Type Of Sport Research Articles

Differences in Network Functional Connectivity in Response to Sub-Symptomatic Exercise Between Elite Adult Athletes after Sport-Related Concussion and Healthy Matched Controls: A Pilot Study.

Resting-state electroencephalography (rsEEG) has developed as a method to explore functional network alterations related to sport-related concussion (SRC). Although exercise is an integral part of an athlete's return to sport (RTS) protocol, our understanding of the effects of exercise on (impaired) brain network activity in elite adult athletes is limited. However, this information may be beneficial to inform recovery and RTS progressions. Recording (128-channel) rsEEG datasets before and after a standardized moderate aerobic bike exercise test, this study aimed to explore functional connectivity patterns in whole brain and relevant functional networks in a group of elite adult athletes post-injury compared with healthy matched controls. The following networks were selected a priori: whole brain (68 regions of interest [ROIs]), default mode network (14 ROIs), central autonomic network (CAN, 24 ROIs), and visual network (8 ROIs). Twenty-one SRC athletes and 21 age-, sex-, sport type-, and skill level-matched healthy controls participated in this study. The SRC athletes were recruited during their RTS protocol (days since injury: 2-140 days). All athletes were able to achieve the exercise goal of reaching a moderate intensity (70% of their age-calculated maximum heart rate) while staying sub-symptomatic. Before and after exercise, functional connectivity was calculated by the phase locking value, in the alpha band (7-13 Hz). Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to explore neurophysiological differences between and within groups, respectively. Whole-brain connectivity increased significantly from pre- to post-exercise within both groups (SRC: 0.264-0.284; p = 0.011 vs. controls: 0.253-0.257; p = 0.011). While CAN connectivity significantly increased only within the SRC group from pre-(0.298) to post-exercise (0.317; p = 0.003). Although all athletes reached their exercise goal without exacerbation of symptoms, the impact of exercise on the CAN appears to be greater for the SRC athletes, than matched healthy controls. The potential clinical significance of this finding is that it may have revealed an underlying mechanism for the cardiac autonomic alterations post-injury. This study merits further investigation into the CAN, as a network of interest more closely aligned with the clinical features (e.g., autonomic dysfunction) during athletes' RTS.

Parents’ Perception of the Role of Sports in Supporting Psychological and Social Development in Children with Specific Learning Disorders

Background: This study aims to examine parents’ perceptions of how coach support influences the satisfaction of basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) and its subsequent impact on the self-esteem and overall well-being of children with Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs) through participation in sports. Methods: The sample consisted of 1146 parents of children and young people diagnosed with SLDs from several European countries. The Coach Support Scale (COS), the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction Scale (BPNS), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Sport Impact Scale (SIS) were used. Descriptive, reliability, Gaussian distribution, and ANOVA analyses were conducted. Results: The results show that increased sports participation is associated with higher perceptions of coach support, autonomy, competence, psychological need satisfaction, self-esteem, relatedness, and the positive impact of sports on the lives of children and adolescents with SLDs. Children and teenagers who engage in individual and team sports exhibit greater coach support, autonomy, competence, relatedness, BPNS, and self-esteem compared to those who participate in only one type of sport, with p-values ranging from 0.004 to 0.050. Conclusions: In conclusion, participation in sports seems to benefit the self-esteem and well-being of children and young people with SLDs. The practical applications of this study highlight the importance of specialized coach training to address the psychological needs of children with SLDs, the development of balanced sports programs that integrate individual and team activities to optimize benefits, the encouragement of parental involvement to enhance positive experiences, and the implementation of policies that support inclusive and adaptive sports practices.

THE EFFECT OF SPORTS ON EXPECTED CONFIDENCE AND YAKUT MORAL INTELLIGENCE LEVELS IN INDIVIDUALS

In this study, the impact of sports and various variables on the expected trust and ethical intelligence levels of university students was investigated. The research was conducted using a general survey model. Data collection instruments included a "Personal Information Form" developed by researchers, along with the "Expected Trust Scale" and "Ethical Intelligence Scale." Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 software. Independent sample t-tests were employed for binary group comparisons based on the number of categories of the independent variable, while one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with post-hoc LSD tests was used for multiple groups. The relationship between the two scales was examined using Pearson correlation analysis. The analysis results were interpreted at a significance level of 0.05. In the study, it was observed that university students' expected trust and ethical intelligence attitudes were influenced by variables such as age, faculty of study, participation in sports, weekly duration of sports activity, type of sport, and age at which sports were started. Additionally, significant positive correlations were found between participants' levels of "Expected Trust" and "Ethical Intelligence." In conclusion, it was determined that sports significantly contribute to both expected trust and ethical intelligence attitudes.

Esports between the Sports and Entertainment Industry: In Search of Division Lines

Abstract The growing popularity and expansion of esports have prompted an academic and legal debate, where its classification as either a sport or a form of entertainment remains unclear. This article explores the dual nature of esports, providing an overview of the legal and regulatory challenges it presents. It opens the discussion by addressing the space occupied by esports, distinguishing it from the traditional understanding of analogue sports while introducing the role of various stakeholders. The article then delves into the legal discussion taking place at the EU level, exploring also how the national legal reality of some Member States approach esports. The study highlights the urgency of finding a balanced approach that recognises esports as a hybrid entity, necessitating a regulatory model that draws from both sports law and entertainment law. Furthermore, the article complements the analysis by addressing emerging normative systems within esports, including autonomous governance structures and the potential need for state intervention to address issues such as doping, match-fixing, and the protection of minors. By analysing the existing legal frameworks in non-EU countries, particularly in Asia and North America, the authors suggest that esports needs to be approached as a new type of sport—a perspective that should be reflected in future EU regulations.

The relationship of passion to sport specialization, injury, and burnout in NCAA Division 1 college athletes

Abstract: Introduction: Passion can be described as a strong inclination toward an activity and has previously been utilized to characterize numerous facets of student-athlete lives. However, the correlation between passion, injury, and burnout has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, the primary focus of this study is to identify the passion scores of current National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I student-athletes and describe the correlation of passion and burnout in athletes and define the potential relationship of passion with athlete injury. Methods: The research team utilized an observational study design that implemented a cross-sectional survey. Following Institutional Review Board approval and obtaining informed consent, REDCap electronic data capture tools was utilized to collect demographic information, the Passion Scale, and the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire. Correlation and multiple linear regression were used to assess the relationship between passion scores and athlete injury. Results: The average age of participants was 19.9 years old. Although sport participation characteristics were comparable between genders, females indicated significantly greater exhaustion burnout scores and obsessive passion compared to males but were otherwise comparable. General and harmonious passion showed significant negative correlations with reduced accomplishment, sport devaluation, and exhaustion burnout. Conclusion: While the results indicate that variation in both general and harmonious passion scores are associated with sport type, it is unclear whether assessment of specific sports are adequately represented within our analysis and as such, should be interpreted with caution. Future studies should focus on specific sports to better understand their association to passion, burnout, and risk of injury.

Longitudinal evolution of physical activity type and eating and weight concerns among adolescents

PurposeTo provide a prospective 2 year follow-up of a previously enrolled adolescent high school sample, regarding body image and eating concerns, and patterns of sports type and physical activity.MethodsSports type, weekly time devoted to it, and psychopathological self-reports (Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire 6.0, Body Uneasiness Test, and Muscle Dysmorphia Disorder Inventory) were evaluated longitudinally in a general population sample enrolled in a previous study, testing prospective variations in an observational setting.ResultsAt follow-up, girls expressed increased dietary restraint and body uneasiness as compared to baseline, whereas boys expressed increased body uneasiness—and specifically in the avoidance, depersonalisation and compulsive self-monitoring dimensions. Among both sexes, a significant shift towards individual activities or lack of activity was observed after 2 years, with a reduction in team sports involvement. Among girls, time devoted to exercise significantly decreased at follow-up.ConclusionsThe present findings indirectly confirm an increased vulnerability to dietary, bodily and appearance-based concerns among adolescents. The role of different patterns of physical activity and exercise time may interact bidirectionally with these problematic areas, considering that previous studies point out increased concerns among inactive subjects, and among those who choose individual activities.Level of evidence: Level IV-longitudinal observational study.

Aortic Dimension in Elite Athletes: Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To assess the presence and the extent of an "aortic remodeling" in elite athletes. A systematic review and meta-analysis of literature were conducted for studies (1981-2024) reporting echocardiographic aortic diameters of elite athletes compared to non-athlete healthy controls. Among the 5,494 studies retrieved, 21 (9,464 elite athletes vs. 2,637 non-athlete controls) fulfilled all eligibility criteria. Data were aggregated using a random effects model for estimating the pooled risk ratio and mean difference. Absolute aortic diameters at the sinus of Valsalva (AoSV) were higher in overall elite athletes compared to non-athlete healthy controls (mean difference [MD] 1.69 [95% CI 1.01-2.37] mm; p <0.001) and if stratified to sex. This difference was maintained if AoSV was indexed to height (AoSV/h) (MD 0.04 [95% CI -0.00-0.08] mm/m; ES 2.18 [95% CI 1.10-3.26]; p<0.001). The analysis of AoSV/h according to sex was not performed for the paucity of studies. However, when indexed to body surface area (AoSV/BSA), no differences were found between the two groups (MD 0.04 [95% CI -0.25-0.34] mm/m2; p = 0.880), also according to sex. Above findings were not influenced by age. Absolute AoSV was mildly larger in athletes compared to non-athlete healthy controls, even when indexed to height. However, no differences were evident when indexed by BSA, irrespective of sex, type of sport and age. Therefore, assessment of the aortic size in elite athletes should consider the proper normalization in order to avoid misdiagnosis of aortopathies. CRD42024561255.

Patterns of sports participation across the lifespan and their links to psychopathology, resilience, and childhood trauma: a cross-sectional approach

ABSTRACT Participation in sports varies considerably among individuals, with many changing their chosen sports over time. This raises critical questions regarding which types of sports, and at what life stage, contribute most to mental health. To address this, we used latent class analysis to identify unobserved classes of individuals based on their sports participation across the lifespan and to explore how these classes differ in resilience, psychopathological symptoms, and overall childhood trauma. Additionally, we investigated whether the effect of sports class membership on psychopathological symptoms and resilience varies across different levels of childhood trauma. Analyses accounted for sociodemographics. The sample included 749 community individuals (69.6% females) aged 18–82. Five distinct classes emerged: individual sports, team sports, individual sports up to 18 years of age, mixed sports, and no sports. The classes differed in mean levels of childhood trauma, resilience, and psychopathological symptoms related to agoraphobia, anxiety, somatic complaints, social phobia, and (lack of) vitality, but showed no differences in symptoms related to aggression, depression, cognitive complaints, and work dysfunction. Overall, the no sports class exhibited the lowest resilience and the most severe psychopathological symptoms. Continued participation in team sports, alone or combined with individual sports, particularly during adolescence, appeared more beneficial than participation in just individual sports. While childhood trauma did not moderate outcomes, individuals with greater trauma exposure were more likely to avoid sports, particularly team sports, or to stop playing sports entirely in adulthood. Our findings highlight the potential negative impact of sports inactivity on mental health.

Increased stiffness is evidenced in the deep but not superficial lumbar multifidus muscle in professional athletes with chronic low back pain

ObjectivesElevated lumbar multifidus stiffness has been observed in populations with chronic low back pain (LBP). However, the modulation of deep (DLM) and superficial (SLM) lumbar multifidus stiffness, considering their distinct structural characteristics and functions, remains unaddressed, especially in athletes. This study aimed to compare differences in DLM and SLM stiffness in professional athletes from different sports with and without chronic LBP. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingThis study was conducted at a provincial sports training centre. ParticipantsNinety-nine professional athletes (age: 18-27 years) from weightlifting, badminton, and track and field teams were recruited. Thirty-eight had chronic bilateral LBP. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresUltrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) measured Young's modulus (stiffness indicator) of DLM and SLM at the L4/5 facet joint level. Two-way analysis of variance examined the effects of chronic LBP and sport type on DLM and SLM stiffness while considering proper confounders. Significance was set at p < 0.05. ResultsAthletes with chronic LBP demonstrated significantly higher DLM stiffness on the dominant (by 17.73%, mean difference (MD) = 2.52kPa, p = 0.001) and non-dominant sides (by 13.54%, MD = 1.83kPa, p = 0.046) compared to pain-free counterparts. SLM stiffness varied significantly among the three athlete groups. Post-hoc analyses revealed greater SLM stiffness on the non-dominant side in weightlifters than in badminton players (by 51.76%, MD = 8.97kPa, p = 0.010) or track and field athletes (by 72.01%, MD = 11.01kPa, p = 0.008). ConclusionsChronic LBP and sport type significantly impact multifidus muscle stiffness, suggesting the need for targeted clinical assessments and reconditioning strategies focusing on DLM for chronic LBP and SLM for athletes in trunk extension-intensive sports.

Sport after disc herniation

Symptomatic herniated discs are not compatible with physical activity due to severe pain and possible neurological deficits in the acute phase. Once this phase has subsided, it is important to plan an individualized load build-up. The influencing factors are structural damage, the type of sport previously practiced and training status, as well as pain and neurological deficits. Based on expert consensus and pathomechanisms that have predominantly been proven in animal experiments, suggestions for load build-up have been published. Consequently, once the pain symptoms have been stabilized, careful training can be started after about 1-3weeks. This includes stabilization of the back muscles and careful mobilization of the spine. Initially, rotational and axial loads should only be increased very cautiously. Low-impact sports can be started from around 6weeks and high-impact sports from around 12weeks. Individual medical advice to avoid chronic pain and prevention of degenerative changes should be prioritized.

Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy as a Tool to Characterize Exercise and Physical Activity: A Systematic Review.

Over the past few decades, the scientific community has recognized the impact of physical activity on health and performance. In parallel, researchers have been actively exploring novel methodologies to analyze the physiological and metabolic responses to exercise. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful tool in this effort, offering the potential to provide unique insights into exercise-related changes at the molecular level. The primary goal of this systematic review is to confirm the viability of utilizing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for the analysis of the biochemical changes associated with physical exercise and its potential applications. This systematic review adhered to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and examined studies employing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to analyze exercise and physical activity, focusing on a biological sample collection and spectral analysis. Four databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Scopus) were searched, and inclusion criteria encompassed original English-language studies involving human participants aged 18-50years, a biological sample collection (urine, saliva, and blood), and the use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The studies were analyzed considering the type of exercise or sport that was investigated, and also the type of spectral analysis conducted. The review encompassed 15 studies that demonstrated the versatility of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in assessing various aspects of exercise, including metabolism, cardiovascular responses, and muscular fatigue. The largest study evaluated 57 athletes from several different sports. On average, almost all the studies were performed with around 20 athletes. Notably, the technique's holistic approach allows for a comprehensive analysis of the complex network of metabolites and proteins within the human body. Data analysis methodologies, particularly when coupled with machine learning, show great potential for advancing the field of sports science. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy emerges as a promising tool for monitoring and enhancing the performance of high-level athletes, preventing overtraining or even over-reaching, and assessing metabolism. Its accuracy, efficiency, and affordability also make it a candidate for broader applications in assessing the health and fitness of the general population. Future research should explore its applicability across diverse exercise modalities and demographic groups, aiming to prescribe exercise plans that consider a multitude of parameters for larger, more intricate exercise cohorts. The study protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under the ID number CRD42023441965.

Sports Injuries in Germany – A Pilot Study

Problem: Sports accidents are omnipresent in all areas of sport. However, due to a lack of data, conclusions cannot be drawn about how many sports accidents occur in Germany each year. This study aims to provide an initial overview of sports injuries and the types of sports involved, serving as a foundation for a larger survey. Methods: From September 12th-16th, 2022, a representative survey was conducted via telephone (forsa.omniTel®), interviewing 2002 individuals in Germany aged 14 and older about their sports activities and injuries in the past 12 months. Results were analyzed using 95% confidence intervals (CI) and logistic regression to assess the impact of age and gender on injury probability (α=0.05). The distribution of injuries across sports was calculated using an iterative proportional fitting method and Bonferroni correction for significance levels. The original document was internally reviewed, contains no personal data, and is approved for publication, with no further ethics committee review required, as forsa, a member of ADM, complies with all legal and ethical standards, including GDPR. Results: It is estimated that 12.2% (CI=10.5 to 14.0%; CIadj=9.8 to 14.7%) of athletes in Germany have been injured during sport in the past 12 months, requiring medical treatment or a break from sport. Younger and male athletes were more likely to be injured than older and female athletes (age: p&lt;0.001, padj&lt;0.001; gender: p&lt;0.001, padj&lt;0.01). Most injuries occurred during running/walking/hiking (16%) and cycling (14%). Soccer (11%) and tennis (4%) had the highest injury rates among sports games. Conclusion: This pilot study offers crucial insights into sports injury prevalence in Germany. Future studies should include detailed injury types, severity and exposure times for more individualized preventive programs.

The Effects of Vitamin D Deficiency on Physical Fitness and Sport Performance – A Review

Introduction: Deficiency or insufficiency of vitamin D affects all individuals, of both sexes and all ages, and consequently brings a series of negative health consequences for them. This deficiency seems to be a very widespread problem in the population in general and also among physically active individuals and particulary in athletes. Currently, the insufficiency of vitamin D is a problem appearing worldwide. While in the population the main source of deficiencies are insufficient exposure to the sun and deficiency in the food diet, in individuals who participate in physical activity and sports it seems that the main factors are high use and depletion of reserves from muscle and adipose tissue. Vitamin D deficiency has an important role not only in bone and muscle health, but also negatively affects physical fitness and sports performance. Therefore, continuing measurement and monitoring of free vitamin D and/or its bioavailable 25(OH)D metabolites is the best way to determine the true vitamin D status for preventive reasons or supplementation in all individuals. Objectives: This review aims to highlight the current situation of the status of vitamin D, especially in subjects participate in physical activity and sports, and its importance and role in the health of athletes and in sports performance. Methods: For this review, we used the database in Scopus and PubMed, searching with key words: vitamin D deficiency - vitamin D status - elite athletes - sports performance. Full articles in English, published from 2016 to 2024, that evidenced the association between vitamin D status and health outcomes and sports performance were included. Results and Conclusions: The results of the study showed that the deficiency of vitamin D in the general population, but also in those who are actively involved in sports and even elite sports, is present at worrying levels. In different groups and populations, the deficiency factors are partly different, but the results show that the lack of food in the diet today constitutes one of the main factors that has almost taken the same weight as insufficient exposure to the sun. For physically active subjects and those involved in various types of sports, deficiencies are present at an unpredictably high rate, putting in serious danger in some cases the lives of the athletes. This comes from a low attention regarding the deficiencies of this vitamin, compared to other elements that are usually taken in the form of supplements in sports. The results show that maintaining an optimal level of vitamin D affects not only the bone and muscle health, the optimal physical fitness of physically active individuals, but also the health and improvement of sports performance (not only physical) of athletes. Therefore, the measurement, monitoring, ensuring a balanced food diet and supplementing with this vitamin, if needed, should accompany the entire course and activity of the subjects of this category in a strict and consistent manner.

Comparison of Sport Type on the Handgrip Strength Change in Young Athletes.

Whether or not an athlete plays with sports equipment in their hands may influence handgrip strength (HGS) changes during development, but longitudinal studies have not confirmed this. This study compared one-year HGS changes between two sports types (soccer vs. kendo) in children and adolescent athletes. One hundred sixty-eight young athletes (86 kendo boys and 82 soccer boys) had two HGS measurements separated by 1 year. A 2 (sports) by 2 (timepoints 1 and 2) repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine whether HGS changed differently between sports. There was no evidence for a sport × time interaction in HGS (p = 0.14); however, the mean difference and 95% CI were in the direction of favoring a greater change in kendo athletes [difference of 0.6 (95% CI: -0.2, 1.5) kg]. There was a main effect of time and sport. Kendo athletes had a 4.6 (95% CI: 1.8, 7.5) kg greater HGS than soccer athletes. There was no evidence that the change in HGS between sports depended on the initial age of the athlete (p = 0.205). Using sports equipment during play may positively affect HGS.

One-Side Weight Sports and the Impact of Their Load on the Feet and the Occurrence of Posture Disorders in Professional Football and Handball Players

The aim of this study was to evaluate center of pressure (CoP) changes in unilateral sports and examine how these changes affect the athlete’s feet, ankles, knees or posture. The study sample consisted of 40 professional male players (age: 19.4 ± 2.08 years; height: 165.78 ± 4.92 cm; weight: 59.04 ± 4.02 kg; BMI: 21.57 ± 2.22; foot size: 40.9 ± 1.6), divided by type of sport into group H—handball (n: 20) and group F—football (n: 20). To evaluate the monitored parameters, we used the instrumental diagnostic techniques: 3D laser footscan, baropodometric platform FreeStep and 2D Videography. We found no significant differences between the groups in the loading of the right and left foot (F: 8.3 ± 4.22; H: 7.7 ± 6.1) (p = 0.410). We found a significant difference in the load on the front and back of the left (p = 0.0079) and right foot (p = 0.0210) depending on the type of sport performed. Maximum and mean values of CoP (g/cm2) showed statistically significant differences depending on the sport performed (p &lt; 0.0001). The shift in CoP (mm) from the norm depending on the sport performed was confirmed in the latero-lateral direction (p = 0.003), but not in the antero-posterior direction (p = 0.320). We found a difference in the angulation of the knees and heels depending on the sport played. Handball players showed higher knee varosity/valgosity (p = 0.015) and heel values than football players (p = 0.002). The handball players also confirmed a worse postural load and initial forward posture. The one-sided sports, handball and football, showed negative effects on the athlete’s movement system. These changes were more pronounced in handball players. Proper training programs should be applied in athletes’ daily routine to improve the negative effects of unilateral sports.

The Effect of Athletic Identity and Other Factors on Adaptation to Sport Retirement

Sport retirement is a major life transition that student-athletes must navigate successfully to achieve adaptation to post-sport life. Numerous factors dictate the likelihood of successful adaptation, one of which is athletic identity. Based on thorough review of the occupational retirement literature, it has been determined that adaptation can be measured by life satisfaction. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine how athletic identity impacts present-day life satisfaction and if meaning in life mediates that effect. Meaning in life can be separated into two categories, the presence of and search for meaning in life. Through a quantitative survey of 104 former Division I student-athletes, we discovered significant relationships between the search for and presence of meaning in life and life satisfaction. No relationship was found between athletic identity and life satisfaction. Thus, retrospective athletic identity does not predict present-day life satisfaction unless the mediating effect of the search for meaning in life is present. Additionally, group differences were measured between sexes, type of sport played (e.g., draft eligible or non-draft eligible), and predictability of retirement. There were significant differences on the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale between males (M = 36.1, SD = 7.9) and females (M = 32.1, SD = 7.8), t(100) = 2.55, p = .01.

Validation of the Short Form Shoulder Instability Return to Sport After Injury (SIRSI-5) and Its Association With Return to Sports.

Psychosocial readiness is thought to be important in establishing whether athletes are ready to return to sports (RTS). The 5-item Shoulder Instability-Return to Sport After Injury (SIRSI-5) is a short-form version of the 12-item questionnaire (SIRSI-12), which was validated in a postoperative Argentinian population and associated with psychological readiness to RTS. It is unknown if the SIRSI-5 is valid in surgical and nonsurgical populations in other geographic locations. To establish whether the SIRSI-5 is valid in another population and if it is associated with RTS. Cross-sectional study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. A total of 79 participants with anterior shoulder instability managed operatively and nonoperatively were included. The SIRSI-5 and SIRSI-12 total scores were calculated. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Pearson correlations assessed convergent validity between SIRSI-5 and SIRSI-12. Logistic regression was used to assess the discrimination ability (leave-one-out cross-validation [LOOCV]) of a preexisting SIRSI-5 cut point score (≥59/100) to determine participants who had returned to their preinjury level of sport. In addition, the discrimination ability (LOOCV) of multivariable machine learning models including age, sex, time since injury (months), SIRSI-5 (continuous score), surgery, and contact/noncontact sport to predict return to preinjury level sport was also assessed. The Youden index was calculated to assess the models' performance. Of the 79 participants, 62 (78.5%) were male and 27 (34%) had been treated surgically. Only 32% (n = 25) of participants had returned to preinjury level sport. The SIRSI-5 and SIRSI-12 were highly correlated (r > 0.9) with high levels of agreement (ICC, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.76-0.95). The prediction accuracy of the SIRSI-5 cut point score model was 66% (Youden index, 0; sensitivity, 4%; specificity, 94%). The best prediction accuracy obtained through a machine learning model (multilayer perceptron) was 72% (Youden index, 0.4; sensitivity, 64%; specificity, 76%). The SIRSI-5 has excellent convergent validity with the SIRSI-12 to measure psychological readiness to RTS and can be used clinically with less patient burden than the SIRSI-12. However, in a population of surgically and nonsurgically treated contact athletes, the SIRSI-5 with a cut point of ≥59/100 had low levels of prediction accuracy for RTS at preinjury level. The SIRSI-5 should not be utilized in isolation to determine readiness to RTS, and clinicians should consider other factors such as age, type of sport, and time since injury to underpin their clinical reasoning when deciding for RTS.

Physical activity and anxiety in the adolescence: special emphasis on sport type and performance level

Physical activity and anxiety in the adolescence: special emphasis on sport type and performance level

Estimating Muscle Fiber-Type Composition in Elite Athletes: A Survey on Current Practices and Perceived Merit.

To gather information on practices and perceptions of high-performance experts regarding their athletes' muscle fiber-type composition (MFTC) and its estimation. A questionnaire on the noninvasive versus invasive estimation of MFTC was completed by 446 experts including coaches and sport-science/sports-medicine staff. Moreover, the perceived importance of MFTC for training and performance optimization was assessed. Differences between sport types (individual and team sports) were analyzed using chi-square tests. Forty percent of the experts implemented MFTC assessment in pursuit of performance optimization, while 50% did not know their athletes' MFTC but expressed a desire to implement it if they would be able to assess MFTC. Ten percent did not perceive value in MFTC assessment. Only 18% of experts believed thattheir athletes would undergo a muscle biopsy, leading to the adoption of alternative noninvasive techniques. Experts primarily relied on their experience to estimate MFTC (65%), with experts working in individual sports using their experience more frequently than those working in team sports (68% vs 51%; P = .009). Jump tests emerged as the second-most commonly employed method for estimating MFTC (56%). When only considering experts who are currently using MFTC, 87% use MFTC to individualize training volume and 84% to individualize training intensity. Experts value MFTC assessment primarily to individualize training but mainly rely on noninvasive methods to estimate MFTC. Some of these methods lack scientific validity, suggesting a continuing need for education and further research in this area.

Return to Play Guidelines in Pediatric Concussion: A Systematic Review of Current Literature.

Pediatric concussions, particularly in youth sports, are a significant public health concern, with up to 18% of children experiencing one by age 17. Return-to-play (RTP) guidelines aim to protect athletes from the adverse effects of repeated injuries, but these protocols vary widely based on factors such as age, sport, and geography. This review synthesizes current literature on RTP guidelines for pediatric concussions to provide evidence-based recommendations. A systematic search of PubMed was conducted using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms "return to play," "pediatric concussion," and "mild traumatic brain injury." Studies published between January 2000 and December 2023 were included if they focused on RTP protocols for children aged 5 to 17. After screening 60 articles, 45 were selected for review. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. RTP protocols showed significant variability influenced by age, gender, and sport type. Common themes included initial rest followed by a gradual return to activity. Female athletes generally required longer recovery periods. Multidisciplinary care and early therapeutic interventions, such as vestibular therapy, were associated with better outcomes and faster recovery. There is a need for standardized, evidence-based RTP guidelines to address inconsistencies in concussion management. Future research should focus on creating universally applicable protocols, with attention to gender, sport-specific factors, and early intervention to improve recovery outcomes for young athletes.