Level Of Sport Research Articles

Exploring concussion prevalence, knowledge and reporting behaviors in women playing rugby union in the United Kingdom.

The aim of this study was to capture information regarding concussion prevalence, knowledge, and reporting behaviors in women rugby players across all competitive levels in the UK. We also investigated whether these outcomes were influenced by the prevailing concussion awareness programme (HEADCASE). 230 players from elite (Premiership), Championship, British Universities and College Sport and club level completed (n = 133) or partially completed (n = 97) a mixed-methods online questionnaire. Over a mean period of 8 years, 159 players (74%) experienced at least one suspected or diagnosed rugby-related concussion. In total, 408 rugby related concussions were reported in these players during this time. Prevalence of concussion did not differ across playing level or position. Being tackled was the most common cause of rugby-related concussions, and the act of tackling another player was second. Players across all levels demonstrated a good knowledge of concussion symptoms, but only 12% identified that concussion can occur without direct impact to the head. 146 players completed the HEADCASE training (mandatory for Premiership players). 41% of players admitted to deliberately failing to report a suspected rugby concussion, and this behavior was not influenced by HEADCASE training. These individuals were more likely to avoid reporting a suspected concussion during an important (e.g. semifinal or final) than unimportant (e.g. training) scenario. Those who underwent the graduated return to play pathway (n = 41) were significantly more likely to have completed HEADCASE training. The prevalence of concussion in women's rugby union is high, but does not differ by playing level or position. All players had a good knowledge of concussion symptoms, but many were unaware that concussion may occur without direct impact to the head. Almost half of all players admitted to deliberately failing to report a suspected concussion, and this was not significantly influenced by the completion of HEADCASE training.

The Electroencephalogram (EEG) Study for Estimating Endurance Sports Performance Base on Eigenvalues Extraction Method.

Brain-behavior connections are a new means to evaluate sports performance. This electroencephalogram (EEG) study aims to estimate endurance exercise performance by investigating eigenvalue trends and comparing their sensitivity and linearity. Twenty-three cross-country skiers completed endurance cycling tasks. Twenty-four-channel full-brain EEG signals were recorded in the motor phase and recovery phase continuously. Eighteen EEG eigenvalues calculation methods were collected, commonly used in previous research. Time-frequency, band power, and nonlinear analyses were used to calculate the EEG eigenvalues. Their regression coefficients and correlation coefficients were calculated and compared, with the linear regression method. The time-frequency eigenvalues shift slightly throughout the test. The power eigenvalues changed significantly before and after motor and recovery, but the linearity was not satisfactory. The sensitivity and linearity of the nonlinear eigenvalues were stronger than the other eigenvalues. Of all eigenvalues, Shannon entropy showed completely non-overlapping distribution intervals in the regression coefficients of the two phases, which were -0.1474 ± 0.0806 s-1 in the motor phase and 0.2560 ± 0.1365 s-1 in the recovery phase. Shannon entropy amplitude decreased more in the F region of the brain than in the other regions. Additionally, the higher the level of sport, the slower the decline in Shannon entropy of the athlete. The Shannon entropy method provided more accurate estimations for endurance exercise performance compared to other eigenvalues.

Research on motion control strategy of athlete muscle training based on blockchain and visual image analysis

Muscle training is an important part of athletes’ physical training. Its goal is to keep athletes in high intensity and improve sports performance in physical training. With the continuous improvement of the level of competitive sports, there are still many problems in the training of competitive athletes. The research on the control strategies of some technical movements in the process of athletes’ muscle development would help to improve the efficiency and effect of athletes’ training. By analyzing and quant description of muscle movement control process based on blockchain and visual image processing technology, the muscle movement control rule is discussed and then a complete movement database is constructed. At the same time, combined with the sports experiment method and cognitive behavioral theory, this paper analyzed the exercise load, exercise time allocation, muscle training time allocation methods and the corresponding muscle training strategy selection methods under different muscle states, providing theoretical basis for athletes to conduct muscle strength training scientifically and efficiently. This paper first analyzed the importance of athletes’ muscle training action control. After that, the research was mainly carried out from the following two aspects. The first is to analyze the motion control strategy of athlete muscle training based on blockchain and visual image, and summarize its characteristics. The second is to use electronic imaging technology to analyze the data related to posture control in athletes’ muscle training, and explore the characteristics and changes of muscle posture. At last, this paper put forward relevant algorithms about visual images and conducted experimental research on athletes’ physical indicators and performance under different muscle training according to the research in this paper. It was concluded that the score ratio of athletes’ performance after muscle training action control was 7.39% higher than that of general muscle training. Therefore, it is very important to strengthen the research of movement technology in muscle training and analyze the influence of some training control strategies on the development of athletes’ muscles in training.

Transgender athletes and the sex category: change in competition level

Most contemporary sports have a sex category with two sub-categories (male and female). The participation of transwomen in the female category has been the subject of heated discussion, from the standpoint of fairness and safety. However, no research has been conducted to determine how the competition level has changed for transgender athletes who have changed their sex sub-category following transition, which brings additional complexity to the issue. This study examines changes in competition level of transgender athletes, comparing pre- and post-transition changes in the sex (male/female) category. This study was an investigation of the content of English-language newspapers published between 1 January 2016 and 31 August 2021 that identified individual transgender athletes. Nexis Uni was used to investigate gender (transwoman or transman), sport, and competition levels. Competition levels were classified as international, national, and regional. Change of sex sub-category was compared statistically with the decrease/increase in competition level. The study examined 2220 articles, which yielded usable data from 68 athletes (52 transwomen, 16 transmen) in 23 sports. The study found that transwomen were more likely to participate in the female category than transmen in the male category; and that, when the sex sub-category was changed, 41% of transwomen improved their competition level, while no transmen improved their competition level.

Validation of the Short Form Shoulder Instability Return to Sport After Injury (SIRSI-5) and Its Association With Return to Sports.

Psychosocial readiness is thought to be important in establishing whether athletes are ready to return to sports (RTS). The 5-item Shoulder Instability-Return to Sport After Injury (SIRSI-5) is a short-form version of the 12-item questionnaire (SIRSI-12), which was validated in a postoperative Argentinian population and associated with psychological readiness to RTS. It is unknown if the SIRSI-5 is valid in surgical and nonsurgical populations in other geographic locations. To establish whether the SIRSI-5 is valid in another population and if it is associated with RTS. Cross-sectional study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. A total of 79 participants with anterior shoulder instability managed operatively and nonoperatively were included. The SIRSI-5 and SIRSI-12 total scores were calculated. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Pearson correlations assessed convergent validity between SIRSI-5 and SIRSI-12. Logistic regression was used to assess the discrimination ability (leave-one-out cross-validation [LOOCV]) of a preexisting SIRSI-5 cut point score (≥59/100) to determine participants who had returned to their preinjury level of sport. In addition, the discrimination ability (LOOCV) of multivariable machine learning models including age, sex, time since injury (months), SIRSI-5 (continuous score), surgery, and contact/noncontact sport to predict return to preinjury level sport was also assessed. The Youden index was calculated to assess the models' performance. Of the 79 participants, 62 (78.5%) were male and 27 (34%) had been treated surgically. Only 32% (n = 25) of participants had returned to preinjury level sport. The SIRSI-5 and SIRSI-12 were highly correlated (r > 0.9) with high levels of agreement (ICC, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.76-0.95). The prediction accuracy of the SIRSI-5 cut point score model was 66% (Youden index, 0; sensitivity, 4%; specificity, 94%). The best prediction accuracy obtained through a machine learning model (multilayer perceptron) was 72% (Youden index, 0.4; sensitivity, 64%; specificity, 76%). The SIRSI-5 has excellent convergent validity with the SIRSI-12 to measure psychological readiness to RTS and can be used clinically with less patient burden than the SIRSI-12. However, in a population of surgically and nonsurgically treated contact athletes, the SIRSI-5 with a cut point of ≥59/100 had low levels of prediction accuracy for RTS at preinjury level. The SIRSI-5 should not be utilized in isolation to determine readiness to RTS, and clinicians should consider other factors such as age, type of sport, and time since injury to underpin their clinical reasoning when deciding for RTS.

Factors Affecting Women Sports Officials’ Intention to Leave Across Europe

This study examines the factors affecting women officials’ intention to leave their chosen sport, including personal, work-related, and sociocultural factors. The empirical analysis is based on survey data of women officials in 69 different sports across Europe (n = 3,214). Overall, 10.7% of women expressed a turnover intention. Regression analyses indicate that this intention is higher for women who have more officiating experience (16–20 years), officiate at lower levels of sport (grassroots, junior), frequently experience abuse, and dislike the stress and time commitments of officiating, lack of support from the federation, and their lack of opportunity to progress. Younger women (≤24 years) with a mentor, who enjoy being part of a sport community and live in a more gender equal society are less likely to leave. The findings suggest that multiple factors are at work, which need to be addressed by sport managers to retain women in officiating roles.

Exploring Individual Components of Sport Persistence in the Light of Gender, Education, and Level and Type of Sport.

Background/Objectives: Sport persistence can be coded as an indicator of sport performance and commitment, incorporating personality traits such as resilience, adaptive coping, and positive personality traits. Thus, athletes do not merely persist in sporting activities but are qualitatively committed to them. Methods: In the present research, we used a qualitative methodology to investigate the factors underlying sport persistence, using Bronfenbrenner's socio-ecological model. In total, 133 high school and college student-athletes were surveyed in a semi-structured interview study. We set the following research question: How do the factors involved in developing sport persistence vary across athletes' gender, level of study, and level and type of sport? Data were analyzed along the lines of grounded theory. ATLAS.ti and IBM SPSS 22.0 statistical software were used for the analysis. Results: Our analysis divided individual motivation into intrinsic (health promotion, habituation, becoming a competitive athlete, self-improvement, self-actualization, relaxation, and sport enjoyment) and extrinsic motivation (family-related motivation, coach, social relationships, competition, livelihood, recognition). The cross-tabulation analysis revealed that contrary to the general trend, no significant differences can be experienced in the core motivational patterns contributing to sport persistence. However, significant differences could be detected concerning the level of education, level of sporting activity, and type of sport. Conclusions: Our findings not only shed light on the unique factors underlying sport persistence, but also challenge the trends observed in traditional sport motivation analyses. This insight could potentially revolutionize how we approach youth sport promotion and physical activity among young people, making our research highly relevant and impactful.

Evaluation of the influence of athlete neural activity patterns on the dynamic index of leaping ability using data mining techniques

There are many dynamic indicators of jumping ability, and the athlete’s neural activity pattern is an important factor in regulating limb activities. This article uses data mining technology to collect, preprocess, data modeling and analysis, and data visualization of dynamic index data of athletes’ neural activity patterns of jumping ability. The results show that the jumping ability of athletes with higher neural activity intensity increased significantly after training to around 40 cm–50 cm, while athletes with lower neural activity intensity did not change significantly and remained around 30 cm–35 cm. The overall learning ability of athletes with higher levels of neural activity improved by about 10 cm, and the base of neural activity also increased significantly. It shows that there is a significant correlation between the intensity of neural activity and dynamic indicators of jumping ability, which is the main driving force for athletes’ jumping explosive power. The research results can help formulate reasonable and scientific training methods to improve athletes’ jumping ability and overall sports level.

Assessment of Eating Disorder Risk According to Sport Level, Sex, and Social Media Use among Polish Football Players: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objectives: Eating disorders (EDs) pose a significant health issue affecting athletes, with risk factors varying by sport level, sex, and social media use. This study assesses the risk of EDs among professional and amateur football players, considering these factors, and compares findings with a control group of non-athletes. Methods: The study involved 170 participants, including non-athletes as a control group, categorized by sex and sport level. The mean age of participants was 24.3 ± 4.20, with an age range of 18–36. The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and body mass index (BMI) assessments were used to determine ED risk. Results: Results showed a higher prevalence of ED risk among professional athletes, especially women, compared to amateurs and non-athletes. Social media use and body comparisons were linked to increased ED risk, with professional athletes exhibiting higher vulnerability due to performance pressures. Women, particularly those in professional sports, showed a higher risk of EDs than men, influenced by social and aesthetic pressures. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, promoting healthier body image perceptions and addressing social media’s role in shaping body dissatisfaction. Psychological support and sex-specific strategies should be integrated into athlete care programs to mitigate these risks.

Pick your battles: Elite ski-jumpers’ motives affect world cup performance depending on competition type

According to motive disposition theory, athletes high in affiliation motivation should find team contexts more rewarding than individual contexts, and hence perform better in team than in individual competitions. The opposite is predicted for athletes high in power motivation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to test these hypotheses in an elite sample (here: ski jumping athletes) based on archived worldcup competition data from both individual and team competitions on the one hand, and self-reported and projectively assessed motives on the other hand. Results confirmed that even at the highest levels of professional sports, individual differences in motives show systematic relationships to competition performance. First, the negative impact of athletes' projectively assessed affiliation motive in individual competitions was significantly attenuated in team competitions, indicating that these represent more favorable conditions for athletes high in affiliation. Second, the projectively assessed power motive exhibited an overall negative relationship to performance. In contrast, self-reported achievement and affiliation motives showed a positive relationship to performance. These findings attest to the role of personality differences in predicting motor performance variability in elite sports.

Longitudinal comparison of the relationship of energy intake with body composition and physical performance in elite female basketball and volleyball players

Abstract Purpose To maximise sporting success, disciplines such as basketball and volleyball need to improve their methods of analysing the sporting performance and fitness of their athletes. Although energy intake quantities have been established at a theoretical level for women to perform at a sporting level, it has been found that these energy intake levels are not met or followed and that, despite this, the performance of female players is not diminished. Thus, the purpose of this research study was to describe and compare the anthropometric characteristics of these two disciplines and to identify the differences in actual and theoretical energy intake, as well as to observe physical performance in both disciplines. Methods Anthropometric data, continuous quantitative data, training time and characteristics, and energy intake data were collected. Performance tests included upper and lower body strength, speed, agility, and endurance tests. Dietary monitoring showed lower intakes of total energy, carbohydrate and protein than theoretically recommended. However, the athletes experienced overall improvements in performance and body composition. Results The mean total energy intake was 20.2 ± 4.3 kcal·kg−1·day−1. The minimum individual mean intake was 9.8 kcal·kg−1·day−1 and the maximum was 25.95 kcal·kg−1·day−1. Carbohydrates accounted for 54.3% ± 8.8% of the energy intake; 20.3% ± 6.5% from fats; 25.4% ± 5.7% from proteins. Conclusions Current data suggest that, although a cause-effect relationship between dietary intake and BC performance cannot be determined, elite athletes in these sports disciplines may experience beneficial outcomes despite having lower total energy, CHO, protein, and fat intakes than previously recommended in the literature.

Missing School Days Following Sport-Related Concussion in High School Athletes

Sport-related concussions (SRC) can significantly impact students' attendance and academic performance, highlighting the importance of gradual return-to-learn protocols for recovery. Understanding the association between missed school days and recovery, especially across genders, is vital for effective concussion management in high school athletes. To describe missed school days in high school athletes with SRC and to determine associations between missed school days and authorized clearance to return to competition; secondarily, to determine whether school days missed differed by gender. Cohort study among student athletes participating in athletics sponsored by the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) during academic years 2015 to 2023. SRC was a participant eligibility criterion and was defined as a head injury during participation in a MHSAA-sanctioned event. Data were analyzed from August 2015 to June 2023. Primary exposure was missed school days; additional exposures included gender, year of season, concussion history, event type, sport level, contact level, and athletic trainer involvement. The primary outcome was time to full unrestricted clearance following SRC. The analysis included a total of 20 934 individuals with SRC (13 869 boys [66.25%]). Gender (χ23 = 167.40; P < .001), season (χ221 = 57.41; P < .001), event type (χ23 = 99.29; P < .001), sport level (χ29 = 68.15; P < .001), contact level (χ26 = 56.73; P < .001), and initial evaluation (χ23 = 147.13; P < .001) were independently associated with missed school days. Athletes took a median (IQR) of 11 (7-16) days to return to full unrestricted clearance. Relative to no missed school days, there was a significant mean increase of 57% (incidence rate ratio, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.52-1.62) in time to full unrestricted clearance for 3 or more missed school days. The estimated mean days to return to sport were 12.15 (95% CI, 12.00-12.30) for 0 missed school days, 12.68 (95% CI, 12.39-12.96) for 1 missed school day, 15.47 (95% CI, 15.06-15.87) for 2 missed school days, and 19.08 (95% CI, 18.55-19.62) for 3 or more missed school days. This cohort study found that high school athletes typically missed 2 or fewer school days after SRC, suggesting that concussion management teams adhered to current recommendations of 24 to 48 hours of initial rest. The dose association, with more missed school days associated with slower return to play, suggests athletes' missing more school days (eg, ≥3) may be associated with severity of concussion and warrant additional support to return to school and/or sport.

Arthroscopic Trillat technique for chronic anterior shoulder instability: outcomes at 2 years follow-up in 74 at risk sport-patient

BackgroundChronic anterior shoulder instability affects a young and athletic population, with a high demand for functional recovery and return to sport. Arthroscopic Trillat dynamic stabilization technique has shown great results at 2 years in terms of stabilization and functional outcomes on general population. The hypothesis is that it could do so in at-risk for dislocation athletic population for stabilization and return to sport, with results comparable to the reference techniques. MethodsMulticenter retrospective study of Walch-Duplay type 2, 3 and 4 at risk sports patients treated by arthroscopic Trillat for chronic anterior shoulder instability between January 2012 and January 2021, at a two years follow-up. Primary endpoint: occurrence of dislocation recurrence. Secondary endpoints: subluxation recurrence, functional outcomes, time and level of return to sport, functional scores, bony fusion and complications. Results74 patients were analyzed, with a mean age of 24.4 years (15-50). Sports level was, moderate risk of dislocation Walch-Duplay type 2 for n=34 (46%), medium risk Walch- Duplay type 3 for n=19 (26%) and high-risk Walch-Duplay type 4 for n=21 (28%). Recurrence of dislocation occurred in 3 patients (4.1%). 100% of patients returned to sport, with an average delay of 4.6 months, with n=56 (76%) returning to the same previous level. The mean Constant score was 94.5 (79-100), the Rowe score 94.7 (70-100), the Walch-Duplay score 90.2 (50-100) and the SSV score 90.5 (65-100). Subgroup analysis of athletes at moderate risk of dislocation recurrence (Walch-Duplay type 2) vs. medium and high risk of dislocation recurrence (Walch-Duplay type 3 and 4) revealed no statistically significant difference. One patient presented with asymptomatic pseudarthrosis. ConclusionArthroscopic Trillat offers highly satisfactory results in the treatment of chronic anterior shoulder instability for athletes regardless of the type of sport practised and type of risk according to Walch-Duplay. This simple and quick technique enables a rapid return to sport and at the previous level in the majority of cases. After showing its effectiveness in the general population at two years, arthroscopic Trillat offers a reliable alternative to the reference procedures in young athletic patients.

Age under 20 years, pre-operative participation in pivoting sports, and steep posterior tibial slope of more than 12° are risk factors for graft failure after double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Younger age and steep posterior tibial slope (PTS) have been reported as risk factors for graft failure after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Few studies have evaluated these risk factors simultaneously in a large cohort of patients undergoing double-bundle ACLR (DB-ACLR). Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to simultaneously investigate known risk factors such as PTS and age in DB-ACLR, determine their thresholds and calculate odds ratios (ORs). We investigated 482 knees that underwent DB-ACLR with a follow-up period of at least 2 years. Receiver operating characteristic analysis determined cut-off values for age and PTS for graft failure. Subsequently, logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of age, sex, height, weight, laterality, surgical waiting period, pre-operative sport type and level, meniscal injury, hyperextension, general joint laxity and PTS on graft failure. Graft failure was observed in 33 out of 482 knees (6.8%). Notably, the graft failure group was significantly younger (18.0 ± 5.0 years [standard deviation] vs. 30.4 ± 13.1 years, p < 0.01) and had a steeper PTS (11.9 ± 2.3° [standard deviation] vs. 9.6 ± 2.9°, p < 0.01) than the group with no graft failure. The cut-off values were 20.0 years for age (specificity, 64.6%; sensitivity, 87.9% and area under the curve, 0.808) and 12.0° for PTS (specificity, 70.9%; sensitivity, 69.7% and area under the curve, 0.734). Logistic regression analysis identified an age of <20 years (OR = 10.1; p < 0.01), PTS of ≥12° (OR = 5.6; p < 0.01) and pre-operative participation in pivoting sports (OR = 6.0; p < 0.01) as significant risk factors for graft failure. We identified an age of <20 years, PTS of ≥12° and pre-operative participation in pivoting sports as significant risk factors for graft failure after DB-ACLR. Level III.

Analyzing the Interplay Between Competition State Anxiety, Motor Motivation, and Coping Styles Among Adolescent Track and Field Athletes

The relationship between competition state anxiety, motor motivation and coping styles of adolescent track and field athletes in China was investigated using interview and questionnaire research methods. The results showed that the mean scores of cognitive state anxiety and somatic state anxiety were lower in junior track and field athletes who had entered the echelon for a short period of time than in older athletes, and the opposite was true for state self-confidence; there were highly significant differences and significant differences in the identity regulation and introjection regulation dimensions of motor motivation; and there were significant differences in the focused problem-solving coping dimension of coping style. This paper proposes an algorithm for classifying athletic visual mirrors based on sequential model mining. This paper focuses on two issues – feature extraction and definition of semantic rules. In the feature extraction stage, the track and field video footage is automatically segmented into a series of identifiable sequences of athletic events, and then each type of behavioral event is identified using a mechanically learned algorithm. There were no significant differences between the three age groups in terms of race state anxiety, identity regulation and introjection regulation, and no significant differences in coping styles. There were no significant differences in the anxiety of competition status, motivation and coping styles among youth athletes of different sport levels. The results showed the effectiveness of the present algorithm for classifying track and field video cameras.

The Minimum Patient Acceptable Symptom State for the ACL-Return to Sport after Injury Scale Among Patients Treated With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Despite most patients reporting optimal knee function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), not all return to their pre-injury level of sport, often due to psychological factors. The ACL-Return to Sport after Injury Scale (ACL-RSI) was developed to measure the emotions, confidence in performance, and risk appraisal among athletes returning to sport. The purpose of this study was to determine the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) threshold for the ACL-RSI in patients undergoing ACLR. Patients with an ACL injury that required surgical reconstruction were included in this prospective study. All patients underwent ACLR with a bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft and completed the ACL-RSI 12 months postoperatively. An anchor-based approach was used to generate a receiver operating characteristic curve and establish the PASS threshold. Multivariable regression analyses were used to evaluate the effect of age, sex, and baseline score on likelihood of achieving PASS. A total of 113 patients (37% female) with a mean age of 28.1±8.2 years and a mean body mass index of 24.7±3.5 kg/m2 were included. At 12 months postoperatively, the threshold value for the PASS of the ACL-RSI was 40 (robust area under the curve: 0.89; sensitivity: 81%; specificity: 85%). Baseline score, sex, and age had no significant influence on achieving PASS at 12 months postoperatively. In a group of patients undergoing ACLR with bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft, the PASS threshold value was 40 for the ACL-RSI at 12 months postoperatively. The PASS value for the ACL-RSI established from this study can be useful for designing future clinical trials. [Orthopedics. 202x;4x(x):xx-xx.].

On the Importance of Extracurricular Physical Education Activities in the Physical Education of Students of Higher Education Institutions

The article presents material on the organization of extracurricular activities in physical education at a higher educational institution. The relevance of this topic is due to structural and substantive changes in undergraduate educational programs and work programs in physical education, which have led to an increasing role of extracurricular activities in the formation of student's physical culture competence. This circumstance requires consideration of issues of planning, organization and methodological support of this type of pedagogical activity. The purpose of the study is to identify the organizational and educational aspects of student sports and wellness activities conducted in their free time from study at the university. As an example of the organization of extracurricular work carried out by teachers of the Department of Physical Culture and Sports, a number of physical culture and recreation and sports events held at the Omsk State Agrarian University named after P. A. Stolypin are proposed. The analysis and generalization of pedagogical experience in the higher education system, data from literary sources on the problems of physical education of students allowed us to make practical recommendations on the basics of planning, goal-setting and organizational features of extracurricular activities in physical culture. The possibility of increasing the effectiveness of this activity is emphasized due to the uniform distribution of activities throughout the academic year, attracting students with different levels of physical, sports and technical readiness and motivation in the field of physical culture and sports to participate. In addition to the calendar plan, the organizers for each event must define a goal, develop a program, create a festive atmosphere, ensure the safety of spectators and participants, and create conditions for informational coverage of the planned event.

Sexual Minority Athletes Between Concealment and Disclosure: A Multilevel Perspective on Coming Out in Sport

Abstract Introduction Sexual orientation disclosure is a complex, multifaceted process and has not yet been sufficiently explored with regard to LGB + athletes. Methods Based on a multilevel model for understanding sexual minority athletes’ (SMA) experiences in sports, we adopt a mixed-method approach, analysing data from a European survey conducted in 2018 with 1749 LGB + athletes to identify factors that influence the decision of disclosure in sports. Results Multivariate analyses include factors at the macro level (legal situation, population density and gender-typing of sport), meso level (composition of friendships, type of sport and performance level) and micro level (age, sexual orientation, education level and athletic capital). The analysis shows that sexual orientation disclosure is less likely when respondents were younger, had a bisexual or other sexual orientation (compared to lesbian or gay), lower athletic abilities, fewer non-heterosexual friends, participated in individual sports (rather than in team sports) and lived in a country with less inclusive LGB + laws and regulations. Responses to open-ended survey questions highlight the relevance of inclusive sport contexts in terms of trust, safety and LGB + visibility. Conclusions Coming out in sports is influenced by manifold factors on macro, meso and micro levels, and only few of them have gender impact. Policy Implications Policymakers, administrators, coaches, and teammates are relevant stakeholders in sports to establish an environment of trust and safety that eventually leads to an upward spiral of LGB + visibility and the coming out of other SMA.

Study of the Relationship Between Specialised Physical Fitness and Repeated Sprinting Ability in University Football Players

Objective: To explore the relationship between specialised physical quality and repeated sprinting ability of university football players, and to provide theoretical basis for improving repeated sprinting ability and sports level of university football players. Methods: 29 athletes from the Chizhou University varsity football team were selected as test subjects using the method of intentional sampling to measure their specialised physical fitness and repeated sprinting ability, and Pearson correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were used to explore the relationship between specialised physical fitness and repeated sprinting ability. Results: The YO-YO test, 5*25 m run, 30 m run and T-run had different degrees of positive or negative correlation with RSAbest and RSAmean in the specialised physical fitness. 67.4% of the maximal recurrent sprinting ability could be explained by the YO-YO test, 5*25 m run, 30 m run and T-run; 61.2% of the average recurrent sprinting ability could be explained by the YO-YO test, 5*25 m run and 30 m run. 61.2% of average repeated sprinting ability. Conclusion: Specialised physical fitness of university football players is related to repeated sprinting ability, and improving specialised physical fitness is conducive to enhancing repeated sprinting ability of football players.

Predictors of Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life After Sternoclavicular Joint Reconstruction With Hamstring Tendon Autograft

Background: Anterior instability of the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) is a rare but potentially devastating pathological condition, particularly when it occurs in young or active patients. SCJ reconstruction using hamstring tendon autograft is a commonly used treatment option, yet to date results are limited to small case series. Studies on baseline, preoperative factors and their association with postoperative outcome are limited. Purpose: To assess the midterm clinical outcomes and survivorship after SCJ reconstruction using hamstring tendon autograft in patients experiencing anterior SCJ instability and to determine whether baseline patient or causative factors are associated with postoperative outcomes or patient satisfaction. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients who underwent SCJ reconstruction with a hamstring tendon autograft for anterior SCJ instability between October 2005 and October 2020 were included in this retrospective single-center study. At a minimum of 2 years postoperatively, clinical outcomes were collected, including the following patient-reported outcomes (PROs): the 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12) score; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score; Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score; Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score; and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score. Subjective postoperative satisfaction with the procedure was quantified on a scale from 0 (very unsatisfied) to 10 (very satisfied). The predictive role of patient factors, including age, sex, and injury in dominant arm, on postoperative PROs and satisfaction at short-term follow-up was evaluated using multiple linear regression. Results: A total of 49 patients (mean age, 29.6 ± 16.2 years; range 13.8-67.1 years; 27 females) were included in the final analysis. At a mean follow-up of 3.9 ± 2.1 years, all PROs had significantly improved, including the mean SF-12 Physical Component Summary score (40.4 ± 6.8 to 52.6 ± 6.9; P < .001), ASES score (54.9 ± 20.4 to 91.0 ± 11.3; P < .001), QuickDASH score (41.2 ± 18.5 to 10.2 ± 9.1; P < .001); SANE score (50.2 ± 21.1 to 88.3 ± 8.8; P < .001), VAS pain score (4.4 ± 2.6 to 0.8 ± 1.4; P < .001), and VAS pain score at its worst (7.4 ± 2.5 to 3.3 ± 2.6; P < .001). The median postoperative satisfaction score was 9 (range, 1-10). Revision-free survivorship was 95.9%. Male patients had a significantly lower VAS pain score at its worst compared with female patients (2.6 ± 2.6 vs 4.1 ± 2.4; P = .045); higher age was significantly correlated with a worse QuickDASH score (correlation coefficient, 0.314; P = .036). Overhead athletes had a significantly lower propensity to return to sport compared with nonoverhead athletes (P = .043), with only 45% of the overhead athletes returning to a level similar to their preinjury level, whereas 81% of the nonoverhead athletes were able to do so. Conclusion: The significant improvements in clinical and sport-specific outcomes and high patient satisfaction after SCJ reconstruction with a hamstring tendon autograft demonstrate the success of this procedure in treating anterior SCJ instability. Male sex and younger patient age are associated with superior outcomes, while overhead athletes have to be counseled about difficulties of returning to preinjury level of sport postoperatively.