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Understanding Sports-Related Health Issues

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A special issue of Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (ISSN 2411-5142). This special issue belongs to the section "Sports Medicine and Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 March 2024) | Viewed by 42366

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Daniel Rojas-Valverde

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Guest Editor

1. Clínica de Lesiones Deportivas (Rehab&Readapt), Escuela de Ciencias del Movimiento Humano y Calidad de Vida, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 86-3000, Costa Rica
2. Centro de Investigación y Diagnóstico en Salud y Deporte (CIDISAD), Escuela de Ciencias del Movimiento Humano y Calidad de Vida, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 86-3000, Costa Rica
Interests: sports injuries; athletic injuries; return to play; trauma; sport medicine; sport rehabilitation; physical therapy; rehabilitation; readaptation; injury prevention; injury epidemiology; disability; recovery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sports and physical activities are vital components of a healthy lifestyle, but they are also associated with a range of health issues that athletes, coaches, and medical professionals need to be aware of. Understanding these issues requires interdisciplinary perspectives that draw from fields such as sports medicine, physiology, psychology, nutrition, and biomechanics.

Understanding these issues requires an interdisciplinary approach. For instance, sports medicine can help in the diagnosis and treatment of sports-related injuries, while physiology and biomechanics can help in understanding how the body functions during physical activity and how proper body mechanics and equipment design can reduce the risk of injury. Psychology can help in exploring the psychological challenges that athletes may face, such as competition stress, injury, and retirement. Nutrition can help in optimizing dietary intake for optimal performance and injury prevention.

This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest research on sports-related health issues. It intends to consolidate knowledge from different fields to enhance our understanding of sports-related health issues and promote interdisciplinary collaboration in research and practice. Additionally, this Special Issue will discuss practical applications for improving athletes' health and well-being. These applications may include strategies for injury prevention, optimizing performance, and promoting ethical practice.

Overall, sports-related health issues are a reality that cannot be ignored. However, by adopting an interdisciplinary approach, researchers and practitioners can develop a comprehensive understanding of these issues and develop effective strategies to address them. This Special Issue aims to contribute to this understanding and promote the health and well-being of athletes, which is of paramount importance.

Possible Topics:

The impact of sports on mental health: exploring the psychological challenges of competition, injury, and retirement;
Nutrition and sports performance: optimizing dietary intake for optimal performance and injury prevention;
Biomechanics and injury prevention: understanding how proper body mechanics and equipment design can reduce the risk of injury;
Sports-related concussions: diagnosis, treatment, and long-term consequences;
Heat illness and hydration: understanding the risk factors and prevention strategies for heat stroke and dehydration;
Overtraining syndrome: the causes, symptoms, and management of this common issue among athletes;
Exercise-induced asthma: managing respiratory issues in athletes;
Sleep and sports performance: the impact of sleep on physical and cognitive performance in athletes;
Environmental factors and sports performance: how altitude, humidity, and temperature affect athletic performance;
Ethics in sports medicine: exploring the ethical dilemmas that arise in sports-related health issues, such as performance-enhancing drugs and athlete autonomy;
Concussion in sports: prevention, diagnosis, and treatment;
The role of nutrition in sports performance and injury prevention;
Overtraining syndrome: symptoms, prevention, and treatment;
Mental health in sports: challenges and strategies for athletes and coaches;
Sudden cardiac death in athletes: risk factors, prevention, and management;
The impact of sports on bone health and osteoporosis prevention;
Heat illness in sports: prevention and management strategies;
Strategies for preventing and managing common sports injuries (e.g., ACL tears and ankle sprains);
Female athlete triad syndrome: understanding the interplay of nutrition, menstrual function, and bone health;
The use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports: risks, consequences, and ethical considerations;
Endurance-related health issues (e.g., acute kidney injury and skin injuries).

This Special Issue will provide a platform for researchers and practitioners to share their knowledge and expertise on the complex and multi-faceted aspects of sports-related health issues. By bringing together interdisciplinary perspectives and practical applications, we hope to enhance our understanding of the impact of sports on health and well-being, and promote strategies for injury prevention, optimal performance, and ethical practice.

Dr. Daniel Rojas-Valverde
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

sports medicine
metabolism
inflammation
muscle physiology
athlete health
physical activities
oxydative stress

Related Special Issue

Understanding Sports-Related Health Issues, 2nd Edition in Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

11 pages, 408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Exercise Intensity Preferences, Tolerance, Competence, and Their Implications for Behavioral Intentions in Fitness Settings

by Filipe Rodrigues, Miguel Jacinto, Raúl Antunes, Nuno Amaro, Rui Matos and Diogo Monteiro

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(3), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8030139 - 20 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1864

Abstract

This study aims to comprehensively investigate the interrelationships among exercise intensity preference, tolerance, competence satisfaction, competence frustration, and exercise intentions within the fitness domain. The research involved 114 participants aged 18 to 59 years (M = 33.23; SD = 10.542), with an average height of 166.02 cm (SD = 15.856) and weight of 68.02 kg (SD = 13.658). The path analysis revealed positive correlations among constructs, except for the link between exercise intensity tolerance and competence satisfaction. Notably, exercise intensity preference positively related to competence satisfaction (β = 0.20, CI90% = 0.12, 0.40), while both preference and tolerance were negatively linked to competence frustration (preference: β = −0.27, CI90% = −0.44, 0.03; tolerance: β = −0.17, CI90% = −0.03, 0.24). Competence satisfaction (β = 0.37, CI90% = 0.13, 0.34) and competence frustration (β = −0.29, CI90% = −0.48, −0.09) significantly influenced exercise intentions. An indirect effect existed between exercise intensity preference and intentions (β = 0.11, CI90% = 0.03, 0.21), contrasting with the lack of such effect for intensity tolerance (β = 0.05, CI90% = −0.01, 0.14). Intentions explained 16% of the variance. In conclusion, this study underscores the intricate connections between exercise intensity traits and intentions, shedding light on factors influencing individuals’ exercise persistence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Sports-Related Health Issues)

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10 pages, 752 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Peer-Supported and Self-Guided Exercise on Self-Reported Anxiety and Depression among Young Adults—A Pilot Study

by Xihe Zhu, Michael D. Kostick and Justin A. Haegele

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(3), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8030125 - 1 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1428

Abstract

Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression became heightened issues for college-aged young adults during the global pandemic. The main purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a peer-supported exercise intervention on young adults (vs. self-guided exercise) who reported elevated levels of anxiety and/or depression. A parallel group design was used where young adults (n = 27) were randomly assigned to either a peer-supported or self-guided exercise group which lasted for eight weeks. The generalized anxiety and depression subscales of the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS-34) were measured for a baseline and then at 4-week, 8-week, and 12-week follow-up. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) with repetitive measures show that peer-supported and self-guided exercise programs reduced participant anxiety and depression scores; however, intervention decay for the peer-supported exercise intervention was more severe than that for the self-guided group. Self-guided exercise had a longer-lasting effect than the peer-supported alternative and could be a cost-effective approach to combat anxiety and depression issues among young adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Sports-Related Health Issues)

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17 pages, 2293 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of a Tart Cherry Supplement on Recovery from Exhaustive Exercise

by Dolores G. Ortega, Jared W. Coburn, Andrew J. Galpin and Pablo B. Costa

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(3), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8030121 - 18 Aug 2023

Viewed by 2722

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a tart cherry supplement on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. Seventeen recreationally active women (mean age ± SD = 22.2 ± 3.3 years, height = 162.0 ± 6.0 cm, body mass = 65.1 ± 11.1 kg, BMI = 24.7 ± 3.5 kg·m²) supplemented with 1000 mg of concentrated tart cherry or a placebo for eight consecutive days. An overload protocol of 8 sets of 10 repetitions of maximal effort concentric and eccentric muscle actions of the leg extensors at a velocity of 60

° \cdot s^{- 1}

was performed on the fourth day of supplementation. Testing sessions consisted of a muscle function test (MFT) to examine pre- and post-testing peak torque, peak power, total work, time-to-peak torque, mean power, muscle activation of the quadriceps, and muscle soreness at baseline and post-testing at 0 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. A second trial of testing was repeated two weeks later using the opposite supplement to the one assigned for the first trial. No significant interaction for time × condition × velocity (p = 0.916) and no significant main effect for condition (p = 0.557) were demonstrated for peak torque. However, there were main effects for time and velocity for concentric quadriceps peak torque (p < 0.001). For muscle soreness, there was no two-way interaction for time x condition (p > 0.05) and no main effect for condition (p > 0.05), but there was a main effect for time (p < 0.001). In conclusion, a tart cherry supplement did not attenuate losses in isokinetic muscle peak torque, peak power, total work, time-to-peak torque, muscle soreness, or quadriceps muscle activation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Sports-Related Health Issues)

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8 pages, 248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations of Pain Vigilance and Past and Current Pain with Kinesiophobia after Sport Injury in Current and Former Athletes from Iran and the United States

by Fahimeh Badiei, Britton W. Brewer and Judy L. Van Raalte

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(3), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8030117 - 12 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1098

Abstract

High levels of kinesiophobia (fear of movement/reinjury) have been related to reinjury and adverse injury rehabilitation outcomes in athletes. To examine the extent to which pain vigilance, memory of injury-related pain, and current injury-related pain were associated with kinesiophobia, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 172 current and former athletes from Iran (n = 113) and the United States (n = 59) who reported having experienced a serious injury that affected their participation or performance in sport. Questionnaires were administered to participants via an online survey platform. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that pain vigilance and memory of pain were positively associated with kinesiophobia, with the full model accounting for 31% of the variance in kinesiophobia scores. The findings suggest that excessive attention to pain-related stimuli and memory of pain for an injury that occurred an average of four years earlier may contribute to the experience of fear of movement and reinjury in current and former athletes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Sports-Related Health Issues)

8 pages, 809 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sex Differences in Resting Metabolic Rate among Athletes and Association with Body Composition Parameters: A Follow-Up Investigation

by Andrew R. Jagim, Margaret T. Jones, Andrew T. Askow, Joel Luedke, Jacob L. Erickson, Jennifer B. Fields and Chad M. Kerksick

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(3), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8030109 - 3 Aug 2023

Viewed by 2915

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine sex differences in resting metabolic rate (RMR) and associations between measured RMR and body composition parameters in athletes. One-hundred and ninety collegiate men (n = 98; age: 20.1 ± 1.6 yr.; body mass: 92.7 ± 17.5 kg; height: 181.6 ± 6.2 cm, body mass index: 28.0 ± 4.7 kg/m²) and women (n = 92; age: 19.4 ± 1.1 yr.; body mass: 65.2 ± 11.0 kg; height: 168.0 ± 6.6 cm, body mass index: 23.0 ± 3.6 kg/m²) athletes volunteered to participate in this study. Athletes completed a body composition assessment using air displacement plethysmography and RMR using indirect calorimetry. Assessments were completed in a fasted state and after refraining from intense physical activity > 24 h prior to testing. Data were collected during the 2016–2019 seasons. Men had a higher RMR compared to women (2595 ± 433 vs. 1709 ± 308 kcals; p < 0.001); however, when adjusted for body mass (p = 0.064) and fat-free mass (p = 0.084), the observed differences were not significant. Height, body mass, body mass index, fat-free mass, and fat mass were positively associated with RMR in both men and women athletes (r = 0.4–0.8; p < 0.001). Body mass (men: β = 0.784; women: β = 0.832)) was the strongest predictor of RMR. Men athletes have a higher absolute RMR compared to their women counterparts, which is influenced by greater body mass and fat-free mass. Body mass is the strongest predictor of RMR in both men and women athletes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Sports-Related Health Issues)

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11 pages, 307 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Male Army ROTC Cadets Fail to Meet Military Dietary Reference Intakes and Exhibit a High Prevalence of Low Energy Availability and Poor Sleep Quality

by Taylor Garron and Dylan J. Klein

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(3), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8030095 - 5 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1549

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the dietary habits, prevalence of low energy availability (EA), and sleep quality in a cohort of male army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets, and to investigate the relationship between EA and sleep quality as well as EA and various body composition variables that are important for tactical readiness. Thirteen male army ROTC cadets (22.2 ± 4.1 yrs; BMI: 26.1 ± 2.3) had their EA and body composition assessed using diet and exercise records alongside bioelectrical impedance analysis. Cadets also completed a validated sleep questionnaire. Sixty-two percent of participants presented with clinically low EA (<30 kcal/kg fat-free mass [FFM]) and none met the optimum EA threshold (≥45 kcal/kg FFM). Dietary analysis indicated that 15%, 23%, 46%, 23%, and 7% of cadets met the Military Dietary Reference Intakes (MDRI) for calories, carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber, respectively. Additionally, 85% of cadets exhibited poor sleep quality. Significant associations between EA and fat mass/percent body fat were shown (p < 0.05). There was, however, no statistically significant correlation between EA and sleep quality. The present study found a high prevalence of low EA and sleep disturbance among male army ROTC cadets and that many were unable to meet the MDRIs for energy and macronutrient intake. Further, low EA was associated with higher percent body fat and fat mass but not sleep quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Sports-Related Health Issues)

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14 pages, 784 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Addition of Sprint Interval Training to Field Lacrosse Training Increases Rate of Torque Development and Contractile Impulse in Female High School Field Lacrosse Players

by T. Brock Symons, Alexandra H. Roberts, Kathleen A. Carter and John F. Caruso

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(3), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8030089 - 24 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1240

Abstract

Field lacrosse requires sudden directional changes and rapid acceleration/deceleration. The capacity to perform these skills is dependent on explosive muscle force production. Limited research exists on the potential of sprint interval training (SIT) to impact explosive muscle force production in field lacrosse players. The purpose of this study is to examine SIT, concurrent to field-lacrosse-specific training, on the rate of torque development (RTD), contractile impulse, and muscle function in female high school field lacrosse players (n = 12; 16 ± 1 yrs.). SIT was performed three times per week, concurrent to field-lacrosse-specific training, for 12 weeks. Right lower-limb muscle performance was assessed pre-, mid-, and post-SIT training via isometric and isokinetic concentric knee extensor contractions. Outcomes included RTD (Nm·s⁻¹), contractile impulse (Nm·s), and peak torque (Nm). RTD for the first 50 ms of contraction improved by 42% by midseason and remained elevated at postseason (p = 0.004, effect size (ES) = −577.3 to 66.5). Contractile impulse demonstrated a training effect across 0–50 ms (42%, p = 0.004, ES = −1.4 to 0.4), 0–100 ms (33%, p = 0.018, ES = 3.1 to 0.9), and 0–200 ms (22%, p = 0.031, ES = −7.8 to 1.6). Isometric (0 rad·s⁻¹) and concentric (3.1 rad·s⁻¹) strength increased by 20% (p = 0.002, ES = −60.8 to −20.8) and 9% (p = 0.038, ES = −18.2 to 0.0) from SIT and field-lacrosse-specific training, respectively (p < 0.05). SIT, concurrent to field-lacrosse-specific training, enhanced lower-limb skeletal muscle performance, which may enable greater sport-specific gains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Sports-Related Health Issues)

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12 pages, 270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bodybuilding Coaching Strategies Meet Evidence-Based Recommendations: A Qualitative Approach

by Alexa Rukstela, Kworweinski Lafontant, Eric Helms, Guillermo Escalante, Kara Phillips and Bill I. Campbell

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(2), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8020084 - 16 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 8561

Abstract

Bodybuilding is a sport where coaches commonly recommend a variety of nutrition and exercise protocols, supplements, and, sometimes, performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). The present study sought to gain an understanding of the common decisions and rationales employed by bodybuilding coaches. Focusing on coaches of the more muscular divisions in the National Physique Committee/IFBB Professional League federations (men’s classic physique, men’s bodybuilding, women’s physique, women’s bodybuilding) for both natural and enhanced athletes, coaches were recruited via word of mouth and social media, and 33 responded to an anonymous online survey. Survey responses indicated that participant coaches recommend three-to-seven meals per day and no less than 2 g/kg/day of protein regardless of sex, division, or PED usage. During contest preparation, participant coaches alter a natural competitor’s protein intake by −25% to +10% and an enhanced competitor’s protein intake by 0% to +25%. Regarding cardiovascular exercise protocols, approximately two-thirds of participant coaches recommend fasted cardiovascular exercise, with the common rationale of combining the exercise with thermogenic supplements while considering the athlete’s preference. Low- and moderate-intensity steady state were the most commonly recommended types of cardiovascular exercise among participant coaches; high-intensity interval training was the least popular. Creatine was ranked in the top two supplements for all surveyed categories. Regarding PEDs, testosterone, growth hormone, and methenolone were consistently ranked in the top five recommended PEDs by participant coaches. The results of this study provide insight into common themes in the decisions made by bodybuilding coaches, and highlight areas in which more research is needed to empirically support those decisions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Sports-Related Health Issues)

12 pages, 275 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by Vassilis Gerodimos, Konstantina Karatrantou, Christos Batatolis and Panagiotis Ioakimidis

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(2), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8020057 - 8 May 2023

Viewed by 1719

Abstract

The present study examined and compared the isokinetic peak torque and the reciprocal ratios of the knee joint between young basketball and soccer players. An amount of 100 soccer and 100 basketball players took part in this study and were separated into five equal groups (n = 20), according to their chronological age (12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 years old). The absolute concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) peak torque of the knee flexor and extensor muscles (at 60°/s, 180°/s) were assessed using a Cybex Norm dynamometer, and the relative peak torque (per unit of body mass), as well as the conventional (CON/CON; ECC/ECC) and functional (CON/ECC; ECC/CON) ratios, were calculated. Data analysis indicated that the basketball players had higher absolute peak torque values than the soccer players throughout their developmental ages (p < 0.05). When the isokinetic peak torque values were normalized relative to body mass, no differences were observed between basketball and soccer players in any age group (p > 0.05). Additionally, no differences were observed in conventional and functional ratios between soccer and basketball players (p > 0.05). In conclusion, it appears that, during developmental ages (12–16 years old), the isokinetic strength profile (independent of body mass affecting absolute values) of knee extensor and flexor muscles develops similarly in basketball and soccer players. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Sports-Related Health Issues)

10 pages, 496 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Biological Age on Speed-Explosive Properties in Young Tennis Players

by Filip Sinkovic, Dario Novak, Nikola Foretic and Erika Zemková

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(2), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8020048 - 21 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2080

Abstract

Biological maturity can affect performance on motor tests, thus young players can have advantages or disadvantages during testing by being more or less mature than their peers of the same chronological age. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of biological age on speed, agility, and explosive power in young tennis players. Fifty tennis players (age 12.3 ± 1.2 years, height 156.7 ± 12.8 cm, body mass 45.9 ± 8.9 kg) who were ranked up to 50th place in the ranking of the National Tennis Association, as well as up to 300th place on the international “Tennis Europe” ranking, participated in the study. They were divided into three groups according to their maturation status, that is, the peak height velocity (PHV) maturity offset: pre-PHV [<0] (n = 10); circa-PHV [0 to 1] (n = 10); and post-PHV [>1.5] (n = 25). They performed tests of speed (5, 10, and 20 m sprints), agility (20 yards, 4 × 10 yards, T-test, TENCODS, and TENRAG), and explosive power (countermovement jump, one-leg countermovement jump, squat jump, long jump, and one-leg triple jump). Results showed significantly higher height of the vertical jump in the post-PHV group compared to the pre-PHV group, in the range of ~16% to ~27%. Moreover, linear and change of direction speed was significantly faster in the post-PHV group compared to the pre-PHV group, in the range of ~5% to ~8%. Height of the squat jump and speed in the T-test were significantly better in the post-PHV group compared to the circa-PHV group, in the range of ~7% to ~15%, while height of the single-leg triple jump was significantly higher in the circa-PHV group compared to the pre-PHV group by ~7%. This study showed that tennis players of older biological age achieve better results in almost all variables of speed, agility, and explosive power compared to players of younger biological age. Coaches should be aware of the differences found in physical performance and consider the practical implications that maturation can have in the long-term development of young tennis players. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Sports-Related Health Issues)

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11 pages, 319 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Zealand Youth Rugby Sevens: A Comparative Match Demands Study

by Koen Wintershoven, Christopher Martyn Beaven, Nicholas David Gill and Daniel Travis McMaster

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(2), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8020041 - 31 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1908

Abstract

Rugby sevens has established itself on the world stage since its inclusion in the 2016 Olympics. Participation among New Zealand (NZ) youth has surged. Sevens games have specific high demands, but little is known about these competitive demands in regards to youth. Two NZ male youth squads (U15, n = 13; U19, n = 14) were monitored during a national sevens tournament. Microsensor technology captured heart rate (HR) and kinematic performance. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was collected for U15 matches only. U19 and U15 players ran 108 ± 11 and 116 ± 13 m·min⁻¹ at an average speed (V_AVG) of 6.5 ± 0.6 and 6.9 ± 0.8 km·h⁻¹. Peak speeds (V_PEAK) reached 33.7 km·h⁻¹, and high-intensity running distance (HIRD) averaged 252 ± 102 m. U15 (44.3 ± 9.2 game⁻¹) and U19 (39.4 ± 6.1 game⁻¹) showed different sprint rates. U15 covered more moderate-velocity distance (20–80% V_MAX) and less low-velocity distance (<20% V_MAX). RPE was 13 ± 1 (U15). An average HR of 90.0 ± 3.9% HR_MAX was recorded. Upwards of 57% of game time was played at >90% HR_MAX. Youth sevens competition is specifically demanding. U15 can experience greater loads than older peers in rugby. Coaches can use this information to optimize players’ physical development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Sports-Related Health Issues)

Review

Jump to: Research

13 pages, 730 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exercise-Induced Asthma: Managing Respiratory Issues in Athletes

by Josuel Ora, Patrizia De Marco, Mariachiara Gabriele, Mario Cazzola and Paola Rogliani

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9010015 - 3 Jan 2024

Viewed by 2580

Abstract

Asthma is a complex respiratory condition characterized by chronic airway inflammation and variable expiratory airflow limitation, affecting millions globally. Among athletes, particularly those competing at elite levels, the prevalence of respiratory conditions is notably heightened, varying between 20% and 70% across specific sports. Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a common issue among athletes, impacting their performance and well-being. The prevalence rates vary based on the sport, training environment, and genetics. Exercise is a known trigger for asthma, but paradoxically, it can also improve pulmonary function and alleviate EIB severity. However, athletes’ asthma phenotypes differ, leading to varied responses to medications and challenges in management. The unique aspects in athletes include heightened airway sensitivity, allergen, pollutant exposure, and temperature variations. This review addresses EIB in athletes, focusing on pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. The pathogenesis of EIB involves complex interactions between physiological and environmental factors. Airway dehydration and cooling are key mechanisms, leading to osmotic and thermal theories. Airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness are common factors. Elite athletes often exhibit distinct inflammatory responses and heightened airway sensitivity, influenced by sport type, training, and environment. Swimming and certain sports pose higher EIB risks, with chlorine exposure in pools being a notable factor. Immune responses, lung function changes, and individual variations contribute to EIB in athletes. Diagnosing EIB in athletes requires objective testing, as baseline lung function tests can yield normal results. Both EIB with asthma (EIBA) and without asthma (EIBwA) must be considered. Exercise and indirect bronchoprovocation tests provide reliable diagnoses. In athletes, exercise tests offer effectiveness in diagnosing EIB. Spirometry and bronchodilation tests are standard approaches, but the diagnostic emphasis is shifting toward provocation tests. Despite its challenges, achieving an optimal diagnosis of EIA constitutes the cornerstone for effective management, leading to improved performance, reduced risk of complications, and enhanced quality of life. The management of EIB in athletes aligns with the general principles for symptom control, prevention, and reducing complications. Non-pharmacological approaches, including trigger avoidance and warming up, are essential. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the cornerstone of asthma therapy in athletes. Short-acting beta agonists (SABA) are discouraged as sole treatments. Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) and mast cell stabilizing agents (MCSA) are potential options. Optimal management improves the athletes’ quality of life and allows them to pursue competitive sports effectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Sports-Related Health Issues)

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16 pages, 3840 KiB

Open AccessReview

Stretching and Releasing of Iliotibial Band Complex in Patients with Iliotibial Band Syndrome: A Narrative Review

by Manca Opara and Žiga Kozinc

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(2), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8020074 - 4 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 6233

Abstract

Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is one of the most common overuse syndromes causing knee pain; it is especially prevalent in runners and also common in cyclists, rowers, and field athletes, with occasional cases occurring in non-athletes too. ITBS symptoms can negatively affect not only knee function, but also mental and physical aspects of health-related quality of life. Although various conservative treatment options have been investigated and discussed, there is still no consensus on a standard of care for ITBS. Moreover, the literature on the etiology and risk factors of ITBS, which could help in selecting appropriate treatment methods, is conflicting and inconclusive. The role of individual treatment modalities such as stretching and releasing techniques has not been extensively studied and remains unclear. In this article, we will critically review the available evidence for the benefits of ITB stretching and “release” methods in the treatment of ITBS. In addition to the direct evidence (clinical studies examining the effects of ITB stretching and other methods that purportedly stretch or “release” the ITB), we present several additional lines of reasoning that discuss the rationale for ITB stretching/releasing in terms of the etiology of ITBS, the mechanical properties and behavior of the ITB, and the risk factors for ITBS development. We conclude that the current literature provides some evidence for the inclusion of stretching or other “release” methods in the early rehabilitation of ITBS. Long-term interventions typically include ITB stretching; however, it remains unclear to what extent stretching within a multimodal treatment actually contributes to resolving the symptoms. At the same time, there is no direct evidence to suggest that stretching and “release” methods have any negative effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Sports-Related Health Issues)

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14 pages, 1112 KiB

Open AccessReview

Alterations in Measures of Body Composition, Neuromuscular Performance, Hormonal Levels, Physiological Adaptations, and Psychometric Outcomes during Preparation for Physique Competition: A Systematic Review of Case Studies

by Brad J. Schoenfeld, Patroklos Androulakis-Korakakis, Alec Piñero, Ryan Burke, Max Coleman, Adam E. Mohan, Guillermo Escalante, Alexa Rukstela, Bill Campbell and Eric Helms

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(2), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8020059 - 8 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5647

Abstract

The present paper aimed to systematically review case studies on physique athletes to evaluate longitudinal changes in measures of body composition, neuromuscular performance, chronic hormonal levels, physiological adaptations, and psychometric outcomes during pre-contest preparation. We included studies that (1) were classified as case studies involving physique athletes during the pre-contest phase of their competitive cycle; (2) involved adults (18+ years of age) as participants; (3) were published in an English-language peer-reviewed journal; (4) had a pre-contest duration of at least 3 months; (5) reported changes across contest preparation relating to measures of body composition (fat mass, lean mass, and bone mineral density), neuromuscular performance (strength and power), chronic hormonal levels (testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, leptin, and ghrelin), physiological adaptations (maximal aerobic capacity, resting energy expenditure, heart rate, blood pressure, menstrual function, and sleep quality), and/or psychometric outcomes (mood states and food desire). Our review ultimately included 11 case studies comprising 15 ostensibly drug-free athletes (male = 8, female = 7) who competed in various physique-oriented divisions including bodybuilding, figure, and bikini. The results indicated marked alterations across the array of analyzed outcomes, sometimes with high inter-individual variability and divergent sex-specific responses. The complexities and implications of these findings are discussed herein. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Sports-Related Health Issues)

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