Energy availability and RED-S risk assessment among Kho-Kho players in India.

Purpose: Energy availability (EA) is considered an important measure for athletes, particularly due to the possible health and performance outcomes defined under the RED-S. Low EA is reported to have far-reaching health consequences among female athletes, especially in weight-sensitive sport. However, it is less explored among male athletes, particularly in the traditional Indian tag sport called Kho-Kho. This cross-sectional observational study aimed to determine the prevalence of LEA and associated RED-S health and performance outcomes among Kho-Kho players. Methods: Fifty-two male national-level Kho-Kho players aged 16-31 years were assessed for energy availability, bone mineral density (BMD), sleep quality, disordered eating, selected metabolic (hemoglobin, blood glucose, etc.) and performance outcomes (agility, speed, and power) as per RED-S risk assessment tool. Differences across the low EA (≤ 25 kcal/ kg fat-free mass) and Optimal EA (> 25 kcal/ kg fat-free mass) groups were evaluated using the Independent Samples t test and the chi-square test. Results: Low EA among athletes was associated with lower z-scores for BMD, sleep quality and agility, compared to athletes with optimal EA. At least one moderate-to-high RED-S risk outcome was prevalent among 98% of the Kho-Kho players, irrespective of EA. Most athletes exhibited a lower EAT score and disordered eating outcomes, with no significant differences across groups. Conclusion: The male Kho-Kho players showed a prevalence of low EA that can be due to higher training loads and unintentional under-eating, not related to an eating disorder. The players also exhibited higher RED-S risk outcomes; however, it was irrespective of low EA.

Differential effects of performance-enhancing drugs 'Methamphetamine' and 'hCG' on ex-vivo cultured primary blood mononuclear cells of male athletes.

BACKGROUND: To bridge the knowledge gap, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of different doses of two widely used performance-enhancing drugs 'methamphetamine' (Meth) and 'human chorionic gonadotropin'(hCG) on ex-vivo cultured primary blood cells of young male Indian athletes. METHODS: Primary blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and cultured to obtain pure T cells and monocyte-derived macrophages. Immunofluorescence, flow-cytometry, qRT-PCR, Western blot, ELISA and siRNA transfection studies were carried out to evaluate the effect of these two drugs on athletes' blood cells. RESULTS: Cell viability studies revealed that Meth at high doses was toxic for PBMCs and showed a significant negative impact on red blood cell fragility but hCG incubation did not result in any cytotoxicity or haemolysis. The current study also demonstrated that Meth incubation significantly affected T cell proliferation, percentage of regulatory T cells (Treg cells), Th17 cells, early activated T cells, ROS generation and mitochondrial dysfunction. On the other hand, hCG treatment upregulated the percentage of Treg cells. Within macrophage cells, Meth incubation upregulated MYD88 dependent TLR4 pathway and decreased the phagocytotic capability of the cells. Both hCG and Meth showed its potential action on alteration the pro/anti-inflammatory cytokine profiling but suppression of TLR4 pathway by RNA interference (TLR4 siRNA) suggested promising future treatment modalities. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the differential effects of Meth and hCG on immune cells of athlete's blood. Meth acted as an inflammation and T cell dysfunction inducing agent, while hCG acted as an anti-inflammatory immunosuppressive molecule.

The effects of ingestion of sugarcane juice and commercial sports drinks on cycling performance of athletes in comparison to plain water.

PURPOSE: Sugarcane juice (ScJ) is a natural drink popular in most tropical Asian regions. However, research on its effect in enhancing sports performance is limited. The present investigation was to study the effect of sugarcane juice on exercise metabolism and sport performance of athletes in comparison to a commercially available sports drinks. METHODS: Fifteen male athletes (18-25 yrs) were asked to cycle until volitional exhaustion at 70% VO2 max on three different trials viz. plain water (PW), sports drink (SpD) and ScJ. In each trial 3ml/kg/BW of 6 % of carbohydrate (CHO) fluid was given at every 20 min interval of exercise and a blood sample was taken to measure the hematological parameters. During recovery 200 ml of 9% CHO fluid was given and blood sample was drawn at 5, 10, 15 min of recovery. RESULTS: Ingestion of sugarcane juice showed significant increase (P<0.05) in blood glucose levels during and after exercise compared to SpD and PW. However, no significant difference was found between PW, SpD and ScJ for total exercise time, heart rate, blood lactate and plasma volume. CONCLUSION: ScJ may be equally effective as SpD and PW during exercise in a comfortable environment (<30°C) and a more effective rehydration drink than SpD and PW in post exercise as it enhances muscle glycogen resynthesis.

Effect of training on physiological and biochemical variables of soccer players of different age groups.

PURPOSE: To find out the effect of training on selected physiological and biochemical variables of Indian soccer players of different age groups. METHODS: A total of 120 soccer players volunteered for the study, were divided (n = 30) into 4 groups: (i) under 16 years (U16), (ii) under 19 years (U19), (iii) under 23 years (U23), (iv) senior (SR). The training sessions were divided into 2 phases (a) Preparatory Phase (PP, 8 weeks) and (b) Competitive Phase (CP, 4 weeks). The training program consisted of aerobic, anaerobic and skill development, and were completed 4 hrs/day; 5 days/week. Selected physiological and biochemical variables were measured at zero level (baseline data, BD) and at the end of PP and CP. RESULTS: A significant increase (P < 0.05) in lean body mass (LBM), VO(2max), anaerobic power, grip and back strength, urea, uric acid and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C); and a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in body fat, hemoglobin (Hb), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were detected in some groups in PP and CP phases of the training when compare to BD. However, no significant change was found in body mass and maximal heart rate of the players after the training program. CONCLUSION: This study would provide useful information for training and selection of soccer players of different age groups.

Study of physiological profile of Indian boxers.

The present study was conducted to study the morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics of Indian National boxers as well as to assess the cardiovascular adaptation to graded exercise and actual boxing round. Two different studies were conducted. In the first study [N = 60, (junior boxers below-19 yrs, n = 30), (senior boxers-20-25 yrs, n = 30)] different morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters were measured. In the second study (N = 21, Light Weight category- <54 kg, n = 7; Medium weight category <64 kg, n = 7 and Medium heavy weight category <75 kg, n = 7) cardiovascular responses were studied during graded exercise protocol and actual boxing bouts. Results showed a significantly higher (p < 0.05) stature, body mass, LBM, body fat and strength of back and grip in senior boxers compared to juniors. Moreover, the senior boxers possessed mesomorphic body conformation where as the juniors' possessed ectomorphic body conformation. Significantly lower (p < 0.05) aerobic capacity and anaerobic power were noted in junior boxers compared to seniors. Further, significantly higher (p < 0.05) maximal heart rates and recovery heart rates were observed in the seniors as compared to the juniors. Significantly higher maximum heart rates were noted during actual boxing compared to graded exercise. Blood lactate concentration was found to increase with the increase of workload during both graded exercise and actual boxing round. The senior boxers showed a significantly elevated (p < 0.05) levels of hemoblobin, blood urea, uric acid and peak lactate as compared to junior boxers. In the senior boxers significantly lower levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDLC were observed as compared to junior boxers. No significant change has been noted in HDLC between the groups. The age and level of training in boxing has significant effect on Aerobic, anaerobic component. The study of physiological responses during graded exercise testing may be helpful to observe the cardiovascular adaptation in boxers. Key PointsStudy on Indian boxersLaboratory testing.Physical, physiological and biochemical monitoring.Performance analysis during actual boxing and laboratory testing.