Search Results (502)

Background: Tribulus terrestris (Tt) is a popular herbal supplement marketed to enhance fitness performance, despite inconclusive evidence regarding its efficacy and safety. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of TT use, awareness, and motivations for its use among recreational athletes in Italy, helping to address the lack of empirical data describing who actually uses Tt, for what purposes, and with what behavioral risks. Methods: A cross-sectional anonymous survey was administered between May and October 2024 across Italian gyms and fitness clubs using Microsoft Forms. A total of 696 individuals initiated the questionnaire; after removal of duplicate, incomplete and ineligible entries, 510 responses were analyzed. Two indicators of Tt consumption were assessed: ever use and current use, with the latter designated as the primary outcome. A multivariable logistic regression evaluated predictors of current Tt use, entering sex, age category (18–24, 25–34, 35–44, ≥45 years), and motivation for supplement consumption. Results: Current Tt use was reported by 7.8% of respondents, while 10.5% declared ever using a Tt-containing product. Motivation was the only independent predictor of Tt consumption (p = 0.012). Individuals reporting performance enhancement as their primary motivation were markedly more likely to currently use Tt, compared with those using supplements for other purposes (adjusted OR ≈ 18.5; p = 0.008). Neither sex (p = 0.918) nor age category (p = 0.519) significantly predicted Tt use. Admission of anabolic steroid use was infrequent but was linked to online purchasing from potentially unregulated sources. Conclusions: Tt consumption in fitness settings is driven predominantly by performance-oriented expectations rather than demographic characteristics. The observed discrepancy between consumer beliefs and scientific evidence suggests a pressing need for educational interventions and regulatory vigilance in sports nutrition. Public health policies should focus on improving label literacy, strengthening consumer protection, and countering misinformation within supplement marketing environments. Full article

Background: Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are popular as sports supplements due to their ability to enhance performance and recovery. However, the full spectrum of metabolic alterations triggered by acute supplementation with BCAAs in conjunction with exercise remains incompletely understood. Methods: A randomized crossover trial was conducted in 8 healthy active young males, who received either BCAA or placebo supplementation for three consecutive days prior to a high-intensity cycling test. Plasma samples were collected pre- and post-exercise and analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, followed by correlation and enrichment analyses. Results: Acute BCAA supplementation was significantly associated with enhanced fat oxidation and attenuated post-exercise increases in plasma ammonia, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase, suggesting the potential improvements in energy supply and membrane stability. Metabolomics analysis identified differential metabolites primarily involved in lipid, amino acid, and glucose metabolism. Pathway enrichment revealed coordinated regulation of fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and tryptophan-related pathways. Correlation analysis further showed that changes in metabolite profiles were strongly associated with biochemical outcomes, particularly linking enhanced fat oxidation and ammonia clearance with BCAA intake. Conclusions: Short-term BCAA supplementation could enhance FAO and membrane stability via coordinated regulation of lipid and amino acid metabolism post exercise, supporting its potential role as a precision nutrition strategy. Full article

With the growing popularity of equestrian sports, the incidence of athletic injuries in horses has also risen. Among these injuries, proximal sesamoid bone fracture (PSBF) and flexor tendinitis are particularly common in the forelimbs of sport horses and represent major causes of musculoskeletal impairment. A 5-year-old horse presented with obvious symptoms such as swelling at the left fetlock joint and metacarpal region after exercise. Through lameness assessment, diagnostic imaging, and hematological testing, the horse was diagnosed with PSBF complicated by flexor tendinitis. The affected horse was treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs combined with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) therapy. After treatment, local microcirculation at the fracture and flexor tendon sites was improved, tissue healing was accelerated, and clinical indicators were stabilized. This case report demonstrates the potential of LIPUS-assisted therapy in promoting the recovery of horses with PSBF and concurrent flexor tendinitis, providing a valuable clinical reference for the management of complex musculoskeletal injuries in veterinary practice. Full article

Lead climbing and bouldering have witnessed a surge in popularity, particularly highlighted by their inclusion in prestigious events like the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo. This systematic review aims to comprehensively assess existing literature on injury risk factors and prevention programs specific to these disciplines. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus up to November 2023. Methodological quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. Data synthesis involved qualitative analysis. Of 463 screened records, 7 studies were included, encompassing data from over 4000 climbers. The literature consistently indicates that overuse injuries—particularly to the fingers and shoulders—are more prevalent than acute injuries in adult population. However, evidence for specific risk factors is inconclusive and contradictory. Reported associations for higher skill level, age, and use of preventive measures (e.g., taping) were inconsistent across studies. Further research employing rigorous methodologies and long-term follow-up is warranted to elucidate injury mechanisms in lead climbing and bouldering. These investigations are crucial for informing clinical practice and developing sport-specific injury prevention strategies aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes in these disciplines. Future studies should focus on standardizing injury definitions and assessment methods and explore targeted preventive measures to address the unique risks associated with these sports. Full article

Introduction: Nutrition plays a fundamental role in sports performance by influencing energy availability, recovery, and training adaptation. In recent years, different dietary strategies have gained popularity among athletes, although the evidence supporting their efficacy is inconsistent. Objective: This consensus document, developed under the auspices of the Spanish Society of Nutrition, aims to provide a critical overview of the most relevant nutritional strategies currently used in sports and to offer evidence-based practical recommendations for both professional and recreational athletes, coaches, and health professionals. Methods: A narrative review was conducted following standardized scientific procedures by a multidisciplinary panel of experts. The analyzed strategies included high-carbohydrate, low-carbohydrate, ketogenic, intermittent fasting, plant-based, Paleolithic, and carbohydrate periodization diets. Each strategy was assessed based on its physiological rationale, evidence of performance in endurance, strength/power, sprint, aesthetic, weight category, and team sports, practical applications, and potential risks. Results: The available evidence shows that no single dietary strategy can be universally recommended for all athletes. High carbohydrate availability remains the most consistent approach for sustaining performance in endurance and high-intensity efforts. Low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets enhance fat oxidation but often compromise exercise economy at competitive intensity levels. Intermittent fasting may improve body composition and metabolic health; however, it requires careful adaptation. Well-planned plant-based diets can support performance, although attention to certain nutrients (e.g., B12, iron, and omega-3) is essential. Paleolithic diets improve metabolic parameters but show limited direct evidence of athletic performance. Carbohydrate periodization is a promising tool for combining metabolic adaptations with competitive demands. Conclusions: Nutritional strategies should be individualized according to the athlete’s sport, training phase, and personal context. Professional guidance is crucial for minimizing risks and optimizing benefits. Further well-designed, long-term studies on athletes are needed to resolve the current controversies. Full article

Objectives: This study investigated the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal injuries within South Africa’s most popular karate style, Shotokan, a previously unexamined area. As an exploratory study, it aimed to generate hypotheses by determining the prevalence, severity, and nature of these injuries to address this significant gap in the national combat sports literature. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was employed, utilizing a confidential online questionnaire distributed through various Shotokan organizations. The study gathered 155 responses (26.85% response rate). Results: The findings revealed a high injury prevalence, with 47.3% of participants reporting at least four injuries. These injuries occurred equally in training and competition (56.5%) and developed both acutely and over time (53.4%). Experienced practitioners at the Shodan level were particularly affected. The knee was the most frequently injured body part (11.6%), and muscle strains were the most common injury type (19.3%). Notably, 26.2% of karatekas continued training despite being injured. A significant weak positive correlation was found between years of training experience and injury levels (rs = 0.275, p = 0.007). However, no significant associations were found between injury prevalence and age, BMI, or training frequency. General practitioners were the most consulted healthcare professionals (22.0%). Conclusions: This study establishes a high prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries among South African Shotokan karatekas, particularly associated with experienced practitioners. These findings are hypothesis-generating, and the cross-sectional design precludes causal inferences. The data provides a crucial foundation for future longitudinal research to investigate causality and for developing evidence-based injury prevention protocols, particularly for the knee. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional patterns of sport consumption, raising questions about whether fans would return to stadiums and how sensitive they would be to ticket prices in the recovery period. This study reconceptualizes ticket price elasticity as a market-based indicator of fan loyalty and applies it to Major League Baseball (MLB) during 2021–2023. Using team–season attendance data from Baseball-Reference, primary-market ticket prices from the Team Marketing Report Fan Cost Index, and secondary-market prices from TicketIQ, we estimate log–log fixed-effects panel models to separate causal price responses from popularity-driven correlations. The results show a strongly negative elasticity of attendance with respect to primary-market prices (β ≈ −7.93, p < 0.001), indicating that higher ticket prices substantially reduce attendance, while secondary-market prices are positively associated with attendance, reflecting demand shocks rather than causal effects. Heterogeneity analyses reveal that brand strength, team performance, and game salience significantly moderate elasticity, supporting the interpretation of inelastic demand as revealed loyalty. These findings highlight the potential of elasticity as a Fan Loyalty Index, providing a replicable framework for measuring consumer resilience. The study offers practical insights for pricing strategy, fan segmentation, and engagement, while emphasizing the broader social role of sport in restoring community identity during post-pandemic recovery. Full article

Swimming is one of the most popular forms of recreational sport worldwide, recommended for people of all ages as a healthy activity. While numerous studies have focused on the impact of indoor air quality on the health of pool users, relatively few have addressed how specific airborne parameters in indoor swimming facilities affect the durability of construction materials. This article analyzes the current state of knowledge on the influence of the pool indoor environment on structural reliability, with trichloramine (NCl₃) emphasized as a degradation factor. Indoor pool environments are classified as chemically aggressive, due to elevated air temperature (~30 °C), high humidity (often exceeding 60%), and the presence of volatile chlorine compounds released from disinfected water. Our case study demonstrates that during swimming competitions, the average concentration of airborne NCl₃ reached a value of 900 µg/m³, with peaks up to 1200 µg/m³, i.e., about ten times higher than on typical usage days. The median trichloramine concertation during the competition was 1071 µg/m³. Such exposure conditions accelerate corrosion processes in stainless steels and other building materials, reducing service life and requiring targeted monitoring and preventive maintenance. Based on the findings, recommendations are provided regarding material selection, highlighting the importance of surface texture, ventilation strategies, and protective measures tailored to periods of intensive facility use. Full article

Background: Climbing and strength training are among the most popular types of sports among recreational athletes. However, many newcomers quickly lose motivation and abandon training due to a lack of visible and athletic progress. Hence, we assessed whether a 6-week combined structured gym and climbing training could improve arm muscle strength and size. Methods: We recruited 25 healthy recreational athletes (14 [56.0%] females, age = 20.4 ± 1.7 years, BMI = 21.8 ± 1.7 kg·m⁻²). Most participants trained several times per week (N = 12, 48.0%), and training sessions lasted between 1 and 2 h (N = 11, 44.0%). Most athletes rated their current fitness level as “very good” (N = 15, 60.0%). Subjects performed two gym sessions and two climbing training sessions per week and avoided other training for 6 weeks. We measured the time of bar hang, handgrip strength, and forearm circumference before and after 6 weeks. Results: Hanging time increased from 55.3 ± 3.2 s to 60.9 ± 31.3 s (t(24) = 6.68, p < 0.001). Right handgrip strength increased from 31.6 ± 8.4 N to 34.3 ± 7.6 N (t(24) = 5.58, p < 0.001). Left handgrip strength increased from 29.4 ± 9.9 N to 31.0 ± 9.8 N (t(24) = 4.62, p < 0.001). Right forearm circumference increased from 24.6 ± 1.5 cm to 25.4 ± 1.7 cm (t(24) = 9.04, p < 0.001). Left forearm circumference increased from 24.6 ± 2.0 cm to 25.1 ± 2.1 cm (t(24) = 5.94, p < 0.001). All the relationships remained significant when stratified between males (p < 0.001–0.003) and females (p < 0.001–0.008). Conclusions: A 6-week training intervention consisting of structured climbing and strength training induces significant improvements in grip strength and the appearance of arm muscles in recreational athletes. Amateurs could benefit even from shorter training mesocycles, as a 6-week window to see visible progress. Full article

Background: Instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a popular intervention used for myofascial treatment. Healthcare professionals using IASTM must consider precautions and contraindications prior to administering the intervention. A recent international Delphi survey of IASTM experts recommended a list of 39 conditions to be considered as precautions and contraindications. The clinical relevance of these recommendations among healthcare professionals is of interest. The purpose of the survey was to explore healthcare professionals’ agreement regarding the IASTM Delphi recommendations for precautions and contraindications. Methods: A 16-question electronic survey was emailed to members of the Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy, American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy, National Athletic Trainers Association, and members of private physical therapy and athletic training Facebook^® and LinkedIn™ groups. Survey inclusion criteria included being a healthcare professional who has clinical experience using IASTM with patients. The strength of agreement grade scale was used to explore professionals’ opinions and agreement with the expert recommendations. Results: Four hundred and forty-five professionals (men = 52%; women = 46%; other = 2%) (mean age = 49 ± 12.33 years old) completed the survey. Most respondents (mean = 62%) agreed with 12 of 39 recommended conditions across the strength of agreement grade categories. The conditions included five precautions, four contraindications, and three conditions that could be both. Respondents also listed 32 other conditions they felt were relevant. Discussion: These survey results illustrate diversity among professionals’ agreement with expert recommendations. This may be explained by variations in clinical practice patterns and gaps in the research on this topic. The IASTM Delphi study’s recommended list of precautions and contraindications provides valuable information but is not all-inclusive, as other conditions may exist for different patients. When exploring understudied topics, researchers may want to begin with a Delphi study to establish expert recommendations, followed by an assessment of their clinical relevance through related survey studies of healthcare professionals’ agreement on the topic. Conclusions: This exploratory survey introduced a novel method of assessing the clinical relevance of a Delphi study on IASTM precautions and contraindications among healthcare professionals. Full article

Background: Swimming is a common goal for children with disability, and the most popular sport for children in Australia. This study explored swimming and rehabilitation professionals’ perceptions of swimming for Australian children with disability. Methods: Rehabilitation and swimming professionals with recent experience working with children with disability completed an online survey. Quantitative data from binary and Likert-scale questions were analysed descriptively. Qualitative data from open-ended questions was evaluated using reflexive thematic analysis and mapped to the family of Participation-Related Constructs (fPRC). Results: Ninety-one swimming and 55 rehabilitation professionals (n = 146) responded. Most were confident supporting children with disability with swimming goals (rehabilitation = 71.6%, swimming = 73.8%) but had neutral–very low knowledge of para-swimming eligibility and classification (rehabilitation = 75%, swimming = 77.7%). Ten themes (33 code groups) covering all core elements of the fPRC were identified. Barriers/facilitators included pool accessibility (physical and sensory); program availability; affordability; acceptability (of content and culture); and having accommodating professionals and programs. Professionals believed that swimming programs should develop children’s confidence, water-safety, swimming skills, and fitness. Conclusion: Rehabilitation and swimming professionals should review existing programs to ensure they meet the needs of children with disability. Further research is needed to create an action plan to improve swimming participation for Australian children with disability. Full article

(1) Soccer is the world’s most popular sport, with over 265 million players worldwide. The core muscles play a crucial role in supporting the body’s upper and lower limbs, and training to strengthen these muscles has been shown to improve athletic performance. In 11- to 15-year-old soccer players, core training can be effectively integrated into exercises that resist body weight, improving stability and agility. (2) Our study examines the impact of core muscle training on stability and agility in this age group. (3) 22 male soccer players in an amateur league at the age of 13 ± 1.01 years, height 1.47 ± 0.06 m, weight 60.06 ± 7.44 kg were enrolled. Participants were divided into two groups: experiment (core and ball movement training) and control (ball movement training). The intervention period lasted 12 weeks and included two 15–20 min-long training sessions weekly. Pre- and post-intervention tests were conducted, including tests for agility, stability, ball kick accuracy, speed, and distance jumping. (4) Core training significantly and clearly improved agility, accuracy in ball kicking, and balance with both legs towards the back. Based on these results, and considering that no special equipment is required, we recommend the inclusion of core training in young footballers’ training routine. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a popular combat sport combining techniques from various martial arts. The most common injuries in MMA are head, wrist, and hand trauma. However, there is limited research on injuries specifically related to submission techniques prevalent in this discipline. The use of submission techniques, particularly rear-naked chokes and arm locks, may potentially lead to serious injuries. Methods: Submission techniques from 2488 fights from Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) were analyzed. Fights from all numbered events between 2000 and 2021 were analyzed, focusing on techniques that lead to fight termination, such as chokes and armbars. Official fight statistics, with additional video verification, were used. The results were statistically analyzed with comparisons between weight categories and sex. Results: Submissions end 18.7% of all MMA fights. The most common submission technique was rear-naked choke, accounting for 68.6% of all submissions. The arm and hand concentrated submission techniques, including the armbar, accounted for 27.1% of all submissions. Female fights were, on average, one and a half minutes longer than male bouts and had significantly fewer submission attempts. Conclusions: MMA fights frequently end by submission, and many submissions involve techniques that put considerable stress on the joints and cervical region. Fighters and referees need clear protocols to swiftly recognize when a submission is causing excessive risk. Full article