Female Athletes Research Articles

The influence of physiological and functional characteristics of the body of girls aged 17-18 years on playing sports

Achieving competitive results in women’s sports for athletes aged 17-18 requires structuring training processes around their physiological characteristics. This article analyzes recent scientific data on the impact of sexual dimorphism in girls aged 17-18 on sports participation and training. Relevant scientific works from the past five years were collected and analyzed. At this age, girls undergo the final stage of sexual maturation. The effectiveness of sports activities varies individually, influenced by the ovarian-menstrual cycle, hormonal background, and symptoms in each cycle phase. Physical activity declines during the menstrual, ovulatory, and premenstrual phases, while postmenstrual and postovulatory phases are more favorable for sports participation. Performance indicators depend on sexual dimorphism: female athletes show unique features in central nervous system activity, high psycho-emotional excitability, and earlier development of somatic and physical qualities compared to males. The skeletal structure in 17-18-year-old female athletes is smaller and shorter, with a wider pelvis and more developed shoulder girdle. These findings can be used by sports schools, rehabilitation specialists, coaches, and sports physicians to adapt and structure training processes, taking into account the physiological characteristics of 17-18-year-old female athletes, aiming for highly competitive results. Keywords: Sexual Dimorphism, Hormonal Changes, Women’s Sports, Physical Culture, Sports Performance.

Sport and longevity: an observational study of international athletes.

The human lifespan is influenced by various factors, with physical activity being a significant contributor. Despite the clear benefit of exercise on health and longevity, the association between different types of sports and lifespan is yet to be considered. Accordingly, we aimed to study this association in a large international cohort of former athletes using a robust linear regression model. We collected data on athletes from public sources, accumulating a total of 95,210 observations, 95.5% of which were accounted for by males. The dataset represented athletes born between 1862 and 2002 from 183 countries across 44 sports disciplines. We calculated the change in lifespan by measuring the difference in age between athletes and the corresponding reference populations, while accounting for variations caused by sex, year of death, and country. The results revealed that various sports impacted lifespan differently, with male athletes being more likely to experience benefits from sports than female athletes. Among male athletes, pole vaulting and gymnastics were linked to the highest extension in lifespan (8.4years, 95% CI [6.8, 9.9] and 8.2years, 95% CI [7.4, 9], respectively), while volleyball and sumo wrestling were the most negatively associated with lifespan (- 5.4years, 95% CI [- 7, - 3.8]; - 9.8years, 95% CI [- 11, - 8.6], respectively). The association between lifespan and popular team sports in males was positive for cricket, rowing, baseball, water polo, Australian rules, hurling, lacrosse, field hockey, minimal for rugby, canoeing and kayaking, basketball, gridiron football, and football (soccer), and negative for handball and volleyball. Racquet sports (i.e., tennis and badminton) exhibited a consistent and positive association in both male and female athletes, as shown by an extended lifespan of up to 5.7years in males (95% CI [5, 6.5]) and 2.8years in females (95% CI [1.8, 3.9]). Although lacking conclusive evidence, we theorize that the observed results may be attributed to the aerobic and anaerobic characteristics of each sport, with mixed sports yielding the maximum benefits for the lifespan. While results from female athletes should be cautiously interpreted, our study highlights the complex interplay between sports and lifespan and contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the multifaceted relationship between physical activity and human longevity.

Baseline Symptoms and Neurocognitive Performance Across Collision, Contact, and Non-Contact Female High School Athletes.

Our purpose was to represent a rare cohort of female collision sport athletes and investigate the association between sport type (collision, contact, non-contact), symptoms, and performance on baseline neurocognitive assessments. We conducted a cross-sectional study using baseline computerized neurocognitive scores (ImPACT) of 75,128 female high school student-athletes (age: 15.27 ± 1.05 years) playing multiple sports. The dependent variables were verbal memory, visual memory, visual motor speed, reaction time, and total symptom score. The independent variable was sport type, categorized as collision, contact, non-contact, adjusted for the effect of the following co-variables: age, concussion history, and comorbidities (learning disability, ADHD, psychiatric condition, headaches, migraines, speech therapy, special education, and repeating one of more years of school) using multivariable regression models. Female collision sport athletes reported significantly higher symptoms (9.81 ± 12.63) at baseline compared to contact (5.78 ± 9.25) or non-contact (6.39 ± 9.74) sport athletes (p < 0.001). Using non-contact sports as a reference, there was no significant association between collision sport participation and cognitive composite scores (verbal memory: β = -0.57, 95% confidence interval: -1.80, 0.66, p = 0.38; visual memory: β = -0.83, 95% confidence interval: -2.46, 0.79, p = 0.31; visual motor speed: β = -0.21, 95% confidence interval: -1.01, 0.59, p = 0.61; reaction time: β = 0.01, 95% confidence interval: -0.01, 0.02, p = 0.29). Participation in collision sports appears to be associated with baseline symptoms but not neurocognitive functioning among female adolescent athletes.

Health problems among women in sports: The Female Athlete Triad

Introduction:Over the years the participation of women in sports and physical activities has significantly increased. The rise in the number of female athletes has brought to attention the health issues specific to this population. The Female Athlete Triad is a syndrome in which the affected woman presents the combination of three intertwined conditions such as (1) low energy availability, (2) menstrual dysfunction, and (3) low bone mineral density. The crucial factor in the pathophysiology is energy imbalance, which leads to impairment of the reproductive and skeletal system, eventually having a very harmful effect on the whole organism and leading to appalling short-term and long-term consequences. It affects women of all ages and from every sports discipline, but most at risk are those in adolescence involved in sports that prioritize leanness and endurance. Purpose:The objective of this article is to review the current state of knowledge about the Female Athlete Triad, spreading awareness of this syndrome, which is still very low in society, and highlighting the importance of early identification and multidisciplinary treatment to prevent serious complications. Materials and methods: The review was based on a comprehensive analysis of the available literature sourced from PubMed, Google Scholar, and other scientific articles, which was searched by using listed keywords and analysed for topic relevance and knowledge currency.

Hair cortisol is a physiological indicator of training stress for female footballers.

Chronic physical stress in female athletes can reduce mental health and athletic performance. Therefore, a chronic physical stress assessment method is required. This study examined whether hair cortisol concentration (HCC) predicted chronic physical stress changes in female university football players. We took measurements in August and December, just before the Japan college national tournament. Self-reported training load was significantly positively correlated with HCC. Self-reported training load had no significant relationship with fatigue as measured by the Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition or with the stressors from the Stressor Scale for College Students. HCC was negatively correlated with reaction time in the spatial Stroop task, although the repeated correlation analysis showed no significant relationship. These results suggest that the chronic physical stress experienced by female footballers cannot be predicted by psychological indicators; however, they can be predicted by HCC, which could be used to prevent overtraining in these athletes.

Sex Differences in Mental Health Symptoms in Elite Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Mental health is a growing area of concern for elite athletes. To determine the sex differences in mental health symptoms in elite athletes. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were used. Included studies included comparisons of mental health symptoms of athletes by sex. Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Level 2a. The rate ratio (RR) was calculated as the rates in female and male athletes. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Of 1945 articles identified, 60 articles were included. Male athletes reported higher alcohol misuse (RR, 0.74; CI, 0.68-0.80), illicit drug abuse (RR, 0.82; CI, 0.75-0.89), and gambling problems (RR, 0.14; CI, 0.08-0.25). Female athletes reported higher overall anxiety (RR, 1.17; CI, 1.08-1.27), depression (RR, 1.42; CI, 1.31-1.54), distress (RR, 1.98; CI, 1.40-2.81), and disordered eating (RR, 2.19; CI, 1.58-3.02). Sleep disturbances were reported at similar rates in male and female athletes (RR, 1.13; CI, 0.98-1.30). Female and male athletes have significant differences in reported mental health symptoms. Female athletes are more likely to report anxiety, depression, distress, and disordered eating, while male athletes report more alcohol misuse, illicit drug abuse, and gambling. Monitoring and evaluation of mental health is a necessary part of any sport, including access to resources. Longitudinal studies following athletes over time to determine the development and causation for mental health symptoms should be included in future research directions.

Contributions in determining the level of manifestation of strength and specific mobility of female acro-dance athletes aged 12-14 years

Contributions in determining the level of manifestation of strength and specific mobility of female acro-dance athletes aged 12-14 years

Cross-sectional size, shape, and estimated strength of the tibia, fibula and second metatarsal in female collegiate-level cross-country runners and soccer players

Bone stress injuries (BSIs) frequently occur in the leg and foot long bones of female distance runners. A potential means of preventing BSIs is to participate in multidirectional sports when younger to build a more robust skeleton. The current cross-sectional study compared differences in tibia, fibula, and second metatarsal diaphysis size, shape, and strength between female collegiate-level athletes specialized in cross-country running (RUN, n = 16) and soccer (SOC, n = 16). Assessments were performed using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography and outcomes corrected for measures at the radius diaphysis to control for selection bias and systemic differences between groups. The tibia in SOC had a 7.5 % larger total area than RUN, with a 29.4 % greater minimum second moment of area (IMIN) and 8.2 % greater estimated failure load (all p ≤ 0.02). Tibial values in SOC exceeded reference data indicating positive adaptation. In contrast, values in RUN were similar to reference data suggesting running induced limited tibial adaptation. RUN did have a larger ratio between their maximum second moment of area (IMAX) and IMIN than both SOC and reference values. This suggests the unidirectional loading associated with running altered tibial shape with material distributed more in the anteroposterior (IMAX) direction as opposed to the mediolateral (IMIN) direction. Comparatively, SOC had a similar IMAX/IMIN ratio to reference data suggesting the larger tibia in SOC resulted from multiplane adaptation. In addition to enhanced size and strength of their tibia, SOC had enhanced structure and strength of their fibula and second metatarsal. At both sites, polar moment of inertia was approximately 25 % larger in SOC compared to RUN (all p = 0.03). These data support calls for young female athletes to delay specialization in running and participate in multidirectional sports, like soccer, to build a more robust skeleton that is potentially more protected against BSIs.

Characteristics of Vitamin D Concentration in Elite Israeli Olympic Athletes.

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has been a growing concern in recent years. Vitamin D is important in many of the body's physiological systems, such as the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and immune functions. A deficiency of vitamin D in athletes may negatively impact both muscle functions and recovery and, thus, affect performance and increase the risk of injury. Many studies assessed the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in athletes; however, as of today, there are no official recommendations/protocols for screening vitamin D levels in athletes, and only a few studies were performed in male and female elite athletes (i.e., Olympic level), in different sport disciplines. We investigated the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among athletes entering the Israeli Olympic team. A total of 761 samples of Vitamin D(OH)25 from 334 athletes were analyzed. For this analysis, we used the first test the athlete had performed when joining the Olympic team. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/L, as defined by the Endocrine Society Committee) was investigated according to gender, types of sports and outdoor vs. indoor sports through the different seasons of the Israeli Olympic team athletes. Twenty-five athletes (7.5%) were diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency. One hundred and thirty-one athletes (39.2%) had insufficient levels of vitamin D (50-75 nmol/L). The highest incidence of vitamin D deficiency was found amongst gymnastics and combat sport athletes. A significant difference was also found in vitamin D concentration between seasons. Vitamin D average concentration in the winter was 74.1 nmol/L compared to 86.4 nmol/L in the Summer (p < 0.0005). Due to the importance of vitamin D to athletic performance and the high prevalence of deficiency and insufficiency, we suggest careful and frequent monitoring of groups at risk, including elite athletes, especially in susceptible sports and during the winter. Future studies are necessary to investigate the effectiveness of Vitamin D supplementation in athletes with low baseline vitamin D levels.

How can we better engage female athletes? A novel approach to health and performance education in adolescent athletes

ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of a video series versus online pamphlets/blog posts on Female Athlete Triad (Triad) and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) knowledge in high school female runners.MethodsRunners...

Analysis of the Characteristics of Patients Visiting the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Polyclinic.

To evaluate the characteristics of patients who visited the Polyclinic during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and analyze geographical and economic correlations with the number of clinic visits. Cross-sectional study. Polyclinic during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Patients who visited the Polyclinic. Data from the electronic medical record system of the Polyclinic were extracted. The number of visits for each athlete or team official was calculated by country. Relationship between number of visits per patient and total number of team members, total health expenditure per capita, density of medical doctors, life expectancy at birth, and education expenditure per gross domestic product (GDP) were investigated. Independent variables related to medal tables were also investigated. The average number of visits per athlete was 0.67, and it was higher in athletes from non-high-income countries compared with high-income countries for both male and female athletes. Number of visits per athlete was higher in countries with low life expectancy at birth (95% CI, -0.16 to -0.02, P = 0.012) and education expenditure per GDP (95% CI, -0.17 to -0.04, P = 0.003). During the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the number of visits to the Polyclinic per athlete was higher in countries with low life expectancy at birth and education expenditure per GDP.

How to Compare Relative Age Effect in Different Sports? A New Methodological Approach-Example of Youth Olympic Games.

This research aimed to propose a new methodological approach for analyzing relative age effect (RAE) in different sports or samples named "Relative age effect overall scale" (RAEOS). The sample consisted of 1455 male and female young athletes who competed in four different sports (basketball, n = 159; handball, n = 215; swimming, n = 981; taekwondo, n = 100) at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Buenos Aires in 2018. To construct the new model, the sample was classified into four unified quartiles of a specific range depending on the sport (swimming: 48-month range, taekwondo: 24-month range, and basketball and handball: 36-month range). Expected and observed frequencies for each sport, the winners/all athletes, and differences between team and individual sports were analyzed using a non-parametric Chi-square test. The obtained results confirm the existence of the RAE in all four analyzed sports (p > 0.01) in a sample of all participants and the sample of gold medalists. Differences between team and individual sports in the analyzed sample have also been found. The proposed methodological approach (RAEOS) is a simple and applicable tool that provides opportunities for comparison and analysis of different sports and competition formats, as well as improvement of the sports talent system in the context of RAE issues. It is suggested to the sports decision-makers to improve the YOG qualification and competition system to enable fairer competition and reduce the influence of RAE on the performance and development of young athletes.

Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Sleep and Physical Fitness among Young Female Handball Players.

This study examines the potential impact of Ramadan fasting on sleep patterns and physical fitness in under 14 (U14) and under 17 (U17) female handball players. For this study, sixty-five female handball players' (U14, n = 33 and U17, n = 32) sleep habits were assessed before (BR) and during the first (R1) and last weeks (R4) of Ramadan using: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Physical ability tests including balance and jumps were conducted throughout these periods.; Results: During Ramadan, both groups noted significant increases in PSQI and ISI scores during R1 (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) and R4 (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively) compared to before Ramadan (BR). For the U14 group, a significant increase occurred in ESS scores during R1 (p < 0.01) and R4 (p < 0.05), whereas for the U17 group, this increase was limited over the R1 period (p < 0.05). In contrast, for all physical ability parameters, both groups showed no significant difference during R1 and R4; Conclusions: During adolescence, Ramadan fasting may alter sleep patterns in young female athletes but appears to have no effect on their performance in short-duration exercises.

Football-Generated Rent Sharing and Expenditures on Women’s Intercollegiate Athletics

Recent research contains evidence of rent sharing in intercollegiate athletic programs from revenues generated by football and men’s basketball and regulations restricting compensation to athletes. Title IX mandates equal opportunities for male and female college athletes, clearly impacting athletic department budgets. These factors create a rich environment for analyzing athletic spending decisions. We analyze spending on women’s sports for about 120 NCAA public FBS athletic departments. Results from instrumental variables models that account for the endogeneity of the rent proxy variable, head football coach salary, indicate the presence of rent sharing from football-generated rents to spending on women’s sports.

Evaluation of the Physical Condition of NTB Pelatda Athletes for the Kabaddi Sport Branch Towards Pon XXI Aceh North Sumatra in 2024

Physical condition is a prerequisite that an athlete must have in order to improve and develop optimal sporting performance. One of them is the NTB Kabaddi athlete who will compete in the XXI Aceh-North Sumatra PON event in 2024. The problem in this research is what the physical condition of the NTB regional athletes in the Kabaddi sport will be in the 2024 Aceh-North Sumatra PON XXI. The aim is to determine their physical condition. NTB regional athlete in the Kabaddi sport for PON XXI Aceh-North Sumatra in 2024. Physical condition includes Agility, Endurance and Leg Muscle Strength. This research is a quantitative descriptive study carried out by total sampling on NTB Pelatda Kabaddi athletes, totaling 12 male athletes and 12 female athletes. In the agility test (Illinois Agility Run Test), the average for male athletes was 17.17 in the Fair category, while the female athletes showed an average of 19.14 in the Fair category. The endurance test (MFT or Beep Test) shows that the average endurance test for male athletes is 43.9 in the Poor category, while female athletes have an average of 34.8 in the Poor category. And the leg muscle strength test (Leg Dynamometer) shows that the average score for the leg muscle strength test for male athletes is 229 in the Good category, for female athletes it is 177 in the Good category. From these results, when compared with the previous test, from the results of this evaluation there are still components of physical condition that do not meet the expected criteria, but these results can be used as a benchmark and motivation for athletes to prepare their physical condition better in the future.

Sprinting to the top: comparing quality of distance variety and specialization between swimmers and runners.

To compare performance progression and variety in race distances of comparable lengths (timewise) between pool swimming and track running. Quality of within-sport variety was determined as the performance differences between individual athletes' main and secondary race distances across (top-) elite and (highly-) trained swimmers and runners. A total of 3,827,947 race times were used to calculate performance points (race times relative to the world record) for freestyle swimmers (n = 12,588 males and n = 7,561 females) and track runners (n = 9,230 males and n = 5,841 females). Athletes were ranked based on their personal best at peak performance age, then annual best times were retrospectively traced throughout adolescence. Performance of world-class swimmers differentiates at an earlier age from their lower ranked peers (15-16 vs. 17-20 year age categories, P < 0.05), but also plateaus earlier towards senior age compared to runners (19-20 vs. 23 + year age category, P < 0.05), respectively. Performance development of swimmers shows a logarithmic pattern, while runners develop linearly. While swimmers compete in more secondary race distances (larger within-sport variety), runners specialize in either sprint, middle- or long-distance early in their career and compete in only 2, 4 or 3 other race distances, respectively. In both sports, sprinters specialize the most (P < 0.05). Distance-variety of middle-distance swimmers covers more longer rather than sprint race distances. Therefore, at peak performance age, (top-) elite female 200 m swimmers show significantly slower sprint performances, i.e., 50 m (P < 0.001) and 100 m (P < 0.001), but not long-distance performances, i.e., 800 m (P = 0.99) and 1,500 m (P = 0.99). In contrast, (top-) elite female 800 m middle-distance runners show significantly slower performances in all their secondary race distances (P < 0.001). (Top-) elite female athletes specialize more than (highly-) trained athletes in both sports (P < 0.05). The comparison to track running and lower ranked swimmers, the early performance plateau towards senior age, and the maintenance of a large within-sport distance variety indicates that (top-) elite sprint swimmers benefit from greater within-sport specialization.

Myocardial Fibrosis in Young and Veteran Athletes: Evidence from a Systematic Review of the Current Literature.

Background: Exercise is associated with several cardiac adaptations that can enhance one's cardiac output and allow one to sustain a higher level of oxygen demand for prolonged periods. However, adverse cardiac remodelling, such as myocardial fibrosis, has been identified in athletes engaging in long-term endurance exercise. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is considered the noninvasive gold standard for its detection and quantification. This review seeks to highlight factors that contribute to the development of myocardial fibrosis in athletes and provide insights into the assessment and interpretation of myocardial fibrosis in athletes. Methods: A literature search was performed using the PubMed/Medline database and Google Scholar for publications that assessed myocardial fibrosis in athletes using CMR. Results: A total of 21 studies involving 1642 endurance athletes were included in the analysis, and myocardial fibrosis was found in 378 of 1595 athletes. A higher prevalence was seen in athletes with cardiac remodelling compared to control subjects (23.7 vs. 3.3%, p < 0.001). Similarly, we found that young endurance athletes had a significantly higher prevalence than veteran athletes (27.7 vs. 19.9%, p < 0.001), while male and female athletes were similar (19.7 vs. 16.4%, p = 0.207). Major myocardial fibrosis (nonischaemic and ischaemic patterns) was predominately observed in veteran athletes, particularly in males and infrequently in young athletes. The right ventricular insertion point was the most common fibrosis location, occurring in the majority of female (96%) and young athletes (84%). Myocardial native T1 values were significantly lower in athletes at 1.5 T (p < 0.001) and 3 T (p = 0.004), although they had similar extracellular volume values to those of control groups. Conclusions: The development of myocardial fibrosis in athletes appears to be a multifactorial process, with genetics, hormones, the exercise dose, and an adverse cardiovascular risk profile playing key roles. Major myocardial fibrosis is not a benign finding and warrants a comprehensive evaluation and follow-up regarding potential cardiac disease.

Abstract We147: The Utility of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) Amongst Male and Female athletes to Differentiate Between Physiological Left Ventricular Enlargement and Mildly Depressed Resting Systolic Function and Athletic Individuals with Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

Background: Athletes frequently reveal a dilated left ventricle (LV),some also demonstrate a co-existent mildly depressed LV ejection fraction, raising the possibility of mild dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The maximal oxygen consumption(VO2max) is a valuable tool for assessing fitness, largely determined by cardiac output. References ranges derived from the general population, may have limitations when assessing athletes with primary myocardial disease. This study investigated the role of VO2max and VO2max predicted (V02pred) to differentiate between physiological LV dilatation and athletic individuals with DCM in male and female athletes. Methods: 147 male and 35 female athletes with dilated LV(mean age 35.4years, 34.5 years respectively) underwent a 25watt cycle ergometer continuous ramp protocol. 75% males and 67% females participated in endurance sports, remaining participating in mixed sports. 52 had mild DCM, 62 defined as healthy control athletes(dilated LV) and 68 were Grey zone (dilated LV and mildly depressed LVEF) Results: DCM males (N=39) revealed a lower mean VO2max than male control (N=46), 34.9ml/kg/min and 48ml/kg/min respectively (p value &lt;0.001). DCM females(N=13) showed lower VO2max of 29.9ml/min/kg than female control (N=16) who revealed similar values to male controls (48 ml/kg/min)(p value &lt;0.001). 62 male Grey zones and 6 female Grey zone revealed lower VO2max than controls 43.1ml/min/kg and 34.1ml/min/kg respectively. DCM females had lower VO2pred than control females 119% and 161% respectively but significantly higher than their male counterparts, means of 106% and 123% respectively (p value &lt;0.001). Male and female grey zones had lower mean VO2pred than controls, 121% and 106% respectively. Higher VO2max of ≥38ml/kg/min and VO2pred of ≥120% gave a sensitivity, specificity of 84.7% and 77%respectively to differentiate healthy athletes and athletic DCMs in males and females. Only41.1% Grey zone athletes were able to achieve above these thresholds. Conclusion: Female athletes with dilated LV may reveal supranormal VO2max which can equal their male counterparts. Furthermore, athletic females with physiological or pathological LV dilatation can reveal higher VO2pred than male athletes. Most athletic DCM individuals show lower CPET parameters than controls athletes but can still achieve greater than normal measurements seen in healthy general population. VO2 may have a role in assisting in differentiating healthy athletes from athletic DCM.

Assessing the Incidence of Head Trauma in Australian Mixed Martial Arts: A Retrospective Analysis of Fight Outcomes.

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is experiencing a surge in popularity in Australia. Previous research has suggested knockout (KO) and technical knockout (TKO) are frequent outcomes during competition, raising concern about the brain health of athletes. This study aims to describe fight outcomes in Australian MMA and to explore differences in fight-ending outcomes between male and female athletes, amateur and professional competition, and different weight classes. There is no difference in the incidence of KO/TKO between level of competition, sex, and weight class. Descriptive epidemiology study. Level 3. Retrospective analysis of 143 Australian MMA events from 2020 to 2023 was conducted using video replay to assess fight outcomes between sex and level of competition. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine relationships between weight class and KO/TKO fight outcomes. Male competition (34%) had a significantly greater number of KO/TKO secondary to head strikes fight outcomes compared with female competition (23%) (P = 0.01). The KO/TKO rate secondary to head strikes for amateur and professional male competition was 16.6 and 18.7 per 100 athlete-exposures (AEs), respectively. The amateur and professional female rate was 12.6 and 7.4 per 100 AEs, respectively. Amateur male light heavyweight and heavyweight, and professional male heavyweight were at greater odds of a KO or TKO compared with other weight classes in their equivalent level of competition. There is a sex and professional level disparity in the incidence of fight-ending head trauma in Australian MMA. The study findings highlight the urgent need for targeted safety protocols and medical oversight, particularly for men in heavier weight classes. This study highlights the need for enhanced safety protocols and medical oversight in Australian MMA, particularly for male athletes in heavier weight divisions.

Impact Of Medicine Ball Training On Physical Fitness, Body Composition, And Batting Performance In Female Cricketers

Background: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact of medicine ball training on body composition, physical fitness and batting performance of female cricketers in Bahawalpur City. Physical fitness and skill performance is crucial for cricketers, as it directly affects their gameplay. Medicine ball training, known for improving strength and power was utilized to explore its effects on the athletic performance of batswomen. Methodology: The study sample comprised 20 female cricketers (n=20) who were subjected to an 8-week medicine ball training program, conducted from Monday to Friday each week. Data collection tools included a stadiometer, weight machine, large and small sliding calipers, measuring tape, skinfold caliper, [1]dynamometer, sit and reach box, cricket ball, video camera and radar gun. Baseline data were recorded before the commencement of the training. Standardized tools and SPSS were used for data collection and analysis, with statistical significance set at p&lt;0.05. Results: The results indicated a significant positive effect of medicine ball training on the physical fitness of the participants. Notable improvements were observed in speed, power, flexibility, and agility. The training significantly enhanced the participants’ ability to perform cricket-specific batting techniques, demonstrating improved execution of shots like the half volley lofted shot, pull shot and cover drive. Conclusion: Medicine ball training effectively enhanced both physical fitness and batting performance in female cricketers. The training regimen’s focus on core strength and explosive movements translates directly into on-field performance. Coaches and trainers should consider incorporating such exercises into cricket training programs for female athletes to optimize performance.