Search Results (5,528)

The susceptibility of athletes to experience of emotional and psychological difficulties arising from the pressure and expectations associated with achieving and maintaining high performance can become a vulnerability in the desire to achieve success in sport. This study aims to investigate the protective value in the perception of satisfaction in basic psychological needs against the vulnerability that perfectionism generates in the appearance of reactivity linked to fear of failure. A cross-sectional, relational, and semi-randomized research design was used, applying perfectionism, fear of failure, and basic psychological needs measures adapted to both the competitive sports context and the Spanish language in a sample of 372 young Spanish athletes, under descriptive analyses and predictive models. The results showed that as the age of the participants increased, the indicators of perfectionism and fear of failure decreased, with no gender differences. The results offer and confirm the positive relationships between the dimensions of perfectionism and fear of making mistakes (where processes such as self-devaluation and fear of failing the people that participants deemed as important to them are intertwined). The perception of satisfaction of the basic psychological needs of autonomy, social relationships, and competence emerges as protective factors that mediate the perfectionism–fear of failure relationship. On the other hand, discrepancies are shown between the perfectionist dimensions concerning the relationships with the BPNs, describing certain sources of vulnerability, although there are adjustments of mental effort and discomfort in the young athletes. The conclusions offer the opportunity to investigate the aspects that facilitate the emergence of fear of failure in young athletes, mainly the performance of coaches connected to the emergence of patterns in pursuit of perfection. Full article

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Recent studies have underscored the significant role of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of IBS. Physical exercise, as a non-pharmacological intervention, has been proposed to alleviate IBS symptoms by modulating the gut microbiota. Aerobic exercise, such as running, swimming, and cycling, has been shown to enhance the diversity and abundance of beneficial gut bacteria, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids that possess anti-inflammatory properties and support gut barrier integrity. Studies involving IBS patients participating in structured aerobic exercise programs have reported significant improvements in their gut microbiota’s composition and diversity, alongside an alleviation of symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating. Additionally, exercise positively influences mental health by reducing stress and improving mood, which can further relieve IBS symptoms via the gut–brain axis. Long-term exercise interventions provide sustained benefits, maintaining the gut microbiota’s diversity and stability, supporting immune functions, and reducing systemic inflammation. However, exercise programs must be tailored to individual needs to avoid exacerbating IBS symptoms. Personalized exercise plans starting with low-to-moderate intensity and gradually increasing in intensity can maximize the benefits and minimize risks. This review examines the impact of various types and intensities of physical exercise on the gut microbiota in IBS patients, highlighting the need for further studies to explore optimal exercise protocols. Future research should include larger sample sizes, longer follow-up periods, and examine the synergistic effects of exercise and other lifestyle modifications. Integrating physical exercise into comprehensive IBS management plans can enhance symptom control and improve patients’ quality of life. Full article

This study aimed to examine the effects of black maca supplementation on isokinetic muscle function and inflammatory markers in athletes and to extend these findings to non-athletes. The study involved 24 male participants, including 16 elite athletes (soft tennis and table tennis players) and 8 non-athletes (university students). Participants consumed capsules containing 2.5 g of 100% concentrated black maca extract over a 12-week period. Isokinetic muscle performance and physical fitness (strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, power, agility, cardiovascular endurance) assessments were conducted at baseline and after 12 weeks of supplementation. Two-way within-factor ANOVA showed a significant group × time interaction for 120°/s flexor movements (p < 0.05). Paired t-tests demonstrated significant improvements in 30°/s and 120°/s extensor and flexor movements in both athlete groups (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Similarly, significant enhancements were observed in the non-athletes for the 30°/s flexor and 120°/s extensor and flexor movements (p < 0.01). Furthermore, reductions in interleukin-6 (from 137.9 ± 8.8 to 132.7 ± 4.6, p < 0.05) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (from 274.1 ± 13.4 to 264.2 ± 3.2, p < 0.05) were noted in the soft tennis group. The table tennis group also showed significant decreases in interleukin-6 (from 135.9 ± 4.7 to 131.3 ± 2.5, p < 0.01) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (from 282.1 ± 19.2 to 267.0 ± 6.4, p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the non-athlete group. Black maca supplementation may enhance isokinetic muscle function in elite athletes by reducing muscle contraction fatigue and improving anti-inflammatory responses. Full article

Background: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has been a growing concern in recent years. Vitamin D is important in many of the body’s physiological systems, such as the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and immune functions. A deficiency of vitamin D in athletes may negatively impact both muscle functions and recovery and, thus, affect performance and increase the risk of injury. Many studies assessed the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in athletes; however, as of today, there are no official recommendations/protocols for screening vitamin D levels in athletes, and only a few studies were performed in male and female elite athletes (i.e., Olympic level), in different sport disciplines. Method: We investigated the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among athletes entering the Israeli Olympic team. A total of 761 samples of Vitamin D(OH)25 from 334 athletes were analyzed. For this analysis, we used the first test the athlete had performed when joining the Olympic team. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/L, as defined by the Endocrine Society Committee) was investigated according to gender, types of sports and outdoor vs. indoor sports through the different seasons of the Israeli Olympic team athletes. Result: Twenty-five athletes (7.5%) were diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency. One hundred and thirty-one athletes (39.2%) had insufficient levels of vitamin D (50–75 nmol/L). The highest incidence of vitamin D deficiency was found amongst gymnastics and combat sport athletes. A significant difference was also found in vitamin D concentration between seasons. Vitamin D average concentration in the winter was 74.1 nmol/L compared to 86.4 nmol/L in the Summer (p < 0.0005). Conclusions: Due to the importance of vitamin D to athletic performance and the high prevalence of deficiency and insufficiency, we suggest careful and frequent monitoring of groups at risk, including elite athletes, especially in susceptible sports and during the winter. Future studies are necessary to investigate the effectiveness of Vitamin D supplementation in athletes with low baseline vitamin D levels. Full article

Background: Influenza vaccination among athletes is a crucial area in sports medicine. This descriptive, cross-sectional study aims to explore the vaccination practices and intentions regarding influenza vaccines among young athletes. Methods: A structured, questionnaire-based study was conducted among students from the National School of Sports in Greece. The survey was conducted over the period of April to May 2023. Overall, 138 participants participated in the study. Results: More than half of the participants had received a flu vaccine in the past, but only 12.3% were vaccinated against influenza for 2022–2023. The main reasons seemed to be the lack of time (40.6%) and the idea that influenza does not lead to any serious health threats for the participants (36.2%). The main factor that affected their decision to get the flu vaccine or not was the need for more information regarding influenza vaccination (79%). Conclusions: The recent study showed low vaccination coverage among people of young age participating in sports activities. The qualitative views of the participants highlighted the significance of the lackof a well-organized information program provided by health professionals and coaches. Full article

Balance is important in lifesaving competitions. We aimed to investigate the relationship between dynamic balance and physical characteristics and functions in elite lifesavers by measuring the foot muscle cross-sectional area, ankle joint muscle strength, toe grasp strength, plantar superficial sensation, and dynamic balance (Y-balance test). In this observational study, we measured the foot muscle cross-sectional area, ankle dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, external flexion, isometric muscle strength, toe grasp strength, and superficial foot sensation of 15 adult lifesavers (12 males). The results show that toe grasp strength and ankle plantar flexion isometric muscle strength are particularly important for the dynamic balance of elite lifesavers working on sandy surfaces. Sand training improves intrinsic muscle strength and dynamic balance function. However, high training intensity may reduce plantar surface sensation; this needs to be verified through sand training interventions in the future. Full article

This research aimed to propose a new methodological approach for analyzing relative age effect (RAE) in different sports or samples named “Relative age effect overall scale” (RAEOS). The sample consisted of 1455 male and female young athletes who competed in four different sports (basketball, n = 159; handball, n = 215; swimming, n = 981; taekwondo, n = 100) at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Buenos Aires in 2018. To construct the new model, the sample was classified into four unified quartiles of a specific range depending on the sport (swimming: 48-month range, taekwondo: 24-month range, and basketball and handball: 36-month range). Expected and observed frequencies for each sport, the winners/all athletes, and differences between team and individual sports were analyzed using a non-parametric Chi-square test. The obtained results confirm the existence of the RAE in all four analyzed sports (p > 0.01) in a sample of all participants and the sample of gold medalists. Differences between team and individual sports in the analyzed sample have also been found. The proposed methodological approach (RAEOS) is a simple and applicable tool that provides opportunities for comparison and analysis of different sports and competition formats, as well as improvement of the sports talent system in the context of RAE issues. It is suggested to the sports decision-makers to improve the YOG qualification and competition system to enable fairer competition and reduce the influence of RAE on the performance and development of young athletes. Full article

Objectives: This study examines the potential impact of Ramadan fasting on sleep patterns and physical fitness in under 14 (U14) and under 17 (U17) female handball players. Methods: For this study, sixty-five female handball players’ (U14, n = 33 and U17, n = 32) sleep habits were assessed before (BR) and during the first (R1) and last weeks (R4) of Ramadan using: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Physical ability tests including balance and jumps were conducted throughout these periods.; Results: During Ramadan, both groups noted significant increases in PSQI and ISI scores during R1 (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) and R4 (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively) compared to before Ramadan (BR). For the U14 group, a significant increase occurred in ESS scores during R1 (p < 0.01) and R4 (p < 0.05), whereas for the U17 group, this increase was limited over the R1 period (p < 0.05). In contrast, for all physical ability parameters, both groups showed no significant difference during R1 and R4; Conclusions: During adolescence, Ramadan fasting may alter sleep patterns in young female athletes but appears to have no effect on their performance in short-duration exercises. Full article

Within rowing, lower back disorders (LBDs) are common, but the mechanisms underpinning LBDs are poorly understood. Considering this, it is essential to understand how coordination and motor control change under different constraints such as ergometer rowing and fatigue. This can help better inform movement features linked to LBDs. Measurement of the continuous relative phase (CRP) is a method used to quantify body segment and joint coordination, as CRP measures the spatiotemporal control of multi-joint movement. The purpose of this study was twofold: to examine the general spatiotemporal coordination aspects of ergometer rowing in an unfatigued state, and to quantify how the spatiotemporal coordination of a rowing movement changes in response to a fatigue-inducing rowing trial. Wearable IMUs monitored 20 participants’ movement during a 2000 m ergometer row. The Borg-10 Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale was used to quantify perceived fatigue. Despite significant RPE increases across all athletes, the spatiotemporal coordination of rowing revealed prevailing strategies for the lumbar spine and lower extremity but no significant effects (α = 0.05) of fatigue on CRP outcomes (MARP, DP), cross-correlation lag (R_XY), or range of motion. These findings provide further insight into rowing movements and support the idea that heterogeneous responses to fatigue may exist, requiring further study. Full article

Sports-related concussion (SRC) is an injury whereby impact to the face/head/neck impairs cognitive functioning. Parasport athletes have an increased risk for SRC. The Previous Concussion in Sport Group iterations lack guidance for parasport SRC assessment, management, and return-to-play. This article aims to investigate the research relating to parasport SRCs published since the 2021 Concussion in Para Sport (CIPS) position statement and highlights possible new recommendations. A literature review of parasport concussions was conducted. Articles citing the 2021 publication and/or published since then were reviewed. Relevant data were extracted and discussed in this article. Since 2021, twelve (n = 12) articles emerged investigating parasport SRC. Parasport athletes experience greater concussion symptoms and severity scores compared to able-bodied athletes. Visually impaired athletes account for >50% of parasport SRCs. Wheelchair basketball and rugby have the highest SRC incidence rates across parasports. Current SRC assessment methodologies are not designed with consideration of parasport athletes’ unique experiences. Guidelines lack a return-to-learning protocol, making returning to education/work challenging for such athletes. Understanding these athletes’ SRC experiences is paramount in supporting their recovery. Specific guidelines for SRC assessment, management, return-to-play, and return-to-learn for parasport athletes are necessary to enhance their rehabilitation and avoid the occurrence of long-term symptoms. Full article

Purpose: Physical activity induces numerous modifications in the morphological, rheological, and biochemical properties of blood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in blood rheological and biochemical indicators among runners. Also, we assessed how the rheological and biochemical properties of blood in people who practised running characterised the range and direction of exercise modifications and allowed for the diagnosis of transient adaptive effects. Methods: This study included 12 athletes who regularly trained in middle- and long-distance running (6–8 times a week) and presented a high sports level (national and international class). The athletes performed a 30 min warm-up consisting of 15 min of jogging and exercises. After a 10 min rest, they completed a 3 km run with submaximal effort. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after the effort. Results: No statistically significant changes were revealed in erythrocyte, leukocyte, platelet, iron, ferritin, transferrin, erythropoietin, or C-reactive protein concentrations in the examined runners. The same applied to the elongation index at a shear stress within the range of 0.30–60.00 Pa, amplitude and total extent of aggregation, aggregation half-life, and aggregation index. A significant increase (within standard limits) was only observed in fibrinogen concentration after running. Conclusions: The lack of post-exercise changes in blood rheological and biochemical indicators in the investigated runners points at an efficient haemorheological system. This, in turn, reflects well-executed training and remarkably well-trained adaptive systems responsible for regeneration. Full article

Mountain running, distinct from traditional road running, involves natural trails with significant elevation changes. This study aims to analyze dietary and supplementation practices among advanced and elite Polish mountain runners. Conducted from May to October 2023, this study included 36 participants (13 women, 23 men) aged 21–43 years. A custom questionnaire assessed nutrition two days before and during a competition, focusing on macronutrient intake, hydration, and supplementation. Statistical analyses were performed to compare advanced and elite athletes. Participants consumed an average of 3164.14 kcal two days before and 3176.97 kcal the day before the competition. Carbohydrate intake averaged 7.69 g/kg two days before and 7.64 g/kg the day before the race, potentially insufficient for optimal glycogen stores. Protein intake was adequate, averaging 1.63 g/kg two days before and 1.73 g/kg the day before the race. Fluid intake averaged 2811.25 mL two days before and 2891.80 mL the day before the race. During races, carbohydrate intake averaged 58.56 g/h, with variations based on race duration. Most participants used isotonic drinks and water for hydration. Mountain runners generally adhere to proper nutrition guidelines, with adequate protein and fluid intake. However, their carbohydrate intake may be insufficient for longer races. Higher carbohydrate intake during exercise could provide additional benefits. Full article

Tennis coaches display significant influence, catalyzing changes in athlete performance, motivation, and overall well-being. Research on coaches’ motivations and their impact on coaching style, work, and well-being is limited, especially in individual sports like tennis. Based on self-determination (SDT) and achievement goal (AGT) theories, the aim of the present study was to examine the relationships of coaches’ self-determined motivation (intrinsic, extrinsic, and amotivation), basic psychological needs satisfaction (autonomy, relatedness, and competence), and achievement goals (self-improvement—SI, self-enhancement—SE, self-transcendence—ST) with their coach-created empowering-disempowering motivational climate, work engagement, and well-being (subjective vitality). Participants were 106 tennis coaches from Greece (66 males and 40 females), with an average age of 41.30 ± 12.54 years and coaching experience ranging from six months to 40 years. Data was collected through online questionnaires. Correlation analysis revealed that intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, satisfaction of the three basic psychological needs, and achievement goals were found to be positively related to an empowering climate, work engagement, and subjective vitality. Coaches’ amotivation was positively related to a disempowering climate. Multiple regression analyses showed that autonomy and ST achievement goals significantly predicted tennis coaches’ empowering motivational climate, while none of the independent variables were significant predictors of the disempowering motivational climate. Additionally, intrinsic motivation and ST goal significantly predicted tennis coaches’ work engagement, while autonomy and ST goal significantly predicted their subjective vitality. It is advisable for forthcoming coach education initiatives to consider these findings as an additional justification for tennis coaches to incorporate multiple perspectives into their coaching methodologies. Full article

The aim of this systematic review was twofold: to identify the main trends and issues that are being addressed by researchers in the context of physical fitness and sports performance in deaf and hard-of-hearing (D/HH) athletes and to indicate the needs and future directions that should be implemented in the training process of athletes with hearing impairments. The methodology of this systematic review was planned according to PRISMA guidelines. A search of electronic databases (PubMed, EBSCO, Scopus) was conducted to identify all studies on physical fitness, sports performance and participation, and D/HH athletes from 2003 to 2024. In total, 87 full-text articles were assessed to determine eligibility, while 34 studies met the inclusion criteria and were subjected to detailed analysis and assessment of their methodological quality. The presented systematic review indicates evidence that D/HH athletes are characterized by a similar or higher level in selected motor abilities compared to hearing athletes. Moreover, it seems that hearing impairment is not a barrier in the development of an athlete’s physical fitness, including aerobic capacity, muscular strength and power or speed of reaction. Furthermore, inclusion in sports participation and specific tools (i.e., communication aids) appear to be crucial factors for performance enhancement. Full article

The association between movement screening and physical fitness testing in athletes is conflicting, and therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between Functional Movement Screen (FMS) performance and physical performance in elite female youth football players. Twenty-two players from the national U16 team of Bosnia and Herzegovina underwent FMS and physical performance tests, including speed, agility, and jump assessments. Jump and speed performance score correlated well with ASLR, while the overall FMS score was not associated with any of the performance variables. These findings suggest that while certain movement patterns may impact athletic performance, the relationship between movement screening and physical performance is delicate. Coaches and practitioners should consider individual variations and sport-specific demands when interpreting FMS results in order to optimize and maximize athlete performance and reduce injury risks. Full article