Exploring the interplay of handgrip neuromuscular morphological and psychological characteristics in well-trained and elite athletes:

Background/Objectives: The correlation of handgrip strength (HGS) and morphological characteristics with Big Five personality traits is well documented. However, it is unclear whether these relationships also exist in highly trained and specialized populations, such as tactical athletes, and whether there are specific differences compared to the general population. This study aimed to explore the interplay of handgrip neuromuscular, morphological, and psychological characteristics in tactical athletes and the general population of both genders. Methods: The research was conducted on a sample of 205 participants. A standardized method, procedure, and equipment (Sports Medical solutions) were used to measure the isometric neuromuscular characteristics of the handgrip. Basic morphological characteristics of body height, body mass, and body mass index were measured with a portable stadiometer and the InBody 720 device. Psychological characteristics were assessed with the Mental Toughness Index and Dark Triad Dirty Dozen questionnaires. Results: Numerous significant correlations were obtained, as well as differences between tactical athletes and the general population of both genders. The most prominent correlations were between the excitation index with Psychopathy and the Dark Triad (ρ = −0.41, −0.39) in female tactical athletes, as well as Neuroticism with body height, maximal force, and the maximum rate of force development in the male general population (ρ = 0.49, 0.43, 0.41). The obtained results also revealed gender and occupational specific patterns of researched relationships. Conclusions: Although the results of this study indicated the possibility of the existence of correlations between handgrip neuromuscular, morphological, and psychological characteristics in tactical athletes of both genders, nevertheless, at the moment, there is not enough solid evidence for that. That is why new research is needed. An analysis of muscle contractile and time parameters as neuromuscular indicators in the HGS task proved to be a possible promising method, which brought numerous new insights about the researched relationships. For practical application in the field, we propose including Mental Toughness and the Dark Triad traits in the selection process for future police officers and national security personnel based on the obtained results.

ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of mental health problems and satisfaction with life among different groups of elite athletes during a selected period of the COVID-19 pandemic and examine how COVID-19...

Argus, CK, Gill, ND, Keogh, JWL, and Hopkins, WG. Acute effects of verbal feedback on upper-body performance in elite athletes. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3282-3287, 2011-Improved training quality has the potential to enhance training adaptations. Previous research suggests that receiving feedback improves single-effort maximal strength and power tasks, but whether quality of a training session with repeated efforts can be improved remains unclear. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of verbal feedback on upper-body performance in a resistance training session consisting of multiple sets and repetitions in well-trained athletes. Nine elite rugby union athletes were assessed using the bench throw exercise on 4 separate occasions each separated by 7 days. Each athlete completed 2 sessions consisting of 3 sets of 4 repetitions of the bench throw with feedback provided after each repetition and 2 identical sessions where no feedback was provided after each repetition. When feedback was received, there was a small increase of 1.8% (90% confidence limits, ±2.7%) and 1.3% (±0.7%) in mean peak power and velocity when averaged over the 3 sets. When individual sets were compared, there was a tendency toward the improvements in mean peak power being greater in the second and third sets. These results indicate that providing verbal feedback produced acute improvements in upper-body power output of well-trained athletes. The benefits of feedback may be greatest in the latter sets of training and could improve training quality and result in greater long-term adaptation.

To compare the acromiohumeral distance (AHD) and the change of this distance during abduction between the dominant and nondominant shoulders of female overhead athletes and to compare AHD between elite and recreational female athletes. : Case-control study. Laboratory, institutional. "Side" (dominant and nondominant), "group" (elite and recreational athletes), and "degree of abduction" (0, 45, and 60 degrees). Sixty-two female overhead athletes participated in this study: 29 elite handball players and 33 recreational overhead athletes of different sports disciplines (volleyball, water polo, squash, and badminton). Acromiohumeral distance was measured at 3 positions of abduction using ultrasound: at 0, 45, and 60 degrees of abduction. Acromiohumeral distance measurements showed good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients between 0.88 and 0.92). In all overhead athletes, the AHD was significantly larger on the dominant side compared with the nondominant side, at all positions of abduction (mean difference = 0.94 ± 0.18 mm). Significant reduction of the AHD during abduction occurred relative to the initial size at 0 degree of abduction, at both sides. When comparing elite and recreational athletes, the AHD was significantly larger in elite athletes (mean difference = 0.92 ± 0.47 mm). Moreover, significantly less reduction occurred during the first degrees of abduction (0-45 degrees) in elite athletes (9.37% ± 2.17% reduction) compared with the recreational athletes (17.68% ± 2.03% reduction). The AHD is larger on the dominant side compared with the nondominant side and in elite female athletes compared with recreational female athletes. Moreover, less reduction of the AHD occurs in the elite athlete group during the first 45 degrees of abduction.

The goals of this present study were to explore family functioning in terms of cohesion, flexibility, communication, and promotion of challenges in young athletes and to study how family functioning is related to character strengths in elite versus recreational athletes. Adolescents (n = 476) of both genders (56.50% male) between 11 and 19 years old (M = 15.22; SD = 1.50) participated in the study. The elite athletes group (n = 238) was made up of adolescents from youth national teams of different sports from Argentina. The recreational athletes group (n = 238) played sports as an extracurricular activity and were recruited from secondary schools in Buenos Aires. All athletes completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, Parental Promotion of Challenges Scale, Parent-adolescent Communication Inventory, Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale, and Values in Action Inventory for adolescents. A cluster analysis revealed three distinct family functioning profile groups: Cluster 1: positive family functioning (n = 164); Cluster 2: moderate family functioning (n = 215); and Cluster 3: negative family functioning (n = 97). Elite athletes differed from recreational athletes in their family functioning perceptions. A multivariate analysis showed that positive family functioning is related to the development of character strengths in adolescent athletes regardless of whether they are recreational or elite athletes. The results are discussed with regard to the role of family functioning in development opportunities for adolescents to reach their sporting potential and make sports a positive experience.

Background:Return to sports (RTS) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for eliteathletes with femoral version abnormalities undergoing hip arthroscopy havenot been well established.Purposes:To (1) report minimum 2-year PROs and RTS rates in elite athletes withfemoral retroversion who underwent primary hip arthroscopy and (2) compareclinical results to those of a propensity-matched control group of eliteathletes with normal femoral version who underwent primary hiparthroscopy.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed for elite(professional and collegiate) athletes with femoral version <5°, asmeasured on magnetic resonance imaging scans, who underwent hip arthroscopyfor femoroacetabular impingement syndrome between March 2010 and April 2018.Inclusion criteria were preoperative and minimum 2-year follow-up PROs forthe modified Harris Hip Score, Nonarthritic Hip Score, Hip OutcomeScore–Sports Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and visual analog scale for pain.Exclusion criteria were Tönnis grade >1, hip dysplasia, and previousipsilateral hip surgery or conditions. Rates of achieving the minimalclinically important difference (MCID), Patient Acceptable Symptom State(PASS), and maximum outcome improvement satisfaction threshold were recordedin addition to RTS. Athletes with retroversion were propensity matched in a1:2 ratio to elite athletes with normal femoral version (5°-20°) forcomparison.Results:A total of 33 elite athletes (33 hips) with femoral retroversion whounderwent hip arthroscopy met the inclusion criteria, and follow-up wasavailable for 30 hips in 30 athletes (90.9%) at an average of 36.1 ± 25.6months. Elite athletes with femoral retroversion demonstrated significantimprovements in all recorded PROs, achieved the MCID and PASS for theHOS-SSS at high rates (86.7%), and returned to sports at a rate of 83.3%.PROs, rates of achieving MCID and PASS for the HOS-SSS, and RTS rates weresimilar between the study and propensity-matched control group.Conclusion:Elite athletes with femoral retroversion undergoing primary hip arthroscopydemonstrated favorable PROs and high RTS rates at a minimum 2-yearfollow-up. These results were comparable with those of a propensity-matchedcontrol group of elite athletes with normal femoral version.

Influence of a diet regimen on glucose homeostasis and serum lipid levels in male elite athletes

IntroductionEpidemiological evidence regarding the impact of elite athletic careers on cognitive trajectories remains contentious. Although consistent physical activity has been associated with long-term brain health, former elite athletes appear to represent a unique population. While past research has established a connection between sport-related concussions (SRCs) and later cognitive decline, less attention has been given to the cognitive function of former athletes who have not experienced SRCs. Therefore, well-structured cross-sectional studies accounting for established dementia risk factors are needed to compare mild cognitive impairment (MCI) prevalence between former elite athletes and the general population.Methods and analysisThis cross-sectional study will be conducted at Beijing Sport University (BSU) in Beijing, China. It is designed as a comparative study, aiming to recruit a sample of around 360 participants aged 65 and above. This sample will comprise 180 former elite athletes without a history of SRCs recruited via the BSU Retirement Welfare Office (the former athlete group), and 180 age-matched individuals from the communities in three districts in Beijing (the comparison group). Participants will complete a comprehensive questionnaire covering sociodemographic information, dementia-related risk factors, current physical activity levels and, for the former athlete group specifically, details of their athletic careers. MCI and instrumental activities of daily living will be assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Memtrax continuous recognition test and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale. The primary objective is to determine whether former elite athletes without a history of SRCs have a lower MCI prevalence than the general population. The secondary objective is to assess if these former elite athletes have a reduced prevalence of amnestic MCI and impairment in IADL compared with the general population. Additionally, the study aims to explore whether specific career-related characteristics of former athletes, such as the type of sport and contact exposure, are correlated with their cognitive function and IADL abilities in later life as a secondary exploratory component. The study will calculate the crude prevalence ratios (PRs) and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) with 95% CIs using the modified Poisson regression model with robust error variance.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee/Internal Review Board of BSU (approval number: 2024042H). All procedures will adhere to the Helsinki Declaration. The study’s findings will be provided to participants as deemed appropriate. The outcomes will be communicated through abstract presentations at national or international conferences/academic seminars, as well as through publication in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberChiCTR2400085800.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the relationships between aerobic fitness, volume of physical activity (PA), heart rate variability (HRV), and heart rate recovery (HRR) in a group of well-trained endurance athletes. Nineteen endurance athletes participated in this study and had aerobic capacities that placed them above the 99th percentile based on normative values (VO(2max): 67.1 ± 2 ml kg(-1) min(-1)). HRV was obtained via an EKG collected during supine rest and reported as high-frequency (HF), low-frequency (LF), and total power (TP). Natural log (ln) transformation was applied when variables violated assumptions of normality. HRR recovery was reported as the reduction in heart rate from peak exercise to the heart rate 1 min after cessation of exercise and PA was estimated from a questionnaire. HRR was significantly correlated with PA and VO(2max) (r = 0.67, P = 0.003 and 0.51, P = 0.039, respectively), but not with any index of HRV. Age was significantly correlated with lnHF (r = -0.49, P = 0.033), lnLF/lnHF (r = 0.48, P = 0.037), and normalized units (NU) of LF (r = 0.47, P = 0.042) and HF (r = -0.47, P = 0.042). Stepwise regression revealed that the strongest predictor of HRR was PA (R (2) = 0.45) and that VO(2max) did not add significant predictive value to the model. The relationship between HRV and age is evident in well-trained endurance athletes, whereas the relationship between HRV and PA/aerobic fitness is not. The maintained relationship between HRR and PA/aerobic fitness suggests that HRR may be a better marker of fitness-related differences in autonomic control in this population.

Handicapped people depending on wheelchairs do have a prevalence of 50%-80% to suffer chronic shoulder pain throughout their living. The effect of high intensive physical activity such as competing on international level on the shoulder pain is not finally resolved. PURPOSE: To determine the correlations of symptoms and MR-Imaging in elite and recreational athletes depending on wheelchairs. METHODS: We measured groups of elite athletes (EA) (n=10) and recreational athletes (RA) (n=30). The elite athletes were defined as international competing athletes being member of national squads. Athletes took part in Wheelchair Basketball, Badminton and rugby as well as Handbike. Both groups were seen 3 times over 2 years. Each time we investigated their symptoms in the Constant Score (CS) and Wheelchair users shoulder pain index (WUSPI). MR-Imaging was performed at T0 and after 24 month. A score was developed to describe pathologies seen in MR Imaging. Group comparisons were made using two way ANOVA with repeated measures. RESULTS: The mean value (MW) of the CS for EA developed from 93.4 (± 5.2) to 95.1 (± 3.1). The MW for the RA was 89.5 (± 14.5) at T0 and 92.6 (± 8.3) at T2. WUSPI for EA started with a mean value of 6.3 (± 15.9) and developed to 1.3 (± 3.3), RA started with 24.3 (± 42.3) and was 8.9 (± 14.2) at T2. The MR-Imaging Score showed MW of 1.9 (± 2.1) for EA and rised to 6.0 (± 5.0) after two years. RA showed MW of 2.9 (± 2.9) at T0 and 5.7 (± 5.1) at T2. The distance between humeral head and acromion was 6.2 (± 1.2) for EA at T0 and 5.3 (± 0.7) at T2. RA showed MW of 6.0 (± 1.6) at T0 and 5.1 (± 2.4) at T2. CONCLUSION: The EA had a better shoulder function measured in the CS, relative to RA. There were lower symptoms in WUSPI of EA compared to RA. Analysis could not show differences in pathology between the EA and RA. MR-Imaging in both groups did not show significant differences in alteration in two year follow up. Supported by Bundesinstitut für Sportwissenschaft (BiSP) IIA1-070403/09-11

Background: Elite athlete's heart is characterized by a greater left ventricular mass indexed by body surface area (LVMI) and diastolic function; however previous studies are mainly conducted in non-Asian athletes compared to sedentary controls.Methods: This study included 1,388 male adults, aged 18–34 years, enrolled in the same unified 6-month physical training program in Taiwan. During the midterm exams of 2020, all trainees completed a 3-km run (endurance) test, and 577 were randomly selected to attend a 2-min push-up (muscular strength) test. Elite athletes were defined as the performance of each exercise falling one standard deviation above the mean (16%). Cardiac structure and function were measured by echocardiography and compared between elite and non-elite athletes. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors of elite athlete status at each exercise modality.Results: As compared to non-elite controls, elite endurance athletes had greater LVMI (84.4 ± 13.6 vs. 80.5 ± 12.9 g/m2, p < 0.001) and lateral mitral E'/A' ratio (2.37 ± 0.73 vs. 2.22 ± 0.76, p < 0.01) with lower late diastolic A' (7.77 ± 2.16 vs. 8.30 ± 3.69 cm/s, p = 0.03). Elite strength athletes had greater LVMI (81.8 ± 11.4 vs. 77.5 ± 12.1, p = 0.004) and lateral mitral E'/A' ratio (2.36 ± 0.70 vs. 2.11 ± 0.71, p < 0.01) with a greater early diastolic E' (19.30 ± 4.06 vs. 18.18 ± 4.05 cm/s, p = 0.02). Greater LVMI and lower heart rate were independent predictors of elite endurance athletes [odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals: 1.03 (1.02, 1.04) and 0.96 (0.95, 0.98), respectively]. Greater LVMI, lateral mitral E'/A' ratio and right ventricular systolic pressure were independent predictors of elite strength athletes [OR: 1.03 (1.01, 1.05), 1.50 (1.06, 2.12), and 1.12 (1.05, 1.19), respectively].Conclusions: Cardiac structural and functional characteristics differ between endurance and strength elite athletes. While greater LVMI predicts elite status in both groups of Asian athletes, consistent with findings from Western elite athletes, greater diastolic function, and right ventricular systolic pressure characterize strength elite athletes, while lower heart rate at rest predicts endurance elite athletic status.

Acute exercise is a well-known stimulus for GH secretion but the effect of chronic training on GH secretion still remains equivocal. The aim of our study was to analyse spontaneous pulsatile GH secretion (during a period of 2 hours in the morning) in a group of young elite athletes (EA) compared with non-elite athletes (NEA), and sedentary subjects (SS). Mean and peak GH levels proved significantly higher in EA than in NEA and SS (p=0.0004 and p<0.0001, respectively). The same differences in mean and peak GH levels were also demonstrated in males and females when considered separately (males: p=0.0062 and p=0.0025; females: p=0.0056 and p=0.0032). In addition, GH levels (mean and peak) were higher in females than in males in SS while no differences were demonstrated between the 2 sexes in the EA and NEA groups. IGF-I levels were within the normal range for age in all the subjects with no difference between the 3 groups. Body mass index (BMI) exhibited no difference between groups, while EA showed higher lean mass (p=0.0063) and lower fat mass (p=0.0139) than NEA and SS measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. A strong positive correlation between GH levels (mean and peak) and hours of training a week was demonstrated (p=0.0101; r2=0.1184; p=0.0022; r2=0.1640, respectively). In conclusion, GH levels were higher in EA than NEA and SS without any modification of IGF-I levels; a strong positive correlation was present between GH levels and intensity of training. An increase in the knowledge of the effect of chronic training on GH secretion could improve the training programme to elicit the greatest exercise- induced GH response.

Objectives: This study investigates empathy levels among the public safety personnel and their relationship with current selection indicators (morphological, neuromuscular, and psychological characteristics), highlighting the importance of the topic and its potential for further research. Methods: The research was conducted on a sample of 136 police and national security students. The cross-sectional design was applied. Empathy was assessed with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index. Basic morphological characteristics were measured with a portable stadiometer and the InBody 720 device. Neuromuscular characteristics were measured using a handgrip strength test with a sliding device that measures isometric finger flexor force. Psychological characteristics were assessed using the Big Five Plus Two, the Mental Toughness Index, and the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen questionnaires. Results: Numerous significant differences between female and male participants, as well as gender-specific correlation patterns, were revealed. Female participants expressed more fantasy (3.23 ± 1.05), empathic concern (3.71 ± 0.75), and personal distress (1.76 ± 0.67) than males (2.84 ± 0.84; 3.37 ± 0.71; 1.5 ± 0.53). Among them, negative correlations of psychological distress with conscientiousness (ρ = −0.66) and mental toughness (ρ = −0.59) stand out. Conclusions: This study indicates the possible existence of correlations between empathy, neuromuscular, morphological, and psychological characteristics in public safety personnel of both genders, with gender-specific patterns. Results indicate opportunities for further research aimed at improving the efficiency of the existing selection system.

The measurement of heart rate variability (HRV) is often considered a convenient non-invasive assessment tool for monitoring individual adaptation to training. Decreases and increases in vagal-derived indices of HRV have been suggested to indicate negative and positive adaptations, respectively, to endurance training regimens. However, much of the research in this area has involved recreational and well-trained athletes, with the small number of studies conducted in elite athletes revealing equivocal outcomes. For example, in elite athletes, studies have revealed both increases and decreases in HRV to be associated with negative adaptation. Additionally, signs of positive adaptation, such as increases in cardiorespiratory fitness, have been observed with atypical concomitant decreases in HRV. As such, practical ways by which HRV can be used to monitor training status in elites are yet to be established. This article addresses the current literature that has assessed changes in HRV in response to training loads and the likely positive and negative adaptations shown. We reveal limitations with respect to how the measurement of HRV has been interpreted to assess positive and negative adaptation to endurance training regimens and subsequent physical performance. We offer solutions to some of the methodological issues associated with using HRV as a day-to-day monitoring tool. These include the use of appropriate averaging techniques, and the use of specific HRV indices to overcome the issue of HRV saturation in elite athletes (i.e., reductions in HRV despite decreases in resting heart rate). Finally, we provide examples in Olympic and World Champion athletes showing how these indices can be practically applied to assess training status and readiness to perform in the period leading up to a pinnacle event. The paper reveals how longitudinal HRV monitoring in elites is required to understand their unique individual HRV fingerprint. For the first time, we demonstrate how increases and decreases in HRV relate to changes in fitness and freshness, respectively, in elite athletes.

The aim of this study is to assess the possible contribution of the ratio of the length of second-to-fourth digits (2D:4D) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene variants to differences in elite athletic performance. We have therefore examined a population-based association study in 151 Korean elite athletes and 183 controls with the digit ratio (2D:4D) and I/D polymorphism of ACE gene. Genotype distribution of the ACE gene showed no significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in both groups of elite athletes and controls. No statistically significant difference in the distribution of the ACE genotype frequency was observed between the elite athletes and control groups. In contrast, the digit ratio (2D:4D) appeared to be statistically significant difference between the elite athletes and control groups (p<0.001), although there was no genotype effect of the ACE gene on the digit ratio (2D:4D) in this survey. Thus, our data are consistent with hypothesis that digit ratios, as markers for prenatal testosterone action may provide a significant effect on elite athlete status, although larger sample sizes functional studies are necessary to further substantiate these findings.