Non-athletic Population Research Articles

Quantifying and Examining Reserve in Symptomatic Former National Football League Players.

Repetitive head impacts (RHI) from contact sports have been associated with cognitive and neuropsychiatric disorders. However, not all individuals exposed to RHI develop such disorders. This may be explained by the reserve hypothesis. It remains unclear if the reserve hypothesis accounts for the heterogenous symptom presentation in RHI-exposed individuals. Moreover, optimal measurement of reserve in this population is unclear and likely unique from non-athlete populations. We examined the association between metrics of reserve and cognitive and neuropsychiatric functioning in 89 symptomatic former National Football League players. Individual-level proxies (e.g., education) defined reserve. We additionally quantified reserve as remaining residual variance in 1) episodic memory and 2) executive functioning performance, after accounting for demographics and brain pathology. Associations between reserve metrics and cognitive and neuropsychiatric functioning were examined. Higher reading ability was associated with better attention/information processing (β=0.25; 95% CI, 0.05-0.46), episodic memory (β=0.27; 95% CI, 0.06-0.48), semantic and phonemic fluency (β=0.24; 95% CI, 0.02-0.46; β=0.38; 95% CI, 0.17-0.59), and behavioral regulation (β=-0.26; 95% CI, -0.48, -0.03) performance. There were no effects for other individual-level proxies. Residual episodic memory variance was associated with better attention/information processing (β=0.45; 95% CI, 0.25, 0.65), executive functioning (β=0.36; 95% CI, 0.15, 0.57), and semantic fluency (β=0.38; 95% CI, 0.17, 0.59) performance. Residual executive functioning variance was associated with better attention/information processing (β=0.44; 95% CI, 0.24, 0.64) and episodic memory (β=0.37; 95% CI, 0.16, 0.58) performance. Traditional reserve proxies (e.g., years of education, occupational attainment) have limitations and may be unsuitable for use in elite athlete samples. Alternative approaches of reserve quantification may prove more suitable for this population.

Characterization of Motor Performance in 200 Normal Ankles Through Isokinetic Evaluation

Category:Ankle; SportsIntroduction/Purpose:The isokinetic test has been used diffusely as a way to evaluate the functional results after the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries. In the ankle, in particular, most studies are related to lateral ligament injuries and Achilles tendon's injuries. However, different protocols are used and a lack of normative values is observed in the literature. The aim of this work is to perform a global isokinetic evaluation on healthy ankles in order to propose reference values for future patients.Methods:We evaluated 100 participants (200 ankles) using the Biodex 3 System for the eversion, inversion, dorsiflexion and plantar flexion movements of the ankle. The sample consisted of individuals aged 20-60 years, with an active life and practice of recreational physical activity (non-athlete) and without previous injuries. Five repetitions for strength (N / m) and work (J) at a speed of 30° / sec and 10 repetitions for power (W) at a speed of 120° / sec were performed in our protocol. Agonist / antagonist ratio and the Muscle Deficiency Index, which globally assesses the balance between the sides for each movement, were also evaluated, as well as the demographic variables. Different statistical analyzes were performed for each parameter.Results:The mean age was 38.5 years and BMI 25.8 (CI 2.7 and 0.8 respectively). The non-dominant side was consistently stronger (higher peak torque) in all movements (p <0.001 -). The mean values obtained for force in each movement were 29.9N / m (CI 1.4) for eversion, 34.8N / m (CI 1.6) for inversion, 48.6N / m (2.0) for dorsiflexion and 140.2 N / m (CI 6.1) for plantar flexion. There was no correlation between age or BMI with the maximum torque (N / m). The ratio of eversors / inverters was 88.8% (CI 3.1) and that of dorsiflexors / plantar flexors was 36.1% (1.3). The Muscle Deficiency Index showed a balance between the sides for each movement (p 0.062), with an average global difference of less than 10% between them (eversion 8.66 [CI 3.17], inversion 4.2 [3, 48], dorsiflexion 3.41 [3.04] and plantar flexion 5.18 [2.51].Conclusion:As far as we know, this is the largest isokinetic assessment of normal ankles ever performed. The sample, although not stratified, was considered homogeneous (coefficient of variation <50%), which allows to propose several normative values for a non-athlete population in the isokinetic evaluation. It would be interesting to compare these data in the future with the functional results in patients after the treatment of certain injuries.

Pilot Study to Assess Changes in the Blink Reflex Across Age

The objective was to conduct a preliminary study to access blink reflex parameters across age using the Eyestat. The blink reflex is a primitive brainstem response to an external stimulus is affected by multiple neurologic disorders, including those that affect the dopaminergic circuit that controls the eyelid. Our laboratory has utilized a potential objective measure to identify concussions within a college aged sport population called Eyestat, which measures changes in blink reflex parameters. Prior research cited significant differences in various blink reflex parameters between active play, concussion, and baseline. However, data with older, non-athlete populations has not defined. One hundred forty three subjects between the ages of 8-80 participated in this study. Once the subject was seated, the test sequence was initiated, in which the subject placed their face into the mask and 5 random air puffs were applied to the corner of the left or right eyes over a course of 20 seconds. High-speed videography (280 frames/sec.) captured the response of the subject's eyes before and after each stimuli. Description statistics of the data indicated differences across age with the following parameters: Latency (ms): 46.02 (ages 8-21); 47.12 (ages 22-30); 48.96 (ages 31-40); 47.44 (ages 41-50); 55.20 (ages 51-60); and 55.39 (ages 61-80). Oscillations (qty): 14.10 (ages 8-21); 14.25 (ages 22-30); 12.19 (ages 31-40); 12.75 (ages 41-50); 9.98 (ages 51-60); and 9.78 (ages 61-80). Excursions (px): 127.57 (ages 8-21); 137.46 (ages 22-30); 135.34 (ages 31-40); 144.88 (ages 41-50); 147.72 (ages 51-60); and 148.85 (ages 61-80). Although more research is warranted to determine if these differences occur with a larger subject pool, this data substantiates the need for longitudinal assessments of the blink reflex as a potential biomarker, providing a non-invasive assessment of brain health in various populations.

Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis of Young Elite Team Handball Players.

Team handball is a highly dynamic sport where physical demands differ between categories and roles. Thus, physical characteristics are fundamental for the final performance. This study aims to (a) characterize a sample of young male and female elite team handball players with a non-athletic reference population; (b) to generate their 50%, 75%, and 95% percentiles of the bioelectrical variables. The study included 55 young elite team handball players (Males, n = 37, age = 17.0 ± 1.2 yrs, height = 185.8 ± 7.3 cm, weight = 82.0 ± 11.0 kg, body mass index (BMI) = 23.7 ± 2.5; Females, n = 18, age = 17.8 ± 0.9 yrs, height = 171.2 ± 6.4 cm, weight = 67.4 ± 7.2 kg, BMI = 23.0 ± 2.0). Height and bioelectrical variables were assessed in a state of euhydration and standard conditions. Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) was used to characterize the bioelectrical vector (BIA vector) distribution pattern for each group. Compared to the reference values, BIA vector showed statistically significant differences in males U17 (n = 19, T2 = 51.0, p < 0.0001), males U19 (n = 18, T2 = 82.0, p < 0.0001) and females U19 (n = 18, T2 = 85.8, p < 0.0001). Male groups were also bioelectrically different (T2 = 13.7, p = 0.0036). BIVA showed specific bioelectrical characteristics in young male and female elite handball players. This study provides an original data set of bioelectrical impedance reference values of young male and female elite team handball players. Our result might help to interpret individual bioimpedance vectors and define target regions for young handball players.

Left atrial function in male veteran endurance athletes with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

AimsTo assess left atrial (LA) function in sinus rhythm in veteran athletes with a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) exposed to prolonged endurance exercise compared with veteran athletes without AF and controls with and without paroxysmal AF from a non-athletic population.Methods and resultsThree hundred and two male participants from four groups, veteran recreational skiers with paroxysmal AF (n = 62), veteran skiers without AF (n = 89), and controls from a non-athletic population with (n = 62) and without paroxysmal AF (n = 89) underwent an echocardiographic examination in sinus rhythm to evaluate LA anatomy and function. The skiers (mean age 70.86.7 years) reported an average exposure to regular endurance exercise for 40–50 years. LA maximum and minimum volumes were larger in skiers (P < 0.001). LA volumes differed within the athletic and non-athletic groups with larger volumes in the AF groups ( P < 0.001). We observed a considerable overlap in LA volumes among non-athletes with AF and athletes without AF. LA reservoir strain (33.6% 4.8% vs. 28.3% 6.7% P < 0.001) and contractile strain (18.3% 4.0% vs. 15.0% 5.2% P < 0.001) were lower in both AF groups regardless of athletic status. LA reservoir strain was superior to volumetric measurements at identifying participants with AF (area under the curve 0.740 0.041).ConclusionMale veteran athletes had significantly larger LA volumes than non-athletes. In contrast, LA strain values were similar in athletes and non-athletes with paroxysmal AF, and significantly lower than in subjects without AF.

The natural history of alpha angle in the last seventeen centuries

Hip osteoarthritis is one of the most important and debilitating diseases affecting thousands of people all over the world. On the other hand, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is one of the known important causes of hip osteoarthritis. Cam deformity frequently presents in FAI showing an increased alpha angle. Increased alpha angle has been observed among young patients involved in demanding physical activities such as in sports (40-60%), whereas among the non-athletic population, increased alpha angle was observed in 15-20%. Although femoroacetabular pathology has been described over the recent years, it is not possible to determine when the angle increase actually begins prior to diagnosis. The aim of our study is to evaluate the femoral alpha angle in different human femurs in different civilization eras in West Mediterranean area. Available ancient femurs were selected from the Collection Center belonging to the archeological archives (ancient necropolis) from the fourth, fourteenth and eighteenth centuries. A comparison of the alpha angle was made of the measurements from the different groups accompanied by a sample of present-day femurs from the radiology database of CT scans. Data from 243 femoral bones were collected, 50 of which from the fourth century, 26 from the fourteenth century, 68 from the eighteenth century, and 99 femurs from the 20/twenty-first century. Alpha angles in all historical samples showed pathological values (> 55º) up to a maximum of 11.5% of the cases. Meanwhile, the actual series showed pathological alpha angle in 60.1% of the cases with statistical significant differences. The studied femurs of the western Mediterranean region from the fourth, fourteenth and eighteenth centuries showed pathological alpha angles in a smaller proportion than the actual sample. Level III, retrospective studies.

Genomic predictors of testosterone levels are associated with muscle fiber size and strength

PurposeCirculating testosterone levels are a heritable trait with anabolic properties in various tissues, including skeletal muscle. So far, hundreds of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with testosterone levels have been identified in nonathletic populations. The aim of the present study was to test the association of 822 testosterone-increasing SNPs with muscle-related traits (muscle fiber size, fat-free mass and handgrip strength) and to validate the identified SNPs in independent cohorts of strength and power athletes.MethodsOne hundred and forty-eight physically active individuals (47 females, 101 males) were assessed for cross-sectional area (CSA) of fast-twitch muscle fibers. Significant SNPs were further assessed for fat-free mass and handgrip strength in > 354,000 participants from the UK Biobank cohort. The validation cohorts included Russian elite athletes.ResultsFrom an initial panel of 822 SNPs, we identified five testosterone-increasing alleles (DOCK3 rs77031559 G, ESR1 rs190930099 G, GLIS3 rs34706136 TG, GRAMD1B rs850294 T, TRAIP rs62260729 C) nominally associated (P < 0.05) with CSA of fast-twitch muscle fibers, fat-free mass and handgrip strength. Based on these five SNPs, the number of testosterone-increasing alleles was positively associated with testosterone levels in male athletes (P = 0.048) and greater strength performance in weightlifters (P = 0.017). Moreover, the proportion of participants with ≥ 2 testosterone-increasing alleles was higher in power athletes compared to controls (68.9 vs. 55.6%; P = 0.012).ConclusionTestosterone-related SNPs are associated with muscle fiber size, fat-free mass and strength, which combined can partially contribute to a greater predisposition to strength/power sports.

Abstract 12567: Reduced Myocardial Strain is Associated With Myocardial Inflammation and Fibrosis on Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Collegiate Athletes Recovering From SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Introduction: Myocarditis is an important cause of sudden cardiac death in competitive athletes. There have been reports of myocardial inflammation on cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in athlete and non-athlete populations after SARS-CoV-2 infection; however, their clinical and functional significance is not known. We sought to investigate the relationship between left ventricular (LV) strain and other CMR markers suggestive of myocardial inflammation or fibrosis. Hypothesis: Reduced myocardial strain is associated with the presence of CMR abnormalities suggestive of inflammation, fibrosis, or necrosis in athletes recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: Collegiate athletes (N = 123) underwent a comprehensive CMR exam including strain encoded (SENC) imaging. We analyzed LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) across five groups defined by the presence or absence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), and T1 or T2 abnormalities. Myocarditis diagnosis on CMR required both abnormal T1 or LGE, and abnormal T2, in the same LV segment. Results: We enrolled 11 COVID negative control athletes (Group 1). Among COVID positive athletes, 42 had no abnormalities on CMR (Group 2), 31 had isolated right ventricular insertion point (RVIP) LGE (Group 3), 28 had LGE beyond RVIP (Group 4), and 11 athletes had myocarditis (Group 5). GLS was significantly lower in Groups 3, 4, and 5 compared with negative controls (p&lt;0.05, Figure 1). There was a deterioration in GLS as CMR abnormalities progressed from control athletes to those with LGE and myocarditis. There was no significant difference in LV ejection fraction between the 5 groups. Conclusions: In conclusion, SARS-CoV-2 infection in collegiate athletes leads to subtle abnormalities in cardiac function detected by GLS that correlate with abnormal mapping and LGE suggestive of myocardial inflammation and fibrosis. The clinical significance of these abnormalities remains to be determined.

Exploring former NCAA Division I college athletes’ experiences with post-sport physical activity: A qualitative approach

Researchers have found that former collegiate athletes (FCAs) exhibit unfavorable changes in physical and mental health later in life, which may be exacerbated by physical inactivity following retirement from college sport. Despite past sports training, FCAs are as active or less active than non-athlete alumni, with some not meeting the current Physical Activity (PA) Guidelines for Adults. Researchers suggest promoting PA in FCAs to prevent future health concerns (e.g., worsening body composition, physical function, depression). Prior to intervention development, a deeper understanding of FCAs’ experiences with PA post-sport and program characteristics they consider effective is warranted. Seventeen insufficiently active former National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletes participated in semi-structured interviews exploring their experiences with post-sport PA and perceptions of effective program characteristics. Using Consensual Qualitative Research Procedures, five domains were constructed. This manuscript overviews the first three of these domains, which pertain to participants’ experiences with post-sport PA: (a) transitional lifestyle shifts that affected PA behavior; (b) barriers affecting PA choices and behavior post-sport; and (c) enablers affecting PA choices and behavior post-sport. All FCAs discussed needing a break to physically and mentally recover following sports retirement. Participants identified similar barriers to being active (e.g., time constraints, resource availability) following this break to those reported by non-athletic populations. Furthermore, FCAs prioritized activities they enjoyed, were influenced by past sports participation, and made them “feel” healthy and included in a group. Translating cognitive-behavioral strategies utilized to enhance sports performance may be viable in promoting PA maintenance in this population post-sport-retirement. Lay summary: Seventeen former college athletes (FCAs) participated in semi-structured interviews exploring their experiences with physical activity (PA) post-sport and perceptions of PA promotional factors. Recognizing barriers, enablers, and transitional experiences regarding PA represents a critical step in developing effective PA interventions for FCAs. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Former Division I college athletes indicated their population is susceptible to similar PA barriers faced by non-athletic adult populations. Cognitive behavioral strategies demonstrated to be efficacious in other adult populations may benefit FCAs. Many cognitive behavioral strategies used to enhance sports performance for athletes in college are applicable to PA promotion outside of sport. Mental performance consultants (MPCs) who work with this population may consider transferring the use of these strategies to focus on PA promotion in athletes transitioning out of sport. Former Division I athletes indicated completing exercise over general PA to attain long-term health benefits, but lacked solid goals that could guide their behavior. Focusing on cognitive-behavioral strategies that maintain exercise behavior may be the most viable way to improve long-term health and activity levels. As such, multi-disciplinary teams involving MPCs and exercise professionals may be warranted.

A 5-Year Analysis of Weight Cycling Practices in a Male World Champion Professional Boxer: Potential Implications for Obesity and Cardiometabolic Disease.

Weight cycling is thought to increase the risk of obesity and cardiometabolic disease in nonathletic and athletic populations. However, the magnitude and frequency of weight cycling is not well characterized in elite athletes. To this end, we quantified the weight cycling practices of a male World Champion professional boxer competing at super middleweight (76.2kg). Over a 5-year period comprising 11 contests, we assessed changes in body mass (n = 8 contests) and body composition (n = 6 contests) during the training camp preceding each contest. Time taken to make weight was 11 ± 4 weeks (range: 4-16). Absolute and relative weight loss for each contest was 12.4 ± 2.1kg (range: 9.8-17.0) and 13.9% ± 2.0% (range: 11.3-18.2), respectively. Notably, the athlete commenced each training camp with progressive increases in fat mass (i.e.,12.5 and 16.1kg for Contests 1 and 11) and reductions in fat-free mass (i.e.,69.8 and 67.5kg for Contests 1 and 11, respectively). Data suggest that weight cycling may lead to "fat overshooting" and further weight gain in later life. Larger scale studies are now required to characterize the weight cycling practices of elite athletes and robustly assess future cardiometabolic disease risk. From an ethical perspective, practitioners should be aware of the potential health consequences associated with weight cycling.

Consensus statement for preventing and managing low back pain in elite and sub-elite adult rowers

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is the most frequently reported musculoskeletal disorder, and can result in long term pain and disability. Rowing is a sport associated with large volumes of training and high cumulative loading of the lumbar spine. The most frequently reported site of pain for rowers is the low back. Recent research has focused on epidemiology and biomechanical analyses to understand mechanisms that contribute to LBP onset. There has been a limited focus on management or prevention strategies. There are currently no guidelines for managing LBP in rowers or in athletes who participate in other sports. There are guidelines for managing LBP in the general population. While many principles of management are transferable, there is a need to consider issues that are particular to rowers. We aimed to synthesise evidence on low back pain (LBP) in adult rowers and to create a consensus statement to inform clinical practice. Methods: There were five key steps to develop the management guideline. In step one, seven expert clinicians and researchers examined current evidence, and identified five sections that comprised the scope of the consensus statement: epidemiology; biomechanics; management; the athlete’s voice and clinical expertise. In step two, working groups were established for each section of the consensus statement to discuss and summarise key issues relevant to their section. In step three, the evidence from each group was synthesised to create the overall consensus statement. In step four, modified Delphi processes were used to create summaries and recommendations. In step five, information from the consensus statement and that from a survey of clinical experts were combined to produce the management guideline. Results: The scope of the consensus statement included epidemiology, biomechanics, management, the athlete’s voice and clinical expertise. Prevention and management of LBP in rowers include education on risk factors, rowing biomechanics and training load. If treatment is needed, non-invasive management, including early unloading from aggravating activities, effective pain control and exercise therapy. Fitness should be maintained with load management and progression to full training and competition. The role of surgery is unclear. Management should be athlete focused and a culture of openness within the team encouraged. Discussion: Recommendations are based on current evidence and consensus and aligned with international LBP guidelines in non-athletic populations, but with advice aimed specifically at rowers. We recommend that research in relation to aspects of prevention and management of LBP in rowers be intensified. Conflict of Interest Statement: All authors acknowledge no conflict of interest relevant to the submission of this abstract.

Postrehabilitation Considerations for Individuals With Temporomandibular Disorders

ABSTRACT Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) encompass a multitude of signs and symptoms that arise from dysfunction of the muscles of mastication (eating), temporomandibular joint tissues, and associated anatomical structures. TMDs are recognized as a significant cause of orofacial pain, presenting in approximately 5–12% of the general population. TMDs are also common in sports with an estimated lifetime prevalence ranging from 11.7 to 77.8% of the athletic population. Basketball, handball, hockey, water polo, and swimming carry the highest risk. Given the prevalence of TMDs in the athletic and nonathletic population, there is a high likelihood that strength and conditioning (S&amp;C) specialists will encounter individuals with TMDs. Thus, this article aims to provide the S&amp;C specialist with an overview of the pathology and the management of TMDs with an emphasis on postrehabilitation exercise programming and self-management.

Repeatability and sensitivity of passive mechanical stiffness measurements in the triceps surae muscle‐tendon complex

Measurements of muscle-tendon unit passive mechanical properties are often used to illustrate acute and chronic responses to a training stimulus. The purpose of this study was to quantify the inter-session repeatability of triceps surae passive stiffness measurements in athletic and non-athletic populations, with the view to discussing its usefulness both as a muscle-tendon profiling tool and a control measure for studies with multiple data collection sessions. The study also aimed to observe the effects of quiet standing on passive stiffness parameters. Twenty-nine men (10 cyclists, nine triathletes, 10 controls) visited the laboratory on three separate occasions, where passive stiffness tests were carried out using an isokinetic dynamometer and B-mode ultrasound. Participants were fully rested on two of the sessions and subjected to 20min of quiet standing in the other. The passive stiffness assessment generally showed only moderate inter-session repeatability but was still able to detect inter-group differences, with triathletes showing higher passive stiffness than cyclists (p<0.05). Furthermore, quiet standing impacted passive stiffness by causing a reduction in ankle joint range of motion, although mechanical resistance to stretch in the muscle-tendon unit at a given joint angle was relatively unaffected. These findings show that passive stiffness assessment is appropriate for detecting inter-group differences in the triceps surae and even the effects of a low-intensity task such as quiet standing, despite showing some inter-session variation. However, the inter-session variation suggests that passive stiffness testing might not be suitable as a control measure when testing participants on multiple sessions.

Magnesium and Vitamin D Supplementation on Exercise Performance

ABSTRACT Magnesium and vitamin D are two micronutrients that contribute directly to the metabolism of macronutrients, maintenance of muscle function, and various metabolic processes (i.e., protein synthesis and bone metabolism). Dietary recommendations are established based on age and gender differences; however, energy expenditure is not accounted for in determining these values. It is believed that athletes may require greater nutrient quantities than less active populations because of their increased energy expenditure. Nutrient intake values have yet to be determined for athletes, leading to inadequate energy intake, deficiencies, and insufficiencies; thus, supplementation may be an effective way of achieving nutrient adequacy in athletes. The purpose of this narrative review was to present research pertaining to magnesium supplementation and vitamin D supplementation on exercise performance. A systematic keyword search for articles from PubMed was conducted from June to August 2020. The search terms included various words related to the topic. Inclusion criteria required articles to be available in English; to be a clinical trial, randomized controlled trial, or longitudinal study; and to involve magnesium supplementation, vitamin D supplementation, or supplementation of both micronutrients. In addition, the research conducted on magnesium or vitamin D were required to focus on athletes or those who exercised regularly. However, because of the paucity of published data regarding the combined effects of magnesium and vitamin D supplementation on exercise performance, those studies that could provide some information in nonathletic populations were included. The search did not limit the years in which studies were published because of the scarcity of articles related to the topic. After reviewing the articles for originality and applicability, 13 studies were included in our narrative review. Some researchers have reported that magnesium supplementation may provide ergogenic benefits via contributions to muscle function and recovery. In addition, some researchers have reported that vitamin D supplementation may positively affect physical endurance and muscle recovery in athletes. However, more research is required to provide more definitive conclusions. The interactions between magnesium and vitamin D during metabolism may potentiate the functions of each micronutrient, making the combined effects of magnesium and vitamin D greater than the effects of either one alone. However, research is required to elucidate their combined effects on exercise performance.

Mortality from mental disorders and suicide in male professional American football and soccer players: A meta-analysis.

To determine the risk of mortality from mental disorders and suicide in professional sports associated with repeated head impacts. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus (since inception to June 8, 2021) to find studies comparing the incidence of mortality from mental disorders or suicide in former or active professional athletes of sports characterized by repeated head impacts vs athletes with no such exposure or the general non-athletic population. Seven retrospective studies of moderate-to-high quality that included data from boxers and from basketball, ice hockey, soccer, and National Football League (NFL) players, respectively (total=27477 athletes, 100% male) met all inclusion criteria. Former male NFL players (n=13217) had a lower risk of mortality from mental disorders (standard mortality rate [SMR]=0.30; 0.12-0.77; p=0.012) and suicide (SMR=0.54; 0.37-0.78; p<0.001) than the general population. This finding was also corroborated in male soccer players (n=13,065; SMR=0.55; 0.46-0.67; p<0.001). Male athletes participating in sports associated with repeated head impacts (n=18,606) had also a lower risk of all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality (all p<0.01) than the general population. Participation of male athletes in American football or soccer at the professional level might confer a certain protective effect against mortality from mental disorders or suicide, besides its association with a lower risk of all-cause, CVD, or cancer-related mortality.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis as a means of quantifying upper and lower limb asymmetry in youth elite tennis players: An explorative study

ABSTRACT This study aimed to examine side-to-side differences in phase angle (PhA) in both upper and lower limbs of youth elite tennis players. Among other outcomes, PhA was directly determined using segmental multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in 26 tennis players (11.6 ± 1.1 years, 54% boys) and compared against a sex- and age-matched reference population. Significant upper limb asymmetry in PhA (p < 0.001), with a higher value on the dominant side of the body, was observed in the tennis players. At lower limb level, the tennis players showed a tendency towards a significantly higher PhA in the contralateral compared to the ipsilateral limb (p = 0.089). Using vector analysis (BIVA), a significant degree of PhA asymmetry (p = 0.002) was only reflected in the tennis players’ upper limb. Additional segmental outcomes also demonstrated a significant degree of upper limb asymmetry in terms of tennis players’ lean mass (p < 0.001), total segmental water (p < 0.001), fat mass (p < 0.001), extracellular water (p < 0.001) and extracellular water ratio (p < 0.001), whereas lower limb asymmetry was only observed in tennis players’ fat mass (p = 0.037) and extracellular water (p = 0.001). This is the first study to report significantly more pronounced BIA-based side-to-side differences in youth elite tennis players compared to a non-athletic reference population at the upper limb level, whereas no significant between-group differences in the lower limbs were found. This explorative study should trigger future research to further scrutinize the role of BI(V)A as a promising field-method in monitoring bodily asymmetries in youth elite tennis players in view of sport performance and athletic health. Highlights Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis is a promising field-method to monitor side-to-side asymmetry in youth elite tennis players. Youth elite tennis players displayed a more pronounced degree of BIA-based side-to-side differences compared to a non-athletic reference population at the upper limb level, whereas whilst between-group differences appeared to be less evident in the lower limbs. Future research is warranted to scrutinize whether and to what extent these degrees of segmental bodily asymmetry may be related to injury risk (prevention) and athletic development of (pre)adolescent tennis players.

Sagittal Integral Morphotype of Competitive Amateur Athletes and Its Potential Relation with Recurrent Low Back Pain.

Athletes have higher thoracic and lumbar curvature in standing than the reference values of the non-athletic population. The sagittal integral morphotype method (SIM) assessment has not previously been applied to competitive amateur athletes (CAA). The propose of the present study was to determine the SIM of CAA treated at a sports-medicine center and to identify spinal misalignments associated with recurrent low back pain (LBP). An observational analysis was developed to describe the SIM in 94 CAA. The thoracic and lumbar curvatures of the CAA were measured in standing, sitting, and trunk forward flexion. Association analysis (Pearson’s chi-square and Cramér’s V tests) was then performed to identify the SIM misalignments associated with LBP. Effect size was analyzed based on Hedges’ g. The most common thoracic SIMs in CAA were total hyperkyphosis (male = 59.02%; female = 42.42%) and static hyperkyphosis (male = 11.48%; female = 6.06%). Hyperlordotic attitude (female = 30.30%; male = 4.92%), static-functional hyperkyphosis (male = 16.39%; female = 3.03%), and structured hyperlordosis (female = 21.21%; male = 1.64%) were the most common lumbar SIMs. Hyperlordotic attitude, static functional lumbar hyperkyphosis, and structured hyperlordosis were associated with LBP in male and female athletes.

EXPLORING FACTORS UNDERLYING PERFORMANCE SATISFACTION OF AN ACUTE RECREATIONAL EXERCISE SESSION

Emotional responses to exercise can be predictive of future exercise behavior and is associated with performance satisfaction (PS) in athlete populations. PS also provides additional context to the overall stress experience of sport and potentially to exercise as a stressor. However, PS pertaining to recreational exercise in non-athlete populations is understudied. PURPOSE: Explore determinants of PS of acute recreational exercise. METHODS: Upon leaving the designated exercise area of a university recreation center, respondents completed a survey regarding the bout of exercise just completed. Demographic data were collected, and respondents indicated exercise modes - as many needed in order to reflect their bout. PS was rated via 100 mm Visual Analog Scale (0 = completely dissatisfied, 100 = completely satisfied), and respondents were asked to provide a written explanation for the basis of PS scores. Common themes and subthemes were constructed using content analysis of written responses. RESULTS: PS scores from respondents (23y ± 10, BMI = 24.8 kg/m2, 31.8% female) were non-normally distributed (Median = 82; Interquartile Range = 21). The two most commonly reported activities were resistance exercise and running (75.0% and 31.8% of survey responses, respectively). Three major themes from responses emerged, each with three corresponding subthemes. Theme 1, ‘Performance’ (52.5% of responses), related to aspects of the bout itself, such as intention congruence, prior performance comparisons, and execution. Theme 2, ‘Process’ (28.8% of responses), describes facilitators and inhibitors to completing the bout (i.e., equipment availability, time, and plan). Theme 3, ‘Readiness’ (19.9% of responses) describes factors preceding the bout that influenced PS such as health status, conditioning, and energy. CONCLUSION: PS may have implications on behavioral maintenance of recreational exercise. Preliminary exploratory research suggests internal (physical and mental) and environmental factors influence PS of a single exercise session in young adults. Whether pre-exercise intentions were fulfilled appears to be a particularly prominent factor in the current sample. Future research is needed to quantitatively investigate the relationship between the factors identified and performance satisfaction.

Assessing The Effect Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On College Athletes

The prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been estimated in a variety of study populations, and the effect of the ongoing pandemic on mental health has been previously assessed. However, these factors have not been comprehensively assessed in college athletes. PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence of COVID-19, risk factors, and impact of the pandemic on mental health and sleep quality in college athletes. METHODS: In the present study, a cross-sectional survey was administered to college athletes at the University of South Florida. The survey included demographic information and questions regarding history of COVID-19 testing, compliance with social distancing guidelines, mental health, and sleep quality. Descriptive statistics were reported to summarize the cohort of athletes that completed the survey. The prevalence of self-reported COVID-19 in the cohort was reported, along with metrics summarizing compliance with social distancing and the effect of the pandemic on mental health. RESULTS: In total, 133 athletes have completed the survey to date. Of these, 104 had complete data on the metrics reported in the present study. Of these 104 respondents, 65 (63%) were male, mean (SD) age was 19.9 (1.7), 61 (59%) were non-Hispanic white, 39 (38%) were football players, and 28 (27%) reported previously testing positive for COVID-19. Compliance with social distancing guidelines was strong, with 86 (83%) athletes reporting extensive handwashing. 77 (74%) athletes were worried about potentially catching COVID-19, and 65 (63%) reported feeling lonely. Additionally, sleep quality worsened during the pandemic for 22 (21%) of the athletes. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of COVID-19 is high among college athletes compared to the general population, and the pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of a sizable proportion of these athletes. Future research should compare these results to non-athlete college-aged populations to determine generalizability.

Does Exercise Affect Mental Health? (Study Sample: Athlete and Non-Athlete)

Aim: Promoting health and ensuring health in the community is one of the important pillars of the development of societies and it seems that important factors play a role in promoting the mental health of the community. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of exercise on mental health. Methodology: This study was a causal-comparative research that has been conducted through field method. The statistical population of this study was all students in Tarbiat Modares University that its non-athlete population was 6032 and its athlete population was 298. 680 non-athlete students and 204 athlete students were selected as Morgan’s table. The instrument of this study was included General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). The collected data were analyzed by Kruskal Wallis Test and Mann-Whitney U test. Findings: The results showed that there was a significant difference between male and female athlete students and between female athlete and non-athlete students in social dysfunction subscale, so that female athlete students’ social function had a better position in both groups. On the other hand, the difference between non-athlete female and male students was not significant in any of the subscales, but the difference between male athlete and non-athlete students was significant in all subscale of mental health. Other results of this study showed that there was a significant difference between married and single students’ mental health (p &lt;0.05), so that married students had higher mental health than single students in somatic symptoms, social dysfunction, and depression subscales. Conclusion: Therefore, the increasing of motivation should be considered through the culture building and the promotion of general knowledge about the benefits of physical activity.