Athletes Age Research Articles

Field-Testing Measures Related to Youth Baseball Hitting Performance.

Bordelon, NM, Agee, TW, Wasserberger, KW, Downs-Talmage, JL, Everhart, KM, and Oliver, GD. Field-testing measures related to youth baseball hitting performance. J Strength Cond Res 39(2): 210-216, 2025-The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between field tests and youth hitting performance (batted-ball velocity). Forty-nine youth baseball athletes (age: 11.1 ± 1.6 years; height: 151.7 ± 13.2 cm; body mass: 47.1 ± 15.1 kg) were rotated through the following field tests: passive bilateral hip and shoulder internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) range of motion (ROM), bilateral hip and shoulder ER and IR isometric (ISO) strength, bilateral grip strength, trunk rotation ROM, standing broad jump (SBJ), triple broad jump, single leg lateral rotational jumps, and 3 maximal effort hits off a stationary tee. Regression analyses were performed to determine the associations between grip strength, hip strength, jump tests, and ROM with batted ball velocity. For the grip strength, hip strength, and jump tests regression models, body mass (kg) and height (cm) were entered first to estimate the proportion of variance accounted for by anthropometrics. A Bonferroni correction was applied a priori to α = 0.013. The jump-testing model, including only SBJ distance, was the best predictor of batted ball velocity above and beyond the predictive effects of anthropometric measures. Although less than the jump-testing model, the results determined that the hip strength model, including only nondominant hip ER ISO strength, was the second-best predictor of batted ball velocity. Practitioners can use these tests to monitor training progression in youth baseball athletes and identify deficits in physical ability that can be improved.

Protein Intake, Physical Performance and Body Composition in Master Athletes—A Short Scoping Review

Sufficient protein intake has been shown to be advantageous for developing muscle mass, muscle strength, muscle quality, as well as for improving recovery from strenuous exercise, all of which are essential for athletic performance. Aging athletes, so-called master athletes, would benefit from evidence-based recommendations; however, studies investigating the role of their protein intake on muscle quality or performance are diverse and rare. Consequently, existing recommendations for this subpopulation of aging athletes are non-existent or speculative in nature. The aim of this short scoping review is to summarize available reports, identify common outcomes, and suggest future research directions. Literature research was carried out in PubMedMedline, SPORTDiscuss, and ScienceDirect without any restrictions regarding year of publication, type of research or sports discipline. Only observational and interventional studies with data on protein intake linked with body composition or performance outcomes were included for further analyses. We identified 12 suitable reports on master athletes with very diverse age-ranges, a broad variety of sports, and very heterogeneous outcome parameters. Seven studies investigated endurance athletes, four studies investigated multi-sports athletes, and only one study reported on strength-trained athletes. Average protein intake ranged between 1.0 and 1.9 g/kg/d. Within the few available studies, evidence tends to point towards a benefit of higher protein intakes for muscle mass and function; however, the low number of studies, combined with heterogeneity in study design and methods, limits their generalizability. Future studies are needed to build the evidence base for clear dietary recommendations respecting the specific needs of aging athletes.

Rapid weight loss and combat athletes: a study on psychological resilience and mechanical hyperalgesia

IntroductionThe study investigates the effects of Rapid Weight Loss (RWL) on the levels of psychological resilience and mechanical pain sensitivity in elite kickboxers. The primary aim was to examine changes in psychological resilience subdimensions and pressure pain threshold (PPT) values in the thoracolumbar region before and after a one-month RWL period leading up to competition. Hypotheses included expectations of significant reductions in PPT values due to biomechanical and physiological changes during RWL, along with improvements in psychological resilience subdimensions due to structured routines and social support.MethodsThirty-seven elite male athletes (age: 22.94 ± 1.98) participated in the study. Psychological resilience was assessed using the Psychological Resilience Scale for Adults, and mechanical pain sensitivity was evaluated through Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) measurements. Measurements were conducted before and after the RWL period, spanning one month prior to competition.ResultsThe results revealed significant PPT values across all thoracolumbar segments after RWL (p < 0.001). Cohen’s d values indicated large effect sizes for these changes (d = 2.10–2.36). The L5 segment exhibited the largest PPT decrease (t = −10.45, d = 2.36), while the Th1 segment showed the smallest decrease (t = −8.23, d = 2.10). Measurements taken at 4 cm from the spine midline also demonstrated significant PPT reductions (p < 0.001), with the highest change recorded in the L5 segment (t = −9.78, d = 2.30). Psychological resilience subdimensions, including “structured style,” “social competence,” “future orientation,” and “social resources,” improved significantly after RWL (p < 0.05), while “family cohesion” and “personal strength” did not show significant changes. Athletes who previously ranked in tournaments exhibited higher psychological resilience, potentially due to enhanced self-confidence.DiscussionThese findings align with literature suggesting that competitive success and optimism play crucial roles in resilience development. Personality traits and perceived social support further contributed to the observed resilience levels. This study highlights the multidimensional impact of RWL, emphasizing its detrimental effects on pain sensitivity and its mixed outcomes on psychological resilience. RWL-associated increases in mechanical hyperalgesia, especially in the lumbar region, were attributed to biomechanical and neurophysiological factors. Enhanced psychological resilience observed in certain subdimensions underscores the importance of structured and social support systems in mitigating RWL-induced stress. Future research should explore interventions to optimize resilience and manage pain during RWL periods, focusing on individualized support strategies for athletes. These findings contribute to understanding the interplay between psychological and physiological factors during RWL, practical insights for athletic training.

The Impact of Rest Intervals on the Force–Velocity Relationship Obtained During the Keiser’s 10-Repetition Leg Press Test

Background: The Keiser 10-rep leg press test protocol employs short inter-repetition rest intervals (2–38 s), raising concerns as to whether athletes perform optimally. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the results of the standard Keiser protocol with an identical protocol modified to include a significantly longer inter-repetition rest intervals and to evaluate whether these effects differed between men and women. Methods: A total of 30 athletes (age 17.1 ± 0.9 years, height 177.8 ± 8.8 cm, and body mass 71.9 ± 11.3 kg) performed three separate tests (total of ~900 repetitions) in a Keiser A420 leg press machine, separated by 4 to 8 days. Test day 1 included a 1RM test followed by a 10-repetition force–velocity test with a standard rest intervals. Test days 2 and 3 involved the same test, with either standard short rest intervals or fixed 3 min inter-repetition rest intervals. Results: Increasing inter-repetition rest intervals significantly improved V0 and Pmax for men and V0 and FVslope for women. The benefits of longer rest were notably more pronounced in men, particularly at light to moderate loads, where standard Keiser rest intervals are short (2–9 s). However, extending rest intervals beyond approximately 30 s, as applied at higher loads, provided no additional advantages. Conclusions: Longer rest intervals improved force–velocity metrics more in men than women, with the effect being most pronounced at light to moderate loads where standard protocols utilize short rest intervals (2–9 s). These findings suggest that women recover faster than men under these conditions. However, extending rest beyond 30 s at higher loads provides no additional benefits and is counterproductive at maximal loads.

Influence of phase and dominance on ground reaction forces and upper extremity muscle activity during the modified-Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test

BackgroundThe Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST) is a physical performance test designed to assess the upper extremity (UE) stability. However, only one outcome measure is provided for both UEs, limiting its application if the UEs are not similarly involved. Moreover, the changes in loads sustained by the support UE throughout the movement may influence the support UE stability. Additional knowledge on the underpinning biomechanical mechanics of the performance is therefore needed to better understand how to use the measure of the CKCUEST to design the athlete’s physical ability development or recovery. This study aimed to investigate the influence of phase and dominance on kinetic and support UE muscular demand during a modified-CKCUEST touch.MethodsTwenty-five male multisport athletes (age: 26.0 ± 11.3 years; mass: 77.8 ± 23.3 kg; height: 179.0 ± 6.5 cm) performed the modified-CKCUEST, i.e. hands at half span apart. The ground reaction forces (GRF) and activity of eight perihumeral and scapulothoracic muscles of support UE were recorded and analyzed according to the UE dominance and phase (takeoff vs. landing). Statistical non-Parametric Mapping analyses were used to assess the effects of dominance and phase on the support UE GRF and the effects of dominance, phase, and muscle on the support UE muscle activity.ResultsThe scapulothoracic and perihumeral muscles of the support UE were activated at low-to-very-high levels during the modified-CKCUEST touch. Variations in muscular activity over a touch were required to sustain variations in loads in medial, vertical, and posterior directions. Lower loads were observed during the takeoff phase than those during the landing phase (p < 0.05). Despite similar muscular activities in both UEs, the dominant UE sustained higher medial loads than the non-dominant UE (p < 0.05), while opposite results were observed for posterior loads (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe modified-CKCUEST involves similar muscle activity of the support UE in response to varying loads sustained in different directions according to dominance. The quantitative assessment provided by the modified-CKCUEST score may be complemented by a qualitative observation of body displacements, allowing coaches and clinicians to identify limitations in the stability of the UEs.

Contextual maximum speed: Assessing the day-to-day variation in maximal running speed in Australian rules football

Monitoring sprint distance is commonplace in Australian Rules football (ARF). Thresholds are programmed as a percentage of maximum speed (Vmax), however day-to-day variation has not been considered. The aim of this study was to determine the day-to-day variation in Vmax, jump height, power, and strength in male, talent-identified ARF athletes. Twenty-three male, ARF athletes (age = 16.6 ± 0.64 years, height = 179.4 ± 9.1 cm, mass = 73.4 ± 8.4 kg) completed a countermovement jump, isometric mid-thigh pull, and 40-metre sprint on three occasions within a 7-day period, separated by 48-h recovery periods. Descriptive statistics, repeated measures ANOVAs, and general linear regressions were used to analyze the data. Vmax declined progressively ( ηP2 = 0.586, CV = 5%) between session one (31.8 ± 1.5km⋅h−1), two (30.8 ± 1.2km⋅h−1), and three (30.0 ± 1.3km⋅h−1). No differences were observed for jump height (47.4 ± 5.0 cm), peak force (2981 ± 518N), or net peak force (2047 ± 444N⋅kg−1). Jump height, peak force, and net peak force did not predict Vmax in session 1, session 2, or session 3. Individual changes in Vmax exceeded 5% in 10 instances. The Vmax is outside the typical error for measurement and indicative of the variation in Vmax. The lack of predictive power demonstrated by strength and power variables is evidence of the technical considerations associated with sprinting. Practitioners should consider the variation in Vmax when monitoring training load in field sports. The variation suggests that programming thresholds based upon a single recording of Vmax may incorrectly describe the true amount of high-speed and sprint running completed.

Key Performance Indicators for College American Football Starters: An Exploratory Study.

The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to profile body composition and physical fitness characteristics of collegiate American football starters and (b) to examine differences in key performance indicators across position groups. These indicators included select measures of body composition, joint kinematics, as well as muscular strength and power. Sixteen National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division-II American football athletes (age: 22.25 ± 1.1 years; height: 183.75 ± 7.8 cm; and body mass: 97.22 ± 20.39 kg) volunteered to participate in this study. A Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance by ranks test with Dunn test post-hoc adjustments was used to examine position differences between Line (n = 3), Big Skill (n = 6), and Skill (n = 7) position groups with α priori set at p < 0.05. The findings of this study suggest that significant differences in body composition (p = 0.004), muscular strength (p = 0.01), and muscular power (p = 0.03) exist between position groups. However, no significant differences were observed in joint kinematics as assessed by the bilateral squat test (p > 0.05). Therefore, key findings from this study suggest that although significant differences in body composition, muscular strength, and muscular power exist, an emphasis should be placed on the regular assessment, development, and maintenance of optimal joint kinematics within collegiate American football populations as this appears to be a shared key performance indicator among starters.

Running trends in Switzerland from 1999 to 2019: An exploratory observational study.

Several single race events (5 km, 10 km, half-marathon, marathon, ultra-marathon) in different countries and different years have been analyzed in multiple studies, representing the rising interest in endurance-based activity and thus physical health. With focus on participation numbers, performance or sex difference, many single study results were obtained. The running trends in a whole country covering a longer period of time and several race distances are missing so far. The aim of this study is therefore to examine 5 km, 10 km, half-marathon, marathon and ultra-marathon races by age, sex, participation numbers and performance during two decades (1999-2019) for one country (Switzerland). In this exploratory observational study, we analyzed 1,172,836 finishers (370,517 women and 802,319 men) competing between 1999 and 2019 in 5 different race distances in Switzerland. We used publicly available data about the athletes and examined total finishing numbers, sex, age and performances (measured in m/s) via descriptive analyses and linear mixed models. Do-not-finishers were excluded. The most frequented race was the half-marathon (33.1% of finishers), the less frequented was the ultra-marathon distance (8.5% of finishers). In most recent years, only the number of finishers in ultra-marathon, especially in trail runs increased. In total, there were more male finishers (68.4%) than female finishers (31.6%) and only in 5 km races, more women finished than men (55.3%). Men were faster than women and both sexes were running slower in all race distances across years. Athletes in 10 km races had the best performance within the five analyzed race distances. Median age increased with longer race distance and decreased in ultra-marathon in recent years. In summary, finishing numbers especially in ultra-marathons increased with a focus on trail runs, female and male athletes had a declining performance across years in all race distances and men ran faster than women. Median age increased with longer race distance leading to more aged endurance-trained athletes. A downtrend in median age is found only in ultra-marathon in recent years. The results are important for athletes, race directors and coaches with regard to training schedules and the trend towards long distance races as well as for the medical attendance especially of older athletes, being more and more interested in endurance running.

Investigation of the acute effect of different warm-up protocols on test performance in young soccer players

Background and Study Aim. Effective warm-up strategies are crucial for optimizing performance in team sports. However, identifying the most effective protocols requires consideration of the specific conditions and age of young athletes. The purpose of this study is to examine the acute effects of three different warm-up programs on specific test performance responses in young soccer players. Material and Methods. Twenty-three amateur soccer players (age = 15.13 ± 0.81 years) participated in the study. The athletes performed a dynamic warm-up along with two different neuromuscular warm-up programs: the FIFA 11+ and the Injury Prevention and Performance Enhancement Program. Performance responses in sprint, jump, and agility tests were measured. Data normality was assessed with the Shapiro-Wilk test. The effects of the warm-up protocols were analyzed using one-way repeated measures ANOVA, with significance set at p &lt; 0.05. Results. The research findings revealed a statistically significant difference in the 10m sprint, 20m sprint, vertical jump, and zig-zag agility tests, both with and without the ball, when using the FIFA 11+ warm-up program (p &lt; 0.05). The study demonstrated that the FIFA 11+ warm-up program improved performance responses more effectively than the other warm-up programs. This warm-up protocol enhances neuromuscular control by increasing the activation of the core, hip, and leg muscles. Conclusions. The study demonstrates that the FIFA 11+ warm-up program significantly enhances performance in specific tests, such as sprinting, jumping, and agility. Coaches are encouraged to implement the FIFA 11+ protocol in both training sessions and pre-match routines to optimize athletic performance in young soccer players.

Підвищення фізичної підготовленості борців греко-римського стилю на етапі спеціалізованої базової підготовки

Topicality. The physical fitness of wrestlers is one of the most important components of the structure of their fitness, ensuring the achievement of high sports results, along with functional, psychological, technical-tactical and moral-volitional fitness. The purpose of the study is to determine the features of increasing the physical fitness of Greco-Roman wrestlers at the stage of specialized basic training. Material and methods of the study. The following methods were used in the work: theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature; pedagogical observation; pedagogical experiment; pedagogical testing; methods of mathematical statistics. 20 Greco-Roman wrestlers participated in the study: 10 – control group (CG); 10 – experimental group (EG). Age of athletes – 16-17 years. Results of the study. In the modern sport of Greco-Roman wrestling, physical fitness is one of the key components that determine the effectiveness of performing technical and tactical actions and the wrestler’s ability to withstand intense loads for a long time. The stage of specialized basic training of Greco-Roman wrestlers is an important stage in the system of sports training, which lays the foundation for further professionalization and achievement of high sports results. Fitness technologies, such as functional training, exercises using non-standard equipment (medballs, kettlebells, loop simulators), as well as specialized programs for the development of coordination and balance, can significantly increase the effectiveness of the training process. Studies have demonstrated the complex impact of fitness programs on the development of strength, endurance, coordination and injury prevention. Many studies emphasize that the use of functional training with weights, simulators and expanders allows you to effectively increase explosive power and muscular endurance. Conclusions. The developed experimental program significantly improved the general and specific physical fitness indicators of the wrestlers in the experimental group. The program’s effectiveness is confirmed by the substantial advantages demonstrated by the experimental group compared to the control group.

Low energy availability surrogates are associated with Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport outcomes in male athletes

ObjectivesTo determine the association between surrogates of low energy availability (EA) and proposed health and performance outcomes of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) in a clinical sample of adolescent...

EXAMINING THE EFFECT OF ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND COACH COMMUNICATION ON PRE-COMPETITION ANXIETY: A RESEARCH ON ACTIVE STUDENT ATHLETES

This research was conducted to investigate of academic success and coach communication level on pre-competition anxiety and self-confidence levels of students who do active sports. The sample consists of a total of 216 student athletes (age: 20.63±4.57), 89 female and 127 male. Pre-competition anxiety was measured with the "Revised Competition State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2R)". Academic success was evaluated based on the participants' grade point average. “t test, ANOVA and Pearson Correlation test” were used. Cognitive anxiety (CA) level of students was 8.63 points (high); physical anxiety (PA) level was 8.51 points (medium); self-confidence (SC) level was 15.29 points (high). There is a significant and positive relationship between academic success and coach communication level (p=0.28; r=0.150); However, there was a significant and negative relationship between coach communication level and pre-competition CA (p=0.000; r=-0.279) and a significant and positive relationship with SC level (p=0.000; r=0.292). CA, PA and SC scores of students were significantly different according to gender (p=0.001; p=0.002; p=0.001); However, there was no significant difference according to sports age, coach type, education level and coach gender (p&gt;0.05). As a result, it has been determined that students who do active sports have serious CA before the competition and very high SC. While the grade point average of the participants increases, the level of coach communication also increases. While coach communication level increases, their cognitive anxiety decreases and self-confidence increases. Therefore, while the grade point average increases, cognitive anxiety level decreases and self-confidence level increases. Increased academic success positively affects pre-competition anxiety.

Reliability and Sensitivity of Using Isometric Strength and Sprint Speed Measures in Adolescent Female Athletes.

Salter, J, Forsdyke, D, Dawson, Z, Rymer, J, Walsh, L, and Mundy, P. Reliability and sensitivity of using isometric strength and sprint speed measures in adolescent female athletes. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The aim of this study was to establish the reliability and sensitivity of isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) and sprint speed (5 m, 40 m, and maximal sprint speed) in adolescent women, before exploring the stability of this across maturation to provide maturity-specific benchmarks. A total of 147 female athletes (age: 13.8 ± 2.8 years; stature: 157.1 ± 13.1 cm; body mass: 51.2 ± 15.3 kg; percentage of predicated adult height: 94.3 ± 6.6) performed IMTP and sprint trials on 2 occasions, separated by 7-days. Within- and between-session reliability was determined using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation, and Bland-Altman limits of agreement, with sensitivity detected by signal-to-noise ratios for small (SWC0.2) and moderate (SWC0.5) worthwhile change. A between-group analysis of variance and Cohen's d-effect sizes determined differences between biological maturity groups (pre-, mid-, and post-peak height velocity [PHV]). All isometric strength and sprint performance markers demonstrated either "moderate" or "acceptable" within-session reliability, except for time to peak force (PF) and 40 m sprint. Despite metrics all having "high" or above ICC (0.55-0.98), only PF offered a "good" sensitivity when using SWC0.2, with most offering better sensitivity with SWC0.5. Noise was higher between sessions, resulting in "poor" signal-noise ratios, likely associated with the bias favoring retest trials. Reliability and sensitivity findings were consistent across maturational stages, demonstrating either "moderate" or "acceptable" reliability. There were clear differences between maturity groups for all measures, particularly between mid-PHV and post-PHV. Practitioners can be assured that IMTP and sprint performance measures are reliable within this population but require thorough familiarization processes before confidence in interpreting meaningful changes.

Association of aortic root diameter and vascular function with an exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise among elite athletes.

The systolic blood pressure/workload (SBP/MET) slope was recently reported to reliably identify an exaggerated blood pressure response (eBPR) in the normal population and in athletes. We investigated whether the aortic root diameter (AoD) also correlates with an eBPR and vascular function in elite athletes. We examined 652 healthy male elite athletes (age 25.8 ± 5 years) of mixed sports with a standardized maximum exercise test. Central blood pressure and vascular function were measured non-invasively with a validated oscillometric device. The SBP/MET slope was calculated and the threshold for an eBPR was set at > 6.2mmHg/MET. Two groups were defined (≤ 6.2 and > 6.2mmHg/MET), and an association between AoD and vascular function with the SBP/MET slope was evaluated for each group. Athletes with an eBPR (n = 191, 29%) displayed a higher systolic central BP (103 ± 7.7 vs. 101 ± 9.2mmHg, p = 0.004), larger AoD (32.8 ± 3.3 vs. 31.9. ± 3.2mm, p < 0.001), a higher AoD/left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) ratio (0.62 ± 0.061 vs. 0.59. ± 0.056, p < 0.001), a lower LVEDD/AoD ratio (1.64 ± 0.16 vs. 1.69. ± 0.16, p < 0.001), and a lower absolute (299 ± 59 vs. 379 ± 65 W, p < 0.001) and relative workload (3.17 ± 0.55 vs. 4.05 ± 1.2 W/kg, p < 0.001) vs. athletes with a normal SBP/MET slope (n = 461, 71%). No differences between the two groups were found after indexing AoD to body surface area (BSA) (14.76 ± 1.36 vs. 14.73 ± 1.41, p = 0.772). Athletes with eBPR displayed altered AoD/LVEDD and LVEDD/AoD ratios, whereas AoD/BSA indexing was not different. Further longitudinal studies are encouraged to explore these metrics and their role in aortic remodeling of athletes.

Altered neural recruitment during single and dual tasks in athletes with repeat concussion.

Sports-related concussions (SRCs) pose significant challenges to college-aged athletes, eliciting both immediate symptoms and subacute cognitive and motor function impairment. While most symptoms and impairments resolve within weeks, athletes with repeat SRCs may experience heightened risk for prolonged recovery trajectories, future musculoskeletal injuries, and long-term neurocognitive deficits. This study aimed to investigate the impact of repeat SRCs on dual task performance and associated neural recruitment using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). A total of 37 college-aged athletes (ages 18-24) participated in this cross-sectional observational study, 20 with a history of two or more SRCs, and 17 controls that had never sustained an SRC. Participants completed the Neuroimaging-Compatible Dual Task Screen (NC-DTS) while neural recruitment in the frontoparietal attention network and the primary motor and sensory cortices was measured using fNIRS. Athletes with repeat SRCs exhibited comparable single task and dual task performance to control athletes. Neuroimaging results indicated altered neural recruitment patterns in athletes with repeat SRCs during both single and dual tasks. Specifically, athletes with repeat SRCs demonstrated increased prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation during single motor tasks compared to controls (p < 0.001, d = 0.47). Conversely, during dual tasks, these same athletes exhibited reduced PFC activation (p < 0.001, d = 0.29) compared to their single task activation. These findings emphasize that while athletes with repeat SRCs demonstrate typical single and dual task performance, persistent alterations in neural recruitment patterns suggest ongoing neurophysiological changes, possibly indicating compensatory neural strategies and inefficient neural resource allocation, even beyond symptom resolution and medical clearance.

Charting the dual career journey: insights from adolescent athletes in lower secondary sport schools

ABSTRACT A dual career (DC) involves the integration of a sport career with education or employment, including various stages and transitions. Recently, there has been a notable trend of implementing DC programs within specialized sport schools for early adolescence athletes (ages 13–15). As this a crucial but understudied phase of the DC, the aim of this study was to identify current and projected resources and barriers associated with adolescent athletes’ DC in lower secondary school. As part of a larger three-year initiative, the Finnish Lower Secondary Sports Schools Pilot Project, sixteen (9 females and 7 males) adolescent DC athletes were interviewed twice in the eighth grade (M age = 14.4 years) and one year later in the ninth grade. Using the holistic athletic career model and push, pull, anti-push, anti-pull framework and a directed content analysis, the results revealed a range of immediate personal and environmental resources and barriers across athletic, academic, psychological, psychosocial and financial dimensions. They also suggested that interpersonal and institutional support were regarded as crucial assets for managing current challenges, while personal DC competencies, in particular, were emphasized as essential projected resources contributing to the sustainability of a DC in the future. Based on the findings, sports schools should increase the amount of hours dedicated to teaching DC competencies (e.g. emotional awareness, adaptability and social intelligence) to help athletes effectively cope with barriers and transitions. Additionally, flexible scheduling of teaching and training sessions could facilitate a better balance during demanding training periods.

The Relationship Between the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern and Exercise and Sport Performance-A Scoping Review.

Background/Objectives: Athletes seek healthy diets for their health and performance. The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) has been widely studied for its health benefits. We conducted a scoping review of the scientific literature for studies reporting on the relationship between MedDiet adherence and performance and health outcomes in athletes. Methods: Five bibliographic databases were searched from inception to December 2023. We included studies with any competing, recreational, professional, elite, or occupational athlete (of any age) who played a physical sport as part of a team or as an individual, in which the MedDiet was used as an intervention, or adherence was measured. A total of 7993 unique records were identified, screened, and assessed for eligibility. Results: A total of 32 studies were included: 23 observational studies, 6 randomised controlled trials, and 3 quasi-experimental studies. Almost all studies (n = 31) were conducted in Mediterranean countries. Anthropometrics (n = 19) and body composition (n = 12) were the two most measured outcomes. There was a wide range of athlete ages and calibres and great variability in the outcomes reported; however, there were limited reports for each outcome. Only one RCT reported on specific sport-related performance outcomes. Three RCTs provided individualised dietary recommendations for macronutrients based on sports nutrition guidelines, but only two of them assessed macronutrient intake. Conclusions: This is the first scoping review of MedDiet adherence on outcomes related to sport. We found a limited evidence base across different sports and athletes, with few studies conducted outside of Mediterranean countries. Importantly, more intervention studies are needed to provide high-level causal evidence on the impact of the MedDiet pattern on performance and health outcomes in athletes.

Relationship between self-reported concussion history, cognition, and mood among former collegiate athletes

Objective: This study explored the relationship between concussion history and cognition/mood in former collegiate athletes in middle-to-later adulthood. Method: 407 former collegiate athletes aged 50+ (M = 61.4; 62.7% male) participated in the College Level Aging AThlete Study (CLEAATS) and completed the Cognitive Function Instrument (CFI), 40-item Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-40), PHQ-8, GAD-7, and self-report questionnaires, including concussion history. Kruskal-Wallis tests assessed for differences among groups based on concussion history (0, 1–2, 3–4, 5+ concussions). Hierarchical multiple regressions including demographic factors as covariates examined relationships between concussion history, emotional symptoms, and subjective/objective cognition. Results: Participants with 5+ concussions reported significantly greater subjective cognitive concerns and depressive symptoms than other concussion groups, but no differences were found in objective cognition. Hierarchical regression revealed concussion history and emotional symptoms explained 29% and 15% of the variance in subjective and objective cognition, respectively. The number of concussions accounted for unique variance in subjective cognition but was not significantly associated when mood symptoms were added to the model. Neither diagnosed concussions nor emotional symptoms were associated with objective cognition. Conclusions: When accounting for concussion history, those with 5+ concussions reported greater subjective cognitive symptoms than those with 0–2 concussions, and greater depressive symptoms than those with 0 concussions. Concussion history was not significantly related to subjective cognition when compared to mood, and concussion history and mood symptoms were not associated with objective cognition. Results highlight the importance of considering mood symptoms when evaluating the relationship between concussion history and cognition in former athletes.

Imagery vividness and perspectives in women’s artistic gymnastics training

This study aimed to examine imagery vividness and different modalities and perspectives in women’s artistic gymnastics. It explored athletes’ imagery use in training practice and how vivid imagery is developed for different motor tasks. Forty-seven female athletes (age 19 ± 3 years), with women’s artistic gymnastics expertise (12 ± 4 years) participated in this study. The Vividness of Movement Imagery Questionnaire (Dahm et al., 2019) was used to determine the imagery vividness of the participants for the different imagery modalities and perspectives respectively: external–visual, internal–visual, and kinaesthetic. The ANOVA results showed no differences between the most vivid imagery for age (F[3] = 0.724, p = .54) and expertise (F[4] = 0.091, p = .97). T-test results revealed differences in the imagery vividness of the kinaesthetic imagery depending on the gymnasts’ activity as a coach (F[45] = 5.280, p &lt; .05). To benefit from imagery use in training (e.g. to adjust coaching), the most vivid imagery modality and perspective must be determined individually. These results emphasise the need for skill-specific assessments of imagery modalities and perspectives to benefit from individualised imagery-adapted instructions.

The association between force–velocity profiles and the parameters from the 3-min all-out running test in university level soccer players

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to explore the relationship between force–velocity (FV) profiles and parameters obtained from the 3-min all-out running test (3MT) to uncover essential connections for enhancing athletic training methodologies in university-level male soccer players. Methods Forty-nine athletes (age: 19.26 ± 1.17 years) voluntarily participated in this investigation, undergoing assessments of fitness by completing the 3MT and a 40-m sprint test. Results D′ exhibited moderate correlations with high-speed parameters such as v0 (r = 0.48, p &lt; 0.001), T40-m (r = − 0.48, p &lt; 0.001) and the functional speed reserve (FSR) (r = 0.62, p &lt; 0.001). The FSR yielded the strongest capacity for predicting D′ (β = 38, adj-R2 = 0.38, p &lt; 0.001). Positional differences were only evident for maximal sprint speed between forward and midfield players (Mdiff = 0.41 m/s, p = 0.007), but not for other 3MT or FV parameters. Maximal horizontal sprinting speed rather than maximal horizontal sprinting force (F0) significantly mapped on to the speed–time curve of the 3MT (r &gt; 0.60, p = 0.031). Conclusion Our findings shed light on the complex interplay between anaerobic performance parameters, high-speed running, and endurance capacity within the framework of D′. Evidence concerning enhancements in D′ presents greater ambiguity compared to improving CS but imply that D′ is, on the one hand, contextually dependent on maximal speed parameters, and on the other, comprised of parameters that are likely more aerobic in nature. For training, players should be clustered according to performance metrics (e.g., FSR, CS) rather than positional group.