Female Elite Research Articles

Influence of peak exercise-induced blood pressure on basal to apical myocardial wall thickness in elite athletes: a sex-specific CMR study

Abstract Background Understanding the sex-specific physiological remodelling response of the myocardial walls to peak exercise-induced blood pressure (SBPpeak) is essential for distinguishing healthy adaptation from pathological remodelling in athletes. Purpose We investigated how SBPpeak relates to myocardial wall thickness measured using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in elite athletes. Methods Cross-sectional analysis of healthy elite athletes included in the ELITE study who underwent both cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and CMR. Imaging software’s built-in AI option determined average end-diastolic wall thicknesses of all sixteen AHA-defined segments on short-axis cine images with four-chamber long-axis reference. Our primary metrics of interest were Spearman's correlations between SBPpeak and left ventricular mass indexed to body surface area (LVM/BSA), as well as average wall thickness across the sixteen myocardial segments, stratified by sex and endurance/non-endurance sports status. Secondary analyses involved regression models to evaluate the influence of SBPpeak on myocardial wall thickness, adjusting for sex, body size, CPET variables and sport type. Results In 75 athletes (median age: 24; 71% female; 61% engaged in endurance sports), CPET and CMR were performed within a median interval of 5 months [interquartile range: 1-13 months]. SBPpeak was similar in female and male athletes (170 [160-180] vs. 174 [169-184] mmHg, p=0.121, respectively) and in endurance and non-endurance athletes (both 170 [160-180] mmHg, p=0.625). Female elite athletes showed weak to moderate positive correlations between SBPpeak and the majority of basal and mid-ventricular AHA segments (rho = 0.27 – 0.48, Figure). This was most pronounced in the mid-ventricular anterolateral segment (AHA06: rho = 0.48, p<0.001). LVM/BSA in females was positively correlated with SBPpeak (rho = 0.31, p=0.025). Male elite athletes demonstrated greater absolute wall thickness across all AHA segments compared to females, however, there was a moderate correlation with SBPpeak exclusive to the basal anterior segment (AHA01: rho = 0.48, p=0.028). Backward stepwise multivariate regression analyses (Table) revealed SBPpeak as an independent predictor of the thickness of all basal AHA segments except for the basal inferoseptal segment (AHA03), and the mid-anterior and anterolateral segments. Associationswere maintained after adjustment for maximum wattage, body surface area, and sex, with type of sports consistently excluded from the models. Conclusion In the extreme phenotypes of elite athletes, SBPpeak correlates especially with basal myocardial thickness, independent of sex, BSA and maximum work rate influences. We found stronger associations between SBPpeak and myocardial adaptation in female athletes. These findings suggest a paramount role of exercise-induced blood pressure on basal myocardial remodelling surpassing the effect of sports type.Figure:segmental polar plot (heat map)Table:GAM regression models

Run-up velocity and jumping ground reaction force of Chinese female gymnasts

The run-up velocity and jumping ground reaction force directly influence gymnasts’ ability to perform more difficult manoeuvres and win competitions on vault. However, the variables influencing them among elite female gymnasts remain inadequately understood and warrant detailed investigation. This study aimed to analyse critical variables including run-up velocity and jumping ground reaction force, and to compare these factors across different vault types while further exploring the correlations among them. The study hypothesized that there are significant differences in run-up velocity and jumping ground reaction force across vaulting types, and that these differences will affect athletes’ performance. To test this hypothesis, the study analyzed data from performance tests on 16 elite Chinese female gymnasts, focusing on vaulting run-up velocity and jumping ground reaction force. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and binary logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate the relationships between the variables. The study found significant differences in interval run-up velocities between the Front handspring vaults and the Tsukahara vaults, particularly before the last 10 m (p = 0.04) and the last 5 m (p = 0.03). Specifically, the Front handspring vaults had higher velocities before the last 10 m, while the Tsukahara vaults had higher velocities within the last 5 m. Differences were also noted in the lengths of the penultimate (p = 0.03), last (p = 0.01), and hurdle steps (p = 0.04). The jumping ground reaction force showed a strong negative correlation with run-up velocity before the last 10 m (ρ = -0.469, p < 0.01) and the last 5 m (ρ = − 0.604, p < 0.01). However, no significant associations were found with the 25 m run-up velocity (p = 0.346). Significant differences were observed in the hip joint angle (p = 0.001) and the trunk-to-ground angle (p = 0.001), but not in the landing angle (p = 0.435) and take-off angle (p = 0.594) during the take-off phase. These findings suggest that revising the run-up rhythm and improving pedaling techniques could contribute to the successful performance of more difficult vaulting maneuvers for female elite gymnasts in China.

Relative age effect in male and female elite international amateur boxing.

This study aimed to determine whether the Relative Age Effect (RAE) was present in different sexes and age categories in 12 elite-level international amateur boxing competitions. A total of 4813 athletes competing between 2013 and 2022 were analysed. Athletes were split into four quartiles according to their birth date and compared to the expected (equal) birth date distribution using chi-squared goodness of fit. The results revealed greater RAE prevalence in youth compared to the senior group. RAE was more prominent in males compared to females, with the female group showing an inverse RAE trend. Odds ratio (OR) showed an overrepresentation of male boxers born in Q1 compared to Q4 (OR > 1.19-1.33), while senior female boxers presented an inverse trend (OR < 0.95). Odds Ratios for medallists within the youth group were greater than 1.07 (except Q3 × Q4 = 0.93) highlighting an overrepresentation of boxers born earlier in the year. A shift in strategy to reduce the RAE in young boxers whereby coaches focus less on the short-term pursuit of sporting success is encouraged. Organisations and coaches should increase awareness and provide systematic education around RAE, whilst creating equal competitive opportunities for all young boxers to reduce the extent of RAE in boxing.

Sportomics Analyses of the Exercise-Induced Impact on Amino Acid Metabolism and Acute-Phase Protein Kinetics in Female Olympic Athletes

Background: Exercise can be used as a model to understand immunometabolism. Biological data on elite athletes are limited, especially for female athletes, including relevant data on acute-phase proteins and amino acid metabolism. Methods: We analyzed acute-phase proteins and amino acids collected at South American, Pan-American, and Olympic Games for 16 Olympic sports. We compared female and male elite athletes (447 vs. 990 samples) across four states (fasting, pre-exercise, post-exercise, and resting) to understand sex-specific immunometabolic responses in elite athletes. Results: Considering all states and sports, we found that elite female athletes exhibited higher concentrations of C-reactive protein, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, myeloperoxidase, haptoglobin, and IGF1, with ratios ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 (p &lt; 0.001). Women exhibited lower concentrations of most amino acids, except for glutamate and alanine. Although almost 30% lower in women, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) showed a similar pattern in all states (ρ ≥ 0.9; p &lt; 0.001), while aromatic amino acids (AAAs) showed higher consumption during exercise in women. Conclusion: We established sex dimorphism in elite athletes’ metabolic and inflammatory responses during training and competition. Our data suggest that female athletes present a lower amino acid response towards central fatigue development than male athletes. Understanding these differences can lead to insights into sex-related immuno-metabolic responses in sports or other inflammatory conditions.

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

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

Metabolic profile in elite badminton match play and training drills.

Aim of the study was to analyze the metabolic profile of badminton matches and training drills. Therefore, 11 male (23.2±3.8years, 182±7cm, 74.4±8.4kg) and five female (19.3±1.5years, 170±6cm, 62.6±9.2kg) elite badminton players participated in either a training match (TM; n=7) and/or three protocols of multifeeding drills (T10, T30, T50; n=13), that varied in interval and rest durations (10s/10s, 30s/30s, 50s/50s). Absolute and relative energetic costs (Wtot and Etot) and contribution to oxidative (WOxid), phosphagen (WPCr), and anaerobic glycolytic (WLa) metabolism were calculated by the three-component PCr-La-O2-method based on an indirect calorimetric approach from oxygen consumption during exercise, post exercise, and net blood lactate concentration. A novel intermittent approach was used to consider replenishment of phosphocreatine during each resting phase. Results show that during TM, Etot was 676±98J·kg-1min-1, while metabolic pathways contributed by 56.9±8.6% (WOxid), 42.7±8.7% (WPCr), and 0.4±0.6% (WLa). In the multifeeding drills Etot was comparable between T10 (1020±160J·kg-1min-1) and T30 (985±173J·kg-1min-1) but higher in T50 (1266±194J·kg-1min-1) (p<0.001). Relative contribution of WOxid was lower in T10 (47.3±7.7%) but similar in T30 (56.5±6.2%) and T50 (57.3±6.0%) (p<0.001). WPCr was highest in T10 (51.1±8.3%) followed by T30 (42.2±6.9%) and lowest in T50 (31.2±7.7%) (p<0.001). WLa was similar between T10 (1.6±1.0%) and T30 (2.1±1.0%) but higher in T50 (11.6±4.8%) (p<0.001). Concludingly, metabolic costs in badminton are predominantly covered by oxidative and phosphagen energetic pathways. Metabolic profiles of the multifeeding drills differ depending on rally/interval duration, with increasing contribution of anaerobic glycolysis and decreasing phosphagen contribution in case of longer intervals.

Lipid Profile And Body Composition: Comparison In Male And Female Elite Athletes

Lipid Profile And Body Composition: Comparison In Male And Female Elite Athletes

Urinary Incontinence in Nulliparous Female Elite Athletes: A Mixed Methods Exploration.

Urinary incontinence (UI) occurs in 40-50% of nulliparous female elite athletes. However, causative factors, management, and perceptions of UI in this population are suboptimally understood. The objectives of this study were to (1) identify factors that precipitate UI in nulliparous female elite athletes and (2) explore management strategies for UI and its effect on sports performance and quality of life. This was a cross-sectional, mixed-methods study in Division 1, college-aged nulliparous female athletes. Surveys assessed demographics, sport characteristics, relevant medical history, bladder symptoms during exercise, and validated genitourinary symptom questionnaires (Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Network Symptom Index-29, Female Genitourinary Pain Index). Data were compared between symptomatic athletes (who had ever experienced urinary leakage during exercise) and asymptomatic athletes. Symptomatic athletes discussed their experiences with UI in focus groups. Symptomatic athletes (33/67, 49%) had more asthma (21% vs. 2.9%, P = 0.027) and constipation (15% vs. 0%, P = 0.025), were more sexually active (76% vs. 44%, P = 0.008), and had worse overall urinary symptoms and genitourinary pain than asymptomatic athletes. They described both stress and urgency incontinence precipitated by various factors, including running, jumping, sustained efforts, and stressful situations. Many described voiding frequently before and during exercise. Despite increasing normalization of UI in the female athlete population since the onset of adolescence and variable degrees of bother, interest in improving symptom management was common. Urinary incontinence in nulliparous female elite athletes may be multifactorial given its association with medical, behavioral, exercise-specific, and environmental conditions, which may be explored longitudinally to inform prevention and treatment strategies.

Why don’t former female athletes have kids? Exploring career and post-career paths in elite sport in Switzerland

Female elite athletes are less likely than male elite athletes to have children during their careers, in part because of the difficulty of balancing motherhood and elite sports. Does this childlessness gap disappear or persist in the post-career period? What factors determine the childlessness of former athletes? The article presents the results of a quantitative cross-sectional study of 1255 former elite athletes who participated in at least one national competition in their discipline and reside in Switzerland. The results indicate that women are more likely than men to remain childless in the post-career years, and that they are also more likely than women in the general population to remain childless. The analyses point to the importance of the gendered orientation of sport socialization (for instance, essentialist representations, valorization of masculinity) in understanding ex-athletes’ relationship to parenthood and in explaining their childlessness. Examining the phenomenon of childlessness reveals that socialization of athletes in gendered sport leaves traces on their representations and practices that are visible even after their careers have ended. In particular, women who have experienced the most inverted gender socialization by playing a male sport have the highest rate of childlessness.

Association between Hip/Groin Pain and Hip ROM and Strength in Elite Female Soccer Players.

Background/Objectives: Hip strength and range of motion have been compared in soccer players with and without hip and groin pain but only in male footballers or gender-combined samples. In female soccer players, the biomechanics contributing to this injury remain poorly understood compared to other sporting injuries. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether differences exist in adductor and abductor isometric test values and hip joint range of motion between elite female soccer players with longstanding groin pain and injury-free controls. Methods: Ten female elite soccer players with current longstanding hip and groin pain and twenty-five injury-free controls from the same teams were included in the study. Hip adductor and abductor isometric strength were evaluated with a hand-held dynamometer. A bent knee fall-out test was also utilized to examine the hip joint range of motion. Results: A significant difference in abductor isometric test values was observed between the control group (2.29 ± 0.53 N/Kg) and the hip and groin pain group (2.77 ± 0.48 N/Kg; p = 0.018). Furthermore, the injured group showed a decreased adductor/abductor ratio compared to the control group (1.00 ± 0.33 vs. 1.27 ± 0.26; p = 0.013). No differences were observed in the bent knee fall-out test (p = 0.285). Conclusions: Female elite soccer players with current longstanding hip and groin pain exhibited higher abductor isometric strength and lower adductor/abductor ratio compared to non-injured women players. There were no differences in the BKFO test between groups.

Energetics of a World-Tour Female Road Cyclist During a Multistage Race (Tour de France Femmes).

Despite the increased popularity of female elite road cycling, research to inform the fueling requirements of these endurance athletes is lacking. In this case study, we report for the first time the energetics of a female world-tour cyclist competing in the 2023 Tour de France Femmes, an 8-day race of the Union Cycliste Internationale. The 29-year-old athlete presented with oligomenorrhea and low T3 before the race. Total daily energy expenditure assessed with the doubly labeled water technique was 7,572kcal/day (∼4.3 physical activity levels), among the highest reported in the literature to date for a female. Crank-based mean maximal power was consistent with female world-tour cyclists (5min, mean 342W, 4.8W/kg; 20min 289W, 4.1W/kg). The average daily energy intake measured with the remote food photography method (Stage Days 1-7) was 5,246kcal and carbohydrate intake was 13.7g/kg (range 9.7-15.9g/kg), and 84g/hr during stages, and an average fat intake of 15% of daily energy intake. An estimated 2,326kcal/day energy deficit was evidenced in a 2.2kg decrease in body mass. Notwithstanding the high carbohydrate intake, the athlete was unable to match the energy requirements of the competition. Despite signs of energy deficiency preexisting (oligomenorrhea and low T3), and other further developing during the race (weight loss), performance was in line with that of other world-tour cyclists and a best personal performance was recorded for the last stage. This case study emphasizes the need for further research to inform energy requirements for female athletes' optimal performance and health.

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.

Relationship Between Force-Velocity Characteristics and Sprint Performance in Elite Sprinters: A Pilot Study.

Sprinting is a type of running that consists of producing a short and intense effort in order to performmaximal speed in a short period of time. Sprinting is widely investigated because of the multiple and complex mechanismsinvolved. Sprint studies are now focusing on how to improve performance by focusing their analyses on the mechanicvariables. The hamstrings are part of the most important muscle groups duringsprinting because of their role of stabilization and propulsion, but they must be able to produce the maximum strength during a short moment, this ability is characterized by rate of torque development (RTD). The main of this study was to investigate the association between hamstring RTD (Nm.s-1.kg-1) and mechanicalvariables composed of maximal power output (Pmax) (W.kg-1), maximal theoretical velocity (V0) (m.s-1), and maximal horizontal force production (F0) (N.kg-1) on short sprints in elite sprinters. For this clinical trial, we used a research method based on data collection. A single group composed of four male and one female elite sprinters (age: 17.2 ± 1.79 years) has been included in this study. The sprinters performed a hamstring strength test, which included five trials of four seconds for each leg. This test required a portable dynamometer, the Kforce®, to collect 100 and 200 milliseconds RTD. Then the subjects were submitted to a sprint test. My Sprint® application has been used to collect the sprint mechanicalvariables. The sprint test included two trials; a starting block has been used for this test. A linear regression analysis was used between the rates of torque development and mechanicalvariables composed of maximal power output (Pmax) (W.kg-1), maximal theoretical velocity (V0) (m. s-1), and maximal horizontal force production (F0) (N.kg-1). No significant correlation was observed between 100 and 200 ms hamstring RTDand sprint biomechanical variables: maximal power output(Pmax) (W.kg-1), maximal theoretical velocity (V0) (m. s-1), and horizontal force production (F0) (N.kg-1). However, 100 and 200 ms RTD collected on the dominant leg tends to be more correlated with maximal theoretical velocity (spearman's rho = 0.80; p-value = 0.13) and Pmax output (spearman's rho = 0.70; p-value = 0.23) while for non-dominant leg, RTD tends to be more correlated with maximal power output (spearman's rho = 0.60; p-value = 0.35) and horizontal force production (spearman's rho = 0.70; p-value = 0.23). Hamstring RTD is not correlated with sprint biomechanical variables in elite sprinters. Further investigations must be made to study the observed trends in this study.

A Review of Factors for Successful Childbirth and Return to Sport for Female Elite Athletes

An increasing number of elite athletes who experience pregnancy and childbirth during their careers and subsequently return to competitive sports is steadily increasing. While general guidelines for physical activity during and after pregnancy exist for the nonathletes and recreational athletes, there is a lack of evidence-based guidelines for high level competitive athletes. As a result, athletes often return to training without adequate support, and some may even choose to give up pregnancy and parenthood. This review aims to examine the factors that influence the healthy pregnancy and successful return to elite sport among female athletes, based on the experiences of those who have navigated this transition successfully and the research in this area. The studies included in this review emphasize the need for an inclusive sports environment, open and supportive systems, and institutional changes and academic research to enable informed decision-making for pregnant and parenting elite athletes. To ensure sufficient recovery time for elite athletes after childbirth and to develop evidence-based return-to-sport programs, as well as provide clear policies and practices for financial and social support, including childcare, collaboration and support from national governments, sports organizations, and associations is crucial.

Hallux valgus in preprofessional adolescent dancesport athletes: Prevalence and associated training factors.

This study aimed to determine the risk factors of hallux valgus angle among preprofessional adolescent dancesport athletes. A total of 275 athletes, (73 males and 202 females) aged between the ages of 11 and 18years, participated in this study. A cross-sectional questionnaire was used to survey their demographic characteristics (sex and age), training information (starting age, weekly training time, and athletic career [number of years of training at this specific dancesport school]), and measured their height and weight. The hallux valgus angle was measured based on foot photographs. The chi-square test was used to compare the difference with prevalence of hallux valgus between male and female athletes. A normal distribution test was performed, and based on the test results, unpaired t-test and multiple logistic regression were conducted to identify training factors for the hallux valgus in this cohort. Chi-square test showed higher prevalence of hallux valgus in female elite adolescent dancesport athletes than males. The t-test results did not show any significant differences between the hallux valgus group and non-hallux valgus groups with start age, athletic career, and weekly training time. Multiple logistic regression analysis with hallux valgus as the dependent variable revealed that the female sex was a strong predictor of a higher prevalence of hallux valgus (odds ratio [OR]: 3.954, 95% confidence interval 95% CI: 2.193-7.131, and p<0.001). Weekly training time was also entered into the multiple logistic regression model (OR: 1.033, 95% CI: 1.001-1.067, and p=0.041). Our findings revealed that the prevalence of hallux valgus in adolescent dancesport athletes was higher in females than in males. Longer weekly training time was also a risk factor for hallux valgus. Training factors should be considered in preventive programs for elite adolescent dancesport athletes, and special attention should be paid to female athletes.

An Assessment of the Ratio between Upper Body Push and Pull Strength in Female and Male Elite Swedish Track and Field Throwers.

Data on the strength ratio between agonist and antagonist muscles are frequently examined in sports testing, given its correlation with athletic performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the agonist-to-antagonist ratio of upper body strength in female and male elite Swedish track and field throwers using a new push (bench press) and pull (supine bench row) test device, and to determine its reliability. The study involved eight female and nine male athletes, aged 19-29 years, engaging, respectively, in discus, hammer, and shot put competitions at both national and international levels. The athletes' maximum isometric force was assessed during the bench press (push) and supine bench row (pull) exercises, respectively, using a custom-built test device. The test-retest reliability of the device was also examined. The total push-to-pull strength ratio for the female throwers was 1.15, whereas male throwers demonstrated a ratio of 1.22. Total push and pull force for the female throwers was significantly less than for the male throwers (5511 N vs. 8970 N, p < 0.001). Intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.93 to 0.96 for the bench press and supine bench row exercise, indicating that the push and pull test device was highly reliable. The main findings of this study were that elite female and male discus, hammer, and shot put throwers exhibited 15% and 22% more pushing (bench press) than pulling (supine bench row) strength. Push and pull strength in the female throwers ranged from 47% to 71% of that of the male throwers. The push and pull test device is a reliable tool in establishing the agonist-to-antagonist ratio of upper body strength of athletes. Coaches and athletes may benefit from examining upper body push and pull strength ratios for training planning and prescription.

Are Sub-elite Athletes at Higher Risk of Eating Disorders, Exercise Addiction, Depression, and Low Energy Availability Compared With Elite Athletes?

The main objective of this study was to investigate the risk of eating disorders, exercise addiction, depression, and low energy availability (LEA) in Danish female and male elite compared with sub-elite athletes. A cross-sectional study. An online survey. A total of 410 elite athletes (mean age 20.1 years, 51% females) and 206 sub-elite athletes (mean age 21.3 years, 52% females) from 15 different sports.Assessment of Risk Factors: Eating Disorders, exercise addiction, depression, and LEA. The Sick Control, One Stone (6.5 kg), Fat, Food, the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire, the Exercise Addiction Inventory, the Major Depression Inventory, and the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire or the Low Energy Availability in Males Questionnaire. We found that more female sub-elite athletes compared with elite athletes had risk of eating disorders (EDs) (37.4% vs 23.4%; P < 0.012) and the same was found for males (23.2% vs 10.4%; P = 0.005). More athletes with risk of EDs had risk of exercise addiction (12.8 vs 5.4%, P = 0.006), depression (27.3 vs 4.2%, P < 0.001), and LEA (females 55.1 vs 40.7%, P = 0.024, and males 29.4 vs 13.7%, P = 0.036, respectively) compared with athletes without risk of EDs. Sub-elite athletes have a higher risk of eating disorders compared with elite athletes. Regular screening of ED symptoms and associated conditions in elite and especially sub-elite athletes may ensure early identification.

All the little pointers: a poetic representation of a female elite athlete’s experience of living with and seeking treatment for an eating disorder

ABSTRACT Eating disorders are highly prevalent in elite athletes but the lived experience of these has not been investigated extensively. In this article, we draw on life story data generated from four hours of interviews with a young (20 years plus), Swedish, elite, female athlete in an individual sport, named Lisa (a pseudonym) to explore her experiences of living with, seeking treatment, and attempting to recover from a diagnosed eating disorder. This exploration is accomplished by the use of poetic representations. Having made the methodological case for their use we then present the poems for consideration by the reader. The three poems are entitled All the little pointers, The voice inside my head, and Turning it around. Following this, we offer some reflections on how each poem might act as a pedagogical resource to assist those involved with elite athletes to better understand the nature of eating disorders, how the sporting environment can play a role in initiating and sustaining them, and how athletes might be supported and guided on the road to recovery.

Perception of coach leadership style as a predictor of team cohesion in elite women’s touch rugby

Coach leadership style can hold a bearing on the development of a cohesive and integrated team, which can influence performance goals. Cohesion, as explored in Chelladurai’s Multidimensional Model of Leadership (MML), is defined as the ability for a team to remain united in the pursuit of shared goals (Burke et al., 2014, In Beauchamp &amp; Eyes (Eds.) Group Dynamics in Exercise and Sport Psychology (pp. 213). Taylor &amp; Francis). To date, numerous studies have explored the impact of coach leadership styles on team cohesion, typically inferring detrimental effects of autocratic leadership styles. However, there is limited research conducted with an elite female sample, particularly in amateur international competition settings. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between perceived leadership behaviour and team cohesion within the Scotland women’s team at the European Touch Rugby Championships in 2022. Accordingly, it was hypothesised that: H1 Leadership behaviours of training and instruction, social support, positive feedback and democratic leadership would be positive predictors of task cohesion, and H2 Autocratic leadership behaviour would be negative predictors of both social and task cohesion. After securing institutional ethical approval (Ref: 33249-A-Nov/2023-47988-1) and permission from the board of Scottish Touch Association, members of the Scotland Women’s team competing at the European Championships in 2022 were contacted to take part in the study (N= 15). Participants completed the Leadership Scale for Sports (LSS) that assessed coach leadership behaviours and the Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ) that assessed cohesion. Data were checked for univariate outliers and the Mahalanobis test revealed no multivariate outliers. Skewness and kurtosis established normality and multiple regression analyses was used to predict cohesion from the five LSS subscales. Overall, no significant results were found for ATGT (F5, 9 = 0.56, P &gt; 0.05), ATGS (F5, 9 = 1.27, P &gt; 0.05), GIT (F5, 9 = 0.66, P &gt; 0.05), and GIS (F5, 9 = 0.70, P &gt; 0.05). In conclusion, athlete perceived leadership did not predict team cohesion, but the direction of relationships between factors partially aligns with previous research and indicates that research with a larger sample of female elite athletes is warranted under non-retrospective conditions. Further research with female samples has the potential to provide insights into the intricate relationship between leadership and cohesion, which could improve performance for elite female teams.

Judo 9+ injury prevention protocol (J9+IPP) on balance, strength, and anaerobic fitness in elite judokas: a one-group pretest-post-test, quasi-experimental trial

Abstract Judoka, the judo athlete, is involved in, high-intensity intermittent combat sport, to defeat the opponent by reversing body momentum with speed and skill. Hence the judokas are susceptible to injuries. Specific training and physical conditioning help the judoka perform efficiently with minimal risk of injuries. The judo9+ injury prevention protocol consisting of sport-specific exercises focuses on minimising lower limb risk factors. The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of judo 9+ injury prevention protocol on strength, balance, and anaerobic fitness in elite judokas. A sample of 20 (male and female elite judokas) aged between 20-40 years, were recruited in the study based on selection criteria. After demographic and baseline evaluation, the judo9+ injury prevention protocol was administered to each participant for four weeks (2 sessions/week). Balance (SEBT), lower limb strength (VJHT), and anaerobic fitness (SJFT) scores were administered before the training began and after the completion of the training. Pre-post-training changes were compared using, using the paired t-test. All the outcome measures, SEBT, VJHT and SJFT demonstrated statistical significant changes () following four weeks of judo9+ injury prevention training. Larger effect sizes of 0.94 and 1.42 with &gt;90% power were reported in VJHT and SJFT, respectively. There is sufficient evidence from this study to confirm that judo9+ injury prevention training significantly improves lower limb strength and anaerobic fitness among elite judokas following four weeks of judo9+ injury prevention training. However, balance improvement might require longer duration.