Sports Medicine最新文献

Motor competence is related to a large number of correlates of different natures, forming together a system with flexible parts that are synergically and cooperatively connected to produce a wide range of motor outcomes that cannot be explained from a predetermined linear view or a unique mechanism. The diversity of interacting correlates, the various connections between them, and the fast changes between assessments at different time points are clear barriers to the study of motor competence. In this manuscript, we present a multilayer framework that accounts for the theoretical background and the potential mathematical procedures necessary to represent the non-linear, complex, and dynamic relationships between several underlying correlates that emerge as a motor competence network. Exploring motor competence from a new perspective that could be operationalized through multilayer networks seems promising, and allows more accurate inspection and representation of its topology and dynamics. This new perspective might also improve the understanding of motor competence structure and functionality over the developmental course. The use of the proposed approach could open up new horizons for the broad literature comprising motor competence.

With sport coaches adopting and working toward increasingly evidence-grounded approaches to practice, skill acquisition has appropriately become a critical area for consideration. As part of this growing interest in skill acquisition, the ecological dynamics approach has garnered attention amongst scholars and practitioners with myriad media (e.g. peer-reviewed articles, books, podcasts and social-media outputs) extolling its benefits. In doing this, however, the available guidance, advice and scholarship have typically positioned ecological dynamics as a direct competitor to existing or traditional cognitive approaches, advising against practical integration of approaches due to theoretical incompatibility. As a standalone approach, we are concerned that there are mechanistic and epistemological issues and inconsistencies that prevent experimental comparisons and limit its applicability, novelty and capability to comprehensively address real-world athlete and coach needs. Based on this, in this Current Opinion paper, we lay out these concerns and critically examine the clarity, coherence and consistency of the approach and its associated literature. In concluding, we also suggest that a more evidence-based and mechanistically driven approach that draws upon a wider set of theoretical perspectives can offer greater benefit to athletes, coaches and practitioners in real-world sport.

Recent years have seen the development of various classifications of muscle injuries, primarily based on the topographic location within the bone-tendon–muscle chain. This paper proposes an enhanced nomenclature for muscle injuries that incorporates histoarchitectural definitions alongside topographic classifications, emphasizing the importance of connective tissue damage characterization. A detailed understanding of the distinct anatomical and histological characteristics of tendon, aponeurosis, and fascia is essential for consistent terminology. Tendons, aponeuroses, and fasciae, while all composed of dense connective tissue, differ in collagen fiber orientation and structural organization. Tendons feature longitudinally aligned fibers suited for high tensile forces and muscle-to-bone connections. Aponeuroses have perpendicular collagen fiber layers, allowing for force distribution and support for both longitudinal and transverse traction. Fasciae exhibit loosely organized fibers providing flexibility and movement between muscles. The continuity and differences within the musculotendinous frameworks, particularly at the musculotendinous junction (MTJ), elucidate the higher frequency of injuries at these sites compared with tendons, highlighting the MTJ's role as a stress-absorbing 'safety valve.'

Background

Under controlled conditions and in some observational studies of runners, airborne fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM_2.5) is associated with exercise performance decrements.

Objective

To assess the association between event-day fine particulate matter air pollution (PM_2.5) and marathon finish times.

Methods

Using a spatiotemporal machine-learning model, we estimated event-day racecourse-averaged PM_2.5 concentrations for nine major US marathons (2003–2019). We obtained 1,506,137 male and 1,058,674 female finish times from 140 event-years of public marathon data. We used linear and quantile mixed models to estimate the mean and percentile-specific year and heat index-adjusted effect of 1 µg/m³ higher event-day racecourse-averaged PM_2.5 on marathon finish times in sex-stratified samples.

Results

Analyzing all finish times, 1 µg/m³ higher race-day PM_2.5 was associated with 32-s slower average finish times among men (95% confidence limits (CL) 30, 33 s) and 25-s slower average finish times among women (95% CL 23, 27 s). Quantile-specific associations of event-day PM_2.5 with finish times were larger for faster-than-median finishers. While PM_2.5 was generally associated with slower finish times in single-event models, there was effect heterogeneity, and most 95% confidence intervals included the null.

Conclusion

Greater race-day PM_2.5 was associated with slower average marathon finish times, with more pronounced effects in faster-than-median runners. While more research is needed to characterize effect heterogeneity across the performance spectrum, these findings show the impact of PM_2.5 on marathon performance and the importance of considering data from multiple competitions when estimating PM_2.5 effects from event-level data.

Abstract

Exercise training performed at the intensity that elicits maximal fat oxidation improves cardiovascular function and metabolic health while simultaneously reducing visceral adipose tissue in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Indeed, it is currently considered an efficient non-pharmacological approach for the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic disorders. Over the last 5 years, several studies have reported a diurnal variation in both resting fat oxidation as well as maximal fat oxidation recorded during submaximal intensity exercise. Higher fat oxidation has been recorded during the evening in comparison with the early morning, although this has not been universally observed. If evening exercise increases fat oxidation, then this timing of exercise may be preferable for the reversal of cardiometabolic diseases. However, the physiological and molecular mechanisms behind the circadian regulation of fatty acid metabolism have not yet been fully elucidated. The present review thus aims to describe the circadian rhythmicity of several hormones, metabolites, and enzymes involved in fatty acid mobilization and oxidation. Furthermore, we discuss the relevance of circadian mitochondrial dynamics and oxidative phosphorylation to fatty acid metabolism. To conclude our discussion, we highlight those biological (e.g., age and sex) and lifestyle factors (e.g., sleep quality/disturbances or physical activity) that potentially influence the circadian regulation of fatty metabolism and which therefore should be considered for a tailored exercise prescription.

Graphical abstract

Background

Physical activity is beneficial for preventing non-communicable and infectious diseases, such as pneumonia. Physical activity is also a potential protective factor for reducing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity. Conversely, outbreaks of respiratory viral infections are more likely to occur owing to group activities, opportunities for contact with individuals and vocalisations. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, several cases of COVID-19 outbreaks during various sports and exercise have been reported. However, the common causes underlying these outbreaks remain unclear.

Objective

The objective of this study is to identify the causes of COVID-19 outbreaks during sports and exercise using systematic review approach.

Methods

Our eligibility criteria were published articles reporting case investigation on COVID-19 outbreaks and the cause during sports and exercise. Studies such as reviews and observational studies without case investigations were excluded. PubMed, CINAHL, WHO COVID-19 Research Database and Ichushi Web were searched on 28 August 2023. The quality of included studies was rated using a quality criteria checklist adapted from a previous systematic review of influenza outbreaks. Vote counting of outbreak causes was performed by type of sports (team or individual).

Results

Twenty-one articles reporting 22 outbreaks were identified (quality: high, 9; medium, 9; and low, 3). The outbreaks were most frequently reported in fitness classes, followed by soccer. Most studies listed multiple causes of the outbreaks. The most common suspected cause of outbreaks in individual exercise, mostly from fitness classes, was poor ventilation and not wearing masks, followed by not maintaining physical distance and participation of individuals with some symptoms. In team sports, the most common cause was interaction outside the game, such as social events.

Conclusions

This systematic review found a limited number of case investigations suggesting that COVID-19 outbreaks during sports and exercise may be associated with the inhalation of aerosols in indoor settings, interactions outside of team sports games and participation of individuals with some symptoms. Prevention strategies that focus on mitigating these issues may be effective at preventing sports and exercise-associated respiratory infectious diseases outbreaks.

PROSPERO Registration Number

CRD42023443158.