Translational sports medicine最新文献

The widespread prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among young elite soccer players living above 40° north latitude is a significant issue. Considering the adverse effects of vitamin D deficiency, it is crucial to investigate its prevalence and the effectiveness of self-used preventive strategies among high-risk groups. This study involved 209 young athletes (aged 7-18 years, mean age: 12.79 ± 3.04 years, weight: 50.11 ± 17.75 kg, height: 1.60 ± 0.19 m, and BMI: 18.69 ± 2.75) from a leading soccer academy, residing above 55° north latitude. Blood samples were collected in winter to analyze the total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. High prevalence of insufficiency (38.3%) and deficiency (26.8%) of 25(OH)D was identified. There were no significant differences in the severity of deficiency among different age groups (6-9 years, 10-14 years, and 15-18 years) or during growth spurts. The analysis of self-used preventive methods showed no significant differences between the compared groups (p=0.149). Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are widespread among young elite soccer players living above 55° north latitude and training indoors. The effectiveness of self-used preventive methods is considered low.

Background: Previous meta-analyses show contrasting findings regarding the effects of blood flow restriction training (BFRT) in different knee conditions. Furthermore, no previous dose-response analysis has been conducted to determine the dose of BFRT required for maximal strength and functionality adaptations. Objective: To analyze the evidence on the effects of BFRT on strength and functionality in patients with knee osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis through a systematic review with dose-response meta-analysis. Methods: Included studies met the following criteria: participants with knee osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis; low-load resistance BFRT as intervention; control group with traditional moderate or high intensity resistance training (MIRT and HIRT); include muscle strength and functionality as primary and secondary outcome measures, respectively; and only randomized controlled trials. A random-effects and a dose-response model estimated strength and functionality using estimates of the total repetitions performed. Results: We included five studies with a sample of 205 participants. No statistically significant differences were found between BFRT and MIRT or HIRT for strength (SMD = -0.06; 95% CI = -0.78-0.67; and p > 0.05) and functionality (SMD = 0.07; 95% CI = -0.23-0.37; and p > 0.05). We found an inverted U-shaped association between the increase in total repetitions and strength gain and between the increase in total repetitions and functional improvement. Conclusions: People with knee osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can use low-load BFRT for strength and functionality as a similarly effective alternative to MIRT and HIRT. A total of 2000 repetitions per BFRT program are necessary to maximize strength gains in these patients, while functional improvement requires 1800 total repetitions.

Introduction: Triathlon's global popularity, with over 120 national federations and millions of athletes, has led to an increase in injuries, particularly Achilles tendinopathy, affecting 12-24% of long-distance and 7.7% of short-distance triathletes. Understanding the morphological adaptations of the Achilles tendon and calf muscles is crucial. Objective: This study compares the stiffness of the Achilles tendon and calf muscles between triathletes and physically active controls, while identifying differences in the superficial, middle, and deep layers of the calf muscles across and within these groups. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 42 participants divided into four groups: 10 male triathletes, 10 male controls, 11 female triathletes, and 11 female controls. Shear wave elastography assessed the stiffness of the Achilles tendon and calf muscles. Results: No between-group differences were found for the overall stiffness of the Achilles tendon and calf muscles. In the soleus muscle, the stiffness of the superficial layer was greater in the male control group compared to female triathletes (p=0.002). Also, the middle layer was greater in the male control group compared to the male triathletes (p=0.023) and female triathletes (p=0.028). Finally, the middle layer was greater in male controls compared to female triathletes (p=0.008). Within-group differences showed that the superficial layer was generally stiffer than the middle and deep layers across all groups and muscles. Notably, in the lateral gastrocnemius, the deep layer showed greater stiffness compared to the middle layer only for female controls (p=0.014). Conclusion: Triathlon does not affect the overall stiffness of the Achilles tendon and calf muscles, but differences in muscle layers highlight the need for a segmented approach in elastography, which may reveal specific training effects or injury risks.

The study investigated daily jump load variations on neuromuscular fatigue in nine NCAA Division I female volleyball athletes during the first 22 days of the season. Using force plates and inertial measurement units, data from 17 sessions were analyzed to assess relationships between jump loads and neuromuscular performance. Pearson's correlations were calculated to assess the relationships between force, velocity, and power force plate metrics and jump variables (duration in minutes, total jump counts, and jump counts greater than 38.1 cm (Jumps 38+) and 50.8 cm (Jumps 50+)). Nine out of 14 force metrics showed weak-to-moderate negative correlations with Jumps 50+, indicating as the highest intensity of jump counts increased and force production decreased (r ranges from -0.194 to -0.570; p ≤ 0.025 for all). In contrast, nine out of 16 velocity and power metrics showed weak-to-moderate positive correlations with Jumps 50+ (r ranges from 0.175 to 0.466; p ≤ 0.044 for all). In total, 29 out of 36 force plate metrics were significantly correlated to Jumps 50+, the highest intensity jump threshold assessed. Monitoring high-intensity jump loads provides a more accurate and nuanced assessment of neuromuscular performance and fatigue than total jump counts or session duration, with implications for optimizing athlete readiness and performance.

This study examined rapid weight loss (RWL) habits across combat sports (CS) and how common usage of different methods was related to the magnitude of RWL. Competitors (N = 256) from CS including boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay thai/kickboxing (MT/KB), wrestling, mixed martial arts (MMA), judo, taekwondo, and karate participated in the study. Athletes completed an online survey which included questions on their regular weight loss habits, including magnitudes of weight loss over different time periods and types of methods utilised. Athletes typically started losing weight in their early 20s and engaged in RWL on average three times a year. Magnitudes of weight loss were greater in MT/KB and MMA than other cCS examined (d between 0.63 and 1.54). Wrestlers demonstrated higher prevalence of skipping meals or fasting than other CS (d between 0.7 and 1.29). Athletes at higher competitive levels engaged in larger magnitudes of RWL (d between 0.49 and 0.57). The usage of methods of body fluid manipulation such as fluid restriction, water loading, and sauna were associated with greater amounts of weight loss within 2 weeks and 24 h of weighing in (d between 0.36 and 0.45). Findings indicate that larger weight cuts are linked to strategies involving higher risk, such as sauna, and may be more common among athletes who begin RWL practices at a younger age. Use of certain high-risk methods were associated with increased likelihood of disordered eating behaviours. To reduce reliance on these practices, practitioners and regulators should emphasise the use of smaller weight cuts and to begin losing weight further out from competition.

Introduction: Students engage in one or more lifestyle-related risk behaviours that may predispose them to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Whilst student athletes (St-A) are often perceived as having healthier lifestyles compared to nonathlete students (NAS), it is unclear whether they exhibit better risk profiles. This study compares the prevalence and clustering of these lifestyle-related risk behaviours among NAS and St-A at a South African university. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, inadequate fruit and vegetable intake and physical inactivity using a screening questionnaire. Differences between gender and athletic status were analysed using chi-square tests. Cluster analysis was employed to identify patterns of co-occurring risk behaviours within the combined cohort. Results: One hundred and forty-five St-A (n = 91 male, n = 54 female) and 143 NAS (n = 90 male, n = 53 female) were included. Similar alcohol use patterns were observed between St-A and NAS (p=0.737), but females consumed less alcohol than men (p=0.025). Smoking was less prevalent among St-A (18.6% vs. 32.2% NAS, p=0.020). Less than 10% of participants met fruit and vegetable intake recommendations, with females consuming more than males (p=0.002). St-A met the moderate activity guidelines more often (73.0% vs. 44.3%, p < 0.001) and the vigorous physical activity guidelines more often (71.5% vs. 37.1%, p < 0.001) than NAS. The cluster analysis identified a higher risk group (34.6% St-A) with multiple risk behaviours, and a healthier group (all meeting vigorous activity goals and none smoking). Conclusions: Both St-A and NAS engage in lifestyle-related risk behaviours. Further investigation into the interconnections of these behaviours and the implementation of university-based interventions is warranted.

Background: Runners have not benefited from the same reduction in injury rates seen in injury prevention studies conducted in other sports. Objectives: The purpose of this scoping review was to identify and map injury risk reduction practices for running-related injury (RRI), methods of delivery and understand the views of experts and runner's preferences in reducing RRI. Design: Scoping review. Methods: We conducted systematic database searches of MEDLINE, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus from 2000 to April 2024. Eligible studies included injury prevention strategies for RRI. Data synthesis was conducted according to PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews using Joanna Briggs Institute framework methodology. Extracted data were mapped and coded from intervention studies, expert opinions and reviews, and inductive thematic analysis created subthemes and themes from prospective cohorts, qualitative studies and surveys. Results: A total of 3777 studies were identified, and 106 studies met the inclusion criteria. In intervention studies, supervision and support appeared critical for better effect. Key injury prevention topics were strengthening, gait re-education and wearables, graduated running programmes, footwear, recovery and educational advice. A multifactorial approach considering individual risk profiles was recommended by experts, but there was a disparity in what runners do to reduce injury risk compared to expert advice, with actions appearing to be related to self-efficacy rather than avoidance. Conclusion: This scoping review highlighted runners require individualized, supported and multifactorial approaches for injury risk reduction, and runners seek knowledge on purpose. We found runners injury risk reduction practices should begin early with youth runners and facilitating this through coaching supervision is likely to support behaviour change. Strategies such as gait retraining, wearables and recovery need further exploration but provide promising strategies runners may engage with more. As runners are likely to choose familiar options minimally impacting lifestyle and running, they should be provided with education but need support with their choices to influence beliefs.

Introduction: Endurance athletes often utilize low-intensity training, commonly defined as Zone 2 (Z2) within a five-zone intensity model, for its potential to enhance aerobic adaptations and metabolic efficiency. This study aimed at evaluating intra- and interindividual variability of commonly used Z2 intensity markers to assess their precision in reflecting physiological responses during training. Methods: Fifty cyclists (30 males and 20 females) performed both an incremental ramp and a step test in a laboratory setting, during which the power output, heart rate, blood lactate, ventilation, and substrate utilization were measured. Results: Analysis revealed substantial variability in Z2 markers, with the coefficients of variation (CV) ranging from 6% to 29% across different parameters. Ventilatory Threshold 1 (VT₁) and maximal fat oxidation (Fat_Max) showed strong alignment, whereas fixed percentages of HR_max and blood lactate thresholds exhibited wide individual differences. Discussion: Standardized markers for Z2, such as fixed percentages of HR_max, offer practical simplicity but may inaccurately reflect metabolic responses, potentially affecting training outcomes. Given the considerable individual variability, particularly in markers with high CVs, personalized Z2 prescriptions based on physiological measurements such as VT₁ and Fat_Max may provide a more accurate approach for aligning training intensities with metabolic demands. This variability highlights the need for individualized low-intensity training prescriptions to optimize endurance adaptations in cyclists, accommodating differences in physiological profiles and improving training specificity.

Background: The treatment of unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis (OA) in young, active individuals with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insufficiency is a debatable topic. The objective, radiological, and functional results of medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) combined to ACL reconstruction and those of isolated UKA are compared in the present study. Methods: Twelve patients with medial OA and ACL incompetence were suitable for combined UKA and ACL reconstruction (Group A). A control group consisted of 24 patients who underwent isolated UKA within the same time frame and were matched for age, body mass index, and male/female ratio (Group B). The Oxford Knee Score (OKS), the Knee OA Outcome Score (KOOS), the WOMAC index of OA, and standard X-rays were used for clinical and radiologic evaluation. Results: The mean KOOS score, OKS, and WOMAC index improved 10 years after surgery, demonstrating a statistically significant change (p < 0.001). At follow-up, there was no significant between-groups difference concerning KOOS, OKS, or WOMAC scores (p=n.s.). One female patient in Group A underwent revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) 3 years after the first surgery because OA in the lateral compartment had developed and the patient's discomfort persisted. There were no signs of pathologic radiolucent lines or radiographic signs of implant loosening at the most recent follow-up, which occurred at an average of 7.9 years for Group A and 9.1 years for Group B. Conclusion: Ten years after surgery, UKA combined to ACL reconstruction provides clinical and radiographic results similar to UKA without increasing the incidence of complications.

Introduction: Epidemiological studies on elite female ice hockey players are lacking but needed to tailor preventive efforts in this growing group of athletes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the incidence, prevalence, and burden of health problems in elite female ice hockey players. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we asked all Swedish Women's Hockey League (SWHL) players (N = 207) to report their health status on the OSTRC-H2 weekly throughout the 2022/2023 season (28 weeks). Reported problems were categorized as injuries (acute or overuse) or illnesses and presented as incidence per player season and mean weekly prevalence. Results: A total of 129 players (62% of all SWHL players) provided 2286 health reports with a mean weekly response rate of 67%. Mean weekly prevalence of health problems was 21% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 19-23) (injuries: 15% [95% CI: 14-17] and illnesses: 6% [95% CI: 5-8]). Injury incidence was 2.1 (95% CI: 1.8-2.4) per player season (acute: 1.2 [95% CI: 1.0-1.5] and overuse: 0.8 [95% CI: 0.7-1.1]). Illness incidence was 1.3 per player season (95% CI: 1.1-1.6). Most reported health problems were acute injuries (59.4% of reported injuries). Most common among acute injuries where to the shoulder (15%), head (13%), and knee (11%). The hip/groin was the most reported (35%) and burdensome (49% of severity score) region among overuse injuries. Reported illnesses were mostly represented by respiratory infections (75%). Conclusions: In average, one in five elite ice hockey players reported a health problem at any given time during the season. Results of this study highlight the need to develop and test primary prevention strategies for shoulder, head, and knee injuries and secondary prevention strategies for hip and groin problems.