Male Non-athletes Research Articles

BMAL1 and CLOCK proteins exhibit differential association with mitochondrial dynamics, protein synthesis pathways and muscle strength in human muscle.

Murine models lacking CLOCK/BMAL1 proteins in skeletal muscle (SkM) present muscle deterioration and mitochondria abnormalities. It is unclear whether humans with lower levels of these proteins in the SkM have similar alterations. Here we evaluated the association between BMAL1 and CLOCK protein mass with mitochondrial dynamics parameters and molecular and functional SkM quality markers in males. SkM biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis of 16 male (non-athletes, non-obese and non-diabetic) subjects (8-9 a.m.). The morphology of mitochondria and their interaction with the sarcoplasmic reticulum (mitochondria-SR) were determined using transmission electron microscopy images. Additionally, protein abundance of the OXPHOS complex, mitochondria fusion/fission regulators, mitophagy and signalling proteins related to muscle protein synthesis were measured. To evaluate the quality of SkM, the cross-sectional area and maximal SkM strength were also measured. The results showed that BMAL1 protein mass was positively associated with mitochondria-SR distance, mitochondria size, mitochondria cristae density and mTOR protein mass. On the other hand, CLOCK protein mass was negatively associated with mitochondria-SR interaction, but positively associated with mitochondria complex III, OPA1 and DRP1 protein mass. Furthermore, CLOCK protein mass was positively associated with the protein synthesis signalling pathway (total mTOR, AKT and P70S6K protein mass) and SkM strength. These findings suggest that the BMAL1 and CLOCK proteins play different roles in regulating mitochondrial dynamics and SkM function in males, and that modulation of these proteins could be a potential therapeutic target for treating muscle diseases. KEY POINTS: In murine models, reductions in BMAL1 and CLOCK proteins lead to changes in mitochondria biology and a decline in muscle function. However, this association has not been explored in humans. We found that in human skeletal muscle, a decrease in BMAL1 protein mass is linked to smaller intermyofibrillar mitochondria, lower mitochondria cristae density, higher interaction between mitochondria and sarcoplasmic reticulum, and reduced mTOR protein mass. Additionally, we found that a decrease in CLOCK protein mass is associated with a higher interaction between mitochondria and sarcoplasmic reticulum, lower protein mass of OPA1 and DRP1, which regulates mitochondria fusion and fission, lower protein synthesis signalling pathway (mTOR, AKT and P70S6K protein mass), and decreased skeletal muscle strength. According to our findings in humans, which are supported by previous studies in animals, the mitochondrial dynamics and skeletal muscle function could be regulated differently by BMAL1 and CLOCK proteins. As a result, targeting the modulation of these proteins could be a potential therapeutic approach for treating muscle diseases and metabolic disorders related to muscle.

The comparison of the genetic profile of ACTN3 single-nucleotide polymorphism in elite weightlifters and non-athletes

Background and aims: The α-actinin-3 (ACTN3) gene plays a key role in muscle signaling pathways and sarcomere contraction. Iranian weightlifters are among the most successful world and Olympic champions. Therefore, the present study was performed to compare the genetic profile of the single-nucleotide polymorphism of the ACTN3 gene in elite Iranian male weightlifters vs. non-athletes. Methods: This cross-sectional study was of a qualitative-quantitative type. Subjects included 30 volunteer elite male weightlifters, including all of Iran’s premier league, members of the national team, Olympic, world, and Asian champions of Isfahan province, with a mean age of 21.77±7.11, the height of 179.87±6.98, and the weight of 96.87±22.73 (Mean±SD) versus 30 volunteers available healthy non-athletes who were the same in age, height, and weight as weightlifters. After completing the consent form and physical health measurement questionnaire, participants’ saliva samples were collected, and DNA was extracted accordingly. Genotypes were determined after performing the polymerase chain reaction via the Tetra-Arms method and electrophoresis. Data were analyzed by SPSS (version 20) and the chi-square test (P<0.05). Results: The prevalence of the RR genotype in selected weightlifters (56.7%) was significantly higher than that of other genotypes (χ2=13.40, P=0.03). There was a significant difference in ACTN3 R/X genotype distribution (P=0.039, χ2=6.48) between weightlifters and non-athletes. Conclusion: A higher prevalence of the RR genotype of the ACTN3 gene in selected elite male weightlifters versus non-athletes can be likely considered for selecting genetically predisposed individuals.

Diet diversity and food quality score in male football players and healthy non-athlete controls in relation to oxidative stress biomarkers: a descriptive-analytical study

BackgroundDietary patterns that include high-quality and varied food groups have the potential to modulate oxidative status. This research was conducted to determine dietary diversity score (DDS) and food quality score (FQS) in football players and their matched non-athletes, also their associations with oxidative indicators assessed by the urinary levels of F2alpha-isoprostane (F2a-IP) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG).MethodsParticipants consisted of 45 male football players and 45 male non-athletes in two age-and body mass index (BMI)-matched groups from Shiraz City, Iran. Anthropometric measurements were performed, and urine samples were analyzed to determine oxidative biomarkers. Dietary data derived from a reliable food frequency questionnaire with 168 items was completed to determine DDS and FQS. For data analysis, an appropriate generalized estimating equation model was set up.ResultsOur results demonstrated that FQS (β = 5.46; P < 0.001) and DDS (β = 1.30; P < 0.001) scores were significantly higher in the footballers in comparison to the non-athletes. Moreover, FQS was negatively associated with 8-OHdG (β=-0.35; P = 0.008) and F2a-IP (β=-4.30; P = 0.01) levels in all participants. In addition, DDS was inversely related to 8-OHdG (β=-1.25; P = 0.01) and F2a-IP (β=-11.67; P = 0.04) levels in all participants.ConclusionsFood quality scores and dietary diversity of footballers’ diets were found to be higher in comparison to the non-athletes. Furthermore, a higher FQS and DDS were associated with lower levels of oxidative biomarkers in all participants.

Psychological typification and reaction of the cardiovascular system of endurance athletes to multisensory interference. Part 1: psychological characteristics of a successful athlete

Successful professional selection plays a significant role in improving the performance of sports teams, which determines the relevance of the search for new methods of selecting of the athletes. It was previously shown that approaches based on psychophysiological methods for current functional parameters can provide reliable forecasts of the state for a long — term period. The purpose of this study was to determine the psychophysiological types characteristic of successful athletes. The task of the part 1 of the study presented in this article is to search for the characteristics of temperament and anxiety that are most typical of high-level athletes. The authors examined 28 male skiers and swimmers (mean age 19,6 years, SD 2.6) of various levels of sports qualification. The following methods were used: (1) methods of temperament diagnostics (FCB-TI, Ya. Strelyau), (2) the Spielberger-Khanin trait and reactive anxiety test (STAI). The authors defined 3 subtypes of a combination of personality traits characteristic of high-level athletes using the approaches of the Data Mining apparatus for building a decision tree. The article presents the following conclusions: (1) the sample of male athletes is on average less inertial, gives fewer negative emotions to stimuli and is more efficient than the population sample of male non-athletes; (2) low persistence, according to FCB-TI Ya. Strelau (as a tendency to react to a stimulus that is already completed) and middle reactive anxiety (according to the STAI questionnaire) are the most optimal indicators of temperament and anxiety for the formation of skills characteristic of high sportsmanship.

Assessing Emotional Intelligence and Academic Performance among Male Field Hockey Varsity Student Athletes and Non-Athletes

Assessing Emotional Intelligence and Academic Performance among Male Field Hockey Varsity Student Athletes and Non-Athletes

Assessing the Emotional Intelligence and Sleep-Wake Pattern among Varsity Male Soccer Athletes Vs Male Non-Athletes Varsity Students

Assessing the Emotional Intelligence and Sleep-Wake Pattern among Varsity Male Soccer Athletes Vs Male Non-Athletes Varsity Students

Comparing Muscular Fitness Among School Children Based on Sport Participation and Gender

The objective of this study was to examine muscular fitness using measurements of the right hand grip (RHG) and left hand grip (LHG), as well as the counter movement jump (CMJ) performance of both athlete and non-athlete school children. Additionally, the study aimed to compare these variables between genders. A total of 221 school children aged 11&amp;ndash;13 participated in this study. The participants were categorized into four groups based on their characteristics: female athletes (n = 57), female non-athletes (n = 60), male athletes (n = 59), and male non-athletes (n = 45). The primary exclusion criteria included any musculoskeletal limitations that could potentially affect test performance. The strength of the RHG and LHG (kg) was assessed using the Takei-TKK-5101 device. CMJ heights (cm) were measured using the Smart-Speed device. For all variables, a mixed-design two-way univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to identify differences between and within groups. The findings of the present study indicated that the RHG, LHG, and CMJ values of athletes were significantly greater than those of non-athletes for both genders (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Moreover, the analyzed performance values exhibited significant differences between male athletes and male as well as female non-athletes, and also between female athletes and female as well as male non-athletes (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Engaging in sports is highly important for school children aged 11&amp;ndash;13 to enhance their muscular fitness. It can be stated that the development of muscular fitness for both genders would be higher in children who participate in sports compared to those who do not engage in sports.

Skeletal Loading, Lean Mass And Bone Strength In Young Male Gymnasts, Swimmers And Non-Athletes

Skeletal Loading, Lean Mass And Bone Strength In Young Male Gymnasts, Swimmers And Non-Athletes

The impact of anthropometric measures on plantar pressure distribution in male handball players and non-athletes: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundIncreasing body anthropometry brings substantial spinal stress, which influences the spinal curvatures; this in turn may affect the foot plantar pressure distribution. ObjectivesThis study investigated the impact of body anthropometry on static plantar pressure distribution and their relationship among handball players and non-athletes subjects. MethodsThirty handball players aged from 21 to 26 years, and thirty age-matched non-athletes subjects aged from 21 to 28 years participated in this study. The spinal lordosis and kyphosis angles, trunk length, pelvic tilting, and pelvic rotation were evaluated using Formetric 4-dimensions and the Pedoscan device was used to assess the plantar pressure distribution. ResultsThe handball players were significantly taller, heavier, and have a long trunk length than non-athletes group (p < 0.05), and a significantly increased thoracic kyphosis, forefeet pressure distribution compared to non-athletes group (p < 0.05). The handball players had a significantly increased forefeet pressure distribution compared to the rearfeet pressure distribution (p < 0.05), a high positive correlation between body height, and both trunk length and kyphosis angle (r = 0.932, 0.665 respectively), and the body height showed a high positive correlation with the forefeet pressure distribution (r = 0.665). There was a high positive correlation between the handball players’ thoracic kyphosis and forefeet pressure distribution (r = 0.751). ConclusionIncreasing the handball players' body height was related to increased thoracic kyphosis and forefeet pressure distribution compared to non-athletes subjects. Additionally, the kyphotic posture of handball players is associated with increasing the total forefeet pressure distribution compared to the total rearfeet pressure distribution.

Perception of the body image and its influence on the development of maladaptive eating behaviors in sports university students

Aim to assess the body image perception and its influence on the development of maladaptive eating behavior (MEB) among students of a sports university.&#x0D; Material and methods. A survey was conducted among 768 students using a self-image questionnaire (SIQ) and an Eating Behavior Assessment Scale (EBAS).&#x0D; Results. 43.25.1% of sportswomen and 42.910.8% of sportsmen of complex coordination sports had a pronounced degree of appearance dissatisfaction (AD). The AD level was assessed as "slight dissatisfaction" in most students of other sports and non-athletes (in 50.96.7% of athletes of cyclic sports, 37.56.1% of wrestlers, 38.84.02% of sports games athletes (SGA), 38.2 6.5% of male non-athletes, 40.6 8.7% of female wrestlers). In 31.64.8% of the female SGA and in 31.74.2% women non-athletes we observed "moderate dissatisfaction". The AD level correlated with the presence of clinical manifestations of MEB (r=0.5, p0.001) and with the presence of psychological traits and behavioral stereotypes characteristic of people with MEB (r=0.279, p0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion. A distorted perception of one's own body, namely dissatisfaction with one's appearance, was related with the presence of the MEB symptoms in the students of the sports university. The self-image questionnaire (SIQ) can be used as a screening method to determine the risk group for developing MEB at the prenosological stage. The ranking of sports by the number of athletes with pronounced appearance dissatisfaction can be used to determine the order of development of targeted preventive measures, taking into account the specifics of the sport, the characteristics of the training process and competitive stages.

Динамические характеристики функции внешнего дыхания у лыжников-гонщиков Республики Коми в годовом цикле

The training process in winter sports is significantly modulated by weather factors, which has a direct or indirect impact on how fast one gets into the required shape and on competition success. In male crosscountry skiers, the volumetric characteristics of external respiration function (ERF) have been investigated extensively; at the same time, no research into this function’s dynamic characteristics is available. The aim of this paper was to study the dynamic characteristics of ERF in cross-country skiers in the annual cycle. Materials and methods. ERF was evaluated monthly using the microprocessor spirograph SPM-01-R-D. The measurements were taken in male cross-country skiers (age: 20.2 ± 0.6 years, height: 175.9 ± 0.6 cm, body weight: 69.4 ± 0.7 kg, maximal oxygen uptake: 4.393 ± 0.433 l/min), members of the national teams of the Komi Republic and Russia that have been living in the European North of Russia (62°N) almost from birth. Results. The study revealed that the dynamic indicators of ERF in cross-country skiers of the Komi Republic are characterized by higher numerical values compared to those in male non-athletes. Peak expiratory flow in cross-country skiers, while being higher than that in non-athletes, had a statistically significant annual dynamics, which repeated the pattern of the annual drift of this indicator in men not involved in sports. Minimal expiratory flow in cross-country skiers was primarily observed in August–November, while maximal, in December–January. The greatest deviation from the due values (by 37.4 %) was characteristic of the airflow velocity in the small bronchi. Thus, ERF indicators in male cross-country skiers have an annual drift and, in terms of numerical values, exceed most of the indicators in non-athletes.

Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Multiple Lifestyle Behaviors Questionnaire and its Measurement During the COVID-19 Outbreak: The Role of Gender and Exercise

Background: This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the multiple lifestyle behaviors (MLSB) questionnaire during the COVID-19 outbreak by considering the role of gender and exercise. Methods: This research population consisted of all Iranian men and women in the age range of 18 to 65 years living in Iran in the summer of 2021. The statistical sample consisted of 299 female (n=225) and male (n=74) Iranian athletes (of team and individual disciplines) and non-athletes selected through a snowball sampling method by sharing the questionnaire on social media networks. This questionnaire includes eight factors: Life satisfaction, mental wellbeing, social participation, mood and feeling, technology use, diet behavior, physical activity, and sleep quality. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the construct validity, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient and split-half coefficient were used to assess reliability. Concurrent validity was also measured using Pearson's correlation coefficient The obtained data were analyzed with SPSS version 23 and AMOS version 22 softwares. Results: The obtained results showed that all factors of the questionnaire have factorial loading or high correlation with the whole MLSB questionnaire (P&lt;0.001). The correlation between the scores of the questionnaire dimensions ranged from 0.12 to 0.678 (P&lt;0.001) and showed suitable validity. The obtained reliabilities in all dimensions in the questionnaire were over 0.7 and desirable. Conclusion: In the present study, the psychometric properties of the MLSB questionnaire were assessed for healthy athlete and non-athlete adults, providing desirable reliability and validity. The researchers are suggested to use the Persian version of this questionnaire in the future research and also assess the psychometric properties of the questionnaire for adolescents, people with special diseases, Fields and different skill/sport levels and sport experiences.

Participation in Competitive Sports Closes Gender Gaps in Competition and in Risk Taking

We compare the preferences of athletes who practice individual sports to those of non-athletes, by combining incentivized tasks and survey questions. Athletes were more likely to opt for the tournament payment scheme in the competitive tasks. Female athletes and male non-athletes were equally likely to select the tournament payment. We also find that female athletes were equally as risk-tolerant as non-athlete men and equally as risk-tolerant as men overall (whether athletes or non-athletes), for incentivized tasks and stated preferences. It is concluded that participation in competitive sports favors closure of the gender gaps in competitiveness and risk tolerance.

Comparison of Mental Rota tion and Reaction Time Performances In Deaf Athletes And Non-Athletes

The coordination of perceptual-cognitive and motor processes is one of the main components determining sports performance. However, many factors affect these components, such as disability, gender, doing sport, etc. The aim of this study is to determine the mental rotation and reaction time performance of deaf athletes and non-athletes in terms of doing sport and gender. 42 heavy hearing impaired (90+ dB) students, 22 males, and 20 females, participated in the study. 22 of the participants were deaf basketball athletes, and 20 were deaf non-athletes. The participants' mental rotation and reaction time performance measurement tests were carried out with a computer-based software MP36 (Biopac System, USA). Independent Samples T-test and (multivariate) Manova tests were performed to evaluate the data. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups, neither mental rotation nor reaction time variables, in terms of doing sport. However, there were statistically significant differences between the groups in both mental rotation and reaction time variables regarding gender and doing sport. As a result, it was found that male athletes are better than women who are not athletes in some of the mental rotation and reaction time variables. Another important result was no significant difference in both mental rotation and reaction time variables between deaf male non-athletes and female non-athletes. As a result, it is suggested that doing sports improves both the mental rotation and reaction time of deaf male athletes.

Взаимосвязи гормонального статуса и показателей красной крови с кардиореспираторной выносливостью у спортсменов и нетренированных юношей

The aim of this paper was to study red blood cell parameters and levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4) and cortisol, as well as their correlations in young male athletes and non-athletes, depending on their cardiorespiratory endurance. Materials and methods. The study involved 18 athletes (weightlifting, kickboxing) with the ranks ranging from First-Class Sportsman to Candidate for Master of Sport and 38 non-athletes. Hormone concentrations in the blood (cortisol, TSH, FT4) and blood parameters (haemoglobin, red blood cell count (RBC), their mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and haematocrit (НСТ)) were determined. The subjects’ physical endurance was assessed by calculating the cardiorespiratory index (heart rate divided by the respiratory rate). Results. In young men not involved in sports, no statistically significant differences between red blood cell parameters and hormonal status depending on the cardiorespiratory index were observed. At the same time, athletes with low exercise tolerance had statistically significantly lower MCV, MCHC, FT4, and TSH as well as elevated cortisol levels compared to endurance athletes. In young male non-athletes, we established an inverse correlation of TSH with RBC (r = –0.27) and HCT (r = –0.31) as well as of FT4 with RBC (r = –0.35), HCT (r = –0.28) and cardiorespiratory index at rest (r = 0.29). In athletes, cortisol correlated with exercise tolerance (r = 0.74), while FT4 correlated with cardiorespiratory index after exercise (r = 0.69). Thus, a decrease in thyroxine and an increase in cortisol blood levels in athletes correlate with lower cardiorespiratory endurance and exercise tolerance, while in non-athletes, with the activation of the erythropoietic function.

Physical Fitness Status of Male, and Female Non-Athlete in Nigeria

The study specifically investigated cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition of male and female non-athletes in Nigeria concerning their physical fitness status. A descriptive research design of survey type was used. The population comprised all 100 non-athletes. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used. We structured a questionnaire validated by three experts. A reliability coefficient of 0.70 was obtained using Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Data collection was conducted by the researcher, and two trained research assistants. The four hypotheses were tested using inferential statistics of Chi-square at 0.05 alpha level. The findings of this study showed a significant influence of cardiorespiratory endurance as well as physical fitness of male and female non-athletes. Also, there was a significant influence on muscular strength and physical fitness, flexibility and physical fitness status, as well as body composition and physical fitness status of male and female non-athletes. Non-athlete students should engage in physical activities to promote cardiorespiratory endurance during any exercise. Non-athlete students should engage in regular training with weights or using the weight of the body for resistance during calisthenics exercises to promote muscular strength in them.

Comparison of the Genetic Profile of rs4646994 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism of the ACE Gene in the Elite Male Weightlifters and Non-athletes

Comparison of the Genetic Profile of rs4646994 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism of the ACE Gene in the Elite Male Weightlifters and Non-athletes

Indices reflecting muscle contraction performance during exercise based on a combined electromyography and mechanomyography approach

Electromyography (EMG) and mechanomyography (MMG) have been used to directly evaluate muscle function through the electromechanical aspect of muscle contraction. The purpose of this study was to establish new absolute indices to describe muscle contraction performance during dynamic exercise by combining EMG and displacement MMG (dMMG) measured simultaneously using our previously developed MMG/EMG hybrid transducer system. Study participants were eight healthy male non-athletes (controls) and eight male athletes. EMG and dMMG of the vastus medialis were measured for 30 s during four cycles of recumbent bicycle pedaling (30, 60, 90, and 120 W) and on passive joint movement. Total powers were calculated based on the time domain waveforms of both signals. Muscle contraction performance was verified with the slope of regression line (SRL) and the residual sum of squares (RSS) obtained from EMG and dMMG correlation. EMG and dMMG has increased with the work rate. Force and EMG were similar between groups, but dMMG showed a significant difference with load increase. Athletes had significantly higher SRL and significantly lower RSS than controls. The average value divided by SRL and RSS was higher in athletes than in controls. The indices presented by the combined approach of EMG and dMMG showed a clear contrast between the investigated groups and may be parameters that reflect muscle contraction performance during dynamic exercise.

Bone mineral density in high-level endurance runners: Part B\u2014genotype-dependent characteristics

PurposeInter-individual variability in bone mineral density (BMD) exists within and between endurance runners and non-athletes, probably in part due to differing genetic profiles. Certainty is lacking, however, regarding which genetic variants may contribute to BMD in endurance runners and if specific genotypes are sensitive to environmental factors, such as mechanical loading via training.MethodTen single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified from previous genome-wide and/or candidate gene association studies that have a functional effect on bone physiology. The aims of this study were to investigate (1) associations between genotype at those 10 SNPs and bone phenotypes in high-level endurance runners, and (2) interactions between genotype and athlete status on bone phenotypes.ResultsFemale runners with P2RX7 rs3751143 AA genotype had 4% higher total-body BMD and 5% higher leg BMD than AC + CC genotypes. Male runners with WNT16 rs3801387 AA genotype had 14% lower lumbar spine BMD than AA genotype non-athletes, whilst AG + GG genotype runners also had 5% higher leg BMD than AG + GG genotype non-athletes.ConclusionWe report novel associations between P2RX7 rs3751143 genotype and BMD in female runners, whilst differences in BMD between male runners and non-athletes with the same WNT16 rs3801387 genotype existed, highlighting a potential genetic interaction with factors common in endurance runners, such as high levels of mechanical loading. These findings contribute to our knowledge of the genetic associations with BMD and improve our understanding of why some runners have lower BMD than others.

Bone mineral density in high-level endurance runners: part A\u2014site-specific characteristics

PurposePhysical activity, particularly mechanical loading that results in high-peak force and is multi-directional in nature, increases bone mineral density (BMD). In athletes such as endurance runners, this association is more complex due to other factors such as low energy availability and menstrual dysfunction. Moreover, many studies of athletes have used small sample sizes and/or athletes of varying abilities, making it difficult to compare BMD phenotypes between studies.MethodThe primary aim of this study was to compare dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) derived bone phenotypes of high-level endurance runners (58 women and 45 men) to non-athletes (60 women and 52 men). Our secondary aim was to examine the influence of menstrual irregularities and sporting activity completed during childhood on these bone phenotypes.ResultsFemale runners had higher leg (4%) but not total body or lumbar spine BMD than female non-athletes. Male runners had lower lumbar spine (9%) but similar total and leg BMD compared to male non-athletes, suggesting that high levels of site-specific mechanical loading was advantageous for BMD in females only and a potential presence of reduced energy availability in males. Menstrual status in females and the number of sports completed in childhood in males and females had no influence on bone phenotypes within the runners.ConclusionGiven the large variability in BMD in runners and non-athletes, other factors such as variation in genetic make-up alongside mechanical loading probably influence BMD across the adult lifespan.