Male Non-athletes Research Articles

Comparison of Acute Bout of Moderate Intensity and High Intensity Exercise on Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Markers and Neurocognitive Parameters between Male Athletes and Non-athletes – A Randomized Controlled Study

Background and Aim: Physical inactivity and resultant obesity are highly prevalent in the contemporary world. Studies reveal that even an acute bout of physical exercise can bring about health benefits similar to that of regular exercise. Our study aims to assess the effect of single acute bout of exercise on cognition, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers between athletes and non-athletes and to compare the effect of moderate and high intensity exercise on those parameters. Methods: The study is a double-arm parallel design randomized controlled study. Eighty healthy male volunteers (40 athletes and 40 non-athletes) were recruited and further randomized into four subgroups: Athlete moderate-intensity exercise, athlete high-intensity exercise, non-athlete moderate-intensity exercise and non-athlete high-intensity exercise. A single acute bout of treadmill exercise was given to all the subgroups. Cognitive parameters, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were assessed before and after acute bout of exercise and compared between the groups. Results: At baseline, athletes had reduced oxidative stress and inflammation than non-athletes, which is evident by increased total anti-oxidant status and decreased leptin in athletes, whereas no significant changes in cognitive parameters between the groups. In addition, we found that moderate intensity exercise is superior to high intensity exercise in decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress in both the groups. However, no such changes were observed with respect to cognitive parameters with different intensities of exercise. Conclusion: A single acute bout of exercise is sufficient to improve oxidative and inflammatory parameters in both athletes and non-athletes, whereas cognitive functions does not improve by single acute bout of exercise.

Morphological and Mechanical Properties of the Quadriceps Femoris Muscle-Tendon Unit From Adolescence to Adulthood: Effects of Age and Athletic Training.

The combined effects of mechanical loading and maturation during adolescence are still not well understood. The purpose of the study was to investigate the development of the quadriceps femoris muscle-tendon unit from early adolescence (EA), late adolescence (LA) to young adulthood (YA), and examine how it is influenced by athletic training in a cross-sectional design. Forty-one male athletes and forty male non-athletes from three different age groups (EA: 12–14 years, n = 29; LA: 16–18 years, n = 27; and YA: 20–35 years, n = 25) participated in the present study. Maximum strength of the knee extensor muscles, architecture of the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle and patellar tendon stiffness were examined using dynamometry, motion capture, electromyography, and ultrasonography. Muscle strength and tendon stiffness significantly increased (p < 0.001) from EA to LA without any further alterations (p > 0.05) from LA to YA. Athletes compared to non-athletes showed significantly greater (p < 0.001) absolute muscle strength (EA: 3.52 ± 0.75 vs. 3.20 ± 0.42 Nm/kg; LA: 4.47 ± 0.61 vs. 3.83 ± 0.56 Nm/kg; and YA: 4.61 ± 0.55 vs. 3.60 ± 0.53), tendon stiffness (EA: 990 ± 317 vs. 814 ± 299 N/mm; LA: 1266 ± 275 vs. 1110 ± 255 N/mm; and YA: 1487 ± 354 vs. 1257 ± 328), and VL thickness (EA: 19.7 ± 3.2 vs. 16.2 ± 3.4 mm; LA: 23.0 ± 4.2 vs. 20.1 ± 3.3 mm; and YA: 25.5 ± 4.2 vs. 23.9 ± 3.9 mm). Athletes were more likely to reach strain magnitudes higher than 9% strain compared to non-athlete controls (EA: 28 vs. 15%; LA: 46 vs. 16%; and YA: 66 vs. 33%) indicating an increased mechanical demand for the tendon. Although the properties of the quadriceps femoris muscle-tendon unit are enhanced by athletic training, their development from early-adolescence to adulthood remain similar in athletes and non-athletes with the major alterations between early and LA. However, both age and athletic training was associated with a higher prevalence of imbalances within the muscle-tendon unit and a resultant increased mechanical demand for the patellar tendon.

Exploring the Aortic Root Diameter and Left Ventricle Size Among Lithuanian Athletes.

Background and objectives: Aortic rupture is known as one of the potential causes of sudden cardiac death in athletes. Nevertheless, adaptation strategies for aortic root dilation in athletes vary. The purpose of this study was to investigate aortic root adaptation to physical workload and to determine if aortic roots and left ventricle sizes are contingent upon the physical workload. Materials and Methods: Echocardiography was applied to 151 subjects to measure the aortic root at aortic valve annulus (AA) and at sinus of Valsalva (VS). 122 were athletes (41 females and 81 males) and 29 were non-athletes (14 females and 15 males). Of the 41 female athletes, 32 were endurance athletes, and 9 were strength athletes. From 81 male athletes, 56 were endurance athletes, and 25 were strength athletes. AA and VS mean values for the body surface area were presented as AA relative index with body surface area (rAA) and VS relative index with body surface area (rVS). Left ventricle (LV) measures included LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), interventricular septum thickness in diastole (IVSTd), LV posterior wall thickness in diastole (LVPWTd), LV mass (LVM), LV mass index, and LV end-diastolic diameter index (LVEDDI). Results: Results indicated that VS was higher in female athletes (28.9 ± 2.36 mm) than in non-athletes (27.19 ± 2.87 mm, p = 0.03). On the other hand, rAA was higher in strength athletes (12.19 ± 1.48 mm/m2) than in endurance athletes (11.12 ± 0.99 mm/m2, p = 0.04). Additionally, rVS and rAA were higher in female strength athletes (17.19 ± 1.78 mm/m2, 12.19 ± 1.48 mm/m2) than female basketball players (15.49 ± 1.08 mm/m2, p = 0.03, 10.75 ± 1.06 mm/m2, p = 0.02). No significant differences regarding aortic root were found between male athletes and non-athletes. Statistically significant positive moderate correlations were found between VS and LVEDD, LVM, IVSTd, LVPWTd, rVS, and LVEDDI parameters in all athletes. Conclusion: The diameter of Valsalva sinus was greater in female athletes compared to non-athletes. The rAA mean value for body surface area was greater in female athletes practising strength sports as compared to their counterparts who were practising endurance sports. The diameter of the aortic root at sinuses positively correlated with the LV size in all athletes.

Exploring simulated driving performance among varsity male soccer players

Background: It is documented that male athletes display riskier behaviors while driving (as well as in life in general) than female athletes and nonathletes. However, the literature has reported that athletes show better driving ability than nonathletes. This paradox between behaviors and abilities motivated the present study to further understand the collision risk of varsity athletes.Objective: The current study estimates the performance differences between varsity male soccer players and male undergraduate nonathletes on (1) a driving task and (2) three perceptual–cognitive tasks (associated with collision risk prediction; i.e., Useful Field of View [UFOV] test).Methods: Thirty-five male undergraduate students (15 varsity soccer players, 20 undergraduate nonathletes) took part in this study. Driving performance was assessed during 14 min of urban commuting using a driving simulator. While completing the simulated driving task and UFOV test, the physiological responses were monitored using an electrocardiograph (ECG) to document heart rate variability (HRV).Results: Varsity soccer players showed more risky behaviors at the wheel compared to their nonathlete student peers. Varsity soccer players spent more time over the speed limit, committed more driving errors, and adopted fewer safe and legal behaviors. However, no difference was observed between both groups on driving skill variables (i.e., vehicle control, vehicle mobility, ecodriving). For subtests 1 and 2 of the UFOV (i.e., processing speed, divided attention), both groups performed identically (i.e., 17 ms). The nonathlete group tended to perform better on the selective attention task (i.e., subtest 3 of UFOV test; 63.2 ± 6.2 ms vs. 87.2 ± 10.7 ms, respectively; this difference was not significant, P = .76).Conclusion: Preventive driving measures should be enforced in this high-risk population to develop strategies for risk reduction in male team athletes.

Visual Field Advantage: Redefined by Training?

Previc (1990) postulated that most peri-personal space interactions occurred in the lower visual field (LVF), leading to an advantage when compared to the upper visual field (UVF). It is not clear if extensive practice can affect the difference between interactions in the LVF/UVF. We tested male and female basketball varsity athletes and non-athletes on a DynaVision D2 visuomotor reaction task. We recruited basketball players because in their training they spend significant amount of time processing UVF information. We found a LVF advantage in all participants, but this advantage was significantly reduced in the athletes. The results suggest that training can be a powerful modulator of visuomotor function.

The Dark Triad in male and female athletes and non-athletes: Group differences and psychometric properties of the Short Dark Triad (SD3)

ObjectivesThe Short Dark Triad (SD3) is a popular, brief measure of narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, which are known as the Dark Triad. The present study adopted this measure and had two aims. First, to assess the psychometric properties of the SD3 with a focus on measurement invariance across gender, athletic expertise, and sport type. Second, to examine mean differences in Dark Triad scores across these groups. DesignCross-sectional. MethodIn total, 1258 participants (625 women; mean age 23.47 years) with a range of athletic experience (non-athletes, N = 408; amateur, N = 557; elite, N = 293) from team (N = 577) and individual (N = 273) sports completed the SD3. Factorial validity was assessed using exploratory structural equation modelling. ResultsAnalyses indicated that the three-factor model provided adequate fit, however, a bifactor model incorporating the three specific factors and a general factor, provided superior fit to the data. Moreover, invariance testing suggested some inconsistency in the observed factor structures across groups. In addition, findings indicated group differences with men scoring higher than women, athletes with greater expertise scoring higher than those with less expertise, and individual athletes scoring higher than team athletes across all factors. ConclusionsWe suggest that researchers continue to use the SD3 using both composite and subscale scores, but recommend caution when interpreting subscale scores among women and team athletes until further psychometric work has been conducted within these populations. Our findings also suggest that the Dark Triad may be worth examining in future studies in sport.

Association between the PPARa and PPARGCA gene variations and physical performance in non-trained male adolescents.

The purpose of the research was to examine if some genetic variations are associated with some endurance, power and speed performances (multi-stage 20-m shuttle run, standing broad jump, 20m sprint test and Abalakov jump) in a group of 586 non-trained male adolescents (mean ± SD age: 13.20 ± 0.25years). Polymorphisms in PPARa and PPARGC1A implicated in physical performance traits were analyzed. DNA was extracted and the samples were genotyped for PPARa and PPARGC1A polymorphisms by a PCR based method followed by gel electrophoresis. The discrepancies in the study phenotypes among variations of the PPARa and PPARGC1A polymorphisms were analyzed by one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), after age, weight and height adjustment. To examine whether the genotype and allele frequencies between adolescents with high and low performances were different, we divided them into two groups: ≥ 90th and < 90th of the percentile. The genotype and allele frequencies between adolescents with high and low performances were compared with the Chi square test. Our analysis demonstrated the effects of the PPARa and PPARGC1A polymorphisms only on [Formula: see text] (p = 0.010 and p = 0.010 respectively). Also, we observed significant differences in PPARa and PPARGC1A genotypes (p = 0.034 and p = 0.024) or allele frequencies (p = 0.031 and p = 0.001) between groups for the multi-stage 20-m shuttle run test. Findings of this research suggest that both the PPARa and PPARGC1A polymorphisms are associated with estimating endurance-related phenotype and endurance capacity in male non-athletes adolescents.

The Acute Effect of a Single Exhaustive Sprint Exercise Session on Post-Exercise Fat Oxidation Rate

Abstract It is well known that substrate oxidation rates are increased by exercise. The present study had two main objectives: firstly, to examine the effect of a single exhaustive exercise session on post-exercise substrate oxidation and energy expenditure; and secondly, to determine the differences between athletes and non-athletes. Material and methods: Eighteen healthy male athletes (mean ± SD age; 19.38 ± 2.26 years, VO2max; 60.57 ± 3.90 ml · kg-1 · min-1, n = 8) and non-athletes (age; 20.30 ± 1.26 years, VO2max; 44.97 ± 5.43 ml · kg-1 ·min-1, n = 10) volunteered to participate in the study. After an overnight fast, subjects performed a single sprint exercise session on a cycle ergometer with individual loads (0.075 kg per body weight) until volitional exhaustion. Energy expenditure (EE) and the substrate oxidation rate were measured at rest and during the post-exercise recovery period using indirect calorimetry. Results: Exhaustive exercise significantly increased post-exercise fat oxidation, energy expenditure and contribution of fat to EE (p &lt; 0.05). Also, it significantly decreased post-exercise carbohydrate (CHO) oxidation and the contribution of CHO to EE (p &lt; 0.05). However, the changes in the substrate oxidation rate and EE after the exercise test were not different between the groups (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: The study results suggest that a single short-duration exhaustive exercise session causes a higher fat oxidation rate during recovery than at rest, whereas training status did not affect this situation

Cognitive function of young male tennis players and non-athletes

Background: Cognitive functions can be defined as the ability of individuals to participate, recognize and plan responses to external and internal impulses. We can define attention as the active focus of our consciousness and the ability to concentrate mental functions on a certain activity. In competitive tennis, attention, especially conscious attention which is controlled by cognitive and volitional processes plays a significant role. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess differences in cognitive functions between tennis players and non-athletic adolescents. Methods: The research sample consisted of 98 subjects: 44 tennis players (age 18.11 ± 1.35 years) and 54 nonathletic adolescents (age 18.04 ± 1.33 years). The level of cognitive functions was investigated using the standardized neuropsychological cognitive Stroop test. Results: The tennis players had higher cognitive function scores compared to the non-athletes in two of the three segments of the Stroop test. There was no significant difference between the groups in the simplest segment of the Stroop test (segment T). However, a significant difference (p = .028; d = 0.45) was found between the tennis players and non-athletes in segment S of the Stroop test and in segment B, the most difficult segment of the test, the difference between research groups was also significant (p = .002; d = 0.63). Conclusion: Based on acquired data, we can see a difference between athletes and non-athletes in cognitive functions such as cognition inhibitory control, concentration of attention, conscious and selective attention. However, the differences have only been demonstrated in moderate difficulty and most difficulty segment, in the simplest segment we have not found difference between athletes and non-athletes.

Effect of Training and Gender on Plasma Irisin, Leptin, and Insulin Levels

The objective of this study is the comparison of the irisin, leptin, and insulin hormone levels of the female and male elite taekwondo athletes and non-athletes. Elite taekwondo athletes (7 males, 6 females) and university students (8 males, 6 females) between the ages of 16 and 20 who do not do exercise regularly and who are moderately active have taken part in the study. In the beginning of the study, the body compositions of the participants were determined and their plasma irisin, leptin, and insulin hormone analyses were determined by means of the Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) method receiving their blood samples at 8:00 a.m. after a night of staying hungry. It was found that no impact of training and gender on the irisin and insulin hormone levels had appeared jointly or separately (p&gt;0,05) while they affected the leptin levels significantly (p&lt;0.05). The leptin levels in females in both athletes and non-athletes were determined to be higher than males to significant extent and the leptin levels of both female and male athletes were significantly lower than non-athletes. As a result, it can be said that regular exercise and gender do not affect the levels of irisin and insulin hormones but they affect the leptin level significantly.

Compare the Effects of Caffeine on QTc Interval and Blood Pressure During Isometric and Isotonic Contractions in Male Athletes and Non-Athletes

Compare the Effects of Caffeine on QTc Interval and Blood Pressure During Isometric and Isotonic Contractions in Male Athletes and Non-Athletes

Relationship Between the Body Fat Percentage and Anthropometric Measurements in Athletes Compared with Non-Athletes

Background: Different indices have been introduced to assess the anthropometric status and body composition. Objectives: This study was conducted to compare anthropometric indices in male and female athletes and non-athletes. Methods: This cross sectional study has been conducted on 529 (324 men and 205 women) athletes (age, 32.8 ± 9.2 years) and 840 (457 men and 383 women) non-athletes (age, 33.9 ± 10.4 years) in fitness clubs in Ahvaz city. Individuals were selected by cluster sampling. Weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio and body surface area were measured. The relationship between anthropometric indices with body fat percentage was studied. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. Normality of the data was assessed by using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. To compare variables between the two groups, the t-test and Mann-Whitney test were used. The relationship between anthropometric indices was assessed by linear regression. Results: Waist-to-hip ratio in male athletes and non-athletes had the most correlation with body fat percentage (r = 0.821 and r = 0.889, respectively). Body mass index in female athletes and non-athletes had the most correlation with percentage of body fat (r = 0.780 and r = 0.863, respectively). Conclusions: The results of this study show that the use of appropriate anthropometric indicators can be influenced by gender and physical activity (athletes or non-athletes).

Comparison of isokinetic trunk flexion and extension torques and powers between athletes and nonathletes.

This study is aimed to perform and compare maximal concentric isokinetic trunk extension and flexion torques and powers between high-level athletes and a control population. In addition, the ratio of isokinetic trunk extension and flexion torques was measured, and compared between groups. Eighteen high-level male athletes and 15 male nonathletes without low back pain were recruited. Subjects performed isokinetic trunk extension and flexion at 60°/sec, 90°/sec, and 120°/sec through a maximal range of motion in a dynamometer. Trunk extension torque of athletes was significantly higher than in nonathletes at 60°/sec and 90°/sec but not at 120°/sec. Trunk extension power of athletes was significantly higher than the control group at 90°/sec and 120°/sec but not at 60°/sec. There was no difference between the athlete and nonathlete groups in respect of trunk flexion torque or power at any angular velocity. Consequently, the ratio of trunk flexion to extension strength was greater in nonathletes than in athletes. Trunk extension and flexion torques tended to decrease, and trunk extension and flexion powers tended to increase, with increasing angular velocity. High-level athletes seem to display preferentially greater trunk extension strength and power in comparison with trunk flexion strength, compared to nonathletes. This could be caused by the use of strength training exercises such as squats and deadlifts, or it may be associated with greater athletic performance.

Does past participation in competitive sports affect the relationships between socioeconomic factors and self-rated health: study randomly selected Polish male and female former athletes and non-athletes

Does past participation in competitive sports affect the relationships between socioeconomic factors and self-rated health: study randomly selected Polish male and female former athletes and non-athletes

The duration effects of lumbar extensor muscle fatigue on postural control in soccer players.

Background: The ability to maintain body position in space is called postural control. Muscular fatigue created after doing voluntary repeated contractions impairs postural control. Thus, the present study was conducted to compare the effects of fatigue of the lumbar extensor muscles and duration of these effects on postural sway between soccer player and non-athlete participants. Methods: A total of 15 male soccer players and 15 male non-athletes participated in this cross- sectional study. Lumbar extensor fatigue is produced by a dynamometer and maintains 60% of the maximum voluntary isometric contraction in standing position. The mean velocity and the total area of the participants were evaluated using force plate at baseline, immediately, 3, 6, and 9 minutes after fatigue and compared between the 2 groups. Descriptive statistics, repeated measurement ANOVA, and independent t test were used for data analysis. Results: The results demonstrated that fatigue of the waist extensor muscles affects the postural sway (p= 0.001). Also, the total area level was recovered earlier than the mean velocity after fatigue. The results revealed that total area and velocity with eyes closed decreased in the soccer player group compared with the non-athlete group. Conclusion: Lumbar extensors fatigue significantly changed the mean velocity and the total area in soccer players and non-athletes. Lumbar fatigue had more effects on the total area than the mean velocity in the two groups.

Balance Performance as Observed by Center-of-Pressure Parameter Characteristics in Male Soccer Athletes and Non-Athletes.

Static balance has a relevant influence on athletic performance as well as on reducing the risk of injury. The main goal of this study was to assess soccer athlete versus non-athlete balance performance via displacement and velocity parameters extracted from the center-of-pressure (COP) position time series. In order to accomplish our goal, we investigated standing balance in two male groups with unimpaired balance: non-athletes (n = 12) and collegiate varsity soccer athletes (n = 12). In order to make the standing balancing task more or less difficult, we altered participant base-of-support, as well as vision, yielding static (quiet stance) test conditions increasing in difficulty. From the COP position time series, displacement and velocity parameters were computed and plotted as a function of increasing test condition difficulty level. COP parameters showed steeper increases with increased test difficulty in non-athletes compared to athletes; this demonstrated athletes’ better ability to control their balance. We concluded that balance performance could be characterized via COP displacement and velocity response curves. This study lends new insights into how COP parameters can be utilized to determine and characterize improvements in balance between un-impaired subject populations (athletes versus non-athletes).

The effects of Kick-Box training based group fitness on cardiovascular and neuromuscular function in male non-athletes

Introduction: Kick-Box training incorporates elements of strength, balance and endurance training and, thus, gained increasing interest during recent years in male non-athletes. Possible beneficial effects of Kick-Box training on neuromuscular and cardiovascular function are not clear to date. The present study examined the effects of Kick-Box training based group fitness on cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular endurance, single leg balance, trunk flexibility, trunk strength, static arm strength, speed-agility and explosive leg power in male non-athletes.

Associations between personality, sports participation and athletic success. A comparison of Big Five in sporting and non-sporting adults

The present study investigates whether the Big Five personality traits are different among diverse sports populations. A sample of 881 male athletes and non-athletes completed a self-report questionnaire measuring their personality traits. The Exploratory Structure Equation Modeling (ESEM) approach is adopted to test measurement invariance and mean differences among groups. The results indicate that athletes who had experienced the most success in their sport scored higher than non-athletes in each personality dimension of the Big Five, with the exception of openness, while less successful athletes scored higher than non-athletes only in extraversion and agreeableness. The more successful athletes showed higher agreeableness, conscientiousness, and emotional stability than the less successful athletes. Individual-sport athletes were found to be more energetic and open than team-sport athletes. The current findings help clarify the relationships between personality traits, sports participation and athletic success.

Modified Functional Movement Screen as a Predictor of Knee Valgus in Male Soccer Players

INTRODUCTION: The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a battery of seven tests to observe key movement patterns and is scored in a twenty-one point scale (Cook 2010). Studies have suggested that individuals with scores of 14 or less had significantly higher risks of injury (Bushman et al., 2015; Chorba et al., 2010). A modified FMS, scored in a ten-point scale, has been used by a Division III college athletic training staff. It includes three original FMS tests (deep squat, hurdle step, shoulder mobility) and a single-leg squat (scored as 0 for knee valgus, and 1 for no valgus). It is not known whether the new battery can predict knee valgus in Division III male soccer players. PURPOSE: To determine whether the modified FMS can predict knee valgus when landing from drop jumps. METHODS: Seventeen Division III male soccer players and twenty healthy male non-athletes (ages 18-24) were recruited for the study. Subjects performed all modified FMS exercises and were scored by one FMS certified athletic trainer. Reflective markers were placed on subject’s tibial tuberosity and distal tibia to define the tibia and knee valgus angles were measured with respect to the vertical line from video via goniometry at the lowest point of during landing from a drop jump from a 31cm box. RESULTS: For the soccer group, the mean for modified FMS score was 7.33 ± 1.63, mean left knee valgus was -1.73 ± 1.62 degrees and mean right knee valgus was -0.73 ± 1.87 degrees. The controls’ mean modified FMS score was 6.85 ± 1.50, mean left knee valgus was -2.6 ± 2.80 degrees, and mean right knee valgus was -1.35 ± 3.23 degrees.The modified FMS was not a significant predictor of right knee valgus (p=0.65) or left knee valgus (p=0.22). CONCLUSION: The Modified Functional Movement Screen is not a significant predictor of knee valgus in DIII male soccer players. More sensitive scoring could have improved the modified FMS’s ability to detect knee valgus. Post hoc power analysis results suggest that the non-dominant side may be more relevant for assessment.

A COMPARATIVE AND ANALYTICAL STUDY OF SELF-ESTEEM AND JOB SATISFACTION IN ATHLETES AND NON ATHLETES

Prime purpose of the study was aimed to compare the Self-Esteem in athletes and non athletes. The study also objects to analyze Job satisfaction in athletes and non athletes. To obtain data, the investigator had selected 60 athletes from different game and sports and 60 non athletes from different eco-social backgrounds and non sportspersons. To measure the level of Self-Esteem among subjects, Self-Esteem Inventory constructed by Prasad and Thakur (1988) and the Muthyya’s Job Satisfaction Scale were administered. To determine the significant differences of Self-Esteem in male athletes and non-athletes descriptive statistics and t-test was employed for data analyses. To test the hypothesis, the level of significance was set at 0.05. Significant differences were found between athletes and non athletes on self-esteem and job satisfaction.