Search Results (162)

Objective: Considering the absence of research testing the entire sequence of passion, behavioral regulation, and subjective well-being (SWB), this study aimed to analyze the hypothetical causal relationships between the variables of a model that integrates the Dualistic Passion Model (DMP) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT) in order to understand the impact of harmonious passion (HP) and obsessive passion (OP) and the regulation of motivation on the SWB of elite athletes with disability. Method: This study includes 143 elite athletes from national adapted sports (36 female; 107 male) aged between 15 and 59 (M = 29.21; SD = 10.45). Weekly training sessions ranged from 1 to 12 (M = 4.52; SD = 2.71), and the years of competitive practice ranged from 1 to 28 (M = 5.55; SD = 6.98). Data were collected using valid and reliable questionnaires for the study population and analyzed using structural equation analysis. The following results were identified: a positive and a significant effect between OP and self-determination motivation (SDM); a positive but not a significant effect between OP and non-self-determination motivation (NSDM); a significant effect between SDM and SWL and SDM and positive affect (PA); and, finally, a positive but non-significant effect between SDM and negative affect (NA). In contrast, there is a positive and significant effect between HP and SDM; a negative and significant effect between HP and NSDM; a positive but non-significant effect between NSDM and SWL; a negative and significant effect between NSDM and PA; and, finally, a positive and significant effect between NSDM and NA. Conclusions: The perception of passion regarding sport can be a positive predictor of SDM, which, in turn, can influence levels of SWB, both from a cognitive point of view (SWL) and from an emotional point of view (PA). This reinforces the positive effect of the self-determination behavior in adapted sport on SWB and its contribution to health and quality of life in people with disabilities. Full article

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate Achilles tendon ruptures (ATR) in NHL players and the effects on return to play and player performance metrics. The incidence, mechanism of injury, management strategy, return to play (RTP), and post-injury were assessed from official online sports databases. Methods: A retrospective review of NHL players who sustained a partial or complete tear of the Achilles tendon from 2008 to 2024 was performed. Data were collected from NHL injury databases and media reports, and included player demographics, injury mechanism, treatment, and post-injury performance metrics. A Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare pre-injury and post-injury performance metrics, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Here, 15 NHL players with a mean age of 27.8 years were identified, with a prevalence rate of 0.125 injuries per 10,000 athletic exposures. Overall, 73.3% of ATRs were non-contact in nature, with 60.0% of ATRs occurring during off-season training. Fourteen players were managed with non-operative treatment, with no re-ruptures reported. The RTP rate was 93.3%, with players missing a mean number of 45.7 games. However, there was a deterioration in post-injury performance metrics, including games played per season, plus/minus rating, and time on ice per game post-injury. Conclusions: This study found that Achilles tendon ruptures are an uncommon injury in NHL players, with a prevalence rate of 0.125 injuries per 10,000 athletic exposures. A high RTP rate of 93.3% was observed in this cohort. However, there was a deterioration in post-injury performance metrics, including games played per season, plus/minus rating, and time on ice per game post-injury, highlighting the potential devastating sequelae of ATRs in elite NHL athletes. Full article

Maintaining body symmetry in sports characterized by high lateralization is crucial for optimizing long-term athletic performance and mitigating injury risk. This study aimed to evaluate the extent of morphological asymmetry in anthropometric features among elite professional fencers. Additionally, the presence of functional asymmetry and its associations with morphological asymmetry were assessed. Thirty-two Polish adult female fencers, aged 18–33 yrs, were examined. Data collection involved a questionnaire survey, anthropometric measurements, calculation of anthropological indices, and assessment of functional asymmetry. For the 24 bilateral anthropometric features, small differences were found in seven characteristics: foot length, subscapular skinfold thickness, upper arm circumference, minimum and maximum forearm circumference, upper limb length, and arm circumference in tension. Morphological asymmetry index did not exceed 5%. Left-sided lateralization of either the upper or lower limbs was associated with significantly high asymmetry, specifically indicating larger minimum forearm circumferences in the right limb. Continuous, individualized monitoring of morphological asymmetry and its direction in athletes is essential, demanding concurrent consideration of functional lateralization. This ongoing assessment establishes a critical baseline for evaluating training adaptations, reducing injury susceptibility, and optimizing rehabilitation strategies. Deeper investigation of symmetry within non-dominant limbs is warranted to enhance our understanding. Full article

Objectives: The aim of this study was to indicate which variables are the most important determinants of swimming results in the 50 m front crawl among non-elite pre-pubertal female swimmers. Methods: The study group consisted of 14 female swimmers (at the time of the research commencement—biological age: 10.52 ± 0.37 years; body mass: 34.99 ± 2.77 kg; height: 146.00 ± 3.05 cm). The study was conducted over three years. The swimmers performed capacity training recommended by the British Swimming Federation. Every 6 months, in the participants the following parameters were measured: percentage of body fat; anthropometric measurements; aerobic and anaerobic capacity; and respiratory parameters: vital capacity—VC, forced expiratory volume—FEV1, and forced vital capacity—FVC. Additionally, a 50 m front crawl swim test was performed. Results: After adjusting for multicollinearity, the most influential determinants of swimming performance were anthropometric measures: shoulder width was the most influential predictor, with a regression coefficient of −0.66, followed by foot length (with a beta of −0.15) and chest depth (with a beta of 0.008). The remaining anthropometric and physical predictors did not contribute to the prediction of 50 m freestyle performance. Conclusions: These research results suggest to coaches and trainers that sports performance in sprint distances in pre-pubertal girls is not determined by aerobic and anaerobic capacity or body fat but is based on the somatic build of the swimmer. Full article

Mental health disorders, particularly depression and anxiety, have become increasingly prevalent among elite athletes, exacerbated by factors such as competitive pressure and the Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study analyzes trends in the use of antidepressants, anxiolytics, and cannabinoids (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)/cannabidiol (CBD)) among Italian athletes from 2011 to the first half of 2023 (FH2023), referring to anti-doping reports published by the Italian Ministry of Health. Data from 13,079 athletes were examined, with a focus on non-prohibited medications, banned substances, and regulatory impacts, including threshold adjustments for THC since 2013 and the legalization of CBD. The results show fluctuating use of antidepressants/anxiolytics, with peaks in 2021 and the FH2023, coinciding with post-pandemic awareness. Positive THC cases rose following regulatory changes, reflecting socio-cultural trends. Gender disparities emerged, with THC use predominantly among males (e.g., nine males vs. one female in 2013), though female athletes were underrepresented in testing. This study highlights the need for personalized, evidence-based strategies that balance therapeutic efficacy and anti-doping compliance. Clinicians should carefully consider prescribing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines to address depression and anxiety and should monitor the risks of CBD contamination. Future research should adopt longitudinal, gender-sensitive approaches to refining guidelines and combating stigma in professional sports. Full article

The current study investigates effects from a non-formal coach education program based on mentorship on the coach–athlete working alliance (CAWA), perceived coach performance (PCP), coaches’ perceptions of self (CPS), and social resources in sport (SRS). Fifty-four elite coaches from a variety of sports who participated in a non-formal coach education program based on mentorship over a period of 18 months, and 21 coaches from a control group, completed data collection at both the pre- and post-test. The results from regression analyses show that the group variable significantly explained the variance in the PCP and SRS at the post-test, whereas the group variable did not significantly explain any variance in CAWA and CPS at the post-test. Thus, the results in the current study indicate positive results from the coach education program on PCP and SRS. The current results are discussed based on the effect mentorship might have on coaches’ self-reflections based on their own experiences, and the importance of building social networks among their peer coaches. Full article

Physiological tremor analysis is a practical tool for assessing the neuromuscular impacts of sport-specific training. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the physiological characteristics of lower limb resting postural tremor in athletes from Poland’s national speed skating team, following both sprint and endurance workouts. The study included 19 male, well-trained, elite athletes (with a mean age of 18 ± 3.1 years, body mass of 71.4 ± 10.1 kg, height of 178.5 ± 9.0 cm, and training experience of 12.6 ± 2.8 years) and a control group of 19 physically active but non-athlete men (with a mean age of 19 ± 2.3 years, body mass of 78.9 ± 12.1 kg, and height of 181.5 ± 11.0 cm). This group was assessed under resting conditions to provide baseline reference values for physiological tremor and to evaluate whether the neuromuscular tremor response is specific to trained athletes. Tremor amplitude and frequency were measured using an accelerometer, with data log-transformed to normalize the power spectrum distribution. Key findings indicate a significant effect of training condition on tremor amplitude in the low-frequency range (L(2_5); F_(1,18) = 38.42; p < 0.0001; η_p² = 0.68) and high-frequency range (L(9_14); F_(1,36) = 19.19; p < 0.0001; η_p² = 0.51). Post hoc analysis showed that tremor amplitude increased significantly after both sprint (p < 0.001) and endurance training (p < 0.001) compared to rest. No significant differences were observed between sprint and endurance training conditions for L(2_5) (p = 0.1014), but sprint training resulted in a greater increase in tremor in the high-frequency range (L(9_14); p < 0.0001). Tremor frequency (F(2_5) and F(9_14)) also increased significantly post-training. Notably, no differences were observed between limbs, indicating symmetrical neuromuscular adaptation. These findings highlight the utility of tremor analysis in monitoring neuromuscular fatigue and performance in speed skaters. Future research should explore the application of this method in broader athletic populations and evaluate its potential integration into training programs. Full article

Elite soccer places significant neuromuscular and metabolic stress on athletes, leading to elevated production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), particularly in skeletal muscle, where intense contractile activity and increased oxygen flux drive oxidative processes. These reactive species play a dual role in skeletal muscle, supporting adaptive signaling at controlled levels while causing oxidative damage when poorly regulated. This paper presents an integrated synthesis of current knowledge on redox biology in elite soccer players, focusing on the origins and regulation of RONS, the functions of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems, and how both RONS and antioxidant responses influence muscle performance, fatigue, recovery, and long-term physiological adaptation. Drawing on studies conducted between 2000 and 2025, the discussion underscores the seasonal fluctuations in oxidative stress, individual variability in redox responses, and the potential adverse effects of unsystematic antioxidant supplementation. The analysis also emphasizes the value of using biomarker-guided, periodized antioxidant interventions tailored to training demands. Future directions include longitudinal tracking and the use of AI-assisted monitoring to enable personalized strategies for maintaining redox balance and optimizing performance in elite sport. Full article

Background: The UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) grassroots concussion guidance, May 2023, advised that all community-based sport-related concussions (SRCs) be diagnosed by a healthcare practitioner. This may require that general practitioners (GPs) diagnose and manage SRCs. Diagnosing SRCs in primary care settings in the United Kingdom (UK) presents significant challenges, primarily due to the lack of validated tools specifically designed for general practitioners (GPs). This scoping review aims to identify diagnostic and management tools for SRCs in grassroots sports and primary care settings. Aims: To identify tools that can be used by GPs to diagnose and manage concussions in primary care, both adult and paediatric populations. Design and Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScRs). Five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar) were searched from 1946 to April 2025. Search terms included “concussion”, “primary care”, and “diagnosis”. Studies that discussed SRCs in community or primary care settings were included. Those that exclusively discussed secondary care and elite sports were excluded, as well as non-English studies. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts, with a third resolving any disagreements. Data were extracted into Microsoft Excel. Studies were assessed for quality using the Joanna Briggs critical appraisal tools and AGREE II checklist. Results: Of 727 studies, 12 met the inclusion criteria. Identified tools included Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 6 (SCAT6, 10–15 min, adolescent/adults), Sport Concussion Office Assessment Tool 6 (SCOAT6, 45–60 min, multidisciplinary), the Buffalo Concussion Physical Examination (BCPE, 5–6 min, adolescent-focused), and the Brain Injury Screening Tool (BIST, 6 min, ages 8+). As part of BCPE, a separate Telehealth version was developed for remote consultations. SCAT6 and SCOAT6 are designed for healthcare professionals, including GPs, but require additional training and time beyond typical UK consultation lengths (9.2 min). BIST and BCPE show promise but require UK validation. Conclusions: SCAT6, SCOAT6, BIST, and BCPE could enhance SRC care, but their feasibility in UK primary care requires adaptation (e.g., integration with GP IT systems and alignment with NICE guidelines). Further research is required to validate these tools and assess additional training needs. Full article

Background: Athletes commonly use innovative strategies that aim to enhance their cycling performance. Among them, the effectiveness of non-circular chainrings has been a frequent topic of discussion. This systematic review aims to analyze the physiological and performance effects of using non-circular chainrings in cyclists. Methods: A literature search was conducted on populations ranging from recreational to elite-level athletes, following the PRISMA guidelines. The electronic databases searched were PubMed, Web of Science, Academic Search Complete, Scopus, and SportDiscus, using the search terms (“oval chainring*” OR “non-circular chainring*” OR “elliptical chainring*” OR “asymmetric chainring*” OR “Q-Ring*” OR “eccentric chainring*” OR “chainring*”) AND (cycl*), on 11 May 2025. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool with an extension for crossover studies, indicating some concerns regarding the included studies. Results: The initial search identified 291 research articles, which, after applying the screening criteria, resulted in the inclusion of 18 manuscripts. The results suggest that non-circular chainrings do not appear to improve cycling performance metrics or physiological variables during prolonged efforts; however, it is possible that they enhance the sprinting capacity. Conclusions: While the research remains inconclusive, future studies should further explore the effects of non-circular chainrings on sprinting performance. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the involuntary stimulated neuromuscular response of thigh muscles in karate subgroups and non-athletes. We investigated whether karate training creates neuromuscular adaptations and if the synchronization of knee flexor and extensor muscles in karate practitioners is level-dependent. Methods: The study included 7 elite karate athletes (KE), 14 sub-elite karate athletes (KSE), 16 individuals with basic karate training (KB), and 14 non–athletes (NA). Tensiomyographic (TMG) measurements were obtained from the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, and semitendinosus muscles. Indexes of Intermuscular Synchronization (IIS) were calculated for contraction time (Tc), total contraction time (TcT), and rate of muscle tension development (RMTD) as variables for the observed muscles of a given muscle group (extensors of the dominant leg, flexors of the dominant leg, extensors of the non-dominant leg, and flexors of the non-dominant leg). Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in the intermuscular synchronization indexes between karate experience levels and non-athletes. Compared to non-athletes, elite (KE), sub-elite (KSE), and beginner karateka (KB) all demonstrated shorter contraction time indexes in dominant knee extensors (p = 0.042, 0.040, and 0.013, respectively). In the non-dominant flexors, KE exhibited significantly better synchronization than KSE (p = 0.001), KB (p = 0.033), and NA (p = 0.002). For the total contraction time index, both KSE and KB outperformed NA in dominant extensors (p = 0.023 and p = 0.008), while KE showed superiority in non-dominant extensors and flexors compared to all other groups (p-values ranging from 0.002 to 0.038). Significant RMTD differences were found in the dominant leg between KE and KSE (p = 0.036) and KE and KB (p = 0.001), as well as in the non-dominant leg between KE and KB (p = 0.011) and KE and NA (p = 0.025). These findings were accompanied by statistical powers exceeding 0.80 in most cases, underscoring the robustness of the observed differences. Conclusions: These findings highlight that muscle coordination patterns, as revealed through non-invasive TMG-based indexes, are sensitive to training level and laterality in karate practitioners. Importantly, elite athletes demonstrated more synchronized activation in key muscle groups, suggesting a neuromuscular adaptation specific to high-level combat sports. From a biomechanical perspective, improved intermuscular synchronization may reflect optimized neural strategies for stability, speed, and efficiency—key components in competitive karate. Thus, this method holds promise not only for performance diagnostics but also for refining individualized training strategies in combat sports and broader athletic contexts. Full article

Background: Non-contact tissue injury in elite athletes is influenced by multiple factors, including genetic predisposition. Although previous research has identified several genetic markers associated with injury susceptibility, the role of the CD36 (cluster of differentiation 36) gene, a key regulator of fatty acid transport into skeletal muscle and other vital tissues, remains unexplored in this context. A single-nucleotide polymorphism in the CD36 gene (rs1761667) involves an A-to-G substitution (with three genotypes = AA and GG homozygotes and AG heterozygotes), and previous data have reported that individuals carrying the AA genotype of the CD36 gene show reduced expression of the CD36 protein and poorer lipid metabolism. Additionally, it has been recently found that the frequency of the AA genotype is significantly lower in elite cyclists compared to field hockey players. No previous study has examined the association between the CD36 rs1761667 polymorphism and athlete injury risk. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential association between the CD36 rs1761667 polymorphism and non-contact tissue injury susceptibility in elite Moroccan cyclists and field hockey players. Methods: Forty-three elite Moroccan male athletes, including 19 cyclists and 24 national team field hockey players, volunteered for this study. Non-contact tissue injuries during the 2022/2023 sports season have been recorded. Genotyping of the CD36 rs1761667 polymorphism was carried out using Sanger sequencing. Chi-square tests were used to analyze the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and compare the genotypes and characteristics of athletes with and without non-contact injuries. Results: During the 2022/2023 sports season, 21.05% of cyclists (4 out of 19) and 33.33% of field hockey players (8 out of 24) experienced non-contact tissue injuries. The genotypic frequency was similar in the injured and non-injured groups among cyclists (χ² and p not calculated because “AA = 0” in both groups), field hockey players (χ² = 3.30, p = 0.19), and all athletes (χ² = 1.73, p = 0.41). Additionally, the dominant model of the CD36 rs1761667 polymorphism (AA+AG vs. GG) did not reveal a significant risk of non-contact injuries among cyclists (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 0.13–19.09, p > 0.9999), field hockey players (OR: infinity, 95% CI: 0.23-infinity, p = 0.53), and all athletes (OR: 2.75, 95% CI: 0.32–34.12, p = 0.65). Furthermore, the recessive model (AA vs. AG+GG) did not demonstrate any effect on the risk of non-contact injuries in cyclists (OR and 95% CI not calculated, p > 0.9999), field hockey players (OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.05–2.40, p = 0.38), and all athletes (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.10–2.60, p = 0.69). Conclusions: This study suggests that the association between specific genotypes (AA, AG, and GG) or alleles (A and G) of the CD36 gene and susceptibility to non-contact tissue injuries in Moroccan cycling and field hockey players is uncertain. Given the small sample size, further studies will be needed to explore and confirm these findings. Full article

Background: Athletes with expertise in sports show extensive procedural and factual information, enhancing their ability to focus attention, use cues, and anticipate events. This study examined the differentiation of perceptual-cognitive skills by focusing on attentional cues, processing speed, and working memory. Methods: The component skill approach was used to assess differences in sports expertise levels using non-sport-specific cognitive measures of perceptual-cognitive skills. The study involved a total of 127 college athletes with a mean age of 20.23 years (SD = 3.08) and an average of 10.99 years of training. Among these participants, there were 43 female athletes with a mean age of 20.23 years (SD = 3.32) and 84 male athletes with a mean age of 20.22 years (SD = 2.98). We analyzed the cohort of students who did not engage in regular sports training, identifying them as the control group for our study. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was employed to analyze the measures of the SPT and CBT perceptual-cognitive tasks, treating them as separate dependent variables. The categorization of elite levels and participants is outlined below: there are 41 semi-elite athletes, 70 competitive elite athletes, 12 successful elite athletes, and 4 world-class elite athletes. Results: There were no differences in semi-elite and competitive elite athletes’ perceptual-cognitive skills regarding visual-spatial reaction time (Wilks’ λ = 0.956, p > 0.05), but there was a significant difference in the working memory span (Wilks’ λ = 0.804, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study reports that elite college athletes have higher working memory, which is crucial for sport performance, compared to semi-elite athletes. However, no between-group differences were observed in reaction time. Full article

Background: Iron deficiency affects up to 70% of female athletes, yet the effectiveness of improving iron status in team sport athletes remains unclear. Purpose: To evaluate the impact of variations in iron status on physical performance in elite female Australian Rules Football players. Methods: Iron status was measured in 30 players (age 23 ± 4 y; body mass 70 ± 6 kg) across three time-points of a 24-week season. Players identified as iron deficient non-anemic stage 2 in week 1 received an iron infusion. Remaining players were categorized into heightened iron status (FeUP; iron deficient non-anemic stage 1 players who were advised to take iron supplementation; n = 8) or non-supplemented (Ctrl; week 10: n = 17; week 24: n = 16) groups following week 10. Relative external load measures (e.g., total distance at different velocities), and strength and power measures (e.g., counter-movement jump, reactive strength index) were recorded in weeks 10 and 24 (same weeks as blood samples) to compare physical performance between FeUP and Ctrl groups. Results: Iron status improved in FeUP (30 µg/L to 49 µg/L) and reduced in Ctrl (39 µg/L to 34 µg/L) between weeks 10 and 24. Iron deficiency prevalence among all players was 47–54%. FeUp exhibited small to moderate improvements (5–19%) in some external load measures but no consistent improvement across all measures. At week 24, FeUP showed trivial to moderate differences outperforming Ctrl in seven physical performance measures (e.g., both hip adduction tests), but Ctrl outperformed FeUP in all other measures. Conclusion: Heightened iron status does not consistently enhance physical performance, although avoiding deficiency remains essential for athlete health. Full article

Background: The open-stance forehand is a fundamental technique in tennis, playing a crucial role in competitive performance. Its execution depends heavily on lower limb coordination and neuromuscular control. Athletes of different skill levels often display distinct muscle activation strategies. This study employs non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) to analyze lower limb muscle synergy patterns during the forehand open stance across skill levels and explores their potential influence on stroke performance. Methods: A total of 30 tennis players, including 15 elite and 15 amateur athletes, participated in this study. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to record the activity of major lower limb muscles during the forehand open stance. Muscle synergy patterns were extracted using NMF, and K-means clustering was applied to classify synergy patterns. Independent sample t-tests were conducted to examine differences between muscle synergies. Results: Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the spatial characteristics of each synergy component across different movement phases. However, temporal characteristics showed a significant difference only in Syn2 during the mid-phase of the backswing (BS) (56.2–60.4%) (p = 0.033). Conclusions: Elite athletes exhibited more optimized and stable muscle activation patterns, enabling more efficient coordination of major muscle groups. Based on sEMG decomposition and muscle synergy analysis, these activation patterns may contribute to improved stroke efficiency and energy transfer and potentially reduce the risk of sports-related injuries. Full article