Creatine supplementation in young soccer players

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of acute creatine-monohydrate supplementation on soccer-specific performance in young soccer players. Twenty young male soccer players (16.6 +/- 1.9 years) participated in the study and were matched and allocated to 2 randomly assigned trials: ingesting creatine-monohydrate supplement (3 x 10-g doses) or placebo for 7 days. Before and after the supplementation protocol, each subject underwent a series of soccer-specific skill tests: dribble test, sprint-power test, endurance test, and vertical jump test. Specific dribble test times improved significantly in the creatine group (13.0 +/- 1.5 vs. 10.2 +/- 1.8 s; p < .05) after supplementation protocol. Sprint-power test times were significantly improved after creatine-monohydrate supplementation (2.7 +/- 0.4 vs. 2.2 +/- 0.5 s; p < .05) as well as vertical jump height (49.2 +/- 5.9 vs. 55.1 +/- 6.3 cm; p < .05) in creatine trial. Furthermore, dribble and power test times, along with vertical jump height, were superior in creatine versus placebo trial (p < .05) at post-supplementation performance. There were no changes in specific endurance test results within or between trials (p > .05). There were no between-trial differences in the placebo trial (p > .05). The main finding of the present study indicates that supplementation with creatine in young soccer players improved soccer-specific skill performance compared with ingestion of placebo.     

All causes of mortality in male professional soccer players

BACKGROUND: Despite the great public concern for the health status of professional soccer players, no formal study on mortality from all causes in soccer players has been performed so far. A study on mortality rates of professional soccer players in Italy between 1975 and 2003 was conducted. METHODS: A total of 5389 players, age 14-35 years at enrollment were identified from public sources, and actively followed up for vital status from birth up to 31 December 2003, for 204 125 subject-years of follow-up. Overall and cause-specific mortality rates were calculated; expected number of deaths was calculated by applying the calendar period and age cause-specific mortality rates for men to the cohort of soccer players. The ratios between the observed and expected deaths gave the Standardized Mortality Ratios. RESULTS: Deaths from diseases of the circulatory system, cancer and immune deficiency were significantly lower than expected. The SMR for car accidents was 2.23 (95% CI 1.46-3.27). There were four deaths for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and 0.2 expected, giving a SMR of 18.18 (95% CI 5.00-46.55). CONCLUSION: The pubic health impact of these findings has to be balanced against the significant observed lower mortality for cancer and cardiovascular disease. However, the early age at death, and the youthful composition of the cohort pose questions on the relative weight of ALS mortality in this population in the coming years.     

Fluid and electrolyte intake and loss in elite soccer players during training

This study measured fluid balance during a 90-min preseason training session in the first team squad (24 players) of an English Premier League football team. Sweat loss was assessed from changes in body mass after correction for ingested fluids and urine passed. Sweat composition was measured by collection from patches attached to the skin at 4 sites. The weather was warm (24-29 degrees C), with moderate humidity (46-64%). The mean +/- SD body mass loss over the training session was 1.10+/- 0.43 kg, equivalent to a level of dehydration of 1.37 +/- 0.54% of the pre-training body mass. Mean fluid intake was 971 +/- 303 ml. Estimated total mean sweat loss was 2033 +/- 413 ml. Mean sweat electrolyte concentrations (mmol/L) were: sodium, 49 +/- 12; potassium, 6.0 +/- 1.3; chloride, 43 +/- 10. Total sweat sodium loss of 99+/- 24 mmol corresponds to a salt (sodium chloride) loss of 5.8 +/- 1.4 g. Mean urine osmolality measured on pre-training samples provided by the players was 666 +/- 311 mosmol/kg (n = 21). These data indicate that sweat losses of water and solute in football players in training can be substantial but vary greatly between players even with the same exercise and environmental conditions. Voluntary fluid intake also shows wide inter-individual variability and is generally insufficient to match fluid losses.     

Nutritional intake of French soccer players at the clairefontaine training center

Young, French male athletes undergoing intensive elite sports training at the National Training Centre in Clairefontaine served as the subjects (N = 180; age range: 13 to 16 years) in a 3-year dietary survey aimed at characterizing their nutritional intake in terms of energy, macronutrients, calcium, and iron. Each year, the subjects were grouped by level into 3 promotions so that 9 groups could be studied. Dietary intake data were collected each year for each subject in the 9 groups, using a 5-day food record. The results showed that their total energy intake (TEI) was insufficient for athletes (ranging from 2352 454 to 3395 396 kcal/d as opposed to the recommended range of between 3819 and 5185 kcal/d). Furthermore, their diet was unbalanced, with too great an emphasis upon fatty foods (29.1 2.8 to 34.1 3.1% TEI vs. the 20% recommended), to the detriment of carbohydrates (48.5 4.3 to 56.6 3.1% TEI vs. the 55 to 60% recommended). The calcium intake was too low in 5 of the 9 groups while, in contrast, the iron intake was satisfactory in all groups. Furthermore, during this 3-year period at the Clairefontaine Centre, the subjects significantly (p <.05) improved their calcium and iron intakes (1021 197 and 12 2 mg/d in 1996, 1299 155 and 16 2 mg/d in 1997, and 1252 184 and 17 2 mg/d in 1998). This rise in micronutrient intakes may have been due to a physiological adaptation to growth or to the positive effects of courses on nutrition given during their stay at the Centre.     

Iron deficiency and anemia: a common problem in female elite soccer players

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia among elite women soccer players. Hemoglobin, serum iron, serum total iron binding capacity, and ferritin were determined in 28 female soccer players called up for the national team. Of the investigated female soccer players, 57% had iron deficiency and 29% iron deficiency anemia 6 months before the FIFA Women's World Cup. It is concluded that iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia is common in female soccer players at the top international level. Some might suffer from relative anemia and measurement of hemoglobin alone is not sufficient to reveal relative anemia. Regular monitoring of hemoglobin concentration and iron status is necessary to institute iron supplementation when indicated.     

Risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection in former Brazilian soccer players

We evaluated the occurrence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in 97 former soccer players who played in Recife, Brazil in the 1960s and 1970s, and analysed the risk factors for infection, such as history of transfusions, surgery, tattoos, piercings, and the use of illicit drugs or injectable vitamin complexes. Immunochromatographic testing was performed to detect anti-HCV antibodies. All former soccer players were men (mean age 59·2 years), of whom 62 (64%) and 35 (36%) were classified as amateurs and professionals, respectively. Seven (7·2%) tested positive for anti-HCV antibodies; three (4·8%) were amateurs, and four (11·4%) were professionals. In univariate analysis, transfusion, surgery, and use of injectable vitamin complexes were associated with HCV infection, while in multivariate analysis, only the use of injectable vitamin complexes was related (P=0·0005). We observed a high frequency of HCV infection in former soccer players, especially in professionals who used injectable vitamin complexes.     

Nutritional adequacy of different menu settings in elite Spanish adolescent soccer players

The article describes a study that evaluated the adequacy of 2 different menu settings in a group of elite adolescent Spanish soccer players. Five-day food intake was assessed on 2 occasions, while athletes were consuming a flexible "buffet-style" diet (B; n = 33) and a fixed "menu-style" diet (M; n = 29). For all principal meals of the day food weighing was performed, and snacks were recorded by self-report. M provided significantly higher total energy and carbohydrate intakes than B. Breakfast and snacks both provided more energy in M. Calories obtained from fat were excessive in both settings. Calcium and vitamin D were below recommendations in B but not in M. Fiber, magnesium, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin E intake fell below recommended values in both settings. M provided significantly greater quantities of magnesium and vitamins D and E. Both feeding options were far from optimal in satisfying current scientifically based recommendations for active adolescents.     

Sedentary behaviours among Australian adolescents

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence and distribution (by demographic characteristics and body mass index [BMI] category) of sedentary behaviour among Australian adolescents aged 11-15 years. METHOD: Cross-sectional representative population survey of school students (n = 2,750) in New South Wales, conducted in 2004. Students' self-reported time spent during a usual week in five categories of sedentary behaviour (small screen recreation [SSR], education, cultural, social and non-active travel). Height and weight were measured. RESULTS: Grade 6, 8 and 10 students spent approximately 34 hours, 41 hours and 45 hours/week of their discretionary time, respectively, engaged in sedentary behaviour. Urban students and students from Asian-speaking backgrounds spent significantly more time sedentary than students from rural areas or other cultural backgrounds. SSR accounted for 60% and 54% of sedentary behaviour among primary and high school students, respectively. Overweight and obese students spent more time in SSR than healthy weight students. Out-of-school hours educational activities accounted for approximately 20% of sedentary behaviour and increased with age. Girls spent twice the time in social activities compared with boys. Time spent in cultural activities declined with age. CONCLUSION: Sedentary behaviours among young people differ according to sex, age and cultural background. At least half of all time spent in sedentary behaviours was spent engaged in SSR. BMI was significantly associated with sedentary behaviour among some children, but not consistently across age groups. IMPLICATIONS: A clear understanding of young people's patterns of sedentary behaviour is required to develop effective and sustainable intervention programs to promote healthy living.     

Risk-seeking and safety-seeking behaviours: a study of health-related behaviours among Norwegian school children

The purpose of this study was to investigate risk-seeking andsafety-seeking behaviours among schoolchildren in Norway. Behavioursthat give rise to a subjective experience of risk were labelledrisk seeking, and use of various kinds of safety equipment waslabelled safety seeking. The results yielded moderate to weak,but significant, inter-relationships between the various kindsof safety equipment. Factor analysis indicated that safety-seekingbehaviours and risk-seeking behaviours form two separate, althoughnegatively correlated, dimensions among the respondents. Thesedimensions seem to be part of more general health-related behaviourpatterns, previously labelled health-compromising and health-enhancinglifestyles. Our findings indicate that risk seeking and safetyseeking can be useful terms in the planning and developmentof health education programmes aimed at reducing accidents amongyoung people.     

Beliefs, sexual behaviours and preventive practices with respect to HIV/AIDS among commercial sex workers in Daulatdia, Bangladesh

OBJECTIVES: Despite the rising prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) since 1994 in Bangladesh, the World Bank found the epidemic to be preventable provided vigorous and prompt action is taken. High-risk heterosexual contact, especially among commercial sex workers (CSWs), is a major mode of transmission. Formulation of relevant and effective prevention programmes for HIV/AIDS requires better understanding of the knowledge, attitudes, behaviours and practices in the high-risk groups. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey comprising face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire with items on knowledge, beliefs, condom use and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). SETTINGS: In total, 300 CSWs were interviewed between July and October 2000 in Daulatdia brothel. Daulatdia is one of the largest river ports in Bangladesh. RESULTS: Although most CSWs had heard of AIDS, correct knowledge of transmission and symptoms was lacking. HIV/AIDS was viewed as a remote threat, over-ridden by immediate economic and survival concerns. Although the majority of CSWs knew that condoms afforded protection against STDs/AIDS, only one-third of sex acts on the last day of work were protected through condom use. CSWs who were married, had been a CSW for less than 5 years, were with a new client, or had two or more clients in last working day reported significantly higher condom use. Client dissatisfaction was the major reason for not using condoms. Many did not obtain treatment for STDs in a timely fashion, if at all. CONCLUSIONS: Bangladesh needs a comprehensive HIV programme that combines clinical and screening measures with behaviour change and communication interventions, along with change in social norms and attention to the rights of CSWs in order to avert a widespread epidemic.     

Effects of 4 weeks iron supplementation on haematological and immunological status in elite female soccer players

The effects of 4 weeks iron supplementation on haematological and immunological status were studied in 25 elite female soccer players aged 20-28 years. The subjects were randomized and assigned to one of the following two groups; subjects given 40 mg/day iron supplementation (S group) or those given placebo (C group). The oral iron supplementation (40 mg elemental iron) was taken in 15 ml solution once a day by the S group, and the C group took a placebo for 4 weeks. Daily energy and protein intakes met the Korean Recommended Dietary Allowances. Blood haemoglobin concentration did not change in the S group, but decreased significantly (P<0.05) in the C group over the 4-week experimental period. Haematocrit, mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin and total iron binding capacity decreased significantly, and mean cell haemoglobin concentration increased significantly (P<0.05) in both the S and C groups. Plasma ferritin concentration increased significantly (P<0.05) in the S group, but did not change in the C group. The change of plasma immunological parameters and erythrocyte anti-oxidative enzyme activities were almost the same between the S and C groups. These results suggest that 4 weeks of iron supplementation by elite female soccer players significantly increased body iron stores and inhibited decrease of haemoglobin concentration induced by soccer training.     

Seasonal variation in vitamin D status in professional soccer players of the English Premier League

The prevalence of seasonal variation in vitamin D status was examined in 20 FA Premier League soccer players residing at a latitude of 53°N. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels decreased (P < 0.001) between August (104.4 ± 21.1 nmol·L(-1), range 68-151) and December (51.0 ± 19.0 nmol·L(-1), range 22-86), such that levels for 65% of the sample were insufficient (<50 nmol·L(-1)) in winter. Strategies to augment vitamin D(3) availability may therefore be advantageous for UK soccer players so as to maintain muscle function.     

Computer habits and behaviours among young children in Singapore

This exploratory research project was aimed at developing baseline data on computer habits and behaviours among preschool children in Singapore. Three sets of data were collected from teachers, parents and children which are (1) why and how young children use computers; (2) what are the key physical, social and health habits and behaviours of children when using the computer and (3) what is the role of adults during children's computer use. The information gathered from the study can be used to inform teachers, parents and other stakeholders on preschool children's computer habits and behaviours and if necessary, to develop preventive programmes to protect preschool children against potential physical, health and social risks of computer use as well as address any potential negative habits or behaviours as early as possible and before they have an impact on their later schooling years.     

Food avoidance in children. The influence of maternal feeding practices and behaviours

The aim of this study was to examine the contribution of a broad range of maternal feeding practices in predicting parental reports of food avoidance eating behaviours in young children, after controlling for child temperament, and maternal dietary restraint which have previously been associated with feeding problems. One hundred and four mothers of children aged between 3 and 6 years completed self report measures of their child's eating behaviour and temperament, maternal dietary restraint and child feeding practices. Maternal reports of food avoidance eating behaviours were associated with an emotional child temperament, high levels of maternal feeding control, using food for behaviour regulation and low encouragement of a balanced and varied food intake. Maternal feeding practices, predominantly pressure to eat, significantly predicted food avoidance eating behaviours after controlling for child emotionality and maternal dietary restraint. The significant contribution of maternal feeding practices, which are potentially modifiable behaviours, suggests that the feeding interactions of parents and their children should be targeted for intervention and the prevention of feeding difficulties during early childhood. Future research should continue to explore how a broader range of feeding practices, particular those that may be more adaptive, might influence child eating behaviour.