Non-competitive Athletes Research Articles

Descriptive characterization of Brazilian surfers and their injuries: a cross-sectional and retrospective study

PurposeThe present study aimed to describe the main characteristics of Brazilian surfers and their injuries, and to analyze the probability of developing injuries according to skill level, experience in surfing, training volume, and age.MethodsA total of 1829 Brazilian surfers answered an electronic survey about their characteristics and previous and current injuries. The association between participant characteristics and percentage of injuries was investigated using a chi-squared test. The statistical significance of the results was assumed at a <i>p</i>-value < 0.05. The prevalence ratio (PR) was also calculated to illustrate the probability of having injuries.ResultsMost surfers are men (84.2%), young adults (72.0%), with more than 2 years of experience in surfing (60.7%), with an intermediate level of skill (49.3%), recreational surfers (99.2%), and who practice surfing 1 to 2 days a week (79.7%) for 1 to 3 hours a day (65.9%). About 55.5% of the participants were already affected by an injury or had some surfing-related pain. In the last 12 months, 52.2% of surfers suffered injuries. For both, more than 50% of injuries occurred in the lower limbs. Brazilian surfers with higher skill levels, time of experience, hours per day of surf training, and age presented higher prevalence ratios of previous and current injuries.ConclusionsIn summary, Brazilian surfers are predominantly male, young adults, and non-competitive athletes. The most injured anatomical region in this group is the lower limbs. Contrary to expectation, higher experience and skill levels might not act as protective factors against injuries due to increased training volume.

Cardiovascular Effects of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids in Dietary Supplements

Dietary supplements are regularly consumed by more than 70 % of the US population, as well as by competitive and non-competitive athletes. Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are frequently found in dietary supplements, and have the potential for multi-organ toxicity, including significant effects on the cardiovascular system. Cardiovascular toxicities of AAS include coronary artery effects, e.g. spasm, thrombosis and plaque rupture, leading to acute coronary syndromes and myocardial infarctions, as well as direct myocardial toxicity, causing left ventricular hypertrophy, fibrosis and dysfunction. Coronary and myocardial effects converge towards a common final pathway, causing heart failure, life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The unregulated nature of AAS in dietary supplements has many ramifications. Both coaches and athletes should be aware that testing positive for a prohibited substance (including AAS) constitutes a potential doping violation. We advocate for improved education of the public at large regarding the potential for AAS to be included in dietary supplements, as well as its regulation by the appropriate authorities.

Poster 213: Outcomes of High-Level Competitive Athletes Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy as Compared to Non-Competitive Athletes at 5-Year Follow-Up: A Propensity Matched Analysis

Objectives: Hip arthroscopy has been proven to be an effective treatment for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) in both competitive athletes and non-competitive athletes, with favorable patient reported outcomes (PROs), and low rates of complications. Previous data demonstrates a high return to sport (RTS) rate, reported up to 88% to 92%. Although PROs and RTS have previously been evaluated, many studies are limited to short-term follow-up and do not differentiate between competitive and non-competitive athletes. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine differences in mid-term clinical outcomes at 5-years follow-up between patients who are high-level competitive athletes (CA) versus propensity matched, non-competitive athletes (NCA) undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS), (2) determine whether achievement rates of minimal clinically important differences (MCID) and patient acceptable symptomatic states (PASS) differ between the two groups, and (3) determine return to sport (RTS) rate in CA. Methods: Patients who were collegiate, semi-professional, or professional athletes and underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS from January 2012 to April 2017 were identified. Patients were propensity matched on a 1:4 basis to NCA controls by age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were assessed. Patient reported outcomes (PROs) collected preoperatively and at 5-years included international Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living subscale (HOS-ADL) and Sports subscale (HOS-SS), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for Pain and Satisfaction. MCID and PASS rates were determined using previously-published thresholds for iHOT-12, mHHS, HOS-ADL, HOS-SS, and VAS Pain. RTS rate and duration was collected retrospectively. Results: A total of 57 high-level CA who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS (33 female, age: 21.7 ± 4.2 years, BMI: 23.1 ± 2.8kg/m2) were propensity matched to 228 NCA controls (132 female, p > 0.999; age: 23.3 ± 5.8 years, p = 0.022; BMI: 23.8 ± 4.3 kg/m2, p = 0.239). There were no statistically significant differences between any radiographic parameters in any of the pre- or postoperative radiographic parameters between groups. Of note, competitive athletes had higher outcome scores prior to surgery in HOS-ADL (CA: 74.9 ± 13.7 vs NCA: 66.4 ± 18.4, p = 0.001) and mHHS (CA: 64.7 ± 12.9 vs NCA: 59.7 ± 14.3, p = 0.040). Both groups demonstrated significant postoperative improvements in all outcome scores measured (p ≤ 0.001). At 5-years postoperatively, CA had lower VAS pain than NCA (CA: 17.3 ± 17.6 vs NCA: 24.7 ± 25.9, p=0.017). There were no significant differences in achieving MCID or PASS for HOS-ADL, HOS-SS, mHHS, or iHOT-12 at final follow-up. CA returned to sport (RTS) at a median of 25.2 weeks (Q1 22.4 – Q3 30.7) with an overall RTS rate of 90%. The CA participated in a multitude of sports (Figure 1) however, there was no significant differences in comparing RTS between individual sports (p = 0.163) (Figure 2). Conclusions: CA patients demonstrated significant and durable improvements in PROs as well as high MCID and PASS achievement rates following primary hip arthroscopy, which were comparable to non- competitive controls. Clinicians should be aware that CA patients demonstrate higher preoperative mHHS and HOS-ADL scores than controls and achieve lower average self-reported pain at 5-years postoperatively. CA patients demonstrate high rate of RTS (˜90%) at a median of ˜25 weeks post- operatively.

Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death in Non-Competitive Athletes: ECG Screening by Telecardiology Is Useful and Cost-Effective

<i>Background: </i>Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of mortality in athletes during sport. There are several hereditary, structural, or electrical heart diseases associated with SCD, most of them can be identified or suggested by abnormalities on a resting 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). <i>Objective: </i>To evaluate usefulness and cost-effectiveness of ECG screening, using a telecardiology system, in order to detect cardiovascular diseases that might cause SCD in a cohort of non-competitive athletes (NCA). <i>Methods: </i>ECGs received at the Telecardiology Center (Telemedico Srl, Genoa) for non-competitive sports, in a 3-month period were analyzed. According to the age we distinguished: NCA < 35 years (group A) and NCA > 35 years (group B). <i>Results: </i>A total of 6345 NCA (4078 males, 64.2%) were evaluated between the ages of 5 and 50 years (mean ± SD: 28.4 ± 12.6). Group A (age < 35 years) consisted of 3453 (54.4%) NCA and group B (age > 35 years) of 2892 (45.6%) respectively. An ECG pattern at risk of SCD has been identified in 295 (4.6%) subjects. Prevalence of ECG abnormalities was higher for group B (154/2892; 5.3%) than group A (141/3453; 4.1%); the difference was significant (p= 0.016). The average cost per ECG was € 12. The cost of ECG screening to identify a risk situation of SCD was € 258. <i>Conclusion: </i>ECG screening through telecardiology of NCA results to be feasible, useful and cost-effective.

Is anterior knee pain following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction a consideration for graft choice, and the influence of COVID: a qualitative analysis in recreational athletes

BackgroundWe set out to investigate whether anterior knee pain following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has a significant effect on patients, and whether it should influence graft choice.MethodsThis was a qualitative analysis of a set of recreational athletes treated at a university hospital at about 1 year following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery. Participants were interviewed by an orthopaedic fellow and resident using structured, open-ended questions. Inductive theme analysis was used to code the data.ResultsThere were 4 major themes: (1) Our hypothesis was that patients would be given adequate information to make an appropriate graft choice. This hypothesis was rejected. Discussion took place, but with little details or rationale for the graft choice. The predominant theme was that the surgeon made the decision, and there was a lack of reliable information for the patient to make a choice. (2) The overall theme was that most patients had no anterior knee pain, and it did not interfere with activities of daily living. (3) One theme was that patients were able to resume all sports without restriction, but in some, the anterior knee pain interfered with the more demanding activities such as impact, cutting, and pivoting. A separate theme was that fear was a major impediment to return to sports and was not related to the anterior knee pain. (4) The overriding theme was that the generalized closures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic slowed the rehabilitation process. Although virtual care was available in general, it was not particularly satisfactory. Patients indicated that they had not been able to return to the gym or to their sporting activities as a result.ConclusionsAmongst non-competitive athletes, anterior knee pain post-anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery does not significantly affect activities of daily living. Although there is a minor effect on sporting activities, the inability to return to sports is related to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, fear, or insufficient rehabilitation, rather than anterior knee pain. Overall, anterior knee pain is not a significant factor that plays a role in determining graft choice.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator Awareness, Practice and Attitude Among Athletes in the Eastern Province

Background: The prevalence of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) among athletes has increased recently. The American Heart Association (AHA) emphasizes early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using an automated external defibrillator (AED). The study aimed to assess the current knowledge, skills, and attitude toward CPR and the use of AED among athletes in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional online survey study was conducted between May and September 2021 in the Eastern Province. The questionnaire was developed following the AHA (2020) guidelines and the Arabic and English version were validated. The study recruited Sports facilities staff and adults who regularly practiced sports as competitive or non-competitive athletes. Results: The study recruited 421 participants. The majority were males (75%) and Saudis (97%), living in the Qatif region and practicing the sport for over 20 years. The Heartsaver trained group constituted 181 (43%). The majority of the trained group (92%) knew the Red Crescent emergency call number compared to 75% of the nontrained participants (P &lt; 0.001). Only 30% of the trained group claimed they were competent in performing all skills and using the AED, but unable to operate it in actual events. The majority of the sample does not know if the AED is available in their sports facilities (70%), while 27% of the participants confirmed that the AED is unavailable. Conclusion: The study found limited knowledge and skill about the AED's use among athletes. Sports centres are inadequately equipped with AEDs, which is a potential concern. There is a great need to enhance the training quality with follow-up sessions to ensure the effective utilization of these skills in community settings.

Fitness Soccer Athletes Training at the University of Limpopo, South Africa: Are the Macronutrients Intake and Anthropometric Status of These Athletes Optimal?

Background: Dietary practices of the University of Limpopo soccer team athletes have been reported. However, the practices of those engaging in soccer for general fitness from different non-competitive teams remain unknown. To respond to this gap, the researchers investigated the energy, macronutrient intake, and BMI status and further correlated the two variables of the fitness non-competitive soccer athletes registered at the University of Limpopo in South Africa. Method: A quantitative study design was undertaken to conveniently sample 60 out of 90 fitness soccer athletes from the four non-competitive soccer teams at the University of Limpopo sports grounds. Ethics approval was obtained from the University of Limpopo Research and Ethics Committee, and permission was given by the university sports management and team coaches. Athletes signed the informed consent form before participating in the study. Data were collected at the soccer fields during the afternoons before the start of training. Macronutrient intake data were collected using multiple (two) 24-h recall questionnaires on different days, which were validated by the food frequency questionnaire. Weight and height were measured using a digital scale (Seca 813 electronic flat scale) and stadiometer (Seca 213 portable stadiometer) for BMI calculations, respectively. The average energy and macronutrient intakes were calculated through the SAMRC FoodFinder software (3.0). The nutrient averages, together with the BMI results, were loaded into SPSS (26.0) for further analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to report the energy, macronutrient intake, and BMI statuses of athletes using percentages, means, and standard deviations (±SD). A one-way ANOVA test was used to determine the association between the latter variables. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was the criterion used to correlate the variables. Results: All (100%) athletes were males, most of whom played soccer for 2–3 years while at the university. Almost half (48%) of athletes consumed energy (39.6 kcal/kg) below the recommendations. About 92% and 53% of athletes consumed carbohydrates (5.0 g/kg) and fat (1.2 g/kg) below the recommended values; while 43% consumed protein (1.4 g/kg) optimally. The majority (>80%) had a normal BMI (21.6 ± 2.6 kg/m2) status. However, there were no relationships between the energy (p = 0.383), CHO (p = 0.261), protein (p = 0.543), and fat (p = 0179) intake and the BMI status of athletes. Conclusion: The macronutrient intake of fitness soccer athletes at the University of Limpopo is, on the whole, suboptimal. However, the athletes had normal body weights. There was no association between both the energy and macronutrient intake and the anthropometric (BMI) status of soccer athletes.

IS THERE DEMAND FOR ONLINE PHYSICAL EDUCATION NEXT TO IN-PERSON CLASSES? A STUDY OF THE MOTIVATION OF EÖTVÖS UNIVERSITY’S STUDENTS

In the autumn semester of the 2021/22 academic year, Eötvös University offered both online and in-person physical education courses, which were filled within days. The interest of hundreds of students in the online course peaked the educators’ interest in whether there is a difference in the motivation of students who complete the course on-line and those who attend in-person. Of the 14 sub-factors of the EMI-2 motivation scale, only two (affiliation and competition) showed significant differences between the students of the two courses, however when comparing women and men we found significant differences in 7 factors. Regardless of whether the students attended the online or in-person physical education course, their motivations for physical activity were almost the same. Greater differences were observed between the sexes and between former competitive and non-competitive athletes.

Incidence of the Practice of Recreationel Physical Activity and Sports and Risk of Sudden Death in the Population of the City of Yaounde, Cameroon

This study aimed to determine the percentage of a recreational physical activities and sports (PAS) practitioners or non-competitive athlete in Yaoundé city, and the risk of sudden death incurred. Seven hundred and ninety-three (793) men and women practicing recreational sports took part in this survey. The analysis of the variables of the socio-demographic, professional and clinical characteristics of those practicing physical activity ≥ 3 hours per week and those practicing physical activity &lt; 3 hours was made. Data collection was carried out using a pre-established questionnaire, after obtaining an ethical clearance from the Ministry of Public Health. The average age of participants was 27.3 ± 10.6 years, they are mostly made up of men (56.2%). Five hundred and forty-seven (68.9%) said they practice physical activity at least 3 hours a week. Fifteen (15) participants or 1.6% declared to be carriers of a cardiovascular pathology and thirty-nine (39) or 4.9% are hypertensive. A large number (439; 55.6%) refrained from disclosing their clinical status or were unaware of it. The rate of recreational physical activities and sports practitioners is high in the population of Yaoundé. In this population, some practitioners are carriers of pathologies exposing them to sudden death. Knowledge of these data can contribute to taking appropriate measures to reduce cases of sudden cardiac death related to sports practice, a phenomenon increasingly observed in Cameroon.

Positive CMR findings are associated with polymorphic ventricle arrhythmias and ECG repolarization changes but not with exercises induced arrhythmias in competitive and non-competitive athletes

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) provides an effective contribution for the prevention of sudden cardiac death with its ability to provide accurate information on morpho-functional abnormalities and on myocardial tissue characterization. However, data on its utility in clinical scenario in the competitive athletes are limited to selected cohort of patients with complex arrhythmias. Objective To retrospectively analyze all the CMR performed at our center for evaluating the predictors of positive CMR findings in a large cohort of competitive and non-competitive athletes presenting with different clinical indications. Methods Over a period of 30 months all the CMR performed on athletes aged &amp;gt; 14 years and training for at least 5 hours per week at our Institutes were retrospectively recruited. The following data were also collected: medical history, ECG, echocardiography, exercise testing. CMR were categorized as "positive" or "negative" based on the presence or absence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE, excluding RV insertion point) and/or morphological and/or functional abnormalities. Predictors of "positive" CMR were explored. Results 503 CMR were recruited and the most frequent indications for CMR were: ventricular arrythmias (n= 213, 42%), ECG abnormalities (n= 140, 28%) followed by echocardiogram abnormalities, symptoms and family history (Figure A). 308 (61%) CMR were "negative" and 195 (39%) "positive" (Figure B). Uncommon ventricular arrythmias did not result associated with positive CMR (p= 0.43), while polymorphic ventricular beats are associated with positive CMR (p= 0.02). Among ECG abnormalities only T-waves inversion, particularly on lateral and infero-lateral leads, were associated with positive CMR (p= 0.04). Conclusion Ventricular arrhythmias represented the most common indication for require a CMR but in almost half the cases, the CMR was negative. Excises induced ventricular arrhythmias is not significantly associated with pathological findings on CMR, while the polymorphic morphology of arrhythmias and the presence of lateral and infero-lateral repolarization abnormalities on ECG were associated with positive CMR.

Rock climbing confers distinct injury risk in pediatric versus adult populations: an analysis of twenty-year national trends

ABSTRACT Objectives: The sport of rock climbing has recently gained in popularity due in part to its adoption by noncompetitive athletes as a physical activity with a level of intensity that can be self-regulated. However, the epidemiology of rock climbing injuries is poorly described at the national level. Methods: We report demographic and injury characteristics from 85,235 national weighted estimates of rock climbing injuries presenting to United States (US) emergency departments (EDs) between 2000 and 2019 in the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, stratifying by whether patients were ≤18 years of age (A) or ≥19 years of age (B). Results: The national weighted estimate of patients presenting to US EDs with injuries associated with rock climbing rose significantly (p < 0.001) from 2000 (2,667, CI 1,777–3,557) to 2019 (7,087, CI 4,544–9,630). Patients ≤18 years of age were significantly less likely to be male (A: 56.3%, CI 52.0–60.6%; B: 64.7%; CI 60.4–69.0%; p = 0.003), sustain injuries on weekends (A: 29.8%, 24.5–35.1%; B: 64.7%, CI 60.4–69.0%; p = 0.002), or sustain injuries during summer seasons (A: 26.6%, CI 22.1–31.1%; B: 33.2%, CI 28.1–38.3%; p = 0.049). Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that patients ≤18 years of age were significantly more likely to present to EDs with head and neck (OR: 1.52, CI 1.04–2.21; p = 0.032) or upper extremity (OR: 1.55; CI 1.24–1.93; p < 0.001) injuries associated with rock climbing. Conclusion: We identified a significant increase in the annual estimated number of patients presenting to US EDs with rock climbing injuries compared to what has previously been reported. As the number of climbers continues to grow, standardized safety policies may be implemented that specifically target injury mechanisms and patterns unique to both adult and pediatric populations.

A Netnography and a Survey on Doping Use among Competitive Doping-untested Strength-sport Athletes.

Doping-untested strength-sport athletes (powerlifters, strongmen, armlifters, etc.,) are infamous for their doping use, but their exact doping regimens are not known. The purpose of this study was to provide a reasonable portrait of doping history in this specific athlete group for medical practitioners. Seventy-five athletes were selected by netnography of the social media community around the Finnish doping-untested strength-sport federations on the basis of their activity in doping-related discussions, and the athletes were invited to answer a detailed doping-related anonymous survey. Fifty respondents completed the survey. 100% of the respondents reported use of anabolic androgenic steroids, 66% reported use of stimulants, and 80% use of non-steroidal anabolic substances. The doses of both testosterone products and human growth hormone were notably larger than reported in previous studies of gym users (mostly non-competitive athletes). The subjects reported simultaneous use of an average 5.66 illegal substances, and lifetime use of 16.78 illegal substances. The doses of illicit drugs, as well as polypharmacy, among competitive doping-untested strength-sport athletes are higher than previously reported among recreational gym users, and side effects are likely in this specific population.

Sudden Cardiac Death in Athletes in Italy during 2019: Internet-Based Epidemiological Research.

Background and objectives: An Italian nationwide pre-participation screening approach for prevention of sudden cardiac death in athletes (SCD-A) in competitive sportspeople showed promising results but did not achieve international consensus, due to cost-effectiveness and the shortfall of a monitoring plan. From this perspective, we tried to provide an epidemiological update of SCD-A in Italy through a year-long internet-based search. Materials and Methods: One year-long Google search was performed using mandatory and non-mandatory keywords. Data were collected according to prevalent SCD-A definition and matched with sport-related figures from Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) and Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI). Results: Ninety-eight cases of SCD-A in 2019 were identified (48.0% competitive, 52.0% non-competitive athletes). Male/female ratio was 13:1. The most common sports were soccer (33.7%), athletics (15.3%) and fitness (13.3%). A conclusive diagnosis was achieved only in 37 cases (33 of cardiac origin), with the leading diagnosis being coronary artery disease in 27 and a notably higher occurrence among master athletes. Combining these findings with ISTAT and CONI data, the SCD-A incidence rate in the whole Italian sport population was found to be 0.47/100,000 persons per year (1.00/100,000 in the competitive and 0.32/100,000 in the non-competitive population). The relative risk of SCD-A is 3.1 (CI 2.1–4.7; p < 0.0001) for competitive compared to non-competitive athletes; 9.9 for male (CI 4.6–21.4; p < 0.0001) with respect to female. Conclusions: We provided an updated incidence rate of SCD-A in both competitive and non-competitive sport in Italy. A higher risk of SCD-A among competitive and male athletes was confirmed, thus corroborating the value of Italian pre-participation screening in this population.

Utilization of Orthobiologics by Sports Medicine Physicians: A Survey-based Study.

Introduction:Investigations are rapidly increasing into products referred to as orthobiologics and their utility in the nonsurgical and surgical treatment of diverse orthopaedic pathology.Methods:Members (599) of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine were sent a survey that assessed their usage, motivation for use, and perceived efficacy of the following orthobiologics: leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma, leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (PRP-LP), bone marrow aspirate concentrate, amniotic membrane products, adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells, and umbilical cord–derived cells. Application of these orthobiologics for the following pathologies was assessed: osteoarthritis, muscle injuries, tendon injuries, ligament injuries, labral injuries, and focal articular cartilage tears.Results:The survey was completed by 165 respondents (27.5%), of which 66.1% reported using at least one orthobiologic in their practice. Orthobiologic users reported the following: 71.6% are increasing their use, and 23.9% advertise their use. PRP-LP is the most commonly used orthobiologic for 76.1%, with 30% of PRP-LP users reporting use due to competitor utilization. The pathology most commonly treated with orthobiologics is osteoarthritis, for 71.6% of users, who primarily use PRP-LP in the knee joint. Leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma is the most popular orthobiologic in muscle, ligament, tendon, and labral injuries, whereas bone marrow aspirate concentrate is most popular for focal articular cartilage injuries. Primary orthobiologic-eligible groups were adults and recreational noncompetitive athletes. More than half (>50%) of orthobiologic users perceived all but umbilical cord–derived cells to be efficacious.Conclusion:Orthobiologics are used by a significant number of sports medicine physicians and are likely increasing in popularity. Among orthobiologics, platelet-rich plasmas are the most popular, and osteoarthritis is the pathology most likely to be treated. Orthobiologics are sometimes used for reasons other than clinical efficacy, especially competitor utilization, and physicians are disparate in their application of these products.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis dysfunction in men practicing competitive sports

Regular physical activity is widely recommended for primary and secondary prevention of many diseases. Among others, it has been proven to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, colorectal cancer, breast cancer and depression. In addition, physical activity plays an important role in regulating the body's energy balance, and therefore controls body weight. Physical inactivity was identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality (6% of deaths worldwide) after factors such as elevated blood pressure (13%), smoking (9%) and high blood glucose (6%). The purpose of this article is to illustrate the physiological and pathological changes that occur in the hypothalamic-​-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) secondary to exercise and training. Relatively short and intensive exercise usually increases, while more prolonged exercise usually decreases serum testosterone concentrations. Reduced or low-normal circulating testosterone levels involve health consequences such as an increased risk of abnormal spermatogenesis, infertility problems, and compromised bone mineralization. In addition, the administration of prohibited substances, such as anabolic androgenic steroids, to competitive and non-competitive athletes is an important cause of iatrogenic andrological diseases.

Incidence of recreational sports-related sudden cardiac arrest in participants over age 12 in a general African population

BackgroundThe incidence of sports-related sudden cardiac arrest (SrSCA) in sub-Saharan Africa is unknown.ObjectiveTo determine the incidence of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in non-competitive athletes in an urban population of Cameroon,...

Trauma Mechanisms of Acute Knee injuries in Bouldering and Sport Climbing

BackgroundThere is limited insight into trauma mechanisms of knee injuries in bouldering and sport climbing for both non-competitive and competitive athletes.PurposeBased on a recent rapid increase of knee injuries caused by bouldering and sport climbing, we aimed to examine traumatic mechanisms of injury, demographics, distribution and severity of knee injuries in affected athletes.Study DesignCase series; Level of evidence, 4.MethodsWithin a four-year period, we performed a retrospective multi-center analysis of acute knee injuries in both competitive and non-competitive climbers. Traumatic mechanisms were inquired and severity levels, therapies and outcomes recorded using Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Tegner, Lysholm and a climbing-specific outcome score.ResultsA total number of 71 patients (35% competitive athletes and 65% non-competitive athletes) with 77 independent acute knee injuries were identified. Four different trauma mechanisms were thereby recorded: High step (20.8%), Drop knee (16.9%), Heel hook (40.3%) and (ground) Fall (22.1%). The leading structural damage was medial meniscal tear (29.3%), found significantly more often in non-competitive athletes. A specific climbing injury is iliotibial band strain during the heel hook position, causing 46.8 % of all injuries; most injuries resulted from indoor bouldering. Surgical procedures were predominantly necessary within the non-competitive group. One year after the injury, the average Tegner score was 5.6 ± 0.6 (3-6), Lysholm score was 97 ± 4.8 (74-100) and climbing specific outcome score was 4.8 ± 0.6 (2-5).Conclusion:Increased attention on the climber’s knee is required, especially due to the worldwide rise of indoor bouldering. Sport specific awareness- and training programs for both noncompetitive and competitive climbers to reduce acute knee injuries should be developed and sports medical supervision is mandatory.

Mechanisms of Acute Knee Injuries in Bouldering and Rock Climbing Athletes

Background: There is limited insight into the mechanisms of knee injuries in rock climbing and bouldering in noncompetitive and competitive athletes. Purpose: To examine the traumatic mechanisms of injury, demographics, distribution, and severity of knee injuries in affected athletes. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: During a 4-year period, we performed a retrospective multicenter analysis of acute knee injuries in competitive and noncompetitive climbing athletes. Traumatic mechanisms were inquired and severity levels, therapies, and outcomes recorded with visual analog scale, Tegner, Lysholm, and climbing-specific outcome scores. Results: Within the observation period, 71 patients (35% competitive athletes, 65% noncompetitive athletes) with 77 independent acute knee injuries were recorded. Four trauma mechanisms were identified: high step (20.8%), drop knee (16.9%), heel hook (40.3%), and (ground) fall (22.1%). The leading structural damage was a medial meniscal tear (28.6%), found significantly more often in the noncompetitive group. A specific climbing injury is iliotibial band strain during the heel hook position. Most injuries resulted from indoor bouldering (46.8%). Surgical procedures were predominantly necessary in noncompetitive climbers. One year after the injury, the Tegner score was 5.9 ± 0.8 (mean ± SD; range, 3-7); the Lysholm score was 97 ± 4.8 (range, 74-100); and the climbing-specific outcome score was 4.8 ± 0.6 (range, 2-5). Conclusion: Increased attention should be placed on the climber’s knee, especially given the worldwide rise of indoor bouldering. Sport-specific awareness and training programs for noncompetitive and competitive climbing athletes to reduce knee injuries should be developed, and sports medical supervision is mandatory.

Sport Activity as Risk or Protective Factor in Feeding and Eating Disorder.

Emerging evidence suggests controversial results on the associations between sport activity and eating disorders (EDs). The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between sport activity in general, weight-dependent/independent sport activity particularly, and risk or protective factors in feeding and eating disorder (FED). The sample (n = 282, divided into two successive groups), included competitive athletes in the first analysis, non-competitive athletes, and sedentary peers; in the second analysis it has been divided into weight-dependent athletes, weight-independent athletes, non-competitive athletes, and sedentary peers. The participants were tested with Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Profile of Mood State (POMS) questionnaire, Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), and Body Uneasiness Test (BUT). The results show higher levels of self-esteem among athletes in general and particularly in weight-independent athletes (p = 0.0210). We found higher levels of image and body dissatisfaction among sedentary peers and weight-dependent athletes (0.0005 < p < 0.0015). Sedentary peers also reported higher levels of tension/anxiety, depression/dejection, confusion/bewilderment and fatigue/inertia (0.0001 < p < 0.0331). Dieting and oral control were found to be higher among weight-dependent athletes (0.0337 < p < 0.0400). The findings suggest that sedentary condition is associated with higher levels of body-image discomfort and higher level of psychological distress, whereas weight-dependent athletes may report dietary issues and bodily concerns. Sport activity should be promoted and specific trainings on diet and body-consciousness encouraged among athletes.

Eating behavior and reasons for exercise among competitive collegiate male athletes

Research concerning eating disorders among adolescent and young adult male athletes is limited compared with female counterparts, but increasing evidence indicates that they may be at unique risk for unhealthy exercise and eating behavior. The current study aimed to characterize unhealthy exercise and eating behavior according to competitive athlete status, as well as per sport type. Collegiate male athletes (N = 611), each affiliated with one of the 10 National College Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I schools in the United States, completed an online survey, reporting on eating and extreme weight control behaviors, and reasons for exercise. Competitive athletes endorsed increased driven exercise and exercising when sick. Baseball players, cyclists, and wrestlers emerged as the sports with the most players reporting elevated Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire scores in a clinical range, and basketball players reported the highest rates of binge eating. overall, baseball players, cyclists, rowers, and wrestlers appeared to demonstrate the greatest vulnerability for unhealthy eating and exercise behavior. Findings revealed differences between competitive and non-competitive male athletes. Among competitive athletes, results identified unique risk for unhealthy eating and exercise behavior across a variety of sport categories and support continued examination of these attitudes and behaviors in a nuanced manner. Evidence obtained from well-designed controlled trials without randomization.