Match running performance is similar in lower and higher competitive standards of Spanish professional soccer accounting for effective playing time.

This study aimed to compare match running performance of players in the top two competitive standards of Spanish professional soccer, accounting for effective playing time (the duration of play after subtracting the game interruptions). A total of 2,784 match observations from 44 teams competing in the Spanish First Division (LaLiga Santander) and the Second Division (LaLiga Smartbank) were undertaken during two consecutive seasons (from 2021/22 to 2022/23). Total distance (TD), medium-speed running (MSR, distance 14.1-21 km · h-1), high-speed running (HSR, > 21 km · h-1), very high-speed running (VHSR, 21.1-24 km · h-1) and sprinting speed running distance (Sprint, > 24 km · h-1) were analyzed using a computerized tracking system (TRACAB, Chyronhego, New York, NY). These physical performance variables were calculated for both total and effective playing time. The main results showed that the mean effective playing time was significantly higher in matches of the First Division than in the Second Division (p < .01). In contrast to those observed when total playing time was considered, there were no significant differences (p > .05) between both competitive standards on medium speed running (MSR), high speed running (HSR), very high-speed running (VHSR), and sprint distances when the effective playing time was considered. Such findings demonstrate that contrary to previous research match running performance of players was similar in lower and higher competitive standards. Thus, effective playing time should be taken into account when interpreting the match running performance of professional soccer players.

Exploring the utility of retinal optical coherence tomography as a biomarker for idiopathic intracranial hypertension: a systematic review.

This study aimed to examine the existing literature that investigated the effectiveness of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) as a biomarker for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Our search was conducted on January 17th, 2024, and included the databases, Medline, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) registry, and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). Our final review included 84 articles. In 74 studies, OCT was utilized as the primary ocular imaging method, while OCT-A was employed in two studies including eight studies that utilized both modalities. Overall, the results indicated that IIH patients exhibited significant increases in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, total retinal and macular thickness, optic nerve head volume, and height, optic disc diameter and area, rim area, and thickness compared to controls. A significant correlation was observed between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure and OCT parameters including RNFL thickness, total retinal thickness, macular thickness, optic nerve head volume, and optic nerve head height. Interventions aimed at lowering CSF pressure were associated with a substantial improvement in these parameters. Nevertheless, studies comparing peripapillary vessel density using OCT-A between IIH patients and controls yielded conflicting results. Our systematic review supports OCT as a powerful tool to accurately monitor retinal axonal and optic nerve head changes in patients with IIH. Future research is required to determine the utility of OCT-A in IIH.

Multiple treatment interruptions and protecting HIV-specific CD4 T cells enable durable CD8 T cell response and viral control.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a global health challenge, and novel approaches to improve HIV control are significantly important. The cell and gene therapy product AGT103-T was previously evaluated (NCT04561258) for safety, immunogenicity, and persistence in seven patients for up to 180 days post infusion. In this study, we sought to investigate the impact of AGT103-T treatment upon analytical treatment interruptions (ATIs). Six patients previously infused with AGT103-T were enrolled into an ATI study (NCT05540964), wherein they suspended their antiretroviral therapy (ART) until their viral load reached 100,000 copies/mL in two successive visits, or their CD4 count was reduced to below 300 cells/µL. During the ATI, all patients experienced viral rebound followed by a notable expansion in HIV specific immune responses. The participants demonstrated up to a five-fold increase in total CD8 counts over baseline approximately 1-2 weeks followed by the peak viremia. This coincided with a rise in HIV-specific CD8 T cells, which was attributed to the increase in antigen availability and memory recall. Thus, the protocol was amended to include a second ATI with the first ATI serving as an "auto-vaccination." Four patients participated in a second ATI. During the second ATI, the Gag-specific CD8 T cells were either maintained or rose in response to viral rebound and the peak viremia was substantially decreased. The patients reached a viral set point ranging from 7,000 copies/mL to 25,000 copies/mL. Upon resuming ART, all participants achieved viral control more rapidly than during the first ATI, with CD4 counts remaining within 10% of baseline measurements and without any serious adverse events or evidence of drug resistance. In summary, the rise in CD8 counts and the viral suppression observed in 100% of the study participants are novel observations demonstrating that AGT103-T gene therapy when combined with multiple ATIs, is a safe and effective approach for achieving viral control, with viral setpoints consistently below 25,000 copies/mL and relatively stable CD4 T cell counts. We conclude that HIV cure-oriented cell and gene therapy trials should include ATI and may benefit from designs that include multiple ATIs when induction of CD8 T cells is required to establish viral control.

Which training load indicators are greater correlated with maturation and wellness variables in elite U14 soccer players?

BACKGROUND: Monitoring of training load is done to improve physical performance and minimize the incidence of injuries. The study examined the correlation between accumulated training load parameters based on periods with maturity (i.e., maturity offset and peak height velocity -PHV- and wellness variables -e.g., stress and sleep quality-). The second aim was to analyze the multi-linear regression between the above indicators. METHODS: Twenty elite young U14 soccer players (M = 13.26 ± 0.52 years, 95% CI [13.02, 13.51]) were evaluated over 26 weeks (early, mid, and end-season) to obtain stress, sleep quality, and measures of workload in the season (accumulated acute workload [AW], accumulated chronic workload [CW], accumulated acute: chronic workload ratio [ACWLR], accumulated training monotony [TM], accumulated training strain [TS]). RESULTS: The analysis revealed a moderate, statistically significant negative correlation between sleep quality and training monotony (r = -0.461, p < 0.05). No significant correlations were observed between other variables (p > 0.05). In the multi-linear regression analysis, maturity, PHV, sleep, and stress collectively accounted for variances of 17% in AW, 17.1% in CW, 11% in ACWLR, 21.3% in TM, and 22.6% in TS. However, individual regression coefficients for these predictors were not statistically significant (p > 0.05), indicating limited predictive power. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the impact of sleep quality on training monotony, underscoring the importance of managing training load to mitigate the risks of overtraining. The non-significant regression coefficients suggest the complexity of predicting training outcomes based on the assessed variables. These insights emphasize the need for a holistic approach in training load management and athlete wellness monitoring.

Effects of Contextual Variables on Match Load in a Professional Soccer Team Attending to the Different Season Periods.

This study aimed to analyze the effects of contextual variables (i.e., match location and match outcome) and season periods on match load (i.e., internal and external load) in professional Brazilian soccer players. Thirty-six professional players from the same soccer team participated in this study. The season was split into four phases: matches 1-16 (i.e., Phase 1 = P1); matches 17-32 (i.e., Phase 2 = P2); matches 33-48, (i.e., Phase 3 = P3); matches 49-65 (i.e., Phase 4 = P4). Considering match outcome, when the team wins, Cognitive load, Emotional load, and Affective load were significantly higher in away vs. home matches (p < 0.05). Considering season phases, in P3, Mental Fatigue was significantly higher in drawing than in losing matches (p < 0.05). Additionally, considering the match outcome, when the team lost, Total Distance (TD)/min and TD > 19 km·h-1/min were significantly lower in P1 than P2 (p < 0.001), P3 (p < 0.001), and P4 (p < 0.001). These results suggest to strength and conditioning coaches the need to consider the outcome and location of the previous game when planning the week, as well as the phase of the season they are in to reduce fatigue and injury risk.

Epidemiology of Pneumococcal Pneumonia in Louisville, Kentucky, and Its Estimated Burden of Disease in the United States.

Streptococcus pneumoniae remains a primary pathogen in hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The objective of this study was to define the epidemiology of pneumococcal pneumonia in Louisville, Kentucky, and to estimate the burden of pneumococcal pneumonia in the United States (US). This study was nested in a prospective population-based cohort study of all adult residents in Louisville, Kentucky, who were hospitalized with CAP from 1 June 2014 to 31 May 2016. In hospitalized patients with CAP, urinary antigen detection of 24 S. pneumoniae serotypes (UAD-24) was performed. The annual population-based pneumococcal pneumonia incidence was calculated. The distribution of S. pneumoniae serotypes was characterized. Ecological associations between pneumococcal pneumonia and income level, race, and age were defined. Mortality was evaluated during hospitalization and at 30 days, 6 months, and 1 year after hospitalization. Among the 5402 CAP patients with a UAD-24 test performed, 708 (13%) patients had pneumococcal pneumonia. The annual cumulative incidence was 93 pneumococcal pneumonia hospitalizations per 100,000 adults (95% CI = 91-95), corresponding to an estimated 226,696 annual pneumococcal pneumonia hospitalizations in the US. The most frequent serotypes were 19A (12%), 3 (11%), and 22F (11%). Clusters of cases were found in areas with low incomes and a higher proportion of Black or African American population. Pneumococcal pneumonia mortality was 3.7% during hospitalization, 8.2% at 30 days, 17.6% at 6 months, and 25.4% at 1 year after hospitalization. The burden of pneumococcal pneumonia in the US remains significant, with an estimate of more than 225,000 adults hospitalized annually, and approximately 1 out of 4 hospitalized adult patients dies within 1 year after hospitalization.

Community-Acquired Pneumonia in the Immunocompromised Host: Epidemiology and Outcomes.

Background: The epidemiology and outcomes of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in immunocompromised hosts (ICHs) are not well defined. The objective of this study was to define the epidemiology and outcomes of CAP in ICHs as compared with non-ICHs. Methods: This ancillary study included a prospective cohort of hospitalized adult Louisville residents with CAP from 1 June 2014 to 31 May 2016. An ICH was defined per the criteria of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Geospatial epidemiology explored associations between ICHs hospitalized with CAP and income level, race, and age. Mortality for ICHs and non-ICHs was evaluated during hospitalization and 30 days, 6 months, and 1 year after hospitalization. Results: A total of 761 (10%) ICHs were identified among 7449 patients hospitalized with CAP. The most common immunocompromising medical conditions or treatments were advanced-stage cancer (53%), cancer chemotherapy (23%), and corticosteroid use (20%). Clusters of ICHs hospitalized with CAP were found in areas associated with low-income and Black or African American populations. Mortality by time point for ICHs vs non-ICHs was as follows: hospitalization, 9% vs 5%; 30 days, 24% vs 11%; 6 months, 44% vs 21%; and 1 year, 53% vs 27%, respectively. Conclusions: Approximately 1 in 10 hospitalized patients with CAP is immunocompromised, with advanced-stage cancer being the most frequent immunocompromising condition, as seen in half of all patients who are immunocompromised. Risk for hospitalization may be influenced by socioeconomic disparities and/or race. ICHs have a 2-fold increase in mortality as compared with non-ICHs.

Does player age influence match physical performance? A longitudinal four-season analysis in Spanish Soccer LaLiga.

This study aims to analyse the evolution of match running performance in relation to the age distribution of professional soccer players using a large-scale analysis. An explorational-longitudinal and retrospective study was designed and a total of 36,883 individual match observations were collected on outfield players competing across four consecutive Spanish LaLiga seasons (from 2015/16 to 2018/19), using an optical tracking system (ChyronHego). Soccer players were divided into 3 age groups: young (18-24 years old), middle-aged (25-30 years old), and seniors (31-41 years old). Relative total distance (TD/min), distance covered at 21-24 km · h-1 (HIRD/min), and > 24 km · h-1 per minute (VHIRD/min) were analysed; also, the number of efforts at 21-24 km · h-1 (Sp21) and > 24 km · h-1 (Sp24) were taken into consideration. Seasons were divided into four phases (P): P1 (matches 1-10), P2 (11-19), P3 (20-29), and P4 (30-38). The results showed that young players covered significantly greater TD, HIRD and VHIRD than the rest of the players (p < .05) in all season phases. In addition, TD significantly decreased along season phases in all player age group (p < .01). Crucially, young players performed significantly greater numbers of Sp21 and Sp24 than the rest of the players (p < .05) in all season phases. In addition, Sp21 and SP24 significantly decreased in middle-aged (p < .01) and senior players (p < .05) across the seasons. This study demonstrated that players' match running performance decreases with increasing years, especially in high-intensity running distances.

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in medical students.

OBJECTIVE: The protective effect of the Mediterranean Diet (MeDi) is undisputed. However, adherence to MeDi has decreased in recent years, particularly in young people. The aim of this study was to evaluate adherence to MeDi in medical students and to assess the influence of knowledge acquisition as well as other factors on dietary compliance. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted on medical students. The data were obtained through anonymous surveys that collected demographic characteristics, medical history, alcohol and tobacco consumption, physical activity and adherence to MeDi ­ using 14-point Mediterranean Diet Adherence Score (MEDAS) ­. Adherence to MeDi and related factors were evaluated by univariate and multivariable analysis. PARTICIPANTS: Medical students from the first to the sixth year of the 2018­2019 academic year. SETTING: The study was conducted at the university of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. RESULTS: Of 589 respondents (73 % women) mean aged 22 years (range 18­39), 58·9 % showed good adherence to MeDi. Adherence was significantly associated with age (P = 0·017) but not with sex or the presence of comorbidities. Independently, adherence to MeDi was higher in last academic courses (OR = 2·1; 95 % CI = 1·3, 3·2; P = 0·001), in those who consumed alcohol more frequently (OR = 1·5; 95 % CI = 1·0, 2·1; P = 0·039) and in those who practiced more exercise (OR = 1·5; 95 % CI = 1·2, 1·9; P < 0·001). CONCLUSIONS: Half of all medical students did not have a good adherence to MeDi. Adherence was higher at older age in higher academic years and related to greater physical activity. It would be convenient to quantify dietary knowledge as well as implement nutritional educational programmes, favouring a healthy lifestyle.

Age and Maturation Matter in Youth Elite Soccer, but Depending on Competitive Level and Gender.

This study aimed to explore the relevance of the relative age effect (RAE), maturity status and anthropometry, and their influence on coaches' assessment of players' performance, analyzing both genders and different types of academies (elite vs. non-elite). The sample included 603 soccer players (385 male), from the under 12 (U12), under 14 (U14) and under 16 (U16) categories, belonging to elite and nonelite teams. Coaches' assessment of players' performance, chronological age, anthropometric characteristics, maturity offset (MO) and peak height velocity (PHV) were registered. Our results showed that RAE was present in both genders within the elite, but not in the nonelite academies. Early maturity players were overrepresented in the male elite, but not in the female academies. No relationship was found between RAE and anthropometry in male elite academies. Male elite players showed better anthropometric characteristics than nonelite players, while this pattern of results was not found for female players. The coaches' assessment on players' current performance was not influenced by the chronological age nor anthropometry, but it was linked to the PHV. Coaches from nonelite academies rated better in current assessment of performance the taller players. Our findings suggest that maturity status and RAE play an independent and important role in the talent selection process.

Influence of Scoring Systems on Mental Fatigue, Physical Demands, and Tactical Behavior during Soccer Large-Sided Games.

Constraints are common in soccer training to develop physical, technical-tactical, and mental training concurrently. This study examined how different scoring systems influence physical, tactical, and mental demands during large-sided games in soccer. Eighteen youth-elite male (17.39 ± 1.04 y) soccer players completed three 8 vs. 8 large-sided games where the different score systems were i) official score system (OSS; i.e., 1 goal = 1 goal), ii) double the value of the goal-4 min (DVx4; i.e., 1 goal = 1 goal from 0.00 to 7.59 min, and 1 goal = 2 goals from 8.00 to 12.00 min), and iii) double the value of the goal-8 min (DVx8; i.e., 1 goal = 1 goal from 0.00 to 3.59 min, and 1 goal = 2 goals from 4.00 to 12.00 min). Physical demands and tactical behaviors were recorded during tasks using a global positioning system and video camera. Mental fatigue was recorded pre- and post-task using a visual analogue scale. Also, the ratio of perceived exertion and mental load were recorded after tasks were finished. Results reported the highest values of mental and physical demands in DVx4. Mental fatigue increased during all three large-sided games, although this increase was significantly higher in DVx4 compared with OSS (p = 0.006) and DVx8 (p = 0.027). Tactical behavior showed a trend towards more direct play during DVx4, which was less observed during DVx8, and not at all during OSS. In conclusion, changing the scoring system affects physical, tactical, and mental demands.

Using the Conceptual Framework for Examining Sport Teams to Understand Group Dynamics in Professional Soccer.

(1) Background: The aim of this study is to propose a model of the interactions of group dynamics using the conceptual framework to examine sports teams; (2) Methods: The hypothesized model includes measures of group structure (authentic leadership, perceived justice, coaching competency, role clarity/ambiguity, and role conflict), group cohesion (cohesion and team conflict), and group processes (collective efficacy and transactive memory systems). Participants were 581 professional soccer players (M = 24.51, SD = 3.73; 356 males and 225 females) who completed a multisection questionnaire assessing group dynamics variables; (3) Results: The results show that coach leadership predicts coaching competency and perceived justice, and both competency and justice predict role ambiguity and role conflict. Furthermore, role ambiguity and role conflict predict group cohesion and team conflict, whereas group cohesion and team conflict both predict the transactive memory system. Finally, collective efficacy is predicted by the transactive memory system; (4) Conclusions: The results suggest the importance of coach behavior (leadership, justice, and competency) and group processes to improving team functioning in a professional sports context.

Safety and durability of AGT103-T autologous T cell therapy for HIV infection in a Phase 1 trial.

The cell and gene therapy product AGT103-T was designed to restore the Gag-specific CD4+ T cell response in persons with chronic HIV disease who are receiving antiretroviral therapy. This autologous, genetically engineered cell product is under investigation in a Phase 1 clinical trial (NCT03215004). Trial participants were conditioned with cyclophosphamide approximately 1 week before receiving a one-time low (< 109 genetically modified CD4+ T cells) or high (≥109 genetically modified CD4+ T cells) dose of AGT103-T, delivering between 2 and 21 million genetically modified cells per kilogram (kg) body weight. There were no serious adverse events (SAEs) and all adverse events (AEs) were mild. Genetically modified AGT103-T cells were detected in most of the participant blood samples collected 6 months after infusion, which was the last scheduled monitoring visit. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) collected after cell product infusion were tested to determine the abundance of Gag-specific T cells as a measure of objective responses to therapy. Gag-specific CD4+ T cells were detected in all treated individuals and were substantially increased by 9 to 300-fold compared to baseline, by 14 days after cell product infusion. Gag-specific CD8+ T cells were increased by 1.7 to 10-fold relative to baseline, by 28 days after cell product infusion. Levels of Gag-specific CD4+ T cells remained high (~2 to 70-fold higher relative to baseline) throughout 3-6 months after infusion. AGT103-T at low or high doses was safe and effective for improving host T cell immunity to HIV. Further studies, including antiretroviral treatment interruption, are warranted to evaluate the product's efficacy in HIV disease. Clinical trial registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT03215004.

¿Influye el liderazgo del entrenador sobre la resiliencia de equipo? Efecto mediador de los conflictos intragrupo y la cohesión grupal / Does coach leadership influence team resilience? Mediating effect of intra-group conflict and group cohesion

Resumen Introducción/objetivo: El presente estudio tiene como objetivo examinar la rela ción entre el liderazgo transformacional del entrenador y las características de resiliencia y la vulnerabilidad bajo presión, así como analizar si los factores del conflicto intragrupo (social y tarea) y de la cohesión grupal (social y tarea), pudieran mediar la relación entre dichas variables. Método: A través de un diseño longitudinal, se incluyó a un total de 301 depor tistas inscritos en los JUDEX, pertenecientes a 34 equipos de fútbol y voleibol, con edades comprendidas entre 13 y 18 años (M = 15.72; DT = 1.33). Resultados: Los resultados mostraron una relación positiva entre el liderazgo transformacional del entrenador y las características de resiliencia, y una asociación negativa respecto a la vulnerabilidad bajo presión. Además, el conflicto intragrupo (social y tarea) actuó como mediador entre la relación del liderazgo trans formacional del entrenador y la resiliencia de equipo. En cuanto al papel mediador de la cohe sión grupal, solo la cohesión tarea actuó como mediadora entre el liderazgo transformacional del entrenador y la resiliencia de equipo. Conclusiones: La presente investigación muestra la importancia del liderazgo del entrenador para mejorar la resiliencia del equipo en categorías de formación, y la influencia positiva que tiene la reducción de los conflictos intragrupo y el aumento de la cohesión tarea durante la temporada.

Abstract Introduction/objective: The present study aimed to examine the relationship be tween transformational coach leadership with the characteristics of resilience and vulnerability under pressure, as well as to analyze whether the factors of intra-group conflict (social and task) and group cohesion (social and task) could mediate the relationship between these variables. Method: Through a longitudinal design, a total of 301 athletes enrolled in the JUDEX, belong ing to 34 soccer and volleyball teams, and aged between 13 and 18 years (M = 15.72; SD = 1.33). Results: The results showed a positive relationship between transformational leadership of the coach and resilience characteristics, and a negative association with respect to vulnerability under pressure. In addition, intra-group conflict (social and task) acted as mediators between the relationship between transformational coach leadership and team resilience. Regarding the mediating role of group cohesion, only task cohesion acted as a mediator between trans formational coach leadership and team resilience. Conclusions: This research draws as main conclusion the importance of the coach's leadership to improve team resilience in youth cate gories, and the positive influence of the reduction of intragroup conflicts and the increase of task cohesion during the season.

Influence of the COVID-19 lockdown on Spanish professional soccer teams' external demands according to their on-field ranking.

The main objective of this study was to analyse the changes in external demand parameters (e.g., total distance, high-speed running distance, accelerations/decelerations) in Spanish professional soccer teams after the COVID-19 lockdown considering their on-field ranking (i.e., teams whose ranking worsened after the COVID-19 lockdown [WRS] vs. teams that improved their ranking after the COVID-19 lockdown [IMP]). A total of 23,527 individual match observations were collected on players competing during the 2019/20 season in the First Spanish Professional soccer League (LaLiga). Goalkeepers and players who participated for less than 10 minutes in each match were excluded. Relative total distance (TD/min), distance covered at 21-24 km · h-1 (HIRD/min) and > 24 km · h-1 per minute (VHIRD/min), high metabolic load distance (HMLD), and the number of accelerations (3 m/s2) and decelerations (< 3 m/s2) performed were analysed by the ChryonHego video-tracking system. These variables were analysed during two differentiated periods, before the COVID-19 lockdown (i.e., 27 matches) and after the COVID-19 lockdown (i.e., 11 matches), and teams were classified into two groups according to their ranking (i.e., WRS vs. IMP). R-Studio was employed for data analysis and a mixed linear model was conducted. A decrease in external demands in all teams after the COVID-19 lockdown was observed, and this decrease was greater in WRS. These results suggest that, after an inactive period (i.e., the COVID-19 lockdown), teams that return with better physical performance, mainly related to high-intensity actions, have more possibilities of improving their final qualifying position.

High metabolic load distance in professional soccer according to competitive level and playing positions.

Background: High metabolic load distance provides global information about the soccer players' total high-intensity activities. Thus, this study aimed to examine the Spanish professional soccer players' high metabolic load distance profile, comparing competitive level and playing positions. Methods: A total of 18,131 individual match observations were collected from outfield players competing during the 2018/2019 and 2019/20 seasons in the First and Second Spanish Professional Soccer Leagues (LaLiga™). High Metabolic Load Distance (HMLD; distance covered with a power consumption above 25.5 W·kg-1 and accelerations or decelerations (e.g., accelerating from 2 to 4 m·s-2 for 1 s) were included), and HMLD per minute (HMLDmin) were analyzed by the ChryonHego® video-tracking system. Players were classified according to their playing position as follows: Central Backs (CB), Full Backs (FB), Center Midfields (CM), Wide Midfields (WM), and Forwards (FW). Results: No differences between competitive levels were found in any variable when all players were analyzed conjointly except for HMLDmin overall and during the second half. However, when playing positions were considered, differences between competitive levels were observed in all positions, mainly in HMLD and HMLD during the first-half variables. In addition, several differences between playing positions were observed, with CB presenting the lowest values in all variables compared to their counterparts in both competitive levels, whereas CM in First Division and WM in Second Division showed the highest values in the HMLD variables. Discussion: The findings are of interest to analyze the HMLD in professional soccer players, enabling the adaptation and individualization of training in this population according to the competitive level and specific playing position of each player.

The Effect of the Video Assistant Referee System Implementation on Match Physical Demands in the Spanish LaLiga.

The present study aimed to analyze the influence of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) on match physical demands in the top Spanish professional football league. Match physical demand data from all the matches for two seasons (2017/2018 and 2018/2019) in the First Spanish Division (n = 1454) were recorded using an optical tracking system (ChyronHego®). Total distance, relative total distance covered per minute, distance covered between 14-21 km·h-1, distance covered between 21-24 km·h-1, and distance covered at more than 24 km·h-1 were analyzed; also, the number of sprints between 21-24 km·h-1 and more than 24 km·h-1 were taken into consideration. The times the VAR intervened in matches were also taken into account. Results showed that total distance and relative total distance significantly decreased in seasons with VAR compared to seasons without VAR. Finally, distance covered between 21-24 km·h-1, distance covered at more than 24 km·h-1, and the number of high-intensity efforts between 21-24 km·h-1 and more than 24 km·h-1 increased in seasons with VAR compared to seasons without VAR, but the differences were nonsignificant. Thus, these findings help practitioners to better understand the effects of the VAR system on professional football physical performance and to identify strategies to reproduce competition demands.

Analysis of the Effect of Injuries on Match Performance Variables in Professional Soccer Players: A Retrospective, Experimental Longitudinal Design.

BACKGROUND: Knowing the impact of injuries is essential for their adequate management during reconditioning programs. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the changes in match performance parameters in professional soccer players after sustaining an injury, which was defined according to injury severity. METHODS: Two-hundred and seven injuries related to one hundred and sixty-one professional soccer players from the Spanish LaLiga™ were considered for this study. All the injuries were classified according to their severity as minor (from 4 to 7 missed days), moderate (from 8 to 28 missed days), and major (more than 28 missed days). Through Mediacoach® videotracking system, time and external demand variables were collected and subsequently compared between pre-injury and return to play periods. The analyzed variables were (in m min-1): relative distance covered (RD; total distance covered·min-1), distance covered walking (0-6 km h-1), distance covered jogging (6-12 km h-1), distance covered running (12-18 km h-1), distance covered at intense running (18-21 km h-1), distance covered at high-speed running (21-24 km h-1), and sprinting (> 24 km h-1) distance covered. RESULTS: Significant reductions in playing time after suffering moderate and major injuries were observed. Significant reductions after minor injuries were observed in jogging (> 6 km h-1) and running (6-12 km h-1), while significantly greater distances at intense running (18-21 km h-1) and high-speed running (21-24 km h-1) were covered by players who suffer major injuries. Finally, relevant decreases in the maximum speed achieved after moderate and major injuries were found. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study shows the importance of high loads during reconditioning programs, as well as implementing strategies that allow reaching levels of maximum speed values after the return to play.

Cervical Cancer Prevention and High-Risk HPV Self-Sampling Awareness and Acceptability among Women Living with HIV: A Qualitative Investigation from the Patients' and Providers' Perspectives.

Routine cervical cancer screening is important for women living with HIV (WLH) due to the greater incidence and persistence of high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) infection. HR-HPV self-sampling has been proposed to overcome barriers to in-office cervical cancer screening in underserved populations. However, little is known about baseline knowledge of HR-HPV and the acceptability of HR-HPV self-sampling among WLH. This paper describes WLH's experiences and needs regarding cervical cancer screening, specifically HR-HPV self-sampling, and seeks to reconcile their experiences with the views of their providers. In total, 10 providers and 39 WLH participated in semi-structured interviews and group discussions, respectively. Knowledge of cervical cancer and HR-HPV was generally limited among WLH; when present, it was often due to personal experience of or proximity to someone affected by cervical cancer. Most WLH were not familiar with HR-HPV self-sampling but, despite some of the providers' skepticism, expressed their willingness to participate in a mail-based HR-HPV self-sampling intervention and highlighted convenience, ease of use, and affordability as facilitators to the uptake of HR-HPV self-sampling. The experiences identified can be used to guide patient-centered communication aimed at improving cervical cancer knowledge and to inform interventions, such as HR-HPV self-sampling, designed to increase cervical cancer screening among under-screened WLH.