Competitive Athletes Research Articles

Effect of Morning v. Evening Training on Sweat Rate and Sweat Sodium of Competitive Ultimate Athletes

Effect of Morning v. Evening Training on Sweat Rate and Sweat Sodium of Competitive Ultimate Athletes

Effects of offset load training in the taper phase of Indian mixed martial arts fighters: An experimental study

ABSTRACT Background: Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a combat sport gaining popularity in the Indian Sports Field. This sport is still underdeveloped, with variable methods of training and practices being established. There is a dearth of literature regarding the evidence available for the development of the fighter profile and body physiology. This study aims to address the use of offset loading during the taper phase of training to prepare athletes for competition. Methodology: An experimental study was conducted on 30 professional MMA fighters within 18–40 years. The fighters were divided into Group A, who followed traditional weight-cutting practices, while Group B followed offset loading protocol for 3 weeks. The outcomes were assessed for physical-, psychological-, and sport-specific features. Results: Both the groups showed statistically significant differences when compared within the groups using the Student’s t-test. In comparison between the two groups, Group B showed significant differences. Conclusion: Although both methods are fruitful, offset loading is an effective method to cut down and make championship weight than the traditional method with multiple positive effects on a fighter’s performance.

Personality determinants of goal orientation in elite long-distance and mountain runners

Background and Study Aim. The achievement theory points to two motivational orientations that represent different views on an individual's perception of success. In sports, these aspects are closely associated with various individual characteristics and athletic achievements. The aim of the study is to determine the relationship between personality traits and aspects of goal orientation among long-distance and mountain runners of both genders. Material and Methods. The study involved 9 women aged 26 to 34 and 13 men aged 26 to 38 who were members of the national long-distance and mountain running teams (medallists at the Polish and European Championships in their disciplines). Among the participants there were graduate students. The Polish adaptation of Costa and McCrae’s NEO Five-Factor Inventory questionnaire was used to examine the level of personality traits. The level of goal orientation dimensions was determined using the Polish adaptation of the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 13 software. Results. In the studied group of male athletic competitors, three significant relationships were observed: a negative correlation between ego orientation and both neuroticism and openness to experience; a negative correlation between the overall level of goal orientation and neuroticism. These results are explained by the relationship that occurs between emotional balance and resilience to criticism and the desire to compare oneself to others and the tendency to demonstrate superior skills in front of others. Conclusions. The findings underscore the importance of considering individual characteristics in athletic competition. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of assessing personality traits and goal orientation dimensions among student and competitive long-distance and mountain runners of both genders. Additionally, the significance of these factors in predicting sporting achievement is highlighted, suggesting avenues for further research and practical application.

Analysis of Factors of Sports Migration and the Effectiveness of Competitive Activity of Football Players

The purpose of the work: determine the ways of correcting the training process based on taking in to account the influence of sports migration factors on the training of highly qualified football players. Material and methods. To assess the impact of factors of sports migration on the effectiveness of competitive activity, the indicators of the competitive activity of football players of the national team of Ukraine in 16 official games during the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 seasons. Methods of research. Analysis, generalization and systematization of data from scientific and methodological literary sources and the “Internet”, pedagogical observations, content analysis of competition regulations (based on the materials of the official FIFA; UEFA; UAF sites), analysis of performance indicators of competitive activity; method of expert evaluations; methods of mathematical statistics. Results. The 2020-2021 season: in 62,5% of official games, higher indicators were recorded for football players of the first group (“migrants” and “naturalized” athletes), the range of indicators – from 58.33% to 77.50%. At the same time, statistically significant differences (25.00%) were recorded in 2 games. In one game, higher indicators were recorded for football players of the first group (“migrants” and “naturalized” athletes) and, in one game, higher indicators were recorded for football players of the second group (athletes who were born in Ukraine are national athletes of the UAF and participate in UPL competitions). The 2021-2022 season: in 62.5% of official games, higher indicators were recorded for football players of the first group (“migrants” and “naturalized” athletes), the range of indicators – from 50.01% to 74.16%. No statistically significant differences were recorded. The comparative effectiveness of football players of the first and second groups was 46.15% and 53.85%, respectively. Conclusion. This state of affairs indicates the need to correct the modern system of multi-year improvement of highly qualified football players based on the development and formation of technologies for the direct training of migrant athletes for official international competitions.

Relationship Between Women’s Futsal Athletes Life and Competition Performance

Relationship Between Women’s Futsal Athletes Life and Competition Performance

Socioeconomic deprivation and racialised disparities in competitive athletes with sudden cardiac arrest from the USA

ObjectiveTo explore the association of socioeconomic deprivation and racialised outcomes in competitive athletes with sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in the USA.MethodsSCA cases from the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury...

Tumor-Like Distal Femoral Cortical Irregularities of the Knee in Adolescent Competitive Alpine Skiers: Longitudinal Assessment Over 48 Months

Background: Tumor-like distal femoral cortical irregularities (DFCIs) are a frequent incidental finding on knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and are common in young competitive athletes. Purpose: To assess and compare the morphology and prevalence of DFCIs in competitive alpine skiers over 48 months during adolescence. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Adolescent competitive alpine skiers were prospectively recruited in 2018 and received bilateral 3-T MRI of the knee at baseline and after 48 months. All MRIs were evaluated for the presence and location of DFCIs, which were marked at 1 of 3 anatomic positions: (1) the femoral attachment of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, (2) the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle, or (3) the attachment of the adductor magnus aponeurosis. The size of the DFCI was measured by 2 radiologists independently. The measurements were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Cohen Kappa. Results: A total of 63 athletes (mean age at follow-up, 19.6 ± 1.2 years; n = 25 female) were included in the study. At baseline, DFCIs were detected in 84 out of 126 knees (67%). At the 48-month follow-up, DFCIs were found in 88 out of 126 knees (70%), with multiple DFCIs in 3 knees and no significant difference between male and female patients (n = 24 male, n = 19 female; P = .71). No significant increase was detected for the number (P = .21) and size of the DFCIs between the baseline and the 48-month follow-up (mean size: baseline, 3.7 ± 0.8 mm; 48-month follow-up: 3.6 ± 0.9 mm; P = .66). The interrater agreement for the mean size measurements of DFCIs was good to excellent (ICC 0.88). Conclusion: DFCIs remain a frequent finding on knee MRI in competitive alpine skiers after skeletal maturation and do not disappear during adolescence. The DFCI size was constant in athletes aged between 15 and 19 years. Moreover, DFCIs should not be mistaken for a pathologic finding.

Mixed-Method Heat Acclimation Induces Heat Adaptations in International Triathletes Without Training Modification

PurposeHeat acclimation (HA) kinetics often necessitates that the intervention is conducted in the weeks immediately preceding athletic competitions, potentially interfering with a training taper. Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of a mixed-method HA protocol, superimposed over planned external training loads, during the 3-weeks prior to the 2022 U23 World Triathlon Championships.MethodsSix international triathletes completed 8 pre-competition HA sessions (5 active: running/cycling, 3 passive: hot water immersion [HWI]), across 2-weeks. Outdoor high-intensity training sessions were followed by 30–60 min HWI, whilst low-intensity cycling/running sessions were completed in a hot, humid environmental chamber. To assess heat adaptations, participants completed three 25 min heat stress tests (HST) involving iso-speed treadmill running (session 1 = HST1, session 5 = HST2, and session 8 = HST3). Physiological, haematological and wellbeing monitoring were conducted throughout HA.ResultsReduced heart rate (~ − 6 beats/min) was observed within HST3 (P = 0.01, ηp2 = 0.64), versus HST1 and HST2. No changes in core temperature were observed across HSTs (P = 0.055,ηp2 = 0.44). Sweat sodium concentration was lower by HST2 at the arm (− 23 ± 16 mmol/L, P = 0.02) and back (− 27 ± 17 mmol/L, P = 0.01). White blood cell count reduced from baseline to the end of HA (P = 0.02, ηp2 = 0.27), but no changes were found in any other haematological markers (all P > 0.05). Perceptual wellbeing measures did not change across HA (all P > 0.05).ConclusionBy HST3, seven prior mixed-method HA sessions improved markers of heat adaptation (exercising HR and sweat concentration) within international triathletes. Mixed-method HA may be implemented without modifying training load, with no apparent detrimental effects on athlete health or training stress markers.

Long-term effects of doping with anabolic steroids during adolescence on physical and mental health.

Systematic doping programs like in the GDR were applied in adolescent competitive athletes to induce supramaximal athletic performance. The substances had adverse somatic and psychological effects. The psychological development of the young athletes was impaired and they suffered in adulthood from long-term effects and secondary diseases even years after the doping period. The study compared three groups: competitive athletes with doping(I), competitive athletes without doping(II) and persons with no sports activities(III). Somatic and psychological diseases were analyzed to identify the adverse effects of doping in the most vulnerable phase of development in adolescence. Participants were asked to supply a patient history and completed a questionnaire with standardized psychological tests. The doping cohort had a higher rate of somatic diseases, psychological disorders and social and professional difficulties. The differences were gender-specific with males more often having impaired liver function, depression, tumors and difficulties associated with the workplace . The doping group reported more emotional and physical neglect during childhood. They proved to be less optimistic but more pessimistic, to perceive less social support and to be more depressive. The study identified less extraversion and more neuroticism. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurred in a small number of participants in the doping group. Doping is associated with psychiatric variables. Predictors were the subscale identifying feelings of the Toronto alexithymia scale 20 (TAS-20), the sense of coherence and the Beck depression inventory 2 (BDI-II) and the Beck depression inventory (BDI). Physical and psychosocial effects imply correlation with the application of doping substances but might not only be due to the side effects of these substances but also caused by the system, which exerts great psychological pressure and stress during adolescence, ahighly vulnerable phase.

Users’ Expectations of Smart Devices during Physical Activity—A Literature Review

Background: The field of smart devices and physical activity is evolving rapidly, with a wide range of devices measuring a wide range of parameters. Scientific articles look at very different populations in terms of the impact of smart devices but do not take into account which characteristics of the devices are important for the group and which may influence the effectiveness of the device. In our study, we aimed to analyse articles about the impact of smart devices on physical activity and identify the characteristics of different target groups. Methods: Queries were run on two major databases (PubMed and Web of Science) between 2017 and 2024. Duplicates were filtered out, and according to a few main criteria, inappropriate studies were excluded so that 37 relevant articles were included in a more detailed analysis. Results: Four main target groups were identified: healthy individuals, people with chronic diseases, elderly people, and competitive athletes. We identified the essential attributes of smart devices by target groups. For the elderly, an easy-to-use application is needed. In the case of women, children, and elderly people, gamification can be used well, but for athletes, specific measurement tools and accuracy may have paramount importance. For most groups, regular text messages or notifications are important. Conclusions: The use of smart devices can have a positive impact on physical activity, but the context and target group must be taken into account to achieve effectiveness.

Decisional trade-offs towards doping and their association with moral attitudes and health risk perceptions: A mixed methods study

ABSTRACT The objective of the present research was to examine doping-related decisional trade-offs, and their relationship with health risk perceptions towards doping and moral attitudes in sport. A mixed methods sequential-explanatory design was used. In Study 1,249, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athletes from 16 countries completed anonymous online questionnaires on decisional trade-offs related to doping, health risk beliefs towards doping, moral attitudes in sport, and socio-demographic variables. The results showed that almost 1 in 10 athletes would trade their life for sporting success, independently of the moral implications of their choice. When mortal threat was absent, 31.5% of the athletes would trade morality for sporting success. Decisional trade-off choices differentiated scores in moral attitudes, such as acceptance of cheating and keeping winning in proportion. In Study 2, 11 British competitive MMA athletes were interviewed about decisional trade-offs involving moral violations or mortal threats. Thematic analysis corroborated the Study 1 findings, with most athletes dismissing the doping choice involving a mortal threat but endorsing the one where the mortal threat was absent. Anti-doping education in MMA athletes should target the decision-making process underlying doping, with an emphasis on moral values and the adverse health risk effects of doping.

A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative research investigating disordered eating and help-seeking in elite athletes.

Elite athletes are at elevated risk for disordered eating and eating disorders; however, little is known about risk and maintaining factors, or barriers and facilitators of help-seeking in this cohort. This systematic review synthesized qualitative findings regarding possible risk and maintaining factors for disordered eating, as well as barriers to and facilitators of help-seeking in elite athletes. We conducted a search for qualitative studies that included experiences with body image concerns or disordered eating in elite athletes. A systematic search of CINAHL, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases identified 828 articles, with 87 retained after title and abstract screening, and 38 included in the review. Quality appraisal was conducted using the checklist for appraising qualitative research (CASP). Data were extracted from each article, including demographic information (e.g., biological sex, age, sport type, level of competition, current, or former athlete) and the text under the "results" or "findings" section. Meta-themes were identified using inductive thematic meta-synthesis. The extracted data indicated that most studies sampled female athletes from the United States and UK. Eight meta-themes were identified: (1) the power imbalance; (2) hyperfocus on body, food, and exercise; (3) rigidity; (4) the athlete's balance; (5) the athlete identity; (6) overvaluation and oversimplification; (7) shame, fear, and stigma; and (8) knowledge, education, and self-identification. These findings highlighted gaps in the demographic representation of specific groups in this research (e.g., males, para-athletes, and ethnic diversity) and propose hypotheses of how sport pressure might contribute to athletes' experiences with disordered eating. Disordered eating and body image concerns are prevalent and can have debilitating impacts for elite athletes; however, help-seeking is rare for this population. It remains unclear what factors contribute to disordered eating and/or inhibit help-seeking among elite athletes versus the general population. Understanding athletes' perspectives will inform the modification of prevention and treatment strategies to address athlete-specific factors.

Comparative Effectiveness of Supervised and Home-Based Rehabilitation after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Competitive Athletes.

Background: After the increasingly common anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) procedure in competitive athletes, rehabilitation is crucial for facilitating a timely return to sports (RTS) and preventing re-injury. This pilot study investigates the patient-reported outcomes of postoperative rehabilitation in competitive athletes, comparing supervised rehabilitation (SVR) and home-based rehabilitation (HBR). Methods: After ACLR, 60 (out of 74 screened) athletes were recruited and equally divided into HBR and SVR groups using non-probability convenience sampling, with each group comprising 15 males and 15 females. The rehabilitation outcomes in the respective groups were evaluated at 8 months using measures (Tegner Activity Scale [TAS], International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee form [IKDC-SKF], ACL Return to Sport after Injury [ACL-RSI]) and objective parameters (isometric muscle strength, hamstring/quadricep asymmetry). RTS was evaluated at 9 months, with ACL re-injury rates recorded approximately 6 months post-RTS. Results: Both groups exhibited decreased TAS scores (HBR: 8 to 6, SVR: 8 to 7), with the SVR group demonstrating superior postoperative IKDC-SKF scores (81.82 vs. 68.43) and lower ACL-RSI scores (49.46 vs. 55.25). Isometric and isokinetic muscle strength, along with asymmetry values, was higher in the SVR group 8 months post-ACLR (p < 0.05). The SVR group showed a higher RTS rate to the same level (76.6% vs. 53.3%), while the re-injury rate was the same in both the rehabilitation groups (3.3%). Conclusions: Although both rehabilitation approaches yielded comparable outcomes, SVR may demonstrate some superior biomechanical improvements in athletes, resulting in a higher RTS rate. However, the psychological outcomes and re-injury rates did not significantly differ between the groups, emphasizing the need to address individual psychological needs during rehabilitation. Further investigation is recommended with a larger sample size to address the differences of gender among competitive athletes.

Perfectionism, disordered eating and well-being in aesthetic sports: The mediating role of passion

Aesthetic athletes face higher risks of disordered eating, and perfectionism is one of the determinants involved. While research suggests that perfectionism in sport may play a role in physical and psychological well-being, its influence remains to be confirmed. As such, further examination of the influence of perfectionism on health is warranted as it could lead to better interventions. This preregistered research sought to shed new light on these relationships by investigating the mediating role of passion in the perfectionism-disordered eating relationship as well as physical and psychological well-being in aesthetic sports. In Study 1, 229 American recreational and competitive athletes practicing either gymnastics (n = 150) or artistic swimming (n = 79) were recruited on MTurk to complete an online questionnaire. The same recruitment procedure was used for Study 2, with 107 American gymnasts (n = 69) and artistic swimmers (n = 38) completing the questionnaire at two timepoints, one year apart. Results from path analyses showed that socially prescribed perfectionism was associated with obsessive passion, which in turn was associated with disordered eating. Self-oriented perfectionism was associated with both obsessive and harmonious passion, the latter being more adaptative as it was associated with physical and psychological well-being. Thus, the way one engages in aesthetic sports matters, as engaging with obsessive passion may take a toll on one’s health and lead to disordered eating. Conversely, fostering harmonious engagement seems to temper the negative associations between perfectionism and health outcomes and promote positive relationships with athlete’s well-being, but requires further study.

A Comparison between Core Stability Exercises and Muscle Thickness Using Two Different Activation Maneuvers.

Core stability training is crucial for competitive athletes, individuals who want to improve their health and physical performance, and those undergoing clinical rehabilitation. This study compared the ultrasound (US) muscle thickness of the abdominals and lumbar multifidus (LM) muscles between seven popular trunk stability exercises performed using hollowing and bracing maneuvers. Forty-four healthy young adults, aged between 21 and 32 years, performed a plank, bird dog, beast crawl, dead bug, Pilates tap, bridge, and side planks using the bracing and the hollowing maneuver. The thickness of the transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and LM muscles was measured simultaneously using two ultrasound machines. Analysis of variance designs indicated that during hollowing, the bird dog and side plank exercises resulted in the greatest increase in the muscle's relative thickness overall. The relative thickness of all muscles was significantly greater (p < 0.001) during hollowing (22.7 ± 7.80 to 106 ± 24.5% of rest) compared to bracing (18.7 ± 7.40 to 87.1 ± 20.9% of rest). The TrA showed the greatest increase in thickness (p < 0.001) compared to the IO and LM. Additionally, the IO had a greater increase in thickness (p < 0.001) than the LM. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the bird dog and side plank exercises, when performed with hollowing, showed the most significant total muscle thickness increase. Notably, the hollowing maneuver enhances the thickness of the TrA, IO, and LM muscles more than the bracing maneuver. This contributes to the discussion on optimal strategies for dynamic core stabilization.

Sports coaching during the pandemic: Predicaments encountered by Filipino physical education teachers and potential strategies

Background Problems: The educational disruptions and suspension of athletic competitions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic presented sports coaches with unique challenges in maintaining coaching and training activities for the athletes. Research Objectives: This study aimed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the experiences of physical education teachers who are also coaches in sports coaching amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study was qualitative, utilising a descriptive phenomenological design. Five participants willingly took part in an in-depth interview, ensuring the protection of informant data and maintaining anonymity. The instrument used was a semi-structured interview guide recorded via video and transcribed using Microsoft Word. Informed consent was obtained before the interview, and data analysis followed Collaizi's descriptive phenomenology for collecting, reducing, presenting, verifying, and concluding the data. Findings/Results: The findings of the study revealed several sports coaching predicaments: connectivity and communication issues, physical training conflict, administrative concerns, and psychosocial problems. Additionally, potential strategies were also revealed: connectivity and communication strategy, modified training method, administrative outsourcing initiative, and psychosocial initiative. Based on the results of the study, a proposed sports coaching intervention plan is highly recommended for utilisation to address several predicaments that emerged. Conclusion: Research shows that in grappling with pandemic-related challenges, coaches play a crucial role in maximising athletes' potential, necessitating a blend of skills and emotional resilience as they formulate effective coaching strategies for the predicaments encountered. Generally, this can contribute to more effective and well-rounded sports coaching, ultimately benefiting the athletes and the overall success of sports coaching and the school's sport-related programmes.

Sports coaching during the pandemic: Predicaments encountered by Filipino physical education teachers and potential strategies

Background Problems: The educational disruptions and suspension of athletic competitions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic presented sports coaches with unique challenges in maintaining coaching and training activities for the athletes. Research Objectives: This study aimed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the experiences of physical education teachers who are also coaches in sports coaching amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study was qualitative, utilising a descriptive phenomenological design. Five participants willingly took part in an in-depth interview, ensuring the protection of informant data and maintaining anonymity. The instrument used was a semi-structured interview guide recorded via video and transcribed using Microsoft Word. Informed consent was obtained before the interview, and data analysis followed Collaizi's descriptive phenomenology for collecting, reducing, presenting, verifying, and concluding the data. Findings/Results: The findings of the study revealed several sports coaching predicaments: connectivity and communication issues, physical training conflict, administrative concerns, and psychosocial problems. Additionally, potential strategies were also revealed: connectivity and communication strategy, modified training method, administrative outsourcing initiative, and psychosocial initiative. Based on the results of the study, a proposed sports coaching intervention plan is highly recommended for utilisation to address several predicaments that emerged. Conclusion: Research shows that in grappling with pandemic-related challenges, coaches play a crucial role in maximising athletes' potential, necessitating a blend of skills and emotional resilience as they formulate effective coaching strategies for the predicaments encountered. Generally, this can contribute to more effective and well-rounded sports coaching, ultimately benefiting the athletes and the overall success of sports coaching and the school's sport-related programmes.

Influence of short-term chronic oral cannabidiol application on muscle recovery and performance after an intensive training protocol - a randomized double-blind crossover study.

Rapid regeneration after intense exercise is essential for competitive athletes. Based on this assumption, supplementation strategies, focusing on food supplements, are increasing to improve the recovery processes. One such supplement is cannabidiol (CBD) which is gaining more attention in competitive sports. However, the evidence is still lacking and there are no data available about the effect of a short-term chronic application. A three-arm double-blind cross-over study was conducted to determine the effects of two different CBD products on performance, muscle damage and inflammatory processes in well-trained athletes. In total 17 subjects took successfully part in this study. Each subject underwent the six-day, high-intensity training protocol three times. After each training session, each subject took either a placebo or a CBD product (60 mg of oil or solubilisate). Between the intervention phases, at least four weeks of washout period was conducted. Before and after the training protocols the performance capacity in countermovement jump (CMJ), back squat (BS), bench press (BP) and 1-mile run were measured and biomarkers for muscle damage (creatine kinase, myoglobin), inflammatory processes (interleukin 6 and 10) and immune cell activity (ratios of neutrophil granulocytes, lymphocytes and, platelets) were analyzed. For statistical analyses, the current version of R and a linear mixed model was used. It could identify different effects of the training protocol depending on performance level (advanced or highly advanced athletes) (p < .05). Regardless of the performance level, muscle damage and a reduction in performance could be induced by the training protocol. Only CBD oil was associated with a reduction in myoglobin concentration (p < .05) in advanced athletes. Concerning immune activity, a significant decrease in platelets lymphocyte ratios was observed in advanced athletes after placebo treatment (p < .05). CBD oil application showed a slight inhibitory effect (p < .10). Moreover, the reduction in performance differs between the performance levels. A significant decrease in CMJ was observed in advanced athletes and a decreasing trend in BS was observed in highly advanced athletes after placebo treatment (p < 0.10). Both CBD products do not affect performance parameters. For inflammatory parameters, no effects were observed. It was found that the performance level of the subjects was a decisive factor and that they responded differently to the training protocol and the CBD application. However, no clear effects of either CBD product were found and further research is needed to identify the long-term effects of CBD application.

An examination of changes in psychological status across four phases of injury recovery and return to sport: A prospective weekly study of competitive athletes from acute care to return to sport.

While ample research has shown that sport injuries are associated with poor psychological status, scant attention has been given to changes in injured athletes' psychological status over the full course of recovery and return to sport. The aim of the present study was to prospectively investigate potential changes in injured athletes' psychological status across four phases of recovery and return to sport. A total of 38 severely injured adult competitive athletes (58% female; mean age 24.1 ± 7.18 years) participated in this prospective weekly investigation (n = 319 observations). Athletes' were asked to indicate their current phase of recovery or return to sport (acute care, rehabilitation, adapted training, or full return to sport) after which they responded to visual analog scales assessing post-injury psychological status, including: perceived pain (frequency and intensity), emotions (positive and negative), anxiety (cognitive and physiological), motivation, self-efficacy, and satisfaction. During the acute care phase, participants showed higher scores of perceived pain, and physiological anxiety compared to the other phases. During the adapted training phase, amotivation was higher than in the acute care phase, and self-efficacy was lower than in other phases. At full return to sport, athletes showed less perceived pain, cognitive anxiety, and more satisfaction than during other phases. The present study provides a deeper prospective understanding of changes in athlete's psychological status over the course of injury recovery and return to sport and highlight the importance of monitoring psychological status.

A Case of Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Dependence

Abstract The anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are a family of hormones that includes the natural hormone testosterone, together with numerous synthetic testosterone analogs. When taken in higher doses and combined with exercise and proper nutrition, AAS cause users to gain muscle mass and lose body fat, even beyond naturally attainable limits. AAS have been used by competitive athletes since long but there has been an increase in its use in general population into a widespread form of substance misuse in the last few years. Here, we report the case of a 32-year-old male with AAS dependence, natural as well as synthetic, since last 10 years presenting to the outpatient department with insomnia and depressive features.