A Novel Tendon Injury Model, Induced by Collagenase Administration Combined with a Thermo-Responsive Hydrogel in Rats, Reproduces the Pathogenesis of Human Degenerative Tendinopathy.

Patellar tendinopathy is a common clinical problem, but its underlying pathophysiology remains poorly understood, primarily due to the absence of a representative experimental model. The most widely used method to generate such a model is collagenase injection, although this method possesses limitations. We developed an optimized rat model of patellar tendinopathy via the ultrasound-guided injection of collagenase mixed with a thermo-responsive Pluronic hydrogel into the patellar tendon of sixty male Wistar rats. All analyses were carried out at 3, 7, 14, 30, and 60 days post-injury. We confirmed that our rat model reproduced the pathophysiology observed in human patients through analyses of ultrasonography, histology, immunofluorescence, and biomechanical parameters. Tendons that were injured by the injection of the collagenase-Pluronic mixture exhibited a significant increase in the cross-sectional area (p < 0.01), a high degree of tissue disorganization and hypercellularity, significantly strong neovascularization (p < 0.01), important changes in the levels of types I and III collagen expression, and the organization and presence of intra-tendinous calcifications. Decreases in the maximum rupture force and stiffness were also observed. These results demonstrate that our model replicates the key features observed in human patellar tendinopathy. Collagenase is evenly distributed, as the Pluronic hydrogel prevents its leakage and thus, damage to surrounding tissues. Therefore, this model is valuable for testing new treatments for patellar tendinopathy.

A Novel Minimally Invasive Surgically Induced Skeletal Muscle Injury Model in Sheep.

Sports-related muscle injuries account for 10-55% of all injuries, which is a growing concern, especially given the aging world population. To evaluate the process of skeletal muscle injury and compare it with muscle lesions observed in humans, we developed a novel in vivo model in sheep. In this model, muscle injury was induced by an ultrasound-guided transverse biopsy at the myotendinous junction of the medial gastrocnemius muscle. Twelve male sheep were examined at 3, 7, 14, and 28 days post-injury. Histological, immunofluorescence, and MRI analyses indicate that our sheep model could resemble key human clinicopathological features. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in collagen I, dMHC, α-SMA, and CD68 immunohistochemical detection when comparing injured and healthy muscles. The injured gastrocnemius muscle exhibited elevated levels of type I collagen, infiltration of CD68(+) macrophages, angiogenesis, and the emergence of newly regenerated dMHC(+) myofibers, which persisted for up to 4 weeks post-injury. Similarly, the progression of muscle injury in the sheep model was assessed using advanced clinical 3 T MRI and compared with MRI scans from human patients. The data indicate that the sheep muscle injury model presents features similar to those observed in human skeletal muscle injuries. This makes it a valuable large animal model for studying muscle injuries and developing novel therapeutic strategies.

The validity of automatic methods for estimating skeletal age in young athletes: a comparison of the BAUSport ultrasound system and BoneXpert with the radiographic method of Fels.

This study examined the validity of two automated methods (BAUSport, BoneXpert software using Fels, Greulich-Pyle, Tanner-Whithouse III protocols) for estimating skeletal age (SA) in young athletes in comparison to a reference standard (Fels). 85 male and female athletes, nine to seventeen years of age, from multiple sports were assessed for SA as part of an annual medical and health screening programme. Intra-class correlations demonstrated high degrees of association between the automatic methods for estimating SA (BAUSport r = .98; BoneXpert r = .96-.99) and the discrepancy between SA and chronological age (SA-CA) (BAUSport r = .93; BoneXpert r = .88-.97), with the reference standard. Concordance analyses for the categorisation of participants as early, on-time and late maturing also demonstrated substantial levels of agreement for both methods (BAUSport Kappa = .71; BoneXpert Fels Kappa = .63) with the reference standard. Bland-Altman plots comparing the automatic methods with the reference standard identified statistically significant fixed biases, ranging in magnitude from small to large. Collectively, these results suggest that BoneXpert and BAUSport can provide comparable estimates of SA and SA-CA in young athletes relative to the Fels method. Biases in the estimation of SA should, however, be considered and the automatic methods should be implemented as part of a comprehensive growth and maturity screening protocol. The non-invasive nature of the BAUSport method affords particular advantages (no radiation exposure, portability) in contexts where the regular estimation of SA is recommended.

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effect of treatment with an SPMs-enriched oil on chronic pain and inflammation, functionality, and quality of life in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: GAUDI study.

BACKGROUND: Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), including 18-HEPE, 17-HDHA, and 14-HDHA are recognized as potentially therapeutic in inflammatory diseases because SPMs regulate the inflammation process, which leads to, for example; swelling and the sensation of pain. In osteoarthritis (OA), chronic pain is described as the symptom that reduces patients´ quality of life (QoL). The GAUDI study evaluated the efficacy of SPMs supplementation in reducing pain in the symptomatic knee of OA patients. METHODS: This randomized, multicenter, double-blind, and placebo-controlled parallel-group pilot study was performed in Spain and conducted on adults 18-68 years old diagnosed with symptomatic knee OA. Patients were enrolled in the study for up to 24 weeks, which included a 12-week intervention period and a follow-up visit on week 24. The primary endpoint was pain change measured through a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Secondary endpoints included: Pain change evaluation, stiffness, and function according to the WOMAC index; assessment of constant, intermittent, and total pain according to the OMERACT-OARSI score; evaluation of changes in health-related QoL parameters; the use or not of concomitant, rescue, and anti-inflammatory medication; and safety and tolerability assessments. RESULTS: Patients were enrolled in the study from May 2018 to September 2021. VAS pain score was evaluated in the per protocol population (n = 51 patients), in which we observed a statistically significant reduction after 8 weeks (p = 0.039) and 12 weeks (p = 0.031) of treatment in patients consuming SPMs (n = 23 subjects) vs. placebo (n = 28 subjects). In line with the OMERACT-OARSI score, intermittent pain was reduced after 12 weeks with statistical significance (p = 0.019) in patients treated with SPMs (n = 23 subjects) vs. placebo (n = 28 subjects). Functional status as WOMAC score did not significantly change after SPMs or placebo consumption. Notably, patients consuming SPMs showed improvements in all five aspects of the EUROQoL-5, including a significant improvement in the usual-activities dimension. None of the patients required rescue medication, nor were any adverse events reported. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that sustained SPMs consumption reduces pain in OA patients while also improving their Quality of Life. These results also support the safety profile of SPMs supplementation. Trial registration NCT05633849. Registered 1 December 1 2022. Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT05633849.

SARS-CoV-2 transmission in teenagers and young adults in Fútbol Club Barcelona's Multidisciplinary Sports Training Academy.

Most studies, aimed at determining the incidence and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in children and teenagers, have been developed in school settings. Our study conducted surveillance and inferred attack rates focusing on the practice of sports. Prospective and observational study of those attending the sports facilities of Fútbol Club Barcelona (FCB), in Barcelona, Spain, throughout the 2020-2021 season. Participants were young players (from five different sports) and adult workers, who belonged to stable teams (shared routines and were involved in same quarantine rules). Biweekly health questionnaires and SARS-CoV-2 screening were conducted. From the 234 participants included, 70 (30%) both lived and trained in the FCB facilities (Recruitment Pathway 1;RP1) and 164 (70%) lived at their own household and just came to the facilities to train (RP2). During the study, 38 positive cases were identified; none had severe symptoms or needed hospitalization. The overall weekly incidence in the cohorts did not differ compared to the one expected in the community, except for 2 weeks when an outbreak occurred. The attack rate (AR) was three times higher for the participants from RP1, in comparison to those from RP2 (p < 0.01). A Basketball team showed a significant higher AR.  Conclusion: Physical activities in stable teams are not related to an increased risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, since there were the same observed cases than expected in the community. The risk is higher in indoor sports (Basketball vs. Football), and in closed cohort living settings (RP1 vs. RP2). The fulfilment of preventive measures is essential. What is Known: • Despite the low numerical impact caused in paediatric hospitalizations during COVID-19 pandemic, the social impact has been maximum. • The transmission potential in children and teenagers is limited, and it had been widely demonstrated in school settings. What is New: • Group physical activities in children and teenagers are not also related to an increased risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, when preventive measures, such as washing hands, and screening protocols are applied. • Routine and semi-professional sports activities seem safe environments to promote during this pandemic.

Mechanisms of Hamstring Injury in Professional Soccer Players: Video Analysis and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the injury mechanisms and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in acute hamstring injuries of male soccer players using a systematic video analysis. DESIGN: Descriptive case series study of consecutive acute hamstring injuries from September 2017 to January 2022. SETTING: Two specialized sports medicine hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: Professional male soccer players aged between 18 and 40 years, referred for injury assessment within 7 days after an acute hamstring injury, with an available video footage of the injury and positive finding on MRI. INDEPENDENT VARIABLES: Hamstring injury mechanisms (specific scoring based on standardized models) in relation to hamstring muscle injury MRI findings. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hamstring injury mechanism (playing situation, player/opponent behavior, movement, and biomechanical body positions) and MRI injury location. RESULTS: Fourteen videos of acute hamstring injuries in 13 professional male soccer players were analyzed. Three different injury mechanisms were seen: mixed-type (both sprint-related and stretch-related, 43%), stretch-type (36%), and sprint-type (21%). Most common actions during injury moments were change of direction (29%), kicking (29%), and running (21%). Most injuries occurred at high or very high horizontal speed (71%) and affected isolated proximal biceps femoris (BF) (36%). Most frequent body positions at defined injury moments were neutral trunk (43%), hip flexion 45-90 degrees (57%), and knee flexion <45 degrees (93%). Magnetic resonance imaging findings showed that 79% were isolated single-tendon injuries. CONCLUSIONS: According to a video analysis, most hamstring injuries in soccer occur during high-speed movements. Physicians should suspect proximal and isolated single-tendon-most often BF-hamstring injury, if represented injury mechanisms are seen during game play. In addition to sprinting and stretching, also mixed-type injury mechanisms occur.

Time-loss Injuries among Female and Male Spanish Rink Hockey Players.

The present study describes the time-loss injuries among female and male athletes of the Spanish rink hockey league during the 2021/22 season.We performed a retrospective cohort study on time-loss injuries, whereby the athlete is prevented from participating in a training session or game because of the injury.A total of 463 athletes were included, with 326 (70.4%) senior male and 137 (29.6%) female. Two hundred and eighty-two time-loss injuries were recorded, the most common form being muscle injuries (112 episodes, 39.7%), especially those affecting the hip adductor muscles (52 episodes, 46.4% of muscle injuries). Most injuries were classified as mild (1-7 days of time-loss) and the median return-to-play was 9.5 days (range 1-180).Injury patterns were compared according to gender, position and moment: the results showed significant differences between senior males and females, between field players and goalkeepers, as well as between training and game, in terms of injury nature and type. The injury incidence proportion was significantly higher for field players compared to goalkeepers), and senior males had a significantly higher risk than senior females.The present study provides a starting point for studying and preventing injuries in rink hockey athletes.

Psychosocial and individual factors affecting Quality of Life (QoL) in patients suffering from Achilles tendinopathy: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a joint condition that causes functional restrictions and pain. This condition negatively impacts patients' social connectedness and psychological well-being, reducing their quality of life (QoL). This review aims to summarise the current information on QoL in patients suffering from AT from different angles: compared to a healthy population, reported individual factors that influence it and the effects of some AT interventions on QoL. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted at PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO using tendinopathy and QoL-related keywords up to November 2021. Articles were included if they compared QoL to demographic factors such as age or gender, lifestyle factors (physical activity levels), comorbidity factors (diabetes, obesity), and/or a control group. RESULTS: Three hundred twenty-nine articles were reviewed; 23 met the inclusion criteria. SF-36, EQ-5D, and VISA-A were the most common instrument used. Patients with AT reported low QoL when compared to no AT population. When women were compared to men, women reported worse QoL. The patients who participated in different exercise programs (strengthening and stretching) showed improvements in QoL. Surgical AT intervention improved QoL, although results varied by age. CONCLUSION: AT has a substantial impact on QoL. In AT patients, QoL is also influenced by specific individual factors, including gender and physical activity. Exercise, education, and surgical treatment improve QoL. We suggest more research on AT patients to better understand the aspects leading to poor QoL.

Urine metabolomic analysis for monitoring internal load in professional football players.

INTRODUCTION: The design of training programs for football players is not straightforward due to intra- and inter-individual variability that leads to different physiological responses under similar training loads. OBJECTIVE: To study the association between the external load, defined by variables obtained using electronic performance tracking systems (EPTS), and the urinary metabolome as a surrogate of the metabolic adaptation to training. METHODS: Urine metabolic and EPTS data from 80 professional football players collected in an observational longitudinal study were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and assessed by partial least squares (PLS) regression. RESULTS: PLS models identified steroid hormone metabolites, hypoxanthine metabolites, acetylated amino acids, intermediates in phenylalanine metabolism, tyrosine, tryptophan metabolites, and riboflavin among the most relevant variables associated with external load. Metabolic network analysis identified enriched pathways including steroid hormone biosynthesis and metabolism of tyrosine and tryptophan. The ratio of players showing a deviation from the PLS model of adaptation to exercise was higher among those who suffered a muscular lesion compared to those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant association between the external load and the urinary metabolic profile, with alteration of biochemical pathways associated with long-term adaptation to training. Future studies should focus on the validation of these findings and the development of metabolic models to identify professional football players at risk of developing muscular injuries.

Injury incidence and injury patterns by category, player position, and maturation in elite male handball elite players.

The aim of this cohort study is to estimate the influence of position, category, and maturity status on the incidence and pattern of injury in handball players, across two seasons. Injury registration from 164 players-season (12-27 years) was conducted, and players were categorized into youth (133) and adults (31), and per position: 27 goalkeepers, 67 backs, 70 wings and pivots. Maturity status in youth players was also measured by testicular volume on clinical examination (32 immature, 101 mature). 190 injuries occurred during 34 221 hours of exposure. Injury incidence in youth was 6.0 per 1000 total hours [CI 95%, 4.8-7.2] (14.9 match [9.7-20.1] and 3.7 training hours [2.7-4.6]; n= 142 injuries), and in adults 6.5 per 1000 total hours [4.4-8.6] (22.2 match [8.8-35.6] and 3.0 training hours [1.3-4.6]; n=48 injuries). There were significant differences in knee (P=0.01) and cartilage injury (P=0.05) according to playing position. There were significant differences according to age category in ankle (P=0.03), head (P=0.01), thigh (P=0.05) and muscular injury (P= 0.02), and apophysitis (P=0.04) for biological maturity state. Adult handball players had more ankle and muscle injuries than youths. Pivot and wings (2nd line) had more knee and cartilage problems. A higher incidence of apophysitis was found in immature youth players.

Incidence of Tendinopathy in Team Sports in a Multidisciplinary Sports Club Over 8 Seasons.

Tendinopathy is a critical medical condition that often hinders level of participation for professional and young athletes in many sports. The purpose of the study was to describe the incidence and severity of tendinopathy in a multi-sport club with professional and youth teams. We performed a retrospective epidemiological study. Incidence of tendinopathy in players (n = 3839; 8-38 years, professional and youth) was reviewed over 8 seasons (2008-2016) in 5 team sports: football, basketball, handball, roller hockey, and futsal. Team physicians diagnosed and classified tendinopathies according to anatomical location, sport types, playing category, sex, playing surface, lost training time, and severity (time to return to play). Injuries were coded using OSICS-10, and incidence of tendinopathies were calculated as the number of injuries per 100 players per season. The total relative frequency of tendinopathy (versus total injuries) was 22% (843/3839) over 8 seasons from 360 in youth and 483 in professional teams. The incidence of injury was the highest in professional basketball [69.9, 95%CI: (58.0-81.4)] followed by professional roller hockey [64.4, 95%CI: (47.3-85.6)], and professional futsal [36.2, 95%CI: (27.3-47.1)]. The most incidences commonly affected tendons were the patellar [11.7, 95%CI: (10.0-13.5)] and Achilles [10.3, 95%CI: (8.5-12.5)]. Tendinopathies represent a significant number of injuries in team sports and are more common in professional than youth teams, especially basketball and roller hockey. Additional studies are needed to understand associated time-loss and impact on performance, and to develop prevention strategies for high risk sports.

Influence of Cognitive Interferences and Self-Talk Functions on Performance During Competition in Elite Female Field Hockey Players.

Pérez-Encinas, C, Fernández-Campos, FJ, Rodas, G, and Barrios, C. Influence of cognitive interferences and self-talk functions on performance during competition in elite female field hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 30(12): 3339-3346, 2016-Cognitive interferences in the form of distracting thoughts and self-talk functions may play an important role in athletes' performance. The purpose of this study was to explore the types of interfering thoughts and the concomitant use of self-talk functions occurring in a sample of elite female field hockey players. The variation in these interferences in relation to athletes' performance level in competition was also investigated. Thirty-two female players of the first and the Under-21 National Team completed the Thought Occurrence Questionnaire for Sport and the Self-Talk Questionnaire after an international competition. The trainer rated the players' performance during competition in 3 different categories according to his expectancies based on the athletes' conditioning: Low (n = 6), Normal (n = 15), and High Performance (n = 11). Those players classified as low performing had increased the occurrence of irrelevant thoughts as compared with other groups. These athletes also showed the highest scores on the thoughts of escape subscale. Athletes with high performance during tournaments exhibited the lowest scores on all subscales, especially in thoughts of escape. The S-TQ subscales showed no differences among the 3 performance groups. Under-21 players had higher scores on the occurrence of performance worries and thoughts of escape subscales than first national team players. Interfering thoughts are common in female field hockey players during world-class competitions. The occurrence of irrelevant thoughts and thoughts of escape was related to players exhibiting low performance. The use of self-talk functions was relatively low in these athletes and could explain the enhanced occurrence of interfering thoughts.

The Relationship of Practice Exposure and Injury Rate on Game Performance and Season Success in Professional Male Basketball.

The objectives of this study were to determine the relationship among game performance, injury rate, and practice exposure in a professional male basketball team. A retroospective analysis of prospective collected data was conducted over seven consecutive seasons (2007/2008 to 2013/2014). Data collection included sports performance during competition (statistical evaluation), injury rate, and total exposure (games and practices). Over the surveillance period, 162 injuries (91 practice; 71 matches) occurred over 32,668 hours of exposure (556 games and 2005 practices). There was a strong positive correlation between: 1) exposure (total number of practices and hours of exposure) and the total number of injuries (r = 0.77; p = 0.04); 2) exposure (total hours of exposure and total hours of practice exposure) and performance (total team ranking) (r = 0.77 and p = 0.04, and r = 0.8 and p = 0.03, respectively); and 3) total number of injuries and performance (total team ranking) (r = 0.84; p = 0.02). While increasing practice and competition time is related to greater team performance, it also increases the number of injuries. However, higher injury rates were not associated with worse overall team performance. Efforts to reduce high-risk activity during practice, optimally replaced with injury prevention training, might help to reduce injury risk.

Classification and grading of muscle injuries: a narrative review.

A limitation to the accurate study of muscle injuries and their management has been the lack of a uniform approach to the categorisation and grading of muscle injuries. The goal of this narrative review was to provide a framework from which to understand the historical progression of the classification and grading of muscle injuries. We reviewed the classification and grading of muscle injuries in the literature to critically illustrate the strengths, weaknesses, contradictions or controversies. A retrospective, citation-based methodology was applied to search for English language literature which evaluated or utilised a novel muscle classification or grading system. While there is an abundance of literature classifying and grading muscle injuries, it is predominantly expert opinion, and there remains little evidence relating any of the clinical or radiological features to an established pathology or clinical outcome. While the categorical grading of injury severity may have been a reasonable solution to a clinical challenge identified in the middle of the 20th century, it is time to recognise the complexity of the injury, cease trying to oversimplify it and to develop appropriately powered research projects to answer important questions.

Soleus muscle injury: sensitivity of ultrasound patterns.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the sensitivity of ultrasound in detecting soleus muscle lesions diagnosed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to characterize their location, ultrasound pattern, and evolution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ultrasound and MRI studies were performed between May 2009 and February 2013 on all patients who presented to the Medical Services Clinic of the Catalan Sport Council with the initial onset of sharp pain in the calf compatible with injury of the soleus muscle. An inter-observer ultrasound reliability study was also performed. RESULTS: A total of 55 cases of soleus injury were studied prospectively (22 with right leg involvement, 33 left) by ultrasound and MRI, which was utilized as the "gold standard." In MRI studies, 24 cases (43.7%) had myofascial injuries that were localized in the posterior aponeurosis (PMF) in 15 cases (27.3%) and in the anterior aponeurosis (AMF) in 9 (16.4%). Thirty-one cases (56.3%) were musculotendinous injuries, with 9 cases (16.4%) in the medial aponeurosis (MMT), 11 cases (20%) in the lateral aponeurosis (LMT), and 11 cases (20%) in the central tendon (CMT). In comparison to MRI, ultrasound was able to detect injury to the soleus in 27.2% of cases. No injuries were detected by ultrasound alone. Posterior myofascial injuries were more likely to be detected by ultrasound than anterior myofascial injuries or all types of musculotendinous injuries. Ultrasound patterns for each type of injury were described. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound is not a sensitive technique for detecting and assessing soleus traumatic tears compared with MRI, although the sensitivity is enhanced by a thorough anatomically based ultrasound examination. Timing of the ultrasound examination may be of importance. Each type of soleus injury appears to have a characteristic ultrasound pattern based on a defect of connective expansions, the existence of small myofascial filiform collections, and the rarefaction of the fibrillar area.

Video Analysis of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Male Professional Basketball Players: Injury Mechanisms, Situational Patterns, and Biomechanics.

Background: Improving our understanding of the situations and biomechanics that result in an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in basketball players may support the design of more effective programs to mitigate the risk of injury. Purpose: To (1) describe the mechanisms, situational patterns, and gross biomechanics (kinematics) of ACL injuries in professional basketball matches using video analysis and (2) document the distribution of ACL injuries according to player position, phase of the match, and location on the court. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 38 ACL injuries in professional male European basketball leagues from the 2013-2014 to 2019-2020 seasons were identified. There were 36 (95%) injury videos analyzed for injury mechanisms and situational patterns, while biomechanical analysis was possible in 32 cases. Overall, 3 independent reviewers evaluated each video. Data according to player position (n = 38), phase of the match (n = 38), and location on the court (n = 36) were evaluated. Results: More injuries occurred while attacking (n = 25 [69%]) than defending (n = 11 [31%]). There was 1 (3%) direct contact injury, 21 (58%) indirect contact injuries, and 14 (39%) noncontact injuries. Most injuries (83%) occurred during 3 main situations: offensive cut (n = 17 [47%]), landing from a jump (n = 8 [22%]), and defensive cut (n = 5 [14%]). Injuries generally involved knee flexion (with minimal hip/trunk flexion and reduced plantarflexion) in the sagittal plane and knee valgus loading in most cases (75%). A similar number of injuries occurred during the first (53%) and second (47%) halves of the match, with a higher prevalence in the second (37%) and fourth (34%) quarters. Half of the injuries occurred during the first 10 minutes of effective playing time. More injuries occurred in guards (58%), and 73% of all injuries occurred in the scoring zone. Conclusion: Indirect contact was the main injury mechanism found in male professional basketball players. The offensive cut was the most common situational pattern. Biomechanical analysis confirmed a multiplanar mechanism, with knee loading in the sagittal plane accompanied by dynamic valgus. More injuries occurred in the first 10 minutes of a player's effective playing time, within the scoring zone, and among guards.

ACTN3 XX Genotype Negatively Affects Running Performance and Increases Muscle Injury Incidence in LaLiga Football Players.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the ACTN3 rs1815739 polymorphism with match running performance and injury incidence in top-level professional football players. A total of 315 top-level professional football players from the first division of Spanish football (i.e., LaLiga) participated in this prospective and descriptive study. The ACTN3 rs1815739 genotype was identified for each player using genomic DNA samples. During LaLiga 2021-2022, players' performance was obtained through a validated camera system in all official matches. Additionally, the incidence of non-contact injuries was obtained by each team's medical staff according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) statement. From the study sample, 116 (36.8%) players had the RR genotype, 156 (49.5%) had the RX genotype, and 43 (13.7%) had the XX genotype. The anthropometric characteristics of the players were similar across genotypes. However, the total running distance (p = 0.046), the distance at 21.0-23.9 km/h (p = 0.042), and the number of sprints (p = 0.042) were associated with the ACTN3 genotype. In all these variables, XX players had lower match performance values than RR players. Additionally, total and match injury incidences were higher in XX players than in RR players (p = 0.026 and 0.009, respectively). The rate of muscle injuries was also higher in XX players (p = 0.016). LaLiga football players with the ACTN3 XX genotype had lower match running performance and a higher incidence of non-contact injuries over the season.

Predicting Injuries in Elite Female Football Players With Global-Positioning-System and Multiomics Data.

PURPOSE: Injury prevention is a crucial aspect of sports, particularly in high-performance settings such as elite female football. This study aimed to develop an injury prediction model that incorporates clinical, Global-Positioning-System (GPS), and multiomics (genomics and metabolomics) data to better understand the factors associated with injury in elite female football players. METHODS: We designed a prospective cohort study over 2 seasons (2019-20 and 2021-22) of noncontact injuries in 24 elite female players in the Spanish Premiership competition. We used GPS data to determine external workload, genomic data to capture genetic susceptibility, and metabolomic data to measure internal workload. RESULTS: Forty noncontact injuries were recorded, the most frequent of which were muscle (63%) and ligament (20%) injuries. The baseline risk model included fat mass and the random effect of the player. Six genetic polymorphisms located at the DCN, ADAMTS5, ESRRB, VEGFA, and MMP1 genes were associated with injuries after adjusting for player load (P < .05). The genetic score created with these 6 variants determined groups of players with different profile risks (P = 3.1 × 10-4). Three metabolites (alanine, serotonin, and 5-hydroxy-tryptophan) correlated with injuries. The model comprising baseline variables, genetic score, and player load showed the best prediction capacity (C-index: .74). CONCLUSIONS: Our model could allow efficient, personalized interventions based on an athlete's vulnerability. However, we emphasize the necessity for further research in female athletes with an emphasis on validation studies involving other teams and individuals. By expanding the scope of our research and incorporating diverse populations, we can bolster the generalizability and robustness of our proposed model.

Unraveling athletic performance: Transcriptomics and external load monitoring in handball competition.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to comprehend the impact of handball practice on sub-elite athletes by investigating transcriptomic changes that occur during a match. The primary focus encompasses a dual objective: firstly, to identify and characterize these transcriptomic alterations, and secondly, to establish correlations between internal factors (gene expression), and external loads measured through Electronic Performance and Tracking Systems (EPTS variables). Ultimately, this comprehensive analysis seeks to evaluate both acute and chronic responses to exercise within the context of handball training. METHODS: The study included sixteen elite male athletes from the FC Barcelona handball second team. Blood samples were extracted at three different time points: before the match at baseline levels (T1), immediately upon completion (T2), and 24 hours after completion (T3). Differential gene expression, Gene Ontology Term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were conducted in two comparisons: Comparison 1 (T1 vs T2) and Comparison 2 (T1 vs T3). Further, the correlation between gene expression levels and training variables (external load) was conducted. RESULTS: In T1 vs T2, 3717 of the 14632 genes detected were differentially expressed (adjusted p-value < 0.05), and enrichment of terms related to the immune system, mitochondria, and metabolic processes was found. Further, significant linear correlations were obtained between High-Speed running (HSR) and high-intensity variables such as acceleration ACC and deceleration DEC values with amino acids, and inflammatory and oxidative environment-related pathways, both in chronic and acute response. CONCLUSIONS: This research highlights the effects of external workload on elite athletes during a handball match and throughout the season. The study identifies deregulation in the immune system, mitochondrial functions, and various metabolic pathways during the match. Additionally, it establishes correlations between the external load and pathways associated with amino acids, inflammation, oxidative environment, and regulation. These findings offer insights into the immediate and chronic responses of athletes to physical effort.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with non-contact soft tissue injuries in elite professional soccer players: influence on degree of injury and recovery time.

BACKGROUND: The biological mechanisms involved in non-contact musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries (NCMSTI) are poorly understood. Genetic risk factors may be associated with susceptibility to injuries, and may exert marked influence on recovery times. METHODS: Data on type and degree of injury and recovery time were collected in 73 male professional soccer players (43 White, 11 Black Africans and 19 Hispanics) who suffered total of 242 injuries (203 muscle, 24 ligament, and 15 tendon injuries). One single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in the following genes were analyzed: Elastin (ELN); Titin (TTN); SRY-related HMG-box (SOX15); Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2); Chemokine, CC motif, ligand 2 (CCL2); Collagen type 1 alpha 1(COL1A1); Collagen type 5 alpha 1 (COL5A1), and Tenascin C (TNC). RESULTS: There was evidence of a statistically significant association between the degree of injury and the IGF2 genotype (P = 0.034). In addition, there was evidence of a statistically significant association between the degree of muscle injury and CCL2 (P = 0.026) Finally, there was evidence of a statistically significant association between ELN and degree of injury (p = 0.009) and recovery time (P = 0.043). There was no evidence of a statistically significant association between any of the genes studied and degree of injury or recovery time for tendon injuries. CONCLUSION: SNPs in the IGF2, CCL2, and ELN genes may be associated to the degree and recovery time of NCMSTI.