Non-athlete Group Research Articles

Validation of the CRAVE-C scale in Chinese adults: a four-study examination of competing motivations for physical activity versus rest

BackgroundThe study aimed to validate the Cravings for Rest and Volitional Energy Expenditure (CRAVE) scale among Chinese adults with different health conditions (healthy control, chronic illnesses, and psychiatric disorders) and skill levels (athletes vs. non-athletes).MethodsIn Study 1, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using the Maximum Likelihood Method (MLM) was performed on a Chinese sample of emerging adults (N = 481) to evaluate the structural validity of the Cravings for Rest and Volitional Energy Expenditure-Chinese version (CRAVE-C). In Study 2, differences in “Move” and “Rest” desires were examined among patients with psychiatric disorders, patients with chronic illnesses, and healthy controls. In study 3, investigated the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise motivation using the CRAVE-C (N = 83). In Study 4, the changes in “Move” desire from baseline to post-training were compared between athletes and non-athletes.ResultsResults from Study 1 indicated that the 10-item CRAVE-C showed good fit indices (Chi2 (34) = 118.769, CFI = 0.95, TLI = 0.934, SRMR = 0.053, RMSEA = 0.072). “Move” positively correlated with various factors of the Affective Exercise Experiences Questionnaire-Chinese and the Physical Effort Scale-Chinese, while “Rest” correlated negatively. In Study 2, Patients with psychiatric disorders had a significantly higher “Move” desire than healthy controls. Patients with chronic illnesses had a significantly higher “Rest” desire than healthy controls. In Study 3, higher cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with a slight increase in “Move” desire (3.26% ± 37.35%) and a decrease in “Rest” desire (18.94% ± 66.99%). Lower fitness was linked to a significant decline in “Move” desire (−54.61% ± 111.33%) and an increase in “Rest” desire (43.62% ± 63.64%). In Study 4, the athlete group demonstrated a significant increase in “Move” desire from baseline to post-training, whereas the non-athlete group reported a significant decrease in “Move” desire from baseline to post-training.ConclusionThe 10-item CRAVE-C has good reliability and validity in the Chinese cultural context and can be used among Chinese adults with different health conditions and skill levels.

Assessment of Eating Disorder Risk According to Sport Level, Sex, and Social Media Use among Polish Football Players: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objectives: Eating disorders (EDs) pose a significant health issue affecting athletes, with risk factors varying by sport level, sex, and social media use. This study assesses the risk of EDs among professional and amateur football players, considering these factors, and compares findings with a control group of non-athletes. Methods: The study involved 170 participants, including non-athletes as a control group, categorized by sex and sport level. The mean age of participants was 24.3 ± 4.20, with an age range of 18–36. The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and body mass index (BMI) assessments were used to determine ED risk. Results: Results showed a higher prevalence of ED risk among professional athletes, especially women, compared to amateurs and non-athletes. Social media use and body comparisons were linked to increased ED risk, with professional athletes exhibiting higher vulnerability due to performance pressures. Women, particularly those in professional sports, showed a higher risk of EDs than men, influenced by social and aesthetic pressures. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, promoting healthier body image perceptions and addressing social media’s role in shaping body dissatisfaction. Psychological support and sex-specific strategies should be integrated into athlete care programs to mitigate these risks.

Health, Performance Ratings and Approachability of 50-60-Year-Old Sedentary Adults (ActIv-Study): Key Insights for Health Economy and Exercise Promotion.

Despite significant prevention efforts, the numbers of physically inactive individuals, chronic illnesses, exhaustion syndromes and sick leaves are increasing. A still unresolved problem with exercise promotion is the low participation of sedentary persons. This collective term covers heterogeneous subgroups. Their engagement with movement campaigns and resistance to change are influenced by numerous factors. Our aim was to analyse survey data on health, performance, lifestyle habits and the approachability to physical activity campaigns obtained from the Germany-wide ActIv survey. From 2888 study participants aged 50-60 years, 668 persons were categorised into the subgroups "never-athletes", "sports-dropouts", "always-athletes" and "sports-beginners". Large and significant group differences were found for BMI, assessment of quality of life, health and fitness, risk factors and health problems. In total, 42.5% of "never-athletes" and 32.5% of "sports-dropouts" did not state any barriers to sport. There are substantial disparities between the non-athlete groups in terms of their motivation to exercise. In contrast, there are comparatively minor differences in motivation between "sports-dropouts" and "sports-beginners", whose health and fitness are the primary motivators for sport. Our analyses suggest that (i) negative health and performance trends cannot be compensated for by appeals for voluntary participation in exercise programmes and (ii) powerful incentive systems are required.

Motor Competencies among Athletic Population of 9- and 10- Year-Old Children

The aim of this study was to assess the basic motor competencies of primary school children in relation to their participation in sports. The research involved 86 children aged 9 and 10 (46 boys, 40 girls), comprising a group of 53 athletes (30 boys, 23 girls) and 33 non-athletes (16 boys, 17 girls). Using the MOBAK 3–4 test battery, the study compared motor competence data between these groups. Results indicated that sports-playing children demonstrated motor skills comparable to non-athletes in terms of object-movement (OM) abilities. Specifically, significant differences were observed in OM skills (mean =4.52), notably in the throwing test (mean =0.94) favoring the sporting population (p<0.05). While in other OM tests there was no difference between the groups. In the self-movement (SM) area, there was no difference between the athletic and non-athletic group. However, the overall score for SM (mean =3.43) demonstrated significance in favor of sports-playing children. The total score (mean =7.96) significantly favored the sports-playing group (p<0.05). The findings confirm that children engaged in regular sports activities exhibit higher levels of physical literacy, as reflected in their measurable motor competencies. This underscores the importance of incorporating motor competence diagnostics into school practices to enhance physical education initiatives.

An Indonesian Version of Mental Toughness Index: Testing Psychometric Properties in Athletes and Non-athletes

To date, the mental toughness index (MTI) has been adopted in five different languages ​​but there has been no attempt to adapt and test it in the Indonesian context. On the other hand, the study of mental toughness is experiencing an upward trend but there are problems with the measurement tools used. This research aims to adapt and test the MTI to the Indonesian context by involving athletes and non-athletes as well as gender differences. There were 400 participants, with details of the athlete group = 211 people (Mage = 19.18 years, SD = 1.06, Male = 146, Female = 65), non-athlete group = 189 people (Mage = 23.38 years, SD = 7.11, Male = 144, Female = 45), and based on gender, male = 290 people (Mage = 21.38 years, SD = 5.41), while female = 110 people (Mage = 20.61 years, SD = 5.24). MTI was tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with maximum likelihood (ML) assisted by the IBM SPSS v.26 and IBM Amos v. programs. 22. Overall, the Indonesian version of MTI (MTIid) shows model fit, namely the values ​​obtained are CFI = .967, TLI = .954, GFI = .966, SRMR = .034, and RMSEA = .069. Eight items in the MTIid have a convergent validity value that is statistically significant (p < 0.001) and the loading factor is very good (λ = .563 to .759), three items are in the excellent category, two items are very good, and three items are good. The internal consistency reliability of the MTIid was excellent (CR = .864; α = .862). MTIid is a valid and reliable measuring tool for measuring aspects of mental toughness, both in groups of athletes and non-athletes and based on gender differences (male and female). Keywords: Mental toughness, psychometric, validation, sport psychology, athlete, non-athlete.

Hand grips strength in athletic and non-athletic girls at different phases of menstrual cycle: an observational case–control study

BackgroundThere are a significant number of female athletes competing at the highest levels of sport. But, women are still largely underrepresented in scientific literature. The female menstrual cycle is characterized by variations in circulating hormone levels, which may have an impact on performance.AimThis study aimed to assess the impact of hormonal changes through different menstrual cycle phases on hand grip strength, pulp pinch strength, three fingers pinch strength, and lateral pinch strength of athletic and non-athletic girls.MethodsAn observational case control study was conducted on forty post-pubertal girls, their ages ranged from 16 to 22 years old, and their body mass index (BMI) ranged from 18.5 to 25 kg/m2. They were divided into two groups: athletic group of twenty basketball and tennis players recruited from basketball and tennis teams at Mena Garden City Club, 6 October Club, and Shooting Club October and non-athletic group of twenty non-sportive undergraduate students from Faculty of Physical Therapy, Misr University for Science and Technology. Hand grip strength was evaluated by Jamar hand dynamometer, while pulp pinch strength, three fingers pinch strength, and lateral pinch strength were evaluated by Jamar pinch gauge through three different menstrual cycle phases (follicular, ovulatory and luteal phases).ResultsStatistical analysis demonstrated a significant increase in handgrip strength, pulp pinch strength, three fingers pinch strength, and lateral pinch strength in non-athletic group. Also, there was a significant increase in three fingers pinch strength and lateral pinch strength in athletic group during the ovulatory phase across the menstrual cycle (p < 0.05). But, there was a significant difference across menstrual phases in handgrip strength and pulp pinch strength in athletic group (p > 0.05).ConclusionHormonal changes during menstrual cycle phases do not alter handgrip strength, pulp pinch strength performance for athletic girls. But, they alter hand grip strength, pulp pinch strength, three fingers, and lateral pinch grip strength performance for non-athletic girls.Trial registrationThe protocol of the study was registered in clinical trials.gov PRS (Protocol Registration and Result System (registration No.NCT06086262), Registered on 17 October 2023). The study received ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board of the Faculty of Physical Therapy at Cairo University prior to its beginning (approval No P.T.REC/012/003358) .

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.

Effects of Different Nutritional Patterns and Physical Activity on Body Composition: A Gender and Age Group Comparative Study.

This cross-sectional study analyses differences in dietary habits, taste preferences, variety of protein sources and body composition (BC) profiles among individuals following omnivorous, flexitarian, lacto-ovo-vegetarian and pescatarian diets. Furthermore, it assesses the correlations between these dietary patterns and various sports, classified by exercise intensity, in relation to BC parameters. The study analysed the eating habits and BC data of 1342 participants aged 18-65 years, classified into four diet groups based on their 7-day food diaries and questionnaire responses. Our analysis revealed gender- and age-related differences in weekly food consumption and protein source variety, with men generally consuming more meat, processed meat and fish than women, especially in younger age groups. Differences in dairy and soy consumption were also noted between age groups, while legume and soy preferences showed no gender disparity across all ages. Among non-sporting individuals, vegetarians exhibited lower fat mass (FM%) compared to other diets, while among athletes, vegetarians and pescatarians in in endurance and strength sports, respectively, displayed lower FM%, with flexitarians and omnivores in endurance sports showing higher FM%. Non-athletic omnivores and vegetarians demonstrated a greater proportion of body protein, while among athletes, those engaged in strength training exhibited a higher body protein content across all dietary groups compared to those in endurance training. Among non-athletic groups, vegetarians exhibited the lowest FM/FFM (fat mass/fat-free mass) ratio, while among athletes, vegetarians in endurance sports and participants in strength training across other diets showed lower FM/FFM ratios. The results emphasise the complex interaction between diet, BC and lifestyle choices, revealing how different combinations of diet and sport are associated with optimised BC.

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.

Identifying the Level of Symmetrization of Reaction Time According to Manual Lateralization between Team Sports Athletes, Individual Sports Athletes, and Non-Athletes

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of practicing sports activities on manual skills, focused on reaction time depending on manual laterality. The objectives of the study were to identify the differences in improving simple, optional, and cognitive reaction times in the manual executions of student athletes who practice team sports involving the manual handling of the ball (volleyball, basketball, handball) in comparison with student athletes who practice individual sports and with non-athletic students; to identify the differences regarding the reaction time of the right- and left-handed executions depending on the manual lateralization of the subjects (right- and left-handedness) between the three experimental samples: team sports group (TSG), individual sports group (ISG), and the group of non-athletes (NAG) through the use of computer tests. The study included 335 subjects who were divided into three groups: TSG with 102 subjects, ISG with 112 subjects, and NAG with 121 subjects. The subjects of the study were given five computer tests to evaluate three types of reaction time: simple reaction time (Start/Stop Test), choice reaction time (Check Boxes Test, Hit-the-dot Test), and time of cognitive reaction (Trail making Test part A and B). The results were analyzed regarding right- and left-handedness, as well as the execution hand (right hand or left hand) in solving the tests. The results of the study highlighted significant statistical differences between the three groups: TSG, ISG, and NAG. The best results were recorded by TSG in all tests, and the lowest by NAG. Statistically significant differences were also recorded between the executions with the dominant hand compared to the executions with the non-dominant hand in relation to right- and left-handedness. The study highlighted that the smallest differences in all the study groups were recorded in the simple reaction time test, where the differences between the right-handed and left-handed executions were the lowest, reflecting the best level of symmetrization of the motor executions.

Total sleep deprivation reduces the table tennis anticipation performance of young men: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study

This study explored whether and how sleep deprivation (SD) affects sport-related anticipation. Twenty table tennis players and 28 non-athletes completed a table tennis anticipation task before and after 36h SD. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were acquired simultaneously. The results showed that, compared with the non-athletes, table tennis players had higher neural efficiency, manifested by their higher anticipation accuracy and lower frontal lobe activation. SD impaired anticipation performance, accompanied by decreased activation of the occipital and temporal lobes. Compensatory activation occurred in the left hippocampus and orbital part of the right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) after SD in the table tennis player group, but not in the non-athlete group. The decreased accuracy of non-athletes was positively correlated with decreased activation of orbital part of the right IFG. This study's findings improve the understanding of the cognitive neuroscience mechanisms by which SD affects sport-related anticipation.

Protocol for a 2-year longitudinal study of eating disturbances, mental health problems and overuse injuries in rock climbers (CLIMB)

IntroductionRock climbing is a rapidly growing sport in which performance may be affected by participant’s weight and leanness, and there may be pressure on athletes with respect to their eating...

Ankle Joint MRI-Comparison of Image Quality and Effect of Sports-Related Stress.

The main aims of the study were the evaluation of stress-related effects (strenuous vs. non-strenuous sport vs. nonathletes) in stimulating or reducing influences on cartilage volume in the ankle joint and the evaluation of the image quality of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device with a field strength of 3.0 Tesla compared to one of 1.5 Tesla. A total of 15 subjects (6 male, 9 female) aged 19-33 years participated voluntarily in this prospective study. The subjects were divided into three groups: high-performance athletes of the German Football Association (DFB) (football/soccer = strenuous sport), high-performance athletes of the German Swimming Association (DSV) (swimming = non-strenuous sport), and nonathletes. MRI was performed on both ankle joints of all subjects in the 1.5 T and 3.0 T MRI scanners using survey sequences, proton density sequences in the coronal and sagittal planes, and VIBE sequences. Using the images of both feet produced by VIBE sequences, the cartilages of the talus and tibia were manually circumscribed using a computer mouse in every third layer, and the volume was calculated. For qualitative assessment, blinded images were submitted to three radiologists with defined standards. The images were scored using a scale from 1 to 5. Cartilage volume: The investigation and examination of the individual cartilage volumes by analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no significant differences among the three groups. The effect intensities, as calculated by Cohen's d, were right tibia (Tiri) = 2.5, left tibia (Tile) = 2.2, right talus (Tari) = 1.9, and left talus (Tale) = 1.6 in the strenuous sport versus nonstrenuous sport groups; Tiri = 0.8, Tile = 1.2, Tari = 0.4, and Tale = 0.5 in the strenuous sport versus nonathlete groups; and Tiri = 0.3, Tile = 0.2, Tari = 0.7, and Tale = 0.5 in the nonstrenuous sport versus nonathlete groups. Device comparison: In the investigation of each evaluated area on the 1.5 T and 3.0 T MR images by the Wilcoxon matched-pair test, significant differences were found for the cartilage-bone border (KKG = 0.002), cancellous bone (Sp = 0.001), medial ligamentous apparatus (mBa = 0.001), lateral ligamentous apparatus (lBa = 0.001), and adipose tissue (Fg = 0.002). Thus, there were significant differences in the assessment of the 1.5 T MRI and the 3.0 T MRI in all five evaluated areas. The study showed no significant difference in the volume of hyaline articular cartilage in the upper ankle joint among the high-performance strenuous DFB athlete, high-performance non-strenuous DSV athlete, and nonathlete groups. The 3.0 Tesla device offers significant advantages in image quality compared to the 1.5 Tesla device.

Low back pain in adolescent rowers: Association to muscle changes detected by magnetic resonance imaging

ABSTRACTAdult elite rowers are at risk of developing low back pain (LBP). However, LBP data on adolescent elite rowers is currently insufficient. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess LBP prevalence, LBP intensity and training characteristics in male adolescent elite rowers and a healthy control group. Twenty rowers (mean age 15.8 ± 1.2 years) and a non-athletic control group matched by age and gender (n = 13) were prospectively enrolled and underwent LBP assessment with a validated questionnaire and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine muscles, which included a T2-mapping sequence. From the quantitative image data, T2 relaxation times were calculated. The prevalence of LBP in the last 24 hours and 3 months in the rowing group was 55.0% and 85.0%, respectively, compared to 23.1% and 30.8% in the control group (p < 0.001). Rowers had significantly longer T2 relaxation times of the paraspinal muscles compared to controls (p ≤ 0.041). LBP intensity was associated with longer T2 relaxation times (p < 0.001). Adolescent rowers had a higher prevalence of LBP compared to an age-matched control group. The observed increase in T2 relaxation might be explained by muscle soreness due to strenuous exercise, which is correlated with short-term pain intensity.

Comparing position sense and isokinetic strength of the muscles of elbow joint between aikidokas and non-athlete people

BackgroundAikido is a martial art comprises of locking techniques and falls. During the locking techniques, the elbow joint is forced into extended position. Moreover, the elbow hits the ground during the falling techniques. These might compromise joint position sense (JPS). The objectives of this study were to compare JPS and strength of the muscles of elbow joint between Aikidokas and a non-athlete group and to evaluate the correlation between JPS and muscle strength among Aikidokas.MethodsAll male Jiyushinkai style Aikidokas and a healthy matched non-athlete group participated in this cross-sectional study. Passive JPS at a speed of 4°/s and the isokinetic strength of elbow flexors and extensors were assessed.ResultsEvaluating the isokinetic parameters revealed no significantly difference between the groups in either flexion or extension at speeds of 60 (P-value range: 0.2–0.99) and 120 °/s (P-value range: 0.05–0.96). Also, the groups had no significant difference regarding different types of reconstruction error including constant error (P-value range: 0.38–0.91), variable error (P-value range: 0.09–0.87), and total variability (P-value range: 0.30–0.80). Moreover, very weak to weak correlation was observed between isokinetic parameters and passive JPS (r-value range: 0.01–0.39).ConclusionsJPS was not impaired in Aikidokas in spite of the repetitive stress applied to the elbow joint during the performance of Aikido techniques. The lack of significant difference in isokinetic between Aikidokas and healthy non-athletes, and the absence of an acceptable correlation between IPS and muscle strength in Aikidokas, might be attributed to the soft nature of Aikido.

ANTHROPOMETRIC STUDY OF HANDGRIP STRENGTH IN HANDRELATED AND NON-HAND-RELATED ATHLETES IN KWARA, NIGERIA

Handgrip strength (HGS) is considered an essential marker of an individual's physical strength throughout life, especially of the upper limb and fine motor function. HGS is influenced by basic anthropometric determinants such as age, stature, and gender. The information about the differences in these anthropometric parameters in athletes as compared to non-athletes and the consequent influence on HGS is scarce. Investigations of the association between involvement in hand-related and non-hand-related sporting activities among different age groups of both sexes with HGS, particularly in a developing nation like Nigeria are scarce. This study aimed to investigate how anthropometric parameters of age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI), affect handgrip strength and their association with sport-related parameters. A crosssectional study was conducted on 370 healthy Nigerians aged 17-40 years, from sports centres in Kwara state. Subjects were grouped into hand-athletes, non-hand-athletes, and a control group of non-athletes. A questionnaire was administered to get their biodata, while measurements of HGS(lbs); using a dynamometer, height(m), weight(kg), and BMI(kg/m2) were taken. HGS of hand-related athletes was significantly greater than the non-hand athletes and non-athletes. No significant difference was observed between the non-hand athletes and non-athletes. HGS of the non-sportsmen was significantly correlated with age, height, weight, and BMI, however, there were no significant correlations for non-sportswomen. HGS of the non-hand-sportsmen was significantly correlated with age, weight, and BMI, but not with height, while only BMI was significantly correlated for non-hand-sportswomen. HGS of both hand-sportsmen and hand sportswomen were significantly correlated with weight and BMI, however, age and height showed no significant correlation. A strong positive correlation exists between HGS and anthropometric parameters of weight and BMI in relation to hand-related sporting activities in both sexes, but not with age and height.

Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction in Children: A Comparison between Athletes and Non-Athletes.

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a dysfunction of the respiratory tract consisting of transient airflow obstruction. This study is a retrospective analysis of two prospective studies concerning EIB symptoms in two adolescent populations. Our study group included 400 non-athletes and 101 athletes. Due to the similarity of indoor exercise conditions, an analysis was performed on the basis of where training took place. The study aims to assess the EIB prevalence in the following groups of adolescent children: non-athletes and athletes. In "indoor" athletes, the EIB prevalence was 22.4%. Among non-athletes, EIB was diagnosed in 10.2% (p = 0.007). A history of asthma was found in 6.5% of non-athletes and 29.3% of indoor athletes (p < 0.001). The incidence of EIB without asthma was higher in indoor athletes (14.6%) than in non-athletes (9.9%). Athletes achieved higher mean values in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and maximum expiratory flow rate at 25% (MEF25) parameters. In the group of non-athletes, higher results were observed in forced expiratory volume in one second % of vital capacity (FEV1%VC), MEF50, and MEF75. The findings of the study present the complexity of the EIB diagnosis among children training in an indoor environment.

Association between urinary levels of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine and F2a-isoprostane in male football players and healthy non-athlete controls with dietary inflammatory and antioxidant indices.

The relationship between the inflammatory and antioxidant potential of an athlete's diet and their oxidative biomarkers is an important area of investigation. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the excretion of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and F2alpha-isoprostane (F2a-IP) in the urine of male football players and healthy non-athlete controls. This study also aimed to examine the associations among the dietary inflammatory index (DII), the dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC), and the dietary phytochemical index (PI) with 8-OHdG and F2a-IP. In this descriptive-analytical study, 45 male football players and 45 healthy non-athletes, who were individually matched based on age and body mass index (BMI), were recruited from Shiraz City, Iran. Fasted urine samples were analyzed for 8-OHdG and F2a-IP levels. Anthropometric measurements were performed, and body composition was assessed using a body composition analyzer. A valid food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to calculate DII, DTAC, and PI scores. Data analysis was conducted using a generalized estimating equation (GEE) model. We found that 8-OHdG (β = -6.96), F2a-IP (β = -82.58), and DII (β = -2.06) were significantly lower, while DTAC (β = 2.37) and PI (β = 0.084) were significantly higher in the football player group compared with the non-athlete group (P < 0.001 for all variables). In all participants, dietary indices were significantly associated with oxidative biomarkers. DII was positively associated with 8-OHdG (β = 2.25; P < 0.001) and F2a-IP (β = 38.34; P < 0.001). Furthermore, negative associations between DTAC (β = -1.42; P < 0.001) and PI (β = -35.37; P < 0.001) with 8-OHdG were found. Moreover, DTAC (β = -17.34; P < 0.001) and PI (β = -428.11; P = 0.003) were negatively associated with F2a-IP. The results of this study highlighted the importance of a healthy diet in reducing oxidative stress among football athletes. The levels of urinary biomarkers for DNA and lipid oxidation were found to be lower in football players compared to non-athletes. This suggests that following an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich diet may help reduce oxidative stress in these individuals.

Effect of concurrent training in unilateral transtibial amputees using Paralympic athletes as a control group

ContextTranstibial Amputation (TA) predisposes to a sedentary lifestyle. ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficiency of a short-term (8-week) Concurrent Training (CT) program in Unilateral Transtibial Amputees (UTA) and to compare it with the physical condition of a group of Paralympic athletes in preparation for the Rio de Janeiro Paralympics. DesignThis was a longitudinal, prospective and controlled trial study. MethodsThirty-four male subjects with UTA and using prostheses for six months or more were selected for this study. They were divided into two groups: Group 1 (G1) ‒ 17 non-athlete and untrained UTA and Group 2 (G2) ‒ 17 paralympic athletes with active UTA in the training phase. G1 was evaluated before and after eight weeks of CT and G2 made a single evaluation for control. All were submitted to anamnesis, clinical evaluation (blood pressure, electrocardiogram, and heart rate) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing on a lower limb cycle ergometer, and isokinetic knee dynamometry. The CT of G1 included resistance exercise and aerobic interval training on a stationary bicycle and G2 followed the training of the Paralympic teams. ResultsPatients were retested by the same methods after CT. The two most important central dependent variables (maximal oxygen uptake and muscular strength) increased by 22% and knee extensor and flexor strength by 106% and 97%, respectively. ConclusionAfter eight weeks of CT, there was an improvement in general functional condition, muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory performance improving protection against chronic diseases and quality of life.

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of bone in sport

Background. The quantitative examination of bone tissue is primarily associated with the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is rarely suspected among athletes, usually young, active, and generally healthy. Quantitative research of bone tissue related to the sport has a preventive dimension. Increasing the parameters of bone tissue strength, especially reaching the maximum value of peak bone strength in childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood due to practicing sports can contribute to maintaining bone health throughout life. The study was designed to review and narratively analyze the impact of sports activity on bone mass using quantitative ultrasound bone assessment. Material and methods. Extensive electronic research has been conducted to identify scientific papers using ultrasonic methods to evaluate bones in sports. The study was conducted using the PRISMA method (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses). Searching and downloading articles were done electronically. The narrative strategy of the review was implemented step by step. Results. Five hundred and twenty-nine results were identified. After reading the full texts, there are 12 articles left. Relevant articles were found in the references of selected articles and added to the analysis. Selected articles were selected to be presented in the results, and the rest were used for discussion. Higher bone density and strength are often found in active sporting groups compared to non-athlete peer groups. The influence of physical activity is observed, especially in strength or strength sports of both sexes. Football, dance, and martial arts such as karate and tai chi practice positively affect bone tissue. Such an impact is not noted in disciplines such as swimming and cycling. Conclusions. Systematic and long-term sports behaviors affect not only the improvement of the condition of bone tissue but also the long-term maintenance of the achieved improvement in the condition of the skeleton. It remains open to determine which sports disciplines lead to the most noticeable improvement in the condition of the ultrasound-examined bone. Further studies using non-invasive methods of bone quantification are needed to determine the specific conditions for the prevention of osteoporosis through physical activity and sport, in particular, the duration of the activity, the size of loads, and other factors related to practicing sports.