Non-athletic Controls Research Articles

Location of Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Measurements for Stroke Volume Estimation With Echocardiography

The location of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) for measurement of Doppler LVOT stroke volume (SV) remains contentious. Current guidelines recommend LVOT measures at or within 5 mm to 10 mm of the aortic annulus. We aimed to determine the Doppler LVOT SV location that most closely agreed with gold standard cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). This was a retrospective, single-centre, observational study of volunteer participants free of known cardiac disease, using both athlete and nonathlete controls. Participants had their Doppler LVOT SV measured using the area at the annulus, 3 mm, 6 mm, and 9 mm away from the annulus. This was compared to the gold standard CMR SV. Overall, 181 participants had their Doppler LVOT SV measured by echocardiography and CMR, under baseline resting condition. In this population free of cardiac disease, the LVOT area increased progressively from 0 mm to 9 mm from the annulus (4.4, 4.9, 5.7, and 6.95 cm2). The SV obtained at 3 mm from the annulus most closely agreed with CMR. The mean bias and upper and lower limits of agreement of CMR SV vs Doppler LVOT SV were: at 0 mm (11%,-17.78 to 39.76); 3 mm (0.40%-36.78 to 37.58); 6 mm (-16.48%,-72.16 to 39.19); and 9 mm (-43.16%,-114.93 to 28.61). In patients free of known cardiac disease, measures of LVOT SV within 10 mm of the annulus are not equivalent. LVOT area and SV at 3 mm most closely approximates gold standard CMR SV. LVOT area at the annulus and 6 mm away are within 17% of the CMR SV. The LVOT is larger at 9 mm in this cohort, resulting in a significant overestimation of LV SV.

Asymptomatic female softball pitchers have altered hip morphology and cartilage composition

Few studies have explored hip morphology and cartilage composition in female athletes or the impact of asymmetric repetitive loading, such as occurs during softball pitching. The current cross-sectional study assessed bilateral bony hip morphology on computed tomography imaging in collegiate-level softball pitchers (‘Pitch1’, n = 25) and cross-country runners (‘Run’, n = 13). Magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess cartilage relaxation times in a second cohort of pitchers (‘Pitch2’, n = 10) and non-athletic controls (‘Con’, n = 4). Pitch1 had 52% greater maximum alpha angle than Run (p < 0.001) and were 21.3 (95% CI 2.4 to 192.0) times more likely to have an alpha angle ≥ 60° within at least one hip. Pitch2 had longer T2 relaxation times in the superior femoral cartilage of the drive leg (same side as the throwing arm) and stride leg than Con (all p < 0.02). The drive leg in Pitch2 had longer T1ρ and T2 relaxation times in the superior femoral cartilage compared to the stride leg (all p ≤ 0.03). Asymptomatic softball pitchers exhibit altered bony hip morphology and cartilage composition compared to cross-country runners and non-athletic controls, respectively. They also exhibit asymmetry in cartilage composition. Further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted and any potential long-term consequences of the changes in terms of symptom and osteoarthritis development requires investigation.

Neurodegeneration in the cortical sulcus is a feature of chronic traumatic encephalopathy and associated with repetitive head impacts

Neurodegeneration is a seminal feature of many neurological disorders. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is caused by repetitive head impacts (RHI) and is characterized by sulcal tau pathology. However, quantitative assessments of regional neurodegeneration in CTE have not been described. In this study, we quantified three key neurodegenerative measures, including cortical thickness, neuronal density, and synaptic proteins, in contact sport athletes (n = 185) and non-athlete controls (n = 52) within the sulcal depth, middle, and gyral crest of the dorsolateral frontal cortex. Cortical thickness and neuronal density were decreased within the sulcus in CTE compared to controls (p’s < 0.05). Measurements of synaptic proteins within the gyral crest showed a reduction of α-synuclein with CTE stage (p = 0.002) and variable changes in PSD-95 density. After adjusting for age, multiple linear regression models demonstrated a strong association between the duration of contact sports play and cortical thinning (p = 0.001) and neuronal loss (p = 0.032) within the sulcus. Additional regression models, adjusted for tau pathology, suggest that within the sulcus, the duration of play was associated with neuronal loss predominantly through tau pathology. In contrast, the association of duration of play with cortical thinning was minimally impacted by tau pathology. Overall, CTE is associated with cortical atrophy and a predominant sulcal neurodegeneration. Furthermore, the duration of contact sports play is associated with measures of neurodegeneration that are more severe in the cortical sulcus and may occur through tau-dependent and independent mechanisms.

Aortic Dimension in Elite Athletes: Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To assess the presence and the extent of an "aortic remodeling" in elite athletes. A systematic review and meta-analysis of literature were conducted for studies (1981-2024) reporting echocardiographic aortic diameters of elite athletes compared to non-athlete healthy controls. Among the 5,494 studies retrieved, 21 (9,464 elite athletes vs. 2,637 non-athlete controls) fulfilled all eligibility criteria. Data were aggregated using a random effects model for estimating the pooled risk ratio and mean difference. Absolute aortic diameters at the sinus of Valsalva (AoSV) were higher in overall elite athletes compared to non-athlete healthy controls (mean difference [MD] 1.69 [95% CI 1.01-2.37] mm; p <0.001) and if stratified to sex. This difference was maintained if AoSV was indexed to height (AoSV/h) (MD 0.04 [95% CI -0.00-0.08] mm/m; ES 2.18 [95% CI 1.10-3.26]; p<0.001). The analysis of AoSV/h according to sex was not performed for the paucity of studies. However, when indexed to body surface area (AoSV/BSA), no differences were found between the two groups (MD 0.04 [95% CI -0.25-0.34] mm/m2; p = 0.880), also according to sex. Above findings were not influenced by age. Absolute AoSV was mildly larger in athletes compared to non-athlete healthy controls, even when indexed to height. However, no differences were evident when indexed by BSA, irrespective of sex, type of sport and age. Therefore, assessment of the aortic size in elite athletes should consider the proper normalization in order to avoid misdiagnosis of aortopathies. CRD42024561255.

Abstract 4145828: The Interplay Between Exercise Load, Myocardial fibrosis, Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Background: An increased prevalence of myocardial ventricular fibrosis, ventricular dysfunction and arrhythmias has been reported amongst highly trained endurance athletes, but trials investigating these adverse phenotypes in adequately sized and accurately phenotyped cohorts are largely lacking. We aimed to define the prevalence of ventricular fibrosis, ventricular systolic dysfunction, arrhythmia and their interplay in healthy endurance athletes. Methods: We analysed a male cohort of 244 young elite endurance athletes (20yr), 134 middle-aged recreational athletes (56yr) and 65 middle-aged non-athletic controls (55yr). CMR assessed for non-hinge point and hinge point late gadolinium enhancement (NH-LGE and H-LGE) and LVEF and RVEF. 24-hour Holter was performed to assess ventricular arrhythmia. Complex arrhythmia was defined as couplets, triplets and NSVT. Exercise load was based on questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression assessed the relationship between exercise load, LGE, ventricular systolic dysfunction and ventricular arrhythmia. Results: Middle-aged athletes had more NH-LGE (19.4% vs 9.2% vs 4.5%, p&lt;0.001) and H-LGE (29.9% vs 13.8% vs 15.6%, p=0.002) than middle-aged controls and young athletes respectively. Lifetime hours of endurance exercise and age increased the odds of NH-LGE (OR 1.034, 95% CI 1.001-1.069, p=0.044 and OR 1.032, 95% CI 1.006-1.058, p=0.014). A LVEF&lt;50% and/or RVEF&lt;45% was more prevalent in middle-aged and young athletes compared to controls (23.1% % vs 20.5% vs 7.7%, p=0.029). A higher lifetime training load increased the odds of RVEF&lt;45% (OR 1.059, 95% CI 1.014-1.105, p=0.009). LGE did not predict LVEF&gt;50% or RVEF&lt;45%. Both complex arrhythmia and a burden of &gt;0.1% VPB were more prevalent in middle-aged athletes compared to young athletes but not compared to controls (26.1% vs 9.8% vs 12.3%, p&lt;0.001 and 13.6% vs 4.9% vs 7.7%, p=0.012 respectively). NH-LGE and RVEF&lt;45% increased the odds of VPB burden &gt;0.1%. (OR 3.845, 95% CI 1.465-10.089, p=0.006 and OR 5.230, 95% CI 1.698-16.106, p=0.004 respectively). Conclusion: NH-LGE is associated with exercise load and more prevalent in middle-aged athletes compared to younger athletes and age-matched controls. When present, LGE is not associated with a reduced ventricular function. On the other hand, NH-LGE and reduced RVEF are risk factors for increased ventricular ectopic burden and middle-aged athletes show significantly more complex arrhythmia compared to younger athletes.

Fine Tuning ECG Interpretation for Young Athletes: ECG Screening Using Z-score-based Analysis

BackgroundElectrocardiograms (ECGs) in athletes commonly reveal findings related to physiologic adaptations to exercise, that may be difficult to discern from true underlying cardiovascular abnormalities. North American and European societies have published consensus statements for normal, borderline, and abnormal ECG findings for athletes, but these criteria are not based on established correlation with disease states. Additionally, data comparing ECG findings in athletes to non-athlete control subjects are lacking. Our objective was to compare the ECGs of collegiate athletes and non-athlete controls using Z-scores for digital ECG variables to better identify significant differences between the groups and to evaluate the ECG variables in athletes falling outside the normal range.MethodsValues for 102 digital ECG variables on 7206 subjects aged 17–22 years, including 672 athletes, from Hawaii Pacific Health, University of Hawaii, and Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego were obtained through retrospective review. Age and sex-specific Z-scores for ECG variables were derived from normal subjects and used to assess the range of values for specific ECG variables in young athletes. Athletes with abnormal ECGs were referred to cardiology consultation and/or echocardiogram.ResultsAthletes had slower heart rate, longer PR interval, more rightward QRS axis, longer QRS duration but shorter QTc duration, larger amplitude and area of T waves, prevalent R’ waves in V1, and higher values of variables traditionally associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH): amplitudes of S waves (leads V1-V2), Q waves (V6, III) and R waves (II, V5, V6). Z-scores of these ECG variables in 558 (83%) of the athletes fell within − 2.5 and 2.5 range derived from the normal population dataset, and 60 (8.9%) athletes had a Z-score outside the − 3 to 3 range. While 191 (28.4%) athletes met traditional voltage criteria for diagnosis of LVH on ECG, only 53 athletes (7.9%) had Z-scores outside the range of -2.5 to 2.5 for both S amplitude in leads V1-V2 and R amplitude in leads V5-6. Only one athlete was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with a Z-score of R wave in V6 of 2.34 and T wave in V6 of -5.94.ConclusionThe use of Z-scores derived from a normal population may provide more precise screening to define cardiac abnormalities in young athletes and reduce unnecessary secondary testing, restrictions and concern.

Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex to ipsilateral primary motor cortex intercortical interactions during inhibitory control enhance response inhibition in open-skill athletes

Numerous studies have reported that long-term sports training can affect inhibitory control and induce brain functional alterations. However, the influence of environmental dynamics in sports training on inter-cortical connectivity has not been well studied. In the current study, we used twin-coil transcranial magnetic stimulation to investigate the functional connectivity between dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and ipsilateral primary motor cortex (M1) during proactive and reactive inhibition in participants with sports skills in dynamic environment (open-skill experts), stable environment (closed-skill experts), and no sports skills (controls). Using a modified stop signal task, proactive inhibition was measured by the response delay effect (RDE), and reactive inhibition was measured by the stop-signal reaction time (SSRT). Intra-hemispheric DLPFC-M1 interactions and single pulse motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) were measured during the task. A stronger inhibitory effect of the DLPFC over M1 was observed during early reactive control stages compared to baseline levels. In addition, this inhibitory effect was pronounced when comparing open-skill experts to non-athlete controls, a relationship that was significantly correlated with superior reactive control performance. Furthermore, DLPFC to M1 influencing direction shifted from late proactive control to reactive control. Behavioral results also demonstrated enhanced proactive control abilities in open-skill experts relative to controls. Such enhancement may be due to the combination of environmental complexity and physical fitness in long-term skill training.

Differences In Sleep Patterns Between College Varsity Athletes And Non-athlete Controls Disappear In Midlife

Differences In Sleep Patterns Between College Varsity Athletes And Non-athlete Controls Disappear In Midlife

An Umbrella Review of Body Image Concerns, Disordered Eating, and Eating Disorders in Elite Athletes.

Background/Objectives: Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have been conducted to date indicating a high prevalence of disordered eating in elite athletes and associated risk factors. However, the substantial time burden associated with locating and comparing these reviews, which are varied in methodology and sampling focus, may be a barrier for informing policy and best practice as well as directing future research. This umbrella review aimed to provide a summary of evidence across published reviews regarding the prevalence and risk factors for disordered eating (including body image concerns and eating disorders) in elite athletes. Methods: Five databases (CINAHL, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus) were systematically searched for peer-reviewed systematic reviews and meta-analyses that met the following inclusion criteria: (1) investigated prevalence and risk factors for disordered eating, (2) included a sample of elite athletes, and (3) available in English. The included studies underwent data extraction and risk of bias assessment using the AMSTAR 2. Results: The initial search identified 1828 articles that were screened for title and abstract and then full text, leaving 24 systematic reviews (including 10 meta-analyses). Disordered eating was prevalent across elite athletes, including males and females and across sport type. Elite athletes were at elevated risk for disordered eating and eating disorders but at lower risk for body image concerns versus non-athlete controls. Several risk factors were identified, including female gender, competing in lean sports, and experiencing career changes. Few reviews or meta-analyses examined perceived pressures within the sporting environment, and most had substantial risk of bias concerns. Conclusions: Elite athletes are at risk for the spectrum of disordered eating, and all should be considered for primary prevention and screening. Further research is needed regarding sport-specific versus general pressures and mediators of risk to better inform interventions.

Body composition, bone health status and isokinetic muscular performance among Malaysian young male badminton players, archers and non-athletes

Background: This study investigated body composition, bone health status and isokinetic muscular performance among Malaysian young male badminton players, archers and non-athletes as controls. Methods: Thirty-three participants (mean age: 15.1 [1.4 years]) were divided into three groups, which were non-athlete control (n = 11), archery (n = 11) and badminton (n = 11) groups. Participants’ percentage of body fat (%BF), muscle mass or fat-free mass (FFM) and bone speed of sound (SOS) were measured. In addition, participants’ knee (flexion and extension) and shoulder (extension and flexion) peak torque (PT, an indicator of muscular strength) and average power (AVG.P) were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Results: Badminton athletes showed a significant higher (P = 0.021) shoulder extension AVG.P at 180°/s compared to the non-athletes. Both badminton and archery athletes showed significantly higher values of isokinetic knee flexion AVG.P at 180°/s and 300°/s, knee extension PT and AVG.P at 180°/s when compared to non-athletes. In badminton players, significant positive correlations were observed between FFM with arm bone SOS (r = 0.727, P = 0.011) and shoulder PT at 60°/s (r= 0.736, P = 0.010), respectively. Arm bone SOS showed significant positive correlations with shoulder PT at 60°/s (r = 0.674, P = 0.023), shoulder flexion AVG.P at 300°/s (r = 0.614, P = 0.023) and shoulder extension AVG.P at 300°/s (r = 0.633, P = 0.049), respectively. Leg bone SOS was also significantly positive correlated with knee flexion AVG.P at 300°/s (r = 0.727, P = 0.011) and knee extension AVG.P at 300°/s (r = 0.639, P = 0.034), respectively, in badminton players. Conclusions: Engagement in badminton and archery sports of athletes could enhance muscular strength and power compared to non-athletes.

The characterization of metabolic changes in adipose tissues and muscles due to different exercise intensities by Dixon in healthy young men

PurposeTo delineate the alterations in adipose and muscle tissue composition and functionality among healthy young men across varying exercise intensities, which help to elucidate the impact of exercise intensity on weight management and inform fitness planning. Method3D Dixon MRI scans were performed on the neck and supraclavicular area in 10 high-intensity exercises (HIE) athletes, 20 moderate intensity exercises (MIE) athletes and 19 low-intensity exercises non-athlete male controls (NCM). Twelve imaging parameters, including the total volume of muscle, white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), and the mean fat–water fraction (FWF) within these tissues. Additionally, ratios of BAT or WAT to total fat (BATr or WATr) and the proportions of muscle, BAT, or WAT to total tissue volume (Musp, BATp, and WATp) were calculated. Parameters were compared across groups and correlated with Body Mass Index (BMI), waistline, and hipline. ResultsThe HIE group exhibited the highest total muscle (totalMUS) and brown adipose tissue (totalBAT) volumes among the three groups. Conversely, the NCM group had significantly higher fwfFAT and fwfBAT values. The MUSp was higher in the HIE and MIE groups compared to NCM, while the BATp and WATp were lower. Furthermore, the BATr in HIE and MIE groups were higher than NCM group while the WATr were lower. Significant linear relationships were observed between totalBAT, totalWAT, MUSp, BATr, fwfFAT, and BMI, waistline (P < 0.05) across all groups. ConclusionsMIE is sufficient for the purpose of weight control, While HIE helps to further increase the muscle mass. All three physical indexes were significantly associated with the image parameters, with waistline emerging as the most effective indicator for detecting metabolic changes across all groups.

Electrocardiographic manifestations in female team handball players: analyzing ECG changes in athletes.

Long-term intense training leads to structural, functional, and electrical remodeling of the heart. How different sports affect the heart has not been fully investigated, particularly for female athletes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the morphology of 12-lead resting electrocardiogram (ECG) in elite female handball players compared to non-athlete female subjects. Potential changes will be explored to see if they could be explained by differences in cardiac dimensions and exercise hours. A cross-sectional study of 33 elite female team handball players compared to 33 sex and age-matched, non-athletic controls (age range 18-26 years) was performed. All participants underwent a resting 12-lead ECG and an echocardiographic examination. ECG variables for left ventricular hypertrophy and durations were evaluated and adjusted for cardiac dimensions and exercise hours using ANCOVA analysis. A linear regression analysis was used to describe relation between echocardiographic and ECG measures and exercise hours. The female handball players had larger cardiac dimensions and significantly lower heart rate and QTc duration (Bazett's formula) as well as increased QRS and QT durations compared to controls. The 12-lead sum of voltage and the 12-lead sum of voltage ∗ QRS were significantly higher among handball players. Changes in ECG variables reflecting the left ventricle could in part be explained by left ventricular size and exercise hours. Correlation with exercise hours were moderately strong in most of the echocardiographic measures reflecting left ventricular (LV), left ventricular mass (LVM), left atrium (LA) and right atrium (RA) size. Poor to fair correlations were seen in the majority of ECG measures. Female team handball players had altered ECGs, longer QRS and QT durations, higher 12-lead sum of voltage and 12-lead sum of voltage ∗ QRS as well as shorter QTc (Bazett's formula) duration compared to non-athletic controls. These findings could only partly be explained by differences in left ventricular size. Despite larger atrial size in the athletes, no differences in P-wave amplitude and duration were found on ECG. This suggest that both structural, and to some degree electrical remodeling, occur in the female team handball players' heart and highlight that a normal ECG does not rule out structural adaptations. The present study adds knowledge to the field of sports cardiology regarding how the heart in female team handball players adapts to this type of sport.

Insight into How Ambient Temperature Affects Oral Health and Salivary Oxidative Stress in Child Athletes During Competitive Sports

Aim of the Study: This research aims to investigate the relationship between participation in competitive sports and oral health among children. Focusing on hockey and football players, the study examines how environmental factors, especially ambient temperature, and physical activities impact oral hygiene, dental decay, periodontal inflammation, and salivary oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: The study involved 173 children aged 6 to 17, including 58 hockey players, 55 football players, and 60 non-athletic controls. Oral health was assessed using Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S), Decayed/Missing/Filled Teeth (DMF-T), and Papillary-Marginal-Attached Gingival (PMA) Index. Salivary oxidative stress was evaluated through biomarkers such as glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Data analysis was performed using MedCalc software, adhering to STROBE guidelines and employing chi-squared tests and t-tests for statistical significance. Results: The findings indicate that children engaged in competitive sports show significantly better oral health than the control group. This is evidenced by lower scores in OHI-S, PMA, and DMF-T indices among athletes, suggesting improved oral hygiene and reduced incidence of periodontal disease and dental caries. Additionally, higher levels of GPX and TAC were observed in athletes, indicating a positive impact of sports on managing salivary oxidative stress. However, lower SOD activity was also noted in these children. The study also reveals significant differences in oral health based on age, gender, and type of sport, with older children and males generally exhibiting better outcomes. Conclusions: The study concludes that regular participation in competitive sports like hockey and football positively influences oral health in children. Improved oral hygiene, lower prevalence of dental diseases, and enhanced management of oxidative stress are key benefits observed in young athletes. Despite its limitations such as small sample size and a specific focus on two sports, this research underscores the positive correlation between sports activity and oral health, paving the way for further comprehensive studies in this area.

Correlation of mitochondrial respiration in platelets, peripheral blood mononuclear cells and muscle fibers

There is a growing interest for the possibility of using peripheral blood cells (including platelets) as markers for mitochondrial function in less accessible tissues. Only a few studies have examined the correlation between respiration in blood and muscle tissue, with small sample sizes and conflicting results.This study investigated the correlation of mitochondrial respiration within and across tissues. Additional analyses were performed to elucidate which blood cell type would be most useful for assessing systemic mitochondrial function.There was a significant but weak within tissue correlation between platelets and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Neither PBMCs nor platelet respiration correlated significantly with muscle respiration.Muscle fibers from a group of athletes had higher mass-specific respiration, due to higher mitochondrial content than non-athlete controls, but this finding was not replicated in either of the blood cell types. In a group of patients with primary mitochondrial diseases, there were significant differences in blood cell respiration compared to healthy controls, particularly in platelets. Platelet respiration generally correlated better with the citrate synthase activity of each sample, in comparison to PBMCs.In conclusion, this study does not support the theory that blood cells can be used as accurate biomarkers to detect minor alterations in muscle respiration. However, in some instances, pronounced mitochondrial abnormalities might be reflected across tissues and detectable in blood cells, with more promising findings for platelets than PBMCs.

Effect of a plant-based diet on oxidative stress biomarkers in male footballers

Proper nutrition plays a vital role in modulating oxidative status. There is an increasing popularity of plant-based dietary patterns among athletes. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the plant-based diet index (PDI) score among male footballers and their non-athlete controls, as well as its relationship with oxidative biomarkers by evaluating the urinary excretion of F2alpha-isoprostane (F2a-IP) and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). A group of footballers (n = 45) and a healthy non-athlete group (n = 45) were selected. The two groups were matched based on body mass index (BMI) and age. The mean (standard deviation (SD)) age of the subjects was 22.88 (2.41) years, and their BMI was 22.08 (1.35) kg/m2. Anthropometric indices were evaluated, and fasting morning urine samples were analyzed to measure oxidative biomarkers. The PDI, unhealthy plant-based diet index (uPDI), and healthy plant-based diet index (hPDI) were calculated using valid food frequency questionnaire data. Generalized estimating equation models were used for all analyses. Compared to the non-athlete group, the PDI score was significantly greater in the footballer group (β = 9.8; P < 0.001), while the differences between the two groups in uPDI and hPDI scores were not significant. Overall, footballers consumed more plant-based foods. By examining the relationship between dietary indices and oxidative biomarkers, only a negative association was observed between PDI score and F2a-IP level (β = −1.25; P = 0.03). Based on the results, footballers were more adherent to a plant-based diet than non-athletes. In addition, it seems that following plant-based diets (the higher PDI) may exert beneficial effects on lowering F2a-IP levels due to improving the body's antioxidant status.

Prevalence, Performance and Predictors of Electrocardiographic Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Male Black Athletes: A Retrospective Study

Introduction QRS voltages for electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (ECG-LVH) are more prominent in Black athletes than non-Black athletes. The underlying physiological relationships of ECG-LVH in BA remain enigmatic despite their greater predisposition to arterial hypertension. Objectives To determine the frequency of eight eponymous ECG-LVH criteria in male collegiate athletes in Nigeria; To determine the diagnostic performance of the most prevalent criteria; To determine the predictors of ECG-LVH. Methods 34 (thirty-four) athletes and 49 (forty-nine) non-athletic controls with normal electrocardiograms and echocardiograms were retrospectively recruited from an existing pre-participation screening cohort. They were all normotensive, non-obese and normoglycemic, and matched for age and body mass index (BMI). Results The four most frequent criteria were Sokolow-Lyon index (67.6% vs. 36.7%; χ2 = 7.7; p = .006), Romhilt’s criterion (52.9% vs. 8.2%; χ2 = 20.6; p &lt; .001), Peguero-Lo Presti criterion (38.2% vs. 22.4%; χ2 = 2.43; p &lt; .144), and Mazzoleni’s criterion (35.3% vs. 4.1%; χ2 = 13.95; p &lt; .001). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of these criteria ranged between 23.8%–57.1%, 38.5%–53.9%, and 32.4%–50.0%, respectively. Athletic activity (OR = 4.49; 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.63–12.36; p = .004) and lower BMI (OR = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.63–0.97; p = .026) were independent predictors of ECG-LVH by the Sokolow-Lyon criterion. Conclusions Voltage ECG-LVH criteria all poorly predict the presence of echocardiographic LVH in young male Black athletes. However, the Sokolow-Lyon criterion seems to be associated with a benign cardio-metabolic profile in such athletes and appears hypothetically superior to other voltage criteria for identifying physiological cardiac remodeling in them. This hypothesis should be tested in future studies.

Occurrence of low back pain and disc degeneration in elite cross-country skiers: A comparison with non-athlete controls

Occurrence of low back pain and disc degeneration in elite cross-country skiers: A comparison with non-athlete controls

Physical activity levels, agility skills and speed among female basketball players compared to non-basketball players in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

Research findings indicate a concerning prevalence of physical inactivity among Saudi females, which has been associated with low physical performance levels. To address this challenge, it is crucial to promote sports participation, particularly in activities such as basketball. However, despite its potential benefits, the specific effects of basketball engagement among Saudi females remain largely unexplored. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between physical performance and basketball playing among female collegiate players compared to non-basketball players in Saudi Arabia. Also, this study examined the effect of years of playing basketball on the basketball players group's speed, agility, and physical activity levels. The participants were divided into two groups: a non-athletic control group of 20 participants (age: 22 ± 2.0 years; weight: 55.6 ± 7.7 kg; height: 157.7 ± 5.5 cm) and a basketball group of 18 participants (age: 20 ± 3.3 years; weight: 60.6 ± 12 kg; height: 163.8 ± 6.3 cm).To examine the relationship between playing basketball and physical performance levels, this study included 38 female participants divided into a non-athletic control group (N = 20) and a basketball group (N = 18). To evaluate physical performance, the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), Modified Agility T-Test (MAT), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were used. Basketball players demonstrated significantly superior performance in the 10-MWT (Mann-Whitney-test = 1.7, p < .05) and MAT (Mann-Whitney-test = 9.6, p < .001) compared to the non-athletic participants. Furthermore, IPAQ scores were significantly correlated with speed and agility (p < 0.05). Women who regularly played basketball exhibited superior physical activity levels and higher physical performance in speed and agility compared to those who were less active. However, no significant differences between the years of playing and any other variables were found. Nevertheless, these findings seek to contribute valuable insights into the potential benefits of basketball playing among Saudi women.

Intrinsic Sinus Node/Atrioventricular Node Dysfunction Requiring Pacemaker Implantation: Role of Former Professional Sport Activity.

Sinus bradycardia and first degree or second degree Mobitz type I atrioventricular (AV) block in an athlete are considered adaptive and reversible phenomena; however, some evidence suggests that they may persist after detraining and become pathological. The aim of the study was to investigate the characteristics of a group of former professional athletes who required pacemaker (PM) implantation for intrinsic (idiopathic) sinus node (SN) dysfunction or AV block in comparison to control groups of sedentary individuals. We included all patients who underwent PM implantation during 2022. Three groups were compared: group 1 including 18 former professional athletes who received a PM for SN dysfunction/AV block in the absence of heart disease; group 2 including the first 20 sedentary individuals without heart disease who underwent PM implantation; and group 3 including all other 323 patients who received PM, the majority with underlying heart diseases. Compared to the non-athlete control group 2, the mean age at diagnosis and at the time of PM implantation of former professional athletes did not show statistically significant differences. However, subgroup analysis revealed significant differences depending on the type of sports discipline: the age at diagnosis and at PM implantation was significantly lower in former endurance athletes than former strength/mixed athletes, control non-athletes, and all other patients. Moreover, former endurance professional athletes exhibited a higher prevalence of second or third degree AV block (78%) as the reason for PM implantation compared to power/mixed athletes (44%). The other clinical characteristics, including echocardiographic parameters, did not differ between former athletes and non-athletes. Former professional endurance athletes with idiopathic SN dysfunction/AV block manifested the disease earlier in the life course compared to former power/mixed athletes and non-athletes. This suggests that bradycardia/AV block caused by intense and prolonged endurance sports may not always be benign and adaptive phenomena.

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.