Team Sports Exercise Research Articles

Impact on adolescent mental health of replacing screen-use with exercise: A prospective cohort study

BackgroundScreen-based device use could increase the risk of adolescent depression. Distinct modalities of screen-use may have differential effects on mental health. We used compositional data analysis to examine how theoretically replacing different screen-uses with exercise might influence future adolescent emotional distress. MethodsIn 4,599 adolescents (55% female) from a nationally-representative, prospective cohort, we used time-use diary data at age 14 to estimate daily screen use (television, social media, video game, general computer use) and exercise (team sport and individual exercise). The outcome was emotional distress at age 17, assessed using the emotional symptoms subscale of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. ResultsTheoretically replacing 60 min of total screen time with exercise at age 14 was associated with a 0.05 (95%CI -0.08, -0.02) score reduction on the emotional symptoms’ subscale at 17 in fully-adjusted models. Replacing 60 min of television or social media use with team sports was associated with a reduction of 0.17 (95%CI, -0.31, -0.04) and 0.15 (95%CI, -0.29, -0.01) in emotional symptom scores, respectively. We found no change in emotional symptom scores when replacing video game or general computer use with team sport, or when replacing any screen time with individual exercise. LimitationsNo direct measure of depressive symptoms at follow-up. ConclusionsReplacing any screen time with exercise could reduce emotional distress, but the largest effect sizes were associated with replacing time in television watching and social media with team sports. Recommendations to limit screen-use in adolescents may require a nuanced approach for protecting mental health.

Team Sport Participation Protects Against Burnout During Neurosurgery Training: Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Burnout is experienced by up to two thirds of neurosurgery residents. Team sport participation as an adolescent protects against adverse mental health outcomes in adulthood. The objective of this study was to determine whether high school or collegiate team sport participation is associated with improved psychological well-being during neurosurgery residency. A cross-sectional survey study of U.S. neurosurgery residents was conducted between June 2020 and February 2021. Outcomes included self-ratings of sadness, anxiety, stress, burnout, optimism, and fulfillment, on 100-point scales, which were averaged into a "Burnout Composite Score" (BCS). Respondents were grouped and compared according to their prior self-reported participation in team sports (participants vs. nonparticipants). A 3-way analysis of variance tested the effects of resident level, exercise days, and team sport participation on BCS. Of 229 submitted responses, 228 (99.5%) provided complete data and 185 (81.1%) residents participated in team sports. Days/week of exercise was similar across groups (2.5 ± 1.8 vs. 2.1 ± 1.8, P= 0.20). The team sport group reported lower mean BCS (37.1 vs. 43.6 P= 0.030, Cohen d=0.369). There was a significant interaction between prior team sport participation and exercise regimen on BCS (F [3, 211]= 3.39, P= 0.019, n2= 0.046), such that more exercise days per week was associated with decreased BCS for prior team sport athletes (F [3, 211]= 11.10, P < 0.0005), but not for nonparticipants (F [3, 211]= 0.476, P= 0.699). The positive impact of prior team sport participation was more pronounced for senior residents (-11.5 points, P= 0.016) than junior residents (-4.3 points, P= 0.29). Prior team sport participation was associated with lower BCS among neurosurgery residents, an effect more pronounced during senior residency. Lessons imparted during early team sport experience may have profound impacts on reducing burnout throughout a 7-year neurosurgery residency.

Randomised controlled trial comparing two group-based exercise programmes (team sport vs circuit training) on men’s health: study protocol

IntroductionPhysical activity promotes physical, psychological and social health. Despite this, almost half of middle-aged (35–54 years) Australian men are insufficiently active. Exercise adherence is increased with social interaction in a...

Protein Timing Does Not Affect Next-Day Recovery of Strength or Power but May Enhance Aerobic Adaptations to Short-Term Variable Intensity Exercise Training in Recreationally Active Males: A Pilot Study.

Background: Variable intensity training (VIT) characteristic of stop-and-go team sport exercise may reduce performance capacity when performed on successive days but also represent a strategy to induce rapid training-induced increases in exercise capacity. Although post-exercise protein enhances muscle protein synthesis, the timing of protein ingestion following variable intensity training (VIT) on next-day recovery and short-term performance adaptation is unknown.Purpose: To determine if immediate (IMM) as compared to delayed (DEL) protein ingestion supports greater acute recovery of exercise performance during successive days of VIT and/or supports chronic training adaptations.Methods: Sixteen habitually active men performed 5 consecutive days of variable intensity training (VIT) in the evening prior to consuming a beverage providing carbohydrate and whey protein (IMM; 0.7 g and 0.3 g/kg, respectively) or carbohydrates alone (DEL; 1 g/kg) with the reciprocal beverage consumed the following morning. Performance was assessed before each VIT (recovery) and 2 days after the final VIT (adaptation).Results: Five consecutive days of VIT progressively decreased anaerobic peak power (~7%) and muscle strength (MVC; ~8%) with no impact of protein timing. Following 2 days of recovery, VIT increased maximal voluntary contraction and predicted VO2peak by ~10 and ~5%, respectively, with a moderate beneficial effect of IMM on predicted VO2peak (ES = 0.78).Conclusion: Successive days of simulated team sport exercise decreases markers of next-day performance capacity with no effect of protein timing on acute recovery. However, practical VIT increases muscle strength and aerobic capacity in as little as 5 days with the latter potentially enhanced by immediate post-exercise protein consumption.

Effects of Electrostimulation Therapy on Recovery From Acute Team-Sport Activity

To assess the efficacy of a 1-off electrostimulation treatment as a recovery modality from acute team-sport exercise, directly comparing the benefits to contrast water therapy. Ten moderately trained male athletes completed a simulated team-game circuit (STGC). At the conclusion of exercise, participants then completed a 30-min recovery modality of either electrostimulation therapy (EST), contrast water therapy (CWT), or a passive resting control condition (CON). Twenty-four hours later, participants were required to complete a modified STGC as a measure of next-day performance. Venous blood samples were collected preexercise and 3 and 24 h postexercise. Blood samples were analyzed for circulating levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP). The EST trial resulted in significantly faster sprint times during the 24-h postrecovery than with CON (P < .05), with no significant differences recorded between EST and CWT or between CWT and CON (P > .05). There were no differences in IL-6 or CRP across all trials. Finally, the perception of recovery was significantly greater in the EST trial than in the CWT and CON (P < .05). These results suggest that a 1-off treatment with EST may be beneficial to perceptual recovery, which may enhance next-day performance.

Cold water immersion recovery following intermittent-sprint exercise in the heat

This study examined the effects of cold water immersion (CWI) on recovery of neuromuscular function following simulated team-sport exercise in the heat. Ten male team-sport athletes performed two sessions of a 2 × 30-min intermittent-sprint exercise (ISE) in 32°C and 52% humidity, followed by a 20-min CWI intervention or passive recovery (CONT) in a randomized, crossover design. The ISE involved a 15-m sprint every minute separated by bouts of hard running, jogging and walking. Voluntary and evoked neuromuscular function, ratings of perceived muscle soreness (MS) and blood markers for muscle damage were measured pre- and post-exercise, immediately post-recovery, 2-h and 24-h post-recovery. Measures of core temperature (Tcore), heart rate (HR), capillary blood and perceptions of exertion, thermal strain and thirst were also recorded at the aforementioned time points. Post-exercise maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and activation (VA) were reduced in both conditions and remained below pre-exercise values for the 24-h recovery (P < 0.05). Increased blood markers of muscle damage were observed post-exercise in both conditions and remained elevated for the 24-h recovery period (P < 0.05). Comparative to CONT, the post-recovery rate of reduction in Tcore, HR and MS was enhanced with CWI whilst increasing MVC and VA (P < 0.05). In contrast, 24-h post-recovery MVC and activation were significantly higher in CONT compared to CWI (P = 0.05). Following exercise in the heat, CWI accelerated the reduction in thermal and cardiovascular load, and improved MVC alongside increased central activation immediately and 2-h post-recovery. However, despite improved acute recovery CWI resulted in an attenuated MVC 24-h post-recovery.

Effect of Caffeine on Reactive Agility Time When Fresh and Fatigued

This study examined the effects of acute caffeine ingestion on agility performance and decision-making accuracy after simulated team-sport exercise. Using a randomized, double-blinded, counterbalanced design, 10 moderately trained male team-sport athletes ingested either caffeine (6 mg·kg(-1)) or placebo (dextrose) 60 min before completing an 80-min (4 × 20 min) simulated team-game, intermittent running protocol. Interspersed between each exercise quarter was a reactive agility test (RAT) consisting of five trials where measures of total time (TT), reactive agility (RA) time, decision time (DT), movement time (MT), and decision-making accuracy were obtained. Although there were no significant differences between trials for TT (P = 0.54), RA time (P = 0.84), MT (P = 0.89), or DT (P = 0.91), caffeine ingestion resulted in consistently faster TT (2.3%), RA time (3.9%), MT (2.7%), and DT (9.3%) scores compared with placebo (significant main effect for condition for RA time, TT, DT, and MT; P < 0.05). These faster times were supported by qualitative analyses of "almost certain benefit" and large effect size (ES) for RA (quarter 3) and "likely" to "very likely benefits" and moderate to large ES for TT (precircuit and quarters 1, 2, and 4) and RA time (precircuit and quarters 1, 2 and 4). A "likely benefit" and moderate ES was found for MT (quarters 1 and 3), but the effect of caffeine on DT was largely "unclear," with small ES and only a "likely" chance of benefit (quarters 2 and 3). Improved decision-making accuracy (3.8%) after caffeine ingestion was supported by a "likely benefit" (quarter 1) and large ES (quarters 1 and 4). Caffeine ingestion may be beneficial to RA performance when athletes are fresh and fatigued.

Efficacy of Acute Caffeine Ingestion for Short-term High-Intensity Exercise Performance: A Systematic Review

Caffeine is the most widely used drug in the world, commonly ingested in coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks. Its ability to enhance muscular work has been apparent since the early 1900s. Caffeine typically increases endurance performance; however, efficacy of caffeine ingestion for short-term high-intensity exercise is equivocal, which may be explained by discrepancies in exercise protocols, dosing, and subjects' training status and habitual caffeine intake found across studies. The primary aim of this review is to critically examine studies that have tested caffeine's ability to augment performance during exercise dependent on nonoxidative metabolism such as sprinting, team sports, and resistance training. A review of the literature revealed 29 studies that measured alterations in short-term performance after caffeine ingestion. Each study was critically analyzed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. The mean PEDro score was 7.76 +/- 0.87. Eleven of 17 studies revealed significant improvements in team sports exercise and power-based sports with caffeine ingestion, yet these effects were more common in elite athletes who do not regularly ingest caffeine. Six of 11 studies revealed significant benefits of caffeine for resistance training. Some studies show decreased performance with caffeine ingestion when repeated bouts are completed. The exact mechanism explaining the ergogenic effect of caffeine for short-term exercise is unknown.

The Effects of Compression Garments on Intermittent Exercise Performance and Recovery on Consecutive Days

The aim of this study was to determine whether compression garments improve intermittent-sprint performance and aid performance or self-reported recovery from high-intensity efforts on consecutive days. Following familiarization, 14 male rugby players performed two randomized testing conditions (with or without garments) involving consecutive days of a simulated team sport exercise protocol, separated by 24 h of recovery within each condition and 2 weeks between conditions. Each day involved an 80-min high-intensity exercise circuit, with exercise performance determined by repeated 20-m sprints and peak power on a cart dynamometer (single-man scrum machine). Measures of nude mass, heart rate, skin and tympanic temperature, and blood lactate (La-) were recorded throughout each day; also, creatine kinase (CK) and muscle soreness were recorded each day and 48 h following exercise. No differences (P=.20 to 0.40) were present between conditions on either day of the exercise protocol for repeated 20-m sprint efforts or peak power on a cart dynamometer. Heart rate, tympanic temperature, and body mass did not significantly differ between conditions; however, skin temperature was higher under the compression garments. Although no differences (P=.50) in La- or CK were present, participants felt reduced levels of perceived muscle soreness in the ensuing 48 h postexercise when wearing the garments (2.5+/-1.7 vs 3.5+/-2.1 for garment and control; P=.01). The use of compression garments did not improve or hamper simulated team-sport activity on consecutive days. Despite benefits of reduced self-reported muscle soreness when wearing garments during and following exercise each day, no improvements in performance or recovery were apparent.

Effect of water immersion methods on post-exercise recovery from simulated team sport exercise

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of hot/cold contrast water immersion (CWI), cold-water immersion (COLD) and no recovery treatment (control) as post-exercise recovery methods following exhaustive simulated team sports exercise. Repeated sprint ability, strength, muscle soreness and inflammatory markers were measured across the 48-h post-exercise period. Eleven male team-sport athletes completed three 3-day testing trials, each separated by 2 weeks. On day 1, baseline measures of performance (10m×20m sprints and isometric strength of quadriceps, hamstrings and hip flexors) were recorded. Participants then performed 80min of simulated team sports exercise followed by a 20-m shuttle run test to exhaustion. Upon completion of the exercise, and 24h later, participants performed one of the post-exercise recovery procedures for 15min. At 48h post-exercise, the performance tests were repeated. Blood samples and muscle soreness ratings were taken before and immediately after post-exercise, and at 24h and 48h post-exercise. In comparison to the control and CWI treatments, COLD resulted in significantly lower (p<0.05) muscle soreness ratings, as well as in reduced decrements to isometric leg extension and flexion strength in the 48-h post-exercise period. COLD also facilitated a more rapid return to baseline repeated sprint performances. The only benefit of CWI over control was a significant reduction in muscle soreness 24h post-exercise. This study demonstrated that COLD following exhaustive simulated team sports exercise offers greater recovery benefits than CWI or control treatments.

Effects of wearing compression garments on thermoregulation during simulated team sport activity in temperate environmental conditions

Anecdotal evidence suggests compression garments (CGs) are being worn underneath normal playing attire during team sports. Wearing CGs as a baselayer could possibly increase heat storage, and so this field study investigated the effects of wearing CGs, comprising knee-length shorts and short-sleeved top underneath normal match-day attire (COMP), versus normal match-day attire alone (NORM) on thermoregulation during simulated team sport activity. Ten match-fit field hockey players twice performed 4x15min exercise bouts consisting of repeated cycles of intermittent, varied-intensity 20m shuttle running (Loughborough intermittent shuttle test), once in COMP and once in NORM. Testing was conducted in an indoor gymnasium (ambient conditions: approximately 17 degrees C, approximately 60% relative humidity). Participants acted as their own controls. Heart rate (HR), 15m sprint time, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), blood lactate concentration, sweat rate and body core temperature (T(core)) were similar between trials (p>0.05). Mean skin temperature (T(skin)) was significantly higher in COMP than NORM (p<0.05). Overall, CGs worn as a baselayer during simulated team sport exercise in temperate ambient conditions had no thermoregulatory benefits nor any detrimental effects on T(core), physiological performance or dehydration. However, the higher T(skin) may affect individual preference for wearing CGs as an undergarment during team sports.

Effects Of Caffeinated Sports Drinks On Physical/Mental Function During Team Sports Exercise

The ergogenic effects of caffeine ingestion (240–840 mg) on exercise performance is well established, albeit in some cases with negative side effects. However, recent evidence shows that much smaller doses can have beneficial effect on endurance performance as well as on mental function. Less is known about the possible synergistic effects of low dose of caffeine (CAF) and carbohydrate (CHO) feedings, especially as related to team sports performance. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of low dose (100 mg) CAF ingestion along with typically recommended CHO on physical and mental function during intermittent high intensity exercise that mimics the demands of competitive team sports. METHODS: Physically active male (N=6) and female (N=4) low to moderate caffeine users participated in this study. Experimental trials consisted of four ∼22-minute quarters (QTR) of shuttle running. Physical and mental function tests were administered throughout the experimental trial including (20-m sprint, vertical jump, gross motor skill test, force sensation, rating of perceived exertion, profile of mood states and psychomotor vigilance test).On four separate occasions, subjects received 20-oz of flavored water placebo (PLA), CHO, PLA+CAF and CHO+CAF prior to exercise. During exercise, subjects ingest PLA, CHO, PLA and CHO respectively (3.5 ml·kg-1). RESULTS: No difference was found in 20-m sprint time, vertical jump and gross motor skills performance between any treatments. However, both caffeine treatments (PLA+CAF and CHO+CAF) significantly improved psychomotor vigilance and reduced force sensation at HALFTIME (p<0.05). CHO+CAF also improved self-reported perception of fatigue, vigor and overall mood compared to PLA+CAF (p<0.05). Systolic blood pressure was increased with CHO+CAF compare to other three treatments. However, no difference was found in heart rate, core body temperature, plasma volume change, or hydration status between any treatments. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that ingestion of a low dose of caffeine prior to exercise did not add to the expected benefits of CHO feedings alone on physical tasks. However, all of the mental function tasks were significantly enhanced with the combination of CHO plus CAF, with little or no adverse side effects. Funded by Gatorade Sports Science Institute.

Effects of Caffeine and Carbohydrate Ingestion on Physical/Mental Functions During Team Sports Exercise

Effects of Caffeine and Carbohydrate Ingestion on Physical/Mental Functions During Team Sports Exercise

Carbohydrate Feedings during Team Sport Exercise Preserve Physical and CNS Function

This study was designed to examine the effect of carbohydrate (CHO) feedings on physical and central nervous system (CNS) function during intermittent high-intensity exercise with physical demands similar to those of team sports such as basketball. Twenty active men (N = 10) and women (N = 10), with experience competing in team sports, performed three practice sessions before two experimental trials during which they were fed either a 6% CHO solution or a flavored placebo (PBO). Experimental trials consisted of four 15-min quarters of shuttle running with variable intensities ranging from walking (30% VO(2max)), to running (120% VO(2max)), to maximal sprinting, and 40 jumps at a target hanging at 80% of their maximum vertical jump height. Subjects received 5 mL.kg(-1) of fluid before exercise and 3 mL.kg(-1) after exercise, in addition to 3 mL.kg(-1) over a 5-min span after the first and third quarters, and 8 mL.kg(-1) during a 20-min halftime. During each break, the subjects performed a battery of tests measuring peripheral and CNS function, including 20-m sprints, a 60-s maximal jumping test, internal and external mood evaluation, cognitive function, force sensation, tests of motor skills, and target-jumping accuracy. Compared with PBO, CHO feedings during exercise resulted in faster 20-m sprint times and higher average jump height in the fourth quarter (P < 0.05). CHO feedings also reduced force sensation, enhanced motor skills, and improved mood late in exercise versus PBO (P < 0.05). These results suggest that CHO feedings during intermittent high-intensity exercise similar to that of team sports benefited both peripheral and CNS function late in exercise compared with a flavored placebo.

Total quality managemnt and home health care

Recreational team sports offer an alternative form of exercise to inactive individuals across the lifespan and sexes. Soccer is the most investigated recreational team sport reporting a wide range of health benefits, including cardiovascular (CV) health. The quest for novel paradigms to promote exercise in the general population, recently extended its interest to other team sports besides soccer. The available research supports the importance of recreational team handball, floorball, basketball, touch rugby, futsal and volleyball as training paradigms to improve CV fitness and other health-related variables in inactive individuals across ages and sexes. In most cases, recreational team sports programs assume the form of small-sided games, eliciting mean heart rates of 72–85% of the individual maximal. The majority of the training interventions were carried out for 12 weeks with a reported mean attendance of 2 times 40–60 min per week. Maximal oxygen uptake improvements were different in magnitude across the recreational team sports, with recreational team handball providing significant and clinically relevant increases (>3.5 ml·kg−1·min−1). Game format, training exposure and pre-intervention health and fitness status are issues that need further investigation with the aim to optimize recreational team sports exercise programs implementation. Furthermore, the nature and effects of grassroots team sports should be further studied in order to provide as many as possible effective training tools for former practitioners and for the general population that has none or little experience of sport. Given the potential positive impact of recreational team sports practice on world population's health, large-scale randomized controlled trials are warranted.