Water quality analysis in a municipal outdoor swimming pool complex before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Like all public utility, swimming pools had been treated with special procedures during the COVID19 pandemic. In addition to the basic rules (social distance + hand disinfection + masks), applicable to all citizens, the managers of swimming pools were obliged to reduce the number of swimmers and to increase the effects of water treatment. Monitoring, control and rapid response to unfavourable changes in the quality of swimming pool water are the basis for minimizing the risk of disease transmission or exposure of bathers to pathogens. The main purpose of this work is to analyse and compare the quality of swimming pool water in a municipal outdoor swimming pool complex, before (2018-2019) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021). Water samples taken from a paddling pool for children (CP), a recreational pool (RP), and a sports pool (SP) were analysed. The results of the research, based on real case studies, were compared with the documents on water quality in swimming pools in force at the time. An analysis was carried out to determine the relationships between swimming pool water quality before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The tested parameters determining the quality of water were physico-chemical parameters (temperature, pH, redox, and bacteriological parameters (colony forming units CFU of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Legionella sp.). Based on the results of the analysis of the parameters mentioned-above, the validation of the procedures applied during the COVID-19 hazard and their impact on the quality of swimming pool water were evaluated. The results of the pool water quality tests were discussed with particular emphasis on disinfection by-products (THM and combined chlorine). Detailed analysis showed better water quality in the first year of the pandemic (2020) compared to 2018-2019 (before COVID-19) and 2021 (the second year of COVID-19 pandemic). The following parameters were found to be significantly different: THM (before 0.069 mg/L and during 0.034 mg/L), free chlorine (before 0.86 mg/L and during 0.66 mg/L), and redox potential (before 667 and during 713 mV).

The application experience of focused ultrasound heart examination in patients with COVID-19 in Prone-position.

Aim of the study. To study the experience of using focused transthoracic echocardiography in patients with COVID-19 in prone position (fEchoPr) in intensive care units (ICU). Materials and methods. The retrospective observational study included 53 patients (period from 15 April to 31 December 2020). Inclusion criteria: confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, availability of fEchoPr data, outcome certainty (discharge/death). We analyzed electronic medical records. The fEchoPr was performed in patients in the prone position with a bolster under the left side of the chest and left arm raised ('swimmer's position'). We assessed the systolic function of the right ventricle (RV) (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)), RV size, RV/LV ratio, systolic function of the left ventricle (LV) (left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral. (LVOT VTI)), and pulmonary hypertension (PH) (tricuspid regurgitation peak gradient (PGTR). Depending on the results, the patients were divided into 2 groups: informative (+fEchoPr) and non-informative (-fEchoPr) examinations. Results. There was no statistically significant difference in the groups (+fEcho n = 35 vs -fEcho n = 18) by age (65.6 +/- 15.3 vs 60.2 +/- 15.8, p > 0.05), by gender (male: 23 (65.7%) vs 14 (77.8%), p > 0.05), by body mass index (31.3 +/- 5.3 kg/m2 vs 29.5 +/- 5.4 kg/m2, p > 0.05), by mechanical ventilation support (24 (68.6%) vs 17 (94.4%), p = 0.074), by NEWS scale indicators (6.9 +/- 3.7 vs 8.5 +/- 3.5 points), by mortality (82.8% vs 94.4%, p > 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a moderate inverse relationship between being on mechanical ventilation and the informative value of the study (Spearman's r = -0.30 at p = 0.033). In the +fEchoPr group, the correct measurement of TAPSE and RV/LV was carried out in 100%: a decrease in RV systolic function was recorded in 5 patients (14%), expansion of the RV in 13 patients (37%). Signs of PH were detected in 11 patients (31%), PGTR could not be measured in 10 patients (28%). LV systolic dysfunction was detected in 7 patients (20%). No pathology was detected in 16 patients (46%). One patient was diagnosed with infective endocarditis of native mitral valve, which was later confirmed by autopsy. Conclusion. In 66% of cases, fEchoPr examinations were informative, especially in terms of assessing the state of the right heart. fEchoPr examination is an affordable, valid and reproducible method to assess and monitor the state of the heart in ICU patients.Copyright © 2021 VIDAR Publishing House. All Rights Reserved.

Just Keep Swimming...Just Keep Swimming

History: We present a 15-year-old right hand dominant high school swimmer with no significant past medical history, who complains of right elbow pain along the distal biceps' tendon for a 2 months. Pain was insidious in onset, sharp, intermittent, and described as a 0 to 6 out of 10. The patient has been swimming more frequently over the last few months to prepare for competition and noticed progressive pain with swimming. He went on vacation and then was diagnosed with a COVID-19 infection and took an additional 2 weeks off due to fatigue. He returned to sport without re-integration and increased his swimming intensity to 1 to 2 hours daily, which worsened his pain. Performing the butterfly and breaststroke provoke symptoms and cessation of activity reduces the pain. Denies pain at rest. He took Advil which did not reduce his pain. Denies acute trauma, prior injuries, or paresthesias. Physical Exam: Inspection of right elbow: no swelling or signs of discoloration. Palpation: Tenderness at the distal biceps tendon but can hook the tendon without pain. No shoulder or wrist tenderness. Active Range of Motion: Elbow extension 0 degrees, elbow flexion 130 degrees, supination and pronation normal. Normal shoulder and wrist ROM. Muscle strength: 5/5 grip, wrist extension, and wrist flexion. Pain elicited with resisted elbow flexion at the distal humerus. Maneuvers: pain with distal humerus squeeze. Negative Maudsley and negative Cozen test. Differential Diagnosis: 36. Distal Biceps Tendonitis/Tear 37. Stress Reaction of the Distal Humerus 38. Medial Epicondyle Apophysitis 39. Capitellar Osteochondritis Dissecans 40. Radiocapitellar Plica Syndrome Test Results: x-ray right elbow: AP and Lateral views indicate no abnormalities to the bones, alignment, or soft tissue structures. MRI right elbow No IVCON: Biceps tendon intact. There is periosteal edema and endosteal aspect marrow edema along the medial aspect of the distal diaphysis and metaphysis of the humerus. Several small foci of increased cortical signal. No fractures, joint effusion, or chondral defects. Findings comparable to Fredrickson grade 4a distal humerus diametaphysis stress injury. Final Diagnosis: Right Elbow Supracondylar Grade 4a Stress Reaction. Discussion(s): Actives that involve repetitive motion are susceptible to overuse injuries. Cases of upper extremity stress reactions in swimmers have been documented along the inferior angle of the scapula, upper ribs, and olecranon. Stress reactions along the distal humerus in swimmers is not well documented. This pathology has been seen in baseball players, cricket bowlers, and tennis players. In swimming, the butterfly technique requires significant endurance and athletic strength. During a sprint, fast synchronized upper extremity revolutions occurring up to 60 cycles perminute counterforcewater surface area friction leading to excessive loading forces even at 50 meter distances. Outcome(s): The patient was withheld from upper body work outs and swimming for 6 weeks. VitaminDand Calcium levels were drawn revealing a normal calcium level (10.2), but a vitamin D level of 28.1. Patient was started on 600 IU of Vitamin D and 1300 mg of Calcium daily. The patient started a return to swim program and returned to full competition at 7 months post presentation. Follow-Up: At 6 weeks, started an upper extremity low impact non-aquatic physical therapy program. Then a slow progressive return to swimming was initiated at 50% effort for 4 weeks. At 10 weeks, a return to sport plan including 200 m all strokes except butterfly, progressed to 250 m at week 2, 300 m at week 3, and 350 m at week 4. Finally, initiated speed work in =0 to 100 m increments and elbow loading workouts.

Effect of Neurofeedback Training on male Swimmers' Stress Tolerance

This study aimed to analyze the effect of eight weeks of neurofeedback training to increase the stress tolerance level of swimmers the current researchers examined six all-India inter-university male swimmers. For the pre-test and post-test data on stress tolerance of swimmers, the current author used the computer-based, pre-designed "Determination Test" on the Schuhfried "Vienna Test System", and the alpha and beta training was provided by the pre-designed Med-Life biofeedback/neurofeedback system. Swimmers go-through under rigorous training cycle andat the time of the race, and to reduce that stress, the current author conducted this study on swimmers and found the difference in the mean of the pre-test, i.e., 27.67, while the post-test mean was 59.5;hence, the value of the t-statistic(5.338) is also significant to its corresponding p-value, i.e., 0.003, which is less than 0.05, which shows the significant difference between the pre-test and post-test, thus leading the current authors conclude that there was a significant improvement in the swimmers' perception of their stress tolerance level and, it shows that the 21 tutelage sessions were effective in increasing the swimmers' stress tolerance level, which can help the swimmers maintain an optimal state at the time of the race.Copyright © 2023, Anka Publishers. All rights reserved.

Contextual Factors and Programme Theories Associated with Implementing Blue Prescription Programmes: A Systematic Realist Review

Nature-based social prescribing such as "blue prescription” promotes public health and health improvement of individuals with long-term health conditions. However, there is limited evidence explaining the relationship of contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes of implementing blue prescription programmes (BPPs) in health and social care settings that could inform policy and practice. We conducted a systematic realist review by searching PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo, Scopus, MEDLINE, and CINAHL for articles published in English between January 2000 and June 2022 about health and social care professionals providing referral to or prescription of blue space activities (e.g., swimming, fishing, surfing, etc.) with health-related outcomes. Components and descriptions of BPP implementation were extracted and used to develop themes of contextual factors used to develop programme theories and a logic model demonstrating the mechanisms of BPP implementation. Sixteen studies with adequate to strong quality were included from 8,619 records. After participating in BPPs referred to or prescribed by health and social care professionals, service users had improvements in their physical, cognitive (mental), social health, and proenvironmental knowledge. Service user-related contextual factors were referral information, free equipment, transportation, social support, blue space environments, and skills of service providers. Programme-related contextual factors were communication, multistakeholder collaboration, financing, and adequate service providers. Programme theories on service user enrolment, engagement, adherence, communication protocols, and programme sustainability explain the mechanisms of BPP implementation. BPPs could promote health and wellbeing if contextual factors and programme theories associated with service users' characteristics and programme delivery are considered in the design, delivery, and evaluation of BPPs. Our study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020170660).

Pool Toes: A Case Report

Pool toes, a sport-related dermatosis, are caused by mechanical friction and water exposure, resulting in a special variant of irritant contact dermatitis. It is common in children, often misdiagnosed, and rarely reported. Here we report a case of a 7-year-old girl who developed this unusual type of frictional dermatitis;a pool toes diagnosis has been made. With topical corticosteroids, favorable results have been achieved. The recovery and healing process will be facilitated if one is aware of the underlying causes of such dermatitis and ceases the triggering factors.

Sea swimming and snorkeling in tropical coastal blue spaces and mental well-being: findings from Indonesian island communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Special Issue: Covid-19 and outdoor recreation.)

The COVID-19 pandemic has considerable mental health impacts. Immersive nature-based interventions, such as swimming or snorkeling, may help mitigate the global mental health crisis caused by the pandemic. To investigate this, we collected cross-sectional data from residents of coastal villages (n = 308) in Kepulauan Selayar, Indonesia. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used with mental well-being as the outcome variable, operationalized as the Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores from the SF-12 (12-item Short Form Health Survey). After adjusting for covariates, the activity of sea swimming or snorkeling was found to be significantly associated with better mental well-being (2 = 0.036;p < 0.01). Predictive margins analysis revealed that those who engaged in sea swimming or snorkeling for one to three days a week gained a 2.7 increase in their MCS scores, compared to those who did not. A non-linear dose-response relationship was detected: for those swimming or snorkeling more than three days per week, there was only an increase of 1.7 MCS score compared to the 0-day. Overall this study contributes to the expanding of evidence base, showing that interactions with blue spaces can be beneficial for mental health, especially in a potentially stressful time such as the current pandemic.

Effects of swimming on cardiopulmonary capacity in college students / Efeitos da natação sobre a capacidade cardiopulmonar em estudantes universitários / Efectos de la natación en la capacidad cardiopulmonar de estudiantes universitarios

ABSTRACT Introduction: It is believed that strengthening cardiopulmonary function can reduce health risks caused by the COVID-19 virus, and swimming is a practice that could benefit its practitioners during the epidemic context. Objective: Study the effect of swimming on the cardiopulmonary capacity of college students in the context of COVID-19. Methods: A total of 60 volunteers in three groups were trained twice a week for one hour each for 12 weeks. Among them, swimming group A performed freestyle exercises, swimming group B performed breaststroke exercises, and the control group performed reading activities or another study, mainly focusing on staying seated. Results: The cardiopulmonary capacity of groups A and B was improved, while the cardiopulmonary capacity of the control group experienced little change. This shows that swimming training can effectively improve cardiopulmonary capacity in college students. Conclusion: Appropriate swimming training can improve the cardiopulmonary capacity of college students, and optimize their physical fitness, in the context of COVID-19. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: Acredita-se que o fortalecimento da função cardiopulmonar possa reduzir os riscos à saúde causados pelo vírus COVID-19, sendo a natação uma prática que poderia beneficiar seus praticantes durante o contexto epidêmico. Objetivo: Estudar o efeito da natação sobre a capacidade cardiopulmonar dos estudantes universitários sob o contexto da COVID-19. Métodos: Um total de 60 voluntários em três grupos foram treinados duas vezes por semana durante uma hora cada, durante 12 semanas. Entre eles, o grupo de natação A realizou exercícios de estilo livre, o grupo de natação B realizou exercícios de bruços, e o grupo de controle realizou atividades de leitura ou outro estudo, focando principalmente em manterem-se sentados. Resultados: A capacidade cardiopulmonar do grupo A e B foi melhorada, enquanto que a capacidade cardiopulmonar do grupo de controle sofreu poucas alterações. Isto mostra que o treinamento de natação pode efetivamente melhorar a capacidade cardiopulmonar dos estudantes universitários. Conclusão: O treinamento adequado de natação pode melhorar a capacidade cardiopulmonar dos estudantes universitários, otimizar sua aptidão física, no contexto da COVID-19. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: Se cree que el fortalecimiento de la función cardiopulmonar puede reducir los riesgos para la salud causados por el virus COVID-19, y la natación es una práctica que podría beneficiar a sus practicantes durante el contexto epidémico. Objetivo: Estudiar el efecto de la natación sobre la capacidad cardiopulmonar de los estudiantes universitarios en el contexto del COVID-19. Métodos: Se entrenó a un total de 60 voluntarios en tres grupos dos veces por semana durante una hora cada uno durante 12 semanas. Entre ellos, el grupo de natación A realizaba ejercicios de estilo libre, el grupo de natación B realizaba ejercicios de braza, y el grupo de control realizaba actividades de lectura u otro tipo de estudio, centrándose principalmente en permanecer sentado. Resultados: La capacidad cardiopulmonar de los grupos A y B mejoró, mientras que la capacidad cardiopulmonar del grupo de control experimentó pocos cambios. Esto demuestra que el entrenamiento de natación puede mejorar eficazmente la capacidad cardiopulmonar de los estudiantes universitarios. Conclusión: Un entrenamiento de natación adecuado puede mejorar la capacidad cardiopulmonar de los estudiantes universitarios y optimizar su aptitud física, en el contexto del COVID-19. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Outbreak of acute respiratory disease caused by human adenovirus type 7 and human coronavirus-229E in Zhejiang Province, China.

In 2019, an outbreak of pharyngoconjunctival fever (PCF) occurred at a swimming center in Zhejiang Province, China. A total of 97 (13.55%) of the 716 amateur swimmers had illnesses, with 24 patients (24.74%) hospitalized in the pediatric ward. Human adenovirus serotype 7 (HAdV-7) was isolated from one concentrated water from the swimming pool, and 20 of 97 positive cases without liver damage. This outbreak led to a nosocomial outbreak in the pediatric ward, in which 1 nurse had a fever and was confirmed to be adenovirus positive. The hexon, fiber, and penton genes from 20 outbreak cases, 1 water sample, and 1 nurse had 100% homology. Furthermore, 2 cases admitted to the pediatric ward, 2 parents, and 1 doctor were confirmed to be human coronaviruses (HCoV-229E) positive. Finally, all outbreak cases had fully recovered, regardless of a single infection (adenovirus or HCoV-229E) or coinfection of these two viruses simultaneously. Thus, PCF and acute respiratory disease outbreaks in Zhejiang were caused by the completely homologous type 7 adenovirus and HCoV-229E, respectively. The swimming pool water contaminated with HAdV-7 was most likely the source of the PCF outbreak, whereas nosocomial transmission might be the source of HCoV-229E outbreak.

Prevention of COVID-19 infection in swimming competitions

The purpose of this study was to examine of countermeasures to infection in swimming competitions under COVID-19 pandemic. In swimming competitions, the same criteria as for other sporting events cannot be used, because participants use the spectators' seats. In a swimming competition, crowded and/or close-contact situations are not formed, since each swimmer uses each lane in the race. However, swimmers in a competition may be crowded in the warm-up pool and locker room. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the control of the number of participants in the swimming competition in the order of the locker room and the warm-up pool. The results of this study show that the number of swimmers using the locker room at the same time is an important factor.

A review on indoor environmental quality in sports facilities: Indoor air quality and ventilation during a pandemic

Because of COVID-19, the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in sports facilities has been a concern to environmental health practitioners. To develop an overall understanding of the available guidelines and standards and studies performed on IEQ in sports facilities, an extensive literature study was conducted, with the aim of identifying: (1) indicators that are being used to assess IEQ in different sports facilities;(2) indicators that are potentially interesting to be used to assess indoor air, in particular;(3) gaps in knowledge to determine whether sports facilities are safe, healthy and comfortable for people to stay and perform their activities. The outcome indicates that most current standards and previous investigations on IEQ in sports facilities mainly focused on dose-related indicators (such as ventilation rate), while building-related indicators (such as ventilation regime) and occupant-related indicators (such as IEQ preferences) were rarely considered. Little attention is given to the fact that ventilation systems may play an important role in the air quality of the location, and few investigations have been performed on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. This study recommends more research into both occupant and building-related indicators as well as cross-modal effects between various IEQ factors for developing future standards on sports facilities.

Performance Expectation, Anxiety, and Motivation of Triathletes and Swimmers during Different Lockdowns Stages in Covid-19 Pandemic

Oliveira GT, Meireles A, Hudson TA, Soares ER, Souza HLR, Santos MP, Mauad FO, Nascimento BF, Marocolo M, Ferreira RM. Performance Expectation, Anxiety, and Motivation of Triathletes and Swimmers during Different Lockdowns Stages in Covid-19 Pandemic. JEPonline 2022;25(4):75-83. The purpose of this study was to analyze the levels of anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic and the motivation to return to training and competitions according to sex, sports experience, and training status before and during the isolation of swimmers and triathletes. We used the structured questionnaires Sports Motivation Scale 2 and the Three-Factor Anxiety Inventory 2, and a semi-structured questionnaire containing questions related to age and sex, in addition to a set of general information about their sports practice, such as the level of experience, the number of training sessions per week, and the competitive level and training sessions before and during restriction. A significant difference was observed in the dimensions of anxiety in public autofocus and autonomic hyperactivity between sex during swimming, intrinsic motivation, and identified between modalities and perceived control between sex and between modalities. In general, there was no association between anxiety and motivation and sports level, modality, and sex of the athletes. © 2022,Journal of Exercise Physiology Online. All Rights Reserved.

Corrigendum: TDP-43 and NEAT long non-coding RNA: Roles in neurodegenerative disease.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.954912.].

Swimming competitions in the era of COVID-19: Lessons from successfully hosting the International Swimming League.

Background: Organization of mass sport events in the COVID-19 era is utterly complicated. Containments measures, required to avoid a virus outbreak, force athletes to compete under circumstances they never experienced before, most likely having a deleterious effect on their performance. Purpose: We aimed to design a so-called athlete-friendly bubble system for the International Swimming League 2020 event, which is strict enough to avoid a COVID-19 outbreak, but still provides a supportive environment for the athletes. Methods: To avoid the feeling of imprisonment, athletes were permitted to spend a certain amount of time in the parks surrounding the hotels. Such alleviations were possible to apply with strict adherence to the hygienic and social distancing protocols and regular COVID-19 testing. Evaluation of every COVID-19 positive case was key, and if prolonged PCR positivity or false positive PCR result was identified, the unnecessary quarantine was planned to be lifted. Return to play protocol (RTP) was planned, in case of a COVID-19 infection of an athlete inside the bubble. To test, if the athlete-friendly system provided a supportive environment, we evaluated athlete performance. Results: 11,480 PCR tests were performed for 1,421 individuals. 63 COVID-19 positive cases were detected, of which 5 turned out to be clinically insignificant, either because of prolonged PCR positivity or because of a false positive result. 93.1% of the positive cases were detected in the local crew, while no athlete got infected inside the bubble, as the two infected athletes were tested positive upon arrival. RTP was provided for two athletes. 85% of the athletes showed improvement during the bubble and 8 world records were broken. Conclusion: The applied protocol proved to be effective, as no athlete got infected inside the bubble, moreover, the athlete-friendly system supported the athletes to improve their performance.

Quantifying and addressing the shortage of swimming teachers in Victoria, Australia

BackgroundSpeculation of a swim teacher shortage in Victoria following the 2020/21 COVID-19 pandemic was based on anecdotal evidence. Addressing this issue was vital due to the importance of swim teachers in reducing drowning risk, and little published evidence exploring recruitment and retention of swim teachers.MethodsMethods includedreview of peer-reviewed and grey literature to identify recruitment and retention strategies;surveys of Victorian swimming lesson providers, requesting current and retrospective data on swimming lesson provision, waiting lists, and staff;and follow-up emails to survey participants to gain further industry insights about strategies to assist the aquatic industry in ensuring sufficient staffing to meet demand post COVID-19.ResultsThirty-nine organisations completed the survey;approximately 25.6% of the Victorian swim teaching market share. Number of employed swim teachers was significantly lower in 2021 compared to 2019 (p = 0.003) and 2020 (p = 0.011);an additional 1,833 swim teachers are required in Victoria to meet demand. Eight practical recommendations to address the shortage are provided, incorporating: obtaining and maintaining qualifications;retention strategies;recruitment;and employment pathways.ConclusionsThe provision of Victorian swim teachers does not meet current demand. Urgent action is required to recruit and retain more permanent staff, using strategies which incentivise the swim teaching role for staff and facilities, and offer role progression.Learning OutcomesThis is a call-to-action for a contribution of time and resources to address the Victorian swim teacher shortage. Without such action, the water safety skills and knowledge of Victorians will likely be impacted.

Effects of Capacitive-Resistive Electric Transfer on Sports Performance in Paralympic Swimmers: A Stopped Randomized Clinical Trial.

Throughout history a variety of therapeutic tools have been studied as possible enhancers of sports activities. This study proposes the use of Capacitive-Resistive Electric Transfer (CRET) as a performance booster to paralympic athletes, specifically those belonging to the Spanish Paralympic swimming committee. The study was a randomized, single-blind, and observer-blind, crossover clinical trial. Six athletes were randomly assigned to three groups: one treated with CRET (A); a placebo group (B) and a control group (C). The CRET group attended a twenty-minute session before being subjected to pool trials at distances of 50 and 100 m at maximum performance. Measurements were in two dimensions: time in seconds and the Borg scale for perceived exertion. Comparisons between groups were made with respect to distance and the main variables. In the case of perceived exertion, no significant changes were observed in any of the distances; however, in the case of the time variable, a significant difference was observed between Group A vs. Personal Record at 100 m distance (76.3 ± 6.8 vs. 68.4 ± 3.3). The proposed protocol and level of hyperthermia applied suggest refusal of CRET use for the 100-m distance a few minutes before sports practice. Our analysis suggests the need to modify the presented protocol. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier under NCT number: NCT04336007.

Sea swimming and snorkeling in tropical coastal blue spaces and mental well-being: Findings from Indonesian island communities during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has considerable mental health impacts. Immersive nature-based interventions, such as swimming or snorkeling, may help mitigate the global mental health crisis caused by the pandemic. To investigate this, we collected cross-sectional data from residents of coastal villages (n = 308) in Kepulauan Selayar, Indonesia. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used with mental well-being as the outcome variable, operationalized as the Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores from the SF-12 (12-item Short Form Health Survey). After adjusting for covariates, the activity of sea swimming or snorkeling was found to be significantly associated with better mental well-being (η2 = 0.036;p < 0.01). Predictive margins analysis revealed that those who engaged in sea swimming or snorkeling for one to three days a week gained a 2.7 increase in their MCS scores, compared to those who did not. A non-linear dose-response relationship was detected: for those swimming or snorkeling more than three days per week, there was only an increase of 1.7 MCS score compared to the 0-day. Overall this study contributes to the expanding of evidence base, showing that interactions with blue spaces can be beneficial for mental health, especially in a potentially stressful time such as the current pandemic.

Swimming at the Time of COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study among Young Italian Competitive Athletes.

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, several restriction measures were imposed to control the virus transmission, with important repercussions on different sectors, including sport. This study aimed to explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Italian competitive swimmers by analyzing how the disease and the restriction measures affected their training. In total, 396 competitive swimmers (mean age 16.0 ± 3.2 years) participated. A questionnaire was used to collect their general information, to assess whether they had had COVID-19 and the number of training days lost due to the disease or to the closure of swimming facilities, and the possible alternative training adopted. Twenty-four (6.1%) participants had had COVID-19 and lost, on average, 32 training days. The closure of facilities caused an interruption in swimming training for about 18% of the participants. The majority of these continued their training, mainly through home-based exercise, but reduced their weekly training time (-8 median hours/week). A positive association was found between regularly adopted weekly training volume and that assumed during pandemic closure (OR 9.433, CI95% 1.644-54.137, p = 0.012), suggesting that the previous level of engagement in sport can represent a predictor of exercise maintenance in challenging situations such as a pandemic. Further studies are needed to identify personal, environmental, and social resources that can help individuals to counteract the negative effects of restriction measures.

The effect of resistance exercises performed at home on swimming performance of adolescent swimmers during the covid-19 pandemic period

Aim: to examine the effect of resistance exercises performed at home on swimming performance in adolescent swimmers during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Method: a total of 114 adolescent swimmers aged between 10-17 years, (N=66) male and (N= 48) female, performing at the Turkish Olympic Preparation Center (TOHM) participated in the research voluntarily. The research was designed as a quasi-experimental study, since there was no control group. The resistance exercise program, which was performed at home for 8 weeks during the pandemic period, was applied for the athletes participating in the research through video conference method and by expert swimming trainers. The pre-test swimming degrees of the athletes were requested from the institution with the archive scanning method, and the post-test values were taken by the expert swimming trainer after the applied training program. To determine the effect of the applied training program, 50m, 100m, 200m and 400m swimming degrees of the athletes were determined in the pool environment with the Castimolap D-308 hand chronometer. The data obtained as a result of measurement, calculation and tests in the research were analyzed in the SPSS 22.00 statistical analysis software. Paired-Samples T test was applied to determine the difference between pretest and posttest in the statistical analysis. The significance level was accepted as p < 0.05. Results: as a result of the statistical analysis, a statistically significant difference was determined between the freestyle swimming degrees (50-100-200-400m) pre-test and post-test values of the athletes. Conclusion: our results demonstrated that resistance exercises performed at home did not have a positive effect on swimming performance. In this respect, it is very important for the athletes in the swimming performance group to train in the pool environment in order to maintain and improve their performance.

CHLORINE GAS EXPOSURE AND OBSTRUCTIVE AIRWAY DISEASE: A CASE REPORT AND CASE-BASED DISCUSSION

SESSION TITLE: Occupational and Environmental Lung Disease Cases SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/18/2022 12:25 pm - 01:25 pm INTRODUCTION: Chlorine gas is a pulmonary irritant with pungent odor that damages the respiratory tract. Chlorine gas exposure occurs in industrial or household exposures,Chlorine gas has two forms either a liquid or gas, toxicity of chlorine gas depends on the dose and duration of exposure. Chlorine gas used in manufacturing products like paper, insecticides, Chlorine is used to treat bottled and swiming pool water. CASE PRESENTATION: A 37 Y.O Male, no PMH presents with progressive dyspnea for three days worse with activity,decreases with rest, denied cough fever or chest pain he is vaccinated for COVID,no smoking history. The patient worked at a chlorine gas factory in the Dominican Republic for 15 years. Exam: Vitals: BP 124/72 mmHg. HR 100 BPM. RR 21 BPM. SpO2 84%. General: acute distress. Heart: normal S1, S2. RRR. Lung: wheeze bilaterally. Abdomen: Soft. Musculoskeletal: no pitting edema. he was placed on 6 LPM NC saturation improved to 90%. CBC and Chemistry were unremarkable, he was started on steroid, breathing treatment with antibiotics. ABG showed hypoxemia. he was placed on Venturi mask and his saturation improved to 95%.CTA was negative for PE. EKG, troponin were unremarkable. A proBNP normal. The antibiotics were discontinued because of a negative workup. A TTE study was normal. HRCT scan of the chest, showed atelectasis and infiltrates of lower lobes. No interstitial fibrosis.A PFT showed obstructive airway disease. He was discharged on oral and inhaled steroids.Hi new onset obstructive airway could be due to chlorine gas exposure. DISCUSSION: Chlorine gas causes cellular injury through oxidative damage but further damage results from activation and recruitment of inflammatory cells with subsequent release of oxidants and proteolytic enzymes. Humans can detect chlorine gas odor at a concentration between 0.1-0.3 ppm. At 1-3 ppm,it causes irritation of oral,eye mucosal membranes. At 30-40 ppm causes cough, chest pain, and SOB. At 40-60 ppm, toxic pneumonitis and pulmonary edema and can be fatal at 430 ppm concentration or higher within thirty minutes. Chronic exposure to chlorine gas lead to chest pain, cough, sore throat, hemoptysis, recurrent asthma. Physical exam findings include tachypnea cyanosis, wheezing, intercostal retractions, decreased breath sounds. Pulmonary function tests may reveal obstructive lung function disease. Chronic exposure to a low level was found to be associated with an increased risk of asthma in swimmers. CONCLUSIONS: Chlorine exposure results in direct chemical toxicity to the airways with acute airways obstruction or airways hyperreactivity, presentation varies from acute overwhelming intoxication with acute lung injury and or death, occupational exposure increase the likelihood of chronic bronchitis or isolated wheezing attacks. Treatment for chlorine exposure is largely supportive. Reference #1: 1- Center of disease control and prevention website/emergency preparedness and response/ https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/chlorine/basics/facts.asp Reference #2: 2- C- Morim A, Guldner GT. Chlorine Gas Toxicity. [Updated 2021 Jul 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing;2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537213/. Reference #3: A- Gummin DD, Mowry JB, Beuhler MC, et al. 2020 Annual Report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers’ National Poison Data System (NPDS): 38th Annual Report. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2021;59(12):1282-1501. doi:10.1080/15563650.2021.1989785 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Abdallah Khashan No relevant relationships by Samer Talib no disclosure on file for Matthew Yotsuya;