Top Athletes Research Articles (Page 1)

Background: A sexually active lifestyle is generally associated with positive effects on physical condition and health. However, engaging in sexual activity prior to a sports competition could affect athletic performance. This systematic review examines the current literature on the impact of pre-exercise sexual activity on sports performance, with particular attention paid to its effects on physiological, hormonal, cognitive, and perceptual markers. Method: Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically reviewed original studies published within the last 25 years. Eligible studies were randomized or non-randomized controlled design and indexed on PubMed, Scopus, Dialnet, and Cochrane. Additional sources were consulted including a network diagram with Connected Papers®. Two methodological quality scales, McMaster University Occupational Therapy Evidence-Based Practice Research Group and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), were used. The study was registered in PROSPERO (#CRD42023426555). Results: A total of 244 records were identified through the search process, of which 7 studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies involved 117 (115 men) physically and sexually active subjects including 29 elite top athletes. When comparing the sexual activity condition/group (SexG) to abstinence (AbsG), significant (p < 0.05) decreases were observed in average speed and maximum strength. In contrast, non-significant trends towards improvement (p > 0.05) were observed in exercise capacity, reaction time, and muscular endurance. No significant changes (p > 0.05) were found in physiological and hormonal biomarkers and fatigue perception. However, perceived exertion was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in SexG compared to AbsG. Conclusions: Current evidence does not conclusively support the influence of pre-exercise sexual activity on sports performance, or physiological and hormonal biomarkers. However, it could contribute to increased perception of exercise intensity.

The PLAY study (Pain, Lesions and Analgesics in Youth and Elite Sports) investigates the extent, patterns and treatment of pain in organised professional sports. This study, presented here for the first time, focused on Olympic weightlifting in this context. As part of a case-control study, weightlifters from the German Olympic squad (OSW, n=35) were compared with matched controls from the general population (n=35) using 1:1 matching for sex, age, and BMI. Validated, field-tested questions and scores were used to record the prevalence of pain, analgesic consumption and willingness to compete despite pain among German elite athletes. Due to the matched pairs design, bivariate associations were examined using McNemar tests. Among the 35 Olympic weightlifters surveyed, 80% (8 out of 10) reported experiencing pain in the past 7 days, with an average of at least 3 regions affected simultaneously, mainly neck, back, head, and knees. With the exception of the back (71% vs. 83%; p>0.05), the 12-month pain prevalence was significantly higher in OSW, especially in the wrists (66% vs. 40%; p=0.035), where the most severe pain occurred (VAS 7.3/10). The use of painkillers was widespread among athletes and controls. Among Olympic weightlifters, the majority of cases involved self-medication. Frequent consumption was mainly found for ibuprofen (20%), acetylsalicylic acid (14%), and diclofenac (9%). The willingness to take part in competitions despite pain was widespread among the top athletes in our sample: 94% stated they would take part even if they needed to take painkillers. In contrast, only 9% reported that they would continue to participate even if their doctors advised against it. Therefore, doctors seem to act as gatekeepers and are most likely able to dissuade athletes from making such risky decisions. Among the athletes studied here at the highest national performance level, high 12-month prevalence rates for joint pain, widespread and, in some cases, prophylactic self-medication with painkillers were observed, along with a strong willingness to compete despite health complaints and pain.

PurposeThis study aimed to examine the kinematic features of the hammer throw technique among elite female athletes worldwide, which is essential for advancing the development of women’s hammer throw in China. By examining the technical differences between Chinese female hammer throwers and their international counterparts, this research offers data support to help Chinese athletes further refine and optimise their throwing techniques, thereby strengthening the scientific basis of training in this discipline.ResultsThe study found that the average release velocity of Chinese athletes was lower than that of world-class athletes, with Zheng Wang recording the highest release velocity among the Chinese throwers. There was minimal difference in the average release angle between Chinese and international athletes. Apart from Zheng Wang, most Chinese athletes showed irregular timing in their average rotational phases, which negatively impacted the release phase. Notably, the average preliminary swing speed of Chinese athletes was markedly higher than that of international athletes, indicating a technical tendency towards active acceleration during the initial rotation phase. Additionally, the average trajectory length per turn among top Chinese athletes was generally longer than that of elite international athletes.ConclusionThe international elite female hammer throwers exhibit superior release-related indices and more effective double-support mechanics compared with their Chinese counterparts. These results highlight the central role of double-support coordination, trunk–pelvis coupling, and phase-specific timing in optimizing release velocity and overall performance. Targeted technical interventions focusing on these elements may help close the performance gap and advance elite-level outcomes.

Cognitive and executive functions of top level para-karate athletes with intellectual disability.

How were sports in schools implemented in the former GDR and how is that experience perceived today? To shed light on this aspect of the ‘sports wonderland’, it is important to show how sports were practically implemented for all inhabitants of the GDR, besides the top athletes. Sports at school reached all children and youths and was not limited to physical education lessons, but also included school sports clubs, after-school care, and political youth organizations. To give a comprehensive perspective, 25 interviews with former pupils, teachers, and coaches were conducted and evaluated via qualitative content research. The results give an idea of how important sports were for both society and the individual in the former GDR. The intention behind sports at school was to foster well-educated socialist personalities, yet many of the interviewed participants stated that they hardly had any contact with political influences and ideas. Most of them still appreciate their experience within the sports system and still remember the advantages it offered.

In the context of competitive sports training, it is imperative that athletes receive regular training in self-competence to enhance self-regulation and self-control, thereby empowering them to actively influence their own learning process and mitigate stress. The present study (N = 35, mean age: 17.06) suggests a negative correlation between stress load and self-control (r = -.517, p < .001). Concurrently, a positive correlation was identified between self-control and willpower (r = .433, p < .005), with willpower also exerting an influence on motor learning, although not significantly (d = .358). The study set out to examine the hypothesis that the manner in which coaches communicate has a significant impact on motor learning (r = -.41, p < .005). Subsequent group comparisons revealed significant variations in juggling performance, which were associated with higher expressions of willpower (p = .027, d = .735). In comparison with the groups that achieved high self-competence scores, the group that received negative coach instruction and simultaneously exhibited a low level of self-competence demonstrated the poorest results in motor learning and exhibited significant differences to the athletes with high self-competence (p ≤ .020, d ≥ 0.75). These results underscore the significance of promoting self-competence in top athletes.

The name, image and likeness (NIL) market has grown exponentially in the last two years, but our understanding of its impact is still very limited. Building on human brand theory and the concept of self-presentation, a quantitative content analysis was conducted to explore how top college athlete influencers create unique human brands through visual self-presentation and their correlations with brand partnerships and post engagement. Descriptive analyses identified dominant human brand content and self-presentation tactics. Chi-square results suggested differences between male and female athletes. Human brand content type and sponsorship disclosure method were also found to have affected post engagement. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.

This study examines the factors influencing the performance of elite women’s singles badminton players at Guangxi University for Nationalities, focusing on the player-coach relationship, training facilities, interactions between players and coaches, technology integration, and cultural influences. Using a descriptive-correlational design, data were collected from 80 participants, and the relationships between these factors and performance were analyzed. Results show significant relationships between training facilities, interactions with coaches, and technology integration in training with performance, emphasizing the importance of well-maintained facilities, positive player-coach interactions, and advanced technological tools in enhancing player performance. However, the study found no significant direct impact from the player-coach relationship and cultural influences on performance. The results highlight the importance of a well-rounded training program that includes these components to enhance the performance of top athletes. The research provides practical guidance for creating more impactful training approaches for badminton athletes in comparable organizations.

Since its inclusion in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, skateboarding has highlighted diverse age profiles among elite athletes. This study aims to characterize the relationship between age and performance in Street Skateboarding and examine how it has evolved with the sport's growing professionalization. The dataset includes 2,822 performances by 498 women and 12,116 by 2,784 men from international street skateboarding competitions (2001-2024). Athlete number and gender ratios were compared between 2017 and 2024 vs 2001-2016 periods in order to assess the evolution of the competitive context, with analysis of new and returning athletes. Performance was quantified using a dynamic rank-order logit model (ROL). Moore's exponential model and IMAP tracked the age-performance relationship, with adjusted R-squared for model fit. Peak performance ages, estimated performances, and AUC were analyzed for trends. Since 2016, the number of international competitors has doubled for men (x2.13) and quadrupled for women (x4.02), narrowing the male-to-female participating ratio from 10.56 to 5.59. Records for new competitors have been consistently surpassed, particularly for women. Both Moore and IMAP models strongly explain the age-performance relationship (R 2: 0.84-0.94). According to Moore and IMAP models, peak performance ages are estimated at respectively 18.12 and 16.25 for women and 22.51 et 21.34 for men. For women, age of peak performance significantly evolved toward younger ages over time, with a sharper drop from 2021 to 2024. For men, both AUC and age at peak performance increased significantly, indicating a widening of the optimum performance age range. The inclusion of skateboarding into the Olympic programs has expanded career opportunities, lowering peak performance age for women and broadening the optimal age range for men. This study is intended to help skateboarding stakeholders estimate athletes' potential for future Olympiads and adapt development strategies. The age at peak performance trajectory for female athletes warrants special attention.

The alpha-actinin-3 (ACTN3) gene, which encodes the sarcomeric protein alpha-actinin-3 in skeletal muscle fibers, is a significant marker linked to athletic performance. The distribution of ACTN3 gene alleles and genotypes between top athletes and sedentary individuals may result in substantial disparities in the development of physical performance attributes, including strength, speed, and endurance. This study sought to investigate the influence of ACTN3 rs1815739 gene polymorphisms in elite male soccer players concerning their on-field positions and to ascertain their genotype distributions. The research population comprises 78 male soccer players participating in professional leagues. The genotype distributions of the ACTN3 rs1815739 polymorphism among soccer players are as follows: CC genotype 34.62%, CT genotype 48.72%, and TT genotype 16.67%. The study revealed that professional soccer players with the TT genotype were present at a significantly low frequency in the general population. The distribution of ACTN3 gene polymorphisms exhibited a linear trend: CT>CC>TT. Additionally, no correlation was identified between the players' positions on the field and their gene polymorphisms. Consequently, ACTN3 R577X is considered an inadequate genetic marker for identifying a skilled soccer player, particularly when technical, tactical, and personal competencies that influence game outcomes are overlooked.

The article presents the results of a study on the performances of qualified male athletes in the kata program at the XXXII Olympic Games. The purpose of the study was to study the temporal structure of kata in competitive activity, including the analysis of substantive-temporal characteristics, the determination of varieties and frequency of competitive kata application, as well as the identification of the tactical structure of performances among the top athletes. Research methods and organization. The method of video analysis and statistical data processing was used to study the features of the temporal structure of competitive kata. For this purpose, a comparative analysis of the substantive-temporal characteristics of kata was conducted, which included 34 performances by male athletes at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Research results and conclusions. The study revealed a temporal structure of kata, consisting of three blocks of elements and their relationship in the performance structure of athletes. A tactical scheme for planning performances was identified, which allowed for the determination of key preparation elements and their impact on the final results of the athletes. It was established that success in kata competitions largely depends on the competent tactical choice of kata and the athletes' ability to maintain a high level of execution difficulty at all stages of the tournament. The analysis of the research results showed that the temporal structure of kata is defined by the variability of their execution, expressed through a time range that reflects the individual differences of athletes, which form the unique characteristics of the duration of each kata.

Among overall top performances of youth track and swimming athletes, we aimed to determine 1) the proportional number of male compared with female athletes represented and 2) at what age females are no longer represented. Finishing times and sex of the top 10 and top 100 performances of youth runners and swimmers between 5 and 18 yr were abstracted from online U.S.-based databases for four running (100 m-800 m) and six freestyle swimming events (50 m-1500 m). Males represented a greater proportion of the top 10 performances starting at 7 yr in running ( P = 0.023) and 12 yr in swimming ( P = 0.023) (averaged across events). Males represented a greater proportion of the top 100 performances starting at 6 yr in running ( P < 0.001) and 7 yr in swimming ( P < 0.001) (averaged across events). Females were no longer represented within the top 10 performances starting at ~12 yr in running and ~13 yr in swimming and no longer represented within the top 100 starting at ~14 yr in running and ~15 yr in swimming. In elite youth athletes, there was a greater proportion (representation) of males within the top 100 running and swimming performances beginning between 6 and 7 yr of age, with females no longer represented between 14 and 15 yr of age. Our findings suggest males are more likely to be represented "on the podium" in open sporting events (not categorized by sex) than females starting at 6 yr of age.

Introduction: Female activism and social responsibility seem to be unnoticed but carries a profound impact on community, business, and green legacy. This research aims to analyze the digital communication practices and ethical initiatives of worldwide top female athletes, with a focus on their international brand image. By studying their online presence and engagement, we will explore convergences and divergences between genders in terms of talent revenue and personal branding. Methodology: Our work provides insights into how these sportswomen interact on the internet-based landscape, their approaches to global leadership, and the causes they support. The applied methodology involves a comparative analysis of top athletes by gender and categories to contrast diversity. Statistical techniques, including ANOVA and regression analysis, are employed to examine the data and derive meaningful insights, finding their remarkable influence beyond their exceptional performance in sports. Results: Sportswomen harness the power of online visibility as a strategical tool to amplify their influence and drive social change, leveraging their talent to go beyond the economic returns of their professional performance.Discussions and findings: The current study discloses how sportspeople serve as role models, exhibiting good practices and leading by example to benefit the community. Their dedication to sustainability, both in terms of people's well-being and the preservation of our planet for future generations, is evident in their actions. Their brand image transcends their athletic achievements, reflecting their commitment, responsibility, and entrepreneurship towards the interests of the community. Their influence extends far beyond the surface, leaving a lasting and positive effect on stakeholders.

Purpose Influencer marketing is a significant element in modern marketing. Both influencer marketing and college athletics are billion-dollar industries. As the two collide in the wake of college name, image or likeness (NIL) regulations, allowing for NIL athletes to monetize themselves and their personal brands, it is important to evaluate the implications of NIL influencers. This paper specifically examines whether sports-themed posts differ from lifestyle posts in terms of consumer perceptions. Design/methodology/approach Experimental design was used to explore the impact that NIL influencer source attributes have on audiences’ consumer attitudes. Participants (N = 222) viewed Instagram posts of four of the top NIL-earning athletes (two men and two women athletes) from 2023. Perceptions of the posts were examined under two collapsed conditions: sports-themed posts focusing on athletic pursuits and lifestyle posts that focused on lifestyle. Participants answered questions concerning credibility, wishful identification, homophily and behavioral intention. Findings Sports-themed content was regarded as more credible and linked to greater behavioral intentions, including intent to engage on social media and intent to purchase an endorsed product when compared with more traditional lifestyle posts. Both homophily and wishful identification play an important mediating role in the processing of influencer content. Originality/value Given the recency of NIL regulations, this research focuses on the underexplored topic of college athletes as endorsers. Understanding the type of posts that elicit greater behavioral intentions has marketing implications for a wide variety of organizations interested in partnership opportunities with NIL athletes.

The presence of letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, in an athlete's sample constitutes one of the more frequent anti-doping rules violation. It is possible to challenge this violation but it is the athletes who have to demonstrate their innocence. The conditions to evidence/establish the absence of fault or negligence hinge on two points: 1. the athletes or their legal representatives have to present verified circumstances of contamination and the source of contamination has to be identified; and 2. there have to be verified claims by the athlete about the fact that the intake of the prohibited substance was not known, i.e.that the violation was not intentional. This corresponds to the suggested shift terminology from "contaminated product" to "unpredictable source of a prohibited substance". In the recent years, several top athletes challenged their ADRV with a low urine letrozole concentration and requested a hair test. In three cases, letrozole concentration in segmented hair, particularly in the segment corresponding to the urine AAF was significantly lower than 1 pg/mg, which is the limit of quantification of the method. Considering that a ¼ of a 2.5 mg therapeutic dose of letrozole produces a hair concentration of approximately 30 pg/mg, it is easy to establish that the dose that entered in the body of these athletes was incidental. Nevertheless, all three athletes were sentenced a 2-years ban as the source of contamination was not identified. In that sense, the WADA dogma contradicts scientific evidence, and from a forensic perspective, this appears difficult to understand.

Objective The purpose of this study was to quantitatively measure the split-step skills of the world’s top badminton players to clarify the characteristics underlying these skills when moving into the forehand position in the rear court. Methods We analyzed the four best ranking players (1st to 4th) in the men’s singles competition at the World Badminton Federation (BWF) World Championships 2023, a world tournament whose match videos are available online. Analysis 1 was conducted to determine the location of the players’ feet on the court when performing a split-step while moving to the forehand rear court, as well as the width of the stance and the reaction time from that stance to taking the first step. To define the characteristics of top athletes, the split-step skill performance of these athletes was evaluated during play. Analysis 2 was used to determine whether the performance of the split-step when moving to the forehand rear court varied depending on the position of the opposing player. Results Analysis 1 showed that the split-step position was gathered close to the base, with an average split-step reaction time of 0.25 s and a split-step stance width comprising 50% of the players’ height. These results were similar among all top players evaluated. Analysis 2 showed that the difference in the number of shuttlecocks that hit the opponent’s backhand rear court (LR) affected their degree of split-step skill. Conclusion In this study, we quantitatively measured the split-step skills of the world’s top badminton athletes and clarified the characteristics of their positioning into the forehand rear court during active play. Herein, movement and performance analysis using match videos available online was used to gain novel insights into the performance of these athletes.

Today, athletes are not only sports stars, but also powerful influencers and brand ambassadors in the global marketplace. The transformation of sports stars into global icons as the commercial value of football players has risen dramatically over the past six decades. Thus, the study examines the factors driving player wage growth, with particular emphasis on brand endorsements, social media, and the professionalization and globalization of sports clubs. By analyzing historical wage data and exploring case studies of key endorsements by Nike, Adidas, and top athletes such as Michael Jordan, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo, the paper identifies social medias pivotal role in elevating athletes commercial influence. And the data is drawn from industry reports and academic sources on sports marketing and international sport commerce. The results demonstrate that the interplay between brand partnerships, social media presence, and the globalization of soccer clubs has significantly contributed to the exponential growth in players commercial value.

Parents play a very important role in developing affinity and love for sports, especially if they are physically active and can set an example for their children. It is very important that parents take their children to sports events where they can see and feel all the beautiful and exciting moments that sport provides, which will motivate them to actively participate in sports life. If they are actively involved in sports life, children can eventually achieve a successful professional career, that is, become top athletes. Achieving success in any sports discipline is followed in its own way by one of the newer branches of law called Sports Law. The main goal of Sports Law is to provide legal protection to athletes and other natural and legal persons involved in professional sports activities.

Purpose of the study: to study statistical data on the structure of diseases in participants of Russian national sports teams and to create a classification based on the prevalence of diseases in different sports.Materials and methods: analysis of anonymized medical data of 15,464 participants of Russian national teams who underwent in-depth medical examination in the clinics of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency for the period 2021–2023. The data included various anthropometric, physiologic, and clinical characteristics of the athletes. Statistical processing and data visualization were performed using the R programming language.Results: 6 classification clusters of sports were identified based on the analysis of the main groups of diseases most frequently encountered in top skill athletes. In each cluster, high incidence of diseases is specific to certain sports.Conclusion: a classification of sports based on the prevalence of diseases in athletes of the national teams of the Russian Federation was developed. This classification approach can be the basis for the creation of individualized prevention and rehabilitation programs that take into account specific health risks associated with different sports.

This study examined the physiological effects of combining contrast complex training (CCT) with either repeated short sprints (RSE) or high-intensity intervals (HIIT) on elite male handball players during the competitive season. The goal was to identify which training method more effectively enhances strength, endurance, and sprint performance. Fifteen elite handball players were divided into two groups during a 12-week training program, conducted alongside their regular handball practice. The RSE group (n = 8) performed 10 shuttle sprints (2x15m) with passive rest, while the HIIT group (n = 7) completed 5 repetitions of 30-second all-out sprints with directional changes. Both groups participated in CCT exercises, including squats at 90% of 1RM, jump squats at 50% of body weight, and drop jumps from 30 cm. Performance was assessed before and after the intervention using tests for jump squat rate of force development (RFD), 5-jump distance, 30m sprint, repeated shuttle sprint ability (RSSA), maximal squat strength, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery (YYIRT 1), and VO2max. Both groups significantly increased maximal squat strength, with the RSE group improving by 8.8% and the HIIT group by 7.4% (p &lt; .01). The HIIT group showed a greater improvement in RFD (63.3% vs. 56.3%, p &lt; .05). VO2max increased by about 2% in both groups. YYIRT 1 improved by 9.4% in the RSE group and 5.8% in the HIIT group. However, acceleration (5m sprint) declined in both groups, more notably in the RSE group (-5.7%). RSSA performance deteriorated in the RSE group, while the HIIT group significantly enhanced their fatigue resistance, with a 39.1% improvement in Sdec at RSA (p &lt; .09). CCT increased strength and RFD but did not improve acceleration. HIIT was superior to RSE in maintaining or improving repeated sprint ability, making it the preferred method for elite handball players during the competitive season.