Sport Guidelines Research Articles

Rights-based policies for role-bearing people: Are geo-cultural norms a hindrance to cultivating safer sport?

Many (inter)national governments and sports organisations are implementing standardised Safe Sport policies and guidelines. However, the Western-born, rights-based norm that underlies Safe Sport can collide with pre-existing geo-sociocultural norms of local contexts. Drawing from a case study of South Korea's elite sport pathway where tightened regulations on abuse challenge the long-lasting relational hierarchy based on Confucianism, this paper examines how athletes and coaches manoeuvre within the fast-changing social order shaped by the new safeguarding policies and practices. Analysing data from semi-structured interviews with 48 participants around two Elite Sports Schools, the paper shows that the rights-based norm integral to Safe Sport is sifted through the Confucian hierarchy, generating two main shifts respectively in coaches’ roles (from caring disciplinarians to professional service providers) and senior athletes’ (from potential abusers to benevolent superiors). That is, individual actors re-script their relational template by negotiating between the familiar and new relational ethics. From this, the paper suggests that Safe Sport is not a straightforward process of modernising less advanced practices up to a certain standard; it requires understanding how individuals make sense of the process in their own socio-cultural contexts.

Orthostatic Vital Signs After Sport-Related Concussion: A Cohort Study

Background: The 6th International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport guidelines identified that measuring autonomic nervous system dysfunction using orthostatic vital signs (VSs) is an important part of the clinical evaluation; however, there are limited data on the frequency of autonomic nervous system dysfunction captured via orthostatic VSs after concussion. Purpose: To compare orthostatic changes in heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) between athletes with acute sport-related concussion (SRC) and control athletes. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We compared 133 athletes (mean age, 15.3 years; age range, 8-28 years; 45.9% female) with acute SRC (<30 days after injury) with 100 control athletes (mean age, 15.7 years; age range, 10-28 years; 54.0% female). Given the broad age range eligible for study inclusion, participants were subdivided into child (younger than 13 years of age), adolescent (13-17 years of age), and adult (18 years of age and older) age groups for subanalyses. Participants completed a single standard orthostatic VS evaluation including HR, SBP, and DBP in the supine position then immediately and 2 minutes after standing. Linear regression was used to compare delayed supine-to-standing changes in HR, SBP, and DBP as a continuous variable (ΔHR, ΔSPB, and ΔDBP) between groups, and logistic regression was used to compare patients with positive orthostatic VS changes (sustained HR increase ≥30 beats per minute [bpm], SBP decrease ≥20 mm Hg, and DBP ≥10 mm Hg at 2 minutes) between groups, accounting for age and sex. Results: Between-group differences were present for delayed ΔHR (18.4 ± 12.7 bpm in patients with SRC vs 13.2 ± 11.0 bpm in controls; P = .002) and ΔSPB (–3.1 ± 6.6 bpm in patients with SRC vs –0.4 ± 6.5 bpm in controls; P = .001), with positive orthostatic HR changes present more frequently in patients with SRC (18% vs 7%; odds ratio, 2.79; P = .027). In the SRC group, a weak inverse relationship was present between age and ΔHR (r = –0.171; P = .049), with positive orthostatic HR findings occurring primarily in the child and adolescent SRC subgroups. Conclusion: Patients with acute SRC had greater orthostatic VS changes compared with controls, the most prominent being sustained HR elevations. Clinical evaluation of autonomic change after SRC via standard orthostatic VS assessment may be a helpful clinical biomarker in the assessment of SRC, especially in children and adolescents.

Sport Safety Policies for People with Disabilities : A Comparative Study of New Zealand, the USA, and the UK

PURPOSE By comparing and analyzing the sport safety policies in New Zealand, the USA, and the UK, this study sought to propose sport safety policies for people with disabilities in Korea.METHODS This study utilized a comparative research design in three steps. Policy documents were collected from the websites of institutions that directly or indirectly influence the sports safety policies for people with disabilities in each country, as well as academic articles from both domestic and international research databases.RESULTS The data analysis revealed each country’s legal basis, operating entities, and delivery systems.CONCLUSIONS Based on the results, the following implications for the development of sports safety policies for people with disabilities are presented. First, the current legislation system that serves as a foundation for the sports safety policy should be strengthened. Second, a cooperative system should be established among various operating entities related to sports for people with disabilities. Third, the delivery system of sports safety policies for people with disabilities needs to be diversified. To sustain the growing participation of such individuals in sports, developing sports safety policies and guidelines specific to people with disabilities at the national level is essential.

A Narrative Review of Contact Sports Participation in Children and Young Athletes With a Solitary (Functioning) Kidney

Background: Evidence is sparse regarding the incidence or prevalence of renal or genitourinary injuries arising from contact sports. There are currently no World Health Organization or European consensus guidelines relating to the participation in sport for children and young athletes with a solitary (functioning) kidney. Purpose: To review the international literature and to make sport-specific recommendations for children and young athletes with a solitary (functioning) kidney participating in sports, based on the overall likelihood of potential renal or genitourinary injury. Study Design: Narrative review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A descriptive epidemiological study was conducted of current literature according to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and PubMed databases were queried from 1975 to 2023, to assess available evidence regarding the prevalence and risk of renal injury through sports participation and guidelines surrounding the participation in sports for children and young athletes with a solitary (functioning) kidney. Methodological quality and certainty of evidence were assessed according to the International Classification of Urological Disease guidelines. Results: A total of 28 publications were identified after database searches and exclusions, comprising 40,889 patients. The majority of papers providing recommendations arose from the United States. Of the recommendations, 79% permitted an unrestricted return to noncontact sports. A return to contact sports is permitted in most instances after physician consultation. Conclusion: There is a dearth of good-quality published evidence in the literature relating to sports participation with a solitary (functioning) kidney. Overall, the risk of genitourinary injury in sports is low, and after physician assessment, there is currently no strong evidence to exclude children and young athletes with a solitary (functioning) kidney from full participation in contact and collision sports.

A Sweat Absorbing Skin Electrode for Electrophysiology During Exercise

AbstractElectrophysiological signals are commonly used to assess health performance, providing valuable information on body status. However, stable signal acquisition by commercial Ag/AgCl gel or metal electrodes is susceptible to electrode/skin interface interferences due to perspiration and motion during exercise. To address this challenge, herein a sweat absorbing skin electrode (SAE) is designed, which can not only become softer and more adhesive but also enhance conductivity after sweat during exercise. The resulting stable interface between SAE/skin after sweat enables accurate and continuous electrophysiological measurement during exercise. SAE is demonstrated by assembly of MXene (Ti3C2TX) aerogel and zwitterionic polymer, where Ti3C2TX aerogel works as conductive skeleton and zwitterionic polymer endows skin conformability as well as expediting interfacial charge transfer by the inherent ions. SAE can monitor a variety of electrophysiological signals during exercise. As an example, electromyogram (EMG) signals are acquired to assess muscle fatigue, which is impossible by commercial gel electrodes. Via machine learning, the correlation between EMG and physiological markers (body fat percentage (BF) and body mass index (BMI)) are constructed. The research shows that sweat‐absorbing SAEs can reliably monitor electrophysiological signals during exercise, such as muscle status, leading to evidence‐based scientific guidelines for sports and rehabilitation training.

The impact of competitive youth athlete injury on parents: a narrative review

Athletic injuries are common in youth sports, and much research has focused on the injury experience of athletes. However, less attention has been given to the impact of adolescent injury on relevant others within athletes’ recovery orbit, particularly parents. This narrative review examines the impact of adolescent injury on parents using the Multilevel Model of Sport Injury (MMSI). Results revealed that parents’ experience of their adolescent’s injury is influenced by intra- and interpersonal factors (e.g., thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and interactions with coaches, and sport medicine providers), as well as institutional, cultural, and policylevel factors (e.g., lack of organizational support, internalization of sport norms about playing with pain, and sport injury policies and guidelines). The review provides a more nuanced understanding of the factors and interactions that parents have following adolescent sport injury. Further research using the MMSI can extend current conceptualization and theorizing regarding parents’ experiences following adolescent injury.

Advocating concussion in sport guidelines- additional therapeutic interventions in the first 2 weeks do not enhance natural recovery: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials

Advocating concussion in sport guidelines- additional therapeutic interventions in the first 2 weeks do not enhance natural recovery: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials

Directors’ Views on Adapted Physical Education and Sports Practices in Special Education and Rehabilitation Centers

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the current situation regarding physical education and sports practices for special needs students in special education and rehabilitation centers and to analyze the views of the directors of these institutions in detail. Method: The case study design used for qualitative research was employed. The research was conducted in nine institutions operating in the Izmit district of Kocaeli province, Turkey, via selection through easily accessible case sampling. The directors of the institutions were interviewed individually following semi-structured interview forms. The data obtained were analyzed using the content analysis method. Findings: In line with the opinions expressed by the participants, four main themes and ten sub-themes emerged. The main themes identified were the shadow of the Ministry of National Education, educator characteristics, guidance toward physical education and sports, and integrity of development. Discussion: Although there are no official guidelines for physical education and sports, services and guidance pertaining to physical education and sports exist thanks to the sensitivity and efforts of the institutions. The participating directors revealed the desire to add a module in physical education and sports to the regulations, and they are committed to fulfilling the relevant requirements. For the directors of the institutions, who undertake their efforts in the shadow of the regulations and are aware of the benefits that sports practices will provide to children with special needs, using their initiative and whatever financial and moral means are at their disposal are viewed as necessary steps to be taken in the name of education. Within this context, physical education and sports teachers and recreation leader should also be included and employed as personnel in such institutions, a condition that should be considered mandatory in the Special Education Institutions Regulation of the Ministry of National Education.

Exercise in Polluted Spaces: Inflammatory Differentiation and Lung Mitochondrial Biogenesis

Indonesia is ranked as the most highly polluted country in Southeast Asia and the 26th on the list of the most polluted countries worldwide. Exercising in polluted spaces can have complex effects on inflammation and mitochondrial biogenesis in the lungs. The interaction between physical activity and pollution exposure may affect lung health. This study aimed to analyse the different effects of exercise in polluted open spaces and antioxidant administration on lung inflammation and mitochondrial biogenesis. The research approach used was a quantitative approach with a comparative descriptive design using random assignment technique. The research sample used male white rats (Rattus Norvegicus) Wistar strain aged 8-10 weeks with a body weight of 200-300 g obtained from Biofarma Animal Breeding Facility. The sampling technique used in this study was random assignment technique. In this study, the number of members of the treatment group was 5, so the total research sample amounted to 5 x 9, namely 45 samples. The results showed that there was a differentiation in the level of inflammation represented by the level of IL-6 and NF-κB and lung mitochondrial biogenesis level represented by PGC-1α, TOM20, and COX IV with moringa administration in physical activities, as indicated by the comparison of the mean values of the inflammatory process and lung mitochondrial biogenesis in the nine treatment groups. The implication of this research is that it is necessary to consider appropriate sport strategies or guidelines for individuals who exercise in a polluted environment to reduce the negative impact on the respiratory system and overall lung health.

Heat-related Physical Activity Loss Estimation And Sport Guidelines For Exertional Heat Illness Prevention In China

Heat-related Physical Activity Loss Estimation And Sport Guidelines For Exertional Heat Illness Prevention In China

The plausible effects of wearing face masks on sports performance-A scoping review.

The objectives of this scoping review are to discuss, firstly, the positive aspects of wearing face masks during training (such as a barrier to COVID-19 transmission, air pollutant exposure, and adding load on respiratory resistance flow); secondly, the negative aspects (adverse effects on body temperature and hypoxia risks); and thirdly, the training responses of wearing face masks on aerobic and anaerobic performance. Besides social distancing and hand hygiene, wearing a face mask is proposed to be the prime advocacy for virus containment. During the period of high risk of contamination, the return to sport guidelines proposed by international and national sport federations included wearing face masks during training sessions. However, it is necessary to discuss the pros and cons of wearing face masks during exercise. Although it was essential to wear a face mask during exercise or sport-specific training, there is conflicting evidence on the implications of the use of face masks on physical, physiological as well as psychological well-being or performance. Based on the conflicting empirical findings and anecdotal evidence, certain recommendations have been made for adequate use of face masks during exercise; both to break the chain of transmission and prevent the physiological compromise expected from wearing face masks during exercise. The present review can help stakeholders balance sport guidelines in the event of a respiratory virus pandemic with athlete safety. Conflicting evidence of mechanistic links between the dose of exercise and the possible adverse effects associated with exercising with face masks is available. Adequately powered studies with strong methodological quality on appropriate selection of masks and usage based on the intensity, duration, and type of sport, age, and gender is needed now for the stakeholders to make informed decisions with respect to exercising with face masks.

A Model for Applying Situational Awareness Theory to the Return to Sport Continuum.

Despite developing and implementing return to sport guidelines, high rates of re-injury remain. The return to sport continuum is a three-phase, criterion-based progression based on physical and psychological factors used to guide the sports medicine team in return to sport decision making. Situational awareness (SA) pertains to an athlete's knowledge of the dynamic environment (i.e., their ability to perceive the components in the environment, comprehend the meaning of the perceived information, and predict future actions based on that comprehension). SA can be applied on a cognitive continuum that encompasses three levels, each stage becoming more challenging with additional time constraints and increased uncertainty. Integrating the cognitive continuum with the return to sport continuum may optimize the return to sport process and enhance the athletes' preparedness for competition by incorporating cognitive challenges aligned with live competition. The purpose of this clinical commentary is to describe a return to sport model that integrates SA theory on the cognitive continuum with additional consideration for surrounding contextual factors. 5©The Author(s).

Validation of upper thermal thresholds for outdoor sports using thermal physiology modelling

ABSTRACT Thermal safety guidelines with upper thresholds aim to protect athletes’ health, yet evidence-based sport-specific thresholds remain unestablished. Experimenting with athletes in severely hot conditions raises ethical concerns, so we used a thermo-physiological model to validate the thresholds of guidelines for outdoor sports. First, the reproducibility of the joint system thermoregulation model (JOS-3) of core temperature has been validated for 18 sports experiments (n = 213) and 11 general exercise experiments (n = 121) using the Bland – Altman analysis. Then, core temperatures were predicted using the JOS-3 in conditions corresponding to the upper thresholds, and if the 90th–99.7th percentile core temperature value (corresponding to 0.3%–10% of the participants) exceeded 40°C, the thresholds were judged as potentially hazardous. Finally, we proposed revisions for sports with potentially hazardous thresholds. As a result, the JOS-3 could simulate core temperature increases in most experiments (27/29) for six sports and general exercises with an accuracy of 0.5°C. The current upper thresholds for marathons, triathlons, and football are potentially hazardous. Suggested revisions, based on specified percentiles, include: Football: revise from wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) 32°C to 29–31°C or not revise. Marathon: revise from WBGT 28°C to 24–27°C. Triathlon: revise from WBGT 32.2°C to 23–26°C. If conducting sports events under the revised upper thresholds proves difficult, taking measures for a possible high incidence of heat illness becomes crucial, such as placing additional medical resources, assisting heat acclimatization and cooling strategies for participants, and rule changes such as shorter match times and increased breaks.

Optimizing Outcomes After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Rehabilitation, Expected Outcomes, and Maximizing Return to Activities.

Given the touted clinical and patient-reported outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) in improving pain and restoring function, shoulder surgeons are rapidly expanding the indications and utilization of RTSA. Despite its increasing use, the ideal post-operative management ensuring the best patient outcomes is still debated. This review synthesizes the current literature regarding the impact of post-operative immobilization and rehabilitation on clinical outcomes following RTSA including return to sport. Literature regarding the various facets of post-operative rehabilitation is heterogeneous in both methodology and quality. While most surgeons recommend 4-6weeks of immobilization post-operatively, two recent prospective studies have shown that early motion following RTSA is both safe and effective with low complication rates and significant improvements in patient-reported outcome scores. Furthermore, no studies currently exist assessing the use of home-based therapy following RTSA. However, there is an ongoing prospective, randomized control trial assessing patient-reported and clinical outcomes which will help shed light on the clinical and economic value of home therapy. Finally, surgeons have varying opinions regarding return to higher level activities following RTSA. Despite no clear consensus, there is growing evidence that elderly patients are able to return to sport (e.g., golf, tennis) safely, though caution must be taken with younger or more high-functioning patients. While post-operative rehabilitation is believed to be essential to maximize outcomes following RTSA, there is a paucity of high-quality evidence that guides current rehabilitation protocols. There is no consensus regarding type of immobilization, timing of rehabilitation, or need for formal therapist-directed rehabilitation versus physician-guided home exercise. Additionally, surgeons have varied opinions regarding return to higher level activities and sports following RTSA. There is burgeoning evidence that elderly patients can return to sport safely, though caution must be taken with younger patients. Further research is needed to clarify the optimal rehabilitation protocols and return to sport guidelines.

The Development of a National Sport Event Management Model that Affects the Value Added of the Sport Industry in Thailand

The objective of this study was to construct a model of the link between sports resources and the model of national sports event management and the added value of Thailand's sports sector. Mixed methods were implemented in this study. The causative and result link between sports resource variables and national sporting practices and the added value of the Thai sports sector were examined using quantitative research. Using questionnaires and qualitative phenomenological research, data were obtained from 207 sports competition management organizations registered with the Department of Business Development in 2020. Based on in-depth interviews, a group discussion with the Council of Industry Committees was implemented to corroborate the results of the in-depth interviews. The sports industry group comprised of three individuals and two academics in sports business management who conducted a corroborative elemental analysis on the data. And structural equation models. The hypothesis research found that 1) sports resources had a direct effect on the value added of the sports industry and an indirect effect on the value added of the sports industry through the national sports competition management; 2) the sports resources had a direct effect on the national sports competition management; and 3) the national sports competition management had a direct effect on the added value of the sports industry in Thailand. The analysis revealed that the hypothetical model was consistent with the statistical data. It appeared to be qualified with χ2 = 47.85, p-value = 0.08, χ2/df = 1.55, GFI = 0.96, AGFI = 0.98, and RMSEA = 0.01. The contribution of this research is that it can explain the relationship between the causes and outcomes of sports resources and guidelines for organizing national sports events and the added value of the sports industry in Thailand. The results of the study can be used in the management of sports competition management businesses, which leads to sustainable performance for the sports industry. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2023-07-02-010 Full Text: PDF

Exertional Heat Illness: A Yearly Preventable Cause of Illness and Death in Athletes

Every summer, exertional heat illness in athletes becomes the center of attention among coaches, athletic trainers, and physicians across the United States. This topic has recently received increased attention as seven football players died from exertional heat illness between July 2020 and August 2021[1] . Health professionals believe that sport-related heat illnesses can be prevented through following published sports guidelines, protocols for weather monitoring and water breaks, and using appropriate conditioning during practice sessions. This topic has become such an issue that several states and local governing bodies have enacted legislation and policy for exertional heat illness education and training for coaches, players, and parents[2,3,32] . Every year there are coaches and programs that abstain from following guidelines, disregard weather conditions, and force extreme conditioning, referred to as “irrational intensity”[4] . This blatant disregard for player safety can lead to severe cases of exertional heat illness and even death. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on athletics for nearly two years. When looking at the scope of athletics this upcoming summer, it is reasonable to say that we may be heading towards a return to more typical summer activities. As COVID-19 restrictions loosen, there will likely be an increase in sports participation this summer compared to the summers of 2020 and 2021. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that the sporting community is educated on a preventable illness that plagues athletes during hot weather seasons. Through education, accountability, enacting protocols, and following guidelines set by health professionals[5-7] , we can help prevent these needless cases of severe heat illness and death.

Feasibility on the Integrated Teaching Method of Machine Learning Algorithm inside and outside Physical Education Class

School education, especially physical education, directly undertakes the tasks of “student physical fitness” and “student health promotion.” In the context of the policy to further strengthen quality training and promote education in all aspects, it is explicitly pointed out that “a sound physical fitness is a primary demand for serving the motherland and the country as a result of youth, and it reflects the vitality of the Chinese nation.” Therefore, the implementation of the National Physical Education Curriculum Guidelines and curriculum criteria for sports for Chinese College Students is the primary task of physical education. This study proposes machine learning-based teaching methods as an integrated teaching method inside and outside physical education. After conducting research and experiments on it, the experimental data show that after machine learning improves the integrated teaching of sports inside and outside, 50.51% of students are satisfied with the teaching, 40.4% are relatively satisfied, 6.06% feel average, and only 6.06% are dissatisfied. Compared with the previous part, the satisfaction rate has increased by 16.51%, the more satisfaction rate has increased by 4.4%, and the dissatisfaction rate has decreased by 16.97%. The practice has proved that the implementation of comprehensive teaching based on machine learning in physical education, integration of a student-led approach with a teacher-led role, promotes students’ interest in sports and improves students’ health concepts, which is in line with the current development trend of physical education.

Sports Injury Surveillance Systems and Guidelines in Japan: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review aimed to identify sports injury surveillance systems (ISSs) and injury surveillance guidelines (ISGs) developed and currently used in Japan. Additionally, the extent to which ISSs and ISGs developed overseas are employed in Japan was also examined. A systematic search of electronic databases was performed in March 2021. Prospective studies that investigated sports injuries and targeted Japanese athletes or sports in Japan were included to identify the following: (1) details of the ISSs or ISGs developed among sports in Japan, and (2) characteristics of studies focusing on sports in Japan employing ISSs or ISGs developed overseas and the method of use. A total of five ISSs developed among sports in Japan were included, most of which were based on insurance benefits or condolence payment systems. In total, 23 studies used ISSs or ISGs developed overseas, more than half of which were used as a resource for the development of other data collection tools or methods, indicating that the definition of injury and/or classification of items are modified based on the needs among sports in Japan. This review highlights the necessity of establishing club-based or organisational ISSs and ISGs that are appropriate for sports in Japan.

Sex Segregation and the Participation of Transgender Adults in Recreational Sport in British Columbia, Canada

Abstract The lack of a formal policy on transgender participation in recreational sport results in transgender people struggling alone with stigmatization. Recreational sport guidelines identify inclusion as an imperative in recreational sport participation, yet they have failed to lay out the means to achieve it. Considering this issue and opportunity, the purpose of this case study is to determine how transgender adults’ participation in recreational sport in British Columbia (BC), Canada is informed by their experiences with sex-based segregation structures in recreational sport and, secondly, to inform an enhanced and intentional change in transgender-inclusive policies and practices in terms of sex-based segregation structures in recreational sport in BC, Canada. VIU logo WLCE logo Information Vancouver Island University World Leisure Centre of Excellence © Tung Nguyen 2022

Customizing Functional Rehabilitation and Return to Sport in the Female Overhead Athlete

Participation of female athletes in sports at all levels continues to grow exponentially, as well as the injuries they experience during play. A literature review does outline return to sport guidelines, yet few studies address the potential need for differences between male and female athletes. This commentary is a review of the literature that outlines various sports that involve both male and female overhead athletes and potential differences in upper-extremity injuries and strengths and weaknesses between sexes. This information proposes the potential need to customize return-to-sport guidelines and screens that include recommendations for overhead female athletes within their specific sport, following both injury as well as surgical intervention. Level of EvidenceV.