Sibling dynamics and sport expertise

Family members are known to be highly influential in the development of sport expertise. To date, much of the research in this area has focused on parents, with less known about sibling influences on expertise. This investigation explored associations between sport expertise, sibling characteristics, and sibling participation in sport and physical activity. Athletes representing three skill levels provided details of sibling characteristics and participation in sport and physical activity via the Developmental History of Athletes Questionnaire. Elite athletes were more likely to be later‐born children, while pre‐elite and non‐elite athletes were more likely to be first‐born. Compared with siblings of non‐elite athletes, siblings of elite athletes were more likely to have participated in regular physical activity and were more likely to have participated in sport at the pre‐elite and elite levels. These results suggest siblings may play a key role in sport expertise development.     

Effect of physical fitness and endurance exercise on indirect biomarkers of recombinant erythropoietin misuse

Erythropoietin (EPO) and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) in serum have been proposed as indirect biomarkers for the detection of recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) misuse in sport. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of different levels of physical fitness, sport, different training workload during the sport season, and endurance exercise in the concentrations of these serum biomarkers for their application into mathematical models to indirectly detect rhEPO misuse. Serum EPO and sTfR concentrations were measured in 96 elite athletes of various sports along the sport season, in 21 recreational athletes at baseline (non exercising) conditions and in 129 other recreational athletes before and after long-distance races (10 and 21 km). In elite athletes, hemoglobin concentrations and percentage of reticulocytes were also measured, and indirect detection models applied. In recreational athletes, for EPO and sTfR, significant differences were only observed after the 21-km race. In baseline conditions, no differences were observed between recreational and elite athletes for EPO and sTfR. In elite athletes, individual EPO and sTfR concentrations slightly changed over the sport season, with coefficients of variation (CV) of 26.1 % and 9.0 %, respectively. Hemoglobin and reticulocytes were influenced by sport, but their individual variation over the sport season was not physiologically relevant (CV of 3.7 % and 21.3 %, respectively). When applying mathematical models for detection of rhEPO administration, only one elite athlete obtained an individual model score above the established thresholds. Physical fitness, sport and different training workload during the sport season had no substantial effect on serum EPO and sTfR concentrations, except in recreational athletes after a 21-km race. Variations observed in mathematical models to detect EPO administration were mainly due to fluctuation in hemoglobin concentrations, commonly observed in elite athletes.     

Effect of physical fitness and endurance exercise on indirect biomarkers of recombinant growth hormone misuse: insulin-like growth factor I and procollagen type III peptide

Serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and procollagen type III peptide (P-III-P) have been proposed as indirect biomarkers of rhGH misuse in sports. The purpose of the present study was to investigate concentrations of these biomarkers in athletes at different levels of physical fitness and endurance exercise. Serum total IGF-I and P-III-P were measured in 96 elite athletes of various sports along the training season; in 21 recreational athletes at baseline non-exercising conditions and in another 129 recreational athletes before and after long-distance races (10 and 21 km). No differences were evidenced for IGF-I concentrations, but statistically higher values of serum P-III-P were found in elite athletes compared to recreational ones. Among elite athletes, the specific sport did not affect serum IGF-I. However, P-III-P was statistically higher in the sport performed by the youngest athletes (rhythmic gymnastics), even after correction of the logarithm of the concentration by the reciprocal of age. Over the training season, the within-athlete variabilities of IGF-I and P-III-P in elite athletes were low (22.8 % and 21.7 %, respectively). Recreational athletes taking part in a 21 km competition race showed a significant increase in serum values of IGF-I and P-III-P immediately after the event. Exercise workload and age had a significant effect on serum concentration of P-III-P, while age alone affected IGF-I serum concentrations. Therefore, athlete's reference concentration ranges for doping detection should include subjects from as many different ages and sports as possible.     

Patient expectations and perceived social support related to return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in adolescent athletes

ObjectiveExamine the relationship between pre-operative competitive status and return to sport expectations post-operatively among adolescents undergoing ACL reconstruction. Assess the association between perceived levels of social support and doubts in returning to sport after ACL reconstruction.DesignCross-sectional.SettingOutpatient sports medicine clinic at a single institution.Participants12–18 years old with an ACL tear who were planning to undergo ACL reconstruction.Main outcome measuresPsychovitality questionnaire responses and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) questionnaire scores.Results86% of participants expected to return to sports in six months or less after surgery; there was no significant difference in expected time to return to sport between competitive vs. recreational athletes. Competitive athletes were less likely to be content returning to a lower activity level after surgery compared to recreational athletes. There were no significant differences in MSPSS scores between those who did and did not report doubts in their ability to return to their previous sports.ConclusionMost of our adolescent athlete population expected to return to sport after ACL reconstruction within six months of surgery. Those with and without doubts in their ability to return to sports did not significantly differ in levels of perceived social support.     

The association between physical fitness level and number and severity of injury and illness in youth elite athletes

Youth elite athletes often double their training and competition load after enrollment into specialized sport academy high school programs. The least fit athletes may be exposed to an excessive and too rapid increase in training load, with negative adaptations such as injury and illness as a consequence. In this study, our aim was to determine whether these least fit athletes were at greater risk of injury or illness during their first school year. Participants were 166 youth elite athletes (72% boys) from a variety of team, technical, and endurance sports newly enrolled into specialized sport academy high schools. The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on Health Problems was used to self‐report injuries and illnesses weekly for 26 weeks. Athletes completed the Ironman Jr physical fitness test battery at baseline, evaluating endurance, strength, agility, and speed properties. We ranked the athletes based on their combined test scores and identified the least fit quartile. The main outcome was the number and severity of health problems, comparing the least fit quartile of athletes to the rest of the cohort. Overall, the least fit quartile of athletes did not report more health problems (mean 3.7, 95% CI 3.0‐4.4) compared with the rest of the cohort (3.6, 3.2‐3.9). In conclusion, we demonstrated no association between low physical fitness level and number and severity of injury and illness in youth elite athletes after enrollment into a specialized sport academy high school program.     

A social cognitive approach to burnout in elite athletes

The purpose of this study was to investigate athlete burnout from a social-cognitive perspective by examining the relationship between social cognitive motivational variables at the start of a season and signs of burnout in elite athletes at the end of the season. Participants were 141 (F=60, M=81) elite winter sport athletes competing in Alpine skiing, Biathlon, Nordic Combined, Nordic skiing, and Speed skating. Participants completed a comprehensive motivation assessment package at the start of the season and a further burnout inventory at season's end. Results indicated that motivational dispositions, measures of the achievement climate, perceived ability and dimensions of perfectionism were associated with burnout in a conceptually consistent manner. Furthermore, the elite athletes could be grouped into two motivational profiles based on variables measured at the start of the season, one being adaptive and the other maladaptive. At season's end, the two different motivational profiles yielded distinctively different responses on an inventory assessing signs of burnout. The current findings strengthen the claim that burnout in elite athletes may not simply be "motivation gone awry" as Gould has suggested, but an inevitable consequence of exhibiting a maladaptive motivational profile.     

Fear of re-injury in people who have returned to sport following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery

ObjectivesTo examine fear of re-injury in athletes who had returned to regular sports participation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery.DesignCross-sectional case series.MethodsA self-report questionnaire was used to collect data 2–7 years following surgery. Key inclusion criteria were regular participation in sport prior to injury and participation in sport at the time of the study.ResultsA sample of 209 (88 females, 121 males) at a mean of 39.6 ± 13.8 months post surgery participated. Overall, participants did not express fear of re-injury, scoring >6/10 (where 10 was the most positive response) on all questions. In terms of the total score and for six out of eight questions, participants who returned to their pre-injury sports level had significantly less fear of re-injury than those who had not returned to their pre-injury level. Females had significantly more concern than males about the environmental conditions experienced while playing (mean 6.1 compared to 7.5). On three out of eight questions, individuals who had surgery more than 3 months after injury had a greater fear of re-injury than those who had their surgery closer to the time of injury.ConclusionsAthletes participating in sport 2–7 years following their anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction generally appear to do so without fear of re-injury. However, gender, the timing of surgery following injury and the level of sport the athletes returned to may be associated with fear of re-injury following surgery.     

Physiological characteristics of elite sport parachutists

The physiological characteristics of 10 male elite sport parachutists (31.6 +/- 3.69 years of age) were determined and compared to 10 male non-sport parachutist controls (30.2 +/- 4.31 years) and other selected elite athletes. The typical sport parachutist was a highly educated (16.4 +/- 2.41 years), first born (9 out of 10), and, more often than not, single individual. During their mean 10.8 years of sport parachuting, these individuals made an average total number of 1,950 jumps (range 980 to 3,100) with a mean of 237.5 jumps during each of the last three years. Mean total free fall time was 22 h and 40 min. Compared to the non-sport parachutist control group, the elite sport parachutists were significantly higher (p less than 0.05) in aerobic power (47.4 +/- 9.04 vs. 37.2 +/- 4.67 ml X kg-1 X min-1), vital capacity (5.27 +/- 0.49 vs. 5.05 +/- 0.31 L), maximum heart rate (203.2 +/- 9.2 vs. 190.1 +/- 7.4 bpm), and back hyperextension flexibility (21.12 +/- 4.1 vs. 18.41 +/- 2.4 in). The elite sport parachutist were also significantly lower (p less than 0.05) in relative (%) body fat when compared to the control group (15.7 +/- 4.51 vs. 20.1 +/- 2.12%). The two groups were not significantly different (p greater than 0.05) with respect to resting heart rate, absolute body weight, dominant hand-grip strength, or lower back/hamstring flexibility as measured by the sit-and-reach test. Regarding somatotype, the elite sport parachutist can be classified as a balanced mesomorph. Compared to other selected elite athletes, the sport parachutists were lower in aerobic power and higher in relative body fat, yet with a summation of triceps, suprailiac, and abdominal skinfolds in the acceptable range for male athletes. The elite sport parachutists were approximately mid-range in absolute body weight and lower back/hamstring flexibility when compared to other selected elite athletes. Based on the findings of this study, there is evidence to suggest that some form of regular aerobic exercise along with a stretching and flexibility program is advisable for those individuals considering frequent participation and desiring peak performance in sport parachuting.     

Meniscal resection in the athlete's knee

In a retrospective study, the consequences of arthroscopic meniscal resection in athletes with stable knees were analyzed. We found that 36% had been obliged to reduce or quit their sport activity 8.6 years after surgery. The risk factors associated with reduced sport ability were meniscal lesions other than the bucket-handle type, high age and involvement in ball games. Competitive athletes were not more at risk than recreational athletes. Forty-nine percent had at least one sign of arthrosis in the operated knee. More than one sign of Fairbank's degenerative changes were associated with reduced sports performance.     

Sports medicine in New Zealand.

Sports medicine in New Zealand is characterized by a team approach. Experienced professionals work together to the benefit of athletes, be they elite performers or those in sport for purely recreational purposes. A no-fault accident compensation scheme is used to provide speedy access to treatment services for those injured in sport and also for advice on accident prevention. Recent initiatives include a task force on drugs in sport and the creation of regional sports foundations. Sports medical education is a prominent part of the New Zealand scene.     

Factors influencing sport participation among athletes with spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVE: This exploratory study examined the relationships between pre- and post-injury sport participation among active individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United Kingdom. In particular, factors that influence individuals with SCI into sport were identified. METHODS: A total of 143 British individuals with SCI currently participating in wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis, and wheelchair athletics were recruited. A total of 112 subjects were active prelesion, and 31 subjects were inactive preinjury. A Disability Sport Participation questionnaire developed by the authors was used for data collection. The questionnaire was distributed through the British Wheelchair Sport Associations. Personal, impairment, health and fitness, socialization, and participation data of athletes with SCI were collected. Groups of active preinjury and inactive preinjury were compared. RESULTS: For athletes who had been active pre-SCI, the in-hospital rehabilitation program and specialized sport club for people with disabilities were more important contexts for introducing the sport after injury to individuals. Friends and peers with disabilities were much more influential as initial and continuing socialization agents than rehabilitation therapists. The main reasons for athletes with SCI who participated in sports after injury were for fitness, fun, health, and competition, although many athletes noted that social aspects and rehabilitation also influenced their sport participation. CONCLUSION: This study identified social contexts, social agents, difficulties, sources of information, and reasons for sport participation of athletes with SCI. The results may offer some directions for the improvement of rehabilitation programs for people with SCI and also help the development of appropriate strategies to encourage people with SCI to participate in sports and leisure activities.     

Pathogenic weight-control methods and self-reported eating disorders in female elite athletes and controls

To determine the use of pathogenic weight-control methods and prevalence of self-reported eating disorders (ED) among female elite athletes and non-athletic controls, the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) and a self-developed questionnaire were administered to the total population of Norwegian female elite athletes ( n =603) and age- and home community-matched controls ( n =522). The response rate in both athletes and controls was 86%; 97% of the athletes and 90% of the controls had body mass index (BMI) values within or below the optimal level (20–25). Athletes had a significantly lower mean BMI 20.8 (95% confidence interval (CI), 20.7–20.9) than controls 21.5 (95% CI 21.3–21.7). A similar fraction of the athletes (31%) and controls (27%) were dieting. Most athletes dieted to enhance performance (73%); most controls dieted to improve appearance (83%). Significantly more athletes (11%) than controls (7%) used pathogenic weight-control methods. Athletes competing in aesthetic and endurance sports were the leanest groups, and athletes competing in aesthetics, endurance- and weight-dependent sports most frequently reported the use of the more severe pathogenic weight-control methods. A similar fraction of athletes (22%) and controls (26%) were classified as being at risk of developing ED based on the subscale scores of the EDI. However, a higher fraction of athletes in aesthetics-, endurance-, and weight-dependent sports than athletes in technical sports, ballgames, power sports and non-athletic controls were classified as being at risk of developing ED. In contrast to previous reports, our results demonstrated that a number of athletes also competing in sports where the participants are considered less weight-conscious were using pathogenic weight-control methods (technical 10% and ballgames 8%). A similar percentage of athletes (12%) and controls (11%) actually reported having an ED.     

Sport specialization and sport participation opportunities and their association with injury history in female high school volleyball athletes

ObjectiveDetermine the association of sport specialization in female volleyball athletes with previous injury history and determine the association of sport specialization with volleyball participation opportunities.DesignCross-sectional.SettingRecruitment occurred from 83 Wisconsin high schools during the 2018 volleyball season.ParticipantsFemale volleyball athletes (N = 1,588, grades 9–12, age = 15.6 ± 1.1 years).Main outcomesParticipants completed a pre-season questionnaire soliciting information regarding 1) demographics, 2) sport specialization, 3) sport participation, and 4) sport-related injuries in the previous 12 months. Univariable logistic regression models were used to identify associations with previous injury. Chi-square analyses were used to investigate associations between sport specialization classification and other sport participation opportunities.ResultsBoth moderately and highly specialized athletes were more likely to report a previous injury compared to low specialized athletes (moderate OR: 1.84 [1.29–2.62]; p < 0.001 and high OR: 2.30 [1.64–3.24]; p < 0.001). Highly specialized athletes were more likely to report participating in club volleyball, summer tournaments, and training camps in the past 12 months. Participants who reported participating in club volleyball, summer competitions, and training camps last year were more likely to report an injury.ConclusionsSpecialization was associated with injury history and year-round volleyball opportunities among female adolescent volleyball athletes.     

Long-term follow-up of bradycardia in elite athletes

The aim of the study was to examine the hypothesis that when former high-level athletes retired from competition, bradycardia would vanish. ECG changes and factors possibly related to the persistence of bradycardia were investigated. We performed a longitudinal follow-up study in 157 former elite athletes who had records of bradycardia < 50 bpm when they were active in high-level competition. All had retired from competitive sport for a minimum of five years prior to participation in the follow-up examination. Data on sport modality, hours of weekly training during competition periods, years participating in high-level competition, and years since retirement from competition were abstracted from medical records at two sports medicine centers. ECGs from this time were studied. At the post-retirement follow-up examination, participants underwent a clinical examination that included blood pressure and ECG recordings, and answered a structured questionnaire about their physical exercise since retirement from their sporting career. In the post-retirement period, a total of 65 % of participants had persistent bradycardia, 18 % with bradycardia < 50 bpm. Multivariate analysis showed that persistence of resting bradycardia was associated with regular exercise and number of years in high-level competition, but not with symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness or syncope, or major ECG alterations.     

Metabolic profiling of elite athletes with different cardiovascular demand

Intensive exercise of elite athletes can lead to physiological alterations in the cardiovascular system in response to increased stroke volume and blood pressure, known collectively as cardiovascular demand (CD). This study aimed to compare metabolic differences in elite athletes with high vs low/moderate CD and to reveal their underlying metabolic pathways as potential biomarker signatures for assessing health, performance, and recovery of elite athletes. Metabolic profiling of serum samples from 495 elite athletes from different sport disciplines (118 high CD and 377 low/moderate CD athletes) was conducted using non‐targeted metabolomics‐based mass spectroscopy combined with ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography. Results show that DAGs containing arachidonic were enriched in high CD together with branched‐chain amino acids, plasminogens, phosphatidylcholines, and phosphatidylethanolamines, potentially indicating increased risk of cardiovascular disease in the high CD group. Gamma‐glutamyl amino acids and glutathione metabolism were increased in low/moderate CD group, suggesting more efficient oxidative stress scavenging mechanisms than the high CD group. This first most comprehensive metabolic profiling of elite athletes provides an evidence that athletes with different CD show a unique metabolic signature that reflects energy generation and oxidative stress and potentially places the high CD group at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Further studies are warranted for confirmation and validation of findings in other sport groups in light of potential confounders related to limited available information about participants.     

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and psychopharmacologic treatments in the athlete

It is conjectured that attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms adversely impacting academics, family functioning, social relationships, and vocational performance might also negatively affect athletic and sport performance and enjoyment; this warrants further scientific inquiry. Children, adolescents, and adults participate in organized and impromptu sport activities, both team and individual. With the concern about an epidemic of obesity in the United States, barriers to participation in sport and exercise such as ADHD need to be better understood. This article approaches ADHD in sports by providing a brief introduction to ADHD, first reviewing general clinical findings, then discussing recreational youth sports and psychopharmacological treatment risks and benefits for the elite athlete.     

Recreational sports participation is associated with enhanced physical fitness in children

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between seasonal participation in recreational sports and its influence on physical fitness measures in children. A total of 44 children (20 boys and 24 girls) all in the fifth grade (11.2 +/- 0.3 yr) were tested for flexibility, upper body strength, upper body power, and lower body power. Activity questionnaires examined seasonal participation rates in recreational sports. Spearman rank correlations showed significant correlations between sport participation rates and performance on selected physical fitness tests (p range between 0.34 and 0.55). Subjects participating in recreational sport programs throughout the year (fall, winter, and spring) performed significantly better in tests of upper body strength, upper body power, and lower body power than subjects who did not participate in any sport or subjects who participated in only one sport. These findings suggest that regular participation in recreational sports throughout the year may be associated with higher levels of muscular strength and anaerobic power in children.     

Leaders promote attendance in sport and exercise sessions by fostering social identity

Sport and exercise participation exert a positive effect on numerous aspects of individuals' health. Although sport and exercise leaders have generally been observed to play a key role in shaping group members' behavior, our understanding of their impact on group members' attendance in sport and exercise sessions is limited. To address this, and building on promising findings in other domains, we examined the associations between perceptions of sport and exercise leaders' engagement in social identity leadership , group identification, and attendance. A sample of 583 participants from sports teams (n =  307) and exercise groups (n  =  276) completed questionnaires measuring identity leadership, group identification, and attendance. Analyses demonstrated that perceptions of leader engagement in social identity leadership were positively associated with members' group identification, and that this in turn was positively associated with their attendance in either a sports group or an exercise group. Moreover, there was a significant indirect effect for perceptions of leader engagement in identity leadership on group members' attendance through their greater identification with these groups. Findings highlight the importance of considering the impact sport and exercise leaders have on group members' attendance and suggest that leaders who represent, advance, create, and embed a shared sense of identity (ie, a shared sense of “us”) among attendees can promote participation in sport and exercise.     

优秀军事五项运动员膳食营养知识-态度-行为(KAP)现状调查分析

目的:了解军事五项运动员营养基础知识认知、膳食态度、行为习惯以及可接受的干预手段等信息,为备战第59届世界军事锦标赛提供科技支持。方法:以13名军体大队军事五项优秀运动员(其中男8人,女5人)为调查对象,设计军事五项运动员膳食营养知信行调查问卷,对运动员进行问卷调查。结果:运动员对营养知识部分条目总知晓率为55.13%,平均得分(21.53±6.92)分;不同性别、年龄、运动年限、自我体型评价的运动员问卷得分差异无统计学意义(均P>0.05);运动员对维生素C来源条目答对率为61.5%,对碳水化合物、不饱和脂肪酸以及钙的主要来源条目答对率分别为46%、31%及30.7%;9名运动员(69.2%)有吃早餐的习惯,食用水果频率较高,男、女运动员摄入频率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),食用奶制品及蔬菜的频率较低;在最能接受的营养知识宣传方式条目中,7名(53.8%)运动员选择专业人员现场讲授膳食营养知识,1名(7.7%)选择观看教学录像,5名(38.5%)选择发放小宣传册。结论:应当适时集中开展营养知识讲座,发放营养知识小册子,在日常就餐中适时进行知识普及和行为提醒;适当增加正餐之外的奶类、水果供应,并配制运动饮料,监督和指导训练过程中的补液。     

Exercise dependence, social physique anxiety, and social support in experienced and inexperienced bodybuilders and weightlifters

OBJECTIVES: To investigate psychological correlates of exercise dependence in experienced and inexperienced bodybuilders and weightlifters. Secondary objectives included measuring social physique anxiety, bodybuilding identity, and social support among bodybuilders and weightlifters. METHODS: Thirty five experienced bodybuilders, 31 inexperienced bodybuilders, and 23 weightlifters completed the bodybuilding dependence scale, a bodybuilding version of the athletic identity measurement scale, the social physique anxiety scale, and an adapted version of the social support survey-clinical form. RESULTS: A between subjects multivariate analysis of variance was calculated on the scores of the three groups of lifters for the four questionnaires. Univariate F tests and follow up tests indicated that experienced bodybuilders scored significantly higher than inexperienced bodybuilders and weightlifters on bodybuilding dependence (p<0.001), social identity and exclusivity subscales of bodybuilding identity (p<0.001), and social support scales (p<.001), and significantly lower on social physique anxiety (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Experienced bodybuilders exhibit more exercise dependence, show greater social support behaviour, and experience less social physique anxiety than inexperienced bodybuilders and weightlifters.