Athletic Men Research Articles

You have to work twice as hard as a woman to show that you are competent. Experiences, opportunities and workplace gender harassment for Sport and Exercise Medicine practitioners working in elite sport in Australia

ObjectiveOur aim was to investigate (1) gender representation, (2) opportunities and training and (3) harassment experiences in Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) practitioners working in elite sport in Australia.MethodsAll titled...

Favourable HDL composition in endurance athletes is not associated with changes in HDL in vitro antioxidant and endothelial anti-inflammatory function.

Given the failure of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) raising therapies to reduce cardiovascular disease risk, attention has turned towards HDL composition and vascular protective functions. In individuals with insulin resistance, exercise interventions recover HDL function. However, the effect of exercise on HDL in otherwise healthy individuals is unknown. This cross-sectional study aimed to measure HDL composition and antioxidant / endothelial anti-inflammatory function in insulin sensitive endurance athlete and healthy control men. HDL was isolated using density gradient ultracentrifugation. HDL composition was measured using microplate assays for apolipoprotein A-I, total cholesterol content and apolipoprotein M. HDL protein composition was measured using nano-liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. HDL subclass distribution was measured by native gel electrophoresis. HDL in vitro antioxidant function was measured by paraoxonase-1 activity assay and anti-inflammatory function assessed in endothelial cells. Compared to controls, endurance athlete HDL had higher apolipoprotein A-1 (1.65 ± 0.62 mg/mL vs 1.21 ± 0.34 mg/mL, p = 0.028) and higher total cholesterol content (1.54 ± 0.33 mmol/L vs 2.09 ± 0.44 mmol/L, p < 0.001). Proteomics revealed higher apolipoprotein A-II, A-IV and D and transthyretin in endurance athlete HDL versus controls. There was no difference observed in in vitro HDL antioxidant or anti-inflammatory functions between controls and endurance athletes. Despite a more favourable composition, endurance athlete HDL did not have higher in vitro antioxidant or anti-inflammatory function. It is possible that HDL has a ceiling of function, i.e. that healthy HDL function cannot be enhanced by endurance exercise.

Prevalence of harassment, abuse, and mental health among current and retired senior Swedish cheerleaders

ABSTRACT This study examined the prevalence of non-accidental violence, focusing on experienced harassment and abuse (HA), and mental health among current and retired Swedish competitive cheerleaders. An online survey was distributed to current and retired athletes in the Swedish cheerleading federation. The survey assessed perceived coach–athlete relationship, sport psychological safety, resilience, mental health, and experienced HA within the cheerleading environment. A total of 284 athletes (men = 5; women = 278; gender not disclosed = 1; current athletes = 211; retired athletes = 73) completed the survey. Psychological abuse was the most frequently reported HA form (current athletes = 21.6%; retired athletes = 53.5%), followed by neglect (current athletes = 5.4%; retired athletes: 26.8%) and physical abuse (current athletes = 3.9%; retired athletes = 12.7%). A high-quality coach–athlete relationship was identified as a protective factor for HA. Additionally, 33.1% and 8.9% of participants displayed scores indicating anxiety and depression caseness, while 63.8% reported a high level of wellbeing. Anxiety/depression scores above clinical cut-off were linked to injury episodes and a high level of wellbeing to a mentally healthy environment. Resilience was found to protect mental health overall. The high occurrence of reported psychological abuse and indications of anxiety/depression related to injury episodes suggest a need of attention towards prevention and athlete protection strategies in cheerleading environments.

Effect of drinking caffeine in the coffee towards the senior swimming athletes of men’s 100 meters freestyle

Effect of drinking caffeine in the coffee towards the senior swimming athletes of men’s 100 meters freestyle

Examining the Relationship and the Gender Differences between Re-Injury Worry, Confidence, and Attention after a Sport Musculoskeletal Injury.

Introduction: A sport injury is an unfortunate event that can significantly impact the injured athletes' psychology. There have been no studies examining gender differences in the psychological state after a sport-related musculoskeletal injury. Τhe aims of the current study were to (a) investigate the relationship between re-injury worry levels, confidence, and attention in the injured athletes who followed a rehabilitation program in order to return to competition, and (b) compare differences in these psychological factors between male and female athletes. Methods: A cross-sectional research design was used. A total of 60 athletes (30 men and 30 women) volunteered to participate, aged 25.50 ± 5.25 years old, all of whom had experienced a musculoskeletal injury within the past year. Three validated questionnaires, i.e., the Causes of Re-Injury Worry Questionnaire, the Sport Confidence Questionnaire of Rehabilitated Athletes Returning to Competition, and the Attention Questionnaire of Rehabilitated Athletes Returning to Competition, were completed by the participants on their first competitive game after their rehabilitation program. Results: All of the athletes experienced average levels of re-injury worry due to their opponents' ability and distraction attention, and high levels of confidence and functional attention. Many factors from the questionnaires were correlated with each other. Men experienced lower levels of re-injury worry due to rehabilitation compared to the women athletes (U = 329.00, p < 0.05), and women exhibited higher "Re-injury Worry due to Opponent's Ability" compared to the men athletes (U = 292.00, p < 0.01). Conclusions: A strong relationship was found between re-injury worry, confidence, and attention, with few gender differences. Since there is no previous research examining re-injury worry, confidence, and attention between men and women, future research with larger and more homogeneous samples is needed to confirm the present results.

An Analysis of Agenda Setting and Framing of American Marathon Television Coverage

This study examined nationally televised marathon coverage of three major U.S. marathons (the Boston Marathon, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and the Tata Consultancy Services New York City Marathon) to understand how able-bodied men and women, and men and women using wheelchairs were represented. Just under 8 hr of coverage was analyzed for clock time and the descriptions of athletes divided by divisions of able-bodied men and women and wheelchair athlete men and women. Able-bodied women received the majority of clock time in Boston and Chicago, while able-bodied men received the majority of clock time in New York City. Athletes using wheelchairs, both men and women, received much smaller amounts of coverage, especially in New York City. Women received more announcer mentions in all three races, with a heavier focus on their background, coaching, and emotion, although the only statistically significant category was emotion. Experience and race strategy/training were heavily emphasized for all divisions. Through this analysis, race producers have more guidance on how to cover future marathons in a more equitable and appropriate manner.

Acute patellar dislocation during isokinetic knee strength testing: A case report

Key Clinical MessageIsokinetic testing is a maximal muscle strength test which requires adequate patient's preparation and observer's care. While the available data suggests that isokinetic devices are safe, their use may rarely cause severe injuries. The screening of predisposing anatomical factors could help preventing injuries before testing.AbstractA 29‐year‐old athletic man presented an acute patellar dislocation on a healthy right knee during isokinetic muscle strength testing, which was conducted in the setting of an intensive physical rehabilitation program, for persistent left knee pain after arthroscopic surgery for meniscal tear. This is the first case to occur in an adult male without clear risk factors such as patellar dysplasia. Predisposing factors may include slightly elevated patellar tilt and lateral shift compared to the contralateral knee (researched from subsequent review of pre‐injury X‐rays), and an elevated quadricipital strength in the context of recreational bodybuilding. The dislocation occurred during eccentric extension phase of testing. Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction was conducted 6 months later. Isokinetic muscle strength testing is generally considered as a safe method, despite limited data on the devices' safety. Since severe injuries might rarely occur, adequate patient preparation is needed, as well as the screening of predisposing factors.

"The Role of Coach-Athlete Relationship in Enhancing Team Sport Performance: A Multi-Sport Perspective"

This research provides useful insights on the coach-athlete relationship in college sports by analyzing the characteristics of the participants, evaluating players' perspectives on this relationship, and revealing the difficulties encountered by student-athletes. A heterogeneous group of primarily male athletes participated in a variety of team sports, with soccer, basketball, and volleyball being the most prevalent. Athletes often had favorable opinions on their interactions with coaches, demonstrating exceptional performance in areas such as communication, motivation, guidance, empathy, openness, understanding of roles, and ethical conduct. Nevertheless, significant gender-based disparities arose, as men athletes reported more positive connections compared to their female counterparts. Furthermore, student-athletes have pinpointed significant obstacles, such as difficulties in communicating, incongruity in coaching styles, resolving conflicts, obtaining mental health assistance, ensuring ethical conduct, and addressing concerns about criticism.

Sleep Quality in Team USA Olympic and Paralympic Athletes.

To establish sleep-quality reference ranges for Olympic and Paralympic cohorts using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and explore differences based on sex and sport types. Team USA athletes (men = 805, women = 798) completed the PSQI as part of a health-history questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to create reference ranges and linear models, and χ2 test of independence determined differences in PSQI global and component scores between sex, games, season, and participation. Six hundred thirty-two (39.43%) athletes reported poor sleep (PSQIGlobal ≥ 5). Men displayed later bedtimes (P = .006), better global PSQI scores, shorter sleep latency, less sleep disturbance, and less use of sleep medication than women (all P < .001). Winter Games participants had later bedtime (P = .036) and sleep offset time (P = .028) compared with Summer Games athletes. Team-sport athletes woke earlier than individual-sport athletes (P < .001). Individual-sport athletes were more likely to have low (P = .005) and mild (P = .045) risk for reduced sleep duration than team-sport athletes. These data provide PSQI-specific reference ranges to identify groups at greatest risk for poor sleep, who may benefit most from targeted sleep interventions.

Circulating irisin and its connection with indices of body composition in aerobic and anaerobic endurance professional athletes: a case-control study

Purpose. Irisin is released in response to exercise, but the regulatory effect of exercise on serum irisin is controversial. Evidence linking irisin with muscle mass or fat mass is limited. Little is known about the connection of irisin with the type and intensity of exercise in athletes. This study sought to determine serum irisin concentration (SIC) in professional athletes and non-athletes and assess its association with anthropometric indices, including body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), lean body mass (LBM), and fat mass (FM).&#x0D; Material and methods. We conducted a case-control study on 72 athletes and non-athletes comprising three age-and sex-matched groups with a 1:1 sex ratio: 24 footballers (aerobic endurance exercise), 24 bodybuilders (anaerobic strength exercise), and 24 nonexercised controls. Standard protocols for measuring anthropometric indices and quantifying SIC were followed.&#x0D; Results. Whole athletes had higher SIC than controls, with footballer men and women having higher values than bodybuilders and controls. Athletic men and women exhibited higher SIC than control men. SIC showed no sex differences within each experimental and control group. SIC negatively correlated with BW, BMI, LBM, MUAC, and WHtR in athlete women, BMI and MUAC in bodybuilders, FM in whole footballers, and BW in total control, but positively correlated with overall bodybuilders.&#x0D; Conclusions. The findings indicate that irisin is exercise-dependent, as it is enhanced in aerobic endurance more than in anaerobic strength exercise but is gender-independent. The results also support the relationship between irisin and body composition, as it clearly correlates negatively with BW, BMI, FM, and WHtR, suggesting a possible interplay between irisin and BW homeostasis for health maintenance.

Azeem Rafiq, an Object or a Subject? “Can the Subaltern Speak?”

In the extant scholarship, there remains a paucity of research underscoring how Western media frame the identity of Muslim men athletes from diverse backgrounds who challenge the colonial sporting institution (e.g., cricket) with the allegation of racism. There is also a significant lacuna in literature exploring how the identity of a Muslim man athlete is shaped in Eastern media, ensuing his racial accusations against a Western sporting institution. This study aimed to analyze the media’s depiction of Azeem Rafiq after his racism allegations against Yorkshire Cricket Club, contrasting British and South Asian perspectives through neo-Orientalism and postcolonial theory within media framing scholarship. We analyzed data through textual and thematic analysis. The study results unearth that while Rafiq was heralded as a voice against racism by the British media, some media outlets focused on the narratives of exoticism, otherness, and the mysterious “Orient” while discussing Rafiq’s personality. Further, some Pakistani and Indian media outlets portrayed the Western world as a monolithic entity. The study findings also uncovered that numerous times, the Club’s sponsors’ responses were framed within financial and administrative narratives, often overshadowing the underlying issue of structural racism.

Electrical and structural remodelling in female athlete's heart: A comparative study in women vs men athletes and controls

BackgroundAthlete's heart is associated with physiological electrical and structural remodelling. Despite the plethora of data published on male athletes, solid data derived from female athletes, compared to male counterparts or sedentary women, are still scarce. ObjectivesWe aimed to analyze the electrical, structural, and functional characteristics of athlete's heart in female and male athletes vs sedentary controls. MethodsOlympic athletes and sedentary controls were evaluated by resting ECG and echocardiography. Athletes were divided into 4 different sports groups. ResultsThe study population included 1096 individuals (360 female athletes, 410 male athletes, 130 sedentary women and 196 sedentary men). Female athletes had lower resting heart rate, longer PR interval, higher voltage of R, and T waves and more frequently incomplete RBBB, left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, early repolarization, and anterior T-wave inversion as compared to controls.Biventricular cavity dimensions and LV wall thickness were greater in female athletes than in female controls. However, women showed a lower degree of training-induced structural remodelling than men. In female athletes, both cavity dimensions and LV wall thickness increased from those engaged in skill and power to mixed and endurance disciplines. However, in female athletes, contrary to males, the ECG changes were not significantly different according to the different types of sport discipline. ConclusionsHighly-trained women demonstrate relevant training-induced electrical and structural remodelling. However, the type of sport did not influence ECG parameters in women, contrary to men, while it impacted biventricular morphologic remodelling, with endurance athletes showing the greatest degree of adaptation.

Personality Determinants Related to the Use of Selective and Effective Dietary Supplements by Elite Polish Team Sport Athletes.

The purpose of this research was to analyse relationships between personality traits and the use of selected dietary supplements among Polish athletes training in team sports. This subject matter has not been explored in prior research. This research was carried out among a group of 213 athletes (men) in the 18-36 age range, with the implementation of a proprietary validated questionnaire for the use of dietary supplements and the NEO-PI-R inventory (Neuroticism-Extraversion-Openness Personality Inventory-Revised). Statistical analyses were performed with the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests, assuming the following level of significance: α = 0.05. It was shown that athletes who periodically and regularly consumed isotonic drinks, as well as energy bars and gels, were characterised by a lower level of neuroticism than those who did not consume them. Athletes who periodically took multivitamin preparations were characterised by a lower level of extraversion and openness, and those periodically using multimineral preparations were characterised by a higher level of agreeableness than those who did not use these agents. Athletes not taking creatine were characterised by the lowest level of conscientiousness among the study participants. The use of protein nutrients, probiotics and caffeine was not associated with any personality traits in the athletes. Further relationships of the Big Five personality traits were demonstrated with the use of effective dietary supplements by athletes; the most unambiguous correlations were described for neuroticism and conscientiousness in such a way that the use of isotonic drinks, as well as energy bars and gels, was connected with a low level of neuroticism, while the use of creatine was connected with high conscientiousness.

Does He Make a Difference? Analyzing the Role of Men Athletes in the Framing of Elite Women CrossFit Athletes in Sportswear Retailers’ Marketing Materials

This study examined the role of men athletes in framing women athletes in marketing images, and CrossFit was used as the sport-specific context. The purpose was to understand how consumers perceive women athletes, whether the presence of men athletes influences these perceptions, and if consumers perceive women athletes to be represented more accurately when pictured alone or with male counterparts. Using a mixed-methods approach involving both quantitative and qualitative analysis, questionnaires (n = 389) and interviews (n = 19) were utilized to gather participants’ perceptions on videos featuring all women CrossFit athletes and/or those with men and women CrossFit athletes. Results showed that consumers’ perceptions began to shift when looking at their athletic competence, although a focus on appearance remained. While the results of the questionnaires revealed no clear correlation between the presence of men athletes and the perception of women athletes, the interviews suggested a relationship, highlighting the complex role that male athletes play. Overall, the study indicates that consumers perceive women athletes to be framed more accurately when pictured alone and offers valuable insights into how men athletes affect consumers’ perceptions of women athletes.

Relationship between bone mineral density and body compositions, strength, type of sport competition, vitamin D and birth-related factors in elite Polish track and field athletes: a cross-sectional study

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to characterize the forearm bone mineral density (BMD) in Elite Competitive Track and Field Athletes. Somatic, body composition, hand grip strength birth variables, and blood vitamin D levels were also analyzed. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the participants were 30 elite Polish athletes. Somatic measurements, body composition by kinanthropometry, and bioelectrical impedance were taken. Forearm bone parameters were measured by densitometry in two points distal (dis) and proximal (prox). Measurement of hand grip strength (HGS) on a dynamometer was performed. Birth-related factors such as birth weight and length of breastfeeding were collected by direct interview. Vitamin D concentration was assessed by blood test. Results: Low BMD was not observed in the distal part of the forearm. Significantly more frequent low BMD prox were found in endurance athletes (EA) group compared to throwing athletes group (TA) (χ2=10.8; P = .001; Φ= .6). Inadequate vitamin D levels were significantly higher in the EA group compared to TA (χ2=10.8; P = .001; Φ= .6). The main parameters affecting BMD dis and BMC prox of men athletes were HGS (kg) and type of sports competition (Rˆ2 adj= .93; .89). BMC dis was affected by the type of sports competition (Rˆ2 adj= .83). There was also a significant relationship between the T-score prox and the HGS (Rˆ2 adj= .98). In the case of women, the main parameters affecting BMD prox were menarche age and body composition (Rˆ2 adj= .93). The BMC prox was affected by the age of the menarche (Rˆ2 adj= .73). Conclusions: In conclusion, the present study found that the highest BMD of the forearm bones was characterized by men and women athletes training in athletic throws relative to running sports. Screening assessment of bone mineral status should be included in sports diagnostics.

Assessment of triple jump techniques employed by senior men athletes

Assessment of triple jump techniques employed by senior men athletes

Newspaper media representations of athlete experiences with eating disorders: a critical discourse analysis

ABSTRACT Athletes are at a greater risk (13.5%) of developing eating disorders (EDs) compared to the general population (4.6%). Recently, media attention on athletes with EDs has substantially increased. Given the considerable role of the media in shaping our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviours, the purpose of this study was to examine dominant discourses surrounding newspaper media portrayals of athletes with EDs. Data were collected using the NexisUni Academic database to search for newspaper articles published from 1 January 2021 to 7 June 2022. We included 154 articles for analysis. We performed a critical discourse analysis to examine what journalists say about athlete experiences with EDs, how such experiences are described, and how this constructs athlete identities (i.e. subject positions). Two key discourses were identified, each composed of underlying subject positions. The first discourse, A discourse of healthism, constructed meanings of who to hold accountable for the ED. Within this discourse were two subject positions: The self-destructive woman athlete and The legitimate athlete. The second discourse, A discourse of reductionism, centralised journalists’ reduction of the complexity of EDs. Underlying this discourse were two subject positions: The denialist man athlete and The (hyper)feminised athlete. Findings reveal how journalists drew upon discourses surrounding the body, food, and sport participation that were limiting for both women and men athletes, thus playing an active role in (re)producing gendered and physical stereotypes about athletes with EDs. These findings highlight the importance of media guidelines to resist and avoid perpetuating such stereotypes.

Evaluating the Feasibility of a Self-Compassion Intervention for Competitive Men Athletes

We examined the feasibility of a one-week self-compassion intervention delivered exclusively online to competitive men athletes. Information regarding the content of the intervention, including specific modules and protocols, are included in this manuscript. Our findings are encouraging for the feasibility of the intervention, with data trends in hypothesized directions (e.g., self-compassion levels increased at post-intervention). The men athletes generally considered the self-compassion intervention helpful, particularly for easing emotional suffering from sport-specific difficult experiences and to move forward adaptively. Recommendations based on our evaluation of the intervention are also included for those hoping to deliver similar services in the future.

Fat-Free Mass Index in a Large Sample of National Collegiate Athletic Association Men and Women Athletes From a Variety of Sports.

Magee, MK, Fields, JB, Jagim, AR, and Jones, MT. Fat-free mass index in a large sample of National Collegiate Athletic Association men and women athletes from a variety of sports. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 311-317, 2024-Fat-free mass index (FFMI) can be used to categorize fat-free mass (FFM) relative to height. Normative values have been established in a variety of sports, as has suggested lower and upper thresholds of FFMI. However, FFMI has not been reported in a large sample of athletes, representing both sexes and multiple sport types. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in FFMI and establish normative values across a large sample of collegiate sports. A total of 1,961 athletes (men: n = 596, 10 sports; women: n = 1,365, 8 sports) participated. Height and mass were measured using a stadiometer and calibrated digital scale, respectively. Fat-free mass was assessed with air displacement plethysmography and used to calculate FFMI. Kruskal-Wallis test and one-way analysis of variance evaluated differences in FFMI in women's and men's sports, respectively. When collapsed across sport type and stratified by sex, men had a higher FFMI (21.5 ± 1.9 kg·m -2 vs. 17.9 ± 1.8 kg·m -2 ; p < 0.001). Differences occurred in FFMI across sport. In women, basketball athletes had the highest FFMI (18.9 kg·m -2 ) and highest 99th percentile for FFMI, whereas rowers had the lowest (16.9 kg·m -2 ). In men, throwers had the highest FFMI (25.7 kg·m -2 ) and highest 99th percentile, whereas volleyball athletes had the lowest (19.9 kg·m -2 ). Differences in FFMI may be attributable to dietary habits and physiological demands of respective sports. These results can provide information relative to differences in FFMI values across sports. In addition, sport-specific normative values can be used as benchmarks and targets for training, nutrition, and goal setting.

Pacing Variation in Multistage Ultramarathons: Internet-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Ultramarathon running is the most popular ultraendurance competition in terms of the number of races and runners competing annually worldwide; however, no study has compared pacing and performance over a long period. This study analyzes the pacing of successful finishers and nonfinishers in multistage ultramarathons worldwide. A total of 4079 athletes (men=3288; women=791) competing in 99 multistage ultramarathon events from 1983 to 2021 were analyzed, including the number of participants, age, gender, rank, and running speed of successful finishers. The results showed a significant increase in the number of events (n=338) and a significant increase in the number of finishers and nonfinishers (n=5575) in the ultramarathons worldwide during this period. The general linear models (GLMs) of pacing variation showed nonsignificant effects for gender (F1,36.2=2.5; P=.127; ηp2=0.063) and age group (F10,10=0.6; P=.798; ηp2=0.367), but it showed a significant interaction (gender × age) effect (F10,2689=2.3; P=.008; ηp2=0.009). Post hoc analyses showed that men have a higher pacing variation than women in the under 30 years (U30), U35, U45, and U50 groups. Additionally, the fastest women's age group (U35) had the lowest pacing variation. The GLM of pacing variation by gender and event distance showed significant effects for both gender (F1,3=18.5; P<.001; ηp2=0.007) and distance (F2,3=20.1; P<.001; ηp2=0.015). Post hoc analyses showed a growing pacing variation with increasing race distance for both men and women. In addition, men had a higher variation in long events. Furthermore, there was a significant main effect for both genders (F1,3=33.7; P<.001; ηp2=0.012) and rank (F1,3=136.6; P<.001; ηp2=0.048) on performance, with men being faster than women. Pacing varied greatly due to gender (F1,3=4.0; P=.047; ηp2=0.001), with a lower (ie, more even) pacing variation for male athletes in the top 3 finishers. Male nonfinishers showed a higher performance than female nonfinishers (F1,1340=25.6; P<.001), and no difference was identified for pacing variation (F1,789=1.5; P=.228) based on gender. In addition, a weak but significant correlation (r=-0.130; P<.001) was identified between the average running speed and pacing variation for both female and male nonfinishers. In summary, multistage ultramarathon competitions showed an increasing number of competitors and a higher performance challenge. Men have a higher pacing (ie, less even) variation than women, especially observed in longer events. A higher pacing variation was associated with lower performance for men, women, and nonfinishers.