Are there differences between male and female badminton athletes in sleep, physical activity and sedentary time? / ¿existen diferencias entre atletas de basdminton masculinos y femeninos en el sueño, actividad física y tiempo de sedentarismo? / Existem diferenças entre atletas de badminton masculinos e femininos no sono, atividade física e tempo de sedentarismo?

ABSTRACT Introduction: High-performance athletes often undergo periods of exhaustive training and insufficient recovery, which can lead to decreased performance, but it is not clear whether there are any differences between the sexes in the level of habitual physical activity, sedentary time or sleep quantity and quality in young highly trained badminton athletes. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the habitual physical activity (PA), sedentary time and sleep quantity and quality of highly trained young male and female badminton athletes and non-athletes. Methods: Twenty-seven young badminton athletes and twenty-one non-athletes (control group) were recruited. Sleep duration and quality (total time in bed, total sleep time, wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency and latency), total counts, vigorous activity time and sedentary time were measured using a tri-axial accelerometer. Results: Male athletes spent less sedentary time (p=0.028), more time in vigorous activity (p=0.016) and had higher total counts (p<0.001) than the male control group. There were no significant differences in sedentary time (p=0.702) or vigorous activity time (p=0.205) between the female athletes and non-athletes, but the female athletes accumulated higher total counts than the female control group (p=0.003). There were no significant differences between the sexes or groups for time in bed, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, wake after sleep onset and latency (p> 0.05). Conclusion: Among males but not females, young highly trained badminton athletes had less sedentary time and more time in vigorous activity than the non-athletes, however, there were no significant differences between the sexes or groups in sleep quantity and quality. Level of evidence III; Case-control study .

RESUMEN Introducción: Los atletas de alto rendimiento con frecuencia son sometidos a períodos de entrenamiento exhaustivo y recuperación insuficiente, lo que puede llevar a una disminución del desempeño, pero no está claro si hay diferencia entre los sexos en cuanto al nivel de actividad física habitual, tiempo sedentario, cantidad y calidad del sueño en jóvenes atletas de bádminton altamente entrenados. Objetivos: El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la actividad física habitual (AF), el tiempo de sedentarismo y la duración y calidad del sueño en jóvenes atletas de bádminton altamente entrenados y de no atletas, del sexo femenino y masculino. Métodos: Fueron reclutados veintisiete jóvenes atletas de bádminton y veintiuno no atletas (grupo control). La duración y la calidad del sueño (tiempo total en la cama, tiempo total de sueño, vigilia después del inicio del sueño, eficiencia y latencia del sueño), counts totales, el tiempo en actividad vigorosa y el tiempo de sedentarismo fueron medidos con un acelerómetro triaxial. Resultados: Los atletas del sexo masculino tuvieron menos tiempo de sedentarismo (p = 0,028), más tiempo de actividad vigorosa (p = 0,016) y mayor cantidad de counts totales (p <0,001) que el grupo control masculino. No hubo diferencias significativas en el tiempo de sedentarismo (p = 0,702) o tiempo de actividad vigorosa (p = 0,205), entre las atletas y no atletas, pero las atletas del sexo femenino acumularon mayor cantidad de counts totales que el grupo control femenino (p = 0,003). No hubo diferencias significativas entre los sexos o grupos para tiempo en la cama, tiempo total de sueño, eficiencia del sueño, vigilia después del inicio del sueño y latencia (p> 0,05). Conclusiones: Entre hombres, pero no entre mujeres, los jóvenes atletas de bádminton altamente entrenados tuvieron menor tiempo de sedentarismo y mayor tiempo en actividades vigorosas que los no atletas; entretanto, no hubo diferencia significativa entre los sexos o grupos en la cantidad y calidad del sueño. Nivel de evidencia III; Estudio de caso control .

RESUMO Introdução: Atletas de alto rendimento com frequência são submetidos a períodos de treinamento exaustivo e recuperação insuficiente, o que pode levar à diminuição do desempenho, mas não está claro se há diferença entre os sexos quanto ao nível de atividade física habitual, tempo sedentário, quantidade e qualidade do sono em jovens atletas de badminton altamente treinados. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a atividade física habitual (AF), o tempo de sedentarismo e a duração e qualidade do sono em jovens atletas de badminton altamente treinados e de não atletas, do sexo masculino e feminino. Métodos: Vinte e sete jovens atletas de badminton e vinte e um não atletas (grupo controle) foram recrutados. A duração e a qualidade do sono (tempo total na cama, tempo total de sono, vigília após o início do sono, eficiência e latência do sono), counts totais, tempo em atividade vigorosa e tempo de sedentarismo foram medidos com um acelerômetro triaxial. Resultados: Atletas do sexo masculino tiveram menos tempo de sedentarismo (p = 0,028), mais tempo de atividade vigorosa(p = 0,016) e maior quantidade de counts totais (p < 0,001) do que o grupo controle masculino. Não houve diferença significante no tempo de sedentarismo (p = 0,702) ou tempo de atividade vigorosa (p = 0,205) entre as atletas e não atletas, mas as atletas do sexo feminino acumularam maior quantidade de counts totais que o grupo controle feminino (p = 0,003). Não houve diferença significante entre os sexos ou grupos para tempo na cama, tempo total de sono, eficiência do sono, vigília após o início do sono e latência (p> 0,05). Conclusões: Entre homens, mas não entre mulheres, os jovens atletas de badminton altamente treinados tiveram menor tempo de sedentarismo e maior tempo em atividades vigorosas do que os não atletas; entretanto, não houve diferença significante entre os sexos ou grupos na quantidade e qualidade do sono. Nível de evidência III; Estudo de caso controle .

Traumatismos deportivos en oftalmología. Un estudio descriptivo en un hospital terciario / Sports injuries in opthalmology. A descriptive study in a tertiary hospital / Lesões esportivas em oftalmologia. Estudo descritivo em hospital terciário

OBJETIVO: Determinar las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los traumatismos deportivos oculares de la población asistencial de un hospital terciario de Madrid. MÉTODO: Recopilación retrospectiva de los datos clínicos de los pacientes que acudieron al servicio de urgencias del Hospital Clínico San Carlos en el periodo enero 2015-diciembre 2017 y que habían sufrido un traumatismo ocular durante la práctica de algún deporte. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron en el estudio un total de 54 pacientes. 47 (87.04%) fueron hombres. La edad media fue de 27.26 años ± 13.01 años de desviación estándar. El deporte que causó más traumatismos entre los pacientes incluidos en el estudio fue el fútbol, seguido de deportes de raqueta, fuerza y combate y baloncesto. La iritis traumática fue el diagnóstico más frecuente, seguido de lesión periocular, lesiones de polo anterior, conmoción retiniana, lesiones regmatógenas, fractura orbitaria y desprendimiento de retina. El 87.04% de los cuadros se resolvieron con tratamiento médico. CONCLUSIONES: La mayoría de los traumatismos oculares deportivos son leves y se resuelven apenas con tratamiento médico. Se deben excluir diagnósticos más graves que requieran de un tratamiento más específico. Las campañas de prevención de daños deben ir encaminadas a los grupos con mayor riesgo de presentarlos

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to determine the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of ocular sports injuries in a tertiary hospital of Madrid. METHOD: The study was based on a retrospective record of clinical data of patients who underwent clinical exploration after ocular sport injury between January 2015 and December 2017 in Clinic Hospital San Carlos. RESULTS: A total of 54 patients were recruited from which 47 (87.04%) were males. The mean age was 27.26 years ± 13.01 years Standard Deviation. The sport with the most frequent cause of ocular injury was soccer, followed by racket sports, fight sports and basketball. Traumatic iritis was the most frequent diagnosis, followed by periocular lesions, anterior segment lesions, conmotio retinae, rhegmatogenous lesions, orbital fracture and retinal detachment. Medical treatment solved 87.04% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the sports related to ocular injuries were minor cases and they could be solved with only medical treatment. More severe diagnosis must be investigated for more specific treatments, thought. Prevention strategies must be focused in higher risk groups

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste artigo é determinar as características clínicas e epidemiológicas das lesões oculares desportivas num hospital terciário de Madrid. MÉTODO: O estudo foi baseado num registo retrospectivo de dados clínicos de doentes que foram submetidos a exploração clínica depois duma lesão desportiva ocular entre Janeiro de 2015 e Dezembro de 2017 no Hospital Clínico San Carlos. RESULTADOS: Foram recrutados 54 doentes, dos quais 47 (87.04%) eram do sexo masculino. A idade média foi de 27.26 anos ± 13.01 anos de desvio padrão. O desporto que mais frequentemente causou lesões oculares foi o futebol, seguido dos desportos de raquete, luta desportiva e basquetebol. A irite traumática foi o diagnóstico mais frequente, seguida de lesões perioculares, lesões do segmento anterior, conmotio retinae, lesões regmatogénicas, fractura orbital e descolamento da retina. O tratamento médico resolveu 87.04% dos casos. CONCLUSÕES: A maioria dos desportos relacionados com lesões oculares foram casos menores e só puderam ser resolvidos com tratamento médico. É necessário investigar um diagnóstico mais rigoroso para tratamentos mais específicos. As estratégias de prevenção devem ser centradas nos grupos de maior risco

Long rallies and next rally performances in elite men's and women's badminton.

The aim of the present study was twofold: (i) to identify contextual variables associated with the occurrence of long rallies while investigating time-related and technical parameters; and (ii) to identify performance differences between long rallies and the subsequent rally when accounting for match-context and the players' sex. The sample included 60 men's (n = 4,475 rallies) and 60 women's (n = 4,490 rallies) matches randomly selected from the 2015 World Badminton Super Series and World Championship (the final sample included long rallies that had an immediate next point played: n = 1,734 and n = 1,644 rallies for male and female players, respectively). The long rallies represented 19.4% (n = 867) and 16.5% (n = 822) of total rallies for male and female players, respectively. Long rallies were established using a two-step cluster model based on rally time and number of strokes for male (13-79s, 14-72 strokes) and female players (11-56s, 11-52 strokes). The variables collected were point outcome (when serving and receiving, winner, forced-error and unforced-error), number of strokes per rally, rally time, rest time, density, and time between strokes. The rallies were classified into different contexts (clusters) according to influencing factors with eight clusters for male players and three clusters for female players identified. Comparisons among clusters were conducted using Kruskal Wallis and one-way ANOVAs. Comparisons between long and immediate next points were conducted using the Wilcoxon tests for most variables and Crosstabs Command for point outcome and rallies (long and immediate next). Statistically significant differences were identified for both sexes among clusters only for time-related variables (i.e., rally time, rest time, density and time between strokes). In addition, a greater number of strokes, longer rally, rest time, and higher density were identified during long rallies compared with the immediate next rally for both men's and women's matches (p<0.05). The time between strokes during long rallies was significantly greater for male players during clusters 3, 5, 6, and 7 (p<0.05) and significantly lower for female players during all clusters (p<0.05). Significant relationships were identified between winning point outcome, and more unforced errors when serving during the immediate next rally (men's cluster 5 and women's cluster 2), and more winners when serving during the immediate next rally (men's cluster 6). The current study identified and characterised long rallies in elite men´s and women´s badminton matches highlighting the importance of sex and contextual factors on time-related and technical demands. Information obtained from these unique sequences of play (i.e., long and immediate next rallies) will assist coaches when modelling and simulating players' performances (i.e., physiologically and cognitively) during athlete preparation/competition.

Diseño y validación de una herramienta observacional para el bádminton (BOT) / Design and validity of a badminton observation tool (BOT)

La metodología observacional permite analizar deportes en contexto y dinámicas habituales. El objetivo principal fue la construcción y validación de una herramienta observacional ad hoc para analizar el bádminton individual, que incluye la trayectoria de los desplazamientos como variable no analizada anteriormente. Constituida por 13 criterios y 47 categorías mutuamente excluyentes, fueron analizadas 287 acciones del Campeonato de Mundo de Bádminton 2015. Para la validación se utilizó el coeficiente Kappa de Cohen y la teoría de la generalizabilidad. Se han obtenido resultados, tanto para la herramienta como para cada uno de los criterios de forma individual, superiores a 0,98 estando por encima de 0,81 que propone la literatura como "casi perfecto". El análisis de la generalizabilidad se realizó mediante un modelo de dos facetas (Categoría/Observador = C/O) y reveló que la fiabilidad era excelente (1,00). La herramienta diseñada es válida y fiable para el análisis de las conductas del bádminton individual

Observational methodology allows analysing sports' specific behaviour context. The main purpose of this manuscript was to develop and validate an ad hoc observational tool for badminton singles games, which includes lunges trajectories as a non-analysed variable till this study. For that reason, the observational tool consists of 13 criteria and 47 categories mutually exclusive. 287actions of the 2015 Badminton World Championship were analysed. With the aim to assess the tool's validity Cohen's Kappa and generalizability theory were used. The outcomes for complete observational tool and for each criterion exceed 0.98, being above 0.81 proposed by literature as "almost perfect". Generalizability analysis was done by two sides model (Category/Observer = C/O) and showed an excellent reliability (1.00). It could be said that it is a reliable tool designed for recording and analyzing the behaviour of badminton singles players

Estudio descriptivo de lesiones de pádel: relación con el género, edad, nivel de los jugadores y localización de las lesiones / Descriptive study about injuries in padel: relationship with gender, age, players' level and injuries location / Estudo descritivo sobre lesões em padel: relação com gênero, idade, nível de jogadores e localização das lesões

Objetivo: Analizar la relación existente según el género, la edad y el nivel de los jugadores de pádel con la cantidad de lesiones descritas por ellos mismos. Método: Participaron 148 jugadores (75 hombres, 73 mujeres, 34 ± 10 años). Se registraron un total de 151 lesiones clasificadas en función del tipo de lesión, localización anatómica y situación (entrenamiento o competición). Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo utilizando una adaptación de un cuestionario de lesiones deportivas autocompletado por los jugadores. Se utilizó la prueba de Chi-Cuadrado, los Residuos y la V de Cramer para conocer el grado de asociación entre las variables. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron: I) predominio de lesiones musculares en los miembros inferiores; II) alto número de lesiones en el tronco en hombres y de los miembros superiores en mujeres (p = 0.046); III) mayor índice de lesiones musculares en mayores de 35 años y tendinosas en menores de 35 años (p = 0.009); IV) mayor número de lesiones en jugadores de menor nivel, especialmente en tendones y hombro (p = 0.031). Conclusiones: Las lesiones más frecuentes en pádel son las musculares, localizadas en los miembros inferiores. El género masculino presenta más lesiones en el tronco mientras que el número de lesiones en mujeres se centra en el miembro superior. Los jugadores mayores de 35 años presentaron más lesiones musculares mientras que se registró un mayor número de lesiones tendinosas en menores de 35 años. Finalmente, el nivel de los jugadores está relacionado inversamente con el número de lesiones (a mayor nivel, menor número de lesiones)

Objective: To analyze the relationship according to gender, age and level of padel players with the number of self-reported injury history. Method: A total of 148 players (75 men, 73 women, 34 ± 10 years old) take part in this study, from whom 151 injuries were registered and classified regarding the type, location and injury situation (training or competition). A retrospective, descriptive study was set out, using an adapted version of a self-reported sports injury questionnaire. Chi-Squared, Residuals and Cramer's V were calculated to study the strength of association between variables. Results: Findings revealed: I) overall predominance of muscle injuries in the lower limbs; II) greater number of trunk injuries in men and upper limbs in women (p = 0.046); III) higher rate of muscular lesions in players older than 35 years and tendinosis in younger than 35 years (p = 0.009); IV) higher rate of injuries in lower level players, especially in tendons and shoulder (p = 0.031). Conclusions: Muscular accounted for the majority of injuries in padel, particularly on the lower limbs. Males reported more trunk injuries, whilst females suffered more on the upper limbs. Players older than 35 years informed more muscular injuries; by contrast, tendinous injuries prevailed in younger than 35 years. Finally, the level of players revealed an inverse relationship in the number of injuries (the higher the level, the lower the injury rate)

Objetivo: Analisar a relação existente entre com gênero, idade e nível dos jogadores com a quantidade de lesões autor relatadas. Método: participaram do estudo 148 jogadores (75 homens, 73 mulheres, 34 ± 10 anos). Um total de 151 lesões foram registradas e classificadas de acordo com o tipo, localização anatômica e ocasião (treinamento ou competição). Estudo descritivo retrospectivo utilizando uma adaptação de um questionário autoaplicável de lesões esportivas. Foram utilizados os testes Qui-Quadrado, Resíduos e V de Cramer para determinar a força de associação entre as variáveis. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram: I) predomínio de lesões musculares nos membros inferiores; II) elevado número de lesões de tronco em homens e membros superiores em mulheres (p = 0.046); III) maior taxa de lesões musculares em jogadores com mais de 35 anos de idade e tendinite em menores de 35 anos (p = 0.009); IV) maior número de lesões em jogadores de menor nível, principalmente em tendões e ombro (p = 0.031). Conclusões: As lesões mais freqüentes no esporte em questão são as lesões musculares, localizadas nos membros inferiores. O gênero masculino apresenta mais lesões no tronco, enquanto o número de lesões em mulheres está centrado no membro superior. Jogadores com mais de 35 anos tiveram mais lesões musculares, enquanto um maior número de lesões tendíneas foi registrado nos menores de 35 anos. Por fim, o nível dos jogadores é inversamente relacionado ao número de lesões (quanto maior o nível, menor o número de lesões)

Video Analysis Verification of Head Impact Events Measured by Wearable Sensors.

BACKGROUND: Wearable sensors are increasingly used to quantify the frequency and magnitude of head impact events in multiple sports. There is a paucity of evidence that verifies head impact events recorded by wearable sensors. PURPOSE: To utilize video analysis to verify head impact events recorded by wearable sensors and describe the respective frequency and magnitude. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Thirty male (mean age, 16.6 ± 1.2 years; mean height, 1.77 ± 0.06 m; mean weight, 73.4 ± 12.2 kg) and 35 female (mean age, 16.2 ± 1.3 years; mean height, 1.66 ± 0.05 m; mean weight, 61.2 ± 6.4 kg) players volunteered to participate in this study during the 2014 and 2015 lacrosse seasons. Participants were instrumented with GForceTracker (GFT; boys) and X-Patch sensors (girls). Simultaneous game video was recorded by a trained videographer using a single camera located at the highest midfield location. One-third of the field was framed and panned to follow the ball during games. Videographic and accelerometer data were time synchronized. Head impact counts were compared with video recordings and were deemed valid if (1) the linear acceleration was ≥20 g, (2) the player was identified on the field, (3) the player was in camera view, and (4) the head impact mechanism could be clearly identified. Descriptive statistics of peak linear acceleration (PLA) and peak rotational velocity (PRV) for all verified head impacts ≥20 g were calculated. RESULTS: For the boys, a total recorded 1063 impacts (2014: n = 545; 2015: n = 518) were logged by the GFT between game start and end times (mean PLA, 46 ± 31 g; mean PRV, 1093 ± 661 deg/s) during 368 player-games. Of these impacts, 690 were verified via video analysis (65%; mean PLA, 48 ± 34 g; mean PRV, 1242 ± 617 deg/s). The X-Patch sensors, worn by the girls, recorded a total 180 impacts during the course of the games, and 58 (2014: n = 33; 2015: n = 25) were verified via video analysis (32%; mean PLA, 39 ± 21 g; mean PRV, 1664 ± 619 rad/s). CONCLUSION: The current data indicate that existing wearable sensor technologies may substantially overestimate head impact events. Further, while the wearable sensors always estimated a head impact location, only 48% of the impacts were a result of direct contact to the head as characterized on video. Using wearable sensors and video to verify head impacts may decrease the inclusion of false-positive impacts during game activity in the analysis.

Lacrosse injuries among high school boys and girls in the United States: academic years 2008-2009 through 2011-2012.

BACKGROUND: Lacrosse is a fast growing youth sport in the United States. Although there have been published studies examining injuries associated with lacrosse, significantly less research has been conducted in high school lacrosse players than in older lacrosse players. The objective of this study was to compare high school lacrosse injury rates and patterns by type of athletic activity (ie, competition vs practice) and sex. HYPOTHESIS: Lacrosse injury rates and patterns differ by type of athletic activity and sex. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: Using the High School RIO (Reporting Information Online) database, lacrosse exposure and injury data were collected during 4 academic years, 2008-2012, from a large sample of high schools in the United States. Schools' certified athletic trainers submitted exposure and injury information weekly. RESULTS: During the study period, 1406 injuries occurred during 716,812 athlete exposures, for an injury rate of 1.96 per 1000 athlete exposures (AEs). Injury rates were higher in competition than in practice (3.61 vs 1.23 per 1000 AEs, respectively; rate ratio [RR], 2.94; 95% CI, 2.65-3.27). Boys had a higher injury rate than girls (2.26 vs 1.54 per 1000 AEs, respectively; RR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.32-1.64). The most common injury diagnoses among both boys and girls were sprains/strains (boys: 35.6%; girls: 43.9%) and concussions (boys: 21.9%; girls: 22.7%). The most commonly injured body sites in competition were the head/face (32.0%), lower leg/ankle/foot (17.8%), and knee (12.2%), while in practice, the most commonly injured body sites were the lower leg/ankle/foot (34.9%), head/face (16.4%), and knee (12.7%). Among boys, the most common mechanisms of injury were contact with another person (40.9%) and no contact (21.1%). Among girls, the most common mechanisms of injury were no contact (26.2%), contact with a playing apparatus (24.0%), and overuse/chronic (17.7%). Most injured athletes (71.8%) returned to activity in ≤21 days, but 6.9% of all injuries required surgery. CONCLUSION: Lacrosse injury rates and patterns among high school athletes in the United States differ by type of athletic activity and sex. Future studies should continue to compare differences in injury rates and patterns in high school lacrosse, with particular emphasis placed on high-risk plays in competition and the prevention and management of concussions in both boys and girls.

Validade e reprodutibilidade de receptores para o GPS em relação à distância percorrida / Validez y reproducibilidad de receptores GPS en relación de la distancia recorrida

Objetivo. El presente estudio evaluó la validez y reproducibilidad de dos modelos de receptores para el Global Positioning System (GPS). La validez fue evaluada comparando la distancia registrada por los receptores con la distancia conocida de estos trayectos. Método. Seis jóvenes tenistas (177,6 ± 6,2 cm; 76,6 ± 3,2 kg) recorrieron tres trayectos: 1) 100 m en la pista de atletismo (número de "disparos" = 120); 2) 400 m en la pista de atletismo (número de "disparos" = 60) y 3) 100 m con cambios de dirección (número de "disparos" = 120), utilizando los equipos Garmin© Forerunner 405 y Polar© RS800. Resultados. En los trayectos sin cambios de dirección (100 y 400 m), a través de la ANOVA two way (distancia y velocidad) no se detectaron diferencias entre la distancia conocida y las distancias registradas por los receptores analizados (p > 0,05). En el trayecto de 100 m con cambios de dirección, se observaron diferencias entre la distancia conocida y las registradas tanto por el Polar© RS800 como por el Garmin© Forerunner 405 (p < 0,05). También se verificó la diferencia en las distancias registradas por el Polar® RS800 y por el Garmin© Forerunner 405 para el trayecto realizado con cambios de dirección (p < 0,05). Conclusión. A través de los datos, se puede afirmar que los receptores para GPS evaluados presentaron un nivel aceptable de precisión para distancias recorridas sin cambios de dirección, sin embargo, la precisión de estos equipos en trayectos con cambios de dirección fue limitada (AU)

Objective. The present study evaluated the reproducibility and validity of two models of receivers for the Global Positioning System (GPS). Validity was assessed by comparing the distance recorded by the GPS receivers with the known distance. Method. Six young players (177.6 ± 6.2 cm; 76.6 ± 3.2 kg) performed three routes with different characteristics: 1) 100 m in the athletics track (number of "sprints" = 120); 2) 400 m in the athletics track (number of "sprints" = 60) and 3) 100 m with changes of direction (number of "sprints" = 120), using equipment Garmin© Forerunner 405 and Polar© RS800. Results. Regarding linear routes (100 and 400 m), no differences were detected using ANOVA two-way (distance and speed) between the known distance and distance recorded by GPS receivers analyzed (p > 0.05). Regarding non-linear route of, significant differences were observed between the known distance and recorded distance by the GPS receivers (p < 0.05). There was also a significant difference between the distance recorded by Polar© RS800 and Garmin© Forerunner 405 for the non-linear route (p < 0.05). Analysis of the limits of agreement reinforces the limitation of equipment in relation to accuracy for the non-linear route. Conclusion. These data suggest that the GPS receivers evaluated showed acceptable level of accuracy for linear routes, however, the accuracy of such devices on non-linear routes was limited (AU)

Differential analysis of the doping behaviour templates in three types of sports.

Conducted researches recognize various risk factors, as well as protective factors against doping behaviour in different sports i.e. sports disciplines or activities. The main goal of this research was to identify the correlation between selected socio-demographic, health-related, and sports-related predictors with doping factors in three different types of sports, which are (1) highly energetic demanding sports (weightlifting), (2) highly technical demanding sports (racquet sports), and (3) highly tactical demanding sports (sailing). The research consisted of three separate studies, each one of them researching one of the sports. The sample of subjects included altogether 293 athletes, senior level competitors (older than 18years of age). In total, the sample comprised three homogenous sub-samples, as follows: athletes in highly energetic demanding sports (weightlifters and power lifters; N=27), athletes in highly technical demanding sports (table tennis, tennis and badminton players; N=188), and athletes in highly tactical demanding sports (sailing; N=78). The first study involved weightlifters where we should point out the existence of high doping behaviour In this study, religiousness was interpreted as the most significant protective factor against doping behaviour, while sports factors are not found to be significantly related to doping. The study involving racquet sport athletes suggests a high risk of doping behaviour among those athletes who observe doping behaviour in their sport. We noticed low levels of athletes' trust in their coaches' and physicians' opinions on doping issues. This is an issue which should be researched in the future, because the underlying cause has not been studied as yet. Briefly, it seems that either the athletes are not convinced of their coaches '/physicians' expertise regarding doping issues, and/or they do not believe in their good intentions. It is particularly important, as the previous research has shown that with the increased trust in coaches and physicians, the chance that an athlete will use doping decreases. As expected, it is characteristic for sailing that it has a low likelihood of potential doping behaviour, although the consumption of dietary supplements is high. Substance abuse in sports spreads beyond those that enhance athletic performance. All of these issues should be studied in more detail in the future and, if appropriately validated, incorporated into anti-doping intervention programs.

Gender differences in game responses during badminton match play.

The aim of this study was to evaluate possible gender differences in match play activity pattern [rally duration, rest time between rallies, effective playing time, and strokes performed during a rally] and exercise intensity (heart rate [HR], blood lactate [La], and subjective ratings of perceived exertion [RPE]) during 9 simulated badminton matches in male (n = 8) and female (n = 8) elite junior (16.0 ± 1.4 years) players. Results showed significant differences (all p < 0.05; effect size (ES) = 0.80-1.56) between male and female players in the activity pattern of match play, with male players engaged in longer rallies (6.8 ± 4.8 vs. 5.7 ± 3.1 seconds), executing more strokes per rally (6.4 ± 4.8 vs. 4.7 ± 2.8) and resting more between rallies (10.5 ± 8.8 vs. 8.8 ± 7.2 seconds) than female players. No clear differences (all p > 0.05; ES = -0.33 to 0.08) were observed between female or male players in average HR (174 ± 7 vs. 170 ± 9 b·min(-1)), %HRmax (89.2 ± 4.0% vs. 85.9 ± 4.3%), La (2.5 ± 1.3 vs. 3.2 ± 1.8 mmol·L(-1)), and RPE values (14.2 ± 1.9 vs. 14.6 ± 1.8) during match play, although male players spent more time (moderate effect sizes) at intensities between 81 and 90% HRmax (35.3 ± 17.9 vs. 25.3 ± 13.6; p < 0.05; ES = 0.64) in the second game. There seemed to be a trend toward an increased playing intensity (i.e., higher HR, La, and RPE) from the first to the second game, highlighting the higher exercise intensity experienced during the last part of the match. The clear between-gender differences in activity patterns induced only slightly different physiological responses.

Sex differences in relative age effects among Japanese athletes.

The present study investigated the relative age effect (RAE), a biased distribution of elite athletes' birthdates, in Japanese female athletes. Japan applies a unique annual-age grouping for sport and education, which is from April 1 to March 31 of the following year. A total of 1,335 female athletes were evaluated from six sports: softball, soccer, volleyball, basketball, badminton, and track and field (long distance), and compared with male athletes. All athletes played in the top level of Japanese leagues for each sport in 2010. Distribution of the birth dates in each female sport showed a significant RAE only in volleyball. For males, significant RAEs were observed in baseball, soccer, and track and field. Findings suggest that the determinants of RAEs in sports may differ between males and females.

Is there a danger for myopia in anti-doping education? Comparative analysis of substance use and misuse in Olympic racket sports calls for a broader approach.

BACKGROUND: Racket sports are typically not associated with doping. Despite the common characteristics of being non-contact and mostly individual, racket sports differ in their physiological demands, which might be reflected in substance use and misuse (SUM). The aim of this study was to investigate SUM among Slovenian Olympic racket sport players in the context of educational, sociodemographic and sport-specific factors. METHODS: Elite athletes (N=187; mean age=22±2.3; 64% male) representing one of the three racket sports, table tennis, badminton, and tennis, completed a paper-and-pencil questionnaire on substance use habits. Athletes in this sample had participated in at least one of the two most recent competitions at the highest national level and had no significant difference in competitive achievement or status within their sport. RESULTS: A significant proportion of athletes (46% for both sexes) reported using nutritional supplements. Between 10% and 24% of the studied males would use doping if the practice would help them achieve better results in competition and if it had no negative health consequences; a further 5% to 10% indicated potential doping behaviour regardless of potential health hazards. Females were generally less oriented toward SUM than their male counterparts with no significant differences between sports, except for badminton players. Substances that have no direct effect on sport performance (if timed carefully to avoid detrimental effects) are more commonly consumed (20% binge drink at least once a week and 18% report using opioids), whereas athletes avoid substances that can impair and threaten athletic achievement by decreasing physical capacities (e.g. cigarettes), violating anti-doping codes or potentially transgressing substance control laws (e.g. opiates and cannabinoids). Regarding doping issues, athletes' trust in their coaches and physicians is low. CONCLUSION: SUM in sports spreads beyond doping-prone sports and drugs that enhance athletic performance. Current anti-doping education, focusing exclusively on rules and fair play, creates an increasingly widening gap between sports and the athletes' lives outside of sports. To avoid myopia, anti-doping programmes should adopt a holistic approach to prevent substance use in sports for the sake of the athletes' health as much as for the integrity of sports.

Un estudio sobre indicios perceptivos para el resto en el servicio de tenis / A study on perceptual cues in returning tennis serves

Mediante análisis cinemático, han sido estudiados indicios perceptivos observables en el lanzamiento de lapelota, durante el servicio de tenis, para facilitar la respuesta anticipada de la jugadora que está al resto. Ocho profesionales,todas ellas mujeres (m = 67.13, SD = 29.38 del WTA ranking), fueron participantes del estudio en competición oficial. Elresultado principal del análisis multivariante, sobre doce variables espaciales y temporales, fue que existe una relación entreel vuelo de la pelota y la profundidad del servicio. Los valores cuantitativos obtenidos son: R = .917 y R2= .840 (F (9, 96) =56.007, p <.000), con β = 1.040 (p < .001) para el momento en que la servidora suelta la pelota. Este resultado concretoseñala la relevancia temática del concepto de “indicio perceptivo” para conseguir respuestas más rápidas y ajustadas entenis y otros deportes donde sea posible el estudio del contrario (AU)

Using a kinematic analysis, perceptual cues were studied through observing the ball toss in tennis serves inorder to facilitate the receiver’s anticipated response. Eight female professionals (m = 67.13, SD = 29.38 WTA ranking)participated in the study during an official competition. The main result of the multivariate analysis, which involved twelvespace and time variables, revealed a relationship between ball tossing and the depth of the serve. The quantitative valuesobtained were: R = .917 y R2= .840 (F (9, 96) = 56.007, p <.000), with β = 1.040 (p < .001) for the times in which theplayer released the ball. This specific result underscores the relevance of the concept of “perceptual cues” to achieve fasterand more accurate responses in tennis and also in other sports in which it is possible to study the opponent (AU)

Estrategias de afrontamiento y bienestar psicológico en jóvenes tenistas de competición / Coping strategies and psychological well-being in adolescent competition tennis player

El propósito de nuestra investigación fue examinar los tipos de estrategias preferidas por tenistasadolescentes con atención a la efectividad percibida de las estrategias y las consecuencias en el estado de bienestar de losjugadores. Los participantes en la investigación fueron 26 adolescentes tenistas de una edad media de 15 años participandoa un nivel muy alto en Chile. El cuestionario de Aproximación al Afrontamiento en el Deporte (ACSQ-1) fue utilizado paramedir la manera de aproximación al afrontamiento y la evaluación del bienestar psicológico se realizó a través la Escala deBienestar Psicológico. Los resultados indicaron que la estrategia calma emocional fue la estrategia favorecida por lostenistas por lo general. Al mismo tiempo, la calma emocional y la planificación activa fueron las estrategias evaluadas másaltamente en beneficiar el rendimiento de ellos. Otro resultado importante fue que los tenistas que menos se autoaceptaronutilizaron más la estrategia de calma emocional y que aquellos con más autoaceptación utilizaron en mayor frecuencia laestrategia de retraimiento mental. Otro hallazgo fue que los jóvenes que declaran mayor dominio del entorno utilizanmayoritariamente el retraimiento mental como estrategia de afrontamiento. Los resultados indicaron que diferenciasindividuales existen en la preferencia para estrategias de afrontamiento en jóvenes tenistas y que las estrategias tienenefectos diferenciados en el bienestar (AU)

The study aimed to examine the types of coping strategies preferred by adolescent competition tennisplayers and specific attention was paid to understanding these strategies’ perceived effectiveness and the coping strategy’ssubsequent effects on well-being. The sample for the study was made up of 27 adolescent tennis players with a mean ageof 15 years who participate at a high competitive level. The Approach to Coping in Sport Questionnaire (ACSQ-1) was used tomeasure the coping strategy used by the players and their psychological well-being was assessed by the Psychological Well-Being Scale. The results indicated that the emotional calming strategy was the tennis players’ preferred coping strategy in general. At the same time, emotional calming and active planning were the strategies the players’ considered to be the mosteffective in terms of improving performance. An additional finding was that players with lower levels of self-acceptancerelied more heavily on the emotional calming strategy and those with higher levels of self-acceptance used mentaldistancing more frequently. Players who perceived greater environmental control relied more heavily upon mentaldistancing as their preferred coping strategy. These findings indicate that individual differences were present in terms ofpreferred coping strategies and that the strategies produced differentiated effects on well-being for young competitiontennis players (AU)

Medical supervision of young female athletes training in complex coordinational sports.

UNLABELLED: This article proposes simple medical criteria that can be used by trainers and others for effective medical supervision of young female athletes. METHODS: The cross-sectional, age-stratified study compared girls 10-17 years of age involved in intensive training in gymnastic floor exercises, trampoline, or badminton. Each sport and/or control group was represented by 40-45 girls. Data included medical history, morphometric variables and observation of biological development. RESULTS: Gymnasts started training earliest (approximately 5-years-old) and trained most intensely (18-20 h/wk), followed by trampolinists and then badmintonists. Height, weight, body mass index, and % body fat were reduced in athletes, with gymnasts showing the greatest reduction. Athletes showed higher ratios of leg length to height and shoulder width/hip width, and smaller pelvic size compared to height. The average age of menarche of gymnasts was 13.8 (1.6 year later than controls). Delays of biological development of more than 2 years were common in athletes, and some gymnasts showed more than a 4-year delay. These delays were related to morphometric indicators of hormonal imbalance and to low body fat. Gymnasts had more childhood diseases, with an infection index of 2.8 compared to 1.1 for the control group, and had a higher level of chronic ENT problems. CONCLUSIONS: Trainers need to protect the health of athletes. During the course of training, anamneses, delayed menarche and other signs of delayed biological development must be monitored. Morphometric measures and indicators of biological development are proposed to provide simple criteria important in protecting the athletes' health.

Neuromuscular fatigue in racquet sports.

This article describes the physiologic and neural mechanisms that cause neuromuscular fatigue in racquet sports: table tennis, tennis, squash, and badminton. In these intermittent and dual activities, performance may be limited as a match progresses because of a reduced central activation, linked to changes in neurotransmitter concentration or in response to afferent sensory feedback. Alternatively, modulation of spinal loop properties may occur because of changes in metabolic or mechanical properties within the muscle. Finally, increased fatigue manifested by mistimed strokes, lower speed, and altered on-court movements may be caused by ionic disturbances and impairments in excitation-contraction coupling properties. These alterations in neuromuscular function contribute to decrease in racquet sports performance observed under fatigue.

Unprotected eyes in squash: not seeing the risk of injury.

The use of appropriate eyewear in squash can protect the eyes against injury. However, few adult squash players adequately protect their eyes against potential severe injuries. We describe the characteristics of non-users of protective eyewear and examine predictors of appropriate eyewear use. Self-report surveys of adult players were conducted in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. Information on players' knowledge, behaviours and attitudes associated with protective eyewear use was collected, in addition to player demographic data. Appropriate eyewear was defined as Standards-approved polycarbonate lens eyewear. The majority 92.2% of players did not adequately protect their eyes while playing squash. Significant predictors of reported eyewear use were: previous eye injury: playing squash on average more than 2 hr per wk: having played for more than 20 y; and having more favourable attitudes towards eye safety in squash. The significant predictors of appropriate eyewear use were: being female; previous eye injury; playing squash on average more than 2 hr per week; and having more favourable attitudes towards eye safety in squash. Understanding the characteristics of both users and non-users of appropriate eye protection in squash is essential for informing future prevention strategies.

Are squash players protecting their eyes?

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors associated with adult squash players' protective eyewear behaviours. METHODS: A survey of 303 players (aged >or =18 years) was conducted at three squash venues in Melbourne, Australia over a three week period in June 2000 to obtain information about protective eyewear use. RESULTS: Of 303 participants the response rate was 98.1%; 66.1% were males, with a mean age of 40.5 years. The majority (68.4%) had played squash for 10 years or more. Although 18.8% of players reported using protective eyewear, only 8.9% reported wearing approved eyewear. Both age group (p<0.05) and years of squash experience (p<0.01) were significantly associated with any eyewear use. The two main influences were personal experience of eye injuries (50.0%) and knowledge of eye injury risk (33.9%). A commonly reported barrier was restriction of vision (34.2%). CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate a low prevalence of voluntary use of appropriate protective eyewear. Future prevention strategies incorporating education campaigns should focus on increasing players' knowledge of risks. The barriers to use and misconceptions about which types of eyewear is most protective need to be addressed as a priority.

Painful conditions in the Achilles tendon region in elite badminton players.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of painful conditions in the Achilles tendon region in elite badminton players. The study group consisted of 66 players in the Swedish elite division (highest level) in badminton, 41 men (mean age, 24.4 years) and 25 women (mean age, 21.9 years). Twenty-one players (32%) reported the occurrence of a disabling painful condition in the Achilles tendon region during the previous 5 years, and 11 players (17%) had an ongoing painful condition. A majority of the painful conditions (12 of 21, or 57%) were described as involving the midportion of the Achilles tendon. The players who had a painful condition reported a significantly higher weekly training load as measured by the number of hours spent in total training, badminton training, and endurance and strength training. There were no differences in age, sex, and body mass index between the players with and without painful conditions in the Achilles tendon region.

Painful conditions in the Achilles tendon region: a common problem in middle-aged competitive badminton players.

Overuse injuries are the most frequent type in badminton, generally localized in the legs. An earlier study found 32% of young Swedish elite badminton players to have experienced disabling pain in the Achilles tendon region during the previous 5 years. The present investigation examined the prevalence and characteristics of painful conditions in the Achilles tendon region in 32 middle-aged competitive badminton players by means of questionnaire and physiotherapist's examination. Pain in the Achilles tendon region was reported by 44%, either presently or during the past 5 years, generally localized in the middle portion of the tendon. Symptoms had lasted 2 weeks-1 year (96 days). On the competition days 22% of the reported pain currently in the region. Age was found to be correlated to Achilles tendon pain, but there was no relationship between symptoms of pain and body mass index, gender, training quantity, or years of playing badminton. In conclusion, Achilles tendon pain seems to be relatively common among Swedish middle-aged competitive badminton players, particularly in the older ones.