Frontiers in Sports and Active Living最新文献

The presence of a doping substance in an athlete's biological sample may not be only related to intentional pharmacological support. The unintended use of a prohibited substance may be due various reasons. This paper describes the case of a Polish canoeist preparing for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris who presented a positive doping test result, as a consequence of administering medication to her injured dog. The athlete used a Trofodermin cutaneous spray (containing clostebol acetate) for pet treatment, which resulted in human transfer during close contact and subsequent detection by doping authorities. To bolster the athlete's defense, it was essential to substantiate the scenario of an unconscious violation of anti-doping rules with scientific evidence. Hence, the decision was made to analyze and compare samples of the athlete's hair and her dog's fur. This investigation confirmed that clostebol absorption occurred through the skin of the hands, transfer during sleeping with the dog on the same bedding and/or inhalation (during the application of the medication, which was dispensed to the animal's paws). This defense was accepted by the Court of Arbitration for the Sport Anti-Doping Division, which subsequently found that the athlete committed an anti-doping rule violation, but under circumstances that amounted to a "no fault" scenario.

Regular physical activity can prevent various physical and mental illnesses or improve their prognosis. However, only about half of the German population meets the WHO recommendations for physical activity. The aim of this study was to identify factors that influence engagement in regular exercise and could help increase physical activity levels in the general population. To this end, we conducted a cross-sectional study using questionnaire instruments and self-designed items. The research cohort comprised a sample of online-acquired data from 1,119 mentally healthy individuals. Higher regular exercise was associated with higher both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, resilience, internal locus of control, and risk-taking behaviour, as well as higher scores in the personality traits conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness. Higher regular exercise was also linked to lower external locus of control. Whether participants exercised was also related to external circumstances, such as their financial situation, whether family members frequently exercised during childhood or the availability of sports facilities. Furthermore, participants' preferred exercise environment was found to be different from reality. Despite expressing a preference for outdoor and group exercise, most participants reported exercising alone and indoors. People who exercised regularly during childhood stated higher levels of intrinsic as well as extrinsic motivation and resilience. Based on our findings, we suggest that additional low-threshold, low-cost opportunities for physical exercise should be provided in public spaces that lack exercise facilities, as well as in childcare settings with a particular focus on disadvantaged social groups.

Engaging in muscle strengthening activities (e.g., resistance training) at least twice/week is promoted by (Inter)national movement guidelines. Cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity (cvBRS) reflects the ability to modulate R-R interval in response to changes in systolic blood pressure. Given the current conflicting literature, this study posed to explore the relationship between self-report muscle strengthening frequency and spontaneous cvBRS. 114 adults (62 females; age: 33 ± 19 years, 22% >55 years; body mass index: 24.2 ± 3.7 kg/m²) self-reported their weekly muscle strengthening activity frequencies via the Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire. Supine beat-by-beat R-R intervals [electrocardiography; 1.00 ± 0.18 s (0.90-1.50 s)] and systolic blood pressure [via finger photoplethysmography; 116 ± 11 mmHg (93-151 mmHg)] were recorded for 10.7 ± 2.0 min (5.3-14.5 min). Spontaneous cvBRS was assessed using the sequence technique. Data were analyzed using multiple regressions adjusted for age, sex, body mass index. Participants completed 2 ± 2 (0-7) days/week of muscle strengthening activities (56% met guidelines), and average overall cvBRS was 14.9 ± 9.1 (3.1-48.4) ms/mmHg. Higher reported frequencies were positively associated with overall cvBRS (Adjusted R² = 0.40, p < 0.001; β = 2.24, p < 0.001). Meeting muscle strengthening activity guidelines was associated with improved overall cvBRS (Adjusted R² = 0.29, p < 0.001; β = 7.68, p < 0.001). All results were unchanged if cvBRS for up-sequences or down-sequences only were used (all, p < 0.001). In conclusion, engaging in muscle strengthening exercises and particularly meeting existing guidelines were associated with better beat-by-beat vagally-mediated blood pressure regulation.

Introduction: Foot strike pattern is often associated with running related injury and the focus of training and rehabilitation for athletes. The ability to modify foot strike pattern depends on awareness of foot strike pattern before being able to attempt change the pattern. Accurate foot strike pattern detection may help prevent running related injury (RRI) and facilitate gait modifications and shoe transitions. The purposes of this study were to determine the accuracy of self-reported foot strike pattern among endurance runners, to identify what factors were predictive of accurate foot strike detection and recent RRI.

Methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study which included endurance runners (N = 710; 51.5% female; 35.4 ± 15.5 years; 51.6% were training competitively at the time of testing) with different running injury histories. Runners self-reported foot strike pattern [rearfoot, non-rearfoot (mid or forefoot), or "don't know"] and information about shoewear specifics. All runners performed a single session of running at self-selected speed on an instrumented treadmill with 3D motion capture and high-speed filming that verified actual foot strike. Logistic regression was used to predict accuracy of foot strike detection and RRI.

Results: Overall accuracy of foot strike detection was low (42.7%; p < 0.01). Self-reported foot strike was 28.3% for rearfoot, 47.0% for nonrearfoot forefoot strike and 24.6% did not know. Biomechanical analyses actually showed that 34% of rearfoot strikers accurately detected rearfoot strike, while 69.5% of non-rearfoot strikers self-reported accurate non-rearfoot strike (p < 0.05). Runners who "did not know" their strike had the highest prevalence of RRI compared to runners who self-reported nonrearfoot or rearfoot strike (73% vs. 56% and 58%; p < .001). After accounting for several variables, shoe heel-to-toe drop was a consistent predictor of accurate strike detection [OR = 0.93 (0.88-0.99); p = 0.026] and RRI in last six months [OR = 1. 1 (1.01-1.17); p = 0.018]. RRI were also predicted by recent shoe change [OR = 2.8 (1.7-4.6); p < 0.001].

Discussion: Accurate detection of actual foot strike by endurance runners varies by the actual foot strike type determined during testing and is associated shoe characteristics. These findings demonstrate the importance of accurately identifying foot strike pattern and recommending footwear as a factor if planning to use retraining to alter foot strike pattern.

The use of social media by athletes can support them in difficult moments, but it can also become a source of negative emotions and psychological distress. This perspective critically examines psychoanalytic psychotherapy as a method for restoring athletes' psychological well-being after experiencing negative effects from social media use. The paper characterizes the key elements of psychoanalytic psychotherapy relevant to athletes, discusses the role of the psychoanalytic psychotherapist in working with athletes and describes the specifics of the psychoanalytic therapeutic process in this context. The potential advantages of psychoanalytic approaches over cognitive-behavioral methods are examined in treating the psychological impacts of problematic social media use among athletes. The analysis suggests that hate speech and negative online interactions can activate athletes' unprocessed life experiences rooted in early developmental stages. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy may offer a particularly effective method for restoring athletes' psychological wellbeing in such cases by addressing deep-rooted intrapsychic conflicts. However, a comprehensive approach integrating multiple therapeutic modalities is recommended to address the complex challenges athletes face in the digital age. This perspective acknowledges limitations in current research and suggest directions for future studies to develop and validate tailored interventions for athletes grappling with social media-related psychological distress.

Introduction: This study analyzed the impact of various overload conditions on sprint performance compared to free sprinting, aiming to identify the loading scenarios that most closely replicate the mechanics of unresisted sprints across the full acceleration spectrum. While velocity-based training methods have gained popularity, their applicability is limited to the plateau phase of sprinting.

Methods: To address this limitation, we employed cluster analysis to identify scenarios that best replicate the mechanical characteristics of free sprinting across various overload conditions. Sixteen experienced male sprinters performed sprints under six conditions: unresisted, overspeed (OS) and four overloaded conditions inducing a velocity loss (VL) of 10%, 25%, 50% and 65% using a resistance training device with intelligent drag technology. Ground reaction forces and spatiotemporal parameters were recorded for all steps using a 52-meter force plate system for all sprint conditions.

Results: Cluster analysis revealed four distinct groups aligning with established sprint phases: initial contact, early-acceleration, mid-acceleration, and late-acceleration. Results showed that heavier loads prolonged the mechanical conditions typical of early-acceleration and mid-acceleration phases, potentially enhancing training stimuli for these crucial sprint components of sprint performance. Specifically, VL50 and VL65 loads extended the early-acceleration phase mechanics to steps 7-8, compared to steps 2-4 for lighter loads. Conversely, lighter loads more effectively replicated late-acceleration mechanics, but only after covering substantial distances, typically from the 11- to 29-meter mark onwards.

Discussion: These findings suggest that tailoring overload conditions to specific sprint phases can optimize sprint-specific training and provide coaches with precise strategies for load prescription. These insights offer a more nuanced approach to resistance-based sprint training by accounting for every step across all acceleration phases, rather than focusing solely on the plateau phase, which accounts for only 20-30% of the steps collected during initial contact to peak velocity depending on the analyzed overload condition.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1497826.].

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the acute effects on mechanical, neuromuscular, metabolic, and muscle contractile responses to different set configurations in full-squat (SQ).

Methods: Twenty-two men performed three SQ sessions that consisted of 3 sets of 12 repetitions with 60% 1RM with 4 minutes inter-set rests: a) traditional set (TS): no rest within the set; b) cluster-6 (CS6): a 30 seconds intraset rest after the 6th repetition of each set; and c) cluster-2 (CS2): a 30 seconds intraset rest every 2 repetitions. Mechanical (i.e., force, velocity, and power) and electromyography (EMG) values were recorded for every repetition. A battery of tests was performed: a) tensiomyography (TMG), b) blood lactate c), countermovement jump (CMJ), d) maximal isometric SQ, and e) performance with the load that resulted in a velocity of 1 m·s-¹ at baseline (V1-load). Repeated measured ANOVA analyses were used to compare the 3 protocols.

Results: As the number of intraset rests increased (TS < CS6 < CS2), mechanical performance was better maintained (p < 0.01) and EMG variables were less altered (p = 0.05). At post, CS2 and CS6 displayed lower lactate concentration, lesser reductions in CMJ height, and smaller alterations in TMG-derived variables than TS (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The introduction of short and frequent intraset rest periods during resistance exercise alleviates training-induced fatigue, resulting in better maintenance of performance. This approach can be applied during the in-season period when minimizing fatigue is a priority.

Introduction: This study aims to elucidate the temporal and spatial distribution patterns of sports tourism resources within the Sichuan-Chongqing Urban Agglomeration, examining how these distributions reflect the developmental pathways of urban regions. The theoretical framework posits that the availability and allocation of sports tourism resources are influenced by various geographical and socio-economic factors, with topography, economic conditions, and population density playing pivotal roles in determining their distribution and development.

Methods: Utilizing GeoDetector technology alongside indices such as the Geographic Concentration Index and the Disparities Index, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the spatiotemporal dynamics of sports tourism resources, revealing that the distribution of these resources serves as a key indicator of urban development speed.

Results: Our findings indicate that topographical features significantly influence sports tourism resource development differently in Chengdu compared to Chongqing. Furthermore, we identified a strong positive correlation between population density and the distribution of sports tourism resources, highlighting the motivational role of populated areas and emphasizing potential inequalities if attention is focused solely on densely populated regions.

Discussion: This research provides novel insights into the complex relationships governing sports tourism resource distribution by employing advanced geo-analytical tools. It offers a strategic roadmap for equitable and sustainable urban development by addressing disparities in resource allocation, ultimately contributing to informed policy-making and enhanced regional resilience. This research aids in the strategic planning and sustainable development of sports tourism, providing a blueprint for urban development in the region that balances the needs of diverse populations and landscapes.

Dual-task training and exergaming interventions are increasingly recognized for their potential to enhance cognitive, physical, and mood outcomes among older adults and individuals with neurological conditions. Despite this, clinical and community programs that use these interventions are limited in availability. This paper presents the "FitBrain" program, an outpatient clinical model that combines dual-task and exergaming interventions to promote cognitive and physical health. We review the scientific rationale supporting these methods, detail the structure and methodology of the FitBrain program, and provide examples of session designs that integrate dual-tasking through exergaming. The paper also addresses implementation considerations, such as tailoring interventions to specific populations, ensuring user-centered design, and leveraging accessible technologies. We discuss key challenges, including limited research on programs utilizing multiple technologies and cost constraints, and propose directions for future research to refine best practices and evaluate the comparative effectiveness of multimodal vs. singular interventions. This paper aims to inform clinicians and program developers on implementing dual-task and exergaming interventions within diverse clinical and community settings by offering a structured model and practical guidelines.