Mental Endurance Research Articles

Specific Physical Training of Future Officers for Actions in Mountain Environments

Abstract The mountain environment implies a certain degree of difficulty even in peacetime, in civilian sector activities, even more so from a military point of view, especially in conducting operations in this environment. The varied terrain, sudden weather changes, oxygen depletion with increasing altitude and the lack of suitable travel lanes are just some of the challenges that future officer mountain hunters have to face and overcome. Preparation for this stage must start early with an emphasis on physical and mental endurance, the latter being a basic pillar for any military person, but even more so for a mountain hunter. Sustained physical effort in difficult terrain and exposure to bad weather combined with strong winds requires a trained psyche, ready to carry on even when the physique might give way. Endurance training also plays an important role and contributes to the ability of mountain hunters to traverse large areas of terrain in a relatively short time using weapon-specific methods and techniques. Being a mountain hunter puts a strain on your body and mind. One thing we can improve as mountain hunters is certainly the level of physical training specific to this weapon. Given the specificity of mountain hunter actions in terms of both ski and alpine training, training with a focus on the lower body is a starting point in the physical preparation needed to carry out actions in the mountain environment.

Optimizing Mental Health in Islamic Boarding School Students: Balancing Physical and Mental Endurance for Effective Qur'an Memorization

Optimizing Mental Health in Islamic Boarding School Students: Balancing Physical and Mental Endurance for Effective Qur'an Memorization

The Implementation of Industrial Work Culture as an Effort to Educate Students' Character in Qualitative Analysis Practical Learning for Grade XI of Analytical Chemistry Department at SMTI Yogyakarta Vocational School

This research aims to implement industrial work culture as an effort to educate students' character in practical learning of Qualitative Analysis for grade XI of Analytical Chemistry Department at SMTI Yogyakarta Vocational School. The research was carried out with a qualitative approach to survey results for students after completing the learning process with a block system lesson schedule, where students must comply with rules or regulations that instill discipline, responsibility and tough character. Students are required to submit practical reports within a certain time limit. The subjects in this research were eleventh-grade students of Analytical Chemistry Department at SMTI Yogyakarta Vocational School, totaling 32 students. The data were analyzed descriptively and present in tabular form. The results of the research showed that the majority agreed with the statements in the questionnaire given, where in the results of the evaluation survey of the block system learning schedule, 68.75% agreed that practical learning with the block system could improve student discipline and 31.25% strongly agreed. 59.38% agreed that practical learning with the block system could increase student’s endurance (physical and mental endurance) and 34.38% strongly agreed. 50.00% agreed that practical learning with the block system could train students to manage time and 43.75% strongly agreed. 46.88% agreed that practical learning with the block system could increase student learning motivation and 21.88% strongly agreed. 65.63% agreed that practical learning with the block system could further facilitate student’s level of understanding and 15.63% strongly agreed. Meanwhile, in the survey results regarding the rules for collecting practice reports with a certain time limit, 56.25% agreed that collecting practice reports with a certain time limit could improve student discipline and 31.25% strongly agreed. 59.38% agreed that collecting practice reports with a certain time limit could increase student’s endurance (physical and mental endurance) and 34.38% strongly agreed. 59.38% agreed that practical learning with the block system could train students to manage time and 28.13% strongly agreed. 46.88% agreed that practical learning with the block system could increase student learning motivation and 21.88% strongly agreed. Therefore, it can be concluded that the implementation of industrial work culture in the practical learning for grade XI of Analytical Chemistry Department at SMK-SMTI Yogyakarta Vocational School can be a character education effort, which is supported by the survey results, where the majority agreed with the statements in the questionnaire given to student representatives who were the objects of research

Examination of Mental Stamina and Athlete Injury Anxiety Levels of Wrestlers

The aim of this research is to examine the mental endurance and athlete injury anxiety levels of athletes interested in wrestling from some demographic perspectives. In the study, a descriptive scanning model was used. The universe of the research consists of athletes from various cities of Turkey who are interested in wrestling, and the sample consists of 341 athletes selected by random sampling method among wrestling athletes from Ankara, Gümüşhane, Istanbul, Samsun and İzmir, Kayseri. As a data collection tool, the demographic information form developed by the researchers was used "Athlete Injury Anxiety Scale". In the study, the assumption of normality was first examined with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests in the statistical evaluation of the data. The research findings were given as n (%), mean and standard deviation values, and the findings were considered significant at the p<0.05 level. In the study, there was no significant relationship between age, undergraduate status and educational status variables, athlete injury anxiety levels and mental toughness levels; When the athlete's age, athlete's injury status, gender, number of nationality variables were examined, it was determined that there was a significant difference in some sub-dimensions of the mental toughness inventory and in the total scores of the scale. As a result, it can be said that demographic variables such as age, gender, being a national athlete are effective on the mental endurance and disability anxiety of the athletes.

ACCORDING TO THE PERCEPTIONS OF WRESTLING ATHLETES, THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR OF THE COACH WITH THE MENTAL TOUGHNESS OF THE ATHLETE

The aim of this research is to determine the relationship of the unethical behavior of the trainer with the mental endurance of the athlete according to the perceptions of wrestling athletes. In the study, the Personal Information Form created by the researchers, the Athlete Perception Scale Related to Unethical Behavior of the Coach developed by Güven ve Öncü (2012) and the Mental Endurance Inventory developed by Sheard, Golby and Van Wersch (2009) and adapted to Turkish by Altıntaş (2015) were used as data collection tools to learn some demographic information of the participants. Descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), tukey multiple comparison, Pearson correlation tests were used in the analysis of the data. As a result of the findings obtained, while there was no significant difference in terms of gender variable of unethical behavior of coaches and mental toughness of athletes according to the perceptions of athletes, there was a meaningful difference in terms of marital status variable of athletes. According to the perceptions of athletes, unethical behavior of coaches; while notable differences were observed when the athlete's age, education level, parents' education level were evaluated in terms of sports year variables, mental toughness of athletes was not remarkably dissimlar when the athlete's age, education level, parents' education level were evaluated in terms of sports year variables. According to the result of the correlation analysis between the Athlete Perception Scale Related to the Unethical Behavior of the Coach and the Mental Toughness Inventory in Sports, it can be explained that there is a midlevel relationship negatively. As a result, it can be stated that the mental toughness of the athlete increases as the unethical behavior of the coaches decreases.

An Overview of Paralympic Sport from a Historical and Psychosocial Perspective

The Paralympic Olympic Games initiated within the framework of the Paralympic movement is not well known by the society. Understanding the psychological characteristics of para-athletes and revealing their social position will contribute to coaches, managers and all sports professionals working with these athletes. Based on this idea, in this study, the concept of Paralympics is defined, the history of the Paralympic Olympic Games and statistical information in these games are included, and the psychosocial characteristics of athletes who operate in sports environments as para-athletes are discussed. A narrative based literature review was preferred as a methodology in the study. As a result of the research, it has been seen that para sports have progressed rapidly over the years since the first day of its emergence in the historical process. When the psychological characteristics of para athletes are examined, it is understood that para athletes do sports for reasons such as performing well and winning, looking normal, adapting to injury, defending themselves, fighting against marginalization and encouraging the disabled sports movement. It has been stated that para-athletes who are emotionally stable, have cognitive flexibility and mental endurance, are self-confident, can manage stress and control their emotions are more successful in sports. It has been stated that social support is important for para-athletes when they start sports, but an overprotective structure may negatively affect the psychosocial development of para-athletes. In addition, coaches' communication and leadership skills are important for para-athletes to be successful in sports and persistence in sports.

Sleep quality and duration: A key to life satisfaction among military students.

Military service is a demanding profession that requires high physical preparedness and mental endurance. At the same time, the demands of military duties often require early rising and shortened sleep duration. Such a reduction in sleep can reduce physical and mental performance, and these changes can be reflected in life satisfaction. For this reason, soldiers' life satisfaction is a crucial variable for their success and long-term service. This study examined the relationship between sleep quality, sleep duration, and life satisfaction in military medical students. The results on 35 military students showed that greater sleep quality corresponded to greater life satisfaction; this relationship was moderate and significant (r = -460, p = .005). Notably, participants (n = 17) who began to wake up without the use of an alarm clock reported an average of 11% higher life satisfaction than the participants who woke to an alarm clock; this difference between participants was statistically significant (p = .011, Cohen's d = .911). Pre- and post-intervention showed that sleep hygiene education could be a suitable solution to prevent sleep deprivation and positively impact life satisfaction. Our findings emphasize the importance of increased sleep hygiene education, especially in preparing future military officers and during military exercises. Prioritizing sleep hygiene in these ways can significantly increase soldiers' life satisfaction.

Physiology of Health and Performance: Enabling Success of Women in Combat Arms Roles.

The modern female soldier has yet to be fully characterized as she steps up to fill new combat roles that have only recently been opened to women. Both U.S. and U.K. military operational research efforts are supporting a science-based evolution of physical training and standards for female warfighters. The increasing representation of women in all military occupations makes it possible to discover and document the limits of female physiological performance. An informal Delphi process was used to synthesize an integrated concept of current military female physiological research priorities and emerging findings using a panel of subject matter experts who presented their research and perspectives during the second Women in Combat Summit hosted by the TriService Nursing Research Program in February 2021. The physical characteristics of the modern soldier are changing as women train for nontraditional military roles, and they are emerging as stronger and leaner. Capabilities and physique will likely continue to evolve in response to new Army standards and training programs designed around science-based sex-neutral requirements. Strong bones may be a feature of the female pioneers who successfully complete training and secure roles traditionally reserved for men. Injury risk can be reduced by smarter, targeted training and with attention directed to female-specific hormonal status, biomechanics, and musculoskeletal architecture. An "estrogen advantage" appears to metabolically support enhanced mental endurance in physically demanding high-stress field conditions; a healthy estrogen environment is also essential for musculoskeletal health. The performance of female soldiers can be further enhanced by attention to equipment that serves their needs with seemingly simple solutions such as a suitable sports bra and personal protective equipment that accommodates the female anatomy. Female physiological limits and performance have yet to be adequately defined as women move into new roles that were previously developed and reserved for men. Emerging evidence indicates much greater physical capacity and physiological resilience than previously postulated.

Analysis of Job Safety and Work Loyalty toward Work Readiness

Characteristics of a soldier's work is quite heavy, so it demands physical, intellectual, and mental endurance. This gives a signal that the success of the soldiers' tasks depends on these three forces, so special attention is needed from stakeholders within the Indonesian military. In fact, this research was conducted to test the work readiness of soldiers who are influenced by factors such as work safety and loyalty to the state. This study uses a numerical data-based quantitative research structure as a basis for building arguments. The test tool to measure research results uses a regression test which consists of a partial test, simultaneous test, and determinant test. A total of 200 soldiers were asked for their willingness to be respondents using the incidental sampling technique. This research was conducted at the Indonesian military agency, namely the 4th Infantry Battalion based in Jakarta. The results of the study stated that the patriotic and professional attitude of soldiers would grow by 66% if they received assurance of life safety and a patriotic spirit. In addition, the role of self-readiness of soldiers is the key to achieving task success. This emphasizes the importance of building the readiness of the soldiers to work, so that the spirit of patriotism grows. However, managerial ranks need to provide support for occupational health and safety, as well as motivate soldiers to love their homeland.

Exploration of Student-Athletes’ Mental Toughness Due to Frequency of Synchronous Online Learning

This study explores the decrease in mental toughness due to the frequency of seated synchronous online learning among BAPOMI DIY athletes. This study is a combined study of simultaneously embedded models, with quantitative methods as the primary method and qualitative methods as the secondary method. Fifty BAPOMI athletes from various sports statuses as students at DIY were recruited through purposive sampling with the consideration that they were implementing synchronous learning. This research also enrolled six coaches and trainers in BAPOMI DIY. Quantitative data was collected using a 1–5 scale questionnaire, and qualitative data using semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics analyze quantitative data, and qualitative data is analyzed by data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. The results of the quantitative study show that the decrease in the mental strength of self-confidence of BAPOMI DIY athletes due to synchronous online learning is included in the high category. In the decline of mental toughness, fatigue is included in the moderate category. Decreased mental toughness is included in the high category. Decreased mental endurance motivation (training/competition) is included in the high category. Decreasing mental strength symptoms of depression are included in the high category. The results of this quantitative data are also in line with the statements of coaches and parents of students who stated that: during online learning, athletes are tired because there are more tasks, the interest in training is reduced compared to offline learning, less focus and less. from enthusiasm, tiredness from sitting in front of the laptop, and reduced concentration due to many lecture assignments. Athletes feel bored, are often late for practice, sometimes get permission to do college assignments, come, often ask for permission, decrease training motivation, decrease fitness, and don't look fit. It can be concluded that synchronous online learning takes too long and sits a lot that is not matched with regular physical activity among athletes, which can cause a decrease in mental toughness from various aspects at a high level. However, there is one aspect that is included in the level category low but still conditional. The role of the coach is becoming more and more critical because they can diligently control the physical and psychological development of the athlete.

Investigation of the effect of courage behaviors on endurance levels of canoe athletes

Background and Study Aim. Courage in sports is a concept that has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. It is very important for the athletes to reveal their psychological performance as well as their physical and technical skills during competition and or training times. In this context, this research is important in terms of revealing the mental endurance and courage levels of canoe athletes who struggle not only with their competitors but also with natural conditions.
 Material and Methods. The sample of the research consists of 163 volunteer canoe athletes selected by simple random sampling method. In order to collect the necessary data in the research, the “Courage in Sports Scale” was used. The scale consists of the sub-dimensions of 'competence', 'determination', 'aggression', 'taking the risk' and 'being self-sacrificing'. T-test and ANOVA test were used in the analysis of the data. Statistically, the error level was accepted as p<.05 and the significance level was Alpha (α).
 Results. In the study, it was determined that the perception scores of the athlete students between the courage scale components were close to each other. No statistically significant results were found in all sub-dimensions according to gender and weekly training duration variables. According to the age variable: a significant result was determined in the dimensions of determination and assertiveness, and in the dimensions of stability according to the variable of doing sports. According to the education variable, it was determined that there was no significant difference in the risk-taking sub-dimension. There were significant differences in the other sub-dimensions.
 Conclusions. Without ignoring the acquisition of skills such as courage, it should be included in education and training programs from an early age and supported by sports training. Courage issues should be included in the training programs of educators (coaching training courses, seminars, etc.) and their importance should be emphasized.

The Effect of Health-Saving Educational Technologies on Development of Natural Abilities of Schoolchildren

Health saving-based educational technologies aim to provide a combination of children's needs, motivations, knowledge, optimal health level and normal physical development. In this study, the effect of the health-saving educational technologies program applied to secondary school students in increasing their physical fitness, self-efficacy in sports and mental endurance in reducing negative nutritional behaviors was examined. In the study, experimental procedures were carried out according to the 2x2 control group, pretest and posttest trial model. Experimental applications of the study lasted for 10 weeks, with 33 experimental and 33 control group students. During this period, the health-saving educational technologies program was applied in the experimental group; on the other hand, no application was made in the control group. Before and after the experimental procedure, pretests and posttests were applied to the experimental and control groups (Physical Fitness Test, Sports Self-Efficacy Scale, Negative Eating Behavior Scale and Mental Endurance Scale). According to the research findings, the students in the experimental group, who applied the health-saving educational technologies program, achieved higher levels of physical fitness, sports self-efficacy and mental endurance than their peers in the control group. It has also been found that the health-saving educational technologies program is effective in reducing negative eating behaviors.

INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MENTAL STRENGTH AND SELF-EFFICACY IN ORTHOPEDIC DISABLED ATHLETES

Aim: Psychological factors are also of great importance in order to increase the performance of orthopedically disabled athletes and help them cope with the difficulties they experience. At this point, concepts such as mental toughness and self-efficacy allow us to understand how athletes are affected psychologically. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between mental endurance and self-efficacy levels of orthopedically disabled athletes. Athletes from Amputee Football Teams and Sitting Volleyball Teams (88 male athletes and 14 female athletes in total of 102 athletes) participated in our study. Method: In this research, was obtained by Personal Information Form, Mental Endurance Scale and Self-Efficacy Scale, the information created by the researcher in line with the purpose of the research, seven questions (gender, age, disability, sports branch, year of doing sports, level of sportsmanship, education level), Personal Information Form, Mental Endurance Scale and Self-Efficacy Scale was obtained with In the analysis of the data obtained, a statistical program was used, the Mann Whitney-U test was used in the distribution of the data and pairwise group comparisons, and the Kruskall Wallis H test was used in the comparison of more than two groups. Results: According to the results of our research; A significant difference was found in the self-efficacy level of the athletes according to the athlete level variable (p 0.05). A significant difference was detected in self-efficacy levels according to the variable of years of doing sports (p0.05). Conclusion: As a results of research, a moderately positive relationship was found between the self-efficacy and mental endurance levels of orthopedically disabled athletes, and the relationship between them was found to be statistically significant.

EXAMINATION OF MENTAL STRENGTH IN RECREATIVE E-SPORTS PARTICIPANTS

Abstract: Aim: The aim of this research is to determine the personal developments that individuals between the ages of 18-45 (n=400) who are interested in e-sports in the recreational sense gain from e-sports and to examine the relationship between personal development and mental resilience, together with the effect of this development on their mental resilience. Method: Data collection tools used in the study; Demographic information form created by the researchers, 21st Century Skills and E-sports, Mental Resilience scale were used. In the research, face-to-face data collection method was used, and the related analyzes were carried out after the data obtained were arranged in the SPSS program. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the demographic characteristics of e-sports players. Correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between the development of e-sports players and mental toughness, and regression analysis was used to determine the effect. Results: Considering the findings of the study, it is seen that as the development of those who are interested in e-sports in the field of recreation increases, their mental endurance levels increase positively. In addition, a significant relationship was found between e-sports development and mental toughness. Conclusion: As a result, it has been determined that as the development of e-sports of individuals who are interested in e-sports as recreational activities increases, the effect on mental resilience increases positively and significantly.

Terapi Sufistik dalam Mengatasi Gangguan Kejiwaan di Griya Terapi Elkayyis Jatibarang Brebes

A single Good spiritual and mental endurance will fortify themselves from problems with disturbances in themselves or what are commonly called mental disorders. Therefore, it is necessary to have good spiritual and mental endurance, in order to be able to fortify himself from these disorders. Research Methods using qualitative methods, namely research procedures that produce descriptive data. Data collection techniques using observation, documentation and interviews. This research took place at Griya Therapy Elkayyis in Jati Barang, Brebes, Central Java. This study describes the initial method, namely the general method by diagnosing mental disorders that occur starting from the background, symptoms, and therapy that will be carried out. The second step is to continue with the Sufistic therapy method, namely repentance, prayer, fasting, and dhikr. There are two indicators of a positive impact, namely, patients can recover or improve significantly and many new patients arrive. What happens in healing mental disorders at Elkayyis Therapy Center is the first is the lack of the number of therapists and the lack of scientific aspects.

Investigation of the Relationship between Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Anxiety and Mental Toughness in Professional Volleyball Players

In the study, the relationship between anxiety about catching the new type of coronavirus (COVID-19) and mental resilience in professional volleyball players was examined. This study is in the descriptive survey model, which is one of the quantitative research methods. The study was carried out with a total of 209 athletes, 145 females and 64 males, who are within the scope of the 1st league clubs of the Turkish Volleyball Federation (TVF). The data were collected with the “Anxiety Scale of Catching a New Type of Coronavirus” developed by Demir et al (2020) and the “Mental Endurance Inventory in Sports” developed by Sheard et al (2009) and adapted into Turkish by Altıntaş and Koruç (2016). The collected data were analyzed with the Skewness and Kurtosis test, and as a result of the examination, it was determined that the data showed a normal distribution. Student T-Test and One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tests, which are parametric tests, were used in the analysis of the data. Pearson Correlation Analysis was used to examine the relationship between athletes’ anxiety about catching the new type of coronavirus and their mental toughness. SPSS 21.0 statistical package program was used for all statistical analyzes and statistical significance level was taken as p < 0.05 in all analyzes. According to the results of the analysis, there is a statistical significance between the anxiety of the athletes about catching the new type of coronavirus and the age variable. A statistically significant difference was found between the mental endurance levels of the athletes and the variables of gender, age, monthly income and weekly training number. According to the results of the correlation analysis, a statistically significant relationship was not determined between the anxiety of catching the new type of coronavirus and the mental endurance characteristics of the athletes. A negative and low-level significant relationship was found between the individual anxiety values of the athletes and their control scores. As a result, it was determined that professional volleyball players’ anxiety about catching a new type of coronavirus was not related to their mental toughness levels, but the athletes’ individual anxieties were related to their control levels. In this regard, it is recommended that professional athletes receive mental support in order to keep their anxiety levels under control during the coronavirus process.

Experiences of recovery and a new care pathway for people with pain after total knee replacement: qualitative research embedded in the STAR trial

BackgroundApproximately 20% of people experience chronic postsurgical pain after total knee replacement. The STAR randomised controlled trial (ISCRTN92545361) evaluated the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of a new multifaceted and personalised care pathway, compared with usual care, for people with pain at three months after total knee replacement. We report trial participants’ experiences of postoperative pain and the acceptability of the STAR care pathway, which consisted of an assessment clinic at three months, and up to six follow-up telephone calls over 12 months.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 people (10 men, 17 women) between February 2018 and January 2020. Participants were sampled purposively from the care pathway intervention group and interviewed after completion of the final postoperative trial questionnaire at approximately 15 months after knee replacement. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, anonymised and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.FindingsMany participants were unprepared for the severity and impact of postoperative pain, which they described as extreme and constant and that tested their physical and mental endurance. Participants identified ‘low points’ during their recovery, triggered by stiffening, pain or swelling that caused feelings of anxiety, depression, and pain catastrophising. Participants described the STAR assessment clinic as something that seemed “perfectly normal” suggesting it was seamlessly integrated into NHS care. Even in the context of some ongoing pain, the STAR care pathway had provided a source of support and an opportunity to discuss concerns about their ongoing recovery.ConclusionsPeople who have knee replacement may be unprepared for the severity and impact of postoperative pain, and the hard work of recovery afterwards. This highlights the challenges of preparing patients for total knee replacement and suggests that clinical attention is needed if exercise and mobilising is painful beyond the three month postoperative period. The STAR care pathway is acceptable to people with pain after total knee replacement.

A Work Environment Under Pressure: Psychosocial Job Demands and Resources Among Saturation Divers.

Saturation divers work and live under high physiological and social demands for weeks on end. Even though physiological research has contributed insights to the work conditions of saturation divers, research on the qualities of the divers' psychosocial work environment is lacking. This study aimed to explore which job demands and resources are viewed as characteristic among saturation divers working within an isolated and confined environment. Based on data from 6 in-depth semi-structured interviews, template analysis was applied to map unique characteristics. By using the theoretical framework of the job demands-resources model, we found that the work environment in saturation diving was characterized by shifting demands and big contrasts, requiring adaptability in each individual diver. One major demand described by the informants was an unpredictable future, somewhat due to the changes in the oil and gas industry. Another important demand was the conflict between family and work/leisure when committing to work for extended periods in isolated environments. The monotony that characterizes the work environment is a challenge that must be managed. High wages, periods of leisure, and a prestigious job provide external motivation, while personal resources such as mental endurance and flexibility, a willingness to learn, and keeping up small personal routines, may benefit the divers' mental health. This is also affected by the quality of team climate—with features such as being sociable and considerate, having a dark sense of humor and having trust in one another.

Farmer Resilience After Floods and Landslides

Floods and landslides are crisis conditions for farmers who have the potential to cause trauma. The capacity of farmers to deal with, overcome and change due to traumatic experiences varies throughout life. Resilience will form coping mechanisms and influence mental health. Method: This research is a descriptive study with a cross-sectional design. Questionnaires were given to 100 farmers. Resilience was assessed using The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Univariate statistical analysis to determine the proportion of resilience. Results: The mean resilience of farmers after a disaster is 95.72. Discussion: Resilience is a stable personality trait characterized by an individual's ability to rise again from negative experiences and the ability to adapt to continual changes in life. Farmers who are directly affected by a disaster are in a traumatic condition, so they are very vulnerable to stress. The mental endurance of each farmer is different, according to the influencing factors

Specialized nutrition for athletes: evaluation of ergogenic action using the principles of evidence-based medicine

The aim is to form a balanced position regarding the ergogenic characteristics of new sports food products in the modern practice of training highly qualified athletes on the basis of clinical-experimental evaluation of the effectiveness of special purpose real food additives. Materials and methods. Studies were carried out on laboratory animals (36 Wistar rats at the age of 3 months weighing 150–200 g and 16 Svetlogorsk mini-pigs) as well as on 102 high-qualified representatives of cyclic sports (all men aged 19–26) − members of national teams such as swimming (25), cross-country athletics (53), and skiing (24). As a control group, we studied 25 athletes of the same gender (all men), age and qualifications who received a placebo (starch capsules) for a long time during exercise. Placebo-controlled studies have been conducted on laboratory animals and athletes in compliance with the principles of bioethics. Results. It has been established that in the experiment the application of a new specialized food product MioActiv has a positive effect on the physical performance of animals and delays the onset of fatigue, which significantly exceeds the corresponding characteristics in the placebo group. Athletes also showed an increase in speed when passing competitive distances by 18.7–21.4% (p < 0,05), as well as a significant increase in mental endurance indicators (p < 0,05). The approbation of the innovative pre-workout pharmacological nutrient complex Pre-Fuse also showed the high efficacy and safety of this product with a positive effect of increasing the performance and endurance of animals, as well as the parameters of mental performance of athletes in the main groups, in contrast to the data in the placebo control groups. Conclusions. An analysis of the prescription components of new types of ergogenic sports nutrition and the presented results of preclinical and clinical studies conducted on the basis of the evidence-based medicine paradigm regarding the effectiveness of specialized products indicate the complex action of these funds on various aspects of both physical and mental performance. From the materials presented in the article, it can be seen that specialized sports nutrition products of an ergogenic orientation can provide significant assistance in increasing sports results.