Symptoms In Athletes Research Articles

Approach to the athlete with low back pain

Low back pain is a common symptom in athletes, hindering their activity. The etiology is tightly linked to the type of sport, often a consequence of repetitive movements, high pressures and strain being applied to the spine and adjacent muscular and ligamentous structures and a high degree of activity. The diagnosis is the key and causes are usually not severe. However, some red flags may indicate a more serious origin. Treatment is mostly conservative and based on functional therapies with the goal of a rapid and secure return to sports. As such, sedentary lifestyle should be avoided.

β2-agonists in sports: prevalence and impact on athletic performance

Respiratory disorders caused by exercise are expressed in the development of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) and exercise-induced asthma (EIA), which are observed in athletes, especially in cyclic sports, much more often than in the population. Ventilation impairments are exacerbated by inhaled allergens, industrial pollutants and adverse environmental conditions, which increase the risk of EIB and asthma symptoms in athletes. The use of β2-agonists can prevent or eliminate ventilation disorders, however, it requires taking into account current anti-doping rules, which allow the use of certain substances in sports without a request for therapeutic use. The studies of the influence of β2-agonists on functional indicators of athletes and sports performance do not allow to make an unambiguous conclusion about its results. Medications with β2-agonists, approved for use in sports in the form of inhalation, do not have a significant effect on the performance of athletes at major sports competitions. At the same time, the systemic use of these substances and the use of any form of terbutaline caused a positive dynamics in functional indicators, which could lead to an illegal increase in the effectiveness of sports performance. Most of the conclusions about the effect of β2-agonists on outcome are based on a small number of studies, their heterogeneity, and an insignificant number of observations. It is necessary to continue studying the effects of β2-agonists in the course of randomized clinical trials in order to individualize therapy and prevent bronchial obstruction in athletes

Anxiety and depression in athletes assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) - a systematic scoping review.

The poor mental health of athletes is a major concern in sport. Typically, the incidence/prevalence of mental health symptoms in athletes is studied using symptom-specific questionnaires. For symptoms of depression/anxiety, one such self-reporting questionnaire is the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). The aim of this review was to synthesise and compare studies using the GHQ-12 in athletes to inform future research bodies by identifying trends and gaps in the literature. A systematic search of five electronic databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, PsychINFO, Scopus and Web of Science) was conducted on all published studies up to 1 January 2019. Inclusion criteria: (1) participants were able-bodied athletes; (2) studies measured anxiety/depression using the GHQ-12; (3) studies were full original articles from peer-reviewed journals; (4) studies were published in English. Thirty-two studies were included in the review. The prevalence and incidence of symptoms of anxiety/depression ranged from 21-48% and 17-57%, respectively. The majority of studies screening anxiety/depression using the GHQ-12 were cross-sectional. Almost 70% of the studies used the traditional scoring method. The majority of study populations sampled all-male cohorts comprising football (soccer) players. The traditional scoring of 0-0-1-1 should be used with the cut-off set at ≥3. Also, the mean GHQ-12 score should be reported. Potential risk factors for symptoms of anxiety/depression (i.e. recent adverse life events, injury and illness, social support, pressure to perform and career transitioning) and a lack of prospective studies were identified. Future research should also broaden the spectrum of athlete populations used and aim to improve response rates.

Difference in Personality Traits and Symptom Intensity According to the Trigger-Based Classification of Throwing Yips in Baseball Players.

The triggers of initial onset of yips symptoms can be broadly divided into psychological and non-psychological factors; however, a trigger-based classification of yips has not been established. This study aims to obtain insight into the prevention of yips by clarifying whether there are differences in symptoms and personality traits according to a trigger-based classification of yips in baseball players. A total of 107 college baseball players responded to a questionnaire assessing the presence or absence of yips and its symptoms. They were classified into the psychologically triggered yips group, the non-psychologically triggered yips group, and the non-yips group based on the presence or absence of yips and the triggers of its initial onset. Additionally, we compared whether personality traits examined by the NEO Five-Factor Inventory differed across these three groups. The psychologically triggered yips group had significantly higher agreeableness scores compared with the non-yips group, whereas the non-psychologically triggered yips group had significantly higher neuroticism scores compared with the psychologically triggered yips group. In the non-psychologically triggered yips group, there was a significantly higher frequency of throwing errors than in the psychologically triggered yips group, with a tendency to develop yips symptoms gradually. Since the trigger-based classification of yips is closely related to the strength of the yips symptoms and the players' personality traits, the results of this study contribute to a better understanding of the symptoms of yips and establishment of the prevention of yips. Large prospective studies are necessary to determine the causal relationship between a trigger-based classification of yips and the personality traits and symptoms of athletes with yips.

CONSEQUENCES OF COVID-19 PREVENTIVE MEASURES ON ANXIETY, STRESS AND DEPRESSION IN FOOTBALL ATHLETES

ABSTRACT The study analysed the impacts of the preventive measures of COVID-19 on the symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression in soccer athletes. Twenty-four males participated in the study, with an average age of 18.4±1.4 years, who had their training suspended due to the preventive measures of COVID-19. Levels of anxiety, stress and depression (DASS-21) and competitive anxiety (CSAI-2 R) were assessed during training interruption and 20 days after the laps. The return to training, after the training interruption period, reduced the levels of somatic anxiety (10.6%), cognitive anxiety (10.5%), depression (9.8%), stress (19.7%), anxiety (14.2%) and self-confidence (4.8%), but without significant differences. It was identified that athletes with more than 10 years of practice had a significant increase in confidence (p =0.009) compared to athletes with less than 10 years of practice. During the pandemic, there was no variation in the levels of anxiety, stress and depression symptoms in athletes.

Exercise-Induced Dyspnea in Collegiate Athletes: Are We Missing the Diagnosis?

Exercise-induced dyspnea (EID) can disrupt an athlete's participation and performance in their given sport. Differential diagnosis of EID is often completed using subjective report and may be inaccurate, therefore increasing the frustration and stress of the athlete. This nonexperimental research study was used to determine prevalence of EID and related respiratory symptoms in athletes at a small, Division I university. An anonymous survey was provided to athletes at Murray State University as they registered for participation in sports for the 2020-2021 school year. Data from this survey was analyzed as to reported physician-given diagnosis of a respiratory disorder as well as reported symptoms of EID. Results showed that athletes with a physician-given diagnosis often did not report symptoms or responses to medications that support that diagnosis. Additionally, athletes frequently reported symptoms of EID without a formal diagnosis of a respiratory disorder. These findings provide preliminary insight and pilot data that may be used to understand the prevalence of EID in collegiate athletes and the need for improved methods of diagnosis for etiologies of EID.

Gastrointestinal pathophysiology during endurance exercise: endocrine, microbiome, and nutritional influences

Gastrointestinal symptoms are abundant among athletes engaging in endurance exercise, particularly when exercising in increased environmental temperatures, at higher intensities, or over extremely long distances. It is currently thought that prolonged ischemia, mechanical damage to the epithelial lining, and loss of epithelial barrier integrity are likely contributors of gastrointestinal (GI) distress during bouts of endurance exercise, but due to the many potential causes and sporadic nature of symptoms this phenomenon has proven difficult to study. In this review, we cover known factors that contribute to GI distress symptoms in athletes during exercise, while further attempting to identify novel avenues of future research to help elucidate mechanisms leading to symptomology. We explore the link between the intestinal microbiome, the integrity of the gut epithelia, and add detail on gut hormone and peptide secretion that could potentially contribute to GI distress symptoms in athletes. The influence of nutrition and dietary supplementation strategies are also detailed, where much research has opened up new ideas and potential mechanisms for understanding gut pathophysiology during exercise. The etiology of gastrointestinal symptoms during endurance exercise is multi-factorial with neuroendocrine, microbial, and nutritional factors likely contributing to specific, individualized symptoms. Recent work in previously unexplored areas of both microbiome and gut peptide secretion are pertinent areas for future work, and the numerous supplementation strategies explored to date have provided insight into physiological mechanisms that may be targetable to reduce the incidence and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms in athletes.

Muscle Contraction Has a Reduced Effect on Increasing Glenohumeral Stability in the Apprehension Position.

Glenohumeral instability accounts for 23% of all shoulder injuries among collegiate athletes. The apprehension position-combined shoulder abduction and external rotation-commonly reproduces symptoms in athletes with instability. Rehabilitation aims to increase glenohumeral stability by strengthening functional positions. However, it is unclear how much glenohumeral stability increases with muscle contraction in the apprehension position. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the ability to increase translational glenohumeral stiffness, a quantitative measure of glenohumeral stability, with muscle contraction is reduced in the apprehension position. Seventeen asymptomatic adults participated. A precision-instrumented robotic system applied pseudorandom, anterior-posterior displacements to translate the humeral head within the glenoid fossa and measured the resultant forces as participants produced isometric shoulder torques. Measurements were made in neutral abduction (90° abduction/0° external rotation) and apprehension (90° abduction/90° external rotation) positions. Glenohumeral stiffness was estimated from the relationship between applied displacements and resultant forces. The ability to increase glenohumeral stiffness with increasing torque magnitude was compared between positions. On average, participants increased glenohumeral stiffness from passive levels by 91% in the neutral abduction position and only 64% in the apprehension position while producing 10% of maximum torque production. The biggest decrease in the ability to modulate glenohumeral stiffness in the apprehension position was observed for torques generated in abduction (49% lower, P < 0.001) and horizontal abduction (25% lower, P < 0.001). Our results demonstrate that individuals are less able to increase glenohumeral stiffness with muscle contraction in the apprehension position compared with a neutral shoulder position. These results may help explain why individuals with shoulder instability more frequently experience symptoms in the apprehension position compared with neutral shoulder positions.

Multilevel Evaluation of Rapid Weight Loss in Wrestling and Taekwondo

The practice of strategies for rapid weight loss (RWL) involve diverse factors, such as individual expectations, social interactions, structural elements, etc., conforming to a “culture” of RWL, which must be evaluated and understood in a broad sense. Based on the need of a comprehensive evaluation of the use of RWL in practitioners of combat sports, an ad hoc questionnaire designed for this study, which includes the types and detailed descriptions of RWL strategies, that athletes currently use, the prevalence and frequency of use, the physiological and psychological consequences, the perception of the effect of RWL on their own performance and finally, the individuals who influence the adoption of this practice. One hundred and sixty combat athletes from wrestling and taekwondo disciplines, from Mexico, filled out this questionnaire. Data collected for their statistical analyses. Results revealed a RWL strategies prevalence of 96% across the participants. Our results revealed that 57% of those athletes using RWL lose more than 5% of their body mass. Across the athletes, the most commonly used RWL strategies and with higher intensity were increased exercise and training with plastic or thick clothes. The greater the relative weight loss, the greater the presence of physiological symptoms in athletes, such as rapid breathing and blood pressure. Athletes also mentioned mood states such as tiredness, sadness, confusion, fatigue and vigor, these last two positive and negative mood states are associated with the relative weight loss, respectively. Finally, the people who most influenced the adoption of RWL strategies were the coaches, parents and nutritionists. In conclusion, the questionnaire prepared for this study allowed us to obtain valuable information about the several factors, and their interactions, involved in the practice of RWL in combat athletes. This type of practice could increase health risks and decrease their performance. Therefore, here we state the importance of a comprehensive evaluation of RWL strategies that allows the development of psycho-educational and social-based interventions and programs for the promotion of proper weight maintenance, and prevention against RWL strategies, involving the individuals who influence the adoption of these practices and supporting it with the help of communication technologies.

Tackling nasal symptoms in athletes: Moving towards personalized medicine.

Adequate nasal breathing is indispensable for athletes, and nasal symptoms have been shown to interfere with their subjective feeling of comfortable breathing and quality of life. Nasal symptoms are caused by either structural abnormalities or mucosal pathology. Structural pathologies are managed differently from mucosal disease, and therefore, adequate diagnosis is of utmost importance in athletes in order to choose the correct treatment option for the individual. Literature suggests that nasal symptoms are more prevalent in athletes compared to the general population and certain sports environments might even trigger the development of symptoms. Given the high demands of respiratory function in athletes, insight into triggering factors is of high importance for disease prevention. Also, it has been suggested that athletes are more neglectful to their symptoms and hence remain undertreated, meaning that special attention should be paid to education of athletes and their caregivers. This review aims at giving an overview of nasal physiology in exercise as well as the possible types of nasal pathology. Additionally, diagnostic and treatment options are discussed and we focus on unmet needs for the management and prevention of these symptoms in athletes within the concept of precision medicine.

Organizational stressors predict competitive trait anxiety and burnout in young athletes: Testing psychological resilience as a moderator

The experience of athlete burnout is influenced by the psychosocial dynamics within sports organizations. Factors relevant to the stress-burnout process need to be explored to guide the development of effective strategies for preventing or reducing athlete burnout. The study aim was to examine how levels of psychological resilience influence the relationships among organizational stressors, competitive trait anxiety, and burnout symptoms in athletes. Within a correlational study design, a survey of 506 young athletes (mean age = 21.3 years) collected data on psychological resilience, organizational stressors, competitive trait anxiety, and athlete burnout (reduced sense of accomplishment, sport devaluation, emotional/physical exhaustion). A conditional process analysis was conducted to test whether competitive trait anxiety mediated the association between organizational stressors and athlete burnout and its dependence on psychological resilience levels. The results indicated that organizational stressors could contribute to burnout symptoms as they could induce high levels of competitive trait anxiety in athletes (indirect effect = .08–.11, Sobel Z = 3.58–5.41). For athletes with higher levels of psychological resilience, the indirect effect of organizational stressors on athlete burnout via competitive trait anxiety was weaker. These results highlight the importance of psychological resilience and competitive trait anxiety in understanding how organizational stressors relate to burnout in athletes. Sports practitioners are recommended to develop resilience-training interventions to support individuals encountering organizational stressors in sport.

The Comparative Mental Health Responses Between Post-Musculoskeletal Injury and Post-Concussive Injury Among Collegiate Athletes: A Systematic Review

BackgroundThe average annual national estimate of injuries sustained by collegiate athletes is 210,674, which encompasses both those of a musculoskeletal and a concussive nature. Although athletic injuries are sustained through physical means and produce physical symptoms, sports-related injuries may be a stressor among athletes that is related to mental health.PurposeThe purpose of this systematic review is to summarize existing literature describing mental health responses in collegiate athletes with a concussion compared to those with a musculoskeletal injury.Study DesignSystematic ReviewMethodsSystematic searches of PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, ProQuest, and SportDiscus were completed. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were utilized. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tool. Data extracted from the included articles included the study design, number of participants, type of injury, sex, age, sport participation, outcome measures, and time to return to play.ResultsA total of six articles were included. Peak depressive symptoms in athletes who sustain a concussion or musculoskeletal injury occur within one-week post-injury. No significant differences between the concussive and musculoskeletal groups anxiety scores were found at baseline or at each follow-up session. Athletes from both groups were found to be returning to their respective sports with anxiety scores representative of clinical anxiety.ConclusionSimilar trends in depressive and anxiety symptoms at various time points post-injury were observed in athletes with both musculoskeletal and concussive injuries. This study identified that athletes were returning to play before their psychological symptoms had returned to their baseline.Level of Evidence2a

Perfectionistic concerns cognitions predict burnout in college athletes: a three-month longitudinal study

ABSTRACT The majority of research examining the relationship between perfectionism and athlete burnout has focused on trait perfectionism, while overlooking the importance of the cognitive elements of perfectionism. Perfectionistic cognitions represent an influential cognitive bias driving perfectionistic behaviour. Although perfectionistic cognitions have been shown to correlate with burnout symptoms in athletes, this body of work is very limited and does not include college athletes. In addition, it is currently unclear whether perfectionistic cognitions also predict changes in athlete burnout over time. To address these issues, we conducted a two-wave, three-month longitudinal study and measured perfectionistic cognitions and burnout in a sample of 170 college athletes both at the start and end of a competitive season. In doing so, we also sought to empirically test the different models of perfectionistic cognitions that have been proposed (original, short, and multidimensional). Using cross-lagged panel models, we found that perfectionistic concerns cognitions predicted increases in burnout. The findings provide initial evidence that perfectionistic cognitions predict changes in athlete burnout over time in college athletes. Consequently, the findings have important implications for our understanding of both athlete burnout and perfectionistic cognitions.

Effects of the infrared laser on classical ballerinas’ feet: Analysis of plantar foot and static balance

Background and purposeOveruse injuries and painful symptoms in athletes and dancers (especially classical ballerinas) may lead to reduced functional performance. However, laser application may reduce pain and increase physical conditioning. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the immediate and long-term effects of infrared laser on classical ballerinas’ feet. MethodsEight female adults who perform classical ballet training and feel pain in their foot, but report no injuries in the last 6 months participated in the study. Infrared laser (808 nm) was applied on ballerina's feet twice a week during three months. The laser parameters utilized were 100 mW average optical power and spot size of 0.04 cm2 applied during 1 min, leading to 6 J and 125 J/cm2 per point. Thermography, algometry and unipodal static standing balance test were performed. ResultsThere was a significant increase in plantar arch temperature (1.6 °C for center and 2.3 °C for border, p < 0.05) immediately after laser treatment for all ballerinas. The pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were significantly increased for 5 of 7 analyzed sites (p < 0.05). Regarding to the static standing balance, the time on one-foot showed a significant increases (from 23 ± 12 s to 34 ± 13 s, p < 0.05) only when the test was performed on the left foot (support foot). ConclusionThen, there were pain relief and improvement of functional performance in ballerinas. The possible mechanism of laser action in reducing pain and thus enhancing performance, like higher blood flow of foot due to an increase of cutaneous temperature, will be discussed.

Me, Myself, and My Thoughts: The Influence of Brooding and Reflective Rumination on Depressive Symptoms in Athletes in the United Kingdom

Individual differences in vulnerability to depression are still underexplored in athletes. We tested the influence of different brooding and reflective rumination profiles (i.e., repetitive thought processes in response to low/depressed mood) on the odds of experiencing clinically relevant depressive symptoms in competitive athletes (N = 286). The Patient Health Questionnaire–9 and the Ruminative Responses Scale–short form were utilized to measure depression and rumination, respectively. Compared to athletes with a low brooding/reflection profile, athletes with a high brooding/reflection profile had significantly higher odds of experiencing clinical levels of depressive symptoms (OR = 13.40, 95% CI = 3.81–47.11). A high reflection/low brooding profile was not, however, related to increased odds of depressive symptoms. Future research could extend our findings by exploring determinants of ruminative tendencies, especially brooding, in athletes. Furthermore, psychological interventions targeting rumination could be examined as a potential prevention and treatment approach to tackling depressive symptoms in athletes.

Tattoos among athletes: a matter of concern?

Ten to 30% of the population is currently tattooed. This trend does not spare athletes and sports medicine specialists may have to manage tattooed athletes. The purpose of this study was to review the possible issues associated with tattoos among athletes. Overall, tattooed athletes are exposed to the same complications as anyone, mainly healing issues, skin infections and allergic reactions to a tattoo color. Besides, the main pitfall in sports medicine remains invasive gestures such as puncture or infiltration, as they must be avoided at all cost if the tattoo is recent and under healing. Issues associated with imaging are rather limited (artifacts, visible calcification). Burns during magnetic resonance imagining may occur but they are rather rare. Local neuromuscular complications attributable to tattooing are exceptional. Whether tattoos may have a "systemic" impact on the prevalence of unexplained symptoms in athletes (fatigue, distant tendon or musculoskeletal wounds) remain unknown.

Recurrent Dislocation of the Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Tendon with Ulnar-Sided Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Injury in an Ice Hockey Player: A Case Report.

Ulnar-sided wrist pain is common among athletes who subject their wrists to forceful rotational movements. Injury to the numerous complex structures in the ulnar wrist, including the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), can result in ulnar-sided wrist pain. Although differentiating between ECU tendinitis and TFCC injury is necessary, ECU tendon disorders and TFCC injury occasionally occur concurrently. Subluxation or dislocation of the ECU tendon is rare but may cause symptoms in athletes subjecting their wrists to forceful rotational movements. We present a case of recurrent dislocation of the ECU tendon and ulnar-sided TFCC injury in a 21-year-old male university-league ice hockey player. He initially underwent ECU stabilization; however, his ulnar wrist pain persisted, which adversely affected his athletic performance. He underwent additional surgery to repair the TFCC, which led to definitive resolution of his symptoms and resulted in his return to competitive performance 3 months postoperatively. Treatment of symptomatic dislocation of the ECU remains controversial. In our patient, recurrent dislocation of the ECU tendon with concurrent ulnar-sided TFCC injury resulted in ulnar-sided wrist pain. Combined reconstruction of the tendon's subsheath, using the extensor retinaculum, and repair of the TFCC injury was required for full recovery of his athletic performance.

Self-reported prior night’s sleep quantity on baseline symptom factors and computerized neurocognitive testing in high school athletes

Little is known regarding sleep and baseline concussion performance and symptoms in athletes. We explored the effects of self-reported prior night’s sleep quantity on baseline symptoms and computerized neurocognitive testing in high school athletes. A retrospective analysis of 958 high school athletes between the ages of 13–19 years was completed on Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) performance. Participants were categorized into two groups based on self-reported prior night’s sleep quantity: <8 h (n = 524; 55%) and ≥8 h (n = 434; 45%). Measures consisted of baseline total symptom score, symptom factors (vestibular-somatic, sleep-arousal, affective, and cognitive-sensory), and ImPACT composite scores (verbal and visual memory, visual-motor speed, reaction time, and impulse control). Significant differences were found on all baseline symptom factors (ps < .02) and total symptom scores (p < .001) with greater symptom reporting in the <8 h prior night’s sleep group. No group differences were observed between duration and composite scores of verbal memory (p = .49), visual memory (p = .94), visual-motor speed (p = .38), reaction time (p = .50), or impulse control (p = .81). High school athletes who report <8 h of sleep the night prior to baseline concussion testing reported greater symptoms across all symptom factors. Clinicians should consider inadequate sleep the night prior to concussion testing to ensure accurate, valid assessments, especially on symptom reporting scales.

Celiac Disease Symptoms in Athletes: Prevalence Indicators of Perceived Quality of Life.

Celiac disease (CD) is a common gastrointestinal pathology; however, prevalence and comorbidities are unknown in collegiate athletics. (1) Athletes will have similar odds of CD as general population estimates (approximately 1 in 141) based on self-report and signs and symptoms, (2) athletes scoring higher on the Celiac Symptom Index (CSI) will have lower self-reported quality of life (QoL), (3) athletes scoring higher on the CSI will have higher depression scores, and (4) athletes scoring higher on the CSI will have higher perceived stress scores. Epidemiological cross-sectional study. Level 4. The CSI, WHO Quality of Life-BREF, Beck Depression Inventory, and Perceived Stress Scale were used to assess patients' signs and symptoms of CD and psychosocial measures/QoL in male and female National Collegiate Athletic Association (all divisions) athletes (N = 141). Participants also self-reported a formal diagnosis of CD. Chi-square analyses determined CD prevalence. Odds ratios determined risk for either being diagnosed with CD or reporting more symptoms than the general population. Correlational analyses determined whether symptoms correlated with QoL and psychosocial measures. Athletes were 3.85 times (95% CI, 0.42-34.89) more likely to report a CD diagnosis and were 18.36 times (95% CI, 2.40-140.48) more likely to report a high degree of CD symptoms than the general population. Athletes with more symptoms had worse physical, psychological, social, and environmental QoL indicators and higher depression and perceived stress scores. Athletes may be a higher risk population for experiencing CD and report greater signs/symptoms compared with general population estimates. Additionally, athletes with higher CD symptom scores also reported poorer QoL. Allied health care professionals should be aware of the diversity of CD symptoms and be prepared to refer athletes when gastrointestinal symptoms persist to ensure proper care and unhampered performance.

Depression levels and symptoms in athletes with chronic gastrocnemius myofascial pain: A case-control study

ObjectiveTo determine the influence of depression symptoms and levels in athletes with gastrocnemius myofascial pain with respect to healthy athletes. In addition, to determine a prediction model for kinesiophobia symptoms based on descriptive data and gastrocnemius myofascial pain presence. DesignSecondary case-control. SettingOutpatient clinic. ParticipantsA sample of 50 athletes was recruited and divided into athletes with chronic gastrocnemius myofascial pain (n = 25) and healthy athletes (n = 25). Main outcome measurementsDepression symptoms scores and levels were self-reported by athletes using the Beck Depression Inventory – II (BDI-II). ResultsStatistically significant differences for depression symptoms scores (P = 0.011) with a moderate effect size (d = 0.77) and depression levels (P = 0.036) were found between both groups showing greater depression symptoms and levels in athletes with gastrocnemius myofascial pain (13.00 ± 13.50 points; range from 0 to 28 points) versus healthy athletes (4.00 ± 7.00 points; range from 0 to 19 points). Higher depression symptoms scores of BDI-II were only predicted by the presence of gastrocnemius myofascial pain in athletes (R2 = 0.134; β = +5.360; F[1,48] = 7.428; P = 0.009). ConclusionsGreater depression symptoms and levels were exhibited for athletes with gastrocnemius myofascial pain compared to healthy athletes. In addition, depression score of athletes was only predicted by the presence of gastrocnemius myofascial pain.