Athletes Age Research Articles

The association between resistance training volume load and session rating of perceived exertion in junior developmental female rugby league athletes.

Field-based team sports typically perform mixed-modality training, incorporating both field- and resistance-based sessions. As such, the availability of useful and reliable methods to monitor the internal and external training loads of all modalities is essential for planning effective training. Twenty-one junior developmental female rugby league athletes (age: 17.5±0.5years, height: 167.7±4.6cm, body mass: 71.1±12.9kg, and training age: 2.3±1.1year) performed two to three resistance training sessions a week for 20weeks (9 weeks preseason and 11 weeks in-season). The volume load method and session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) were used to quantify the external and internal load of the resistance training sessions, respectively. Volume load was categorised into either dynamic, plyometric, maximal or repeated efforts. Multiple linear mixed models were performed to determine whether significant relationships were present between the changes in volume load components and sRPE throughout the season. Significant relationships were identified between a decrease in sRPE, with associated increases in absolute and relative overall volume load (T1,725.5=-2.1, p=0.04; T1,133.5=-2.2, p=0.03), and relative dynamic (T1,24.1=-8.4, p<0.01) and lower-body plyometric efforts (T1,16.8=-17.2, p<0.01). Conversely, significant relationships were observed between an increase in sRPE, with associated increases in relative lower-body (T1,20.3=12.9, p<0.01) and upper-body repeated efforts (T1,28.5=9.7, p=0.03) as well as relative upper-body plyometric (T1,71.1=2.9, p=0.01) and maximal efforts (T1,75.3=3.4, p<0.01). These findings highlight the practicality of the volume load method for planning and monitoring resistance training in field-based team sport athletes, providing useful data for the planning of specific exercises within the in-season training week.

Increased stiffness is evidenced in the deep but not superficial lumbar multifidus muscle in professional athletes with chronic low back pain

ObjectivesElevated lumbar multifidus stiffness has been observed in populations with chronic low back pain (LBP). However, the modulation of deep (DLM) and superficial (SLM) lumbar multifidus stiffness, considering their distinct structural characteristics and functions, remains unaddressed, especially in athletes. This study aimed to compare differences in DLM and SLM stiffness in professional athletes from different sports with and without chronic LBP. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingThis study was conducted at a provincial sports training centre. ParticipantsNinety-nine professional athletes (age: 18-27 years) from weightlifting, badminton, and track and field teams were recruited. Thirty-eight had chronic bilateral LBP. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresUltrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) measured Young's modulus (stiffness indicator) of DLM and SLM at the L4/5 facet joint level. Two-way analysis of variance examined the effects of chronic LBP and sport type on DLM and SLM stiffness while considering proper confounders. Significance was set at p < 0.05. ResultsAthletes with chronic LBP demonstrated significantly higher DLM stiffness on the dominant (by 17.73%, mean difference (MD) = 2.52kPa, p = 0.001) and non-dominant sides (by 13.54%, MD = 1.83kPa, p = 0.046) compared to pain-free counterparts. SLM stiffness varied significantly among the three athlete groups. Post-hoc analyses revealed greater SLM stiffness on the non-dominant side in weightlifters than in badminton players (by 51.76%, MD = 8.97kPa, p = 0.010) or track and field athletes (by 72.01%, MD = 11.01kPa, p = 0.008). ConclusionsChronic LBP and sport type significantly impact multifidus muscle stiffness, suggesting the need for targeted clinical assessments and reconditioning strategies focusing on DLM for chronic LBP and SLM for athletes in trunk extension-intensive sports.

Diagnosed and Nondisclosed Concussions Among Young Athletes With ADHD.

Within a sample of young athletes with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), to explore the frequency of disclosed and nondisclosed concussions, identify reasons the youth did not report a suspected concussion, and learn the frequency that the youth still practiced or played in a game after a suspected concussion. Cross-sectional surveys were completed by 448 youth athletes (ages 8-14years) and a corresponding parent (or caregiver). As part of larger respective surveys, questions regarding ADHD status and concussion history were asked of the youth and parents. Data regarding 40 youth with ADHD were available for analyses. Due to the low frequency of concussive injuries within the total sample, descriptive statistics and qualitative techniques were used to contextualize the data. The youth with ADHD were not more likely to experience at least one diagnosed concussion or nondisclosed concussion as compared to non-ADHD controls. Three of 40 youth athletes with ADHD (8%) had been diagnosed with a concussion, whereas 5 (13%) self-reported a nondisclosed concussion. Not wanting to lose playing time and not wanting to miss a game were the two most endorsed reasons for concussion nondisclosure. More research is needed to understand the present results considering other research that puts similarly aged athletes with ADHD at greater risk for concussion. Education for youth with ADHD might help reduce the number of nondisclosed concussions that have a more complex recovery trajectory in this population.

Sports Injuries in Germany – A Pilot Study

Problem: Sports accidents are omnipresent in all areas of sport. However, due to a lack of data, conclusions cannot be drawn about how many sports accidents occur in Germany each year. This study aims to provide an initial overview of sports injuries and the types of sports involved, serving as a foundation for a larger survey. Methods: From September 12th-16th, 2022, a representative survey was conducted via telephone (forsa.omniTel®), interviewing 2002 individuals in Germany aged 14 and older about their sports activities and injuries in the past 12 months. Results were analyzed using 95% confidence intervals (CI) and logistic regression to assess the impact of age and gender on injury probability (α=0.05). The distribution of injuries across sports was calculated using an iterative proportional fitting method and Bonferroni correction for significance levels. The original document was internally reviewed, contains no personal data, and is approved for publication, with no further ethics committee review required, as forsa, a member of ADM, complies with all legal and ethical standards, including GDPR. Results: It is estimated that 12.2% (CI=10.5 to 14.0%; CIadj=9.8 to 14.7%) of athletes in Germany have been injured during sport in the past 12 months, requiring medical treatment or a break from sport. Younger and male athletes were more likely to be injured than older and female athletes (age: p&lt;0.001, padj&lt;0.001; gender: p&lt;0.001, padj&lt;0.01). Most injuries occurred during running/walking/hiking (16%) and cycling (14%). Soccer (11%) and tennis (4%) had the highest injury rates among sports games. Conclusion: This pilot study offers crucial insights into sports injury prevalence in Germany. Future studies should include detailed injury types, severity and exposure times for more individualized preventive programs.

Social Demographic and Clinical Predictors of Time to Clinic Presentation After a Sport-Related Concussion.

To investigate the associations between clinical risk factors, social demographic and time to concussion clinic presentation after sports-related concussion in young athletes. Retrospective cohort study. Multidisciplinary regional concussion center. Athletes ages 12 to 18 years who sustained a SRC from November 2017 to April 2022. Independent variables included social demographic factors (ie, race, ethnicity, public vs private school, public vs private insurance), patient medical history, family medical history, acute concussion characteristics, and initial presentation elsewhere. Descriptive statistics were employed to assess for group differences. Mann-Whitney U tests, Spearman rank order correlations, and linear regressions were performed to explore associations between each independent variable and the main outcome, days to concussion clinic presentation. A total of 945 athletes we included (age 15.8 ± 1.61, 33.7% female). Hispanic/Latino background, (P = 0.009), public insurance status (U = 47 377.0, P = 0.002), amnesia (U = 57 738.0, P = 0.002) at time of injury, family psychiatric (U = 35 091.0, P < 0.001) or migraine (U = 59 594.5, P < 0.001) histories, and personal psychiatric (U = 30 798.0, P = 0.004) or migraine (U = 34 133.5, P = 0.011) histories were associated with longer time to concussion clinic presentation. A multivariable linear regression found that initial presentation elsewhere (β = 0.37, P < 0.001), family migraine history (β = 0.18, P < 0.001), public insurance status (β = 0.09, P = 0.024), and history of learning disability (β = 0.09, P = 0.032) were the only predictors of longer time to concussion clinic presentation. Variables that predicted longer time to concussion clinic presentation included initial presentation elsewhere, public insurance status, positive family migraine history, and history of learning disability. Further research is needed to elucidate these findings and determine how they impact concussion seeking behavior.

Acute dose-response effect of photobiomodulation therapy on muscle performance in female futsal players: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study

BackgroundPhotobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has recently been indicated as a potential therapeutic strategy in diverse health and sports contexts. However, its efficacy on muscle performance in female futsal players remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the dose-response effect of PBMT on muscle performance in female futsal players. MethodsIn a crossover design, fifteen female futsal athletes (age: 18–30 years) were randomized to receive 1 of 4 PBMT conditions (placebo, 300, 900, and 1260 J [J]) on four occasions, separated by a 2-wk washout period. PBMT treatments were applied on the quadriceps muscle of both legs using a device containing 200 light-emitting diodes (LEDs), immediately before the following tests: countermovement jump (CMJ) (i.e., flight time as indicator of muscle power), maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) for the leg extension exercise (i.e., muscle strength), and 3 sets of repetitions-to-failure (i.e., local muscular endurance) for the 45° leg press exercise, with recording of rating of perceived exertion (RPE) after each set. The fatigue index was determined by the number of repetitions between sets 1 and 3. ResultsNo significant differences were found between the PBMT conditions for the maximum number of repetitions (p = 0.899), RPE (time p < 0.0001; interaction p = 0.653), fatigue index (p = 0.835), muscle power (p = 0.789), and isometric peak and mean torque (p = 0.776 and 0.537, respectively). ConclusionDifferent doses of acute PBMT with LEDs do not improve muscle performance (endurance, power, and strength) and RPE in female futsal players.

The effect of the menstrual cycle phases on back squat performance, jumping ability and psychological state in women according to their level of performance -a randomized three-arm crossover study

ObjectiveThe influence of the menstrual cycle on practical power performance such as barbell back squats and jumping performance in women has not yet been fully investigated. In addition, the performance level of athletes has not been considered in previous studies. This study aimed to investigate the influence of different cycle phases on acute back squat performance, jumping ability and psychological state concerning the performance level.Methods24 female strength athletes (age: 25.2 ± 3.3 years; height: 169.5 ± 3.4 cm; body weight: 67.7 ± 7.3 kg) were recruited for the study. Level of performance was classified according to Santos et al. (intermittent (n = 13), advanced (n = 6), highly advanced (n = 5)). Participants were tested for 1RM barbell back squat and jumping performance (countermovement and squat jump) as well as two questionnaires assessing their psychological states in the menses (M), late follicular phase (FP) and mid-luteal phase (LP) in three MC. Saliva estradiol and progesterone concentrations with a menstrual cycle diary were used to confirm a normal MC. A principal components analysis for power performance, well-being, relaxation and alertness was carried out and a linear mixed model was used for statistical evaluation.ResultsNo significant differences were found between the MC phases in performance scores (p > 0.05), readiness (p > 0.05) and alertness (p > 0.05). However, a high correlation between MC phases, performance level and back squat performance was detected. Correlation analyses indicate that a higher performance level results in a higher variation depending on the MC of the squat performance. For well-being, a significantly lower score was detected in M than in FP and LP.ConclusionIn general the performance score of the lower body is not influenced by the MC. If strength performance and jumping ability are considered separately, there are indications that strength capability is influenced at a higher performance level. In addition, individual variance was also observed, so this should also be considered. However, further studies are needed to confirm this assumption due to the small sample sizes of the individual performance levels.Trial registrationGerman registry for clinical studies (DRKS00034816, Date: 08/01/2024).

Сучасні аспекти формування збірних команд у баскетболі

The main factor in the development of team game sports, including basketball, is the presence of globalization, professionalization and commercialization processes, which significantly affects the performance of national teams in the most important international starts. Changes in the system of competitive basketball activities have led to a significant expansion of the system of international competitions, which requires from coaches a reasonable approach to the formation of national teams as a basis for successful performance in the Games of the Olympics and World Championships. Material and Methods. The study analyzed the competitive performance of 21 men's and 19 women's national basketball teams that participated in the Olympic Games and World Championships from 1936 to 2020. In order to determine the peculiarities of the formation of national teams in basketball, we analyzed the data of 264 players (men and women) who became medalists of the Olympic Games in the period from 1976 to 2024. Results. The results of the study indicate that the main leaders in modern basketball are the USA men's and women's national teams with the highest percentage of winning medals in the Olympics (31.7% and 30.5%) and World Championships (21.0% and 24.6%). The main focus of the formation of the USA national teams for participation in the Olympic Games coaches - the availability of experience in international competitions (the number of Olympic cycles that the athlete spent as a member of the national team) and the age of athletes. Based on the performance of the men's and women's teams, a trend of increasing number of athletes over the age of 32 is identified, where the maximum value for men (5 players) is observed in 2024 and for women (4) in 2016. Conclusions. The analysis of basketball development shows that the use of modern international experience in the rational formation of national teams allowed to establish that the integral component is the age of players, professional experience of participation in international competitions as part of the national team, as well as the universalization of player training. At this stage of basketball development, there is a tendency to increase the age of female athletes who are members of national teams, which provides an effective rotation over several Olympic cycles

Effects of Plyometric Training on Running Biomechanics and Jumping Ability of U14 Athletes.

Cardiel-Sánchez, S, Rubio-Peirotén, A, Molina-Molina, A, García-Cebadera Gómez, C, Almenar-Arasanz, A, Ráfales-Perucha, A, Roche-Seruendo, LE, and Cartón-Llorente, A. Effects of plyometric training on running biomechanics and jumping ability of U14 athletes. J Strength Cond Res 38(11): e656-e663, 2024-Children under the age of 14 years (U14) are particularly susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders because of growth spurts. Plyometric training has been shown to be beneficial for both injury reduction and performance enhancement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of plyometric training on the jumping ability and running biomechanics of U14 track-and-field athletes. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted. Thirty-five (18 female and 17 male) U14 athletes (age: 12.5 ± 1.2 years; height: 152.3 ± 7.7 cm; body mass: 47.3 ± 6.9 kg) were randomized into experimental and control groups. All subjects completed their usual training for 4 weeks, and those in the intervention group added a low-volume plyometric program twice a week. Preintervention and postintervention assessments included a countermovement jump (CMJ) to determine maximum jump height, 10-second repeated jumps to assess reactive strength index (RSI), and a 3-minute run at 12 km·h -1 to analyze running kinematics contact time, flight time, step length (SL), step frequency (SF), mean power output, vertical spring stiffness, and leg spring stiffness (LSS). The results revealed no main effect of time for any of the variables. A group-by-time interaction was found for RSI ( p = 0.045) in the intervention group, whereas a significant increase in LSS was also found after the intervention ( p = 0.031). However, no changes in CMJ height or other running parameters were observed. The significance level for the study was set at ρ ≤ 0.05. Plyometric-jump training may improve the stretch-shortening cycle in U14 athletes by increasing RSI and LSS. Athletes and coaches in running-related sports should be aware of these short-term effects when aiming to optimize the energy storage and release mechanism.

Effects of a Specialized Strength and Conditioning Program on the Fitness and Motor Skill Performance of High School Girls Softball Athletes

There is a high demand for strength and conditioning programs for high school athletes. However, the delivery of programs for girls can be inconsistent. Accordingly, many high school athletes have turned to private strength and conditioning coaches. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different private strength and conditioning program training frequencies (1, 2, 3+ sessions per week) on linear speed (0-9.14 m and 0-18.29 m sprint intervals), lower-body power (standing broad jump [SBJ]), hitting velocity, throwing velocity, and lower-body strength (3RM front squat, 3RM hexagonal bar deadlift [HBD]) in high school girls softball players. Retrospective analysis was conducted on 30 high school softball athletes (age=~15 years) from a strength and conditioning facility that specializes in training softball athletes. The athletes came from various high schools and completed an 8-week strength and conditioning program, with different weekly session frequencies (1 [G1W], 2 [G2W], or 3+ [G3+W] sessions per week). Data was analyzed via a 2 (pre-post) by 3 (G1W, G2W, G3+W) mixed factorial ANOVA (p&lt;0.05). Post hoc tests were performed using the Bonferroni adjustment procedure. All groups experienced significant improvements in the 0-9.14 m sprint interval (p=0.021), SBJ (p&lt;0.001), hitting velocity (p=0.006), 3RM front squat (p&lt;0.001), and 3RM HBD (p&lt;0.001). The results showed that an 8-week strength and conditioning program completed by high school girls softball athletes can improve fitness and motor skill performance, regardless of training frequency. These data support providing high school girls with access to properly structured and supervised strength and conditioning programs.

Вікові особливості олімпійських чемпіонів в спортивній боротьбі

Purpose: determine the age characteristics of Olympic champions in three styles of sports wrestling (Greco-Roman, freestyle and women's). Material and methods. The age of Olympic champions from 1896 to 2024 in three styles of sports wrestling: Greco-Roman (29 Olympiads), freestyle (27 Olympiads) and women's (6 Olympiads) was studied. A total of 455 athletes were analyzed: Greco-Roman (n=214), freestyle (n=211) and women's (n=30). The raw data of the wrestlers' performances is taken from the UWW website. The research used the following methods: analysis of scientific and methodological information and Internet sources; analysis of competitive activity protocols; methods of mathematical statistics. Results: the analysis of the age characteristics of Olympic champions during the research period showed that in Greco-Roman wrestling, the average age of athletes varies from 24,1 years to 32,8 years; in freestyle wrestling - from 23,0 years to 29,6 years; in women's wrestling - from 20,3 years to 27,5 years. The youngest champion in Greco-Roman wrestling was 18 years and 8 months, and the oldest was 41 years and 11 months. The youngest freestyle champion was 19 years and 8 months, and the oldest was 40 years and 4 months. In women's wrestling, the youngest and oldest champion was the same wrestler who took part in four Olympics and won four gold medals. She was 18 years and 2 months old at the first Olympics, and 32 years old at the fourth. The most decorated wrestler is Cuban heavyweight Mijain Lopez, who participated in six Olympic Games and won five gold medals. Seven stages of the evolutionary development of wrestling were identified. The youngest average age is observed among athletes at the first stage both in Greco-Roman wrestling (25,39 years) and in freestyle wrestling (23,92 years). The greatest average age of the athletes was at the second stage in the Greco-Roman style (29,36 years) and freestyle (27,52 years) wrestlers. Women's wrestling has been included in the program of the Olympic Games since 2004, so it is only in the last two stages. The average age of the wrinkles does not have a significant difference at these stages. It should be noted that at the last stage, Greco-Roman wrestlers have an average age of almost four years more than representatives of freestyle and women's wrestling. Conclusions. The conducted research made it possible to determine the age characteristics of Olympic champions in three styles of sports wrestling. The results of the study showed that the athletes competed in a wide age range (18-42 years), the average age was 27,82±9,77 years. The majority of athletes were between 22 and 32 years old, which accounted for 80 % of the total number. It was established that in Greco-Roman wrestling, the average age of athletes of all Olympiads is significantly higher (p&lt;0,05) than in freestyle and women's wrestling. It was found that women were younger than men. There was also a weight category effect, with lighter wrestlers being younger than heavier wrestlers.

Male Endurance Athletes: Examination of Energy and Carbohydrate Availability and Hormone Responses.

This study investigated the effects of decreased energy availability (EA) and carbohydrate availability (CA) on reproductive and metabolic hormones in male endurance-trained athletes. Thirteen athletes (age: 26.08 ± 4.3 years; weight: 70.9 ± 6.5 kg; height: 179.9 ± 4.2 cm) participated in two training weeks with varying training volumes (low [LV] and high [HV]). The participants logged their diet and exercise for seven days and provided blood samples to measure hormone levels (Testosterone [T], insulin, leptin, cortisol, and interleukin-6 [IL-6]). Results showed that 46.2% (HV) and 38.5% (LV) of participants were at risk for low EA (≤25 kcal/kg FFM·d-1), while 53.8% (HV) and 69.2% (LV) had low CA (<6 g/kg). Strong positive correlations were found between leptin and body fat percentage (DXABFP) in both weeks (HV: r(11) = 0.88, p < 0.001; LV: r(11) = 0.93, p < 0.001). Moderate correlations were observed between T and DXABFP (r(11) = 0.56, p = 0.05) and negative correlations between leptin and fat intake (r(11) = -0.60, p = 0.03). Regression analyses indicated significant relationships between DXABFP and T (F(1,11) = 4.91, p = 0.049), leptin (HV: F(1,11) = 40.56, p < 0.001; LV: F(1,11) = 74.67, p < 0.001), and cortisol (F(1,11) = 6.69, p = 0.025). These findings suggest that monitoring body composition and macronutrients can be clinically useful for male athletes, especially those without access to blood testing. Ultimately, a greater understanding of health and performance outcomes for male athletes is needed.

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...

Effects of 4 weeks of foot exercise on subjective outcome and foot plantar pressure in elite adolescent dancers with hallux valgus: a pilot study

BackgroundDancers have a higher prevalence of hallux valgus (HV) than the general population. However, no reports specifically addressing treatment strategies for HV in dancers, or their effectiveness have been published. This study aimed to determine the effects of 4 weeks of foot exercises on subjective clinical outcomes, the HV angle, and change of foot plantar pressure during specific dance techniques.MethodsThirteen female elite adolescent dancesport athletes (age: 16.4 ± 3.3 years) completed the program. The HV angle was measured based on foot photographs. Clinical assessments were performed using the visual analog scale for first metatarsophalangeal (1st MTP) joint pain, and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score. The changes in plantar pressure during two dance techniques (demi-pointe and plié) were measured. The plantar pressure was measured in six areas of the foot. All of these parameters were compared before and after the intervention by using chi-square tests and Student’s paired t-test (statistical significance: p < 0.05).ResultsThe HV angle was significantly reduced from 20.1° to 15.4° after the intervention. Participants reported an average subjective completion rate of 70.3% ± 14.6% over 3 weeks, exhibiting no significant differences despite an apparent trend toward improvement. Significant changes were noted in 1st MTP joint pain and subjective outcomes, and toe function significantly improved in the “paper” movement. The foot-exercise program changed plantar pressure distribution during the demi-pointe and plié techniques, with increased hallux pressure and decreased 2nd-5th MTP joint pressure.ConclusionsIn elite adolescent dancesport athletes, 4 weeks of foot-exercise rehabilitation reduced the HV angle and improved in subjective outcome and function during the two dance techniques. Coaches should consider utilizing foot-exercise training programs in a dancer training program for HV.

Collegiate Adapted Athlete Baseline Performance on the Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening.

Concussion assessment in adapted and parasport athletes has continued to evolve with growing considerations in parasports, but little is known about vestibular/ocular performance assessment in this sample. To examine baseline performance on the Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS) in collegiate adapted athletes. A secondary objective was to investigate the role of sex, history of concussion, and functional classification on baseline measures. Cross-sectional study. University adapted athletics facility. Fifty-four collegiate adapted athletes (age = 21.19 ± 2.6 years) from multiple institutions' adapted athletics programs across the United States. Adapted athletes completed a baseline VOMS assessment while at the host university for in-season competition and tournaments. Independent variables were sex, history of concussion and functional classification (1.0-4.5 at 0.5 intervals). Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening performance consisted of pretest symptoms (headache, dizziness, nausea, and fogginess) and postitem (eg, smooth pursuits, saccades) symptom provocation or change from pretest scores. A proportion of 50.9% reported zero symptom provocation on the VOMS, with 72% having no pretest symptoms. No sex differences were noted on the VOMS (P > .05); however, adapted athletes with a history of concussion reported greater VOMS provocation on horizontal saccades (P = .008) than those with no history. Higher functional classifications (2.0-4.5) reported greater provocation on horizontal saccades (P = .010), horizontal and vertical (P = .043 and .048) vestibular/ocular reflex, and vestibular/ocular reflex cancellation (P = .036) than 1.0-1.5 athletes. Our findings provide context for baseline VOMS performance in collegiate adapted athletes and identifying modifiers at baseline. Special consideration is warranted on vestibular and oculomotor assessment in adapted and parasport athletes with a history of concussion and higher functional classifications.

Pickleball Injuries in the Aging Athlete: A Critical Analysis Review.

The popularity of pickleball has rapidly increased in the United States, with over 48 million adult participants in recent years, leading to a growing need to better understand injuries exclusive to pickleball. Pickleball-related injuries are predominantly musculoskeletal, most commonly sprains and strains to the upper and lower extremities. Sport-specific variables, including sporting equipment, playing conditions, and proper technique may be utilized to guide clinicians in injury management and preventative treatment. Future research is warranted to better direct care for pickleball athletes with a focus on the aging population.

A - 92 Association of the Grit Scale with Cognitive/Emotional Symptom Endorsement in Older Former College Athletes

Abstract Objective The Grit Scale is a validated measure of trait-level perseverance, often linked with resilience, and has been associated with better cognition and psychological well-being in older adults. As the ability to respond positively to setbacks is essential for a successful athlete, investigation of the Grit Scale in former athletes may prove beneficial for further understanding the effect of resilience and its relation to brain health and psychological well-being. Method Former college athletes (N = 678, 45.9% female) aged 50–87 (m = 61.44) from the College Level Aging Athlete Study (CLEAATS) completed the Grit Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), Cognitive Function Instrument (CFI), and the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-Modified (TICS-m). Pearson’s partial correlations (r) were used to determine the relationship between scores on these measures, controlling for age and education. Results Pearson partial correlations between Grit Scale scores and scores from the other measures were modest but statistically significant: PHQ-8 (r = −0.342, p &amp;lt; 0.001), GAD-7 (r = −0.259, p &amp;lt; 0.001), CFI (r = −0.316, p &amp;lt; 0.001), and TICS-m (r = 0.101, p = 0.008). Conclusions Comparison of the Grit Scale with PHQ-8, GAD-7, CFI, and TICS-m indicated that greater trait-level perseverance correlated with better cognitive and emotional functioning in former college athletes. Results emphasize the need to further evaluate perseverance/resilience and its value for understanding brain health and psychological well-being in athletes and former athletes.

An Investigation of the Relationship Between Imagery and Sportive Confidence in Volleyball Athletes

The aim of this research is to examine the relationship between imagery in sports and the sportive confidence in athletes who play volleyball. 277 elite athletes who play volleyball, from 3 league levels (1st League, 2nd League, and Super League) between the ages of 18 and 35 (23.32 ± 4.16), of which 157 are women (21.78 ± 3.54), and 120 are men (25.33 ± 4.04) form the sample population of the research. Personal Information Form, Imaging Inventory, and Continuous Sportive Self-Confidence Inventory were applied to collect data. Independent T-test was applied to examine the distribution of the scores of sub-dimensions of imaging in sports and sportive confidence according to the variables gender, status of national team participation, and athlete's age, and Tukey HSD test with One-Way ANOVA was applied to examine the distribution according to active years in sports, age, and league level. After the findings from the analysis, it was determined that there was a meaningful difference between the sub-dimensions of imaging in sports and sportive confidence scores according to the variables of age, gender, sports age, the status of national team participation, league level, and active years in sports (p&amp;lt;0.05).

Epidemiology of American Football-Related Fractures in the United States 2002-2021.

American football is the most popular sport in the United States, with over 5.6 million people >6 years old playing the sport. Fractures in American football athletes are significant, as they compromise an athlete's performance and can also lead to prolonged recovery periods, affecting team dynamics and player careers. Analyzing these injuries is critical to evaluate preventive measures and tailor rehabilitation strategies to ensure the well-being and sustained peak performance of football athletes on and off the field. To analyze the trend of American football fractures by body site, sex, and age in amateur athletes over a 20-year period between 2002 and 2021. Descriptive epidemiology study. The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database was queried to characterize football-related fractures and injuries from 2002 to 2021 in patients aged 0-99 years old. National injury estimates were calculated using sample weights. Chi-square analysis and one-way ANOVA were performed to compare categorical variables. Of 56,809 cases of American football-related fractures over 20 years, patients aged 10 to 14 years had the highest incidence of fractures, composing 41.2% of all fractures (n = 23,389), and patients aged <18 years represented 88.8% of all fractures (n = 50,457). The median age of players when fractures occurred was 13 years. Upper extremity fractures (n = 41,863 [73.7%]) were the most common fracture reported compared with lower extremity and head, neck, and trunk fractures. Among upper extremity fractures, finger fractures had the highest prevalence (35.6%), followed by lower arm fractures (19.9%) and wrist fractures (13%). While most cases resulted in release after treatment (93.1%), 5.9% resulted in treatment and hospitalization. When analyzing trends in American football-related fractures over time, we observed the largest number of fractures in 2006 (n = 3664), while the smallest number of fractures occurred in 2020 (n = 1313). Also, a downward trend was found in American football-related fractures since 2006, with a mean of 101 fewer fractures each year. Our analysis showed that American football-related fractures diagnosed in the emergency department in the United States were most likely to occur in pediatric patients (10-18 years old). In addition, patients experiencing American football-related fractures were most likely to have an upper extremity fracture and not require hospitalization. The trend in American football-related fractures has been decreasing since 2006.

The Effects of Foam Rolling at Different Speeds on Mechanical Properties of Quadriceps Femoris.

Foam rolling have gained popularity among elite athletes, but the effect of the speed parameter of foam rolling has not yet been determined. Our objective was to investigate the impact of different application speeds of foam roller on the mechanical properties of the quadriceps femoris muscle. Eighteen male professional basketball athletes (age 23 ± 4 years, body mass index 24.43 ± 1.59 kg/m2) participated in this study. We used a crossover design to randomize the order of the treatment speeds (30 beats per minute-FAST, 15 beats per minute-SLOW, and a self-determined speed-SELF) with a one-week washout period between each session. We measured dominant quadriceps femoris muscle tone, elasticity, and stiffness using the Myoton device before and after the interventions. We found that the average rate for SELF was 33±10 beats per minute, making SELF the fastest. All application speeds showed similar results in pre-intervention measurements of the mechanical properties of the tissues (P > 0.05). However, post hoc analysis revealed that a decrease was evident in SLOW compared to SELF in muscle tone in post-intervention measurements (P = 0.037). Also, we noted that comparison of pre- and post-intervention on FAST and SLOW showed a significant reduction in muscle tone (P = 0.002, P = 0.008). Slower foam rolling prior to training or competition may lead to a delay in the reaction time due to the reduction in tonus, that can increase the injury risks. Alternatively, the significant reduction in tonus may be useful in regulating the increased tonus after training and competition.