Male National Collegiate Athletic Association Research Articles

Gender-specific hip strength disparities correlate with injury patterns in NCAA men's and women's soccer players.

In National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) soccer athletes, men have higher rates of hip and groin strains, whereas women have higher rates of knee ligament injuries. Strength imbalances of the hip and thigh, specifically in agonist-antagonist muscles, are known risk factors for these injuries. To perform hip and thigh strength assessments in NCAA soccer players to evaluate for differences between genders and correlations with gender-specific injury patterns. With a handheld dynamometer, weight-normalized isometric strength of six muscle groups (hip abductors, hip adductors, hip flexors, hip extensors, knee flexors, knee extensors) was calculated in NCAA soccer players. The strength ratio of each agonist-antagonist muscle was also calculated (hip abductors/adductors, hip flexors/extensors, knee extensors/flexors). Thirty-six NCAA soccer players (18 men, 18 women) from a single NCAA Division III institution. Not applicable. Weight-normalized strength of six muscle groups and their agonist-antagonist strength ratios were compared between genders using linear mixed-effects models. Compared with male players, female players had decreased weight-normalized strength for hip abduction (0.170 vs. 0.204, p = .012) and hip extension (0.172 vs. 0.211, p = .021). Otherwise, weight-normalized strength was similar between genders. When comparing agonist-antagonist strength ratios, there was a significant difference between female and male players for hip flexion:extension (1.70 vs. 1.35, p = .008), whereas the hip abduction: adduction ratio did not reach statistical significance (1.45 vs. 1.62, p = .080). NCAA male and female soccer players had different hip strength profiles that fit their injury patterns. Male NCAA soccer players have higher rates of hip and groin strains, and men in the cohort had strength ratios that were deficient in the hip flexors and adductors compared with women. Female NCAA soccer players have higher rates of knee sprains and anterior cruciate ligament tears, and women in the cohort had strength ratios that were deficient in the hip abductors and extensors, which function to stabilize the knee. These strength disparities could be the focus of future gender-specific soccer injury prevention programs.

Cold-Water Immersion and Lower Limb Muscle Oxygen Consumption as Measured by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Trained Endurance Athletes.

Cold-water immersion (CWI) has been reported to reduce tissue metabolism postimmersion, but physiological data are lacking regarding the muscle metabolic response to its application. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive optical technique that can inform muscle hemodynamics and tissue metabolism. To investigate the effects of CWI at 2 water temperatures (10°C and 15°C) on NIRS-calculated measurements of muscle oxygen consumption (mVO2). Crossover study. University sports rehabilitation center. A total of 11 male National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II long-distance runners (age = 23.4 ± 3.4 years, height = 1.8 ± 0.1 m, mass = 68.8 ± 10.7 kg, mean adipose tissue thickness = 6.7 ± 2.7 mm). Cold-water immersion at 10°C and 15°C for 20 minutes. We calculated mVO2 preimmersion and postimmersion at water temperatures of 10°C and 15°C. Changes in tissue oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb), deoxyhemoglobin (HHb), total hemoglobin (tHb), hemoglobin difference (Hbdiff), and tissue saturation index (TSI %) were measured during the 20-minute immersion at both temperatures. We observed a decrease in mVO2 after immersion at both 10°C and 15°C (F1,9 = 27.7801, P = .001). During the 20-minute immersion at both temperatures, we noted a main effect of time for O2Hb (F3,27 = 14.227, P = .001), HHb (F3,27 = 5.749, P = .009), tHb (F3,27 = 24.786, P = .001), and Hbdiff (F3,27 = 3.894, P = .020), in which values decreased over the course of immersion. Post hoc pairwise comparisons showed that these changes occurred within the final 5 minutes of immersion for tHb and O2Hb. A 20-minute CWI at 10°C and 15°C led to a reduction in mVO2. This was greater after immersion at 10°C. The reduction in mVO2 suggests a decrease in muscle metabolic activity (ie, O2 use after CWI). Calculating mVO2 via the NIRS-occlusion technique may offer further insight into muscle metabolic responses beyond what is attainable from observing the NIRS primary signals.

Perceptions and Perspectives of Black Male Athletic Directors at National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Institutions

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among self- identified Black male National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) athletic directors (ADs) and their lived experiences of career attainment through the lens of Critical Race Theory (CRT). This research examined both the factors impacting the ADs’ careers and the strategies they used to overcome barriers. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with - at the time of the study - all of the FBS Black male ADs (N=12) regarding their perspectives of their lived AD experiences. The findings revealed three overarching dimensions (i.e., allyship, nepotism, and networking with other minority leaders) and seven emergent themes associated with success factors (i.e., diverse network, lack of privilege, mentorship, and cultural differences) and barrier removal strategies (i.e., intrinsic motivation, gathering extensive experience, and being intentional about networking). This study advances the sport management field and CRT research by revealing insights regarding Black ADs’ perceptions, challenges, opportunities, and strategies.

Sex Differences in Recovery Trajectories of Assessments for Sport-Related Concussion Among NCAA Athletes: A CARE Consortium Study.

The purpose of this study was to determine sex differences in recovery trajectories of assessments for sport-related concussion using Concussion Assessment, Research and Education (CARE) Consortium data. National Collegiate Athletic Association athletes (N = 906; 61% female) from sex-comparable sports completed a pre-season baseline assessment and post-sport-related concussion assessments within 6h of injury, 24-48h, when they initiated their return to play progression, when they were cleared for unrestricted return to play, and 6months post-injury. Assessments included the Standardized Assessment of Concussion, Balance Error Scoring System, Brief Symptom Inventory-18, Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT), Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-3 symptom evaluation, Clinical Reaction Time, King-Devick test, Vestibular Ocular Motor Screen, 12-item Short-Form Health Survey, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Satisfaction with Life Scale. Only the Vestibular Ocular Motor Screen Total Symptom Score at the 24-48h timepoint (p = 0.005) was statistically significantly different between sexes. Specifically, female athletes (mean = 60.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 51.5-70.4) had higher Vestibular Ocular Motor Screen Total Symptom Scores than male athletes (mean = 36.9, 95% CI 27.6-49.3), but this difference resolved by the time of return-to-play initiation (female athletes, mean = 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-2.9; male athletes, mean = 4.1, 95% CI 1.5-10.9). Sport-related concussion recovery trajectories for most assessments were similar for female and male National Collegiate Athletic Association athletes except for Vestibular Ocular Motor Screen symptoms within 48h of sport-related concussion, which was greater in female athletes. Female athletes had a greater symptom burden across all timepoints, suggesting that cross-sectional observations may indicate sex differences despite similar recovery trajectories.

The Relationship Between Mental Fatigue and Shooting Performance Over the Course of a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Basketball Season.

Daub, BD, McLean, BD, Heishman, AD, Peak, KM, and Coutts, AJ. The relationship between mental fatigue and shooting performance over the course of a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I basketball season. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 334-341, 2024-The aim of this investigation was to examine the presence of mental fatigue and concurrent changes in shooting performance across various experimental weeks throughout a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball season. Fifteen elite male NCAA Division I collegiate basketball players (age 20.2 ± 1.2 years, height 199.3 ± 7.1 cm, and body mass 93.1 ± 8.6 kg) volunteered for this study. Mental fatigue and basketball shooting performance was evaluated at 4 timepoints with varying seasonal demands: high game volume (GAME), high academic load (ACADEMIC), no games and no academic load (PRACTICE), and standard number of games and academic requirements (TYPICAL). Subjective mental fatigue increased significantly ( p ≤ 0.05) from Pre to Post brief psychomotor vigilance test (PVT-B) measurements at the end of the ACADEMIC week ( p = 0.002, d = 1.51) and from beginning to end of the ACADEMIC week ( p < 0.001, d = 2.21). Ratings of mental effort were significantly increased during the ACADEMIC week ( p < 0.001, d = 1.67). Recovery stress questionnaire (REST-Q) showed significant differences between week GAME and ACADEMIC with an increase in Social Stress ( p = 0.001, d = 0.84), Fatigue ( p = 0.021, d = 1.12), Disturbed Breaks ( p = 0.024, d = 0.57), and Emotional Exhaustion ( p = 0.035, d = 0.75). Lower shooting performance was observed during the ACADEMIC week from Pre to Post ( p = 0.009, d = 0.35) and higher scores Pre to Post in the TYPICAL week ( p = 0.008, d = 0.25). Basketball shooting performance was significantly reduced after increased levels of mental fatigue stemming from added academic stress. In addition, an increase in sport-specific training or games had no effect on subsequent basketball shooting performance. Special consideration should be given by coaches around examination periods because the existence of academic stressors can influence basketball shooting performance.

Retrospective and Contemporary Predictors of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Cross-Country Performance Are Sex Specific.

Carder, MJ, Scudamore, EM, Savanna, KN, Pribyslavska, V, Bowling, LR, and O'Neal, EK. Retrospective and contemporary predictors of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I cross-country performance are sex specific. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): 2267-2272, 2023-The purpose of this study was to identify National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I cross-country (XC) performance potential using laboratory-based and field-based parameters and retrospective high school (HS) personal best (PB) data at various distances of current collegiate XC runners. Fifteen female and 17 male NCAA XC runners provided their PB for 5-km (women) and 8-km (men) distances from the previous season. Bivariate correlation and stepwise and hierarchical regression modeling were used to predict XC performance. Single squat jump height and multijump reactive strength index displayed r < 0.27 for both sexes, suggesting lower-body power is a poor predictor of XC performance or masked by other factors of greater importance. Triceps skinfold thickness approached significance (r = 0.43; p = 0.09) for men but was unrelated to women's performance (r = -0.05; p = 0.86). HS XC PB neared significance (r = 0.55, p = 0.054), but no other single or combination of variables reached significance for female runners. Aerobic capacity displayed a moderate to strong relationship (r = 0.65) for male runners. High school 3,200-m PB for men produced a robust prediction capacity (r = 0.85; p = 0.005, SEE = ± 0.65 minutes), and predicted 8-km PB within 30 seconds for approximately two-thirds of runners. These outcomes suggest when recruiting HS or transfer athletes, male and female XC runners should not be recruited on the same factors. Women's XC PB is more difficult to predict, but skinfold thickness was statistically the least valuable predictor of all factors.

Effect of Extreme Volume-Load Differences for a Single Unilateral Exercise During In-Season Resistance Training on Measures of Bilateral Strength, Power, and Speed in Collegiate American Football Players.

Crawley, K, Adams, KJ, DeBeliso, M, and Lawrence, MM. Effect of Extreme Volume-Load Differences for a Single Unilateral Exercise During In-Season Resistance Training on Measures of Bilateral Strength, Power, and Speed in Collegiate American Football Players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2023-This study examined the impact extreme volume-load differences for a single weekly exercise, when all other exercises' volume loads were similar, would have on American football performance variables after in-season resistance training (RT). Twenty male National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) American footballers (18-23 years, 98.4 ± 19.3 kg) were randomly assigned to an extreme high-volume low-intensity (EHVLI; n = 11) group or a low-volume high-intensity (LVHI; n = 9) group. Subjects performed the same evidence-based RT exercises and volume loads for 8 weeks thrice weekly, with the only differences being once weekly unilateral reverse dumbbell lunge (EHVLI) or unilateral Hatfield safety bar back squat (LVHI) exercises performed with different volume loads. Performance variables were assessed 1 week before (PRE) and after (POST) 8 weeks of RT. A 2-way analysis of variance with repeated measures and the Sidak post hoc test were used (p < 0.05). Extreme high-volume low-intensity had no significant (p > 0.05) PRE-to-POST RT changes in muscular strength in 1 repetition maximum (251.8 ± 48.7 to 274.6 ± 61.3 kg) or power in vertical jump (79.2 ± 8.8 to 78.2 ± 10.8 cm). Conversely, LVHI had significant (p < 0.05) PRE-to-POST RT improvements in strength (249.2 ± 54.4 to 284.1 ± 55.0 kg) and power (72.8 ± 11.4 to 76.3 ± 10.0 cm). Furthermore, LVHI vs. EHVLI displayed significantly greater percentage difference increases from PRE values in muscular power (6.7% ± 7.2 vs. -1.3% ± 6.0, respectively), with no significant differences between groups (LVHI vs. EHVLI) in muscular strength (8.8% ± 3.1 vs. 6.7% ± 8.0, respectively) and 10-yard acceleration (2.2% ± 5.6 vs. 3.2% ± 5.6, respectively). For in-season RT of strength and power in collegiate American football players, all exercises performed should use evidence-based volume loads to optimize adaptations because a single exercise performed with extreme volume load may limit muscular strength and power development.

Poster 274: Preseason patellar tendon thickness as a predictor of symptomatic patellar tendinopathy in NCAA Division I Basketball players

Objectives: Patellar tendinopathy is prevalent in elite jumping athletes, with a particularly high risk in basketball players. Previous prospective research has demonstrated that ultrasound (US) findings, primarily the presence of hypoechoic regions within the tendon, are prevalent in both symptomatic and asymptomatic elite jumping athletes and thus do not necessarily indicate patellar tendon pathology. Other studies have suggested that hypoechoic regions within asymptomatic tendons are predictive of new onset symptomatic patellar tendinopathy. None of these previous studies evaluated the utility of patellar tendon thickness as a predictive measure. The purpose of this study is to build on the previous literature to identify whether preseason US is a clinically relevant preseason screening tool in elite basketball players. We hypothesized that increased preseason anteroposterior (AP) thickness of the proximal patellar tendon, as well as hypoechoic regions, are predictive of symptomatic patellar tendinopathy and associated sequelae. Methods: Thirty-one male National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I basketball players voluntarily participated in this prospective cohort study. Both patellar tendons of each athlete were evaluated at preseason, midseason, and postseason time points, resulting in a total of 52 patellar tendons from 27 athletes included in this analysis after exclusion of 4 tendons that were previously operated on and 6 tendons from 3 athletes who transferred to a new team during the season. Basic demographic data were collected for each athlete. At each time point, Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment – Patellar Tendon (VISA-P) scores, patellar tendon AP thickness, and presence of proximal patellar tendon hypoechoic regions were evaluated. Outcome measures included 1) proximal patellar tendon hypoechoic region, 2) trip to the training room (TTR), 3) time-loss symptomatic patellar tendinopathy (TLPT), and 4) patellar tendon rupture. TTR was defined as symptomatic patellar tendinopathy causing the athlete to seek evaluation by team medical staff. TLPT was a binary outcome that involved 1 or more missed game due to patellar tendinopathy symptoms. Measurement of patellar tendon AP thickness was performed using the Butterfly iQ portable US probe (Butterfly Network, Inc., Burlington, MA) and accompanying iPhone mobile application (Apple, Cupertino, CA) (Figure 1). Two distinct images were saved for each patellar tendon at each time point. Each of these images were independently evaluated by two reviewers, one of which was a fellowship- trained musculoskeletal radiologist. Intra- and interrater reliability was calculated. Covariates evaluated in multivariate regression model included age and body mass index (BMI). Significance was set to p&lt;.05. Results: Of the total of 52 tendons (mean age 20.67 ± 1.22 years, mean BMI 24.1 ± 1.57), the mean preseason AP thickness was 4.78 ± 1.22 mm. Intra- and interrater reliability for AP thickness were both excellent (ICC=0.99, p&lt;.01 and ICC=0.98, p&lt;.01, respectively). Compared to preseason values, there was a significant increase in mean AP thickness at both midseason (p&lt;.01) and postseason (p&lt;.01) evaluation (Table 1, Figure 2). VISA-P scores decreased from preseason to midseason (p=.04), but increased from midseason to postseason (p=.03) (Table 1). A total of 9 patellar tendons resulted in a TTR (17.31%) (Table 2). Preseason AP thickness was associated with an increased odds of TTR (aOR=7.58 [2.09, 29.66], p&lt;.01). Assuming mean age and BMI, an 8mm tendon at baseline predicted a 97.19% probability of a TTR during the season, while a 4mm tendon predicted a 0.90% probability. Of the 9 tendons that demonstrated preseason hypoechoic regions, 5 (55.56%) resulted in a TTR (aOR=12.60, p&lt;.01). Preseason VISA-P scores (p=.36) were not predictive of TTR. There were 4 cases of TLPT (7.69%) (Table 2). There was a significant association between preseason AP thickness and increased odds of TLPT (aOR=1.61 [1.02, 2.54], p=.04). Assuming mean age and BMI, an 8mm tendon at baseline demonstrated a 24.83% probability of resulting in TLPT, while a 4mm tendon demonstrated a 4.26% probability. Preseason VISA-P scores (p=.39) were not predictive of TLPT. Conclusions: This is the first analysis evaluating patellar tendon thickness and patellar tendon sequelae in elite basketball players at more than two time points. This study demonstrated the ability for preseason US screening to identify symptomatic patellar tendinopathy and associated sequelae during the season. Additionally, there was a significant increase in mean AP thickness from preseason to midseason as well as from midseason to postseason. This is in contrast to VISA-P scores, which initially increased, but then decreased to preseason levels at postseason evaluation. Patellar tendon AP thickness may thus serve as a more stable and precise measure of patellar tendinopathy severity when compared to VISA-P scores. Further research with increased sample size may establish US as a clinically relevant screening tool in elite jumping athletes. [Table: see text][Table: see text]

Hip Injury Profile and Time Missed From Participation in Male National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Baseball Athletes

Context: It is important to examine hip injury characteristics in baseball athletes in order to develop injury-specific prevention protocols. There is currently a lack of literature regarding collegiate baseball athletes. Objective: To report the hip injury characteristics and time missed from sport participation in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball players over a period of 5 years. Results: Forty-seven hip–groin injuries were recorded in 30 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball players. Pitchers had the highest number of hip–groin injuries (24/47, 51%), and outfielders had the longest time missed from baseball participation (33 days on average). The two most common types of hip–groin injuries were femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (14/47, 30%) and hip adductor strain (14/47, 30%). Days missed from baseball participation was 4.5 days (range: 4–7) for short-term injuries and 90 days (range: 46–131) for long-term injuries. Interpretations: Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and adductor muscle strain were the predominant diagnoses in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball players with hip–groin injury; short-term injuries resulted in ∼5 days missed but recovery from a long-term injury took ∼3 months. Pitchers had the highest number of injuries (including adductor strain and femoroacetabular impingement syndrome).

Aetiology and incidence of sudden cardiac arrest and death in young competitive athletes in the USA: a 4-year prospective study

ObjectiveTo investigate the aetiology and incidence of sudden cardiac arrest and death (SCA/D) in US competitive athletes.MethodsProspective surveillance was conducted from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2018 through the...

Decreased Sleep Is an Independent Predictor of In-Season Injury in Male Collegiate Basketball Players.

Background:Although decreased sleep has been associated with decreased performance, increased illness risk, and impaired well-being in athletes, the relationship between sleep and injury risk in collegiate athletes is unknown.Purpose/Hypothesis:To evaluate the independent effects of sleep duration and subjective well-being on in-season injury in male collegiate basketball athletes. We hypothesized that decreased sleep would be associated with an increased risk of in-season injury.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:During 2 consecutive seasons, 19 male National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I basketball players reported mood, fatigue, stress, soreness, sleep duration (hours), and previous day’s training load every morning. Well-being measures were recorded on a scale from 0 (worst) to 5 (best), and all time-loss injuries were recorded by the team athletic trainer. Separate mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to evaluate the effects of sleep and subjective well-being on in-season injury, with adjustment for same-day training load and individual repeated measures. To determine the independence of sleep and well-being as predictors of injury, each well-being variable was included in a separate mixed-effects logistic regression model, with sleep and training load as covariates.Results:During the study period, 32 injuries were recorded. In the initial separate prediction models, in-season injury was significantly predicted by mood (odds ratio [OR], 0.50; 95% CI, 0.37-0.66), fatigue (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.33-0.59), stress (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.42-0.76), soreness (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.32-0.54), and sleep duration (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.49-0.66) (P < .001 for all). In the multivariable models, sleep duration remained a significant, independent predictor in each of the subsequent multivariable models (OR, 0.52-0.69; P < .001 for all) as did soreness (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.44-0.95; P = .024), whereas mood (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.76-1.9; P = .43), fatigue (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.65-1.9; P = .68), and stress (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.75-1.5; P = .69) were no longer significant.Conclusion:Increased sleep duration is independently associated with a reduced risk of in-season injury in male collegiate basketball players, even after adjustment for training load and subjective well-being. The effects of mood, fatigue, and stress on injury were no longer evident after adjustment for the effect of sleep duration.

Hand and Wrist Injuries in Men’s and Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association Basketball

Background:Hand and wrist injuries (HWIs) are common in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball players and can negatively affect performance. There is limited literature available on this topic.Purpose:To open a discussion on prevention strategies and encourage future research on HWIs in basketball athletes.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiology study.Methods:HWIs sustained by male and female NCAA basketball players during the 2009-2010 through 2013-2014 academic years and reported to the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program (NCAA-ISP) database were utilized to characterize the epidemiology thereof. Rates and distributions of HWIs were identified within the context of mechanism of injury, injury recurrence, and time lost from sport.Results:Over the 5-year period, 81 HWIs in women and 171 HWIs in men were identified through the NCAA-ISP database. These were used to estimate 3515 HWIs nationally in women’s basketball athletes and 7574 HWIs nationally in men’s basketball athletes. The rate of HWIs in women was 4.20 per 10,000 athlete-exposures (AEs) and in men was 7.76 per 10,000 AEs, making men 1.85 times more likely to sustain HWIs compared with women. In men, HWIs were 3.31 times more likely to occur in competition compared with practice, while in women, HWIs were 2.40 times more likely to occur in competition than in practice. Based on position, guards, both men and women, were the most likely to suffer HWIs.Conclusion:HWIs were common in collegiate basketball players. Most injuries were new, and the majority of players were restricted from participation for less than 24 hours. Men were more likely to be injured compared with women, and injuries were most common in the setting of competition for both sexes. The majority of injuries was considered minor and did not extensively limit participation; however, prevention and detection remain important for optimal performance.

Bone Mineral Density Amongst Collegiate Male Athletes Across Endurance And Strength-based Sports

PURPOSE: The primary aim is to compare body composition, specifically bone mineral density (BMD) and associated Z-score, in male National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes across five different sports. Secondary measures include lean body mass (LBM) and body fat percentage (BF%). METHODS: In this observational, cross-sectional study, five collegiate sports team athletes representing endurance-dominant (soccer, running, swimming) versus strength-based sports (football, basketball) consented to participate in a pre-season whole-body dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan. One-way ANOVA (Brown-Forsythe) with multiple comparisons tests were used to statistically compare BMD (and associated Z-score), LBM, and BF% values between sports, with significance set at p<0.05. RESULTS: 165 male athletes participated, with ANOVA tests revealing statistical differences between sports for all body composition parameters measured (p<0.0001). Football players (n=99) demonstrated the highest while swimmers (n=19) had the lowest BMD (1.37± 0.10g/cm2 vs. 1.14±0.07g/cm2, p < 0.001). There were no differences (p>0.05) in BMD between football vs. basketball (n=16) players (1.33±0.09g/cm2) or soccer players (N=20; 1.26 ± 0.06 g/cm2) compared to cross-country runners (N=11; 1.17 ± 0.07g/cm2). While BMD was similar (p>0.05) between swimmers and cross-country runners. In comparisons between sports for Z-scores (F=39.73; p<0.0001), football players had the highest scores (1.48±0.09) followed by basketball players (0.77±0.75), soccer players (0.42±0.77), cross country (0.00±0.57) and swimmers (-0.57±0.77). Basketball players had the highest LBM (78.7±8kg) next to football (72.0±12kg) while football had the highest %BF (24±6%) across sports. CONCLUSION: Football and basketball requires greater high intensity resistance training over endurance (vertical + non-vertical loading) training, whereas cross country, swimming and soccer requires greater endurance over resistance training. Furthermore, soccer and cross-country have similar running demands and showed no significance in BMD. We believe that the osteogenic contributions of resistance training on BMD are underappreciated and warrant further investigation as a strategy for maximizing skeletal health in young adults.

Dietary and Biological Assessment of the Omega-3 Status of Collegiate Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FA) are associated with cardiovascular health, brain function, reduction of inflammation, and several other physiological roles of importance to competitive athletes. The ω-3 FA status of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I athletes has not been well-described. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ω-3 FA status of NCAA Division I athletes using dietary and biological assessment methodology. Athletes from nine NCAA Division I institutions from throughout the U.S. (n = 1,528, 51% male, 34 sports represented, 19.9 ± 1.4 years of age) completed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess ω-3 FA from diet and supplements. Omega-3 Index (O3i) was evaluated in a sub-set of these participants (n = 298, 55% male, 21 sports represented, 20.0 ± 1.3 years of age) using dried blood spot sampling. Only 6% (n = 93) of athletes achieved the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics' recommendation to consume 500 mg DHA+EPA per day. Use of ω-3 FA supplements was reported by 15% (n = 229) of participants. O3i was 4.33 ± 0.81%, with no participants meeting the O3i benchmark of 8% associated with the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease. Every additional weekly serving of fish or seafood was associated with an absolute O3i increase of 0.27%. Overall, sub-optimal ω-3 FA status was observed among a large, geographically diverse group of male and female NCAA Division I athletes. These findings may inform interventions aimed at improving ω-3 FA status of collegiate athletes. Further research on athlete-specific ω-3 FA requirements is needed.

Associations Between Two Athlete Monitoring Systems Used to Quantify External Training Loads in Basketball Players.

Monitoring external training load (eTL) has become popular for team sport for managing fatigue, optimizing performance, and guiding return-to-play protocols. During indoor sports, eTL can be measured via inertial measurement units (IMU) or indoor positioning systems (IPS). Though each device provides unique information, the relationships between devices has not been examined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the association of eTL between an IMU and IPS used to monitor eTL in team sport. Retrospective analyses were performed on 13 elite male National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I basketball players (age: 20.2 ± 1.2 years, height: 201.1 ± 7.6 cm, mass: 96.8 ± 8.8 kg) from three practices during the off-season training phase. A one-way analysis of variance was used to test differences in eTL across practices. Pearson’s correlation examined the association between the Distance traveled during practice captured by IPS compared to PlayerLoad (PL), PlayerLoad per Minute (PL/Min), 2-Dimensional PlayerLoad (PL2D), 1-Dimensional PlayerLoad Forward (PL1D-FWD), Side (PL1D-SIDE), and Up (PL1D-UP) captured from the IMU. Regression analyses were performed to predict PL from Distance traveled. The eTL characteristics during Practice 1: PL = 420.4 ± 102.9, PL/min = 5.8 ± 1.4, Distance = 1645.9 ± 377.0 m; Practice 2: PL = 472.8 ± 109.5, PL/min = 5.1 ± 1.2, Distance = 1940.0 ± 436.3 m; Practice 3: PL = 295.1 ± 57.8, PL/min = 5.3 ± 1.0, Distance = 1198.2 ± 219.2 m. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences were observed in PL, PL2D, PL1D-FWD, PL1D-SIDE, PL1D-UP, and Distance across practices. Significant correlations (p ≤ 0.001) existed between Distance and PL parameters (Practice 1: r = 0.799–0.891; Practice 2: r = 0.819–0.972; and Practice 3: 0.761–0.891). Predictive models using Distance traveled accounted for 73.5–89.7% of the variance in PL. Significant relationships and predictive capacities exists between systems. Nonetheless, each system also appears to capture unique information that may still be useful to performance practitioners regarding the understanding of eTL.

A comparison of the Functional Movement ScreenTM and the Landing Error Scoring System: A cohort study.

Background:The Functional Movement Screen (FMSTM) is a nonspecific movement pattern assessment while the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) is a screen for movement patterns associated with lower extremity injury. The purpose of this study was to determine if the LESS and FMSTM are correlated or if they can be used as complementary assessments of preseason injury risk for anterior cruciate ligament injury.Methods:FMSTM and LESS were used to conduct a cohort study of 126 male National Collegiate Athletic Association Division IA football players. One hundred and eleven players met the criteria for inclusion during data review. At risk and not at risk LESS scores of players and FMSTM exercise score status were compared using Welch’s t-test. Associations between FMSTM composites and LESS scores were evaluated using linear regression.Results:The average LESS score was 5.51±1.34, and the average composite FMSTM score was 11.77±2.13 (max=15). A poor FMSTM squat score (≤1 or asymmetry present) was associated with a higher LESS score (P<0.001). No other FMSTM individual exercise score was associated with an at-risk LESS score (P>0.05). Composite FMSTM score was loosely associated with the LESS score (R-squared=0.0677, P=0.006). Prior history of an ACL injury and player position were not associated with LESS score on multivariate regression (P>0.05).Conclusions:The LESS and FMSTM are not well correlated and may serve as complementary assessments for preseason injury risk.Level of Evidence:Level III.

Relative Age Effect in Collegiate Soccer: Influence of Nationality, Playing Position, and Class.

Hurley, E, Comstock, BA, Haile, L, and Beyer, KS. Relative age effect in collegiate soccer: influence of nationality, playing position, and class. J Strength Cond Res 33(12): 3295-3301, 2019-The purpose of this study was to evaluate the existence of relative age effects (RAEs) in collegiate soccer. In addition, the impact of nationality, position, class, and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament qualification status on the prevalence of RAEs was assessed. Birth dates from male NCAA Division I soccer athletes (n = 4,082) from the 2017/2018 season were categorized into quarters based on calendar and scholastic quarters. All athlete birth-date distributions were compared with the expected birth-date distributions for the United States. International-born athletes (INT) displayed a significant difference in birth-date distribution when assessed with calendar quarters, whereas American-born athletes (USA) showed a significant difference in birth-date distributions when assessed with scholastic quarters. Furthermore, INT showed significant RAEs for midfielders and defenders, whereas USA showed significant RAEs midfielders and goalkeepers. In terms of class, INT had significant RAEs for all classes, whereas USA had significant RAEs only for freshmen and sophomores. All INT had significant RAEs regardless of tournament qualification status; however, USA had significant RAEs only for nontournament teams. In summary, significant RAEs exist in male Division I college soccer; however, the presence of RAEs is influenced by nationality, position, class, and NCAA tournament qualification status. Coaches should be aware of RAEs during the recruitment process to avoid potential selection bias.

Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Characteristics and the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Questionnaire Score in Collegiate Baseball Athletes

Upper extremity (UE) musculoskeletal injuries are common in baseball athletes due to the increased demand placed on the UE. The link between risk factors for UE musculoskeletal injuries and baseball athletes' perceived UE function and pain, as measured by the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) questionnaire, is unclear. To (1) describe the musculoskeletal characteristics of the UE (posture, range of motion, flexibility, and isometric strength) in a population of baseball athletes and (2) determine the predictive capability of UE musculoskeletal characteristics for the KJOC score in these athletes. Cohort study. Athletic training room. A total of 37 male National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball athletes (age = 20.10 ± 1.27 years, height = 186.96 ± 7.64 cm, mass = 90.60 ± 10.69 kg). Athletes self-reported all shoulder musculoskeletal injuries and completed the KJOC questionnaire. Postural assessment consisted of forward head and shoulder posture. Flexibility tests characterized glenohumeral internal and external rotation, posterior shoulder tightness, and pectoralis minor length. Strength tests involved the lower and middle trapezius, rhomboid, glenohumeral internal and external rotation, pectoralis major, serratus anterior, supraspinatus, and upper trapezius. All 10 KJOC questions were summed for an overall score out of 100. Questions 1 through 5 were summed for a pain score; questions 6 through 10 were summed for a function score. All data were assessed for normality. A stepwise multiple regression model was fit to determine if the predictor variables assessed could predict the KJOC score. We set the α level a priori at .05. For the KJOC total score, a 1-year history of shoulder injury accounted for 7.80% of the variance in the KJOC total score (P = .07). For KJOC questions 1 through 5, a history of UE injury in the year before testing and posterior shoulder tightness accounted for 14.40% of the variance in the KJOC total score (P = .047). The link between a history of UE musculoskeletal injuries and the KJOC score highlights the need for continued focus on self-perceived pain and function after UE musculoskeletal injury.

Evaluation of a Goalkeeper-Specific Adaptation to the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1: Reliability and Variability

Ehlert, AM, Cone, JR, Wideman, L, and Goldfarb, AH. Evaluation of a goalkeeper-specific adaptation to the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1: reliability and variability. J Strength Cond Res 33(3): 819-824, 2019-The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIR1) has been shown to be a reliable test with strong correlations to physical match performance in field soccer players. However, the YYIR1 has less goalkeeper (GK) specificity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the test-retest reliability of a goalkeeper-specific adaptation of the YYIR1 (YYIR1-GK). Sixteen National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) collegiate GKs (8 men and 8 women) performed the YYIR1-GK test twice (>4 and <7 days apart) to determine its reliability and variability. Subjects were tested at the same time of day and in a controlled indoor environment. Heart rate using polar monitors and rating of perceived exertion were obtained at the end of each stage of the YYIR1-GK. Test-retest reliability for each test was assessed by Pearson correlations, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and coefficient of variation (CV). The YYIR1-GK was shown to have a strong test-retest reliability and low variability for male (r = 0.981, ICC = 0.980, CV = 5.82%) and female (r = 0.969, ICC = 0.956, CV = 9.60%) NCAA GKs, respectively. Male GKs performed significantly more stages and therein covered a greater distance in the YYIR1-GK than the female GKs (p = 0.05). This study suggests that the YYIR1-GK is a consistent assessment of intermittent fitness with high test-retest reliability and low variability in male and female NCAA GKs. It is suggested that larger numbers of GKs of various skill levels be evaluated in the future.

Preliminary Scale of Reference Values for Evaluating Reactive Strength Index-Modified in Male and Female NCAA Division I Athletes.

The purpose of this analysis was to construct a preliminary scale of reference values for reactive strength index-modified (RSImod). Countermovement jump data from 151 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I collegiate athletes (male n = 76; female n = 75) were analyzed. Using percentiles, scales for both male and female samples were constructed. For further analysis, athletes were separated into four performance groups based on RSImod and comparisons of jump height (JH), and time to takeoff (TTT) were performed. RSImod values ranged from 0.208 to 0.704 and 0.135 to 0.553 in males and females, respectively. Males had greater RSImod (p < 0.001, d = 1.15) and JH (p < 0.001, d = 1.41) as compared to females. No statistically significant difference was observed for TTT between males and females (p = 0.909, d = 0.02). Only JH was found to be statistically different between all performance groups. For TTT no statistical differences were observed when comparing the top two and middle two groups for males and top two, bottom two, and middle two groups for females. Similarities in TTT between sexes and across performance groups suggests JH is a primary factor contributing to differences in RSImod. The results of this analysis provide practitioners with additional insight as well as a scale of reference values for evaluating RSImod scores in collegiate athletes.