Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness最新文献

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.

Background: Coaches usually reduce the training load (tapering) before competition to improve performance; however, in paralympic athletes this strategy had not yet been tested and we did not know which variables are associated with improved performance. Therefore, the objective was to compare the sleep, mood, sports performance, and reaction time (RT) of paralympic swimmers (PS) during tapering and to investigate whether there is a relationship between the variables during this training phase.

Methods: Eight PS were monitored for 17 days before the main competition, with an actigraphy to record sleep in 16 days. Evaluations were performed on Mondays (Evaluation 1 = E1) and Fridays (E2) during the first and second weeks (E3 and E4), and on Tuesday (E5) of the third week, the day traveling to the competition. Brunel Mood Scale, RT (Psychomotor Vigilance Test), and sports performance (50 m in the pool) were assessed before training on each assessment day. Internal training load (ITL) was evaluated using ratings of perceived exertion.

Results: ITL decreased gradually between assessments. Performance and RT were better on E5 than on E1. Fatigue was higher on E1 and E2 than on E4 and E5. Sleep parameters (total sleep time [TST], awakenings after sleep onset, and sleep efficiency) improved in the second week compared with the first week. Furthermore, TST from the previous night was correlated with RT, and RT and fatigue correlated with sports performance.

Conclusions: The increase in TST and the reduction in fatigue just before competition achieved by tapering correlated with the improvement in RT and sports performance. In addition, the tapering improved sports performance, RT, sleep parameters, and decreased fatigue.

Background: The current work aimed to describe and compare the cortisol and insulin concentrations behavior and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) during a 115 km ultramarathon race.

Methods: Nine ultrarunners (eight males) were evaluated six times (0, 37, 60, 76, 89 and 115 km). At each moment, saliva samples (for cortisol and insulin assessment) and RPE (CR10 scale) were collected. Statistical analysis included correlation, one-way repeated measure ANOVA, and Statistical Parametric Mapping to define discrete and continues changes and compare cortisol, insulin and RPE profiles.

Results: Our main findings revealed an early peak in cortisol and RPE, accompanied by a decline in insulin responses (402±49 min of the race, P<0.05). Cortisol and insulin only showed magnitude differences with inverse behaviors until ~6% (7 km) of the ultramarathon duration. Cortisol and RPE presented similar behaviors, rising from the beginning of the race and remaining elevated throughout the race (η²=0.91 and η²=1.0, P<0.001). Insulin levels decreased when the race started, remaining below 60% of baseline values from the midpoint to the end of the race (P=0.04).

Conclusions: The study showed an imbalance in the catabolic/anabolic hormone profile during an ultramarathon race, with a prominence in catabolic state. It should be considered in the ultramarathon races preparation and participation due to its possible detrimental effect on the athlete's health.

Skeletal muscle (SM) injuries are a very common occurrence among athletes during training and/or competitive periods, resulting in time loss and absence from sports. Of several existing interventions to improve SM recovery, the nutritional approach has emerged as integral part to improve the physiological response and maintain the body composition to promote a rapid and safe return to play. Growing evidence supports that the physiological response to SM injuries results in a number of changes, suggesting the relevance of a personalized nutritional approach, according to the degree of immobilization, SM mass loss, strength and function. Therefore, we aimed to review the current evidence of the nutritional approach applied to SM injuries recovery in athletes, highlighting energy intake, use the main nutrients and elements for the SM recovery, such as proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. Currently, evidence from injured athletes is scarce, and so specific guidelines cannot be established, calling from greater research into nutritional interventions in SM injury recovery in athletes.