Outdoor Athletes Research Articles

Design, application, and recycling of zinc alginate/guar gum hydrogel-based fibers

Extreme cold events are quite common, highlighting the urgent need for flexible wearable electronic devices capable of diagnosing human health in low-temperature environments. Using a wet spinning strategy, we successfully developed sodium zinc alginate/guar gum(SZA/GG) hydrogel fibers with excellent environmental resistance, antimicrobial properties, and electrical conductivity. Building on this, we developed a flexible wearable sensing device that operates stably at low temperatures and exhibits a sensitivity of 0.585 within the range of −20 °C to −40 °C, demonstrating excellent response performance. When evaluating the physical state of outdoor athletes, the amplitude and fluctuation range of electrical resistance provide valuable information about the monitored environment and the risk of frostbite for the individual. However, like any device, it eventually reaches its usage limit. To address the issue of recycling hydrogel fiber waste, we propose recycling and carbonizing the discarded devices to use as a biomass carbon source for fabricating button-type supercapacitors. After 10,000 charge-discharge cycles, the capacitance retention rate reached 92.53 %, demonstrating the potential of these supercapacitors and offering a new approach to reducing resource waste.

Sunscreen does not alter sweating responses or critical environmental limits in young adults (PSU HEAT project).

Outdoor athletes often eschew using sunscreen due to perceived performance impairments, which many attribute in part to the potential for reduced thermoregulatory heat loss. Past studies examining the impact of sunscreen on thermoregulation are equivocal. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of mineral and chemical-based sunscreens on sweating responses and critical environmental limits in hot-dry (HD) and warm-humid (WH) environments. Nine subjects (3 M/6 F; 25 ± 2 yr) were tested with 1) no sunscreen (control), 2) chemical-, and 3) mineral-based sunscreen. Subjects were exposed to progressive heat stress with either 1) constant dry-bulb temperature (Tdb) at 34°C and increasing water vapor pressure (Pa) (WH trials) or 2) constant Pa at 12 mmHg and increasing Tdb (HD trials). Subjects walked at 4.9 ± 0.5 metabolic equivalents (METs) until an upward inflection in gastrointestinal temperature was observed (i.e., the critical environmental limit). Compared with control (39.9 ± 3.0°C), critical Tdb was not different in mineral (39.2 ± 3.5°C, P = 0.39) or chemical (39.7 ± 3.0°C, P = 0.98) sunscreen trials in HD environments. Compared with control (18.8 ± 4.0 mmHg), critical Pa was not different in mineral (18.9 ± 4.8 mmHg, P = 0.81) or chemical (19.5 ± 4.6 mmHg, P = 0.81) sunscreen trials in WH environments. Sweating rates, evaporative heat loss, skin wettedness, and sweating efficiency were not different among the three trials in the WH (all P ≥ 0.48) or HD (all P ≥ 0.87) environments. Critical environmental limits are unaffected by sunscreen application, suggesting sunscreen does not alter integrative thermoregulatory responses during exercise in the heat.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our findings demonstrate that neither sweating nor critical environmental limits were affected by mineral-based and chemical-based sunscreen applications. The rates of change in core temperature during compensable and uncompensable heat stress were not changed by wearing sunscreen. Evaporative heat loss, efficiency of sweat evaporation, skin wettedness, and sweating rates were unaffected by sunscreen. Sunscreen did not alter integrative thermoregulatory responses during exercise in the heat.

How can outdoor sports protect themselves against climate change-related health risks? – A prevention model based on an expert Delphi study

ObjectivesTo systematically develop an adaptation model to reduce climate change-related health risks for outdoor athletes. DesignDelphi Method study. MethodsA classic asynchronous Delphi study was conducted with a total of three survey rounds. 24 experts from the eight largest outdoor sport associations by membership in the German Olympic Sports Confederation were included as well as 24 medical experts with expertise in sport medicine, internal medicine, allergology, dermatology, infectiology, or toxicology. Based on open-ended questions, panelists were asked to consider prevention measures for sport organizations and clubs. Free text responses were analyzed by qualitative content analysis according to Mayring. ResultsExperts recommended establishing the following eight fields of prevention measures: technical and structural measures; organizational measures; personalized measures; basic, advanced, and continuing education; concepts of action, warning concepts, and financial concepts; cooperation and coordination; campaigns; and evaluation measures. ConclusionsThe pyramid model presented in this study systematizes possible sport-specific adaptation measures on climate change by empirical aggregation of knowledge from scientists, sport organizations, clubs, trainers, and professional athletes. To assess the effectiveness of these prevention measures, sport organizations may incorporate them not only into broader operations but also everyday training routines.

Sunglass tint does not impact the indoor catching performance of cricket fielders.

Sunglasses are worn by outdoor athletes such as cricketers for many reasons, including comfort and glare reduction, which may help to improve vision. Anecdotally they are purported to have performance-enhancing benefits, but there is a lack of evidence for this. Further, it appears that fielders are the only position in cricket who wear sunglasses. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the catching performance of fielders when wearing three different colour sunglasses tints during an indoor, laboratory-based experiment. Twenty-one male cricketers currently playing for a university or amateur provincial teams in Makhanda, South Africa, who were non-habitual sunglass wearers, were recruited for this study. An optometrist administered pre-screening tests. Players had four testing sessions during which they wore a different colour tint at each session indoors (clear, blue, G30 (rose), and red). Players were required to catch 18 balls projected from a bowling machine. The number of balls caught, as well as the quality of the catch, was recorded. At the final session, they were asked which tint they thought was best. Pre-screening tests showed that the red lens was best for contrast sensitivity and stereopsis. During data collection, sunglass tint did not affect catching performance. The players perceived the red lens as the worst and the G30 as the best. It can be concluded that catching performance indoors is not affected by tint colour.

Predictive Effect of Curiosity and Exploration and Situational Intrinsic Motivation on Recreational Flow Experience: A Research on Outdoor Athletes

Modern insan serbest zamanlarında tüm sorumluluklarından kendini uzaklaştıracak sihirli aktiviteyi bulmak ve kendini onun akışında, pozitif psikolojiye ait tüm duyguları yaşayarak kaybetmek ister. Birçok araştırmacı da zaman kullanımıyla ilgili; zamanı doğru insan ve aktivitelerle geçirmek, zaman geçirmek yerine zamanın tadını çıkarmak ve içinde bulunulan deneyimden keyif almanın önemini vurgulamaktadırlar. Bu bağlamda yapılan araştırmada merak ve keşfetme ile durumsal içsel motivasyonun rekreasyonel akış deneyimi üzerindeki etkisinin araştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Araştırmada nicel araştırma tekniklerinden betimsel ve ilişkisel tarama modeli kullanılmıştır. Araştırmaya amaçlı örneklem yoluyla belirlenen ve doğa sporlarıyla uğraşan 18 yaş üstü 64 Kadın, 150 Erkek olmak üzere toplam 214 doğa sporcusu katılmıştır. Veri toplamak amacıyla araştırmacılar tarafından hazırlanan kişisel bilgi formu, Rekreasyonda Akış Deneyimi Ölçeği, Durumsal İçsel Motivasyon Ölçeği ile Merak ve Keşfetme Ölçeği II kullanılmıştır. Verilerin analizinde SPSS 25.0 paket programı kullanılmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda doğa sporları aktivitelerine düzenli olarak katılım göstermenin akış deneyimi gibi olumlu duygular yaşamayı pozitif yönde etkilediği ve içsel motivasyonu arttırdığı belirlenmiştir. Diğer yandan doğa sporları aktivitelerine katılan bireylerin ilgilendikleri aktivite ile ilgili kulüplere veya derneklere üye olmasının içsel motivasyonu ve akış deneyimini arttırdığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Fiziksel aktiviteye düzenli katılım ve ilgilenilen aktiviteye ilişkin sosyal ortamlarda, benzer deneyimler yaşayan bireylerle paylaşım içinde bulunmanın bireyi daha fazla motive ettiği ve akışta kalmasını sağlayabildiği söylenebilir. Rekreasyonel akış deneyimi üzerinde etkisi olan faktörlerin sırasıyla içsel motivasyon ve merak ve keşfetme olduğu tespit edilmiştir.

Metabolism of vitamin D is not affected by sport activity

BackgroundHigher levels of physical activity are related to higher 25-(OH)D levels. Total 25-(OH)D (25-(OH)DT) are routinely used in clinical practice to assess vitamin D, however novel biomarkers are currently being investigated as free 25-(OH)D (25-(OH)DF) or vitamin D metabolite ratios (VMRs). The primary aim of our study was to assess 25-(OH)DF, vitamin D metabolites and VMRs in inactive men and athletes. A secondary aim was to check whether regular physical activity influence on vitamin D metabolome. A tertiary aim was to determine the relationship between 25-(OH)DT, 25-(OH)DF, vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), vitamin D metabolites and VMRs in this cohort. MethodsA total of 69 participants (27 inactive men, 18 indoor and 24 outdoor athletes) participated in the study. Vitamin D metabolites (25-(OH)DT, 24,25-(OH)2D3, 3-epi-25-(OH)D3, and 1,25-(OH)2D) were assessed using LC-MS/MS. The 25-(OH)DF concentration was calculated based on serum albumin and VDBP levels. ResultsThere were no differences in vitamin D metabolites and VMRs between inactive men and between the two groups of athletes. We showed a strong relationship between 25-(OH)DT, 25-(OH)DF and 24,25-(OH)D3, 3-epi-25(OH)D3, 24,25-(OH)2D3:25-(OH)D3 VMR in each group. Analysis showed that 25-(OH)DT, 25-(OH)DF inversely associated with 25-(OH)D3:24,25-(OH)2D3, 25-(OH)D3:3-epi-25-(OH)D3, 1,25-(OH)2D:24,25-(OH)2D3 ratios in inactive men and athletes (indoor and outdoor). ConclusionsOn the basis of our results, we concluded that regular long-term physical activity has no effect on the concentration of vitamin D metabolites at rest. Furthermore, free vitamin D does not correlate more strongly with vitamin D metabolites and VMRs compared to total.

Difference in Levels of Vitamin D between Indoor and Outdoor Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Vitamin D, its importance in different processes taking place in the human body, the effects of abnormal levels of this hormone, either too low or too high, and the need for supplementation have been extensively researched thus far. Variances in exposure to sunlight can cause vitamin D levels to fluctuate. Indoor activity can be a factor for these fluctuations and can lead to a decrease in vitamin D levels. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis aiming to identify whether indoor compared to outdoor training has a significant influence on vitamin D levels; we also performed subgroup analyses and multivariate meta-regression. The type of training has an impact on vitamin D levels that is influenced by multiple cofounders. In a subgroup analysis not considering cofounders, the mean serum vitamin D was 3.73 ng/mL higher in outdoor athletes, a difference which barely fails to achieve significance (p = 0.052, a total sample size of 5150). The indoor-outdoor difference is only significant (clinically and statistically) when considering studies performed exclusively on Asian athletes (a mean difference of 9.85 ng/mL, p < 0.01, and a total sample size of 303). When performing the analyses within each season, no significant differences are observed between indoor and outdoor athletes. To control for multiple cofounders (the season, latitude, and Asian/Caucasian race) simultaneously, we constructed a multivariate meta-regression model, which estimated a serum vitamin D concentration lower by 4.446 ng/mL in indoor athletes. While a multivariate model suggests that outdoor training is associated with slightly higher vitamin D concentrations when controlling for the season, latitude, and Asian/Caucasian race, the type of training has a numerically and clinically small impact. This suggests that vitamin D levels and the need for supplementation should not be decided based on training type alone.

The role of environmental concern in mediating the effect of personal environmental norms on the intention to purchase green products: a case study on outdoor athletes

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the role of environmental concern in mediating the relationship between outdoor athletes’ personal environmental norms and their intention to purchase green products. Method: In the study, The Structural Equation Model (SEM) was used. The study group of the research consisted of licensed outdoor athletes (n=396) in Turkey. The SPSS 25.0 software program was used for the descriptive data, and the AMOS 24.0 software program was used for the confirmatory factor analysis and structural model test. Results: The results of the analysis revealed that the outdoor athletes’ personal environmental norms had a positive effect on their environmental concerns and intention to purchase green products. That is, the outdoor athletes’ personal environmental norms increased their environmental concerns and green purchase intention. Moreover, it was seen that the outdoor athletes’ environmental concerns had a positive effect on their green purchase intention and that they had a significant role in mediating the relationship between personal environmental norms and green purchase intention. Theoretical contributions: In conclusion, it is thought that outdoor sports can be used as a mean of strengthening consumers’ personal environmental norms and environmental concerns in order to encourage green consumption. Originality: Among the sample groups of studies conducted on the subject of green consumption, the fact that no study can be found that examines consumption behaviours of outdoor athletes, who represent the assumption that since they do outdoor sports, they can be closely involved with the natural environment, makes it important to determine outdoor athletes’ green purchase intentions. Therefore, the current study differs in this respect from other conducted studies.

Poison Ivy Withstands Washing

PURPOSE: Poison ivy dermatitis is an allergic skin reaction that plagues outdoor athletes and coaches. No study has yet examined the ideal time to wash off poison ivy after skin exposure. This study hypothesized that the published but untested assertion that poison ivy dermatitis can be avoided with washing within 15 minutes of exposure was true. METHODS: To evaluate this hypothesis, muddled poison ivy was applied to the skin in 8 tape- marked squares. Investigators washed areas, with soapy water, at seven time points: immediately, 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes. The control square was not washed. Pruritus and erythema were measured daily for 10 days. RESULTS: For allergic subjects, erythema and pruritus developed on all exposed areas except those washed immediately. Erythema was considerably worse on forearms, and increased with more time between the exposure and the washing. Washing 10 minutes after exposure produced less overall erythema (10 day sum) than washing after 60 minutes (p=0.03) CONCLUSIONS:This study represents the first report that only immediate washing after exposure will prevent poison ivy dermatitis. The results demonstrate that washing a poison ivy exposed area will not prevent dermatitis unless washing occurs immediately after contact has been made. Although earlier washing will reduce the severity of the reaction, primary preventative techniques (such as wearing clothing or using barrier creams) are recommended.

Relationship Between Metabolites of Vitamin D, Free 25-(OH)D, and Physical Performance in Indoor and Outdoor Athletes.

The potential effects of vitamin D in athletes have received considerable attention in the literature. However, little is known about vitamin D metabolites and their association with physical performance in athletes. Therefore, the aim of our study was to determine the relationship between metabolites of vitamin D, vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), free, bioavailable 25-(OH)D, and physical fitness tests in athletes. A total of 40 indoor and outdoor players (16 judoists and 24 football players) participated in the study. Vitamin D metabolites (25-(OH)D, 24,25-(OH)2D3, 3-epi-25-(OH)D3, and 1,25-(OH)2D) were assessed using LM-MS/MS. Free 25-(OH)D concentration was evaluated by calculation using serum albumin and VDBP levels. Athletic performance was assessed using handgrip and vertical jump. Our study showed a significant correlation between vitamin D metabolites and handgrip strength and vertical jump variables in indoor players. It demonstrated a significant association between 3-epi-25-(OH)D3 and vertical jump parameters in outdoor players. The results of our study showed relationship between free, bioavailable 25-(OH)D, and vertical jump variables in indoor players. In conclusion, we provide novel information on the vitamin D metabolites and athletic performance in athletes. Based on the results of our study, we concluded that vitamin D metabolites might be involved in skeletal muscle function in relation to athletic performance.

Comparison of Motivation Levels of Outdoor and Indoor Athletes Studying Physical Education and Sports Training

Purpose: The fact that the sports branch that the athletes are interested in is included in the group of indoor and outdoor sports or team and individual sports can create differences in the motivation levels of the athletes. In this study, it was aimed to compare the motivation levels of team and individual athletes who do sports in Indoor and Outdoor.Method: The Sports-Specific Achievement Motivation Scale (SSAMS) developed by Willis (1982) was used to determine the motivation levels of the athletes in the study. The study consists of athletes who take part in Archery, Athletics, Judo, Tennis, Muaythai, Shooting (Weapon), Volleyball, Football, Basketball, Handball and Field hockey teams in Turkey. A total of 259 athletes, 170 men and 89 women, in these teams were included in the study.Findings: When we compared the motivation levels of individual and team athletes, a significant difference was found in the sub-dimensions of “motivation to show strength”, “motivation to approach success” and “avoiding failure” (p &lt; 0.05). While a significant difference in the sub-dimensions of “motivation to show strength” and “motivation to approach success” was in favor of team athletes, “motivation to avoid failure” was found in favor of individual athletes (p &lt; 0.05). Motivation levels of indoor and outdoor athletes. A significant difference was found in the motivation sub-dimensions of “motivation of strength” and “motivation of avoiding failure” of indoor and outdoor athletes (p &lt; 0.05). It is seen that the significant difference is in favor of indoor athletes.Result: As a result; It has been determined that the sports branch differences that the athletes are interested in, the aims of their orientation to sports, the level of communication between the athletes studying physical education and sports training and the people who are in direct and constant communication, and the spatial differences in which the interested sports branch is performed can play an active role in the motivation levels of the athletes. The scarcity of studies on athletes in different branches doing sports in indoor and outdoor areas in the literature has shown that more studies are needed in this area.

Physical exercise, immune response, and susceptibility to infections-current knowledge and growing research areas.

This review presents state-of-the-art knowledge and identifies knowledge gaps for future research in the area of exercise-associated modifications of infection susceptibility. Regular moderate-intensity exercise is believed to have beneficial effects on immune health through lowering inflammation intensity and reducing susceptibility to respiratory infections. However, strenuous exercise, as performed by professional athletes, may promote infection: in about half of athletes presenting respiratory symptoms, no causative pathogen can be identified. Acute bouts of exercise enhance the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, which may induce infection-like respiratory symptoms. Relatively few studies have assessed the influence of regularly repeated exercise on the immune response and systemic inflammation compared to the effects of acute exercise. Additionally, ambient and environmental conditions may modify the systemic inflammatory response and infection susceptibility, particularly in outdoor athletes. Both acute and chronic regular exercise influence humoral and cellular immune response mechanisms, resulting in decreased specific and non-specific response in competitive athletes. The most promising areas of further research in exercise immunology include detailed immunological characterization of infection-prone and infection-resistant athletes, examining the efficacy of nutritional and pharmaceutical interventions as countermeasures to infection symptoms, and determining the influence of various exercise loads on susceptibility to infections with respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. By establishing a uniform definition of an "elite athlete," it will be possible to make a comparable and straightforward interpretation of data from different studies and settings.

Impact of thermal sensation on exercise performance in the heat: a Thermo Tokyo sub-study

Thermal perception, including thermal sensation (TS), influences exercise performance in the heat. TS is a widely used measure and we examined the impact of initial TS (iTS) on performance loss during exercise in simulated Tokyo environmental conditions among elite athletes. 105 Elite outdoor athletes (endurance, skill, power and mixed trained) participated in this crossover study. Participants performed a standardized exercise test in control (15.8 ± 1.2°C, 55 ± 6% relative humidity (RH)) and simulated Tokyo (31.6 ± 1.0°C, 74 ± 5% RH) conditions to determine performance loss. TS was assessed ± 5min prior to exercise (iTS) and every 5min during the incremental exercise test (TS). Based on iTS in the Tokyo condition, participants were allocated to a neutral (iTS = 0, n = 11), slightly warm (iTS = 1, n = 50), or warm-to-hot (iTS = 2/3, n = 44) subgroup. For the whole cohort iTS was 1 [1-2] and TS increased to 3 [3-3] at the end of exercise in the Tokyo condition. Average performance loss was 26.0 ± 10.7% in the Tokyo versus control condition. The slightly warm subgroup had less performance loss (22.3 ± 11.3%) compared to the warm-to-hot subgroup (29.4 ± 8.5%, p = 0.003), whereas the neutral subgroup did not respond different (28.8 ± 11.0%, p = 0.18) from the slightly warm subgroup. iTS impacted the magnitude of performance loss among elite athletes exercising in hot and humid conditions. Athletes with a warm-to-hot iTS had more performance loss compared to counterparts with a slightly warm iTS, indicating that pre-cooling strategies and/or heat acclimation may be of additional importance for athletes in the warm-to-hot iTS group to mitigate the impact of heat stress.

Construction of the Influence Mechanism of Participation Motivation on Safety Behavior of Mountain Outdoor Sportsmen under Tobacco Control Environment

Objectives: With the development of mountain sports, there are more and more participants but frequent safety accidents mainlyvictimizing participants. And even caused forest fires because participants smoked. However, as the motivation of participants is the driving force of their actions, theimpact on their safety behavior will inevitably affect the safety of participants in outdoor sports.And if Mountain outdoor Sportsmen are smokers, their safe behavior may be more difficult to control without smoking. Methods: in this study, a qualitative analysis was conducted on 33 interview materials to explore the mechanism of influence of participation motivation of mountain enthusiasts on safety behaviors, and the logical deduction and connotation explanation were carried out based on existing theories. Results: (1) Tobacco control environment does not affect participants’ participation motivation, so it does not affect participants’ safety behavior through participation motivation; (2) Mountain outdoor Sportsmen’ participation motivation has an impact on safety behavior; (3) Safety awareness is an intermediate variable of the influence of mountain outdoor Sportsmen’ participation in mountain outdoor sports on safety behavior; (4) Role clarity is the moderating variable of mountain outdoor sports participants’ influence on safety behavior. Conclusions: Smoking control environment cannot affect the safety behavior of mountain outdoor athletes through participation motivation, and there may be another mechanism, which needs to be further explored. The participation motivation of mountain outdoor sportsmen affected the safety behavior through the safety perception, but was moderated by Role clarity. And This mechanism needs further quantitative verification.

Vitamin D levels on sports injuries in outdoor and indoor athletes: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Objective Having vitamin D levels within normal limits is important for bone and muscle health and its deficiency may increase the risk of injury. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate whether vitamin D levels are different in indoor and outdoor athletes and its levels increase the risk of injury. Material and Methods Serum vitamin D levels were measured in Caucasian adolescent athletes, who admitted to the sports medicine polyclinic due to a routine health check or injury. The study was carried out at 38°26′ north latitude in İzmir between June and September 2019. After the physical examination of the injured athletes, the diagnoses were made accompanied by the findings obtained by imaging methods in cases of necessity. Results A total of 256 athletes, including swimmers (n = 87), basketball players (n = 104), and football (n = 65) players aged 13.2 (± 2.2) years, were investigated. The average serum vitamin D (25(OH)D) level in athletes was 29.2 (±10.0) ng/mL (6.0–66.0 ng/mL). Forty-six of all athletes (18%) had vitamin D deficiency, with a mean value of 15.7 (±4.0) ng/mL, and 93 of them (36.3%) had vitamin D deficiency with a mean value of 25.2 (±2.4) ng/mL. While vitamin D levels were significantly higher in football players (32 ng/mL) than in other athletes (p < 0.05), it was similar in basketball players (27 ng/mL) and swimmers (26 ng/mL) (p > 0.05). Vitamin D levels (26 ng/mL) of the injured athletes were significantly lower than those of the non-injured athletes (30 ng/mL) (p = 0.001). Bone injuries were significantly related to Vitamin D levels (p < 0.001) but not with muscle injuries (p > 0.05). Conclusion Frequency of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is higher in indoor athletes andis especially associated with risk of bone injuries . In order to examine the effect of vitamin D level on bone mineral density, comprehensive prospective studies are required.

Vitamin D in athletes: focus on physical performance and musculoskeletal injuries.

[Purpose]The aim of this review was to discuss the effects of vitamin D on physical performance and musculoskeletal injuries in athletes and provide information on the field applications of vitamin D. [Methods]A systematic review was conducted to identify studies on vitamin D in athletes that assessed serum vitamin D levels, vitamin D and physical performance, vitamin D and musculoskeletal injuries, and practical guidelines for supplementation of vitamin D. [Results]Several studies reported that a high proportion of athletes had vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency. Low serum levels of vitamin D in athletes were more pronounced in winter than in other seasons, and indoor athletes had lower serum vitamin D levels than outdoor athletes. Low vitamin D levels have been demonstrated to have negative effects on muscle strength, power, and endurance; increase stress fractures and other musculoskeletal injuries; and affect acute muscle injuries and inflammation following high-intensity exercises. Therefore, periodic assessment and monitoring of vitamin D levels are necessary in athletes; the recommended serum level of 25(OH)D is > 32 ng/mL and the preferred level is > 40 ng/mL (-1). In those with low levels of vitamin D, exposure to sunlight and an improved diet or supplements may be helpful. Particularly, 2000–6000 IU of supplemental vitamin D3 can be consumed daily. [Conclusion]Vitamin D is a potential nutritional factor that can significantly affect physical performance and musculoskeletal injuries in athletes. The importance and role of vitamin D in athletes should be emphasized, and the current levels of vitamin D should be assessed. Therefore, it is essential to periodically evaluate and monitor serum vitamin D levels in athletes.

Comparison of vitamin D sufficiency between indoor and outdoor elite male collegiate athletes.

ABSTRACTThis study compared vitamin D sufficiency between indoor and outdoor elite athletes. We also evaluated the association between vitamin D level, body composition, and stress fractures incidence. 27 outdoor elite male collegiate athletes (field hockey players) and 21 indoor elite male collegiate athletes (fencing players) were enrolled. Participants’ demographic information including past fractures were recorded. Furthermore, all the athletes’ body compositions including percentage of body fat were measured. Blood samples were collected to test serum calcium, phosphorus, and 25(OH)D. levels. Participants were classified into three groups: vitamin D sufficiency (serum 25(OH)D levels of ≥30 ng/ml), vitamin D insufficiency (serum 25(OH)D levels of <30 ng/ml), and vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH)D levels of <20 ng/ml). The indoor athletes showed significantly higher mean percentage of body fat than outdoor athletes, 12.2 ± 3.2% and 9.7 ± 3.7%, respectively. The serum 25(OH)D levels of indoor athletes were significantly lower than those of outdoor athletes, 15.3 ± 3.3 ng/mL and 24.9 ± 4.5 ng/ml, respectively (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the indoor athletes showed a significantly higher rate of vitamin D deficiency than the outdoor athletes, 19 of 21 (90.5%) and 5 of 27 (18.5%), respectively (P < 0.001). The cohort of outdoor athletes with stress fractures’ history had significantly lower serum 25(OH)D levels than those without history of any fractures, 21.1 ± 4.3 ng/ml and 26.4 ± 3.0 ng/ml, respectively (P < 0.05). In conclusion, a majority of the indoor elite athletes were vitamin D-deficient. The serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly higher in outdoor elite athletes. However, lower serum 25(OH)D levels might be associated with stress fractures among outdoor athletes.

Association of Serum Vitamin D Levels and Stress Fractures in Collegiate Athletes.

Background:Low vitamin D levels along with high-intensity athletic training may put an athlete at increased risk for a stress fracture.Purpose:To assess whether supplementation with vitamin D is associated with a reduced risk of stress fractures in college athletes. We also assessed differences in vitamin D levels among athletes participating in outdoor versus indoor sports.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:The study participants included 802 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I intercollegiate athletes (497 men and 305 women) on a sports team for at least 1 semester from 2012 to 2018. All athletes who had a baseline vitamin D level in their medical record were included. Athletes with vitamin D levels <40 ng/mL were given vitamin D supplements. We assessed differences in the rate of stress fracture among those who maintained or improved vitamin D levels to ≥40 ng/mL and those who did not, as well as differences in average baseline vitamin D levels by sport type (indoor vs outdoor).Results:The rate of stress fracture was 12% higher (95% CI, 6-19; P < .001) for those who remained low in vitamin D compared with those who were low at baseline but improved their vitamin D status to ≥40 ng/mL. The rate of stress fracture was also 12% higher (95% CI, 5-18; P < .001) for those who had low vitamin D levels compared with those who maintained normal levels. The mean baseline vitamin D values were significantly higher for men participating in outdoor sports versus indoor sports. For men, the mean vitamin D level was 5.7 ng/mL higher (95% CI, 0.9-10.5; P = .01) in outdoor athletes. For women, the mean vitamin D level was 3.7 ng/mL higher (95% CI, –0.58 to 8.03; P < .04) for outdoor versus indoor sports.Conclusion:Study results indicated that correcting low serum vitamin D levels reduces the risk of stress fracture. This study also presented evidence that athletes who participate in indoor sports may be at greater risk for vitamin D deficiency than those who compete in outdoor sports.

“Try Not to Make Waves”: Managing Gender Discrimination in Outdoor Recreation

The presence of women in male-dominated settings, such as outdoor adventure recreation, is received with suspicion, whereby they must demonstrate competence before they are accepted and treated as being equal to men. This multiple case study examined four female professional outdoor athletes to explore experiences of gender discrimination in their professional interactions and their response to those experiences. The athletes experienced disparate treatment and each articulated distinct and clear examples of overt discrimination. In response to this discrimination, the athletes downplayed their experiences and indicated they could or should have managed these situations better and described how they took it upon themselves to adapt to the “reality” of being a woman in the professional ranks of outdoor recreation. While the athletes’ responses conform to broad cultural expectations, they warrant additional investigation and exploration.

Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure, Risk, and Protection in Military and Outdoor Athletes.

Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun is associated with deleterious health effects including, but not limited to, increased risk of skin cancers. Military personnel and those who participate in outdoor exercise or sports represent two potential populations at elevated risk of negative health consequences of UVR exposure due to large amounts of time spent outdoors, often in harsh UVR environments. Despite exposure to high and/or frequent doses of UVR in recreational and tactical athletes, adequate sun-protection practices are often disregarded or not well understood by many within these at-risk populations, resulting in heightened risk of negative UVR effects. The focus of this review is to examine the available literature regarding UVR exposure, risk of adverse health effects of UVR exposure, and sun protection practices in outdoor exercisers, athletes, and military personnel.