Young Athletes Research Articles

The effect of a holistic approach training model on increasing the speed and agility of tennis athletes

Purpose: Physical condition is an essential element required by tennis athletes. Without proper physical conditioning, players cannot perform optimally. The physical condition of tennis athletes at Club Nusalima, Pekanbaru, Indonesia, is still not optimal, as evidenced by their low achievements this year, with no athletes ranked nationally by Pelti. Two of the most important physical conditions required by tennis players are agility and speed. Methods: This study aimed to determine the effect of a training method using a holistic approach on improving the physical condition—specifically agility and speed—of tennis athletes at Club Nusalima, Pekanbaru, Indonesia. The research was conducted as an experimental study using purposive sampling, with a sample consisting of 10 young athletes aged 15-17 from the club. The research design used was a "One Group Pretest-Posttest" approach. The instruments used to collect data were the 505 Agility Test and the 20-meter sprint test for speed. Results: The data analysis technique used was the t-test with a significance level of 5%. For agility, the results showed that the t-table value was 2.26 and the t-count value was 3.26, which is greater than 2.26, indicating a significant improvement in agility. Similarly, for speed, the t-test analysis showed that the t-count value was 3.04, which was also greater than the t-table value of 2.26, confirming a significant improvement in speed. Although the improvement in agility (0.24 seconds) was greater than the improvement in speed (0.07 seconds), both metrics showed a significant positive effect from the holistic training approach. Conclusion: The holistic training method significantly improved both agility and speed in tennis athletes at Club Nusalima. Agility improved from an average of 2.81 seconds to 2.74 seconds, and speed also showed measurable improvement from 3.04 seconds to 2.96 seconds. These findings suggest that the holistic approach is an effective model for enhancing physical performance in tennis players.

The differences effects of lunges vs. squats exercise programs on the swimming speed 50-meters butterfly style: a quasi-experimental study

Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of lunges vs. squats exercise on the swimming speed of the 50-meter butterfly stroke among athletes aged 10-13 in KU III and IV categories. Approach: An experimental method employing a two-group pre-test and post-test design was utilized. The study population consisted of athletes affiliated with the SeaRia Aquatic swimming association. Purposive sampling was employed, selecting male swimmers aged 10-13 who were members of the Searia Aquatic swimming club and willing to participate in training during the study. Twenty athletes met the inclusion criteria. The speed test was conducted using the 50-meter butterfly stroke. Statistical data analysis was performed using t-test with SPSS 25 software, employing a significance level of 0.05. Results: The analysis revealed significant effects: (1) lunge training demonstrated a significant improvement in the swimming speed of the 50-meter butterfly stroke among athletes aged 10-13 at the SeaRia Aquatic swimming association (t-count = 6.046, t-table = 2.23, P < 0.05); (2) similarly, squat training led to a significant enhancement in the swimming speed of the 50-meter butterfly stroke among the same age group at the SeaRia Aquatic swimming association (t-count = 6.086, t-table = 2.23, P < 0.05). Collectively, both lunges and squats positively influenced swimming speed in the 50-meter butterfly stroke among athletes aged 10-13 affiliated with the Searia Aquatic swimming association. Conclusion: This study underscores the beneficial effects of incorporating lunges vs. squats into training regimens for young athletes aiming to improve their swimming performance, particularly in the butterfly stroke. This study found that squats are more effective than lunges in improving performance in the butterfly swimming stroke. These findings offer valuable insights for coaches, trainers, and athletes interested in enhancing their competitive edge in swimming, particularly in butterfly style.

Atrial and ventricular arrhythmias in young, lifelong and retired elite endurance athletes

Abstract Background Whilst endurance athletes are known to have an overall higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF), the prevalence of other non-sustained and sustained atrial arrhythmias (AAs) and ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) remains poorly defined. Purpose We aimed to define the prevalence of non-sustained and sustained AAs (including AF) and VAs in a healthy cohort of young, lifelong and retired elite endurance athletes. We also sought to assess associations between arrhythmias, fitness and measures of cardiac structure. Methods Holter monitors in healthy endurance athletes (n=288) from an international cohort of elite endurance athletes (the Pro@Heart consortium) were analysed for the presence of sustained and non-sustained AAs and VAs. Athletes were sub-divided into young elite athletes (n=176) and former elite athletes (n=112) of which 60 were lifelong (≥2.5 hours/week) and 52 retired (<2.5 hours/week) athletes (determined by current high-intensity exercise activity). Each athlete underwent cardio-pulmonary exercise testing, echocardiography and contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI. Participants with known structural or electrical cardiac disease were excluded. Independent T-test / One-Way ANOVA (parametric data) or Mann-Whitney U / Kruskal-Wallis Tests (non-parametric data) assessed for differences between the groups. Results Young athletes (n=176, 70.5% male) were significantly fitter with a greater degree of cardiac remodelling as compared with lifelong (n=60, 63.3% male) and retired (n=52, 82.7% male) athletes (Figure 1). The prevalence of non-sustained AAs (young: 4.0% vs lifelong: 66.7% vs retired: 61.5%, p<0.001), sustained AAs (young: 0.6% vs lifelong: 8.3% vs retired: 15.4%, p<0.001) and non-sustained VAs (young: 1.7% vs lifelong: 18.3% vs retired: 23.1%, p<0.001) was higher in lifelong and retired athletes compared with young athletes (Figure 2). Non-sustained VAs were predominately monomorphic (85%), short and moderate rate (median duration 2.8 seconds and heart rate 154 beats per minute). No athletes developed sustained VAs and/or sudden cardiac arrest. Young athletes had less VAs that were multifocal in origin compared with lifelong and retired athletes (young: 29.5%, lifelong: 37.3%, retired: 53.5%, p=0.027). There was no difference in prevalence of any arrhythmia between lifelong and retired athletes. There were no significant correlations between arrhythmias and fitness or cardiac imaging parameters. Conclusion Healthy athletes have a significant prevalence of non-sustained atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and sustained atrial arrhythmias that is more prevalent in older athletes. In older athletes, the prevalence of arrhythmias is similar regardless of whether athletes are actively engaged in training or retired suggesting that pro-arrhythmic remodelling in athletes is sustained, not immediately reversible and may be minimally responsive to detraining.Arrhythmias and cardiac imagingArrhythmias amongst athlete groups

Galectin-3 zebrafish model: identification and pharmacological modulation of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy-related phenotypes

Abstract Background Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (ACM) is rare hereditary cardiac condition characterized by the substitution of ventricular myocardium with fibro-fatty tissue leading to high risk of life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, particularly among young individuals and athletes. Based on genotype-phenotype correlation, the spectrum of the ACM phenotype was shown to be broader than previously believed. Approximately 40% of ACM patients carry one or more putative pathogenic variants in genes encoding desmosomal proteins. Recently LGALS3 gene involvement in ACM early pathogenesis has been advocated. Aim To achieve a comprehensive understanding of LGALS3 role in the pathogenesis of AC. Methods This stable mutant line was generated by CRISPR/Cas9 strategy and then deeply characterized. Phenotyping included heart activity characterization using a recently published software specific for zebrafish, the pyHeart4Fish. Gene expression analysis was carried out by using RNAseq, Real Time PCR and signaling pathway reporter zebrafish lines. Immunofluorescence analysis were performed using and antibody against L-plastin, a leukocyte marker for the detection of inflammatory cells and Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide staining to check the possible presence of apoptotic and necrotic events. Results Morphological investigation revealed notable structural abnormalities such as pericardial effusion and/or hemopericardium. The heart activity analysis detected a diminished ventricle contractility and ejection fraction, with bradycardia and occurrence of arrhythmia events. Rna analysis highlighted the dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Moreover, the L-plastin inflammatory marker revealed a significant infiltration of inflammatory cells in the heart as well as an elevated number of apoptotic and necrotic cells (figure 1). The pharmacological treatment, partially rescued a subset of AC-related cardiac phenotypes observed, including heart contractility, bradycardia and arrhythmia. Conclusion Our findings strongly validate our lgals3a zebrafish mutant as an effective model to elucidate its role in ACM related phenotype. This model accurately replicates the cardiac abnormalities and dysregulation in cell signaling that are characteristic of ACM. Further, observed cell death and inflammation and the partial recovery of cardiac phenotypes through pharmacological intervention, underscores the potential of targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway as future perspective for ACM.Figure 1

Sex Differences Exist in the Relationship Between Vertical Jump Performance Biomechanical Parameters and Hamstring/Quadriceps Ratio in Adolescent U18 Track and Field Athletes

Isokinetic metrics are suggested to be related to vertical jump performance, but little is known about the possible sex differences in this relationship in adolescent track and field athletes. The aim of the study was to examine the possible sex differences in the strength of the relationship between the kinetic parameters of the vertical squat jump with arms akimbo, the countermovement jump with arms akimbo, and the countermovement jump with free arm swing with the isokinetic parameters of the knee extensor and flexor muscles (angular velocities: 60°/s and 300°/s). In total, 35 (males: 21, females: 14) U18 track and field athletes were examined. The results revealed that the Men U18 group had higher vertical jump performance, higher values in the kinetic parameters of the vertical jump tests, higher knee extensor torque, and higher knee flexor torque in the non-dominant leg compared to the Women U18 group. Significant (p < 0.05) sex differences were observed in the relationship between the isokinetic parameters and the vertical jump performance metrics, as the Women U18 athletes relied more on the knee flexor torque than Men U18 athletes, and demonstrated a stronger negative relationship between selected isokinetic metrics and the pre-stretch gain in the vertical jump tests. In conclusion, it is recommended that young female track and field athletes minimize interlimb asymmetry and improve the convention ratio in their non-dominant leg to optimize vertical jump performance.

A new playbook: preparing young team athletes for diverse futures

This article highlights innovative approaches to the development of young athletes in team sports, focusing on strategies that facilitate a successful transition to adulthood. Through a systematic review of the literature in high-impact databases, we investigate the role of positive development, the promotion of transferable skills, the fostering of a growth mindset, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in the sports context. We observe the need for athlete-centered approaches that emphasize autonomy, the development of technical, tactical, and cognitive competencies, and the importance of socio-emotional skills such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Another important factor found was the relevance of constructive feedback and effective communication in optimizing learning and improving sports performance. Therefore, the implementation of these innovative strategies in teaching and training contributes to the holistic development of young athletes, preparing them not only for sports success but also for facing future challenges in adult life. This study offers significant insights for researchers, coaches, and educators involved in the sports development of young athletes, highlighting the need for integrated and athlete-centered approaches to promote positive development and a successful transition to adult life.

Low energy availability surrogates are associated with Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport outcomes in male athletes

ObjectivesTo determine the association between surrogates of low energy availability (EA) and proposed health and performance outcomes of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) in a clinical sample of adolescent...

Sport-Related Injury and Performance Enhancing Substance Use by Young Athletes.

Legal performance enhancing substance (PES) use is increasing in young athletes and may lead to banned PES use. This study examines legal PES use and consideration of banned PES use in young athletes with a season-ending injury (SEI) compared to young athletes with non-SEI/no previous injury. Young athletes sustaining SEI or concussions have increased odds of reporting legal PES use and consideration of banned PES use compared with non-SEI or no injury. Cross-sectional study. Level 4. Cross-sectional study from 2013 to 2020 of athletes aged 6 to 25 years. No association was found between reporting legal PES use or consideration of banned PES use and young athletes with SEI or concussion compared with no injury/non-SEI. 14% of athletes reported legal PES use and 3% reported consideration of banned PES use. In adjusted analysis, athletes who were male (odds ratio [OR], 1.38; 95% CI, 1.16-1.73; P = 0.03), have history of depression (OR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.26-7.18; P = 0.01), weight train (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.04-2.65; P = 0.03), and believe that athletic ability is influenced by weight (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.08-2.83; P = 0.02) had increased odds of reporting legal PES use. Older (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.03-1.36; P = 0.02) and male (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.02-1.81; P < 0.04) athletes had increased odds of consideration of banned PES use. This study found no increased odds of reported PES use in young athletes with sports-related injury or concussion regardless of injury type or severity. Factors associated with PES use were male sex, age, history of depression, weight training, and belief that weight affects athletic performance. Risk factors associated with PES use in young athletes are essentially unknown. This study can inform pertinent clinical care, education, and policy implementation.

Fine Tuning ECG Interpretation for Young Athletes: ECG Screening Using Z-score-based Analysis

BackgroundElectrocardiograms (ECGs) in athletes commonly reveal findings related to physiologic adaptations to exercise, that may be difficult to discern from true underlying cardiovascular abnormalities. North American and European societies have published consensus statements for normal, borderline, and abnormal ECG findings for athletes, but these criteria are not based on established correlation with disease states. Additionally, data comparing ECG findings in athletes to non-athlete control subjects are lacking. Our objective was to compare the ECGs of collegiate athletes and non-athlete controls using Z-scores for digital ECG variables to better identify significant differences between the groups and to evaluate the ECG variables in athletes falling outside the normal range.MethodsValues for 102 digital ECG variables on 7206 subjects aged 17–22 years, including 672 athletes, from Hawaii Pacific Health, University of Hawaii, and Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego were obtained through retrospective review. Age and sex-specific Z-scores for ECG variables were derived from normal subjects and used to assess the range of values for specific ECG variables in young athletes. Athletes with abnormal ECGs were referred to cardiology consultation and/or echocardiogram.ResultsAthletes had slower heart rate, longer PR interval, more rightward QRS axis, longer QRS duration but shorter QTc duration, larger amplitude and area of T waves, prevalent R’ waves in V1, and higher values of variables traditionally associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH): amplitudes of S waves (leads V1-V2), Q waves (V6, III) and R waves (II, V5, V6). Z-scores of these ECG variables in 558 (83%) of the athletes fell within − 2.5 and 2.5 range derived from the normal population dataset, and 60 (8.9%) athletes had a Z-score outside the − 3 to 3 range. While 191 (28.4%) athletes met traditional voltage criteria for diagnosis of LVH on ECG, only 53 athletes (7.9%) had Z-scores outside the range of -2.5 to 2.5 for both S amplitude in leads V1-V2 and R amplitude in leads V5-6. Only one athlete was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with a Z-score of R wave in V6 of 2.34 and T wave in V6 of -5.94.ConclusionThe use of Z-scores derived from a normal population may provide more precise screening to define cardiac abnormalities in young athletes and reduce unnecessary secondary testing, restrictions and concern.

Exploring the Role of Dietary Calcium Intake in Muscle and Cardiovascular Performance Among Young Athletes

The importance of dietary calcium intake in bone metabolism has been well established; however, it is still less investigated in health-related components, especially addressing muscle performance. This study aims to compare dietary calcium intake and its relationship with cardiovascular and muscular performance in young athletes (lacrosse, Baseball, and soccer players). In this cross-sectional study, 95 participants (ages 18 to 30) participated during two visits to the Human Performance Laboratory. Participants completed body composition, lower and upper body muscle performance, cardiorespiratory protocol, and questionnaires related to dietary calcium intake. One-way ANOVA was used to determine the difference in the calcium intake between groups. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between dietary calcium intake and muscle performance variables. Further, linear regression was used to assess the predictive value of calcium variables on overall muscle performance. Lacrosse players had significantly higher calcium intake than Baseball and soccer players (p &lt; 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between dietary calcium intake and the number of push-ups (r = 0.28; p = 0.03). CIBW and CI explained 4.3% and nearly 25% of the change in MPI, respectively (p &lt; 0.001). This suggests the possible role of dietary calcium intake in enhancing health-related fitness components and highlights the need to explore its involvement in muscle-bone crosstalk.

Identifying Key Factors for Predicting the Age at Peak Height Velocity in Preadolescent Team Sports Athletes Using Explainable Machine Learning

Maturation is a key factor in sports participation and often determines the young athletes’ characterization as a talent. However, there is no evidence of practical models for understanding the factors that discriminate children according to maturity. Hence, this study aims to deepen the understanding of the factors that affect maturity in 11-year-old Team Sports Athletes by utilizing explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) models. We utilized three established machine learning (ML) classifiers and applied the Sequential Forward Feature Selection (SFFS) algorithm to each. In this binary classification task, the logistic regression (LR) classifier achieved a top accuracy of 96.67% using the seven most informative factors (Sitting Height, Father’s Height, Body Fat, Weight, Height, Left and Right-Hand Grip Strength). The SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) model was instrumental in identifying the contribution of each factor, offering key insights into variable importance. Independent sample t-tests on these selected factors confirmed their significance in distinguishing between the two classes. By providing detailed and personalized insights into child development, this integration has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of maturation prediction significantly. These advancements could lead to a transformative approach in young athletes’ pediatric growth analysis, fostering better sports performance and developmental outcomes for children.

Habitual water intake impacted the body composition of young male athletes in free-living conditions: a cross-sectional study

The study aimed to explore the associations between water intake and body composition and differences of body composition in different water itake and hydration statuses among young male athletes. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 111 young male athletes in Beijing, China. Total drinking fluids (TDF) and water from food were assessed using a 7-day, 24-h fluid intake record questionnaire and the duplicate portion method, respectively. The osmolality of 24-hour urine and blood samples was tested. Body composition was measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer twice at 5-min intervals. Participants were divided into two groups based on the recommendations of total water intake (TWI) and TDF in China, as well as into three groups based on 24-h urine osmolality. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship between water intake and body composition. Chi-square tests and Student's t-tests were used to compare differences. A total of 109 participants completed the study. TDF (r = 0.230, p = 0.016; r = 0.234, p = 0.014; r = 0.242, p = 0.011) and TWI (r = 0.275, p = 0.004; r = 0.243, p = 0.011; r = 0.243, p = 0.011) were positively correlated with total body water (TBW), intracellular water (ICW), and extracellular water (ECW). TBW/body weight (BW) was positively associated with TDF percentage of BW (TDF/BW) (r = 0.267, p = 0.005), water from food percentage of BW (r = 0.217, p = 0.024), and TWI percentage of BW (TWI/BW) (r = 0.316, p = 0.001). Participants who met the TDF recommendation of China had 1.3 kg higher skeletal muscle mass (SMM), 0.9 kg higher ICW, and 0.5% higher TBW/BW than those who did not (all p &amp;lt; 0.05), with fat-free mass (FFM) and TBW being higher (p = 0.051; p = 0.050). Those who met the TWI recommendation of China had 1.3 kg higher SMM, 2.4 kg higher FFM, 1.1 kg higher ICW, 0.6 kg higher ECW, and 1.7 kg higher TBW than their counterparts (all p &amp;lt; 0.05). Moderate associations were found between water intake and body composition. No significant differences were observed among participants in three hydration statuses (all p &amp;gt; 0.05). Participants who met the TWI or TDF recommendations had better body composition distribution than their counterparts. Thus, habitual water intake, not hydration status, affects body composition among athletes in free-living conditions.

Triad of female athletes

The female sports triad is a spectrum of dysfunctions related to energy availability, menstrual function, and bone mineral density. Energy availability is considered the trigger for the triad. Scientists have proven that women who do sports consume approximately 30% less energy and carbohydrates in relation to their body weight. Sufficient energy availability ensures the presence of a menstrual cycle, directly affects the stimulation of the production of female sex hormones (estrogen in particular). Thus, it prevents resorption of bone tissue. When energy availability is too low, a physiological mechanism reduces the amount of energy used for cell maintenance, thermoregulation, growth, and reproductive function. This compensation tends to restore energy balance and promotes survival, but impairs health. Low body weight in women of reproductive age, particularly in adolescence and the first reproductive age, is a biological marker of somatic and reproductive dysfunction. Osteoporosis in young female athletes is manifested by fractures unusual for young women or by frequent and multiple bone fractures during an athletic career. In this review article, an analytical review of literary and informational sources regarding the history of research on the problem of the triad of female athletes is carried out. The specifics of the negative impact of the athlete triad on the female body, the components of the athlete triad (amenorrhea, eating disorders, and osteoporosis) are examined in detail. The article focuses on its main cause - energy imbalance. The impact of the triad of female athletes on the psyche and behavior is considered. The question of its consequences for health both in the short-term and in the long-term perspective is considered. The prevention of RED-S syndrome was also investigated. The purpose of the study: Systematization of current knowledge about the triad of female athletes (relative energy deficiency syndrome (RED-S)). Research methods. Theoretical analysis of literary sources, systematization, generalization of scientific-methodical and special literature.

Proximal avulsion of the hamstring in young athlete patients: a case series and review of literature.

Hamstring injuries are a frequent occurrence of athletes, leading to a stop in practice and long-term alterations in sports performance. About 12% of these lesions involve avulsion at the level of the proximal insertion that can be complete (about 6%) or partial. Starting from an epidemiological and treatment evaluation of these lesions in literature, the aim of this study was to examine the functional outcomes and the rate of "return to play" in a population composed of athletes of various levels who have undergone surgery to reinsert the hamstring muscles at the ischial insertion, for a complete detachment of one or more tendon heads. Therefore, a retrospective study was carried out where 18 patients treated at the Orthopedics and Traumatology Unit of the I.R.C.C.S. San Matteo in Pavia (Italy) were identified in a time span ranging from March 2012 to August 2020. The sample was analysed taking into account age, sex and risk factors, as well as the pathophysiology and anatomy of the injury using the Wood classification, the time elapsed before surgery, the duration of the rehabilitation protocol and the possible return to sports activity, comparing the level of sports performance in the pre- and post-operative period using the Tegner Activity Score (TAS). Different post-operative outcome evaluation scores (Perth Hamstring Assessment Tool PHAT and Lower Extremity Functional ScaleLEFS) were also compared with each other in order to find a correlation with the real level of return to sporting activity. The mean age at surgery was 26.4 11.6 years. The population is composed of 14 males (77.8%) and 4 females (22.2%). All 18 patients returned to sports following surgery (100%). Of these patients, 17 (94%) maintained a level of sports performance equal to that before the injury. 100% of patients rated the outcome of the surgery as satisfactory. This study has shown that Hamstring reinsertion surgery is a correct indication in all athletes, allowing them a satisfactory return to sports practice.

Comparative Analysis of Motor Skills and Morphological Characteristic of the Young Female Athletes

Handball and volleyball are quite different sports. Thus, this research was inspired by these differences, by similar previous research, and the aspire to see if there are differences between the performances of young female athletes that play handball and volleyball. The aim of this research is to perform a comparative analysis of motor skills and morphological characteristics of young female athletes, handball and volleyball players. The complete sample consisted of 50 female athletes. One study group is composed of 25 female handball players, who are members of the womenʼs handball club „Niksic“. And the second study group is composed of 25 female volleyball players, who are members of the womenʼs volleyball club „Volley Star“. All female athletes are aged 12 to 14 and they have been training handball or volleyball for at least 2 years. In order to assess morphological characteristics and motor abilities, fourteen measures were applied to the sample. A t-test was used to determine statistically significant differences between study groups. In conclusion, there are statistically significant differences in terms of motor skills and morphological characteristics between young female handball and volleyball players.

Non-specific myocardial fibrosis in young competitive athletes: clinical significance and risk prediction by a powerful machine learning-based model.

Non-specific myocardial fibrosis (NSMF) is a heterogeneous entity. We aimed to evaluate young athletes with and without NSMF to establish potentially clinically significance. We analysed data from 328 young athletes. We identified 61 with NSMF and compared them with 75 matched controls. Athletes with NSMF were divided into Group 1 (n = 28) with 'minor' fibrosis and Group 2 (n = 33) with non-insertion point fibrosis, defined as 'major'. Athletes were followed-up for adverse events. Finally, we tested various machine learning (ML) algorithms to create a prediction model for 'major' fibrosis. We created 4 different classifiers. Athletes of black ethnicity were more likely to have a subepicardial pattern (OR: 5.0, p = 0.004). Athletes with 'major' fibrosis demonstrated a higher prevalence of lateral T-wave inversion (TWI) ( < 0.001) and ventricular arrhythmias (VEs > 500/24h, p = 0.046; non-sustained VT, p = 0.043). Athletes with 'minor' fibrosis demonstrated higher right ventricular volumes (p = 0.013), maximum Watts (p = 0.022) and maximum VO2 (p = 0.005). Lateral TWI (p = 0.026) and VO2 < 44mL/min/Kg (p = 0.040) remained the only significant predictors for 'major' fibrosis. During follow up, athletes with 'major' fibrosis were 9.1 times more likely to exhibit adverse events (OR 13.4, p = 0.041). All ML models outperformed the benchmark method in predicting significant MF, best accuracy achieved by the random forest classifier (90%). Lateral TWI and reduced exercise performance are associated with higher burden of fibrosis. Fibrosis was associated with increased ventricular arrhythmia and adverse events. A comprehensive assessment can help develop a ML-based model for significant fibrosis, which could also guide clinical practice and appropriate CMR referrals.

Anomalous Aortic Origin of a Coronary Artery: Results from a Single Surgical Team in Spain.

Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery is a rare congenital lesion in which a coronary artery arises from an anomalous location within the aorta. Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery has been associated with myocardial ischemia and it is considered the second most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes. When surgical repair is indicated, surgical unroofing is the most commonly employed technique. Our objective is to describe the outcomes of our surgically treated patients. We present a series of 16 adult patients who underwent surgical repair of anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery. Patients were treated in three different institutions by the same surgeon. Surgical unroofing of the anomalous coronary artery was the surgical technique chosen in the majority of the patients. Follow-up was performed. Unroofing of an intramural anomalous coronary artery was the procedure performed in 11 patients. Three patients underwent neo-ostium creation; one patient underwent a David procedure with coronary reimplantation; and one patient was treated with coronary bypass grafting due to severe coronary atheromatous lesions. There were no perioperative deaths, and no major postoperative complications. Follow-up period was 73.8 months, the survival rate was 100%, and there were neither ischemia or heart failure reports. The surgical repair of anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery by coronary unroofing or neo-ostium creation has demonstrated excellent early and late outcomes. Late survival was excellent. The follow-up period revealed no significant morbidity or complications.

Microinstability of Major Joints in Movement Disorders: The Hidden Challenge.

Microinstability, characterized by subtle and often painful disturbances in joint stability, significantly impacts individuals engaged in activities requiring extensive ranges of motion, such as dancing or gymnastics, and is particularly prevalent in young female athletes. This condition, resulting from progressive microtrauma, architectural and functional abnormalities, or iatrogenic factors, is challenging to diagnose and often underreported. Understanding the biomechanical nuances of microinstability is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management. Upper limb joints, including the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand, each exhibit unique anatomical and functional characteristics that contribute to their susceptibility to microinstability. Movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and cerebral palsy, exacerbate joint instability due to impaired proprioception, altered muscle tone, and uncoordinated muscle contractions. Effective diagnosis involves physical examination techniques and advanced imaging modalities. Therapeutic interventions encompass physical therapy, pharmacological treatments, surgical procedures, and assistive devices, tailored to enhance joint stability and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

PENJARINGAN BAKAT SISWA-SISWI SMP/MTS PADA CABANG OLAHRAGA ATLETIK MELALUI MADRASAH ISLAMIC COMPETITION (MIC) 2024

The lack of athletic competitions in Jember Regency, causing a decrease in achievement. Therefore, Madrasah Islamic Competition (MIC) cooperates with PASI (Indonesian Athletics Association) Jember Regency to organise competitions, one of which is athletic sports, especially running numbers. Madrasah Islamic Competition (MIC) is a competition event held by MAN 2 Jember to facilitate the talents and potential of junior high school / middle school students throughout Besuki Prefecture. One of the branches contested is the 100 m and 400 m run. Talent screening in this athletic sport is the main focus, with the aim of identifying and developing the potential of young athletes who can represent their schools and regions in larger competitions. This service activity aims to make it easier for PASI (All Indonesian Athletics Association) Jember Regency to choose athletes who are eligible to compete in the PORPROV (Provincial Sports Week). This service method uses several stages including; (1) Preparation Stage, (2) Implementation Stage, (3) Evaluation and Reporting Stage. This service activity aims to facilitate the coaches and administrators of PASI (All Indonesian Athletics Association) Jember Regency in selecting athletic athletes to be prepared for the PORPROV (Provincial Sports Week) event. So that students have the motivation to be selected to join the Jember Regency contingent in facing the event.

The Precision of MRI in the Diagnosis of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Among Athletes in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Introduction: An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is frequently injured among athletes. ACL injuries occur due to strong contact or indirect knee trauma, causing the enlarging or destroying of non-contractile, and elastic soft-tissue articular structures. Aims: An anterior cruciate ligament injury is the most injured among young athletes. It could be a complete or partial tear. This study aimed to evaluate the role of MRI and physical examination in diagnosis of anterior cruciate ligament tears among athletes. Method: The data on anterior cruciate ligament tears were collected retrospectively from Riyadh's main hospitals, KSA. The diagnosis went through physical examinations and MRI knee protocol, and the final diagnosis in most cases was based on the physical examination combined with an MRI image. Results: Our data consists of 32 male athletic patients with anterior cruciate ligament tears. The incidence of athlete injuries was mainly among young males between 20-35 years old. The most commonly reported was a partial tear by 66% and a complete tear by 34%. MRI is the main tool to evaluate ACL injury and differentiate between partial and complete ACL tear Conclusion: The final reported cases were diagnosed by using a special MRI knee protocol. A partial tear is the most common injury among young male Saudi athletes, which is a male injury in Saudi society.