Group Of Athletes Research Articles

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Feature-Tracking in Olympic Athletes: a myocardial deformation analysis.

Athlete's heart induces extreme cardiovascular remodelling, generating challenges for the differential diagnosis with early stages of cardiomyopathies. Advanced cardiac function analysis could be helpful, but data on healthy athletes and the impact of sports disciplines are lacking. To describe myocardial deformation by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in a cohort of Olympic athletes and to evaluate possible differences based on sports disciplines and sex. A group of Olympic athletes with normal cardiovascular evaluation and a group of sedentary controls matched for age and sex underwent CMR without contrast administration. Cine-images were post-processed for volumes and function evaluation and to assess bi-ventricular myocardial deformation parameters, as left ventricular global longitudinal and circumferential strain (LV-GLS and -GCS) and right ventricular GLS, by a dedicated feature-tracking (FT) software. Athletes were divided according to ESC sports classification and sex. Three hundred Olympic athletes (13% skill, 20% power, 25% mixed, 42% endurance, 58% male) and 42 untrained controls were enrolled. No significant differences were found between LV-GLS, -GCS, and RV-GLS when comparing different sports categories, except for a slightly lower LV-GLS in the endurance group compared to the skill one (p=0.045). Athletes showed slightly lower biventricular ejection fraction (p<0.001) and LV-GCS (p<0.001) than sedentary controls, while only endurance athletes showed significant differences in LV- and RV-GLS versus the sedentary group (p=0.002 and p=0.001). Female athletes showed higher bi-ventricular GLS than males (p<0.001 for LV- and RV-GLS). Our results provided for the first time CMR-FT strain values in a large cohort of Olympic athletes free of cardiovascular abnormalities, according to type of sports. Endurance athletes showed the lowest LV-GLS values being significantly different versus skill and sedentary controls. No other significant differences in myocardial deformation parameters between sports categories were found, but only based on sex.

Tissue oxygenation in response to low-load and high-load back squats with continuous blood flow restriction in athletes

ABSTRACT To determine muscle oxygenation with continuous blood flow restriction (BFR) training in high load (HL), 80% one-repetition maximum (1RM) and low load (LL), 30% 1RM squat exercises. In week-2 of a 4-week resistance training programme as part of their 3-set training routine, two groups of athletes (n = 4 each), one performing HL training with low cuff pressure (20% arterial occlusion pressure (AOP)), the other LL training with high cuff pressure (60% AOP) had muscle oxygenation assessed with near-infrared spectrophotometry (NIRS), arterial oxygen saturation (SPO2), heart rate (HR), barbell velocity and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during barbell back squats (BBS). Changes in the vastus lateralis oximetry were compared to pre- and post-training squat (1RM). Across athletes, there were significant associations between two pre-set-3 exercise variables and post-training 1RM, Tissue Saturation Index (TSI) (R2 = 0.92, p < 0.0002) and HHb concentration (R2 = 0.79, p < 0.003). Generalised regression models indicated that TSI % and HHb concentrations before and after set 3 timepoints were significant predictors of post-training 1RM in the LL group (R2 = 0.99, BIC = −24.9). Well-tolerated continuous LL-BFR training provided greater increases in strength than HL-BFR in athletes.

Phoenixin's Influence on HPG Axis and Inflammation in Elite Ice Hockey Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

The neuropeptide phoenixin (PNX) may be involved in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and inflammatory responses. This study aims to investigate the role of PNX in the regulation of HPG axis function in ice hockey players and its impact on body composition. This cross-sectional study included 65 male ice hockey players aged 18-22, divided into untrained, non-elite athlete, and elite athlete groups. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and plasma levels of PNX, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Elite ice hockey players exhibited significantly higher lower limb and core skeletal muscle mass, skeletal muscle index, and testosterone levels, aligning with the high-intensity intermittent nature of hockey training. Compared to the non-training group, ice hockey training groups showed elevated levels of PNX, GnRH, testosterone, and TNF-α, along with reduced levels of LH and IL-6. PNX concentration positively correlated with lean body mass, skeletal muscle mass, skeletal muscle index, serum GnRH, and testosterone levels, and negatively correlated with serum LH and IL-6 levels. In conclusion, PNX may enhance skeletal muscle mass in ice hockey players, particularly in the lower limbs and core muscles, by promoting HPG axis activity while inhibiting inflammatory responses and reducing HPG axis suppression. These findings provide new insights into the physiological adaptation mechanisms of ice hockey players, potentially aiding in the optimization of training strategies and improvement of athletic performance.

Atrial strain assessment in elite athletes: unveiling physiologic adaptation

Abstract Background Left atrial (LA) strain, measured by speckle-tracking echocardiography, provides insights into cardiac function beyond traditional volumetric assessments. In athletes, the effects of chronic exercise on LA strain are unclear, with conflicting findings on whether it reflects physiological adaptation or potential dysfunction. Aims This study aimed to comprehensively assess LA remodeling and function in professional soccer players compared to controls. We hypothesized that while athletes would exhibit LA enlargement, their atrial function would remain preserved due to the physiological nature of cardiac remodeling in this population. Methods A retrospective analysis of echocardiographic parameters, namely left atrial strain, was carried out in a group of professional male athletes compared to a control group of healthy male individuals. A GE Vivid E95 echocardiographic ultrasound system and EchoPAC V.206 software (GE Vingmed Ultrasound AS, Horten, Norway) were used. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to test data distribution, ANOVA and t-test were used as a parametric tests, and Man-Whitney as a non-parametric Test (SPSS v.27). Results The study analyzed 111 athletes with a median age of 24 (21-31) years and 70 healthy male individuals from the control group with a median age of 27 (23-32) years. Athletes had a significantly higher indexed left atrial end-systolic volume compared to the control group (41 ± 9 ml/m² vs. 31 ± 7 ml/m², p&amp;lt;0.001). Despite the difference in volume, the early and late diastolic tissue velocities were similar in both groups and E/E’ was lower (4.4 ± 0.9 vs. 5.0 (4.5-5.8), p&amp;lt;0.001). There were no significant differences between athletes and the control group in Left Atrial Reservoir Strain (LASr) and Left Atrial Conduit Strain (LAScd). The active contraction of the left atrium during atrial systole is reduced in athletes, which had a significantly lower left atrial contraction strain compared to the control group (-9 (-11 – -8)% vs. -12 ± 4%, p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion The data suggests that athletes' hearts have undergone specific adaptations, particularly in terms of increased left atrial size and altered contraction patterns. Maintaining atrial reservoir strain (the most validated parameter for normality) and atrial conduit strain within normal ranges may indicate that morphological changes are merely normal adaptations to the high cardiac output demands during exercise. Descriptive analysis LA strain example

Distinguishing athletic heart adaptations from cardiomyopathy using myocardial work: new kid on the block

Abstract Background Studying the athlete's heart is challenging due to the overlap between physiological adaptations from exercise and cardiomyopathies. Initially, deformation analysis was promising for differentiation, but it became clear that larger ventricular volumes in athletes result in low strain due to chamber geometry. Recently, a non-invasive myocardial work study tool has emerged, integrating load and deformation. Aim to determine the additional value of the Myocardial Work (MW) indices determined by echocardiography in the study of the athlete's heart. Methods A retrospective analysis of echocardiographic parameters was carried out, measuring myocardial work non-invasively among a group of male athletes (football players - class IC of Mitchell classification), compared with a control group composed of healthy young men. A GE Vivid E95 echocardiographic ultrasound system and EchoPAC V.206 software (GE Vingmed Ultrasound AS, Horten, Norway) were used. Results The athletes' group consisted of 121 males with a median age of 24 years (range 21-31), while the control group included 77 healthy individuals with a median age of 26 years (range 23-31). Refer to Table 1 for the descriptive analysis. Compared to the control group, the athletes had significantly lower blood pressure (p = 0.001), larger left ventricular volumes (p &amp;lt; 0.001), and higher left ventricular ejection fractions (p &amp;lt;0.001). Although there was a trend toward lower GLS in the athletes' group, it was not statistically significant (p = 0.203). GWI, GCW, and GWE were similar between the two groups, with GCW being significantly higher in the athletes (p = 0.01). Conclusion In our study, myocardial work indices in athletes were comparable to those in healthy individuals. Myocardial work is an intuitive and comprehensive variable that shows promise as a tool to differentiate between normal physiological adaptations to exercise and pathology in athletes. Descriptive analysis MW example

Selfie Scores: A Scoping Review of Research on Athlete Social Media Self-Presentation

This study conducts a scoping review of the literature on athlete social media self-presentation (ASMSP), aiming to map the current state of research, identify gaps, and propose directions for future studies. The review of 99 journal articles reveals a significant expansion over the past two decades, with studies exploring diverse aspects such as difference comparing across athlete groups, identity negotiations, brand building, and interactions between ASMSP and professional outcomes. Based on the syntheses, we recommend future scholars advance theoretical perspectives, examine identity negotiation among male athletes, explore diverse sport and geographical contexts, refine the measurement of athlete popularity, and move beyond descriptive patterns to explore causal relationships. By consolidating the existing body of literature, this review serves as a roadmap for future research and offers insights for practitioners to refine strategies for athlete branding.

The value of blood lactate and lactate clearance rate in evaluating the prognosis of athletes with heat illness of varying degrees after high-intensity exercise

BackgroundHeat stroke, a severe heat illness with organ damage, is a major cause of cause irreparable organ damage and higher death rates among military persons and athletes.ObjectivesTo study the changes in blood lactate (Lac) levels and lactate clearance rate (LCR) in athletes with heat illness of varying degrees after high-intensity exercise and to evaluate their prognostic value.Material and methodsIn present study, acute care unit admitted 36 heat sickness patients following high-intensity exercise from December 2019 to July 2024, with comprehensive medical records, for retrospective study. The study population consisted of two groups of high level athletes: the favourable Prognosis Group (< 7 days, 22 cases), comprising 21 males and 1 female with a mean age of 21.8 ± 2.7 years, and the bad Prognosis Group (≥ 7 days, 14cases), consisting of 14 males with a mean age of 22.6 ± 3.2 years. Lac levels were assessed at admission (0 h) and early in therapy (2 h, 6 h), and the LCR was computed. Lac and LCR values at each time point were compared between the two groups to see how they affected patient prognosis.ResultsAfter 2 and 6 h of therapy, lactate levels decreased significantly in the good prognosis group (1.2 ± 0.5 mmol/L at 2 h and 0.8 ± 0.3 mmol/L at 6 h), but remained elevated in the poor prognosis group (4.2 ± 1.2 mmol/L at 2 h and 3.5 ± 1.5 mmol/L at 6 h). Core body temperature normalized in both groups, but the good prognosis group showed a more rapid decline, with temperatures of 37.4 ± 0.6 °C at 2 h and 36.8 ± 0.4 °C at 6 h in the good prognosis group, and 38.8 ± 0.8 °C at 2 h and 38.2 ± 0.9 °C at 6 h in the poor prognosis group. Notably, a significant positive correlation existed between lactate levels and APACHE II scores at admission (P < 0.01). Furthermore, logistic regression analysis revealed that the 2-hour lactate clearance rate (LCR) (R2 = 0.83) was an independent predictor of outcomes.ConclusionsThe study suggests that athletes with elevated lactate levels after heat illness may be at higher risk of adverse outcomes. The 2-hour lactate clearance rate (LCR) appears to be a valuable prognostic indicator, with potential applications in evaluating the severity of heat illness and guiding treatment decisions. Furthermore, dynamic monitoring of lactate levels in conjunction with LCR may provide valuable insights into the clinical management and prognosis of athletes with heat-related illnesses.

The Effects of Endurance Training and High-Intensity Resistance Training on Pulse Wave Velocity and QT Dispersion.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effects of endurance and high-intensity resistance training on arterial stiffness and ventricular repolarization in elite athletes. Methods: A total of 50 male athletes from different sports disciplines (volleyball, football, judo, and wrestling) and a sedentary group of 30 males participated in this study. Data collected from all participants included age, height, body weight, cardiovascular hemodynamic parameters, arterial stiffness parameters, and ECG measurements. Results: There was no significant age difference between the athlete group (20.42 ± 1.903 years) and the control group (20.97 ± 1.771 years) (p > 0.05). However, body mass index (BMI) values in the control group (24.83 ± 2.22 kg/m2) were significantly different from those in the athlete group (22.39 ± 2.663 kg/m2) (p < 0.05). Significant differences were found between the athlete and control groups in QT dispersion, systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and central pulse pressure values (p < 0.05), while similar results were obtained for arterial stiffness parameters (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The lack of a difference in pulse wave velocity and augmentation index (AIx) values between the athletes and the control group suggests that athletes do not bear additional risks regarding arterial stiffness. However, increased systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and central pulse pressure, among the hemodynamic parameters, indicate potential variations in vascular wall compliance and hemodynamic responses in the cardiovascular system. The increase in QT dispersion suggests that athletes may exhibit a heterogeneous repolarization process and an elevated risk of ventricular arrhythmias compared to the general population.

Cross-validation of the safe supplement screener (S3) predicting consistent third-party-tested nutritional supplement use in NCAA Division I athletes.

This cross-sectional study aimed to cross-validate an earlier developed algorithm-based screener and explore additional potential predictors for whether athletes will use third-party-tested (TPT) supplements. To justify the initial model behind the supplement safety screener (S3) algorithm which predicts whether athletes will use TPT supplements, a cross-validation was performed using this independent dataset based on responses of a large group of collegiate NCAA DI athletes. Additionally, explorative modeling using stepwise logistic regression was used to identify new predictors for TPT supplement use to create and evaluate a new model for future use. The S3 algorithm was applied to the responses from n = 662 athletes using supplements (age: 20 ± 1.5 years, 50% female, from >24 sports) confirming that the algorithm identifies consistent and inconsistent TPT users (χ2 (1) = 15.95, p < 0.001), with a moderate area under the curve (AUC, 0.67) and a moderate specificity (68%), but low sensitivity (51%). Explorative modeling identified two new variables: TPT logo recognition, and having at least one name, image, likeness (NIL) deal that may help to predict TPT supplement use. Strong relationships between risk groupings and product use outcomes toward TPT supplement use were identified for the athletes screened. The S3 screener showed high sensitivity for identifying student-athletes inconsistently using TPT supplements, but a low specificity, lacking the ability to place less risky athletes into low-risk quadrants. The exploratory modeling, identifying TPT logo recognition and having a NIL deal, further strengthens our knowledge on predictors for consistent TPT supplement use.

ACE I/D Genotype and Risk of Non-Contact Injury in Moroccan Elite Athletes: A Pilot Study.

Background and Objectives: The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in ACE, the gene encoding the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), has been suggested as a genetic variation that can influence exercise performance and risk of injury in elite athletes. The I allele has been associated with enhanced endurance performance and with reduced inflammation, while the D allele has been associated with improved performance in strength and power activities. However, the role of this genetic variant in the incidence of non-contact injury is underexplored. This study investigated the possible association of ACE I/D genotypes with the risk of non-contact injury in elite Moroccan athletes. Materials and Methods: Forty-three elite male athletes (19 cyclists and 24 field hockey players) from the Moroccan national team participated voluntarily. Non-contact injuries were recorded for all athletes and classified according to the IOC consensus statement by the medical staff of the teams. ACE I/D polymorphism genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using genomic DNA from blood samples. Results: There were four cyclists (21.05%) and eight field hockey players (33.33%) with a non-contact injury during the season. The distribution of the ACE I/D genotypes was similar in the athletes with vs. without non-contact injury for cyclists (DD/ID/II 25.00/50.00/25.00% vs. 46.67/40.00/13.33% non-injured, respectively; X2 = 0.69, p = 0.70), field hockey players (DD/ID/II 50.00/50.00/0.00% vs. 50.00/43.75/6.25%; X2 = 0.54, p = 0.76) and for the whole group of athletes (DD/ID/II 41.67/50.00/8.33% vs. 48.39/41.94/9.68%; X2 = 0.22, p = 0.89). In the whole group of athletes, neither the dominant (DD + ID vs. II = OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.15-16.56, p = 0.89) nor the recessive (DD vs. ID + II = OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.31-4.89, p = 0.69) models showed an increased risk of non-contact injury. Conclusions: The distribution of the ACE I/D genotypes was similar in elite cycling and field hockey athletes with or without non-contact injury during the season. These results indicate that there is no significant association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and the susceptibility to non-contact injury in these athletes. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and to investigate their broader implications for advancing knowledge in sports injury prevention and optimizing athlete management strategies.

Clinical Outcomes and Recurrence Rates After Arthroscopic Soft Tissue Stabilization With Selective Augmentations for Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Instability in Athletes Versus Non-athletes With Subcritical Glenoid Bone Loss.

Introduction Although some studies have reported good outcomes of soft tissue procedures in athletes, to our knowledge, no study has directly compared the clinical outcomes and recurrence rates of soft tissue procedures between athletes and non-athletes. Therefore, we aimed to compare clinical outcomes and recurrence rates between athletes and non-athletes with subcritical glenoid bone defects, who received arthroscopic soft tissue stabilization surgery for traumatic anterior shoulder instability. Methods This retrospective comparative study included patients who received primary arthroscopic shoulder stabilization surgery for traumatic anterior shoulder instability, with a minimum two-year follow-up and a glenoid bone defect <20%. The patients were categorized into athlete or non-athlete groups. For the included patients, we performed one of the following procedures: arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR), ABR with Hill-Sachs remplissage (HSR), or arthroscopic bony Bankart repair (ABBR). We investigated patient characteristics, including preoperative glenoid and humeral head pathology, and compared the two groups in terms of the Korean Shoulder Score for Instability (KSSI), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score, Rowe score, and range of motion (ROM) at two years postoperatively. Postoperative recurrence and reoperation rates were also compared. Results Altogether, 39 non-athletes and 15 athletes were included. Significantly higher KSSI (athletes: 98.00; non-athletes: 94.64; p = 0.012) was observed in the athletes than in the non-athletes. Meanwhile, the UCLA (athletes: 34.33; non-athletes: 33.87; p = 0.370) and Rowe (athletes: 96.67; non-athletes: 96.67; p = 0.460) scores were not significantly different between the two groups. Five (13%) non-athletes and one (7%) athlete experienced postoperative instability recurrence, which was not significantly different (p = 1.000). Fourteen (93%) athletes returned to sports completely after 5.4 months (range, 4-8 months) on average. Conclusion Arthroscopic soft tissue stabilization surgery yielded good clinical outcomes and low recurrence rates in both athletes and non-athletes with subcritical glenoid bone defects.

Biomechanical coordination and variability alters following repetitive movement fatigue in overhead athletes with painful shoulder

Most sports and leisure activities involve repetitive movements in the upper limb, which are typically linked to pain and discomfort in the neck and shoulder area. Movement variability is generally expressed by changes in movement parameters from one movement to another and is a time-dependent feature of repetitive activities. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of repeated movement-induced fatigue on biomechanical coordination and variability in athletes with and without chronic shoulder pain (CSP). In this controlled laboratory study, 24 overhead athletes in two groups of athletes with (N = 12) and without (N = 12) CSP were recruited. Biomechanical and Electromyographical data were recorded while the athletes were asked to perform repeating reaching tasks (RRT). Kinematic data was recorded every 30 s of the minutes of the repetitive pointing task (RPT). The kinematic and electromyography data were recorded at the first 30 s of “Fatigue-Terminal” (FT) and the last 30 s of “No-Fatigue” (NF) in the repetitive pointing task (RPT). Raw data was analyzed by using MATLAB code to extract the relevant coordination and movement variability data. Different fatigue conditions led to significant kinematic changes during the repetitive pointing task. In the CSP group, trunk lateral flexion decreased after fatigue, while it increased in the CON group (p < 0.013). Trunk rotation and shoulder elevation angles were smaller before fatigue than after in both groups (p < 0.001). Variability in joint angles, including trunk lateral flexion and elbow flexion, increased after fatigue, indicating less stability in movement patterns (p < 0.001). The coordination between trunk movement and shoulder elevation was altered post-fatigue, with significant changes in EMG variability for muscles like the Lower Trapezius and Long Head of the Biceps (p < 0.001). Results of our study indicate that both groups were able to accomplish fatigue, but they employed different movement strategies. The CSP group primarily focused on controlling the shoulder joint, while the CON group utilized both the shoulder and elbow joints in their strategy. This difference suggests that individuals in the CSP group who experienced chronic pain may have developed a strategy to minimize pain and fatigue during the task. Specifically, the CSP group’s approach appeared to involve adjustments in movement patterns to manage the task despite fatigue. This adaptation contrasts with the CON group’s more complex movement strategy, which involved greater variability and adjustments in both the shoulder and elbow joints.

Decision Making in Sport: The Role of Attention, Prioritisation and Memory

Background: In the fast-paced and dynamic environment of sports, athletes constantly make decisions under time pressure. The ability to make efficient decisions is influenced by factors like attention, memory, and the prioritization of information. These cognitive processes are critical for success, particularly in high-stakes situations. Method: This study employed a combination of cognitive testing, eye-tracking, and observational analysis to examine how athletes prioritize information and manage attention during decision-making in sports contexts. A group of professional athletes across various sports was assessed for their decision-making processes during simulated gameplay scenarios. Results: The findings showed that attention and memory play significant roles in how athletes prioritize tasks and make decisions under pressure. Athletes with better attention management skills were more efficient in decision-making. Additionally, prior experience and memory recall significantly impacted performance, particularly when dealing with complex game situations. Conclusion: Effective decision-making in sports is heavily reliant on cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and the ability to prioritize relevant information. Coaches and sports psychologists should consider training these cognitive processes to enhance decision-making capabilities in athletes.

Incidence, Prevalence, and Burden of Health Problems in Elite Female Ice Hockey Players-A One-Season Prospective Study.

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

Acceptable or Not: An In-depth Analysis of Adolescent Competitive Athletes’ Perceptions on Abusive Coaching Behaviors

The present study aimed to conduct an in-depth analysis of adolescent competitive athletes’ perceptions on abusive coaching behaviors. Our aims were thus to (a) identify the acceptable abusive coaching behaviors and (b) characterize qualitatively the criteria for the acceptance of abusive coaching behaviors. Based on the study goal, an Abusive Coaching Behavior Grid was developed and completed by 356 French-speaking athletes, among which 10 were interviewed to justify where they draw the line between acceptable and unacceptable coaching behaviors. Quantitative analysis showed that shaking, shouting at, or asking athletes to perform until exhaustion were considered acceptable. Quebec and female athletes tended to accept fewer different abusive behaviors, but there were no differences by sport characteristics. The perception on abusive coaching behaviors was influenced by expectations about the coaching role, negative effects of coaching behaviors, circumstances in which the behaviors occur, and the nature of behaviors. The present study raises the importance of questioning cognitive schemas shared by groups of athletes as well as the norms coaches convey and the behaviors they adopt.

Comparison of executive functions of attention, observational learning functions and working memory

Introduction: Professional sport not only requires physical preparation, technical and tactical factors, but also cognitive, psychological and emotional characteristics can affect performance. Objective: Hence, the objective of this study was to compare executive functions of attention, observational learning functions and working memory in professional athletes and ordinary people. Method: This is causal-comparative research. 90 people over 15 years old (45 professional athletes and 45 ordinary people) were included in this study during 2021-2022. For data collection, color-word Stroop test (… &amp; … 2006), Functions of Observational Learning Questionnaire (FOLQ) (Cumming et al., 2005) and Working Memory Rating Scale (WMRS) were used. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent t-test. Results: The results of the t-test showed a significant difference between the variables of attention, observational learning functions and working memory between two groups of professional athletes and ordinary people (P&lt;0.05). Accordingly, in all the variables of attention ability, observational learning functions including (skill, strategy and execution) and working memory, the mean score of the professional athletes group was higher than ordinary people (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The study results showed the necessity of paying attention to executive functions of working memory, observational learning and sports activities; and many practical implications in the field of interventions for those who decide to exercise professionally.

Brain Functional Characteristics in Football Players During Motor-Cognitive Dual Task: Insights From fNIRS.

Long-term training enables professional athletes to develop concentrated and efficient neural network organizations for specific tasks. This study used functional near-infrared spectroscopy to investigate task performance, brain functional characteristics, and their relationships in footballers during sport-specific motor-cognitive processes. Twenty-four footballers (athlete group, with 18 remaining of good signal quality) and 20 non-footballers (control group, with 16 remaining) completed four tasks: a single task (trigger buttons corresponding to the appearance direction of teammates with kicking actions), an N-back direction task, a dual task, and an N-back digit task. Brain activation, functional connectivity (FC), and lateralization were calculated, and their correlation with behavioral indicators was analyzed. Results showed that reaction times were shorter in footballers across all tasks. The activation value in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) decreased during dual task compared to the resting state in the athlete group. The activation values in all brain regions (except left primary sensory cortex in the single task), right DLPFC (dual task), and left premotor cortex & left supplementary motor area (left PMC & left SMA, digit task) were significantly lower in the athlete group than in the control group. Footballers exhibited higher interhemispheric FC during the direction and digit tasks, and greater leftward bias in the DLPFC during the dual task. The FC between left prefrontal cortex (PFC) -left PMC & left SMA and within the left PFC region was significantly positively correlated with accuracy during the dual task. Footballers showed better task performance with less impact from load, lower central energy consumption and higher sensory-motor network connectivity during task execution, indicating a more efficient state. Enhancing brain function and related networks may improve athletes' reactive abilities and performance.

Regular Dynamic Exercise Has a Beneficial Effect on Arterial Stiffness Already in Childhood and Adolescence.

This study aims to assess the parameters of arterial stiffness in active children and adolescents according to the type of sport they practice and compare them with those who do not participate in sport. There were 238 subjects, 80 practiced predominantly dynamic sports, 58 predominantly static sports, and 100 children and adolescents were not regularly included in sports. The control group was volunteers of similar age recruited from elementary schools. The control group had statistically significantly higher values of aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao) in rest compared with the group of children and adolescent athletes (P < .001, median PWVao 6.28 [5.70-7.00] vs 5.74 [5.10-6.23] m/s). This group had a significantly higher body mass index than children and adolescent athletes (P = .046). Children and adolescents who practiced sports with a high level of dynamic load after 2 years showed significantly lower values of PWVao compared with those who practiced sports with a high level of static load (P = .040, PWVao median 5.64 (5.10-6.10) vs 5,95 (5.50-6.50) m/s). Based on our findings, continuous and regular physical activity, especially dynamic, benefits arterial stiffness and arterial blood pressure, the major predictors of cardiovascular risk.

CHARACTERISTICS OF MOTIVATION AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO RESILIENCE IN KAZAKHSTANI PARALYMPIC ATHLETES

Paralympic sport enables people with disabilities to significantly develop their functional abilities, improving their opportunities for full personal development and social integration. One of the main challenges for athletes is maintaining their internal motivation for sport and withstanding the stress and difficulties throughout the preparation and competition period. The relationship between resilience and motivation in the context of Paralympic sports is paramount for this group of athletes. The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics of motivation and its relationship with resilience in Paralympic athletes. The study was conducted on the grounds of the Federation of Paralympic Sports of Kokchetav, Shymkent, Taraz. Sixty Paralympic athletes participated in the study. The methodology of the study included: 1) Methodology to study the motives for sports activity of V.I. 2) Motives for Sports Activity (MSA) questionnaire by E. I. Tropnikov. А. E. Kalinin’s Motives for Motivation Test; S. Maddy, adaptation of D. А. Leontiev and E. I. Raskazova. The results revealed the motivation and resilience of Paralympic athletes, depending on gender and level of sports qualification. It was found that control and the integral indicator of resilience act as key constructs within the motivational system of Paralympic athletes

The effect of the state of the intestinal microbiome on the performance of cyclical sports athletes according to ergometric testing indicators

Purpose: to assess the functional-metabolic state and intestinal microbiota of athletes of cyclic sports with high and low levels of performance.Materials and methods: the study involved 20 male athletes of cyclic sports aged 18–22 years. Based on the results of the athletes’ maximum performance — relative speed (Vrel.), shown in the ergometry test, the group was divided into two subgroups. To determine the presence or absence of intestinal dysbacteriosis, microbiological examination of feces was used.Results: High performance athletes (HPA) had significantly higher values of the circulatory efficiency coefficient (CEC) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). In the HPA group, a positive correlation was found between the level of liver enzyme activity and intestinal microflora, as well as the activity of the ALT enzyme and speed characteristics. In the group of low performance athletes (LPA), positive correlations were found between performance indicators and hemolytic E. coli. Opportunistic bacteria were found in 40 % of men in the LPA group.Conclusion: In athletes with a high level of physical performance, the functional state was characterized by the activation of anabolic processes. Whereas in athletes with a low level of physical performance, catabolic processes prevailed, caused by the presence of opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms in the intestine. It was concluded that athletes should regularly undergo ergometric testing with a study of the intestinal microbiome in order to prevent the development of dysbiosis.