Athletic Trainers Research Articles

Exploring the relationship between caffeine metabolism-related CYP1A2 rs762551 polymorphism and team sport athlete status and training adaptations

BackgroundThis study aimed to achieve a dual objective: to compare the frequencies of CYP1A2 rs762551 genotypes between team sport athletes and a control group, and to determine the association between the rs762551 polymorphism and changes in physical performance after a six-week training program among elite basketball players.MethodsThe study encompassed an analysis of 504 individuals, comprising 320 athletes and 184 controls. For the Turkish cohort, DNA was isolated using the buccal swab method, and genotyping was conducted using the KASP technique. Performance assessments included the Yo-Yo IR2 and 30 m sprint tests. For Russian participants, DNA samples were extracted from peripheral blood, a commercial kit was used for DNA extraction, and genotyping of the rs762551 polymorphism was conducted using DNA microarray.ResultNotably, a statistically significant linear decline in the prevalence of the CC genotype was observed with ascending levels of athletic achievement within team sports (sub-elite: 18.0%, elite: 8.2%, highly elite: 0%; p = 0.001). Additionally, the CA genotype was the most prevalent genotype in the highly elite group compared to controls (80.0% vs. 45.1%, p = 0.048). Furthermore, statistically significant improvements in Yo-Yo IR2 performance were noted exclusively among basketball players harboring the CA genotype (p = 0.048).ConclusionsThe study’s findings indicate that the rs762551 CC genotype is a disadvantage in elite team sports, whereas the CA genotype provides an advantage in basketball performance.

Overarm Training Tolerance: A Pilot Study on the Use of Muscle Oxygen Saturation as a Biomarker.

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears occur due to the prolonged exposure and overworking of joint stresses, resulting in decreased strength in the flexion and extension of the elbow. Current rehabilitation approaches for UCL tears involve subjective assessments (pain scales) and objective measures such as monitoring joint angles and range of motion. The main goal of this study is to find out if using wearable near-infrared spectroscopy technology can help measure digital biomarkers like muscle oxygen levels and heart rate. These measurements could then be applied to athletes who have been injured. Specifically, measuring muscle oxygen levels will help us understand how well the muscles are using oxygen. This can indicate improvements in how the muscles are healing and growing new blood vessels after reconstructive surgery. Previous research studies demonstrated that there remains an unmet clinical need to measure biomarkers to provide continuous, internal data on muscle physiology during the rehabilitation process. This study's findings can benefit team physicians, sports scientists, athletic trainers, and athletes in the identification of biomarkers to assist in clinical decisions for optimizing training regimens for athletes that perform overarm movements; the research suggests pathways for possible earlier detection, and thus earlier intervention for injury prevention.

AI, BlazePod Sensors, and Head Vests Implemented in Assessments on Reaction Time and Gaze Training Program in U10 Football Game

In the context of the development of technologies, every sports club tends to improve its training methods to obtain the best possible results in sports training. The goal of the research is to develop a specialized training program designed to enhance ball-control skills so that children can play soccer with increased confidence, therefore reinforcing their need for constant visual contact with the ball during possession. The study participants are children between the ages of 8 and 10, who have acquired at least one year of consistent and well-structured football practice, divided into two groups, experimental group I and control group II. The T-Blaze test training, the Adams test, and the registration of the degree of head tilt using artificial intelligence and visual recognition were implemented. During the training, the authors used the BlazePod sensors to measure participants’ times more precisely, thus avoiding the inaccuracy of using a classic timer. At the same time, the authors used the Vesta HeadUp to block the child’s view of the ball when he has possession of the ball or is very close to it. The recording of time spent playing head-up and head-down revealed statistically significant differences between the three test sessions in favor of the experimental group. Considering the statistically substantial influence obtained, the authors can conclude that our intervention program based on specific means and using HeadUp vests was a decisive factor in achieving improved performance.

Training load, sleep, reaction time, sports performance, and mood in paralympic swimmers before a competition.

Coaches usually reduce the training load (tapering) before competition to improve performance; however, in paralympic athletes this strategy had not yet been tested and we did not know which variables are associated with improved performance. Therefore, the objective was to compare the sleep, mood, sports performance, and reaction time (RT) of paralympic swimmers (PS) during tapering and to investigate whether there is a relationship between the variables during this training phase. Eight PS were monitored for 17 days before the main competition, with an actigraphy to record sleep in 16 days. Evaluations were performed on Mondays (Evaluation 1 = E1) and Fridays (E2) during the first and second weeks (E3 and E4), and on Tuesday (E5) of the third week, the day traveling to the competition. Brunel Mood Scale, RT (Psychomotor Vigilance Test), and sports performance (50 m in the pool) were assessed before training on each assessment day. Internal training load (ITL) was evaluated using ratings of perceived exertion. ITL decreased gradually between assessments. Performance and RT were better on E5 than on E1. Fatigue was higher on E1 and E2 than on E4 and E5. Sleep parameters (total sleep time [TST], awakenings after sleep onset, and sleep efficiency) improved in the second week compared with the first week. Furthermore, TST from the previous night was correlated with RT, and RT and fatigue correlated with sports performance. The increase in TST and the reduction in fatigue just before competition achieved by tapering correlated with the improvement in RT and sports performance. In addition, the tapering improved sports performance, RT, sleep parameters, and decreased fatigue.

INVESTIGATING STRATEGIES FOR DEVELOPING LOWER LIMB STRENGTH IN RUMBA

Research on the content of sports training and the means of artistic preparation within sports dancing in Romania becomes essential to ensure efficient, holistic, and tailored training for dancers. We have monitored the emphasis given to physical training (both general and specific) during various training periods; the extent of utilizing artistic training methods for the development of lower limb strength; and the perceived utility, according to specialists, of developing lower limb strength through specific artistic training methods in youth-level dancers, particularly in the Rumba dance.

Evaluation of Shoulder Risk Factors in the Repetitive Task of Slaughterhouse

Repetitive movements and the speed of upper limbs increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. This study aimed to analyse the risk of shoulder injuries in repetitive tasks by evaluating the humerus angle, angular velocity, and angular acceleration during simulated chicken wing cutting. The study was conducted in a laboratory simulating a real environment. Thirty-six healthy right-handed volunteers were assessed using an electromagnetic tracking device, TrakSTAR, integrated with MotionMonitor™ (Innovative Sports Training, Inc. Chicago, IL) and software to collect 3-D kinematic data developed in the research centre. The equipment measured the angles performed by the upper limbs during the entire movement. The humerus angles were automatically transformed into angular velocity (°·s−1) and angular acceleration (°·s−2). Maximum angular velocities were 27.39°·s−1 (men, right humerus) and 22.39°·s−1 (women, left humerus), both below the safe limit. Maximum accelerations were 25.32°·s−2 (men, left side) and 28.94°·s−2 (women, left side); safety values for these accelerations are not established. Monotony is a risk factor, especially for the dominant side. Future studies should evaluate risk factors simultaneously in repetitive tasks. Repetitiveness exceeds the safe limit according to the OCRA method.

ПІДГОТОВКА ФАХІВЦІВ СПОРТИВНО-ОЗДОРОВЧОГО ТУРИЗМУ У ЗАКЛАДАХ ВИЩОЇ ОСВІТИ: ІНТЕРАКТИВНИЙ ПІДХІД

Team Actuality. The training of sports and health tourism specialists necessitates a shift in emphasis from traditional forms of education to innovative methods and ways of organizing the educational process in higher education institutions. The purpose of the research there is a systematization of methods and means of activating the educational process during classes in professional disciplines for the training of sports and health tourism specialists. Research methods. Analysis, comparison, systematization, generalization of scientific and methodical literature, pedagogical testing. Research results and key conclusions. The components of the professional training of specialists in this field have been identified, the expediency of using interactive technologies in the training of sports and health tourism specialists, first (bachelor's) level graduates in the specialty "Tourism" has been substantiated. The forms and methods of interactive training that can be used for the purpose of training sports and health tourism specialists include: discussion, presentation, heuristic conversation, round table method, business games, role-playing games, case method, practical group or individual exercises followed by discussion of results, simulation of interaction situations, analysis of video recordings, including recording of own actions, organization of meetings with invited specialists and outstanding people, collective solution of creative tasks, animation. The use of interactive learning methods actualizes the situational motives of activity; activity motivated by these incentives leads to the formation of established motives and values that lie in the semantic field of the individual's tourist competence. The use of interactive learning methods enriches the experience of independent activity and personal responsibility of students.

BPS DSEP position statement: Psychological skills training in youth sport

Young athletes have become an increasingly important client group for sport psychology practitioners and a population whose physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development should be carefully considered by a practitioner when delivering their services (Visek et al., 2009). The aim of this British Psychological Society (BPS) Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology (DSEP) position statement is to summarise existing knowledge about psychological skills training (PST) interventions and discuss optimal service provision of PST in youth sport. In the first section of this position statement, we provide a brief overview of the literature exploring PST during childhood (5–11 years), early adolescence (12–15 years), and mid-to-late adolescence (16–18 years). Within each sub-section, key developmental considerations (i.e. physical, cognitive, emotional, and social) are provided followed by short summaries of research on basic single strategy (i.e. goal setting, imagery, relaxation, and self-talk) and alternative strategy interventions (e.g. mindfulness, music, perceptual training, and self-modelling) with young athletes. In the second section, optimal service provision of PST is discussed by drawing upon practitioners’ experiences of working with young athletes, concluding with 10 recommendations for youth sport organisations, training and accrediting bodies, researchers, and practitioners.

ATICILIQDA PSİXOLOJİ ÇƏTİNLİKLƏRİN DƏF EDİLMƏSİNƏ DAİR

Overcoming Psychological Difficulties in Shooting Summary Improvement of the training system of athletes and sports training overcoming psychological difficulties in shooting from the point of view of theory and methodology research is important. In this regard, the shooting competition in the article psychological tensions arising during the period, objective and subjective difficulties that create them is interpreted. Because without feeling these difficulties, overcome them skillfully it is impossible to achieve high sports results without lifting. Submitted The article explains the details and conditions of overcoming psychological difficulties in shooting sports and all these have been brought to the fore and involved in theoretical analysis. Key words: mental state, heightened arousal, shooter, training

Sex Differences Across Concussion Characteristics in US Service Academy Cadets: A CARE Consortium Study.

To describe sex differences in concussion characteristics in US Service Academy cadets. Descriptive epidemiology study. Four US service academies. 2209 cadets (n = 867 females, n = 1342 males). Sex. Injury proportion ratios (IPR) compared the proportion of injuries by sex (females referent) for injury situation, certainty of diagnosis, prolonged recovery, recurrent injuries, mental status alterations, loss of consciousness (LOC), posttraumatic amnesia (PTA), retrograde amnesia (RGA), motor impairments, delayed symptom presentation, and immediate reporting. Concussions from varsity/intercollegiate sports [IPR of 1.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43-2.10] and intramurals (IPR of 1.53, 95% CI 1.02-2.32) accounted for a larger proportion in males, whereas concussions outside of sport and military activities accounted for a smaller proportion among males (IPR of 0.70, 95% CI 0.58-0.85). The proportion of concussions with prolonged recovery was lower among males (IPR of 0.69, 95% CI 0.60-0.78), while concussions with altered mental status (IPR of 1.23, 95% CI 1.09-1.38), LOC (IPR of 1.67, 95% CI 1.17-2.37), PTA (IPR of 1.94, 95% CI 1.43-2.62), and RGA (IPR of 2.14, 95% CI 1.38-3.31) accounted for a larger proportion among males. A larger proportion of concussions that were immediately reported was observed in males (IPR of 1.15, 95% CI 1.00-2.31). Proportions of other characteristics (e.g., recurrent injuries) were not different between sexes. A higher proportion of concussions occurred outside of sport and military training for female cadets, who also displayed proportionally longer recovery times than males, despite males demonstrating a higher proportion of LOC, PTA, and RGA. Possible factors may include different mechanisms of injury outside of sport and military training, different biopsychosocial states associated with sex or injury context, and delayed injury reporting when outside of an observed environment, possibly secondary to perceived stigma about reporting injuries.

What are the Protocols and Resources for Sport-Related Concussion Among Top National Collegiate Athletic Association Football Programs? A Cross-Sectional Survey of A5 Schools.

This study summarizes findings from a cross-sectional survey conducted among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 football programs, focusing on sport-related concussion (SRC) protocols for the 2018 season. Cross-sectional survey study. 65 football programs within the Autonomy Five (A5) NCAA conferences. Athletic trainers and team physicians who attended a football safety meeting at the NCAA offices June 17 to 18, 2019, representing their respective institutions. Electronic surveys were distributed on June 14, 2019, before the football safety meeting. Results for 16 unique questions involving SRC protocols and resources were summarized and evaluated. The survey garnered responses from 46 of 65 programs (response rate = 71%). For baseline testing, 98% measured baseline postural stability and balance, 87% used baseline neurocognitive testing, while only 61% assessed baseline vestibular and/or ocular function. Regarding concussion prevention, 51% did not recommend additional measures, while 4% and 24% recommended cervical compression collars and omega-3 supplementation, respectively. In postconcussion treatment, 26% initiated aerobic exercise 1 day postconcussion if symptoms were stable, 24% waited at least 48 hours, 4% waited for the athlete to return to baseline, 11% waited until the athlete became asymptomatic, and 35% determined procedures on a case-by-case basis. Most institutions assessed postural stability/balance and neurocognitive functioning at baseline and introduced light aerobic exercise within 48 h postconcussion. There was variation in baseline assessment methods and concussion prevention recommendations. These survey findings deepen our understanding of diverse SRC protocols in NCAA football programs.

Concerto of movement: how expertise shapes the synergistic control of upper limb muscles in complex motor tasks with varying tempo and dynamics

Objective. This research aims to reveal how the synergistic control of upper limb muscles adapts to varying requirements in complex motor tasks and how expertise shapes the motor modules. Approach. We study the muscle synergies of a complex, highly skilled and flexible task—piano playing—and characterize expertise-related muscle-synergy control that permits the experts to effortlessly execute the same task at different tempo and force levels. Surface EMGs (28 muscles) were recorded from adult novice (N = 10) and expert (N = 10) pianists as they played scales and arpeggios at different tempo-force combinations. Muscle synergies were factorized from EMGs. Main results. We found that experts were able to cover both tempo and dynamic ranges using similar synergy selections and achieved better performance, while novices altered synergy selections more to adapt to the changing tempi and keystroke intensities compared with experts. Both groups relied on fine-tuning the muscle weights within specific synergies to accomplish the different task styles, while the experts could tune the muscles in a greater number of synergies, especially when changing the tempo, and switch tempo over a wider range. Significance. Our study sheds light on the control mechanism underpinning expertise-related motor flexibility in highly skilled motor tasks that require decade-long training. Our results have implications on musical and sports training, as well as motor prosthetic design.

Evaluasi Tim Renang Kota Mojokerto Dalam Mengikuti Kejuaraan Daerah Renang Jawa Timur Tahun 2023

Sport is a physical activity needed by humans which has many purposes, such as maintaining body health, maintaining mental health (refreshing), achieving achievements, building character and other people (Wijaya, 2018). According to Kurt et al., (2023) swimming is a sport that can be used as a means of talent search, achievement, recreation, education, rehabilitation and self-preservation. Coaches, facilities and infrastructure, training programs, athlete development, government support and parents are some of the components that contribute to good performance. Sports achievements can be achieved through professional and quality sports training. In the sport of swimming, there are several events, namely events representing clubs, events representing regions at the provincial level, events representing regions at the national level, and events representing international national levels. The process of improving actions or techniques that have been carried out is known as evaluation. This research is motivated by the fact that there is still no research on the Mojokerto City swimming team in participating in the 2023 East Java Regional Swimming Championship. This research aims to cycle the Mojokerto City swimming team in participating in the 2023 East Java Regional Swimming Championship. The use of the SWOT method is important in analyzing and determining points earned. This method focuses on evaluating the Mojokerto City swimming team in participating in the 2023 Regional Swimming Championships which is expected to contribute to achievements for the City of Mojokerto in the future. To explain the evaluation results, the methodology used is qualitative descriptive research. The source of information comes from licensed swimming coaches. Data collection methods include interviews and documentation. Research findings include, (1) strengths include: the Mojokerto City swimming team is in young athletes and young coaches. If young athletes are coached properly, they will develop, while young coaches who are full of ideas, if given space or a platform, can express their aspirations. (2) Weaknesses include: no management questions, no atlhletes selection, no impressive Training Center (TC), no space or forum for young coaches to express their aspirations. (3) Opportunities include: the Mojokerto City swimming team has good opportunities for the future because this team is dominated by young athletes and young coaches. (4) Threats include: if the existing management is not immediately improved, the young athletes and young coaches, the Mojokerto City swimming team is threatened with not being able to get maximum results in future events.

A - 40 The Impact of Early Access on Sports-Related Concussions in Youth Hockey Players

Abstract Purpose Sports-related concussions are the most common setting for adolescents to sustain a concussion. Delayed access to care is a risk factor for recovery and youth athletes have limited access to early intervention often due to lack of athletic trainer coverage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of early access on sports-related concussions in youth hockey players. Method Participants (n = 67) included youth athletes from hockey organizations who partnered with a local specialty concussion clinic. Athletes presented to clinic for care (median = 2 days) after sustaining a concussion. We examined whether the number of days since injury to initial exam (DSI) significantly predicted recovery time while controlling for common injury modifiers, such as symptom severity, anxiety sensitivity, and age. Recovery was measured in number of days since injury to the date of medical clearance. Results Multivariate general linear analyses indicated that DSI (M = 4.96, SD = 8.90), significantly predicted the number of recovery days (M = 12.85, SD = 9.47), with each day earlier to initial exam predicting almost one day faster recovery (B = 0.92; p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.813). Variables of age (M = 13.78, SD = 2.59), anxiety sensitivity (M = 8.91, SD = 9.69), and concussion severity (M = 19.22, SD = 8.90), were not predictive recovery. Conclusions Early access resulted in faster medical clearance. This sample of youth hockey players do not have access to an athletic trainer to provide early intervention. Our results suggest that the ability to have early intervention through a specialty concussion clinic partnership resulted in faster recovery, highlighting the importance of continuing to explore and cultivate these relationships with youth sports.

Publication trends on sports sociology: Global perspectives and emerging themes

This study examined the depiction of publication trends and the transformation of scholarly discourse within sports sociology publications. The investigation utilised the Scopus and WoS databases to compile a comprehensive list of sports sociology publications. Employing ScientoPy and VOSviewer, the study dynamically constructed science maps and visualisation networks. In the Scopus database, there were 516 publications, and in the WoS, 216, resulting in 732 publications, constituting 79.13% of the overall count between 1990 and 2022. Sports Sciences emerged as the predominant field with 119 publications, and the most prolific source title over the three decades was the International Review for the Sociology of Sport. The United States and Germany stood out as the top two countries, each contributing over 100 publications. The keyword “sports sociology” demonstrated close associations with “development,” “athlete,” and “physical education,” particularly evident since 2015. This study is poised to lay the groundwork for future endeavours to enrich and invigorate sports sociology research. It underscores the need for sports sociologists to delve into novel insights, including the interplay between sports sociology and mental health, gender disparities, sports injury management, and artificial intelligence. The intriguing social dimensions of physical education and sports training are underscored for their significance in shaping daily human activities, behaviours, and emotions.

A - 26 A Survey of Sports Concussion Specialists’Clinical Criteria to Determine Concussion Recovery

Abstract Purpose To identify criteria used by sports concussion specialists in determining recovery from sport-related concussion. We hypothesized differences in use of decision-making criteria among neuropsychologists, physicians, and certified athletic trainers (ATCs). Method 143 sports concussion specialists (neuropsychologists = 45, physicians = 41, and certified athletic trainers (ATCs) = 57) completed a survey rating the importance of specific criteria for determining concussion recovery in youth and adult athletes. Differences between specialist groups were examined with Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results There were significant differences in criteria ratings across specialist groups regarding youth and adults for “use of neurocognitive test scores,”“balance testing,”“physical examination,”“no symptom provocation with neurocognitive testing,”“athlete report of anxiety about return to sport,“and “family member’s report of recovery,“all p’s < 0.001. For youth and adults, physicians ranked “use of neurocognitive test scores”and “no symptom provocation with neurocognitive testing”as less important than other providers, while “physician examination”was ranked as more important. Neuropsychologists ranked “balance testing”and “athlete report of anxiety about return to sport”as less important than other providers; and ATCs ranked “family member’s report of recovery”as less important than other providers. Conclusions Our results advance understanding of multidisciplinary standards of care in determining recovery from sports concussion and suggest the importance of collaboration in establishing clinical criteria common to all sports concussion health care providers.

Innovative pressure sensing with amorphous silicon nanostructures: Exploring applications in sports training supervision

This study introduces an innovative approach to pressure sensing in sports training using amorphous silicon nanostructure-based sensors. These sensors demonstrated high sensitivity (0.75 Ω/kPa) and a broad pressure detection range (1–100 kPa), making them ideal for capturing the nuances of athletic movements. Their compact size (5 mm×5 mm) and superior durability (over 5000 cycles with minimal performance variation) allowed for seamless integration into athletic shoes and attire. The sensors effectively captured pressure patterns in running, such as heel strikes peaking at 300 kPa, and cycling, revealing a 200 kPa increase in the perineal region during posture shifts. Comparative analysis highlighted the advantages of amorphous silicon nanostructure sensors over existing technologies, including higher sensitivity, wider pressure range, smaller size, and better durability. The integration of these sensors provided invaluable data for optimizing training regimes and preventing injuries. The study also delved into the physical and chemical characterization of the nanostructures, confirming their uniform size distribution, surface morphology, and amorphous nature, which contributed to their exceptional sensing performance. The findings underscore the immense potential of amorphous silicon nanostructure sensors in revolutionizing athletic performance analysis and injury prevention, offering a significant upgrade over current technologies in terms of accuracy, adaptability, and user-friendliness. This research paves the way for more sophisticated, precise, and athlete-centric pressure sensing solutions, transforming the landscape of sports technology and biomechanical assessment.

Features of the intestinal microbiome in athletes engaged in martial arts

The purpose of the study: the study of the characteristics of the intestinal microbiome in young men who are professionally engaged in sports.Materials and methods: the study involved 36 young men aged 18 to 26 years. Fecal samples were taken from the study participants and then bacterial DNA was isolated from the obtained samples.Results: comparing the intestinal microbe of athletes with the control group, it is possible to trace the positive effect of sports on the overall diversity of representatives of the intestinal microbiota. When analyzing the taxonomic composition, it is worth separately noting the increase in representatives of lactate-producing bacteria and the increased content of Akkermansia muciniphila in athletes.Conclusions: the results of the study indicate the effects of sports training on the human gut microbiota and suggest the presence of a close two-way relationship “microbiome — muscle tissue”.

Exploration of Teaching Principles from the Perspective of Exercise Physiology Knowledge

Exercise physiology is a science that studies functions and mechanisms, and its knowledge contains many principles and methods. These principles and methods are not only applied to the teaching of physical education classes, fitness guidance, and sports training, but also, many principles can be reflected to guide the teaching process and design of exercise physiology courses and other theoretical courses.

The application of exercise physiology theory in freestyle swimming instruction

The theory of exercise physiology serves the practical application of sports training, offering a physiological foundation for freestyle swimming instruction in areas such as movement, breathing, and circulation. It highlights the significant role of core strength in the teaching of freestyle swimming. The theory of exercise physiology not only aids students in deeply experiencing and understanding freestyle swimming techniques but also helps to prevent sports injuries and maintain the effectiveness and safety of exercise, thereby achieving the goals of physical fitness, self-confidence enhancement, and improvement in sports proficiency and performance.