Biology of Sport最新文献

The genetic underpinnings of elite sprint and power performance remain largely elusive. This study aimed to identify genetic variants associated with this complex trait as well as to understand their functional implications in elite sprint and power performance. We conducted a multi-phase genome-wide association study (GWAS) in world-class sprint and power athletes of West African and East Asian ancestry and their geographically matched controls. We carried out genotype imputation, replications for the top GWAS signal rs10196189 in two European cohorts, and gene-based and tissue-specific functional network analyses. For the first time, we uncovered the G-allele of rs10196189 in the Polypeptide N-Acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 13 (GALNT13) being significantly associated with elite sprint and power performance (P = 2.13E-09 across the three ancestral groups). Moreover, we found that GALNT13 expression level was positively associated with the relative area occupied by fast-twitch muscle fibers in the vastus lateralis muscle. In addition, significant and borderline associations were observed for BOP1, HSF1, STXBP2, GRM7, MPRIP, ZFYVE28, CERS4, and ADAMTS18 in cross-ancestry or ancestry-specific contexts, predominantly expressed in the nervous and hematopoietic systems. From the elite athlete cohorts, we further identified thirty-six previously uncharacterized genes linked to host defence, leukocyte migration, and cellular responses to interferon-gamma, and four genes - UQCRFS1, PTPN6, RALY and ZMYM4 - associated with aging, neurological conditions, and blood disorders. Taken together, these results provide new biological insights into the genetic basis of elite sprint and power performance and, importantly, offer valuable clues to the molecular mechanisms underlying elite athletic performance, health and disease.

This study aimed to compare high-speed running (HSR) and sprint distances (SD) when in- (IP) and out-of-possession (OP) during official English Premier League (EPL) match-play over three consecutive seasons considering playing position, match location and opponent ranking. Match data from 31 male professional soccer players was obtained via an optical tracking system. Results showed that during the IP phase, playing position emerged as the only significant predictor for both HSRIP and SDIP. Wingers showed the highest HSRIP compared to centre-backs who exhibited the lowest values (p < 0.001, ES = 4.19). Similar data were found for SDIP (p < 0.001, ES = 3.30). HSROP was significantly affected by both ranking difference (β = -0.039, p = 0.001) and match location (β = 0.369, p = 0.001). HSROP decreases as the ranking difference increases and tends to be higher during away matches (p = 0.001, ES = 0.24). SDOP was affected by both ranking difference (β = -0.023, p = 0.001) and match location (β = 0.166, p = 0.001) and decreased as the ranking difference increased. SDOP was also higher during away matches (p = 0.001, ES = 0.23). Additionally, a significant interaction was found between playing position and ranking difference (β = 0.005, p = 0.010). Lower ranking differences correspond to higher SDOP values. In conclusion, these findings highlight that by applying these IP and OP insights into practical coaching strategies, teams can potentially enhance individual physical performance and adaptability across different match situations and seasons.

This study investigated 1) possible differences in physical qualities between national team selected and non-selected female football players specific to playing position and 2) possible between-position differences in physical qualities specific to competition level (national team selected and non-selected players separately). One-hundred eight-six female players from Finland's senior and youth national teams (n = 85) and Finland's national league teams (n = 101) participated in this cross-sectional study. The following field tests were used to characterize physical qualities of the players: 30-meter sprint test with 10-meter split time for speed, countermovement jump (CMJ) for lower-body power, and 1200-meter shuttle running test (i.e. Bronco test) was used to calculate maximal aerobic speed (MAS). National team selected central- and wide-defenders and central-midfielders were faster (g = 0.74-0.94, p = 0.042-0.007) in 10-meter sprint-time and central-midfielders and forwards were faster in 30-meter sprint-time (g = 0.73-0.81, p = 0.047-0.033) compared to non-selected counterparts. Selected wide-midfielders jumped higher in CMJ (g = 0.72, p = 0.048) than non-selected counterparts. Selected central- and wide-midfielders and forwards had higher MAS (g = 0.63-1.68, p = 0.037-0.001) than non-selected counterparts. Between-position analysis revealed that selected wide-midfielders reached higher CMJ height than central-midfielders and achieved higher MAS than central-defenders. Non-selected wide-defenders were faster for 30-meter sprint time than central-defenders, central-midfielders, and forwards. Physical qualities, especially speed, differentiate national team selected players from non-selected players. Between-position differences varied between groups, but players with better physical qualities played in wide-positions in both groups.

Evening exposure to blue light has been shown to negatively affect sleep patterns and cognitive function. However, the effect of the specific timing of blue light exposure on motor performance and sleep quality in adolescent athletes remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of evening blue light exposure (BLE) timing on sleep quality, motor performance, and cognitive function in young athletes with intermediate chronotypes. Sixteen male adolescent athletes (age: 15.11 ± 0.92 years, body height: 168.25 ± 7.09 cm, body-mass: 59.49 ± 5.63 kg) participated in a randomized, crossover study with four conditions: BLE from (i) 7: 30-9: 00 PM, (ii) 9: 00-10: 30 PM, (iii) 10: 30 PM-12: 00 AM, and (iv) control (no BLE). Sleep quality and quantity were evaluated using the Spiegel and Vis-Morgen questionnaires. Selective attention was assessed using the Bells Test, while motor function was tested by dart-throwing accuracy and movement duration. ANOVA indicated substantial main effects of BLE timing on sleep metrics, motor performance, and cognitive function. Total sleep duration was markedly shorter in the 9: 00-10: 30 PM and 10: 30 PM-12: 00 AM conditions relative to the control (p < 0.001, d = 0.54 [medium] and d = 0.87 [large], respectively) and the 7: 30-9: 00 PM condition (p < 0.05, d = 0.28 [small] and p < 0.001, d = 0.56 [medium], respectively). Dart-throwing accuracy was significantly lower in the 9: 00-10: 30 PM and 10: 30 PM-12: 00 AM conditions versus the control (p < 0.002, d = 0.77 [medium]) and p < 0.001, d = 1.41 [large], respectively). Movement duration was significantly longer in these conditions compared to the control (p < 0.001, d = 1.75 [large] and d = 1.51 [large], respectively) and 7: 30-9: 00 PM condition (p < 0.01, d = 1.38 [large] and p = 0.002, d = 1.17 [large], respectively). Selective attention was significantly lower in the 9: 00-10: 30 PM and 10: 30 PM-12: 00 AM conditions compared to the control (p = 0.003, d = 0.66 [medium] and p < 0.001, d = 0.91 [large], respectively). Evening BLE, especially after 9: 00 PM, adversely affects sleep quality, motor performance, and cognitive function in young athletes. These findings underscore the necessity of reducing BLE in the evening to enhance sports performance, optimize training and recovery, and facilitate motor learning for skill development.

The aim of this study was to track the neuromuscular performance of the Spanish national women's football team during the 2023 World Cup. Twenty elite women's football players were assessed four times during the preparatory and competitive periods. Mean and individual changes in countermovement jump (CMJ) metrics and estimated one-repetition maximum (1RM) for back squat (BS) and hip thrust (HT) exercises were tracked. External and differential internal loads were calculated for field sessions. Strength training load was also monitored using the formula: sets × repetitions × weight × RPE. One-way ANOVA, effect sizes, and individual response analysis were applied. Significant increases in jump height (p = 0.007; ES = 0.12 to 0.44) and concentric propulsive impulse (p = 0.003; ES = 0.15 to 0.47) were observed in MC9 compared to the start of the training camp (MC1). The estimated 1RM in BS was greater in MC9 compared to MC1 (p < 0.001; ES = 1.26 to 2.13), MC4 (p = 0.016; ES = 0.33 to 1.48) and MC6 (p = 0.008; ES = 1.08 to 2.44). Estimated 1RM in HT was greater in MC9 compared to MC1 (p = 0.047; ES = 0.31 to 1.57) and MC4 (p = 0.015; ES = 0.64 to 1.75). Individual analysis showed a positive response in 83% of players in jump height and BS, and in 66% in HT. The Spanish women's football team showed improved neuromuscular performance throughout the competitive period for the FIFA Women's 2023 World Cup, especially in the latest stage of the tournament. These results provide insights into the evolution of neuromuscular performance during tournament schedules and highlight the sensitivity of neuromuscular performance monitoring.

This study aimed to investigate the potential fluctuations in neuromuscular performance and subjective perception of effort during three different phases of the menstrual cycle. Fifteen elite female football players (age: 23.47 ± 6.14) volunteered to participate in the study. Tympanic temperature, saliva hormone measurement, urine concentration of the luteinizing hormone and a calendar tracker were used to verify the following phases of the menstrual cycle: early follicular phase (EFP), late follicular phase (LFP), and mid-luteal phase (MLP). For each phase, mean concentric velocity and the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) with loads that represented 60% and 80% of their 1RM in the half-squat, deadlift and hip thrust exercises were compared. The counter-movement jump (CMJ) test was also performed. Overall, jump height, mean concentric velocity in half-squat, deadlift, and hip thrust exercises with loads at 60% and 80% RM and RPE were all similar in all menstrual cycle phases, without significant differences (p > 0.05). The results of this investigation suggest that vertical jump, mean concentric velocity in three different exercises at different submaximal loads, and RPE for each exercise are not affected in eumenorrheic elite female football players throughout different phases of the menstrual cycle. The study indicated that lower limb mechanical performance in elite female football players remain consistent across menstrual cycle phases. Coaches can confidently monitor and optimize training without undue adjustments related to menstrual cycles.

This research aimed to investigate the association of the BDNF rs6265 polymorphism with elite athletic status in four different populations: Japanese and European Caucasian cohorts from Italy, Poland, and Lithuania. A total of 1,644 professional athletes (868 Japanese, 177 Italian, 369 Polish, 230 Lithuanian) and 1,948 non-athlete controls (healthy, unrelated 821 Japanese, 102 Italian, 371 Polish, and 654 Lithuanian individuals) were genotyped. The athletes were stratified into endurance-oriented, sprint/power-oriented, and team sports groups. Statistical analysis was performed using R version 4.2.0. The results showed that the allele/genotype distribution of BDNF rs6265 was significantly different between the athlete and control groups and varied across all analysed populations. The minor A allele was significantly more common in the Japanese compared to Europeans, and the G allele/GG genotype was significantly more prevalent in Polish and Lithuanian individuals compared to Italians. European athletes were less likely to have the rare AA genotype than sedentary controls. The GG genotype was more prevalent among Italian athletes, particularly those in team sports, who were about twice as likely to have the GG genotype compared to controls. Lithuanian athletes were more likely to have the GA genotype compared to controls. This was especially true for Lithuanian sprint/power athletes, who had a twofold greater probability of having the GA genotype compared to controls. The BDNF rs6265 variant indicates genetic differences across the four populations (ancestry-relevant heterogeneity) and highlights its potential influence on elite athletic status for the Italian (GG genotype) and Lithuanian (GA genotype) populations.

This study aimed to determine differences in the incidence of non-contact injury in professional women football players with different starting statuses. Data from 37 women (age: 28.5 ± 3.9 years; body mass: 62.3 ± 5.2 kg; height: 169.8 ± 4.7 cm) from a professional football team (Professional Women's Football League from Spain) were prospectively collected during two consecutive seasons. Players were classified according to their match starting status as starters (players with > 70% of matches in the starting lineup; n = 20) and non-starters (n = 17). External load parameters were collected using GPS in all training sessions and matches. Non-contact injuries were diagnosed, classified, and recorded by the medical staff following the IOC consensus. Statistics included comparisons of starters vs. non-starters and linear regression and diagnostic analyses of injured vs. non-injured players. Non-starters accumulated less match load over the season but had two-fold non-contact injury incidence and three-fold muscular injury incidence during matches than starters, despite being exposed to a similar training load. The larger the number of matches played as a starter, the fewer injuries (non-contact: R² = 0.27, p = 0.01; muscular: R² = 0.11, p = 0.04). Diagnostic analyses identified clinical thresholds for insufficient match and training loads during the season accounting for higher injury risk. Less than 5,237 decelerations and 25 matches as a starter per season during training was the best indicator to discriminate players with less likelihood of non-contact injury. Football players with less match exposure from a women's professional squad may be more prone to injury due to under-exposure to the demands of the game.

We examined the impact of biological maturity status ((pre-, circa- and post-peak height velocity (PHV)) on time-motion, physiological and technical responses of under-15 soccer players during different small-sided game (SSG) formats performed on different pitch sizes. Thirty-six players (n = 12 per biological maturity group) performed 3- and 4-a-side SSGs on regular (36 × 27 m, 40 × 30 m, respectively) and large (40 × 29 m, 44 × 33 m, respectively) pitches. Total distance (TD), peak velocity, accelerations (Accl) > 2.5 m · s^-2, decelerations (Dec) > 2.5 m · s^-2, distances covered at different speeds (0 to < 7.0, 7.0 to < 14.0, 14.0 to < 18.0, and ≥ 18.0 km · h^-1), peak heart rate (HRpeak), HRmean (expressed as percentage of HRmax), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), post-SSG blood lactate concentration (BLa), and technical actions were recorded. There was a biological maturity effect on RPE, HRmean (%HRmax), percentage of successful passes (%SP), and interceptions, with pre-PHV players showing higher RPE and interception scores in large SSG formats (p < 0.05), and post-PHV players demonstrating higher HRmean (%HRmax) and %SP on regular and large 3-a-side and 4-a-side pitches (p < 0.05). Across all biological maturity groups, 4-a-side resulted in higher TD, distances covered at different speeds and ball-loss scores, and lower Accl, Dec, BLa, %SP, and duel scores than 3-a-side SSGs (p < 0.05) for both pitch sizes. On large pitches, 3-a-side SSGs resulted in higher ball possession, interception, and RPE scores (p < 0.05), while regular pitch sizes favoured higher Accl and Dec in both 3- and 4-a-side SSGs (p < 0.05). Large SSG formats generally outperformed regular formats in time-motion metrics. Our findings underscore the importance of considering both biological maturity and game format when designing training sessions for youth soccer players.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of breathing a hyperoxic gas mixture on recovery kinetics after a simulated soccer match protocol. In a double-blind, randomized design, twenty-eight semi-professional soccer players completed the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) followed by the administration of either a hyperoxic (FIO₂ = 99.5%: HYP) or a normoxic gas mixture (FIO₂ = 21%: NORM). HYP and NORM were administered immediately after LIST and daily for the next 3 days for 15 minutes. Physical performance (squat jump: SJ, countermovement jump: CMJ, maximal voluntary contraction: MVC, and 20 m sprint: SP), blood concentrations of muscle damage markers (creatine kinase: CK, lactate dehydrogenase: LDH), marker of inflammation (C-reactive protein: CRP) and Hooper index (HI) were assessed at baseline, 15 minutes and 24 h, 48 h and 72 h following the LIST. SJ, CMJ, MVC, and SP were lower at 15 min, 24 h, and 48 h in both conditions compared to the prior LIST (p < 0.05). However, the decrease in MVC was significantly attenuated at 15 min, 24 h and 48 h in HYP compared to the NORM condition (p < 0.01). Likewise, HI, muscle soreness and fatigue scores were significantly lower in HYP compared to the NORM condition up to 48 h following the LIST (p < 0.01). The present study suggests that the application of HYP immediately after a simulated soccer match and for the next 3 days promoted a lower fatigue-induced decrement in MVC and restored perceptual parameters of fatigue in semi-professional players.