Sports Practice Research Articles

Effects of subject-specific professional knowledge and skills of physical education teachers on students’ learning progress

AbstractAlthough the subject-specific professional knowledge of teachers is considered to be of central importance with regard to the learning performance of their students, there is only sparse empirical evidence on this issue. Moreover, current studies are primarily limited to the subject of mathematics. The aim of this article is to investigate the significance of subject-specific professional knowledge and skills of physical education (PE) teachers on the practical learning gains of their students based on a panel study. In order to measure both non-contextual knowledge and contextual skills on the teachers’ side, paper–pencil tests as well as video and text vignettes were used as test instruments. On the students’ side, practical sport skills were assessed in a pretest–posttest design to evaluate competence growth with regard to complex sports performance. An effect chain with mediation processes was postulated. Multilevel modeling analyzing 1669 students who were taught by 74 teachers could prove significant performance improvements for the students, but none of the four differentiated knowledge dimensions (content knowledge, non-contextual; pedagogical content knowledge, non-contextual; content knowledge, contextual; pedagogical content knowledge, contextual) of the teachers could explain these learning gains. Thus, the results are in line with various studies in mathematics and suggest that direct effects of teachers’ professional knowledge on students’ learning gains seem to be lost. The results therefore suggest that while basic and broad professional knowledge is required for instructional success, specific expertise in certain competence areas does not lead to additional learning success among students. Further research within the EPiC-PE study is needed to provide a more comprehensive picture of the relationships between professional knowledge and skills, classroom behavior, instructional processes, and learning outcomes.

Transmettre l’héritage actif : influence de l’activité physique parentale sur celle de sa progéniture

ObjectivesParents’ habits can have an impact on those of their children. The objective of was to evaluate the general knowledge and motivations of parents regarding physical activity and to study the behavior of their children during adolescence. Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was carried on 123 adolescents and their parents. A survey including background information, practice of sport and a physical activity diary for calculating the physical activity level (PAL). Questions on knowledge in relation to physical activity, sedentary lifestyle and motivations for the practice were asked. Anthropometric measurements were recorded. The significance level was P<0.05. ResultsOverweight and obesity were present among parents and adolescents with respectively 32.5% vs 8.1% (P=0.0000) and 13.0% vs 4.9% (P=0.0255). Adolescents practiced a sporting activity more than their parents (P=0.0000). For the PAL, it was higher in parents (P=0.0054). A positive association was shown between the PAL of parents and that of their children (r=0.1302; P=0.1534). Regarding parents’ knowledge, 66.7% (P=0.0000) believed that there was no age limit for practicing sport, and 52.8% of parents thought that time spent sitting in front of a computer is not a sedentary activity (P=0.3720). For adolescents, 55.3% had an average score between 1 and 2 representing behavior related to physical activity that needs to be improved. ConclusionThe results suggest awareness-raising and information actions for parents to raise awareness of the benefits of physical activity and the disadvantages of a sedentary lifestyle, so that they can correct the behavior of their offspring.

Effects of mindfulness intervention on competition state anxiety in sprinters—a randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesWith the rapid growth of China’s sprint program’s international competitiveness, the psychological problems of sprinters have become a common concern in sports training theory and practice. Hence, the study examined the impact of a 7-week Mindfulness training program on competition state anxiety in Chinese sprinters.MethodsTwenty-four sprinters (Mage = 22.46 ± 1.351) were selected in a 2 × 3 mixed design, with the group (mindfulness/control) as the between-subjects variable and test time (pre-test/mid-test/post-test) as the within-subjects variable. The dependent variables corresponded to the mindfulness score and competition state anxiety score. One 60-min session was conducted once a week for 7 weeks, and the control group did not undergo any psychological training. The mindfulness group received mindfulness training, and the control group received regular psychological guidance. The subjects filled in the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and the Competition State Anxiety Scale at baseline, followed by additional assessments 3 weeks and 7 weeks later.Results(1) In terms of competition state anxiety, there were no significant differences in the pre-test between the mindfulness group and the control group. There were significant differences in sprinters’ competition state anxiety after mindfulness intervention in terms of time, group, and the interaction between time and groups (p = 0.03, 0.004, and 0.009). (2) In terms of the mindfulness level, the difference between the mindfulness group and the control group was not significant in the pre-test. The sprinters’ mindfulness level was significant in the interaction between groups and that between groups and time after mindfulness intervention (p = 0.027 and 0.028).ConclusionMindfulness training alleviated sprinters’ competition anxiety by reducing sprinters’ somatic state anxiety (SSA) and cognitive state anxiety (CSA), as well as improving state self-efficacy. The results provide guidance and references for Chinese sprinters’ psychological problems.

The emergence of new mountain biking media practices: toward a culture of inclusive mountain biking

Mountain biking has grown rapidly in the past thirty years, yet only 20% of participants in the UK are women. Prior research on media representations in action sports identifies its role in reproducing masculine sporting cultures. Focus on mountain biking is limited, and has failed to give voice to women’s experiences with the sport’s media, nor explore the entanglement between sport and media practices. This study takes a practice theory approach. We theorize women mountain biker’s media practices, bringing these in dialogue with a content analysis of two online mountain biking media sites. We find the media continues to anchor male authority and reinforce hypermasculinity, falling short of its transformative potential. Women disengage and can feel disconnected from mountain biking, yet al.so reject and curate an alternative culture through online media practices which opens up spaces for new schemas of meaning and practice performances to emerge.

Leveraging the cultural intelligence of sport employees in the globalized sports industry

PurposeIn the contemporary globalized sports industry, it is crucial for sport employees to cultivate an essential capability – cultural intelligence (CQ) – to excel in culturally diverse sport environments. The purpose of this study is to propose a comprehensive conceptual framework of sport employees' CQ for enhancing management practices in sport organizations.Design/methodology/approachBy conducting a thorough literature review of relevant business and sport management literature, this research offers a synopsis of CQ and advocates for the advancement of a developed conceptual framework for sport employees' CQ (CQ-SE).FindingsThe conceptual framework of CQ-SE is proposed to facilitate employees’ effective integration into diverse environments within sport organizations. This framework identifies predictors that enhance sport employees’ CQ, moderating factors to provide deeper insights into these relationships and outcomes at individual, group and organizational levels. We additionally elaborate on the anticipated benefits for stakeholders, given the services provided by sport practitioners.Originality/valueThis study is one of the initial endeavors to conceptualize the concept of CQ for sport employees. This study contributes to the literature on sport organizational culture and human resource management by emphasizing the pivotal role of sport employees’ CQ in promoting greater inclusivity in sport organizations. We encourage sport management researchers to explore the application of CQ in sport contexts and empirically test the relationships proposed in this framework.

STUDY CONCERNING THE IMPROVEMENT OF SPEED THROUGH BASKETBALL SPECIFIC TRAINING

Background. The major importance of physical education lessons in higher education is achieved through their contribution to maintaining health, to compensating for the increased intellectual efforts generated by passing exams. Basketball training helps in the positive development of the general and specific motor capacity required by the subsequent professional activity, as well as to the achievement of the necessary framework for recreation and the practice of the favorite sport. Therefore, at this level, the achievement of the following objectives will be mainly pursued: – maintaining health and increasing the ability to adapt to changing conditions; – the development of the general motor capacity necessary to carry out the sports activity; – improving the somato-functional indices and optimizing the relationship between them. Physical training is a component of sports training that constitutes the pivot for all other components, constituting the starting point for the entire training process (Ardelean. T, 1996). General physical training has different weightages in training, depending on the experience of the students and for the training of beginner students it is very important that the time allocated is much greater than in the training of students from older years. Objectives. This study aims to find and offer, through specific basketball exercises, how to improve the quality of speed. Speed should be present in the equipment of the "motric luggage" of each student, considering the evolution of our modern society, to dynamic games. This speed quality motor offers several advantages to basketball players: – allows the execution of thechnical and tactic actions in a sustained rhythm. – gives the player a high degree of complexity and dynamic adaptation to playing basketball. – develops the player's thinking, attention, rationality and ability to concentrate. Methods. For this study we used the following research methods: documentation, observation method, statistical method, graphical representation method and experimental method. Results. For checking the motility of students enrolled in educational experiment we chose the following control samples: speed running 15m, speed running 20m and dribbling through cones. Conclusion. The results of this test depend both on the execution speed and the technique in performing the dribbling. We therefore recommend that these results can be improved both by increasing the speed of movement and the execution technique.

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF INJURIES AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN ATHLETES PARTICIPATING IN 2022 AEROBIC GYMNASTICS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPD CHAMPIONSHIP ATHLETES

Exercise is described as a preventive and therapeutic strategy against various diseases. However, competitive sports practice is associated with an increased risk of injuries, particularly with specialization and more intense training at younger ages. Given the importance of surveillance and epidemiological studies to protect athletes’ health, our study aimed to describe the prevalence of injuries among athletes at the 2022 Aerobic Gymnastics World Championship (WCH) and to understand the intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors that may contribute to these injuries. Athletes participating in WCH 2022 were invited to complete a retrospective injury questionnaire covering the past 12 months of their training schedule. Descriptive statistic data were used to analyze all variables in the study. Seventy-three percent of athletes reported sustaining injuries, with an average of 1.6 ± 1.5 injuries occurring one to three times in the past year. The most common injuries were muscle injuries, joint sprains, stress fractures, and contusions, with the lower limbs being the most affected, followed by the upper body and trunk. Regarding injury risk factors, a significant number of athletes reported experiencing psychological stress (p=0.043) and concerns about individual protection equipment (p=0.042). Given that the type of injury and affected body region seem to be related to sports-specific movements, the impact absorption of the floor and footwear should be studied further. Additionally, injury prevention measures should include coping strategies to manage stress effectively.

Relationship Between Multi-Teaching Styles and Didactics Effectiveness on Rugby Instructors and Minirugby Players

Background/Objectives: The concept of educational systems thinking shows the rugby educational system as a network of multiple interactive and interconnected elements. However, the frameworks presented in the literature for developing sports practice through an educational vision and multisport engagement do not always have direct transferability to instructors’ training courses. The study aims to evaluate the correlation between rugby instructors’ methodological and didactical competencies and compare them with children’s motor competence and psychological aspects. Methods: Two hundred twenty children (9.6 ± 1.1 years) and 50 instructors (39.0 ± 13.6 years) were enrolled. Instructors’ competencies were investigated during the internship through evaluation sheets, questionnaires, and video analysis. Children’s motor competence and psychological aspects were investigated through motor tests, questionnaires, and video analysis. Results: The correlation between methodological competencies and didactical-communicative competencies showed a positive significance, especially regarding production styles. Motor competence and play skills in children showed poor results. The group of instructors with more methodological competencies (a greater number of teaching styles used) showed a strong correlation between motor competence and psychological aspects. Conclusions: For successful teaching, knowledge of specific technical skills is not enough, and it is important to consider all the factors (in particular, the teaching-communicative and methodological skills) that contribute most to instructors’ skills.

Design of urban spaces and connections with sports

This paper aims to investigate the connections between sports and Urban Regeneration, and the role these connections can have in the communities of the cities. The promotion of physical activity within urban areas is today a driving force for economic and social development, and intervenes in the fragile conditions of cities. Design, as a discipline of connection between the active components of these transformations, becomes an instrument of inclusion. The interaction between people and urban space is central in promoting physical activity and a diversified community commitment. The paper investigates practices and tools of the discipline in the relationship between urban spaces and sports practices, and how this relationship leads communities to conceive new development opportunities.

Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease prevalence in master athletes exhibiting exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmias: relevance for preparticipation screening

Abstract Background Coronary atherosclerotic disease (CAD) is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death among master athletes (≥35 years). During pre-participation screening (PPS), the primary indication for investigating CAD in these population is ST-segment depression (STD) at exercise test (ET). Additionally, a developing indication involves the identification of high-risk premature ventricular beats (PVBs). Nevertheless, the prevalence of CAD among master athletes displaying PVBs remains uncertain. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of CAD in master athletes who underwent coronary computed tomography (CCT) due to high-risk PVBs during PPS (emerging indication), and to compare this population to age-, gender- and risk factors-matched group of athletes who underwent CCT due to STD during ET (traditional indication). Methods We retrospectively enrolled master athletes with no baseline ECG abnormalities and no previous history of heart disease who underwent CCT because of a positive ET during PPS, for PVBs or STD. The entity of the disease was assessed using the CAD-RADs scoring system. Results The population resulted to be composed by 130 Caucasian athletes, median age 54 (46.5-60.5 years, 84% male), 74% practiced endurance sports. Eighty-two (63%) of them underwent CCT for STD and 48 (37%) for high-risk PVBs. A CAD-RADs of 0 was detected in 64.3% of athletes, 1-2 in 22.2%, 3 in 6.3%, and 4A-4B in 7.1%. A significant CAD was found in 10.4% of athletes investigated for PVBs at ET, and 14.6% in subjects with STD (p=0.5). Among athletes with moderate-severe CAD, 82.4% had one or more cardiovascular risk factors, while 17.6% had no risk factors (Figure 1). Conclusions The prevalence of CAD in master athletes is equivalent in case of PVBs and STD. The severity of CAD increases with an increasing number of cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, in these cases the number of risk factors is an important variable to consider in the prescription of CCT.Figure 1

Loneliness and Problematic Internet Use in Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Dissociation

Background/Objectives. Problematic Internet uUse (PIU) is a multifaceted syndrome characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges, or behaviors regarding Internet use leading to significant impairments in daily life and mental health. Previous research has separately related PIU to loneliness and dissociation, both in adults and adolescents. The aim of the present study is to analyze the mutual relationship between PIU, loneliness, and dissociation in an adolescent sample, in particular evaluating the indirect effect of dissociation on the relationship between loneliness and PIU. Methods. A cross-sectional design was used with 243 Italian high school students (69.1% females), from year 9 to 13 (age: M = 17.1, SD = 1.4 years), who participated in the study from January to June 2020. They completed measures of PIU (Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale-2), loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale), and dissociation (Adolescent Dissociative Experiences Scale). Socio-demographic and contextual variables were also collected (i.e., age, gender, type of school, school year, sport practice, hobby engagement, assessment before/during the COVID-19 pandemic). Data were analyzed using regression, Pearson’s correlation, and mediation analysis. Results. Severe PIU was observed in 8.6% of the sample. None of the socio-demographic and contextual variables had a significant effect on PIU. Positive medium-sized correlations were observed between PIU, loneliness, and dissociation. Mediation analyses showed an indirect effect of loneliness on PIU through dissociation. Conclusions. Feelings of loneliness may significantly exacerbate adolescents’ PIU by increasing their dissociative tendency. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for developing targeted interventions to address both loneliness and dissociation in efforts to mitigate PIU among adolescents.

ESTRATÉGIAS DE CONFORTO AMBIENTAL PARA QUADRAS FECHADAS VOLTADAS A ESPORTES DE ALTO RENDIMENTO

Sports architecture, with its particularities, is essential to optimize the efficiency of environments, considering the specific needs of each sport. This article addresses environmental comfort strategies applied to indoor courts intended for high-performance sports, highlighting the importance of an architecturally planned environment to ensure the well-being of athletes and optimize their performance. The study focuses on thermal, visual, acoustic and ergonomic aspects, and analyzes how each of these factors influences sports performance. In addition, it explores the interaction between the body and the physical environment, proposing solutions that favor the creation of functional and comfortable spaces for sports practice and competitive events. The research, of a bibliographic and exploratory nature, brings together concepts of environmental psychology and athletic performance, in addition to highlighting the construction strategies of ventilation, lighting and acoustic control that can be applied to indoor courts with the aim of promoting human well-being. The work proposes solutions so that sports centers offer adequate conditions for sports practice, supporting the creation of environments that favor both the satisfaction and the enhancement of the performance of athletes. From this study, it is possible to define the importance of the preparation and competition environment in the performance of high-performance athletes, and architecture, linked to environmental comfort, is shown to be a tool for the development of these spaces, essential for success in national and international sports competitions.

Omega-3 and Sports: Focus on Inflammation

Inflammation is expected in sports, especially when practiced at a high level. The human body is pushed toward its limit, and this is perceived as a “stressogenic agent”. Athletes, especially elite ones, desire it because their bodies can react with super-compensation, i.e., improve muscle mass, strength, speed, resistance, and, therefore, athletic performance. Thus, the inflammatory stimuli should be there during training but also counteracted to have the body placed in the optimal conditions for reacting with super-compensation. In this sense, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have anti-inflammatory biochemical activity. In this review, we will present the biochemical mechanisms of action of omega-3 fatty acids through their mediators, specialized pro-resolving mediators, which have anti-inflammatory activity. A focus will be on studies on omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in sports, and we will provide indications for possible practical applications and future studies, which are undoubtedly necessary to clarify the omega-3 fatty acids used in sports practice.

Proximal avulsion of the hamstring in young athlete patients: a case series and review of literature.

Hamstring injuries are a frequent occurrence of athletes, leading to a stop in practice and long-term alterations in sports performance. About 12% of these lesions involve avulsion at the level of the proximal insertion that can be complete (about 6%) or partial. Starting from an epidemiological and treatment evaluation of these lesions in literature, the aim of this study was to examine the functional outcomes and the rate of "return to play" in a population composed of athletes of various levels who have undergone surgery to reinsert the hamstring muscles at the ischial insertion, for a complete detachment of one or more tendon heads. Therefore, a retrospective study was carried out where 18 patients treated at the Orthopedics and Traumatology Unit of the I.R.C.C.S. San Matteo in Pavia (Italy) were identified in a time span ranging from March 2012 to August 2020. The sample was analysed taking into account age, sex and risk factors, as well as the pathophysiology and anatomy of the injury using the Wood classification, the time elapsed before surgery, the duration of the rehabilitation protocol and the possible return to sports activity, comparing the level of sports performance in the pre- and post-operative period using the Tegner Activity Score (TAS). Different post-operative outcome evaluation scores (Perth Hamstring Assessment Tool PHAT and Lower Extremity Functional ScaleLEFS) were also compared with each other in order to find a correlation with the real level of return to sporting activity. The mean age at surgery was 26.4 11.6 years. The population is composed of 14 males (77.8%) and 4 females (22.2%). All 18 patients returned to sports following surgery (100%). Of these patients, 17 (94%) maintained a level of sports performance equal to that before the injury. 100% of patients rated the outcome of the surgery as satisfactory. This study has shown that Hamstring reinsertion surgery is a correct indication in all athletes, allowing them a satisfactory return to sports practice.

Finding a way in and making it stick: an exploration of chiropractor experiences working in team-oriented elite sport practice settings

Interprofessional healthcare teams have become the benchmark for optimising athlete health and performance in high-stakes sports. Despite a history of utility as provider partners, chiropractors are currently a relatively underutilised...

Retrospective Video Analysis of Orofacial Injuries during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Introduction: Football Association is the most practiced sport in the world. However, as a contact sport in which athletes are subject to impacts and injuries of different etiologies, the risk of orofacial injuries is high. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence of orofacial injuries during the FIFA World Cup - Qatar 2022™. Materials and Methods: Video analyses were performed of all 64 games of the World Cup, with the determination of the quantity of orofacial injuries that occurred between players as well as the different types and characteristics of these injuries. The data were incorporated into a database and subsequently analyzed with the aid of the SPSS program (version 17.0). Results: At least one orofacial injury occurred in 96.87% of the games. The greatest incidence of orofacial injury was due to impacts. Four athletes used a face shield and only one used a mouthguard. Conclusion: The incidence of orofacial injuries was high among the players who participated in the 2022 World Cup and impact was the most frequent etiology of such injuries.

Orthorexia nervosa tendencies and risk of eating disorders among culinary arts students: A comparative study with dietetics students.

Students pursuing food-related academic fields such as dietetics have higher orthorexia nervosa (ON) tendencies and are at a greater risk of developing eating disorders (EDs). However, there is limited research available on ON tendencies and on the risk of EDs in the culinary arts field, which also revolves around food. The present study explored ON tendencies and the risk of EDs among culinary arts students and compared them with those of dietetics students. A cross-sectional study was conducted in France, using the eating habits questionnaire (EHQ) to measure ON tendencies, and the SCOFF as well as the eating disorders examination questionnaire (EDEQ) to evaluate the risk of EDs and ED symptoms. The study also included questions about sports practice. In total, 267 students participated in the study, including 144 culinary arts students (51 women, 92 men and one other) and 123 dietetics ones (106 women, 15 men and two others). Culinary arts students exhibited similar means of EHQ scores as dietetics ones (32.99 vs. 33.34) but higher SCOFF scores (52.8% vs.39.8%). In addition, a gender difference was evidenced: women in culinary arts showed higher EHQ, SCOFF and EDEQ scores than men in culinary arts. Linear regression models showed no effect of the type of academic field (culinary arts vs. dietetics) on the EDEQ score but revealed effects of gender, body mass index and hours of sports practice. The study emphasises the need to monitor culinary students and implement interventions to prevent EDs. It also suggests a correlation between food-related education and the risk of EDs, which requires further research.

Risk profiles for self-medication with analgesics among elite German handball players

This study presents empirical evidence on self-medication with analgesics among elite German handball players. The aim is to elucidate the intentions behind therapeutic and preventive analgesic use and identify high-risk profiles for this complex health-risk behavior based on psychosocial factors. Data were collected from 459 handball players (233 female, 226 male athletes) across the highest German divisions (1st – 3rd and German Youth Handball Bundesliga) through a quantitative online survey conducted between October 2021 and April 2022. The survey requested demographic information and details on analgesic use patterns, intentions behind analgesic use, and psychosocial variables. The study shows that athletes use self-medication with painkillers as a coping strategy to manage distractions from acute injuries and pain as well as to prevent expected distractions. Engaging in self-medication allows athletes to navigate the pressures of elite sport. Classification tree analysis revealed distinct risk profiles for therapeutic and preventive analgesic use. Key factors of self-medication include age, athletic identity, willingness to compete hurt, and perceived performance state. The high-risk group for therapeutic self-medication with analgesics consists of senior athletes. The high-risk group for using analgesics preventively, in contrast, is composed of athletes over the age of 17 with strong negative affectivity, a heightened willingness to take risks, and good perceived performance. Our findings highlight the necessity for specific interventions to address the multifaceted motivations behind self-medication and promote safer practices in elite sports. Future research should concentrate on longitudinal studies and diverse athlete populations and use qualitative studies to gain a deeper understanding of the determinants of analgesic use and to develop effective intervention strategies.

Diaphragmatic Ultrasonography in Sports Performance: A Systematic Review

This paper aims to investigate and analyze the correlation between diaphragmatic parameters through ultrasonography and sports performance in various sports disciplines. This systematic review followed the PRISMA methodology. The search strategy was applied in the Medline database through Ovid, EMBASE, LILACS, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Open Gray. Clinical trials, cohort, case–control, and cross-sectional studies were included, and animal experiments were excluded. A total of 388 studies were identified. After removing duplicates and screening titles and abstracts, sixteen studies were selected for full review, and six were included in the qualitative analysis. The results demonstrated a positive correlation between diaphragm excursion and thickness during inspiration with the anaerobic power, highlighting their importance in high-intensity performance. Additionally, one study reported a positive correlation between diaphragm thickness and aerobic power, suggesting the need for further research. The impact of inspiratory muscle training in Paralympic athletes was also evaluated, providing valuable insights into diaphragmatic adaptation in disabled populations. Ultrasonography is a feasible tool for evaluating the structure and function of the diaphragm, the main element of the respiratory process during sports practice. Its use could contribute to the evaluation and planning of sports training and be a possible indicator of performance improvement.

Etiology, Epidemiology And Methods Of Preventing Sudden Death Of Cardiac Origin In Sports

Introduction: Numerous epidemiological studies have consistently shown an association between moderate aerobic exercise and decreased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and death, and even a small amount of exercise provides a significant reduction in risk compared to a sedentary lifestyle Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the etiology, epidemiology and prevention of sudden cardiac death in sports. Methodology: The methodology used was a literature review. The research was carried out by means of an electronic search for scientific articles published on the Scielo (Scientific Electronic Library Online) and Lilacs (Latin American Health Sciences Literature) and Pubmed websites. The health terminologies consulted in the Health Sciences descriptors (DeCS/BIREME) were used; the etiology, epidemiology and ways of preventing sudden cardiac death in sports practices. Discussion: An important distinction must be made between hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and “athlete's heart syndrome”. In this syndrome, intense physical training leads to various morphological and physiological alterations, especially left ventricular hypertrophy. Conclusion: The complete health safety of athletes consists of periodic pre-participation clinical assessment as well as emergency measures, mainly in competition venues, consisting of the availability of health professionals