Athletic Activity Research Articles

Correction: The Performance and Reception of Race-Based Athletic Activism: Toward a Critical, Dramaturgical Theory of Sport

Correction: The Performance and Reception of Race-Based Athletic Activism: Toward a Critical, Dramaturgical Theory of Sport

Latent structure and measurement invariance by gender of the Embodied Image Scale

Body image is a multidimensional construct that includes both aesthetic (how our body looks) and functional components (what our body can do physically). Our study aimed to investigate latent structure and measurement invariance (MI) by gender of the Serbian translation of Embodied Image Scale using a large sample of adults from the general population (N = 1035; M = 26.33, SD = 9.94; 66.7% females). The Embodied Image Scale (EIS) incorporates aesthetic and functional body image. According to the results of the confirmatory factor analysis, the following five factors described the latent structure of the EIS the best: functional investment (FI), functional values (FV), functional satisfaction (FS), aesthetic satisfaction (AS), and aesthetic values and investment (AVI). The results of the MI suggested that the EIS achieved the strict (residual) level of invariance. In addition, the convergent validity of the EIS was tested by correlating the EIS scores with positive and negative mental health indicators. The results suggested that FV, FI, FS, and AS had a positive correlation with positive affect and unconditional self-acceptance (USA), FS and AS correlated negatively with negative affect (NA), symptoms of depression (D), and conditional self-acceptance (CSA), while the AVI had a positive correlation with NA, CSA, D, and negative correlation with USA. Finally, we compared physically inactive participants, recreationists, and active athletes on the EIS scores. The results revealed that all groups differed in FV, FS, and AS in a way that scores on these subscales increased with increased physical activity.

Return to athletics after total knee arthroplasty: a survey study of 784 recreational athletes across 12 sports.

Postoperative return to recreational activity is a common concern among the increasingly active total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patient population, though there is a paucity of research characterizing sport-specific return and function. This study aimed to assess participation level, postoperative return to activity, sport function, and limitations for recreational athletes undergoing TKA. A survey of recreational sports participation among primary, elective TKA patients from a single academic center between June 2011 and January 2022 was conducted. Of the 10,777 surveys administered, responses were received from 1,063 (9.9%) patients, among whom 784 indicated being active in cycling (273 [34.8%]), running (33 [4.2%]), jogging (68 [8.7%]), swimming (228 [29.1%]), tennis (63 [8.0%]), skiing (55 [7.0%]), or high-impact team sports (64 [8.2%]) between two years preoperatively and time of survey administration, and were included for analyses. Cycling (62.3% at two years preoperatively vs. 59.0% at latest follow-up) and swimming (62.7% at two years preoperatively vs. 63.6% at latest follow-up) demonstrated the most favorable participation rate changes, while running (84.0% at two years preoperatively vs. 48.5% at latest follow-up) and skiing (72.7% at two years preoperatively vs. 45.5% at latest follow-up) demonstrated the least favorable participation rate changes. The majority of respondents were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their return across all sports, though dissatisfaction was highest among runners and joggers. For cycling, running, jogging, and swimming, respondents most commonly reported no change in speed or distance capacity, though among these cyclists reported the highest rates of improved speed and distance. The majority of returning skiers reported improved balance, form, and ability to put on skis. Return to sport is feasible following TKA with high satisfaction. Swimming and cycling represent manageable postoperative activities with high return-rates, while runners and joggers face increased difficulty returning to equal or better activity levels. Patients should receive individualized, sports-specific counseling regarding their expected postoperative course based on their goals of treatment.

Poly‐DADMAC Functionalized Polyethylene Oxide Composite Nanofibrous Mat as Highly Positive Material for Triboelectric Nanogenerators and Self‐Powered Pressure Sensors

AbstractThe triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a promising technology for self‐powered sensors and vibration‐driven energy harvesting, with its development especially influenced by the characteristics of tribomaterials. However, developing tribopositive materials with a strong cationic effect and high electron‐donating capability remains challenging. In this study, a novel polyethylene oxide@poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PEO@Poly‐DADMAC) composite nanofiber mat (NFM) is successfully fabricated using the electrospinning technique. It functions as a highly tribopositive material, particularly enhancing the performance of nanofiber‐based TENGs (NF‐TENGs). Through investigation of its physical and triboelectric properties, the study revealed that incorporating cationic Poly‐DADMAC with PEO effectively boosts NF‐TENG output by increasing the dielectric constant (twofold), electron‐donating affinities, and surface charge trapping capability. The fabricated NF‐TENG shows excellent output performance generating 980 V, a maximum power density of 5.6 Wm−2, and an ultrahigh sensitivity of 8.923 V kPa−1 which endows composite reliability for power supply and sensing capability. More importantly, the PEO@Poly‐DADMAC‐based self‐powered motion sensor with an NF‐TENG array is successfully demonstrated in multifunctional applications such as athlete activity tracking, and wireless gaming interface control. This study not only offers new insights into optimizing performance and selecting alternative tribomaterials but also provides valuable guidance for developing high‐output TENGs and highly sensitive self‐powered sensors.

Aspects of psychological training of volleyball players of different ages

Background and purpose In the course of many years of training, volleyball athletes face a number of difficulties, such as intense workloads, competition, team relationships, and crisis situations in the athlete's life. Therefore, psychological training should be an integral part of athletes' activities. Objective: to carry out a comparative characterization of psychological preparation of volleyball players of different ages and to give recommendations for improvement of game performance. Material and methods The study involved 15 athletes (aged 13-16 years) and 13 athletes (aged 20-28 years) from Šumperk, Czech Republic. Volleyball players of the Czech club TJ Šumperk. Methods: analysis of scientific literature, questionnaires, method mathematical statistics. Results Based on the analysis, it can be said that psychological preparation in the training and competitive activities of young athletes should differ from adult athletes in many aspects, taking into account the peculiarities of adolescent development. Significant differences were found between the study groups; young athletes have more pronounced individual differences in psychological development, so adolescents need more attention to motivation, confidence, emotional stability, and reaction to stressful situations in the game. The psychological preparation of adult players after a certain game and competitive practice begins to be based on the experience of their own well-being and interaction with teammates. Analyzing the reaction to successes and failures, understanding the emotional state of the players in the team, and the general atmosphere of the team helps to adapt your own behavior to different situations within and outside the team. Conclusions Psychological training plays a key role in creating optimal conditions for effective performance of athletes in volleyball, so the coach needs to take into account the mental state of volleyball players

Subchondral cystic lesions of distal phalanx in young and mature horses: A new surgical option

SummaryBackgroundThe outcome of conservative treatment for subchondral cystic lesions (SCLs) of the distal phalanx may be poor, and surgical approach through the hoof may be challenging.ObjectivesTo describe the use of an absorbable device to treat SCLs of the distal phalanx, regardless of cyst location, that eliminates lameness and stimulates bone healing in both young and mature horses.Study designClinical case series.MethodsFive young horses and five mature horses presented with an SCL of the distal phalanx causing lameness. Only rest and medical treatment were previously attempted. An absorbable screw was inserted in all horses after transcortical debridement of the SCL. Follow‐up data were obtained from the official electronic database.ResultsAll horses returned to athletic activity after surgical treatment. In two patients, surgical complication was recorded.Main limitationsThe low number of patients, the need for dedicated instruments and the lack of familiarity with the use of absorbable devices to perform surgical procedures.ConclusionsThe insertion of an absorbable device can be considered a valid surgical option for treating subchondral cystic lesions of the distal phalanx.

Indoor air quality prediction modeling for a naturally ventilated fitness building using RNN-LSTM artificial neural networks

Indoor air quality prediction modeling for a naturally ventilated fitness building using RNN-LSTM artificial neural networks

“Activism is welcome as long as it’s peaceful”: athletic administrators’ perspectives on college athlete activism via stakeholder theory

The purpose of this study was to examine athletic department administrators’ perceptions of student-athlete activism via Stakeholder Theory. Since 2012, the United States has witnessed a resurgence of activism within sport, college sport including. While collegiate athletes’ point of views have been studied, college athletic administrators’ (e.g., an Athletic Director) point of view is missing. The researchers interviewed senior level athletic administrators utilizing Stakeholder Theory to identify key stakeholders athletic administrators find salient when a college athlete engages in activism. Results are broken down into sub-themes highlighting stakeholders with power (coaches, communications, campus administrators, and high-level campus leaders), legitimacy (proactive culture of accepted activism, personal investment, and type of activism), and urgency (public protest, real-life events of socio-cultural importance, and the athletes). This study’s importance lies in the practical benefit it provides athletic administrators and other stakeholders surrounding an athletic department as it relates to collegiate athlete activism.

Immunology of Physical Exercise: Is Equus caballus an Appropriate Animal Model for Human Athletes?

Domestic horses routinely participate in vigorous and various athletic activities. This enables the horse to serve as a model for studying athletic physiology and immunology in other species, including humans. For instance, as a model of physical efforts, such as endurance rides (long-distance running/aerobic exercise) and races (anaerobic exercise), the horse can be useful in evaluating post-exercise response. Currently, there has been significant interest in finding biomarkers, which characterize the advancement of training and adaptation to physical exercise in the horse. The parallels in cellular responses to physical exercises, such as changes in receptor expression and blood cell activity, improve our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the body's response to intense physical activity. This study focuses on the changes in levels of the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and cellular response in the context of post-exercise immune response. Both the direction of changes in cytokine levels and cellular responses of the body, such as proliferation and expression of surface markers on lymphocytes, monocytes and neutrophils, show cross-functional similarities. This review reveals that horses are robust research models for studying the immune response to physical exercise in human athletes.

Exploring the impact of colostrum supplementation on athletes: a comprehensive analysis of clinical trials and diverse properties.

Colostrum, an invaluable food produced by mammals during the postnatal period, contains important bioactive components. It is a valuable therapeutic substance that can be used to treat a variety of disorders, in addition to its primary function of providing passive immunity to newborns. Undoubtedly, a strong dedication to intense effort and demanding training schedules is necessary to succeed in today's sports environment. Peak physical fitness, strategic skill development, and mental toughness are highly valued in the environments in which athletes compete. However, the inherent difficulties brought about by athletes' intense schedules are matched with the demanding character of modern sports. The intensity of athletic activity frequently provides little time for sufficient relaxation, nutritional preparation, and overall recovery, which can contribute to mental and physical tiredness. Athletes need to develop all-encompassing strategies to overcome these obstacles. These strategies should prioritize self-care and recovery in addition to maximizing training efficiency. The bioactive components of colostrum bring forth various therapeutic effects against the challenges experienced by athletes; including diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infections, muscle injuries, intestinal disorders, etc. This review examined the different therapeutic effects of the bioactive components of colostrum on athletes, the effect of the use of colostrum as a whole on the performance of athletes, and the clinical research conducted in this field. While the majority of studies report positive effects of colostrum, further research is needed.

No Overactivism: Robert Lewandowski’s Use of Gentle Protest to Avoid National Political Backlash

The last few years have seen the return of athlete activism into major international sports events held worldwide as a mindset based on social responsibility and political freedom of speech has spread into the selfperception of many current top athletes. However, while these athletes may have experienced a recent personal transformation, the national political backlash accompanying activism remains set in a long tradition condemning political interference in sports. This article provides a background on the tradition of castigating political athlete activists, a theory on why and how national political backlash occurs, and evidence on the successful use of gentle activism to avoid such scenarios. The research examines a case study of Polish international footballer Robert Lewandowski’s ‘pointing the finger’ during a World Cup qualifier in 2022 to illustrate how alternative moderate forms of activism can be adopted. This study aims to introduce the term ‘overactivism’ into the politics of sport as a concept where the athlete prioritises retaining long-term political relevancy over maximising the political impact of a single event.

Effectiveness of strengthening exercises on positive thinking skills, psychological wellness and mental strength in athletes with a meniscus-ripped knee

This study aims to examine the influence of positive thinking, psychological well-being, and mental toughness on the recovery process following strengthening exercises in individuals diagnosed with a meniscus tear in the knee. The research cohort comprises 32 athletes diagnosed with a meniscus tear through Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Of these participants, 26 are male, and 6 are female, all aged above 18, engaged in amateur sports across diverse disciplines, and having sustained injuries during athletic activities. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (experimental, n=16) and Group B (control, n=16). The study adopts a mixed model incorporating experimental, survey, and relational methodologies. The experimental model utilizes the experimental method with pretest-follow-up test and posttest control group design. Over an 8-week period, participants engage in exercises with each training session comprising 10 repetitions conducted twice daily. Assessments using the Positive Thinking, Psychological Well-Being, and Mental Resilience scales occur during the Pre-Test, Follow-up Test, and Post-Test stages throughout the study duration. Analysis of the research results reveals mean scores for positive thinking and psychological well-being scales above the medium level, whereas mental toughness scale scores approximate the middle level. The study concludes a moderate, yet statistically insignificant, positive correlation among positive thinking, psychological well-being, and mental toughness scale scores. Significantly, participants, guided by a physical therapist, exhibit a faster recovery rate compared to the control group. Consequently, it is inferred that the incorporation of psychological support alongside physical exercises contributes to an accelerated recovery process.

Treatment of Medial Patellar Instability With Bipolar Patellofemoral Cartilage Lesions: Staged De-rotational Distal Femoral Osteotomy Followed by Bipolar Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation and Tibial-Tubercle Osteotomy

Background: Patellar instability with symptomatic cartilage lesions in young patients is a challenging problem to treat. The use of osteotomies to correct malalignment and fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) to address cartilage lesions and patellofemoral dysplasia is a viable treatment option for carefully selected patients. Indications: The patient is a 22-year-old woman with medial patellar instability caused by iatrogenic distal femoral external rotation and uncontained grade IV patellofemoral lesions. The patient was indicated for OCA because the lesions were too large for an osteochondral autograft transfer system (OATS) and were uncontained and not amenable to autologous chondrocyte implantation. Bipolar OCA also addresses the patient’s patellofemoral dysplasia by restoring a more morphologically normal patellofemoral joint. The external rotation and mild varus deformity are corrected with a biplanar distal femoral osteotomy. Correction of malalignment is necessary prior to OCA transplantation to avoid abnormal graft loading and thereby decrease the risk of graft failure. Technique Description: (1) Diagnostic arthroscopy and fluoroscopic examination under anesthesia. (2) Lateral closing wedge de-rotational distal femoral osteotomy. (3) Bipolar OCA with tibial tubercle osteotomy and removal of hardware. Results: In this case, the patient had significant improvement in her symptoms and had full knee range of motion with a normal gait at 3 months after surgery. Depending on a patient’s preoperative function and the specific pathology, full recovery can take considerably longer. A successful outcome is considered return to activities of daily living without significant pain. Return to higher level athletic activities is significantly more unpredictable. Graft survival of bipolar patellofemoral OCA is variable, and the literature is limited by the small number of procedures performed, but published series range from 60% to 85% at 5 years. Discussion/Conclusion: A successful outcome in these unique, complex cases depends on good patient selection, preoperative planning, and surgical execution. Patellar instability can be reliably treated when the predisposing anatomical factors are appropriately corrected. Bipolar OCA can provide significant improvement in pain and function, but continues to have the highest rate of graft failure compared with other sites within the knee, and should be considered a salvage operation for patients with significant limitations in activities of daily living. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

From injury back to ice: Examining return to sport after retinal injuries in the national hockey league

PurposeTo forecast the recovery time and likelihood of return to active play for National Hockey League (NHL) players who sustained retinal tears or detachments. MethodsThis retrospective study identified players who experienced a retinal injury while on an NHL roster between January 1, 2000 and January 1, 2022. The type of injury was identified from publicly available press releases and injury reports. Return to sport was defined as the number of days between injury and participation in a subsequent NHL game. ResultsOver the 22-year study period, 95 eye injuries were reported in the NHL. Of these injuries, 16 players experienced 17 retinal injuries (18 %). Fifteen of those players were able to return to sport (94 %). Experiencing a retinal detachment was associated with more days out of play (median 151 days [interquartile range [IQR], 85 to 231.5 days]) compared with a retinal tear or similar injury (median 28 days [IQR, 13 to 31 days]; P = 0.003). Finally, an examination of the impact of a retinal injury on player performance in the season after the injury found that the average time on ice (ATOI) per game decreased for players who suffered an injury compared with a matched cohort (P = 0.010). ConclusionsRetinal injuries often occur in high-impact sports. Our study reveals that retinal detachments resulted in longer disability compared with retinal tears or lesser injuries and were more likely to prevent a return-to-sport. This information aids ophthalmologists in counseling patients on surgical recovery timelines and the likelihood of resuming athletic activities.

운동선수 폭력에 대한 액티비즘의 반응과 대응 간 관계 연구

운동선수 폭력에 대한 액티비즘의 반응과 대응 간 관계 연구

Para sport and anti-doping: a study of Swedish Para athletes' experiences and perceptions.

A well-functioning anti-doping system relies on being perceived by athletes as effective, fair, and practically feasible to implement. While research has highlighted the views of Olympic athletes on anti-doping over the past decade, the experiences and perceptions of Para athletes have not been extensively explored. The purpose of this study was to examine Swedish elite Para athletes' experiences and perceptions of the policy and practice of the anti-doping system. A quantitative cross-sectional approach was used, with a web survey elaborated from a survey with Olympic athletes adjusted for Para athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual impairments. The sample consisted of 66 active Para athletes competing at national or international level (response rate 71%). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and differences between subgroups were examined Fisher's exact test. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze open-ended questions. Most of the respondents expressed a positive outlook on the anti-doping system, advocating for comprehensive efforts. A significant portion (35%) had not received anti-doping education, with those who did reporting increased confidence in avoiding unintentional doping. Despite their elite status, half of the respondents had not undergone doping control. Mistrust regarding the system's effectiveness and fairness was identified, with over half of the participants emphasizing the need for new technical solutions to enhance procedures specifically tailored for Para athletes. The athletes in this study advocate for a Para sports-focused approach in the anti-doping system, emphasizing equal testing opportunities, procedural adjustments for independence and privacy, and increased access to education. The findings illuminate the unique conditions faced by athletes with impairments within the anti-doping system, offering valuable insights for policymaking in the development of anti-doping strategies tailored to Para athletes and their various impairments.

Determinants of menstrual dysfunction in the female athlete triad: A cross-sectional study in Italian athletes.

BackgroundIn 1992 the American College of Sports Medicine first described the Female Athlete Triad. The Triad is a metabolic injury involving three distinct clinical traits: low energy availability, with possible eating disorder, low bone mineral density and menstrual dysfunction (MD). Although the estimated prevalence of the Triad is low (1.2 %), single factors are common in female athletes, at all competitive levels and ages. Even though the Triad was described over two decades ago, the interrelation of the three diagnostics components is still debated: additional evidence is required to improve the multidisciplinary treatment approach for this complex condition. MD is one of the first signs of energy impairment. The present study aims at investigating MD determinants and predictors in female athletes, to allow an early diagnosis of the Triad and to implement adequate preventive strategies. Materials and methodsAn original structured questionnaire was composed to detect the presence of MD risk factors. Included participants were active female athletes within reproductive age range (15–40 years old). Anthropometric parameters and training-related factors, possibly affecting the regularity of the menstrual cycle, were investigated. ResultsRespondents were 288 female athletes. Among them, 73.3 % were under 25 years of age; 6.6 % resulted underweight; 30.6 % reported to follow a meal plan/diet and 13.9 % declared to be a smoker. Lean sports were practiced by 30.6 % of responders. Body-weight congruence was detected in in 79.9 % of participants, whereas overestimation of body image was found in 16.3 % of athletes. Irregular menstrual cycle, a possible MD predictor, was present in 33.0 % of athletes, with 41.1 % practicing some lean sport (p = 0.007). Also, overestimation of body image suggested an increased risk of menstrual irregularity (p = 0.001). BMI <18.5 or BMI >30 could also act as risk factor, although significance was not fully obtained (p = 0.053). Overall, practice of lean sports and overestimation of body image appeared good determinants of increased menstrual irregularity (AOR 2.02 and 3.83, respectively). ConclusionsMenstrual irregularity in female athletes can be considered an early predictor of MD: risk is further increased in athletes of lean sports and reporting an overestimation of self-perceived body image. Screenings and awareness programs should specifically address female athletes, because of their vulnerable-group profile. In order to define a standardized at-risk profile for Triad onset and sequelae likelihood, evaluation of menstrual regularity should especially be considered, in conjunction with the assessment of other indicators of energy availability (e.g. TEE, lean and fat mass, BMC). Testing for sport-derived stress and disordered eating attitudes is also recommended. Preventive strategy should involve the proactive engagement of sport clubs and periodic competitive sport medical assessment.

The influence of athletes' gratitude on burnout: the sequential mediating roles of the coach-athlete relationship and hope.

Athlete burnout is a widespread psychological syndrome in competitive sports, negatively impacts athletes' competitive state and hampers the healthy development of sports organizations. With the rise of positive psychology, exploring the mechanisms of athlete psychological fatigue through the lens of psychological capital has become a focal point of recent research. This study introduces gratitude, a key element of psychological capital in positive psychology, to examine its effect on athlete burnout and its mechanism of action, with a particular focus on the sequential mediating roles of the coach-athlete relationship (CAR) and hope. A cross-sectional study design was utilized, involving 483 active Chinese athletes from national training teams and professional sports teams. The sample comprised both male (n=251) and female (n=232) athletes, with an average age of 19.24 ± 3.99 years. Participants were asked to complete self-administered questionnaires, including the Gratitude Questionnaire, CAR Questionnaire, Hope Questionnaire, and Athlete Burnout Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling in AMOS 24.0 and descriptive statistics and correlation analyses in SPSS 20.0 were employed for data analysis. The study revealed significant associations between athlete gratitude, CAR, hope, and athlete burnout. Notably, gratitude was found to both directly and indirectly (via CAR and hope) influence burnout levels among athletes, suggesting a sequential mediation effect. The findings highlight the importance of positive psychological constructs in buffering against athlete burnout. Specifically, gratitude, alongside a supportive CAR and elevated levels of hope, may play crucial roles in mitigating burnout symptoms. These insights offer promising directions for the development of targeted intervention strategies aimed at fostering athlete well-being and performance, advocating for the integration of positive psychology principles in the management and prevention of athlete burnout.

0345 The Moderating Effect of Screen Time on the Relationship Between Physical Activity and Sleep in Young Athletes

0345 The Moderating Effect of Screen Time on the Relationship Between Physical Activity and Sleep in Young Athletes

Regulation of body temperature and blood pressure in women: Mechanisms and implications for heat illness risk.

Increasing global temperatures due to ongoing climate change phenomena have resulted in increased risk of exertional heat illness in otherwise healthy, young individuals who work or play in the heat. With increasing participation of women in athletic, military and industrial activities that involve exertion in the heat, there is a growing need to study female physiology in this context. Mechanisms controlling blood pressure and body temperature have substantial overlap in humans, largely due to autonomic mechanisms which contribute to both. Similarly, illnesses that result from excessive heat exposure can often be traced back to imbalances in one or more of these autonomic mechanisms. In recent years, there has been increased recognition of the importance of sex as a biological variable for basic and applied research in these areas. The goal of this paper is to present an update on the integrative physiology and pathophysiology of responses to heat stress in women (thermoregulation and blood pressure regulation). In this context, it is often the case that differences between sexes are presented as 'advantages' and 'disadvantages' of one sex over the other. In our opinion, this is an over-simplification of the physiology which ignores the nuances and complexities of the integrative physiology of responses to heat exposure and exercise, and their relevance for practical outcomes.