Elite-level Athletes Research Articles

Right-sided exercise-induced cardiac remodelling is more pronounced in white than in black elite football players

Abstract Background Most echocardiography studies investigating exercise-induced cardiac remodelling (EICR) in athletes have predominantly focused on left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and wall thickness. Moreover, studies investigating right-sided EICR in individuals with different ethnic backgrounds are scarce, but are needed to assist clinicians in the differentiation between EICR and pathology. Purpose To investigate differences in right-sided EICR between Caucasian (white) and Sub-Saharan (black) male elite football players. Methods We included all male elite football players with echocardiography data from the Evaluation of Lifetime participation in Intensive Top-level sports and Exercise (ELITE) cohort. ELITE collects data from standardised cardiovascular screenings of elite level athletes in the Netherlands, including (but not limited to) standardised resting transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE). Athletes with known cardiovascular disease were excluded. Our primary metrics of interest were right ventricular end-diastolic diameter (RVEDD), maximal dimension of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and right atrial (RA) reservoir, conduit and contractile strain (measured using 2D-Speckle tracking). Secondary metrics of interest included LV ejection fraction (LVEF), LV mass index (LVMi) and left atrial reservoir strain. All metrics of interest were stratified by ethnicity, and indexed for body surface area (BSA) if appropriate. Results A total of 74 elite football players were included (black n = 37; white n = 37), with similar age (18 [2.0] vs 19 [3.0], p = 0.013) and BSA (2 [0.1] vs 2 [0.2] m2, p = 0.268) across ethnicities. There were no differences in indexed LA (35 [10.0] vs 33 [10.0] ml/m2, p = 0.417) and RA volumes (27 [7.4] vs 27 [6.6] ml/m2,p = 0.953). However, black athletes demonstrated smaller max IVC (18 [5.0] vs 25 [5.0] cm, p = <0.001) and RVEDD (40 [2.0] vs 43 [6.0] mm,p = 0.001). Moreover, black athletes demonstrated less RA deformation in the reservoir (31 [8.0] vs 36 [8.0] %, p = 0.003) and contractile phases (9 [4.0] vs 11 [4.0] %, p = 0.017) than white athletes. There were no ethnic-specific differences in RA conduit strain (23 [7.0] vs 25 [6.0] %, p = 0.076). We found no statistically significant differences in LVEF (55 [6.0] vs 55 [6.0] %, p = 0.914), LVMi (92 [15.0] vs 88 [26.8] g/m2, p = 0.236) or LA reservoir strain (32 [7.0] vs 33 [7.0] %, p = 0.157) in black vs white athletes. Conclusion Male elite football players with a Sub-Saharan ethnic background demonstrate less pronounced right-sided EICR than athletes with a Caucasian ethnic background. Our findings emphasize the need for ethnic-specific reference ranges for right-sided EICR to aid in the differentiation between EICR and pathology.

Effects of inter- and intraindividual compensation-sensitive shot styles on performance in Olympic air rifle shooting

Background: Aiming point analysis systems (APAS) are commonly used in sports shooting but face four main challenges: they do not account for intra-session variations, they overlook inter-individual shooter preferences, they ignore compensation mechanisms of technical features, and they do not respect the real shot location at the target. Methods: To address the first three challenges, we developed and validated an automated approach detector algorithm (ADA) for movement phase detection. When compared to three independent expert ratings, the ADA demonstrated a high correlation (r = .811). Building on the ADA and addressing challenge 3 and 4, this study applied cluster-analysis and ANOVA to determine the performance relevance of compensation-sensitive shot styles using datasets from a single athlete and 26 advanced to elite level athletes. Results: Significant performance differences in shot styles for both datasets, with each shot style distinctively differing from the others could be found. Conclusions: Shot styles which allow for compensation and intra-individual movement phase differences exhibit performance variations. Coaches and athletes should emphasize holistic training, focusing on combinations of features that allow for compensation.

Validation of a sports nutrition knowledge questionnaire for Sri Lankan track and field athletes

BackgroundWhile several validated sports nutrition knowledge questionnaires exist, none are specifically designed to assess the sports nutrition knowledge (SNK) of Sri Lankan track and field athletes. This study aims to validate the Sri Lankan Sports Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (SLn-SNKQ), tailored for this athlete group, to provide more accurate and meaningful insights for research and practice. This will enable health professionals and coaches to confidently assess athletes’ nutrition knowledge, which directly influences their food choices.MethodsThe validity of the questionnaire was established through a multi-step approach. Content validity was achieved via ratings from nutrition experts, all of whom had specialized training in human nutrition and experience of working with athletes. Face validity was evaluated through in-depth telephone interviews with elite or highly trained athletes, using a retrospective think-out-loud protocol to gather feedback on the clarity and relevance of the questions. Construct validity involved nutrition-trained doctors (NTG), non-nutrition-trained professionals (NNTG), and elite-level athletes’ groups (AG). Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, and test-retest reliability was evaluated.ResultsThe final tool comprised 123 individual statements or prompts (items) that were organized into 32 broader questions, spanning 12 sub-sections. Content validity was confirmed by fully integrating 49 out of 70 comments and partially integrating four comments received from nutrition experts for each sub-section. Face validity was established by fully integrating 33 out of 40 comments received from 16 elite and highly trained athletes. Construct validity was confirmed, indicating significant differences in the total scores achieved as a percentage of the SLn-SNKQ among the NTG (462.5, 92.5%), NNTG (223.5, 44.7%), and AG (235, 47.0%; p < 0.001). Reproducibility was established by strong test-retest reliability between individuals’ scores on two test attempts, three weeks apart (spearman’s correlation; ρ = 0.99, p < 0.05). Internal reliability for each sub-section met psychometric reliability requirements (Cronbach’s α > 0.7).ConclusionsThe SLn-SNKQ has been validated and demonstrates robust psychometric properties, offering a reliable tool for assessing SNK among Sri Lankan track and field athletes.

Enhancing the starting performance of elite swimmers through eight weeks of lateral entry training

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore the effects of 8 weeks of lateral entry training on the start performance of elite athletes and its impact on ordinary entry performance. Data were collected from 12 elite-level participants before and after the training using Kistler(9691A1) system with 3D force platform and high-speed cameras. 19 parameters of ordinary and lateral entry were assessed and analysed using paired samples t-tests. Compared to ordinary entry, the lateral entry performance was characterised by: decrease of both vertical force (5.77%) and maximum depth (6.09%) at a significance level (p < .01), and increase of flight distance (4.33%), first kick distance (3.90%) and push force (14.06%) at (p < .05). The results show that, compared to an ordinary entry technique, the lateral entry technique provides a 3.93%, 6.14%, and 8.29% reduction in time to reaching a 5 m, 10 m and 15 m distance (p ≤ .01), showing performance improvements at start times. The 8-week training on the lateral entry technique did not have a significant impact on the time performance of the ordinary entry technique (p > .050). The findings presented herein offer pertinent insights for elite-level athletes, coaches and future investigations aimed at enhancing swimming start techniques and performance.

Athlete Insights on Climate Change and Winter Sport: Impacts, Thresholds, Adaptations, and Implications for the Future

Relying directly on snow, ice, and cold temperatures, outdoor winter sports are already experiencing and responding to climate change. Through an online survey of elite-level athletes and coaches (n = 390), and semi-structured key stakeholder interviews (n = 8), this research investigates the climate thresholds and adaptations that enable world-class performance in safe and fair competitions. Ideal competition conditions include temperatures within −1 to −10 °C, on consistent snow surfaces. Over 95% of respondents stated climate change is or will negatively impact their sport, with current adaptations ranging from good (snowmaking) to poor (canceled training runs). Beyond competitions, athletes and coaches are concerned climate change will reduce training opportunities, negatively impacting next-generation athlete development and winter sport culture. The results yield important insight into athlete and coach perspectives on climate change impacts, thresholds, and adaptations that can inform future policy, planning, and management for winter sport organizations at all levels.

Jumping with control: the interplay between psychological constructs and run-up variability in elite jumpers.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between psychological aspects (emotional regulation, self-control, mood states, and perceived stress) and components of run-up variability in horizontal jumps and to conduct comparisons based on sex, events (long jump and triple jump), and contextual situations (training versus competition). A total of 10 elite-level athletes (five males and five females) with a mean age of 27.14 (±4.25) years were recruited for the study. All participants had competed nationally or internationally and had 13.10 (±3.48) years of athletic experience. Data were collected during competitions and training sessions for 5 weeks. The participants completed the Brunel Mood Scale, Emotional Regulation Questionnaire, Brief Self-Control Scale, and Visual Analogical Scale of Perceived Stress before each session. The components of run-up variability of successful and failed attempts were measured using video analysis. Data were analyzed using a t-test, Pearson's correlation, and Cohen's d. Athletes specializing in long jump and triple jump displayed similar psychological and run-up variability characteristics. However, females showed higher values for tension and depression, whereas males had higher run-up speeds and vigor. In competitions, athletes tended to have higher vigor, lower fatigue and confusion, an earlier beginning of the adjustment phase, fewer failed attempts, and higher run-up speed than during training. Emotional regulation is inversely related to depression in women during competitions, whereas higher self-control is associated with fewer failed jumps. Athletes competing in the long jump and the triple jump do not differ in psychological traits and run-up characteristics, which suggests that similar training strategies can be used in both events. However, different solutions should be used considering the sex of athletes, with a particular focus on utilizing emotion regulation tools to modulate depression in female jumpers. It is recommended to include training sessions that simulate competition demands, primarily to ensure the early onset of the run-up adjustment phase.

Correlation Analysis of Body Fat Percentage, Muscle Mass, and Bone Mass with Punch Speed in Kumite Karate Athletes

Objective. Anthropometry is recognized as a significant determinant of athletic performance. Despite extensive research on anthropometric factors in conventional sports, limited attention has been given to specific martial arts disciplines, notably in elite karate athletes. Hence, this investigation seeks to explore the correlation between muscle mass, body fat percentage, bone mass, and punch speed among karate athletes. Methods. A total 15 male elite-level karate athletes participated in thsi study. Body weight, body fat percentage, bone mass, and muscle mass were assessed utilizing the Xiaomi Scale 2, whereas punch speed was gauged employing the Hykso Punch Tracker. Results. There was a positive relationship with body fat percentage of 0.679, right speed had a positive relationship with body fat percentage of 0.609, and maximal speed had a negative relationship with body fat percentage of -0.692. While the muscle mass variable shows a correlation value with a left speed of -0.687, at the right speed of -0.616, and at a maximum speed of 0.701. In addition, the bone mass variable has a correlation value with left speed of -0.734, right speed of 0.592, and maximum speed of 0.805. Conclusion. A positive correlation between body fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone mass with punch speed among karate athletes. Athletes exhibiting lower muscle mass and higher body fat tended to demonstrate slower punching speeds. Consequently, the assessment of body fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone mass emerges as a valuable tool for informing the technical aspects of training, particularly in enhancing punch speed for karate practitioners. Keywords: Body Fat, Muscle Mass, Bone Mass, Punch, Karate

Exploration of the COVID-19 mental health implications in elite disabled athletes

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic influenced the way individuals conducted their lives, with consequences relating to mental health deterioration. Whilst researchers explored this outcome in the general population and athletic populations, less focus was on athletes with disabilities. The aim of this study was to investigate how the pandemic influenced the mental health of elite para-athletes in the United Kingdom. Nine elite-level athletes with disabilities participated in semi-structured interviews. Three broad themes were interpreted from the data using reflexive thematic analysis, two themes reflected the negative impact of COVID-19 on mental health and one theme reflected positive outcomes of the pandemic. Athletes explained that losing face-to-face interactions and delays in major sporting events were significant factors in their mental health decline. This population group reported different challenges to able-bodied communities. Differences included increased susceptibility to contract the virus, difficulties in communication where face masks and online interactions became necessary and perceptions of vulnerability relating to shielding protocols. Finally, positive outcomes related to the additional time to recover, to prepare for major events and time to reassess their values. Exploring experiences of a pandemic on this population group warrants further exploration to enhance the effectiveness of mental health support services in para-sporting organisations.

EXPLORING THE PERCEPTIONS AND UTILIZATION OF VIRTUAL REALITY IN TENNIS COACHING: INSIGHTS FROM HIGH-PERFORMANCE AUSTRALIAN COACHES

BACKGROUND Innovation plays a crucial role in elite sports, including tennis, where technological advancements have significantly impacted the competition environment (e.g.,Hawkeye), equipment (e.g., racquet development), and training (e.g., SwingVision). However, the progress made in enhancing mental resilience and skill acquisition practices in tennis has not kept pace with these other areas. Virtual reality (VR) training and its advancements have been consistently evolving over the past decade in commercial, research, and sport settings, including the realm of tennis. Despite the existence of VR tennis programs, the reasons for the technology not being integrated into training or tournament environments at the sub-elite and elite levels remain unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the opinions and knowledge of high-performance tennis coaches regarding VR. RESULTS The results revealed that 50% coaches had personal experience with VR, which 39% had experience with VR-tennis specifically. Limited technological capabilities of VR-tennis emerged as a consistent barrier for elite level athletes. Moreover, coaches highlighted limitations such as high costs and limited real-time manipulations, which further hinder the adoption of VR in tennis. CONCLUSIONS The viewpoints shared by coaches in this study can assist future VR companies in finding ways to access the elite tennis market, provide guidance to coaches interested in incorporating VR into their coaching methods, and foster the development of new practices for mental and motor skill learning through VR innovations.

Principles for optimizing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction outcomes in elite athletes: a review of current techniques.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are one of the most common sport-related injuries and occur in greater than 3% of athletes in a four-year window of sports participation. Non-contact injuries are the most common mechanism for ACL injury in elite-level athletes, especially with increased valgus and external rotation of the knee when loading eccentrically in flexion. Because of the immense toll these injuries and their recovery take on athletes especially, optimal treatment has been a subject of great interest for some time. Many ACL reconstruction (ACLR) and repair techniques have been implemented and improved in the last two decades, leading to many surgical options for this type of injury. The surgical approach to high-level athletes in particular requires additional attention that may not be necessary in the general population. Important considerations for optimizing ACL treatment in high-level athletes include choosing repair vs. reconstruction, surgical techniques, choice of auto- or allograft, and associated concomitant procedures including other injuries or reinforcing techniques as well as attention to rehabilitation. Here, we discuss a range of surgical techniques from repair to reconstruction, and compare and contrast various reconstructive and reinforcing techniques as well as associated surgical pearls and pitfalls. Good outcomes for athletes suffering from ACL injury are attainable with proper treatment including the principles discussed herein.

Ultrasound- and Doppler-Guided WALANT Arthroscopic Surgery for Patellar Tendinopathy with Partial Rupture in Elite Athletes-A 2-Year Follow-Up of a Prospective Case Series.

Background and Objectives: Patellar tendinopathy is difficult to treat, and when combined with partial rupture, there are additional challenges. The aim of this study was to evaluate the subjective outcome and return-to-sport status after ultrasound (US)- and colour doppler (CD)-guided wide awake local anaesthetic no tourniquet (WALANT) arthroscopic shaving in elite athletes. Material and Methods: Thirty Swedish and international elite athletes (27 males) with a long duration (>1 year) of persistent painful patellar tendinopathy in 35 patellar tendons, not responding to non-surgical treatment, were included. All patients were treated with the same protocol of arthroscopic shaving, including bone removal and debridement of partial rupture, followed by at least 3 months of structured rehabilitation. The VISA-P score and a study-specific questionnaire evaluating physical activity level and subjective satisfaction with the treatment were used for evaluation. Results: At the 2-year follow-up (mean 23, range 8-38 months), 25/30 patients (29/35 tendons) were satisfied with the treatment result and had returned to their pre-injury sport. The mean VISA-P score increased from 37 (range 7-69) before surgery to 80 (range 44-100) after surgery (p < 0.05). There was one drop-out (one tendon). There were no complications. Conclusions: US- and CD-guided WALANT arthroscopic shaving for persistent painful patellar tendinopathy, including bone removal and debridement of partial rupture, followed by structured rehabilitation showed good clinical results in the majority of the elite-level athletes.

The Analysis of the Effects of Interval Training Program on Aerobic and Anaerobic Performance in Slalom and Giant Slalom Athletes

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of interval training on the aerobic and anaerobic performance of elite-level athletes in slalom and giant slalom disciplines. The study consisted of thirteen male athletes in the alpine skiing discipline (slalom-giant slalom). The heights of the athletes were measured with a stadiometer with a precision of ±1mm (Holtain, UK). Weight measurements were conducted using a Tanita brand body composition analyzer (BC, 418 Tanita, Japan) with a precision of 100 grams. For aerobic power and capacity testing, a breath-by-breath measurement method was employed using the Cosmed K5 portable gas analysis system (Italy). The MaxVO2 protocol was performed on a cycle ergometer, and the anaerobic power and capacity test were conducted using the Wingate method. Aerobic/anaerobic power values of athletes were measured twice, before and after a 4-week interval training program. An Independent Samples T-Test was used to identify differences between pre-test and post-test values of athletes. Significant relationships were found between pre-test and post-test values of MaxVO2, peak power, average power, and power drop percentage for slalom and giant slalom athletes subjected to interval training (p0.05). In conclusion, interval training was observed to increase body muscle mass, reduce body fat percentage, and enhance aerobic and anaerobic capacity in slalom and giant slalom athletes. Including interval training in the content of athletes' training programs when creating annual training plans is considered to positively influence aerobic and anaerobic performance using the interval training method.

Imagery use gender differences across competition and training contexts in Australian elite level athletes

Abstract Objectives To identify which functions of imagery are most frequently used by elite athletes, whether imagery usage differs between training and competing contexts, if imagery use differs between genders, and whether any gender differences in imagery use interacts with training and competition contexts. Methods 62 elite male and female cricketers and Australian Football League players participants completed the Sports Imagery Questionnaire in both training and competition contexts. Results Motivational general-mastery imagery (MG-M) imagery was significantly the most frequently used imagery function, with male athletes reporting using imagery significantly more frequently than female athletes. Furthermore, a significant gender by context interaction demonstrated that the male athletes used imagery significantly more frequently before competing compared to before training, whilst conversely the female athletes used imagery significantly more frequently prior to training compared to competition. Conclusions Future research should further explore the potential benefits of imagery in female athletic populations by using imagery interventions that are sufficiently bespoke for the needs of female athletes.

Elit Düzeydeki Judocların Sağlık Algı Düzeylerinin İncelenmesi

Objective: Health perception includes individuals' physical, physiological and psychological characteristics. Health perception is extremely important for athletes' quality of life and sports performance, especially in elite level athletes, due to intense competition and training pace. The objective of this research was carried out to reveal the health perception levels of elite judokas. Materials and Methods: The research group's sample group consisted of 91 (35 Female, 56 Male) volunteer athletes who were actively licensed in the judo branch at the elite level. An online questionnaire form was applied as a data collection tool to question participants' demographic information and health perception levels. For data analysis, the SPSS package program was utilized, and significance was set at p

Before hitting the slopes: athlete and staff perspectives on warm-up and activation in high-performance snowsports

To explore warm-up and activation (W&A) practices in high-performance snowsports to describe their importance, application and potential improvements based on the perspectives of elite-level athletes and staff members. Qualitative study...

The Relationships Between Emotional Reactivity and Psychological Adaptation Skills: A Study on Elite Level Athletes

In this study, it is aimed to examine the relationship between emotional reactivity, depression, anxiety and stress in elite athletes, considering that psychological qualities such as emotional reactivity and anxiety observed in athletes due to the heavy preparation conditions inherent in sports and the recent breaks in sports may increase the risk of psycho-social disorders. In this descriptive study, the relational survey model was used. The study group of the research consisted of a total of 209 elite level athletes, 59 women and 150 men, in different branches. As a data collection tool; “Emotional Responsiveness Scale” and “Turkish Short Form of Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (Dass 21)” were used. As a result of the study, there were significant differences between the emotional reactivity and depression, anxiety, and stress levels of the athletes involved in team sports compared to the athletes involved in individual sports, according to the sports branch. However, it has been determined that there is a positive and highly significant relationship between the emotional reactivity of the athletes and their depression, anxiety, and stress levels. As a result, considering the strong relationship between emotional reactivity and psychological adjustment skills, it is important to take protective measures in both social and professional lives of athletes for this concept, as an increase in the level of emotional reactivity may have positive relations with some psychological adjustment skills.Keywords: Anxiety, Depression, Elite Athlete, Emotional Reactivity, Stress

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characteristics of a Lateral Ligament Injury in Acute Ankle Sprains Among Athletes

Background: It is important to identify the location and pattern of lateral ligament injuries that are related to the development and prognosis of chronic ankle instability in athletes with ankle sprains. Purpose: To describe the location and pattern of lateral ligament injuries on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in elite-level or amateur athletes with acute ankle sprains and to further assess the risk of associated concomitant injuries. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) of 110 athletes with an ankle lateral ligament injury (mean age, 24.7 years) were evaluated. MRI scans were evaluated for the location and pattern of ATFL and CFL tears such as sleeve avulsions as well as concomitant deltoid ligament injuries, bone contusions, and osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs). Results: On MRI, 52 (47.3%) athletes had an isolated ATFL tear, 56 (50.9%) athletes had both ATFL and CFL tears, and 2 (1.8%) athletes had an isolated CFL tear. ATFL injuries occurred at the fibula, midsubstance, and talus in approximately equal numbers, whereas the majority of CFL injuries occurred at the calcaneal insertion. Concomitant deltoid ligament injuries were identified in 18 (16.4%) athletes. In addition, concomitant bone contusions and OLTs were identified in 38 (34.5%) and 6 (5.5%) athletes, respectively. Using linear-by-linear analysis, CFL injuries correlated with concomitant deltoid ligament and bone injuries ( P = .023 and P = .001, respectively) and a sleeve injury pattern ( P = .005). Conclusion: After an acute ankle ligament rupture, almost all athletes involved in this study had injured their ATFL, and approximately 50% had a concomitant injury to the CFL. The rate of sleeve-type CFL injuries at the calcaneal insertion was high, and concomitant deltoid ligament injuries and OLTs were associated with this pattern of injury.

Mental health correlates of athletic shame and guilt among elite-level youth athletes in Turkey

ObjectivesThis study evaluated the mental health correlates of athletic shame and guilt among elite-level youth athletes and provided psychometric data on the Turkish version of the Athletic Perceptions of Performance Scale. DesignCross-sectional. MethodsAn online survey was sent to 645 Turkish elite-level youth athletes incorporating standardized scales assessing athletic shame, guilt, and symptoms of high prevalence mental disorders. A subset of participants (n = 45) provided test–retest data at 30 days. ResultsA total of 301 elite youth athletes participated (M = 16.42 ± 0.49 years; 48.7 % response rate) equally representing team and individual sports. Confirmatory factor analysis validated the Turkish version of the Athletic Perceptions of Performance Scale and test–retest data supported temporal stability. Female athletes (compared to male athletes) and athletes participating in an individual sport (compared to participating in a team sport) reported higher athletic shame-proneness scores (p < 0.01 and p = 0.04; respectively). The Turkish version of the Athletic Perceptions of Performance Scale shame-proneness and no-concern scores were associated with athlete-specific stress, anxiety, and depression scores. The Turkish version of the Athletic Perceptions of Performance Scale guilt-proneness was associated with athlete-specific stress and anxiety scores. ConclusionsFindings provide cross-cultural validation of the Athletic Perceptions of Performance Scale assessing athletic shame and guilt, demonstrating that female athletes and athletes participating in an individual sport were more likely to experience athletic shame-proneness. Results suggest that athletes experiencing shame-proneness and performance concerns may benefit from supportive coaching and/or mental health supports.

ACUTE EFFECT OF ANAEROBIC EXERCISE ON CORTISOL, GROWTH AND TESTERONE HORMONE LEVELS

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of anaerobic exercise on cortisol, growth, and testosterone hormones in elite level athletes according to gender. Materials and Methods: A total of 16 elite athletes, 8 females and 8 males, aged between 18 and 23 years and actively engaged in sports, participated in the study. Measurements of height, weight, blood and hormone levels were taken before and after exercise. The data obtained were evaluated using SPSS 23 software, and the Wilcoxon test and Mann Whitney U test were used to test the significance of the difference between two independent groups. Results: When the levels of cortisol, growth, and testosterone hormones were examined before and after anaerobic exercise in male athletes, it was found that growth (z=-2.10, p=0.03) and testosterone (z=-2.52, p=0.012) hormone levels increased after anaerobic exercise, and the difference was statistically significant. No statistically significant difference was found in cortisol hormone (P&gt;0.05). In female athletes, when cortisol, growth, and testosterone hormone levels were examined before and after anaerobic exercise, it was found that cortisol (z=-2.24, p=0.02) hormone levels increased after anaerobic exercise, and the difference was statistically significant. No statistically significant difference was found in growth and testosterone hormones (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: It is thought that sports scientists can contribute to sports science by researching the effects of exercise on hormone secretion more comprehensively with different age, gender, branch, and different training methods.

Effects of COVID-19 Sport Suspension on Injury Rates in Elite Athletes: A Critically Appraised Topic

Clinical Scenario: With the enforcement of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, sports teams worldwide were required to make drastic adjustments to their training regimen. This prolonged sport suspension resulted in a significant decrease in off-season and preseason training periods. Clinical Question: Are professional athletes who experienced a sport suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic at a higher risk of injury once they return to competition compared with pre-COVID-19 seasons? Summary of Key Findings: The literature was searched for articles examining the effects of COVID-19 sport suspension on athletic injury rates in elite athletes. A total of 240 articles were retrieved, and after exclusion criteria and removal of duplicates, four retrospective cohort studies remained. An increase in injury rates across studies after their sport suspension compared with pre-COVID-19 seasons was found. Clinical Bottom Line: The extended suspension from physical activity increased the risk of injury as players returned to sport training post-COVID-19 restrictions. While these studies demonstrated the effects on elite-level athletes, prolonged sport suspension may impact different patient populations. Strength of Recommendation: Based on the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy Scale, this critically appraised topic received a B grade for consistent but limited-quality patient-oriented evidence, with a low number of articles included.