Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness最新文献

Background: Ultra-marathon trails involve a combination of specific physiological and mechanical constraints and raise new questions regarding the osteoarticular impact on the knees and the long-term risk of osteoarthritis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 relaxation time measurement has shown the ability to determine cartilage response to loading. Higher T2 measurements correspond with cartilage damage. The aim of this study was to quantify the changes in MRI T2 relaxation times of knee articular cartilage after an ultra-trail run and determine knee's consequences of regular practice.

Methods: Twenty participants in a 55-km race involving total elevation changes of 2600 m had 1.5-T knee MRI prior to the race (V0), immediately after (V1) and one month after the race (V2) for T2 relaxation times measurement and morphological sequences (T1, T2 & T2 Fast-Spin Echo (FSE)).

Results: T2 measurements were significantly increased in V1 from V0 and remained so one month after the race (V2), despite a significant reduction from V1. Morphological sequences revealed that 65% of the participant had cartilage damage and 65% meniscal damage, 100% of which affected the posterior horn of the medial meniscus. Only one subject (5%) presented no anomaly whatsoever. Damage appeared to be stable between the assessments.

Conclusions: Ultra-trail running leads to modifications in the knee cartilage ultrastructure, which persists for at least one month after the event. Furthermore, regular ultra-trail runners present a high number of low-grade cartilage and meniscus lesions.

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) has been increasingly recognized in recent years as an important predictor of risk for adverse outcomes in numerous chronic conditions. In fact, a growing body of epidemiological and clinical evidence demonstrates that CRF is a potentially stronger predictor of mortality than established risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, adding CRF to these traditional risk factors significantly improves the reclassification of risk for adverse outcomes. The utility of CRF now extends far beyond all-cause and cardiovascular mortality to include the prevention and treatment of numerous other chronic conditions; CRF has been demonstrated to have a mitigating influence in as many as 40 such conditions. Herein we discuss the impact of CRF in the prevention of chronic disease in both adults and children. This discussion includes recent data on interactions between CRF and aging, obesity, statin use, incidence of diabetes, and the impact of CRF and physical activity patterns in adolescents including mental health, scholastic achievement, and cardiometabolic health. Finally, we discuss how CRF, as an essential vital sign, can be implemented in clinical practice.

Background: The risk of injury in rugby is high, due to the contact nature of the game. Players are constantly exposed to impact and collision during training and match-play. Rugby union consists of various risk factors that predispose players to injury. The aim of the study was to determine the risk factors of injury and to predict the risk of injury per playing position during match-play.

Methods: The study followed a quantitative, non-experimental, and cross-sectional research design. A total of 252 male rugby players, aged 18 to 20 years, who played in a collegiate rugby competition in South Africa (SA) for the 2022 season were conveniently sampled for the study. The playing position, time of injury (whether during a match or training), use of protective equipment, and phase of play in which the injury occurred were recorded. Injury data was captured by qualified healthcare professionals using an adapted injury surveillance questionnaire.

Results: The study found that potential risk factors for injury included illegal or dangerous play, playing in the second half of the match (more specifically the third quarter of the match), and playing in the offensive part of the field (more specifically between the opposition-22 and halfway line). Contact events were the most common cause of match injury (91.1%). The half of the match in which an injury was sustained was significantly different between forwards and backs (P=0.011). A statistically significant association was found between playing position and the phase of play in which injury was sustained (P=0.021). Regression analysis showed that playing between the opposition-22 m line and the halfway line was a significant predictor of injury for both forwards and backs (P=0.035).

Conclusions: In conclusion, potential risk factors for injury were related to dangerous play, time during the match (specifically the third quarter of the match), and location of play (specifically between the opposition-22 m line and halfway line). The area of play was a significant predictor of injury for all players. It is recommended that greater efforts in collecting epidemiological data need to be made to broaden the knowledge base on injuries and provide strategies to coaches and players to reduce the risk of injury in rugby.

Background: Padel is a sport that requires a combination of physical and technical skills. Fatigue is a major modulator of padel players' performance. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in neuromuscular performance and perceived effort among high-level padel players.

Methods: Countermovement jump and handgrip strength of 58 participants (men: N.=38 age = 28.3±7.05 years, height = 178.9±8.41 cm; body mass = 75.25±8.2 kg. women: N.=21, age = 23.07±4.6 years, height = 163.86±10.34 cm; body mass = 59.9±6.13 kg) were assessed pre- and post-match in 43 official matches during the Padel Master 2021 of the Andalusian Padel Federation. Additionally, the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale was used to assess players' subjective perception of effort after each match.

Results: Players experienced significant increases in postmatch jump height, with no changes in handgrip strength. Moreover, changes in jump height were greater in male players after the match when compared to their female counterparts, but the match duration was not determinant when comparing CMJ or handgrip between 2-sets and 3-sets matches. Finally, players reported a higher RPE after longer matches, but perceived effort was not different between sexes.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that the internal load generated during competitive padel matches is insufficient to cause a declination in performance of the studied variables. It is also concluded that players' warm-up routines could be optimized to enhance neuromuscular performance at the start of matches.

Background: Elite-level football requires an array of physical, technical, psychological, and tactical skills. The aim of this study was to measure the association between physical outputs (distance, decelerations, accelerations) and the match outcome (win, draw, lose) in professional football. This research also examined whether the same association is influenced if a team adopts a possession or transition-based playing style.

Methods: Thirty-six elite-outfield football players from an English Championship team participated in the study during the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 seasons using physical and event data collected from an English Championship club over the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 seasons, this study conducted a univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Hedge g effect size (ES) to measure the research aims.

Results: The results showed no significant differences were found between match outcomes for each physical output metric calculated. There was a trivial ES shown for all conditions except decelerations, with win/lose having a moderate ES (g=0.53). When playing a possession-based playing style there was no significant difference or non-trivial ES found for any physical output and match outcomes. When playing a transition-based playing style there was a moderate ES found for win/draw (P=0.38, g=0.90) and win/loss (P=0.98, g=0.64).

Conclusions: This research provides important evidence for utilizing intense deceleration actions as a physical KPI during match play for teams adopting a transitional playing style. Subsequently, training interventions should be adopted to physically prepare players to complete and sustain intense deceleration actions during match play.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of facial cooling on physiological and perceptual responses during a simulated fencing competition.

Methods: Using a randomized, crossover design, six competitive male fencers completed two trials of seven simulated fencing matches. Each match consisted of 22×10 s bouts of high-intensity fencing movements. Static rest (12 s) separated each bout, with 60-second rest after bouts seven and 14, during which, in the experimental condition, participants were sprayed with a facial water mist and fanned.

Results: Relative to control, facial cooling reduced tympanic temperature (mean difference [MD]: 0.2±0.03 °C; 95% likely range [CL95]: 0.13-0.3 °C), heart rate (MD: 12±3 b·min^-1; CL95: 5-20 b·min^-1), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) for the dominant arm (MD: 2±0; CL95: 1-3), legs (MD: 2±0; CL95: 1-3), and total exertion (MD: 2±0; CL95: 1-3). Moreover, the benefits of facial cooling on RPE of the dominant arm and legs were magnified as the competition progressed. Facial cooling also improved ratings of perceived thermal comfort and perceived thermal strain.

Conclusions: While the performance benefits of the intervention require exploration, facial misting positively affects both physiological and perceptual responses during fencing.

Background: The study aimed to try to determine whether there are differences in performance analysis in handball matches won and lost, in Pre-COVID-19, COVID-19, and Post-COVID-19 seasons, taking into account the venue of the match.

Methods: The material was the official statistics of 493 men's handball matches of PGNiG Superliga Ltd. For comparisons between independent variables, the Mann-Whitney U Test and the Kruskal-Wallis Test were used. A Chi-square Test was used to determine the distribution of the number of games won and lost.

Results: The analyses conducted indicate higher values in matches won than in matches lost (P=0.00) for the variables: numbers of goals scored, accurate throws, 6 meters goals, fast breaks, fast break goals, and throwing efficiency: all throws, 9 meters, 6 meters, and goalkeeper efficiency. In losing matches teams lost have a higher number of goals defeated (P=0.00) and executed a higher number of missed throws (P=0.00) than in winning matches Effect size of the differences is large. The results show a higher number of matches won in home matches than away in the Pre-COVID-19 season (P=0.0001).

Conclusions: During the three seasons, the number of throws and goals from 9 meters decreases, while the number of goals from 6 meters increases. In sports training, measures should be taken to improve and increase the effectiveness of actions that affect winning the match. The results indicate the need to shape defensive actions that prevent goals from being scored in situations that differentiate the match's outcome.

Background: Sports competitions present a highly stressful environment for the athletes. The stress that is produced because of physiological or psychological demands could influence athletes' performance. This study aimed to understand the dynamics of stress biomarkers during official national bouldering climbing competition.

Methods: Twelve sport climbers ([6 females] average age: 20.3±5.21 years, body height: 174.0±10.27 cm, body mass: 64.7±10.80 kg, training age: 10.3±2.40 years) took part in this study. Their saliva cortisol (C) and alpha-amylase (AA) were sampled during the official climbing competition (qualification and final).

Results: The results showed that C had higher values post- (qualification, 1.02±0.43 µg/dL; final, 0.46±0.27 µg/dL) than precompetition (0.45±0.24 µg/dL; 0.29±0.68 µg/dL, respectively). A similar trend can be observed in AA, with higher values post- (qualification, 156.07±133.24 U/dL; final, 199.09±51.24 U/dL) than precompetition (88.18±80.24 U/dL; 88.72±51.24 U/dL, respectively). Furthermore, C had a significantly higher response prequalification (0.45±0.24 µg/dL) than prefinal (0.29±0.19 µg/dL), with the same response post both competition rounds (qualification, 1.02±0.43 µg/dL; final, 0.46±0.27 µg/dL).

Conclusions: Overall, the results showed a strong endocrine and nervous system response. These findings lead to the conclusion that sports climbing competitions present a highly stressful environment for athletes, both physically and psychologically.

Background: Ironman-distance events are ultra-endurance competitions involving three sports, leading to various adverse medical incidents. While some athletes compete in the same event over multiple years, medical trends among repeat competitors have not been studied. This study aimed to determine the recurrence of common medical incidents in repeat competitors over time in a longstanding Ironman-distance championship event.

Methods: Data were collected using standardized sheets completed by nurses and physicians during athlete medical evaluations from 1989-2019. Competitors (N.=427) were included in the analysis if they received medical evaluation in at least three competitions within a fifteen-year period. Bivariate correlations were calculated to determine associations among medical incidents during competitors' first year of medical evaluation. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the likelihood of medical incidents reoccurring in subsequent years following the initial occurrence.

Results: Significant associations were found between several adverse medical incidents during competitors' first medical evaluations and for those evaluated in 3+ years. Competitors diagnosed with hyponatremia (aOR=2.42, 95% CI: 1.07-5.46), nausea (aOR=1.83, 95% CI: 1.14-2.94), dizziness (aOR=1.71, 95% CI: 1.09-2.68), and muscle cramps (aOR=1.62, 95% CI: 1.05-2.50) during their first year were significantly more likely to return with the same issue in subsequent years. In contrast, those who experienced vomiting during their first year were less likely to return for the same problem (aOR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.27-0.77).

Conclusions: There are significant correlations and clear patterns of recurrence for specific medical incidents among elite ultra-endurance triathletes. Further analyses of other triathlon repeat populations and more specific examinations by age and sex are needed.