High-performance Athletes Research Articles

Developing Close, Trusting Coach–Athlete Relationships With High-Performance Adolescent Tennis Players

The purpose of this study was to understand why and how experienced tennis coaches developed quality relationships with their high-performance adolescent athletes that prioritized athletes’ needs and well-being. Five highly regarded Canadian tennis coaches of internationally ranked adolescent players engaged in two semistructured interviews and three story completion tasks. The data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings outlined that coaches unanimously believed establishing a close, trusting relationship with their adolescent athletes was fundamental to creating a caring environment in which empathy for athletes’ athletic, academic, and personal demands could be demonstrated. Coaches also described the difficulties of navigating these close relationships in a climate that is under severe scrutiny because of athlete maltreatment allegations. Examples of coaching behaviors that fostered closeness and maintained athlete safety included demonstrating care towards athletes’ social, emotional, academic, and athletic challenges, encouraging dialogue in which athletes expressed their wants and needs, and involving parents to help maintain transparency regarding the establishment of closeness. Uniquely, this study provides practical suggestions for how coaches can nurture closeness while promoting safe environments that prioritize athletes’ welfare.

Online Group Intervention with High-Performance Youth Athletes for Mental Skills and Safeguarding

Athlete safeguarding is fostered by empowering young athletes and providing them tools to reinforce their mental health, as a protective measure against potential maltreatment and to deal with competitive pressure. This study explores the impact on young athletes’ mental health of an online, group psychological intervention constructed on well-being factors theorized by Seligman. Seven athletes, aged from 15 to 19 years of age, followed a five-stage psycho-educational intervention, that focused on Motivation, Stress management, Relationships with adults, Sport and school reconciliation, and Body image. They were asked to fill in a questionnaire on mood states (POMS) and on competitive state anxiety (CSAI-2) before and after the intervention. Additionally, qualitative data were gathered shortly after the end of the sessions, with self-reported assessment about the different skills athletes had been developing through the intervention. Quantitative results show a significant decrease in cognitive and somatic anxiety, and an increase of self-confidence. Qualitative results illustrate how athletes applied the tools in practical settings and evaluated their utility. In conclusion, this study invites further research into psychological interventions that are adapted to youth sports settings, aiming to simultaneously improve mental health conditions and protective factors against maltreatment in sport.

What Do High-Performance Football Coaches Need to Know About the Coach–Athlete Relationship? Implications for Formal Coach Education

A high-quality coach–athlete (C–A) relationship improves athlete well-being and performance but has been underrepresented in formal coach education. Eleven football coaches, working in some of the highest profile positions in England, were interviewed. We investigate to what extent their formal coach education experiences influenced their understanding of the C–A relationship. We explore their perceptions of the knowledge, relating to the C–A relationship, that could be included in formal coach education courses. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 coaches. Inductive reflexive thematic analysis generated the following five themes: (a) an incongruence between the importance of the C–A relationship and its prominence in coach education, (b) interpersonal competencies and a progressive approach to the C–A relationship, (c) understand the unique needs of high-performance athletes, and (d) build a culture conducive to high-quality C–A relationships. Findings demonstrate the C–A relationship is underrepresented in the main English FA Coaching Pathway and provides insights into the knowledge that could be incorporated into courses to meet the needs of coaches. Future research should explore the athlete’s perspective, relating to the knowledge coaches require to develop high-quality C–A relationships within high-performance football settings.

Chronic lactate exposure promotes cardiomyocyte cytoskeleton remodelling

We investigated the effect of growing on lactate instead of glucose in human cardiomyocyte assessing their viability, cell cycle activity, oxidative stress and metabolism by a proteomic and metabolomic approach. In previous studies performed on elite players, we found that adaptation to exercise is characterized by a chronic high plasma level of lactate. Lactate is considered not only an energy source but also a signalling molecule and is referred as “lactormone”; heart is one of the major recipients of exogenous lactate. With this in mind, we used a cardiac cell line AC16 to characterize the lactate metabolic profile and investigate the metabolic flexibility of the heart. Interestingly, our data indicated that cardiomyocytes grown on lactate (72 h) show change in several proteins and metabolites linked to cell hypertrophy and cytoskeleton remodelling. The obtained results could help to understand the effect of this metabolite on heart of high-performance athletes.

Epidemiological Study of Track-and-Field Meets On-Field Medical Care.

Most epidemiological studies on track-and-field meets have been limited to the Olympics and world championships. These are meets inwhich only high-performance athletes participate at a certain time of the year. In contrast, epidemiological studies on athletes of various ages and across different seasons may provide health care providers with valuable insights into injury prevention and on-field medical care. The study aims to determine the trends and locations of injuries during track-and-field meets in athletes of various ages and seasons based on on-field medical care records. The number and incidence of injuries requiring on-field medical care during or after the event were obtained from 39 track-and-field meets. Injuries were defined as cases that required on-field medical care. The incidence was defined as the number of injuries per 1000 athlete exposures wherein 1 athlete exposure is the athlete's participation in one event. We also recorded the number of injuries at each location and whether transportation to a medical station was required. A total of 191 injuries were reported. This study identified a population with a high incidence of injury (middle- and long-distance events, combined events, and athletes over the age of 19), areas within the stadium where injuries were more likely to occur (finish line and first turn), and a high rate of transport to the medical station (approximately 70%); most of them were transported to wheelchairs. The results provide insights into the trends, locations, and transport of injured athletes during track-and-field meets. Professionals will better understand the injuries occurring during track-and-field meets and can improve the efficiency of on-field medical care activities. They will also assist organizers in track-and-field meets to improve the safety of their meet operations.

Facial Skin Management: Strategies for High-Performance Athletes

As high-performance athletes age, they become more prone to facial aging due to various factors such as sun exposure, oxidative stress, and intense exercise routines. This review emphasizes the significance of orofacial harmonization (OFH) using non-invasive aesthetic treatment options for athletes. To gather information on contemporary treatments for facial skin management in high-performance athletes, a narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed and EBSCO databases. Articles that involved invasive procedures, had extended post-operative periods, or required prolonged rest were excluded since athletes need to recover swiftly to sustain their training routines. The literature supports the effectiveness of non-invasive procedures such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), topical growth factors delivery, neuromodulators, and tissue bio-stimulators in reducing wrinkles, expression lines, and skin pigmentation in athletes. These interventions also demonstrate improvements in skin elasticity and hydration. In conclusion, non-invasive OFH procedures could help reduce the effects of skin aging in high-performance athletes. However, it is essential to consider the unique needs and recovery timelines of athletes when selecting OFH treatments. Non-invasive procedures with minimal downtime are often preferred to minimize disruptions to training schedules.

Analysis of the External and Internal Load in Wheelchair Basketball Considering the Game Situation

The systematic and programmed control and evaluation of the external and internal load of high-performance athletes during training sessions and high-level competitions allows the coaching staff to know a great amount of information to evaluate the physical condition of the players and the tactical positioning as well as to identify optimal performance. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse the external and internal load of wheelchair basketball players during training and competition matches considering the functional classification of the players. WIMU PROTM inertial devices were used to collect the data. As independent variables, the sporting context and the functional classification were selected, and as dependent variables, the variables related to the external and internal load were established. The results reported significant differences between the contexts, with higher values in the competition than in the training sessions considering the internal and external load. Taking into account the functional classification, it is shown that the player with a higher functional classification obtained more differences and higher values. Understanding the external and internal load of the players during training and competitions is very important to personalise the training load according to the demands of the competition. It allows development of a progressive and modular training programme of loads to obtain the best performance. Consequently, injury risk of players due to overload will also be reduced.

Body composition profile of Brazilian national circus school students

Problem Statement. Professional education in circus has been increasing worldwide, placing the training programmes at the center of circus debate. Purpose. Concerning the physical demands of circus students, this research describes the body composition of Brazilian National Circus School students. Approach. Skinfold analyses was used to estimate body fat (%), fat free mass (kg) and body mass index (kg/m-2) in 57 students (n= 30 men, n= 27 women). Results. Men presented higher body weight, height, fat free mass (men 67.2 ± 7.0 kg and 45.7 ± 4.7 kg and for women), body mass index (men 24.1 ±1.6 kg/m2 and women 21.4 ± 2.0 kg/m2) and lower body fat (%) compared to women (men 7.2 ± 3.7 % and women 16.3 ± 3.7). The reassessment showed no differences in body composition for both sexes, a large heterogeneity of interindividual responses was observed (-3.9 to 4.0 for women; -1.5 to 6,5 men). Conclusions. The body fat and body mass index are similar to high performance athletes. No difference was observed between the assessments. The interindividual response to training showed no effect on body fat. However, the interindividual heterogeneity responses suggest adjustments of physical conditioning protocol in order to optimize the responses individually. The 7 or 3 skinfold protocol did not differ on the outcomes. Body composition of circus students’ needs to take into account the circus disciplines, age and biological diversity, and it is a key aspect to monitor training to avoid unsafe situations or unhealthy status. Keywords: performing arts; anthropometry; body mass; physical training.

Female Athlete Research Camp: A Unique Model for Conducting Research in High-Performance Female Athletes.

The purpose of this study is to describe the implementation of a novel research protocol for conducting research with highly trained female athletes, including characterizing menstrual cycle (MC) function, hormonal profiles and symptoms of the participating athletes. Twenty-four Australian First Nation female Rugby League athletes completed this study, which involved 11 wk of cycle tracking, followed by attendance at a 5-wk training camp. Throughout the study, athletes completed a daily survey, reporting their MC function and any associated symptoms. During the training camp, athletes reported to the laboratory on three occasions and provided a venous blood sample, which was analyzed for reproductive hormones. For naturally cycling athletes (athleteNC, n = 11), this included phase 1, 2, and 4 of the menstrual cycle, whereas athletes using hormonal contraception (athleteHC; n = 13) were tested at three equally spaced time points in which consistent exogenous hormone provision occurred. In the athleteNC cohort, just one athlete reached criteria for classification as eumenorrheic, with five athletes showing evidence of MC dysfunction. The prevalence of symptoms on any given day was similar between athleteNC (33.7%) and athleteHC (22.9%; P = 0.376); however, more symptoms were reported in athleteNC, suggesting that they were more likely to report multiple symptoms. Regardless of MC function, there was a significant, positive association between bleeding and symptoms ( P < 0.001), where athletes were more likely to report one or more symptoms on bleeding (50.1%) compared with nonbleeding days (22.0%). We describe an innovative strategy to investigate the effect of MC function and MC phase in a high-performance sport environment, including approaches to address the challenges of undertaking research with female athletes with MC variability and those using exogenous hormonal therapies.

Modeling the maturation process of high performance-oriented child athletes

The article considers the problem of growing up of individuals in the sports field of activity aimed at achieving high sports results. Based on the theoretical developments of researchers N. V. Veselkova and E. V. Pryamikova, aimed at identifying the social nature of maturation competence, as well as the author's sociological study «Longevity in high-performance sports», carried out by the method of questionnaire survey of high-class athletes (n=400 people, the sample "snowball"), theoretical and applied research of modeling the maturation process of child athletes aspiring to become high-performance athletes was carried out. Modeling of the process of maturation of this category of population was carried out in two directions: first, the influence of external conditions on the process of maturation - the environment in which the individual is formed; circumstances in which the individual is forced to be and their perception; subjects surrounding the personality and their direct influence on it. Secondly, the influence of internal characteristics of the individual - internal qualities, personality traits, the dominant of which is the ability to cognize oneself, which allowed us to form an internal and external model of growing up. The external model of growing up in the sphere of sport is characterized by a high level of social influence on the subject, contributing to the formation of social thinking in young athletes. The internal model of maturation develops the subjectivity of young athletes to a greater extent, which is facilitated by the process of goal-setting of actions, a high level of responsibility to society for the achieved result. The aggregate of the actor's subjectivity and his social thinking form the internal-external model of actors' maturation in the sports sphere of activity, which allowed the athlete to achieve a high level of sports results.

Use of mouthguards in Latin American field hockey athletes during the ODESUR 2022 Games.

Athletes are susceptible to oral injuries. To reduce the incidence and severity of oral trauma, a custom-made mouthguard, a device positioned in the mouth to prevent damage to teeth and surrounding structures, is recommended. In field hockey, according to the international rules of this sport, using mouthguards is not mandatory, but it is recommended to wear them at all times while practicing this discipline. We aimed to determine characteristics and differences regarding mouthguard usage among field hockey players from different countries participating in the XII ODESUR Games. We conducted a cross-sectional study that included 78 voluntary hockey athletes that met the inclusion criteria. The questionnaire used was validated by Panam Sports, collecting information on the type of mouthguard (custom-made or prefabricated), and the time of use of the mouthguard (range of 5 years). Of the total number of athletes, 96% used mouthguards, of which 64% were custom-made type, and 32% were prefabricated (p < .001). Custom-made mouthguards were used by 100%, 89%, and 64% of athletes in Argentina, Chile, and Peru, respectively, while only 40% of athletes in Paraguay and Uruguay used them. It has also been observed that more than 50% of the individuals have not controlled and replaced their intraoral devices for more than 10 years. Our results reveal a problem with a public health dimension and thus invite the standardization of guidelines with an educational approach to promoting and adopting good sports practices. This report is the first on using mouthguards in high-performance athletes during an international multisport event.

Dynamic nasopharyngeal collapse in horses: What we know so far.

Dynamic nasopharyngeal collapse (NPC) is an obstructive upper airway disease that affects mainly the inspiratory phase of respiration in horses undergoing strenuous exercise. It occurs when the neuromuscular activity of the nasopharynx is overwhelmed by the intense negative pressures generated during exercise. This leads to collapse of at least one of the four components of the nasopharynx which is comprised of the two lateral walls, the dorsal roof and the ventral soft palate. As a result, the airway diameter and thus airflow become compromised. Even small changes in the airway diameter produces profound increases in negative inspiratory pressure, perpetuating the cycle of collapse. Compared to other dynamic upper respiratory tract disorders, the amount of literature on NPC as a disease entity is limited. The exact pathophysiology of NPC is unknown; however, it impacts up to one quarter of high-performance equine athletes presenting for poor performance. There is currently no definitive treatment for this severely performance-limiting condition. Thus, the prognosis for future athletic prognosis is guarded, with most horses being retired from racing or athletic use in general. Further research is warranted in this field to reduce the impact of disease and in turn, reduce the turnover rate and economic loss by enhancing the career longevity of elite equine athletes diagnosed with NPC.

Adverse competition-related cognitions questionnaire (ACCQ): Development and preliminary validation of a measure identifying different factors of athletes’ cognitions related to competitions

This research project presents the development and preliminary validation of a German version of the Adverse Competition-related Cognitions Questionnaire (ACCQ) and comprises four studies. In Study 1, 101 athletes and 124 coaches from different team and individual sports generated a large pool of cognitions, which was reduced to an initial item pool of 54 cognitions through a multi-step procedure with different experts. In Study 2, the underlying factor structure of the questionnaire was examined by an exploratory factor analysis (N2 = 348), which revealed six factors (athletic comparison, coach devaluation, devaluation of one's own performance, appreciation by coach and family, inner resistance against competitions, and general exhaustion) with 26 items retained. Subsequently, in Study 3, the results were re-examined with a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA, N3 = 419; CFI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.06, SRMR = 0.06). In addition, preliminary support for the construct validity (i.e., convergent, divergent, and concurrent validity) of the ACCQ was obtained by examining associations among the ACCQ subscales and theoretical correlates such as social comparison, cognitive interference, irrational performance beliefs, and fear of negative evaluation. In Study 4, a second CFA (N4 = 153; CFI = 0.89, RMSEA = 0.06, SRMR = 0.07) was conducted to test the identified 6-factor solution in a sample of high-performance competitive athletes. With its broad range of factors, the ACCQ provides a useful and valid measure for assessing different adverse competition-related cognitions, offering a wide range of potential applications in research and sport psychology practice.

Glenoid Bone Loss - A Retrospective Evaluation of Functional Outcomes after Bone Block Surgery for Anterior Shoulder Instability in High-demand Athletes.

Objective This study assesses the relationship between the glenoid bone loss size and range of motion, functional outcomes, and complications in high-performance athletes undergoing bone block surgery for anterior shoulder instability. Methods This retrospective study evaluated postoperative outcomes in athletes submitted to bone block surgery for anterior shoulder instability. In 5 years, 41 shoulders underwent the procedure; 20 had bone losses up to 15%, and 21 shoulders presented bone losses ranging from 15% and 25%. Results There was no statistically significant difference regarding postoperative complications, new dislocations, and the rate of return to sports. In addition, the quantitative criteria evaluated, i.e., ranges of motion and functional scores, showed no statistically significant difference between groups. Conclusion The size of the bone loss per se does not seem to affect functional outcomes and complications from these procedures, which are safe techniques for small and large bone losses.

Methoden des visuomotorischen Trainings für Sportler/Leistungssportler

Purpose. Training methods to improve the performance of the visual system are repeatedly described in the popular media. This review article focuses on the scientific aspect of this subject, presenting and discussing studies and techniques for enhancing visual and visuomotor performance in high-performance athletes. Material and Methods. To conduct the literature review on visual performance enhancement, relevant scientific databas- es, specialized articles, and academic books from fields such as sports science, optometry, medicine, and partially technical disciplines were comprehensively searched. Keywords eye-hand coordination, visual performance enhancement, stroboscopic visual training, anticipation

Lesión pulmonar autoinducida por el paciente (P-SILI)

The article reviews the scientific literature on Patient Self-Induced Lung Injury (P-SILI) in patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). It begins with a history since 1985, highlighting events of pulmonary edema related to hyperventilation in diabetic patients and advances in the understanding of pulmonary mechanics. Experimental studies in sheep and humans are detailed that show lung damage due to hyperventilation, highlighting the importance of spontaneous ventilation and alveolar damage. In addition, studies on alveolar hemorrhage post-intense exercise in animals and high-performance athletes are mentioned. The text explores the relationship between Invasive Mechanical Ventilation (IMV) and lung injury, addressing therapeutic strategies such as neuromuscular blockade and the impact of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). The theoretical mechanisms of P-SILI are delved into, highlighting pulmonary overdistension, increased pulmonary perfusion and patient-ventilator asynchronies. The clinical impact of P-SILI, especially in patients with COVID-19 and ARDS, is discussed, and management strategies such as high-flow oxygen therapy are highlighted. The article concludes by highlighting the need for more studies to standardize the monitoring of inspiratory efforts, understand its implication in prognosis and guide appropriate therapy, recognizing that the optimal approach is still the subject of debate.

A grounded theory of personal development in high-performance sport environments

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to develop a grounded theory of how to promote personal development in high-performance sport environments. MethodologyIndividual interviews were conducted with 32 members of the Canadian junior and senior national biathlon teams, including 18 athletes (9 women, 9 men, Mage = 20.8 years, SD = 2.9), 5 coaches (1 woman, 4 men), 3 technical leaders (2 women, 1 man), and 6 parents (3 mothers, 3 fathers). Follow-up interviews were conducted with five key participants. Straussian grounded theory methodology was used. Analytic techniques included open coding, constant comparison, questioning, memoing, diagramming, and theoretical integration. ResultsThe grounded theory is based on the core category that personal development is a continual and individualized process. Three propositions represent how to promote athletes’ personal development process. Proposition 1: Athletes use realistic self-evaluation and goal setting. Proposition 2: Athletes experience different situations and reflect on their areas for personal development. Proposition 3: Athletes perceive and receive social support. ConclusionThe grounded theory portrays propositions that can be used to promote athletes’ personal development in high-performance sport environments. It may inform future applied research and the delivery of sport psychology support to high-performance athletes.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings related to sacroiliac joint pain in high-performance athletes.

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction in athletes affects competitiveness. However, the pathology and imaging features have not been clarified. To clarify the association between SIJ pain and MRI findings in high-performance athletes. Fifty-two Japanese high-performance athletes with or without SIJ pain were recruited. MRI short tau inversion recovery (STIR) semi-coronal and semi-axial images of their SIJs were taken. The relationships between high-signal changes in MRI-STIR and SIJ pain and pain duration were investigated. Six athletes with continuous SIJ pain were prospectively followed. The proportion of athletes with high-signal changes in the SIJ was significantly higher among athletes with SIJ pain for one month or more (76.9%, 10/13) than among athletes with SIJ pain for less than one month (18.2%, 2/11) and among athletes without SIJ pain (28.6%, 8/28). High-signal changes on painful SIJs were most often present in the sacrum. In three of the six athletes who were prospectively followed, the high-signal area and intensity on MRI both diminished as their symptoms improved. High-signal changes of the SIJ on MRI-STIR images in high-performance athletes may reflect their SIJ pain.

Pharmacological correction of adaptive asthenia in high-class athletes

BACKGROUND: Metabolic protectors containing (Mexicor, Cytoflavin, Metaprot Plus) or not containing (Emoxipin, Riboxin, Metaprot) succinate in their structure showed a sufficiently high clinical efficacy in eliminating or reducing the asthenic symptom complex in athletes with overtraining.&#x0D; AIM: The aim of the study was to develop the principles of rational pharmacological correction of asthenic symptom complex in high performance athletes using succinate-free and succinate-containing metabolic protectors (Mexicor, Riboxin/Cytoflavin, Metaprot/Metaprot Plus).&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 104 high-class athletes of various specializations, which was conducted during the period of the athletes training camps in the pre-competitive period. Due to the high physical and mental stress in the pre-competition period and the focus on competitive selection for responsible international competitions, a short (15 days) study period was used. The maximum loads in athletes were achieved by the end of the 7th day of training, followed by stabilization of the loads and its optimization by the 15th day. The work was performed in compliance with all the rules of evidence-based medicine and ethical standards of work (obtaining informed consent, randomization, the use of a double-blind placebo-controlled method of treatment, valid methods of statistical evaluation).&#x0D; RESULTS: The course prescription of succinate-containing metabolic protectors during the period of preparation for competitions had a favorable effect on the restoration of high functional indicators, which is confirmed by an objective assessment of the functional state of athletes, data from biochemical studies of metabolism (carbohydrate, protein and fat), as well as the oxidative status of athletes. In the groups of athletes who received metabolic protectors, recovery was more active than in the placebo group, this was especially noticeable in the groups that received Metaprot plus, Metaprot and Сytoflavin, to a lesser extent Мexicor and Riboxin. In the latter case, the indicators in the stress tests of Stange and Gench were not fully restored, which was also reflected in the reduced Bogomazov index. It is important to emphasize that the indicators of physical endurance (PWC170) reached the values of the initial period, which indicates the optimization of loads under the influence of metabolic agents.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: The most effective in restoring the functional state of high-class athletes are succinate-containing metabolic agents (Metaprot plus, Cytoflavin, Mexicor) and to a lesser extent (in comparison with them) drugs that do not contain succinic acid (Riboxin, partly Metaprot). LPO indicators, initially somewhat elevated in athletes, showed a tendency to normalize under the influence of the appointment of metabolic protectors. Almost all studied preparations showed activity according to these tests, although the most pronounced positive changes were registered after the appointment of Мetaprot plus, Мetaprot and Сytoflavin. Mexicor and Riboxin were somewhat less active in all studied parameters.

Building bridges: a Qualitative exploration of the athlete – guide partnership in high-performance parasport

ABSTRACT Individuals who are visually impaired compete in Paralympic sports with the help of their sighted guides. The guide participates alongside the athlete, and the pair seek to achieve optimal performance together. The partnership transforms many sports -typically understood to be individual- into team sports, yet little is known about this unique sport relationship. The purpose of this study was to explore how the athlete – guide partnership challenges and reproduces normative assumptions of bodies, abilities, and high-performance sport. The study was informed by a critical interpretivist paradigm and included interviews with both athletes and guides from six high-performance athlete – guide pairs (12 interviews). The data were analysed through a reflexive thematic analysis and two themes were constructed. Changing ‘Visibility’: Reshaping Perspectives Through the Athlete – Guide Partnership illustrates how being part of the athlete – guide partnership led participants to different understandings about high-performance sport and disability. Tandeming Sport Systems Built for One demonstrates the challenges participants encountered navigating in tandem sport systems intended to support solo athletes. The findings suggest that the athlete – guide partnership creates inclusivity in Para sport by allowing athletes to fully participate. However, the partnership is also exposed to detrimental aspects of high-performance sport environments that prioritise performance rather than athlete well-being. The findings contribute to a growing body of critical disability sport scholarship that calls out ableism in sport. It also can inform the practices of the sport sector with the aim of better understanding and supporting the needs of visually impaired athletes.