answered a questionnaire with socioeconomic questions, activity level (amateur/professional), diagnosis, proposed surgery, and questions about anxiety regarding the postponement and uncertainty of performing the surgery, worsening symptoms, and psychological status in general. RESULTS: The most prevalent diagnosis was anterior cruciate ligament injury (81%). Moreover, 42.9% of patients reported being highly anxious about the date of surgery, with 23.8% being highly anxious about the uncertainty of surgery. There was a direct positive correlation (r = 0.418), indicating a higher level of anxiety in patients who faced greater financial impact. CONCLUSION: The indefinite postponement of surgeries had a great impact on anxiety levels and surgery uncertainty of patients awaiting surgery. Level of Evidence III, Transversal Study.

Com a pandemia de COVID-19, as cirurgias ortopédicas eletivas foram interrompidas na maioria dos serviços de saúde. Isso acarretou impacto emocional, profissional, financeiro e na qualidade de vida de atletas que tiveram seu tratamento cirúrgico adiado. Objetivo: Avaliar esse impacto clínico, emocional e profissional em atletas que tiveram suas cirurgias de joelho postergadas. Métodos: Foram selecionados 21 pacientes com diagnóstico de lesão do joelho que estavam aguardando intervenção cirúrgica. Eles responderam um questionário sobre sua situação socioeconômica, nível de atividade (amador/profissional), diagnóstico, cirurgia proposta, ansiedade em relação ao adiamento e incerteza da realização da cirurgia, piora dos sintomas e quadro psicológico de modo geral. Resultados: O diagnóstico mais prevalente foi a lesão do ligamento cruzado anterior (81%). Dos pacientes, 42,9% relataram estar muito ansiosos sobre a data da cirurgia, e 23,8% muito ansiosos quanto à incerteza da cirurgia. Houve correlação positiva direta (r = 0,418) que indicou maior nível de ansiedade nos pacientes conforme o aumento do impacto financeiro. Conclusão: A suspensão indeterminada das cirurgias gerou um grande impacto, com ansiedade e incerteza dos pacientes que estavam aguardando suas cirurgias. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo Transversal.

Urinary Incontinence in Active Female Young Adults: Healthcare Preferences, Priorities and Experiences.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: There is a paucity of evidence on the healthcare preferences of active female young adults with urinary incontinence (UI). This research is aimed at examining the population's healthcare preferences and priorities and their characteristics and experiences to improve access to and use of services. METHODS: This cross-sectional online survey study used a convenience community sample. Participants resided in Australia, were 18-30 years old, had self-reported engagement in physical activity of any frequency and self-reported urine leakage in the previous 4 weeks and met other eligibility criteria. Data were analysed using descriptive analyses. RESULTS: Thirty-nine participants took part in the study. The majority engaged in recreational exercise (74.2%) and experienced UI of slight to moderate severity (82.9%). Participants preferred to access information and support anonymously online (71.4%) from general practitioners (58.8%), medical specialists (50.0%) or physiotherapists (44.1%). All participants wanted to be involved in the UI management decision-making process. Participants prioritised knowing information over cost (38.2%), changes to daily habits (35.3%) and potential risks or side effects (23.5%) when making decisions about management of UI. CONCLUSION: The results highlight the diversity among active female young adults with UI. They emphasise the need for shared decision making and highlight key information needs, providing the basis for the development of decision-making tools and protocols specific to this population. They demonstrate the need for anonymous online information and support, and draw attention to the presence of UI among young recreational exercisers, highlighting the importance of ensuring that information and support is available within this demographic.

Effects of mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy on timing sequence recovery of muscle fatigue in chinese university male athletes.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the timing sequence recovery effects of single and repeated Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (MHOT) on muscle fatigue induced by cycling exercise through a comprehensive set of parameters. Methods: This study employed a controlled crossover design involving 12 Chinese secondary national-level male athletes. Each participant completed two identical trials over six days. Each trial consisted of a 90-min cycling exercise followed by either a Control (CON) intervention (1 atm absolute (ATA), 20.9 % oxygen, 60 min) or MHOT intervention (1.25 ATA, 26%-28 % oxygen, 60 min). Various physiological parameters including Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), Heart Rate (HR), Peripheral Oxygen Saturation (SpO2), Perfusion Index (PI%), Creatine Kinase (CK), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Lactic Acid (LA), Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Malondialdehyde (MDA), and Standing Long Jump Distance (SLJ) were measured at six different time points throughout the trials. Results: RPE revealed that the MHOT group experienced reduced subjective fatigue in comparison to the CON group (P < 0.05). Additionally, MHOT demonstrated quicker recovery in HR and PI% compared to the CON group (P < 0.05). Regarding CK, LA, BUN, SOD, and MDA levels, the MHOT group exhibited accelerated recovery post-6 intervention and at the 24-h mark after six interventions, showing significant improvement over the CON group (P < 0.05). However, no notable disparity was observed between groups concerning SpO2, LDH, and SLJ. Conclusions: Both single and repeated sessions of MHOT demonstrated efficacy in alleviating subjective fatigue and promoting recovery of heart rate and blood perfusion following muscle fatigue, ensuring parallel structure and consistency in their effects. Repeated MHOT sessions (six times) exhibit a significant reduction in levels of blood markers associated with muscle damage, metabolites, and oxidative stress. However, the impact of a single MHOT intervention was less pronounced.

Self-regulation training improves stress resilience in elite pre-pubescent female gymnasts.

Introduction: In the context of young female athletes, namely elite gymnasts, effective stress management strategies not only enhance performance, but also reduce the risk of injuries and promote overall well-being. This study aims to investigate the effects of biofeedback-based training on stress management in prepubescent elite female gymnasts, recognizing its pivotal role in promoting healthy growth and proper training load management. Methods: Eight elite young female athletes from a top flight French national league club participated in an experimental condition involving four-week biofeedback training program to improve self-regulation skills, during both rest and stress phases. Additionally, each subject experienced a control condition, with entailed exposure to domain-specific motivational videos. Comprehensive evaluations of physiological parameters were conducted to assess the impact of biofeedback training, both before and after the training, as well as during the stress and recovery phases. Furthermore, an interoceptive body awareness test, using the MAIA questionnaire, was performed. Results: The results highlight a significant enhancement of the self-regulatory skills of the gymnasts in managing the selected physiological parameters-peripheral temperature (p < 0.05) and blood volume pressure (p < 0.05)-after the biofeedback treatment. Moreover, psychological data from the MAIA questionnaire revealed a noteworthy increase in interoceptive awareness (p < 0.001), particularly in the subscales of Not Distracting (p < 0.001), Attention regulation (p < 0.05), Emotional awareness (p < 0.05), and Self-regulation (p < 0.05). Discussion: Thus, we conclude that biofeedback training improves self-regulatory and psychological resilience under stressful conditions, while reducing sensitivity to gymnastics-specific stress.

Popping pills in youth elite sports - fact or fiction? A 36-week prospective cohort study of analgesic use in 1195 youth elite athletes and student controls.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate analgesic use in a cohort of Danish youth elite athletes, and compare weekly analgesic use over 36 weeks to student controls. We also investigated and compared reasons for analgesic use and types of analgesics used. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: 690 youth elite athletes (44% females) and 505 student controls (59% females) (age 15-20 years) provided weekly reports on analgesic use over 36 weeks. We asked about number of days with analgesic use, reasons for use, and types of analgesics used. Prevalence and frequency of analgesic use was compared between youth elite athletes and student controls using mixed effects logistic regression and mixed effects Poisson regression models. Reasons for and types of analgesics used was compared between groups using Chi-square tests. Subgroup analyses were performed, stratified by sex. RESULTS: Overall, athletes had lower odds of analgesic use (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.95) compared with student controls. The overall usage rate was similar between the groups (IRR 1.04, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.11). Subgroup analyses suggested no statistically significant differences in the odds of analgesic use. Significantly more athletes reported using analgesics to prevent or treat pain or injury in relation to sports participation and to use topical gels compared with student controls. CONCLUSION: Participating in youth elite sports was associated with lower odds of analgesic use compared to student controls, but usage rate was similar between the groups. Reasons for use and types of analgesics use differed between athletes and student controls.

The Athlete Psychological Well-Being Inventory: Factor Equivalence with the Sport Injury-Related Growth Inventory.

Until now, research on growth following sport injury has relied exclusively on retrospective reports and nomothetic measures drawn from other fields of research. Therefore, to more objectively explore growth following sport injury pre- and post-injury, rather than retrospectively, this study adapts and examines the psychometric properties of the Athlete Psychological Well-Being Inventory (APWBI), which can be used throughout the sport injury process (i.e., prior to and following sport injury). A sample of 164 athletes free from injury (71.3% men; M age = 19.7 years, SD = 2.1) were compared to a sample of 168 athletes with history of previous injury (73.2% men; M age = 19.7 years, SD = 2.1). Multigroup Confirmatory Factor Analysis demonstrated the measurement and factor equivalence between the APWBI and a retrospective measure, the Sport Injury-Related Growth Inventory (SIRGI). The APWBI also showed satisfactory to excellent internal consistency reliability for all its sub-dimensions ("sense of mastery", "positive relations with others", "responsibility for one's health", "self-awareness", "emotional ability", "purpose in life", "purpose in sport", and "body awareness") and for the total score. Analysis of the relationships with other self-report measures (i.e., the Positive Functioning Inventory, the Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale, and the Lie Scale) provided convergent and discriminant evidence to support the construct validity of the instrument. To conclude, the APWBI is a valid and reliable instrument for use within English-speaking athletes of various competitive levels (from local/county to international level).