Efficacy of perturbation-based balance training in anterior cruciate ligament tears. A systematic review

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a serious and debilitating injury with significant physical, psychological, and socioeconomic consequences. Perturbation-based balance training (PBBT) is a type of neuromuscular training that involves the manipulation of mobile support surfaces, using controlled, unpredictable, multidirectional forces, in order to perturb the balance of the trained individual and thus improve the efficiency of muscle contraction patterns and the dynamic stability of the lower extremity joints. The aim of this review is to analyze the efficacy of the PBBT as a neuromuscular re-education method of choice for the recovery of functional capacity in individuals with ACL knee rupture. A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, Cinahl, Cochrane Library, Medline, PEDro Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Scopus, Web of Science and Sport Discus during January 2022. Only randomized clinical trials conducted in humans and published in English or Spanish were considered. The methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale and the risk of bias using the Risk-of-Bias tool of The Cochrane.12 studies were included. In 3 of them, the intervention with PBBT took place before ACL reconstruction, in 7 after ACL reconstruction and in 2 the subjects did not undergo surgical intervention. PBBT appears to be effective in the non-surgical recovery, improving joint stability and neuromuscular control. It was also effective as a preoperative treatment in normalizing knee excursion after ACL surgery. In contrast, the evidence does not support its efficacy as the neuromuscular re-education method of choice in the return-to-sport phase in previously operated athletes. (AU)

Estado nutricional y capacidad aeróbica en futbolistas adolescentes de alto rendimiento / Nutritional status and aerobic capacity in high-performance adolescent soccer players

Introducción: La capacidad aeróbica permite mantener un ritmo ideal de rendimiento durante un partido; sin embargo, podría estar influenciado por otros factores, como el estado nutricional. Objetivo: Determinar la correlación entre el estado nutricional y la capacidad aeróbica en futbolistas adolescentes de alto rendimiento. Metodología: Investigación de enfoque cuantitativo, di-seño no experimental, transversal (correlacional). Se recolectó valores de índice de masa corporal y porcentaje de grasa corporal, bajo el protocolo de la ISAK; y el indicador dela capacidad aeróbica, mediante el VO2máx, en 41 futbolistas adolescentes, varones de 13 a 17 años del club deportivo Selección Surco. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó RO de Pearson. Resultados: El 29,3% presentó exceso de peso; el 51,2%y 19,5%, presentaron una capacidad aeróbica regular y buena, respectivamente, el promedio del porcentaje de grasa corporal es 14,4 (DE ± 6,5), el promedio del VO2 máx expresado en (ml/kg/min) es 42,2 (DE ± 5,2). El índice de masa corporal tiene relación con la capacidad aeróbica en futbolistas adolescentes (Rho = -0,496) y (p<0,001). Conclusiones: Existe correlación inversa entre el estado nutricional y la capacidad aeróbica. Los futbolistas adolescentes con mayor índice de masa corporal, presentaron menor capacidad aeróbica.(AU)

Introduction: The aerobic capacity allows to maintain anideal rhythm of performance during a game; however, it couldbe influenced by other factors, such as nutritional status. Objective: To determine the relationship between nutri-tional status and aerobic capacity in high-performance ado-lescent soccer players.Methodology: Research with a quantitative approach,non-experimental, cross-sectional design (correlational-causal). Values of body mass index and percentage of bodyfat were collected, under the ISAK protocol; and the indicatorof aerobic capacity, through VO2 max, in 41 adolescent soc-cer players, males from 13 to 17 years old from the SelecciónSurco sports club. Spearman’s Rho was used for statisticalanalysis. Results: 29.3% presented excess weight; 51.2% and19.5% presented a regular and good aerobic capacity, re-spectively, the average percentage of body fat is 14.4 (SD +6.5), the average VO2 max expressed in (ml/ kg/min) is 42.2(SD + 5.2). The body mass index is related to the aerobic capacity in adolescent soccer players (Rho = -0.496) and(p<0.001). Conclusions: There is an inverse correlation betweennutritional status and aerobic capacity. Adolescent soccerplayers with a higher body mass index had lower aerobiccapacity.(AU)

Comparación del consumo alimentario y calidad de vida relacionada con la salud entre baloncestistas de distinto nivel competitivo / Comparison of food consumption and health-related quality of life amongbasketball players of different competitive levels

Introducción: Los hábitos alimentarios y la salud mental son aspectos fundamentales para optimizar la preparación y el rendimiento deportivo de los baloncestistas.Objetivo: Comparar la frecuencia en el consumo de alimentos y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS)entre baloncestistas de distinto nivel competitivo (profesional,universitario y amateur). Material y métodos: Estudio transversal que evaluó 122baloncestistas masculinos (edad media de 30,60 ± 10,79años), distribuidos en jugadores de baloncesto profesional(JBP; n=25), universitario (JBU; n=26) y amateur (JBA;n=71). Las variables de estudio se evaluaron a través de encuestas en línea referentes a la frecuencia en el consumo de alimentos y CVRS (SF-36). Resultados: Los JBP ostentan un consumo significativamente mayor de cena (F= 5,007; p= 0,020) comparados conlos JBU, y de frutas (F= 5,857; p= 0,012), verduras (F= 3,756; p= 0,020) y cena (F= 5,007; p= 0,011) respecto a losJBA. Mientras que los JBU presentan un consumo significativamente mayor de frutas (F= 5,857; p= 0,035) que los JBA.Además, los JBU presentaron un consumo significativamente mayor de bebidas azucaradas (F= 9,293; p= 0,004) respecto a los JBP y JBA. La CVRS no presentó diferencias significativas entre los grupos. Conclusión: Los JBP presentan mayor frecuencia en el consumo de alimentos saludables al compararlos con JBU yJBA. Además, los JBU reportan mayor frecuencia en el consumo de bebidas azucaradas respecto a JBP y JBA. Mientras que, la CVRS es positiva independiente al nivel competitivo delos baloncestistas.(AU)

Introduction: Eating habits and mental health are fundamental aspects to optimize the preparation and sports performance of basketball players.Aim: To compare the frequency of food consumption andhealth-related quality of life (HRQoL) among basketball players of different competitive levels (professional, university,and amateur).Material and methods: Cross-sectional study that evaluated 122 male basketball players (mean age of 30.60 ± 10.79years), divided into professional (JBP; n=25), university (JBU;n=26) and amateur (JBA; n=71). The study variables wereevaluated through online surveys regarding the frequency offood consumption and HRQoL (SF-36). Results: The JBP show a significantly higher consumption of dinner (F= 5,007; p= 0,020) compared to the JBU,and of fruits (F= 5,857; p= 0,012), vegetables (F= 3,756;p= 0,020) and dinner (F= 5,007; p= 0,011) compared tothe JBA. While the JBU present a significantly higher con-sumption of fruits (F= 5,857; p= 0,035) than the JBA. In addition, the JBU had a significantly higher consumption ofsugary drinks (F= 9,293; p= 0,004) compared to the JBPand JBA. The HRQoL did not present significant differencesbetween the groups.Conclusion: The JBP have a higher frequency in the consumption of healthy foods when compared to JBU and JBA. Inaddition, the JBU report a higher frequency in the consumption of sugary drinks compared to the JBP and JBA. While, theHRQoL is positive regardless of the competitive level of thebasketball players.

Habilidades psicológicas en una muestra de jóvenes deportistas cubanos: Diferencias según sexo y deporte / Psychological skills in a sample of young Cuban athletes: Differences according to sex and sport

El estudio de las habilidades psicológicas en el deporte constituye un campo de investigación de constante vigencia y actualidad para orientar la preparación psicológica con el fin de optimizar el rendimiento, especialmente en jóvenes deportistas en proceso de desarrollo. La presente investigación tiene como objetivo caracterizar las habilidades psicológicas en una muestra de deportistas escolares y juveniles de ambos sexos y diferentes deportes de la provincia de Villa Clara, Cuba. Se desarrolló un estudio descriptivo transversal en el que participaron 87 jóvenes deportistas, donde el 62.1% (n=54) eran mujeres y el 33% (n=33) hombres, con una edad cronológica promedio de 14.75 años (DT=1.74) y una experiencia deportiva de 4.67 (DT=1.90). Fue aplicado el Inventario Psicológico de Ejecución Deportiva para la medición de las habilidades psicológicas, cuyos datos fueron procesados mediante estadísticos descriptivos e inferenciales. Se obtuvo que la autoconfianza, la motivación, el control de afrontamiento positivo y de la actitud constituyen los puntos fuertes, mientras que el control de afrontamiento negativo, de la atención y visuoimaginativo son las habilidades de menor desarrollo. Solamente el control de afrontamiento positivo es significativamente mayor en los deportistas masculinos y los beisbolistas poseen una preparación psicológica superior al resto de los deportistas analizados. Se concluye destacando la necesidad de estimular el control de las emociones negativas, la atención y las imágenes mentales en los jóvenes deportistas analizados, así como la relevancia del trabajo psicológico especializado en la preparación de los jóvenes deportistas. (AU)

The study of psychological skills in sport constitutes a field of research of constant validity and topicality to guide psychological preparation in order to optimize performance, especially in young athletes in the process of development. The aim of this research is to characterize the psychological skills in a sample of young athletes of both sexes and different sports from the Villa Clara province, Cuba. A cross-sectional descriptive study was developed in which 87 young athletes participated, where 62.1% (n=54) were women and 33% (n=33) men, with an average chronological age of 14.75 years (SD=1.74) and a sports experience of 4.67 (SD=1.90). The Psychological Inventory of Sports Execution was applied to measure psychological skills, whose data were processed through descriptive and inferential statistics. It was found that self-confidence, motivation, positive coping control and attitude constitute the strong points, while negative coping control, attention and visuo-imaginative control are the least developed skills. Only positive coping control is significantly higher in male athletes and baseball players have a higher psychological preparation than the rest of the athletes analyzed. The need to stimulate the control of negative emotions, attention and mental images in the young athletes analyzed is highlighted, as well as the relevance of specialized psychological work in the preparation of young athletes. (AU)

The effect of Taekwondo training applied with differential learning approach on the technical skills / El Efecto del entrenamiento de Taekwondo aplicado con el enfoque de aprendizaje diferencial en las habilidades técnicas

Junto al hecho de que el método de aprendizaje clásico se ha utilizado durante muchos años en el ámbito de deportes como el taekwondo, ha habido búsquedas e intentos de enfoques de enseñanza no convencionales. Uno de ellos es el enfoque de aprendizaje diferencial. En el enfoque de aprendizaje diferencial es importante que las repeticiones varíen y que se preste atención a la base de la técnica más que a la ejecución perfecta del movimiento. Examinando la literatura, no se ha encontrado ningún estudio que investigue los resultados del programa de entrenamiento de taekwondo aplicado con un enfoque de aprendizaje diferencial, a pesar de que la contribución positiva del enfoque de aprendizaje diferencial en la literatura ha sido apoyada por otras ramas. El propósito del estudio fue investigar el efecto del entrenamiento de taekwondo aplicado con un enfoque de aprendizaje diferencial sobre las habilidades técnicas de los taekwondistas de categoría estrella de 12-14 años. Participaron en la investigación un total de 16 taekwondistas con cinturón rojo-negro de la categoría estrella de 12-14 años y con una licencia de al menos 3 años. En esta investigación cuantitativa, se utilizó un método de investigación semi experimental sobre el terreno con un grupo de estudio que incluía los modelos pre-test y post-test. La Prueba de Wilcoxon se utilizó para examinar las diferencias entre la prueba previa y posterior los valores de prueba los jugadores de taekwondo.Cuando se examinaron los hallazgos, se ha determinado que el enfoque de aprendizaje diferencial tiene un efecto positivo en el desarrollo de las habilidades técnicas de los atletas de taekwondo. (AU)

Alongside the fact that the classical learning method has been used for many years in the area of sports such as tae-kwon-do, there have been searches and attempts for unconventional approaches to teaching. One of these is the differential learning approach, it is important the repetitions vary in the differential learning approach and that the attention is given to the basis of the technique rather than the perfect execution of the move. Examining the literature, no study has been found which investigates the outcomes of the taekwondo training program applied with a differential learning approach despite the fact that other branches have supported the positive contribution of the differential learning approach in the literature. The aim of this research is to examine the effect of differential learning on the technical skill development of male and female taekwondo players with red-black belts in the 12-14 age group. A total of 16 taekwondo players, who have a red-black belt in the 12-14 age group star category and have a license of at least three years, participated in the research. In this quantitative research, the pre-test and post-test study group models (within quasi-experimental design) was used. Wilcoxon Test was used to examine the pre-test and post-test between the test values of taekwondo players. When the findings were examined, the differential learning approach has a positive effect on the technical skill development of the female and male taekwondo athletes. (AU)

Acute Ankle Sprain in Elite Athletes: How to Get Them Back to the Game?

Despite the high frequency of ankle sprains, the ideal management is controversial, and a significant percentage of patients sustaining an ankle sprain never fully recover. There is strong evidence that residual disability of ankle joint injury is often caused by an inadequate rehabilitation and training program and early return to sports. Therefore, the athlete should start their criteria-based rehabilitation and gradually progress through the programmed activities, including cryotherapy, edema relief, optimal weight-bearing management, range of motion exercises for ankle dorsiflexion improvement, triceps surae stretching, isometric exercises and peroneus muscles strengthening, balance and proprioception training, and bracing/taping.

Cognitive representations of handball tactic actions in athletes-The function of expertise and age.

The tactical cooperation for the optimal interaction of team members is an essential performance-determining variable in sports games. The underlying cognitive memory structures of cooperative tactical actions have so far been little researched. Therefore, this study investigated the cognitive memory structure of tactical knowledge of handball actions in teams of different expertise and age groups. In the first experiment, tactical mental representation structures (TMRS) of 30 adult handball players of two different level of expertise were investigated. In the second experiment, TMRS of 57 youth handball players from three age levels were investigated. In both experiments the TMRS was measured with the structure dimensional analysis of mental representation (SDA-M) method. The SDA-M commences with a splitting procedure of a given set of concepts and reveals with a cluster analysis the relational structures of the concepts on an individual and a group level. Experiment one revealed that the TMRS differed significantly between skilled either/or less experienced handball players. Skilled handball players showed a hierarchical organized representation that shared more features with the basic tactical structure of the handball game than less experienced players. The second experiment revealed age-related differences of the TMRS between the age groups of the U15, U17 and U19 teams. Further data analysis revealed significant differences of the TMRS between experienced and less experienced handball players and between local and regional competition level players. We conclude that our current findings suggest that tactical expertise is mediated by elaborate cognitive tactical knowledge in memory. Furthermore, our results indicate that tactical knowledge plays a substantial role during tactical skill learning as it differs as function of age, experience, and competition level. From this point of view, team representations of game situations can be seen as a crucial factor for efficient and common interaction in fast-paced team sports.

Assessing Knee Stability in Adolescent Athletes with Osgood-Schlatter Disease Using the Y-Balance Test.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Osgood-Schlatter disease develops secondary to chronic patellar tendon overloading. The present study was designed to determine whether athletes with Osgood-Schlatter disease perform significantly worse in the Y-Balance Test compared to healthy subjects in a control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study involved ten boys (average age 13.7 years). Seven participants had bilateral knee pain, swelling and tenderness whereas three had unilateral knee pain, swelling and tenderness (left knee in two cases, and right knee in one). Overall, 17 knees were assessed (left knee in nine cases and right knee in eight).Ten healthy adolescent professional football players (mean age 14.6 years) were selected as a control group. In both groups, complex knee stability was assessed using the Y-Balance Test and their data were analyzed using the methodology developed by Plisky et al. The test outcome was expressed in indexed (normalized) values for the right and left lower extremities, and averaged values for the individual directions were compared. RESULTS Significant differences between both groups were shown in the posteromedial and posterolateral directions. CONCLUSIONS Using the Y-Balance Test, our study documented reduced performance in the above directions in patients with OsgoodSchlatter disease. Key words: Osgood-Schlatter disease, knee, balance test, movement patterns patellar tendon overload.

Adaptive sport as affirmation: "We focus on our strengths, not our disabilities".

This paper offers a counter-narrative to the stereotype of people with physical and cognitive impairments being less inclined to participate in athletic activities. It contributes to the affirmative model proposed by Swain and French, which posits a non-tragic view of disability that encompasses positive social identities. We employed the tools of ethnography and phenomenology to explore the adaptive athlete experience among individuals practicing various sports and exhibiting divergent levels of proficiency. Findings confirm the appropriateness of the affirmative model and provide examples of movement from the state of liminality to that of communitas as defined by Victor Turner.

Effects of tapering on performance in endurance athletes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the responses to taper in endurance athletes using meta-analysis. METHODS: Systematic searches were conducted in China National Knowledge Infrastructure, PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and EMBASE databases. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of outcome measures were calculated as effect sizes. RESULTS: 14 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Significant improvements were found between pre- and post-tapering in time-trial (TT) performance (SMD = -0.45; P < 0.05) and time to exhaustion (TTE) performance (SMD = 1.28; P < 0.05). However, There were no improvements in maximal oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text]) and economy of movement (EM) (P > 0.05) between pre- and post-tapering. Further subgroup analysis showed that tapering combined with pre-taper overload training had a more significant effect on TT performance than conventional tapering (P < 0.05). A tapering strategy that reduced training volume by 41-60%, maintained training intensity and frequency, lasted ≤7 days, 8-14 days, or 15-21 days, used a progressive or step taper could significantly improve TT performance (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The tapering applied in conjunction with pre-taper overload training seems to be more conducive to maximize performance gains. Current evidence suggests that a ≤21-day taper, in which training volume is progressively reduced by 41-60% without changing training intensity or frequency, is an effective tapering strategy.

Changes in Skeletal Muscle Troponin T and Vitamin D Binding Protein (DBP) Concentrations in the Blood of Male Amateur Athletes Participating in a Marathon and 100 km Adventure Race.

This study assessed changes in creatine kinase (CK) activity and skeletal muscle troponin T (sTnT) concentrations in the blood, to estimate the degree of muscle degradation after exercise. In addition, the concentration of vitamin D binding protein (DBP) in the blood was assessed. DBP concentrations were measured in blood as a marker for plasma load by monomeric actin. The study included marathon (MR) participants and 100 km adventure race (AR) participants, who were examined before and after the race. There was a significant (16-fold) increase in CK activity among AR participants, and a significant increase in sTnT concentration-127% in the MR group and 113% in the AR group, while there was a statistically significant decrease in DBP concentration by 14% in the AR group. In addition, it was observed that the initial concentration of DBP in both groups was in a normal range, but was lower than the average population, and the DBP concentration in the AR group was lower than in the MR group. It was concluded that exhausting physical effort such as a marathon or adventure races causes muscle damage with a far stronger influence on sarcoplasm than on filaments. The short-term and slight reduction in the concentration of DBP in blood after such efforts may be due to the appearance of monomeric actin in plasma.

Operative Versus Non-operative Treatment of Medial Epicondyle Fractures in Pediatric Athletes: A Systematic Review.

Treatment of medial epicondyle fractures is controversial in pediatric orthopaedics with a recent trend towards operative fixation in overhead athletes. We performed a systematic review to compare outcomes in operative and non-operatively overhead athletes. A systematic review of the literature was performed. Articles investing pediatric athletes with medial epicondyle fractures treated operatively and non-operatively that reported functional and radiographic outcomes were compiled. We identified 6 studies with a total of 99 patients (52 treated operatively and 47 treated non-operatively). We found a significantly higher union rate with operative treatment (100%) compared to non-operative treatment (76%, p = 0.0025), with equivalent return to sport time and rate. Non-operative treatment had a lower complication and repeat surgery rates (p = 0.009). This study demonstrates lower complication rates and equivalent functional outcomes between operative and non-operatively treated medial epicondyle fractures in athletes. Non-operative treatment is a valid option in these patients. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 32(1):009-013, 2023).

Sport-related differences in QT dispersion and echocardiographic parameters in male athletes.

The aim of this study was to compare QT dispersion (QTd) and echocardiographic parameters in male athletes competing across different sports (long-distance running, volleyball, football, powerlifting, and bodybuilding) and a control population. Significant moderate-strong differences (p < 0.001, [Formula: see text] = 0.52-0.71) were found in corrected QTd, intraventricular septal wall thickness (ISWT), posterior wall thickness (PWT), relative wall thickness (RWT) and LV (left ventricular) index between groups. Corrected QTd, ISWT, PWT, and RWT were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in powerlifters and bodybuilders compared to other athlete groups and controls. While all athlete groups displayed a significantly higher LV index (p < 0.05) compared to controls, corrected QTd was significantly lower (p < 0.001) only in long-distance runners, volleyball athletes, and football athletes compared to controls. Normal or eccentric LV hypertrophy (LVH) was observed in most long-distance runners (58% and 33%), volleyball athletes (50% and 50%), and football athletes (56% and 41%). In contrast, concentric LVH was observed in most powerlifters (58%) and bodybuilders (54%). Advanced LVH, predominantly concentric in nature, appears to be accompanied with increased QTd in powerlifters and bodybuilders. On the other hand, runners, volleyball athletes, and football athletes experienced LVH toward the upper threshold of the normal reference range alongside reduced QTd compared to other groups.

Is Behavioural Therapy a New Treatment Option for Task-Specific Dystonia in Athletes? A Case Series.

Background: Task-specific dystonia is a movement disorder of the central nervous system characterized by focal involuntary spasms and muscle contractions, which can negatively affect performance of a specific task. It can affect a wide range of fine motor skills, also in athletes. Current management of task-specific dystonia includes mainly prescribing drugs, exercise therapy or botulinum injections to the affected muscles. Psychological interventions for athletes suffering from task-specific dystonia have not been described extensively so far. Methods: We present a case-series of 4 different advanced skill-level athletes with suspected task-specific dystonia, which had a major impact on their performance. They all received treatment consisting of a combination of standardized behavioural therapy and relaxation techniques in the form of hypnosis in a total of 8 sessions in a 16-week time period. Results: After treatment, all athletes returned to their original high level of sport performance without further symptoms of their suspected task-specific dystonia. Discussion: Behavioural therapy in combination with a relaxation technique seems to be a safe and promising treatment for athletes with suspected task-specific dystonia. Further studies in a larger, preferably randomized controlled trial, are warranted to evaluate if this treatment strategy is effective in athletes with suspected task-specific dystonia.

Athletes With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Position Statement of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine.

ABSTRACT: Athletes of all ages may be affected by medical and mental health issues. Sports medicine physicians should be familiar with common conditions that may affect the well-being of athletes, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD behaviors have the potential to affect a person's ability to concentrate. It is likely that social and cognitive therapies combined with pharmacotherapy will be the most effective way to treat ADHD in athletes. Medications used for ADHD, especially stimulant types, are known to improve alertness, reaction time, anaerobic performance, and endurance, which would potentially improve athletic performance. Furthermore, stimulant medications may enable student athletes with ADHD to focus on academic studies for longer periods of time, beyond usual levels of fatigue, important for those who may be exhausted after practices and games. The purported performance enhancement effects and potential adverse effects of stimulant medications have prompted many sports governing bodies to ban prescription stimulants or establish strict rules for their use. Athletes taking physician-prescribed stimulants to treat ADHD need to provide the appropriate documentation for approval before competition or risk punitive measures. Physicians should strive to provide a high quality of care to athletes with ADHD through early diagnosis, appropriate and careful multidisciplinary treatment, and complete and timely documentation to facilitate continued sports participation.

Running Energy Reserve Index (RERI) as a new model for assessment and prediction of world, elite, sub-elite, and collegiate running performances.

The purpose of this study was to utilize the Running Energy Reserve Index (RERI) model and two-trial procedure to predict all-out athletic performances. Twenty-nine trained athletes tested for differences between RERIE and RERIspd (hypothesis 1). Six sprint trained (ST), six middle distance (MD), and six endurance trained (ET) athletes were selected to test for differences in the value of the constant. The prediction of all-out run performances using the RERI model (hypothesis 2) and two treadmill trials procedure (hypothesis 3) were tested on eighteen trained athletes. Lastly, three trained athletes were utilized to predict all-out running performances utilizing two track trials equation (hypothesis 3). RERIE and RERIspd were significantly different between ST, MD, and ET athletes. The RERIE model with a fixed cE value of 0.0185 s-1 predicted all-out running performances to within an average of 2.39 ± 2.04% (R2 = 0.99, nT = 252) for all athletes, with treadmill trials to within an average of 2.26 ± 1.89% (R2 = 0.99, nT = 203) and track trials to within an average of 2.95 ± 2.51% (R2 = 0.99, nT = 49). The two trials equations predicted all-out track performances to within errors of 2.43%. The RERI model may be accurate in determining running performances of 200 m and 5000 m, and treadmill performances ranging between 5 and 1340 s with a high level of accuracy. In addition, the two-trial procedure can be used to determine short and middle distance running performances of athletes and world-class runners.

Perspectives on relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S): A qualitative case study of athletes, coaches and medical professionals from a super league netball club.

BACKGROUND: Research into relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) has increased substantially over recent years given the impact on athletes' health and performance. Most studies have considered sports that place emphasis on the aesthetics, endurance, or weight-restriction. Fewer studies exist in team sports. Netball is a team sport yet to be explored despite players potentially being at risk of RED-S given the high training volumes, sporting culture, internal and external pressures, and small network of coaches and medical professionals. A qualitative case study was used to explore the perspective of athletes, coaches, and medical professionals on RED-S. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 players, 4 coaches and 4 medical professionals affiliated to a Super League club. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Five main themes were identified in this study. Awareness of RED-S amongst athletes and coaches was generally inadequate whereas medical professionals had some awareness of RED-S. Some athletes used contraception to reduce discomfort/pain during menstruation whilst others expressed concerns around long-term contraceptive use and previous menstrual cycle disturbance. Sporting demands, individual and contextual factors, and a preoccupation with body image were associated with nutritional restriction, whilst appearance was a source of internal and external pressure. External pressures also extended to coaches, assessments/feedback, social media, and commentary. Strategies suggested to reduce the risk of RED-S included "hard hitting cases", multidisciplinary team involvement, and support from the governing body. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study provide insight into factors potentially associated with the risk of RED-S from an athletes, coaches, and medical professional perspective. This insight can be used to increase overall awareness of RED-S in key stakeholders as well as improve the recognition for the pressures netball athletes face that might alter the level of risk.

Home-Based Measurements of Nocturnal Cardiac Parasympathetic Activity in Athletes during Return to Sport after Sport-Related Concussion.

Sport-related concussions (SRC) are characterized by impaired autonomic control. Heart rate variability (HRV) offers easily obtainable diagnostic approaches to SRC-associated dysautonomia, but studies investigating HRV during sleep, a crucial time for post-traumatic cerebral regeneration, are relatively sparse. The aim of this study was to assess nocturnal HRV in athletes during their return to sports (RTS) after SRC in their home environment using wireless wrist sensors (E4, Empatica, Milan, Italy) and to explore possible relations with clinical concussion-associated sleep symptoms. Eighteen SRC athletes wore a wrist sensor obtaining photoplethysmographic data at night during RTS as well as one night after full clinical recovery post RTS (>3 weeks). Nocturnal heart rate and parasympathetic activity of HRV (RMSSD) were calculated and compared using the Mann-Whitney U Test to values of eighteen; matched by sex, age, sport, and expertise, control athletes underwent the identical protocol. During RTS, nocturnal RMSSD of SRC athletes (Mdn = 77.74 ms) showed a trend compared to controls (Mdn = 95.68 ms, p = 0.021, r = -0.382, p adjusted using false discovery rate = 0.126) and positively correlated to "drowsiness" (r = 0.523, p = 0.023, p adjusted = 0.046). Post RTS, no differences in RMSSD between groups were detected. The presented findings in nocturnal cardiac parasympathetic activity during nights of RTS in SRC athletes might be a result of concussion, although its relation to recovery still needs to be elucidated. Utilization of wireless sensors and wearable technologies in home-based settings offer a possibility to obtain helpful objective data in the management of SRC.

Impact of (long) COVID on athletes' performance: a prospective study in elite football players.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate possible persistent performance deficits after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in elite athletes. METHODS: A prospective cohort study in three Belgian professional male football teams was performed during the 2020 - 2021 season. Participants were submitted to strength, jump, and sprint tests and an aerobic performance test (the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test (YYIR)). These tests were repeated at fixed time intervals throughout the season. Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 infection was performed by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test before each official game. RESULTS: Of the 84 included participants, 22 were infected with SARS-CoV-2 during follow-up. At the first testing after infection (52.0 ± 11.2 days after positive PCR testing) significantly higher percentages of maximal heart rate (%HRmax) were seen - within the isolated group of infected players- during (p = .006) and after the YYIR (2 min after, p = .013), compared to pre-infection data. This increase in %HRmax was resolved at the second YYIR testing after infection (127.6 ± 33.1 days after positive PCR testing). Additionally, when comparing the first test after infection in formerly infected to non-infected athletes, significantly higher %HRmax were found during (p < .001) and after the YYIR test (p < .001),No significant deficits were found for the jump, muscular strength or sprint tests.Aerobic performance seems compromised even weeks after infection. Simultaneously, anaerobic performance seemed to be spared. Because of the potential detrimental effects on the immune system, caution might be advised with high-intensity exposure until aerobic performance is restored.KEY MESSAGESElite football players' aerobic performance seems to be affected for weeks after they return to sports after a SARS-CoV-2 infection.Similarly, anaerobic performance tests showed no discernible changes between both before and after SARS-CoV-2 infections.Regular YYIR testing is recommended to monitor aerobic performance after SARS-CoV-2 infection.