Improve Sports Performance Research Articles

Preliminary Assessment of the Acute Effects of Far Infrared-Emitting Garments: What Are the Possible Implications for Recovery and Performance?

Technical clothing has recently been brought into the spotlight as one of the most promising tools to improve sports performance and to enhance sports recovery. Among technical clothing items, garments engineered to emit far infrared (FIR) spectrum frequencies have come to the fore as a treatment for pain, muscle fatigue, and tissue healing due to their potential antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, with applications not only during recovery phases but also in the active phases of exercise. These garments, composed of fibers mixed with noble metals and/or bioceramics that respond to body infrared frequencies by returning an FIR emission backwards, are thought to improve muscle oxygenation and therefore recovery. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study, ten male trail running athletes wore a whole-body-covering suit marketed as Accapì-FIR (Bruno Chiaruttini S.r.l., Rezzato, BS, Italy), while a total body suit with the same polyester fiber without metal components was used as control for the intervention. Parameters such as weight, height, bioimpedance parameters (BIVA), lactate from capillary sampling, salivary cortisol, and average temperatures of different body areas were obtained before and after a twelve-minute incremental work run protocol on a treadmill whilst wearing the two kinds of garment. Using the intervention suit, compared to control, statistically significant reductions in BIVA parameters such as body resistance (-6.7%) and reactance (-5.4%) were observed before and after exercise while a greater, but not significant, weight reduction was observed with the intervention suit. Decrease in resistance could be the result of a different distribution of fluids and ions due to FIR influence on capillary and superficial circulation, leading ultimately to more efficient management of body heat and promoting recovery and supercompensation. Further studies on larger samples will be necessary to confirm and clarify these results.

Konjac Glucomannan Counteracted the Side Effects of Excessive Exercise on Gut Microbiome, Endurance, and Strength in an Overtraining Mice Model.

Excessive exercise without adequate rest can lead to overtraining syndrome, which manifests a series of side effects, including fatigue, gut dysbiosis, and decremental sports performance. Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a plant polysaccharide with numerous health-improving effects, but few studies reported its effects on the gut microbiome, endurance, and strength in an overtraining model. This study assessed the effect of KGM on gut microbiome, endurance, and strength in mice with excessive exercise. Three doses of KGM (1.25, 2.50, and 5.00 mg/mL) were administrated in drinking water to mice during 42 days of a treadmill overtraining program. The results showed that excessive exercise induced a significant microbial shift compared with the control group, while a high dose (5.00 mg/mL) of KGM maintained the microbial composition. The proportion of Sutterella in feces was significantly increased in the excessive exercise group, while the moderate dose (2.50 mg/mL) of KGM dramatically increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and SCFA production in feces. Additionally, the moderate dose and high dose of KGM counteracted the negative effects of excessive exercise on strength or/and endurance (43.14% and 39.94% increase through a moderate dose of KGM, Bonferroni corrected p < 0.05, compared with the excessive exercise group). Therefore, it suggests that KGM could prevent overtraining and improve sports performance in animal models.

Prevalence of sports supplements consumption and its association with food choices among female elite football players

ObjectivesThe present study aimed to 1) investigate the consumption of Sports Supplements (SSs) among female elite football players, 2) evaluate the influence of age on SS consumption, and 3) determine the relationship between the consumption of SSs and dietary choices among elite football players. MethodsA total of 126 female football players of Primera Iberdrola and Reto Iberdrola who participated in this descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional study completed a self-administered questionnaire on SSs and the Athletes’ Food Choices Questionnaire. ResultsOverall, 84.1% of participants consumed supplements, mainly for improved sports performance (68.3%) and health (34.1%). The main sources of purchase were the Internet (34.9%) and specialized shops (23.8%), and players were commonly advised by a dietitian-nutritionist to use SSs (56.3%). The SSs most often consumed included whey protein (30.2%), sports drinks (28.6%), creatine monohydrate (28.6%), sports bars (27.8%), and caffeine (27.8%). Older players consumed more supplements at the time of data compilation. Players predominantly acquired these supplements by using the Internet and reported benefits from their use (all P ≤ 0.036). Additionally, players who consumed SSs conveyed more concern about their food choices. ConclusionsA high prevalence of female football players consumed SSs, particularly SSs supported by robust scientific evidence. Older players had higher supplement consumption rates. The use of SSs was related to food choices through nutritional characteristics of foods, knowledge about health and nutrition, weight control with the help of food, and the performance benefits players could acquire.

The Additional Effect of Training Above the Maximal Metabolic Steady State on VO2peak, Wpeak and Time-Trial Performance in Endurance-Trained Athletes: A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Reality Check.

To improve sport performance, athletes use training regimens that include exercise below and above the maximal metabolic steady state (MMSS). The objective of this review was to determine the additional effect of training above MMSS on VO2peak, Wpeak and time-trial (TT) performance in endurance-trained athletes. Studies were included in the review if they (i) were published in academic journals, (ii) were in English, (iii) were prospective, (iv) included trained participants, (v) had an intervention group that contained training above and below MMSS, (vi) had a comparator group that only performed training below MMSS, and (vii) reported results for VO2peak, Wpeak, or TT performance. Medline and SPORTDiscus were searched from inception until February 23, 2023. Fourteen studies that ranged from 2 to 12weeks were included in the review. There were 171 recreational and 128 competitive endurance athletes. The mean age and VO2peak of participants ranged from 15 to 43years and 38 to 68mL·kg-1·min-1, respectively. The inclusion of training above MMSS led to a 2.5mL·kg-1·min-1 (95% CI 1.4-3.6; p < 0.01; I2 = 0%) greater improvement in VO2peak. A minimum of 81 participants per group would be required to obtain sufficient power to determine a significant effect (SMD 0.44) for VO2peak. No intensity-specific effect was observed for Wpeak or TT performance, in part due to a smaller sample size. A single training meso-cycle that includes training above MMSS can improve VO2peak in endurance-trained athletes more than training only below MMSS. However, we do not have sufficient evidence to conclude that concurrent adaptation occurs for Wpeak or TT performance.

Review on Wearable Technology in Sports: Concepts, Challenges and Opportunities

Wearable technology is increasingly vital for improving sports performance through real-time data analysis and tracking. Both professional and amateur athletes rely on wearable sensors to enhance training efficiency and competition outcomes. However, further research is needed to fully understand and optimize their potential in sports. This comprehensive review explores the measurement and monitoring of athletic performance, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and overall performance optimization using body wearable sensors. By analyzing wearables’ structure, research articles across various sports, and commercial sensors, the review provides a thorough analysis of wearable sensors in sports. Its findings benefit athletes, coaches, healthcare professionals, conditioners, managers, and researchers, offering a detailed summary of wearable technology in sports. The review is expected to contribute to future advancements in wearable sensors and biometric data analysis, ultimately improving sports performance. Limitations such as privacy concerns, accuracy issues, and costs are acknowledged, stressing the need for legal regulations, ethical principles, and technical measures for safe and fair use. The importance of personalized devices and further research on athlete comfort and performance impact is emphasized. The emergence of wearable imaging devices holds promise for sports rehabilitation and performance monitoring, enabling enhanced athlete health, recovery, and performance in the sports industry.

The Dynamics of Eating Behavior Disorders and the Level of General Psychological Adaptation in Bodybuilding and Fitness Athletes

Knowing the psychological traits and clinically relevant symptoms for the development and maintenance of Eating Behavior Disorders (EDD) in bodybuilding and fitness athletes is a necessity for early intervention and the elimination of stressors that contribute to improving sports performance and quality of life. The aim of the study: To know the dynamics of EDD and the level of general psychological adaptation in athletes who practice bodybuilding and fitness according to sports gender and age. By applying the Inventory of Eating Disorders, EDI-III on 30 participants, bodybuilding and fitness practitioners, aged between 19 and 53, of which 21 are male and 9 are female, psychological traits were investigated relevant (low self-esteem, perfectionism, asceticism, fear of maturity, interpersonal, emotional problems, exaggerated control, and others) in order to know the level of distress and the presence of clinically relevant symptoms for the development and maintenance of EDD (the desire to being thin, bulimia, body dissatisfaction) We concluded that most of the athletes fall within the limits of the threshold values ​​established for the evaluated scales, 30% of the athletes (3 female athletes and 6 male athletes), obtained scores rated above the threshold on at least one of the clinical scales, which means that the risk of EDD is present in some athletes. The average of the investigated psychological scales calculated for the rated scores to establish the level of general psychological adaptation does not exceed the specified threshold for each investigated dimension separately, except for the asceticism, interpersonal problems, and exaggerated control scales. Female athletes have greater psychological balance than male athletes and lower risk of ED than male athletes, important aspects of personality and mental health in psychological training as a screening tool in the process of optimizing the effectiveness of bodybuilding and fitness training.

Effect of short duration plyometric training on vertical jump and sprint speed in volleyball players

INTRODUCTION: Volleyball is a fast-paced sport that involves vertical and horizontal projections of the ball by the player. The use of plyometric training is a popular method to enhance performance in players. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to see the effect of short-duration plyometric training on vertical jump and sprint speed in volleyball players. METHOD: This study is a parallel group randomized controlled trial. Thirty-nine participants were screened for participation in the study, of which 30 were selected following the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the study. The inclusion criteria for the study comprised of volleyball players of age group 18 to 24 years, both males and females, with playing experience of at least one year, and willing to participate. The exclusion criteria for the study included players with a history of injury in the last six months, any reported neurological or musculoskeletal disorder, and any psychological condition. The selected participants were randomly allocated to Group A and Group B using the lottery method. Group A was given plyometric training for three days a week and Group B was asked to continue their regular routine exercises and playing schedule. The total duration of the intervention was four weeks. The outcome measure for the study was sprint speed and vertical jump height. Sprint speed was measured by the 20 m sprint test, and the vertical jump height was measured by the Sargent jump test. The assessment was done at the baseline and at the end of four weeks. An unpaired t-test was used to analyze between-group differences, and paired t-test was used to analyze the within-group differences in the outcome variables. The significance level was set as p&lt;0.05. RESULTS: The result of the study showed a significant improvement in vertical jump height (MD= -7.133, 95% CI-12.657, -1.609) and no significant improvement in sprint speed when between-group comparisons were made (MD=0.084, 95%CI -0.177, -.345) with an effect size of 0.75 for vertical jump height. The within-group comparison was found significant only for vertical jump height in Group A, and there was no significant improvement was found in sprint speed for both Group A and B. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The short-duration plyometric training is effective in improving the vertical jump height and not the sprint speed in volleyball players. The specificity of plyometric training is important for optimal improvement in sports performance.

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF PHYSICAL REHABILITATION MEANS AND SPECIAL PHYSICAL EXERCISES OF ARCHERY ON THE SPORTS PERFORMANCE OF PARALYMPIC ATHLETES

Determining the effect of an individually selected complex of special physical exercises in archery and physical rehabilitation means on the functional state of the cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and sensory systems and sports achievements of Paralympic athletes. Material. To achieve the goal and solve the tasks of the study, the following methods were used: theoretical – search and bibliographic methods; empirical – medical-pedagogical and medical-biological research methods; methods of mathematical statistics. Results. The analysis of scientific and methodological literature on practically healthy archery athletes allowed us to establish the important role of the nervous, muscular, and sensory systems in the realization of the archer’s sports results. Physical loads in archery are static and well-studied in practically healthy athletes, but in Paralympic athletes, they have not yet been studied sufficiently, and the effect of physical rehabilitation and special physical exercises in archery on recovery processes in the post-training and post-competition periods has not been studied, so a scientific study of Paralympic athletes was conducted. It was found that the Paralympians of the experimental and control groups at the firing line before and after the first training session of the first stage (background indicators) had no significant differences between all studied indicators. Significant differences between the first and second stages of the study and between the first and third stages of the study were determined only in the experimental group. The positive influence of the use of a complex of special physical exercises in archery and physical rehabilitation means on increasing psycho-emotional stability and improving sports performance has been proved. It was proved that Paralympians of the experimental group were more stable in performing shots and outperformed Paralympians of the control group by the results of shots, which is also an argument for the application of the proposed changes to the plans of educational and training sessions. Conclusions. In order to improve and stabilize sports results, increase psycho-emotional stability in the preparatory part of training sessions of the preparatory and competitive periods, apply a set of special physical exercises in archery and in the final part of physical rehabilitation – back muscle massage, massage of the muscles of the shoulder girdle and upper extremities and, on a free day, recreational swimming.

The role of sport in the development of international relations from the perspective of political and non-political figures in Jordanian sport

The aim of this study was to identify the role that sport plays in improving international relations from the perspective of Jordanian athletic political and non-political figures, and also to find the differences in the perception of the role of sport in developing international relations among status variables. The researchers used the descriptive approach due to its relevance to the nature of the study. A total of 122 individuals participated in this study: politicians (n = 33), non – politicians (n = 89). The questionnaire was used as a tool to collect the data. It was designed through personal interviews and it surveys five fields: political field, media field, economic field, and the social and cultural field. For data analysis, we used the Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings showed that the role of sports in improving international relations in the five fields listed above was undeniable. There was no statistically significant difference in the total score of the role of sport in improving international relations when it comes to status (p &gt; 0.05). Furthermore, the results showed no statistically significant difference between the members of the controlled sample whether they were politicians or non-politicians (p &gt; 0.05). Jordanian politicians and non-politicians believe that sport is an important tool for improving international relations and could be a starting point for public diplomacy dialogue. The researchers strongly recommend the need to work on activating and supporting sport media as it has a big role in developing international relations, and to work on improving sport performance because of its great impact in showing countries at international level.

The profiles of single leg countermovement jump kinetics and sprinting in female soccer athletes

The purposes were to evaluate kinetics in lower limbs using single leg countermovement jump (SLCMJ) and to identify the differences in SLCMJ kinetics between sprinting fast players and sprinting slow players in elite university female soccer players. Seventeen participants at the national tournament level completed the survey. SLCMJ and 30 m sprinting tests were performed. A force-plate was used to collect the data of the SLCMJ test. Significant differences of concentric maximum rate of force development (RFD), concentric RFD, concentric RFD/body weight (BW), peak net takeoff force/BW, peak power, and peak power/BW existed between both legs during the SLCMJ among all the participants. For further analysis, the participants were divided into fast group and slow group based on sprinting performance. Significant differences existed between the two groups in concentric peak velocity (nondominant, p = 0.028) and vertical velocity at takeoff (nondominant, p = 0.021). Concentric maximum RFD (p = 0.036) was significantly different between both legs in the slow group. Among elite university female soccer players, the players who presented more increased asymmetry of kinetic characteristics of jumping, also showed weak sprinting performance. Moreover, the players presented the best performance in velocity of the jumping variables and also had the best sprinting performance. Coaches and players should focus on keeping inter-limb balance and developing jumping velocity to improve sports performance. In future, the cause-and-effect relationship between jumping and sprinting should be identified.

Acute Effect of Single-Session Cerebellar Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Static and Dynamic Balance in Healthy Volunteers.

Several studies have shown the positive effect of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (ctDCS) on balance in patients and older adults. However, in healthy volunteers, the results are conflicting. We aimed to investigate the immediate effect of anodal ctDCS on the dynamic-static balance in healthy, non-athletic young adults due to the possible benefits for sports performance. Twenty-one healthy volunteers participated in two consecutive 20 min sessions of ctDCS (2 mA current intensity), with 1-week intervals (anodal ctDCS-sham ctDCS). Flamingo and Y-Balance tests were used to evaluate the static and dynamic balances before and after the ctDCS. A Continuous Performance Test (CPT) was used to evaluate the changes in sustained attention, impulsivity, and vigilance. A repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the changes in balance scores, reaction time, omission, and commission numbers. There were no statistically significant differences in dynamic and static balance scores and in CPT parameters between conditions. In conclusion, there was no immediate neuromodulation effect of anodal ctDCS to improve balance performance in healthy, young individuals. Furthermore, no evidence was found to support the use of cerebellar tDCS to improve sports performance.

Application of mobile sensors based on deep neural networks in sports psychological detection and prevention

This article proposes a low-power, low-cost, programmable neural network processor for IoT applications. Aiming at the human inertial motion capture system, a human motion sensor detection method based on long- and short-term memory network is proposed. It provides a practical method for studying human motion detection based on mobile sensors and portable devices. Based on the research of human movement sensor detection method based on long and short-term memory network, this paper analyzes the current research status of sports psychological fatigue detection through the production mechanism, external performance, evidence and entertainment measures of sports psychological fatigue, in order to obtain a better solution. Quickly eliminate the mental fatigue of athletes. At the same time, improve and improve the physical and psychological functions of athletes of different qualities, and further improve sports performance. So far, the theoretical definition of sports mental fatigue and the operational definition of sports mental fatigue are still the center of discussion and research by sports psychologists. This article will also elaborate on the development of the most important concepts describing sports fatigue at home and abroad, using depth Neural network and mobile sensor technology have carried out research and exploration on the mental recognition of athletes in sports.

Ball Handling Practice Survey on Basketball Dribbling Ability with Application of Relevant Theory

Ball Handling is an important technique for achieving increasing basketball dribbling technique training. One of the things that must be done by every athlete in developing and improving sports performance optimally is by diligently practicing, with exercises that must be developed and improved to master basic techniques. The purpose of this study was to determine ball handling exercises on basketball dribbling abilities. This study uses a literature review research method using 16 literature sources, 12 of which are used as data reviewed and taken from nine databases (Google Scholar, UNP Journal, Research Article, Garda Portal, Sinta ristekbrin, JOSSAE) which demonstrate ball handling exercises. The conclusion in ball handling exercises is that there is a need for each according to the sample level examined by previous relevant studies with ball handling exercises that can improve basketball dribbling skills. In designing the training program must be structured.

Sobre a pedagogia de projetos: a experiência conduzindo o indivíduo à teoria

Este artigo-ensaio versa sobre a pedagogia de projetos: a experiência conduzindo o indivíduo à teoria. A proposta é esclarecer que a aprendizagem acontece por intermédio de contato empírico com a realidade e com os fenômenos que acontecem na natureza. A sua relevância científica encontra-se no fato de apresentar uma discussão técnica sobre uma metodologia de estudos que permite a relação direta, recíproca e simultânea entre a prática e a teoria. A sua relevância social está em colocar à disposição da sociedade um mecanismo que eleva, de forma exponencial, os ganhos de aprendizagem dos estudantes, permitindo-lhe suma visão pragmática dos conteúdos programáticos com os quais trava contato acadêmico. A metodologia utilizada para esta investigação foi a bibliográfica, agregada à prática pedagógica e didática dos autores no ensino. Procurou-se apresentar uma discussão profunda, ampla, em que se preconiza a supremacia da experiência sobre a teoria, em que a primeira conduz a segunda, esta expressando e comunicando o conhecimento adquirido. A Pedagogia de Projetos surgiu da necessidade de desenvolver uma metodologia de trabalho pedagógico, que tivesse como meta a valorização da participação do educando e do educador no processo de aprendizagem-ensino, considerando que a aprendizagem apresenta primazia sobre o ensino. Ao propor a Pedagogia de Projetos como metodologia de ensino, isto significa acabar com o monopólio do professor tradicional que decide e define ele mesmo o conteúdo e as tarefas a serem desenvolvidas e que verdades devam ser consideradas e/ou negadas, valorizando, dentro de rigorosos princípios acadêmico-científicos, o que os estudantes já sabem e respeitando o que desejam aprender naquele momento, cientes de que a situação-problema suscitada é o leitmotiv da experiência a ser posta em evidência, culminando na aprendizagem. Quando se aborda a questão da aprendizagem intermediada por projetos está-se, necessariamente, referindo à formulação de questões pelo autor do projeto, pelo indivíduo que vai construir conhecimentos a partir de uma situação-problema.

Soy-Based Tempeh Rich in Paraprobiotics Properties as Functional Sports Food: More Than a Protein Source.

To date, there has been no recent opinion that explores tempeh as a functional food that can improve sports performance. Hence, this opinion article aims to elaborate on recent findings on the potential effect on sports performance of soy-based tempeh. This opinion paper presents updated evidence based on literature reviews about soy-based tempeh and its relationship with sports performance. The paraprobiotic role of Lactobacillus gasseri for athletes has been found to restore fatigue and reduce anxiety. This is achieved by increasing protein synthesis activity in eukaryotic initiation factor-2 (EIF2) signaling known as an adaptive pathway for integrated stress response. In addition, these paraprobiotics prevent down-regulation associated with the oxidative phosphorylation gene, thereby contributing to the maintenance of mitochondrial function and recovery from fatigue. The authors believe that this opinion article will encourage researchers to continue to evolve soybean-based tempeh food products and increase the performance of athletes by consuming soy-based foods.

The safety of athletes in the administration of medicinal substances

Aiming at the artificial improvement of sports performance, doping opposes the sport principle of encouraging a fair and equitable competition. The use by athletes of different substances and methods for performance improvement represents a flagrant violation of sports ethics rules and Olympic principles. In order to avoid the abusive administration of such medicines and to encourage the true play, World Anti-Doping Agency created and annually updated the list identifying the prohibited substances and prohibited methods in sports (The Prohibited List) as a mandatory International Standard and part of the World Anti-Doping Program. Because many commonly used medicines contain substances included in the World Anti-Doping Code Prohibited List, an athlete who needs to use a prohibited substance or prohibited method for therapeutic reasons must apply for and obtain a Therapeutic Use Exemption.

Effect of the beta-alanine supplementation in sports: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

INTRODUCTION: Nutritional supplements, in addition to the athlete’s diet, are crucial for improving sports performance and the management of training and recovery. Supplements may provide a convenient source of energy and macronutrients and help prevent micronutrient deficiencies. Beta-alanine (BA) is a popular supplement thought to improve exercise performance in a variety of sports. The purpose of this umbrella review was to explore the evidence for the effect of BA supplementation on exercise performance.EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed®, Web of Science®, and Scopus®, for studies published until 6th October 2022 and the searches were limited to systematic reviews or meta-analyses.EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Eight articles met the criteria for inclusion in this review. Except for one study, which included only athletes, all studies included a mixed population of athletes and non-athletes. Five of these studies examined exercise performance, while the other two focused on fatigue resistance and body composition. The daily BA dosages in the research ranged from 1.2 to 7.0 g, while the intervention length varied from 4 days to 13 weeks. Apart from the body composition study, all of the other research included in this review suggested that BA supplementation had positive ergogenic effects. Exercise duration had a significant impact on the effect size of BA supplementation, with effects estimated to be greatest between 30 seconds to 10 minutes.CONCLUSIONS: BA supplementation had a positive effect on exercise performance in all systematic reviews/meta-analyses. It is effective for sports activities primarily in middle-distance events.

Assesment of Use of Performance-Enhancing Substances and Methods among Wrestlers, Boxers, and Bodybuilders in Kenya

Measuring prevalence of usage of performance enhancing drugs in Boxing, wrestling, and bodybuilding is difficult. However, to fit their initiatives, National Anti-Doping Organizations are interested in knowing the numbers so that their scarce resources are not wasted. The purpose of this study was to establish knowledge levels, attitudes towards the use of performance enhancing substances (PES), among athletes from boxing, wrestling, and bodybuilding federations in Kenya. The study utilized cross-sectional analytical research design. The study population comprised of 1900 athletes from the three sports disciplines with a sample size of 384 athletes. Close ended questionnaires were used as the data collection instrument. Data obtained from the respondents was coded and organized for analysis by use of SPSS version 25. Hypotheses were tested using one-way ANOVA and t-test at confidence level of 0.05. Post hoc analysis was carried out using Duncan Multiple Range Test where differences were found to be significant. Results on usage showed that majority of the respondents (74.2%) never used food supplements (FS) to improve sports performance. Many of the respondents (93.8%) had never used traditional herbs (TH) to improve sports performance. 91.9% never used PES to improve sports performance. Majority of the respondents (96.6%) indicated as never having been given food supplements by a coach, doctor, or physiotherapist to enhance performance. On supply of PES, 91.7% of the respondents had no information of if medical practitioner, local chemist, or sports agents supplied PES and methods. The results of one-way ANOVA showed that there was a significant difference in the use of FS, TH, PES, and Methods by athletes from the three sports disciplines, [F (2, 381) = 24.050, p &lt; 0.000]. In conclusion and in light of the limitations of this study generally majority of the respondents did not use PES and methods. There were also significant differences in use of PES and methods across the different sports. The study recommended that sports federation officials from boxing, wrestling and bodybuilding should have a put proper structures for imparting knowledge and proper attitude on use of performance enhancing substances among athletes.

Hemoglobin, maximal heart rate and work capacity, as well as time to exhaustion are significantly improved with combined hypoxia and aerobic exercise training in healthy adults: a meta-analysis

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background/Introduction Hypoxic conditions have been used for a variety of reasons and have been implemented in multiple ways in an attempt to improve physiologic performance. Hypoxic conditions are administered via real or simulated altitude or by breathing lower levels of oxygen via facemask to improve different physiologic processes. Maximal work capacity (MWC) and time to exhaustion (TTE) are important factors related to sports performance. It is unclear how aerobic exercise (AE) with hypoxia effects MWC, TTE, and maximal heart rate (MHR) as well as hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct) concentrations. Purpose Examine the effects of chronic AE with and without hypoxia on MWC, TTE, MHR, Hgb, and Hct. Methods A comprehensive search using PubMed, Cochrane, and PEDro was performed using a variety of keyword permutations on "hypoxia" and "aerobic exercise" in healthy adults. Inclusion criteria were studies with both a control and experimental group in which chronic AE was performed with and without hypoxia and MWC and TTE were provided in Watts and seconds, respectively. Study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Statistical analyses were performed using R with sub-analyses examining changes in Hgb, Hct, and MHR. Results A total of 16 studies met the inclusion criteria yielding a total sample size of 389 healthy adults. Study quality ranged from 4 to 6 out of 10 (mode=5). Significant tests for the overall effect of AE with hypoxia compared to AE without hypoxia on MWC and TTE were found under random-effects models (Z=2.83, p&amp;lt;.001, 95% C.I. = 0.29-1.60 and Z=2.94, p&amp;lt;.001, 95% C.I. = 0.80-4.00, respectively). A significant test for the overall effect of AE with hypoxia compared to AE without hypoxia on Hgb was also found (Z=2.06, p=.03, 95% C.I. = 0.01-0.60; fixed-effects model), but a non-significant overall effect on Hct was observed (Z=1.24, p=.21, 95% C.I. = -0.19-0.85; random-effects model). A significant test for the overall effect of AE with hypoxia compared to AE without hypoxia on MHR was also found (Z=2.84, p&amp;lt;.001, 95% C.I. = 0.19-1.04). Substantial heterogeneity was observed in all analyses (I2 range of 64% - 89%). Conclusions Chronic AE with hypoxia elicits a significantly greater increase in MWC and TTE compared to AE without hypoxia in healthy adults. The significant improvement in Hgb and increased MHR provides a rationale for the improvement in MWC and TTE associated with chronic AE combined with hypoxia. Improvements in MWC and TTE have the capacity to improve sport performance. Further investigation of AE with and without hypoxia on specific sports and on other physiologic measures is warranted.

Socio-Economic Determinants of Sports Performance: An Empirical Investigation among the Countries of the World

The present study has explored socioeconomic determinants of sports performance among the world's countries. The countries' sports performance has been measured using the total number of gold, silver, and bronze medals. The weights of gold, silver, and bronze medals have been assigned 4, 2, and 1, respectively. Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, health, education, and population determine sports performance. The education and health index proposed by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has been used as a proxy for education and health. The influence of regions was captured by using dummy variables. Balanced panel data of 113 countries that participated in all Olympic events from 1972 to 2022 with four-year intervals have been used. However, a separate empirical analysis has been made for 80 countries that attained at least one gold, silver, or bronze medal from 1972 to 2022. Three econometric models have been estimated for each case by applying a fixed and random effect approach. Hausman test has been applied to identify the appropriation of fixed effect and random effect models. Using descriptive statistics, we have found that GDP per capita, education, health, and population are positively and significantly associated with sports performance. Results of dummy variables indicate that the European region has better sports performance than Asia, Australia, America, and Africa. Improvement in GDP per capita, education, and health has been suggested as a strategy to improve sports performance.