Mental Health in First- and Second-Division Soccer Players: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of sport in mental health have been broadly studied. However, few studies have examined these outcomes in high-performance athletes. We aimed to analyze the state of the mental health of the Villarreal Soccer Club's first- (FD) and second-division (SD) players and the possible mediating effects of sex and professional category. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with an initial sample of 108 soccer players (final sample n = 54). Data from MINI, HARS, HDRS, BARRAT-11 and SCSRQ questionnaires were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age was 23.41 years (SD = 4.56) and 61.1% (n = 33) were men. A proportion of 24.1% (n = 13) stated that they had undergone mental health treatment, 7.4% (n = 4) had taken psychotropic drugs, and 2.1% (n = 1) had made a suicide attempt. Differences were observed between the FD and SD players in terms of the sensitivity to punishment (t = -2.2; p = 0.033), overall impulsivity (t = -3.1; p = 0.003), unplanned impulsivity (t = 3.4; p = 0.001), and the HDRS (U = -110.5; p = 0.004), HARS-Total (U = -104.0; p = 0.006) and HARS-Psychological subscale scores (U = -104.0; p = 0.001). Differences were also observed between the female and male SD players for the HARS-Somatic subscale (U = 136.5; p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: The low values obtained in the clinical scales, together with the reported psychopathological histories, suggested that the Villareal players showed better mental health than the general population.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings related to sacroiliac joint pain in high-performance athletes.

BACKGROUND: Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction in athletes affects competitiveness. However, the pathology and imaging features have not been clarified. OBJECTIVE: To clarify the association between SIJ pain and MRI findings in high-performance athletes. METHODS: Fifty-two Japanese high-performance athletes with or without SIJ pain were recruited. MRI short tau inversion recovery (STIR) semi-coronal and semi-axial images of their SIJs were taken. The relationships between high-signal changes in MRI-STIR and SIJ pain and pain duration were investigated. Six athletes with continuous SIJ pain were prospectively followed. RESULTS: The proportion of athletes with high-signal changes in the SIJ was significantly higher among athletes with SIJ pain for one month or more (76.9%, 10/13) than among athletes with SIJ pain for less than one month (18.2%, 2/11) and among athletes without SIJ pain (28.6%, 8/28). High-signal changes on painful SIJs were most often present in the sacrum. In three of the six athletes who were prospectively followed, the high-signal area and intensity on MRI both diminished as their symptoms improved. CONCLUSIONS: High-signal changes of the SIJ on MRI-STIR images in high-performance athletes may reflect their SIJ pain.

Sport Participation and Academic Performance in Young Elite Athletes.

Strong evidence supports physical activity and fitness levels being positively associated with cognitive performance and overall academic performance in youth. This also applies to sports participation. However, whether participation in sports at the elite level is associated with greater academic performance remains unknown. Thus, the present study aimed to compare the academic performance of young elite athletes to that of control students, as well as to analyze whether the type of sport mediates these results. Between 2010 and 2019, all students from the last Baccalaureate course of the Spanish Elite Sport High School-which also includes non-elite athletes and recreational athlete students, who were categorized as controls-participated in this study. Academic performance was assessed through both the grade point average of the two last Baccalaureate courses and through the average grades from the University Entrance Examinations. Athletes were categorized attending to different sport classifications. A total of 1126 adolescents (570 girls, 18.2 ± 0.6 years) participated in the study, of which 483 and 643 were categorized as elite athletes and control students, respectively. Elite athletes attained a lower overall academic performance than controls (p < 0.001), which was confirmed for both sexes (p < 0.001). These differences were separately confirmed for most academic subjects (p < 0.05), as well as when attending to different sport classifications (all p > 0.05). Young elite athletes attained a lower academic performance than their non-elite peers, regardless of their type of sport. These findings highlight the importance of programs aimed at facilitating dual careers among young elite athletes.

Specific relations of visual skills and executive functions in elite soccer players.

Visual and cognitive skills are key to successful functioning in highly demanding settings such as elite sports. However, their mutual influence and interdependencies are not sufficiently understood yet. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between visual skills and executive functions in elite soccer players. Fifty-nine male elite soccer players (age: 18-34 years) performed tests assessing visual clarity (left-, right-, and both eyes), contrast sensitivity, near-far quickness, and hand-eye coordination. Executive function measures included working memory capacity, cognitive flexibility, inhibition and selective attention. Overall, visual abilities were largely correlated with executive functions. Near-far quickness performance showed a large correlation with an executive function total score as well as with cognitive flexibility, working memory, and especially selective attention. Visual clarity and contrast sensitivity were moderately correlated with the cognition total score. Most consistent correlations with the visual functions were present for working memory. These findings present an overall vision-cognition relationship but also very specific linkages among subcategories of these functions, especially meaningful relations between near-far quickness, selective attention and cognitive flexibility. Further studies are needed to investigate the neuropsychological mechanisms accounting for the correlations and possible improvements of the executive functions by training specific visual skills.

Niveles de Estrés y Bruxismo Durante la Pandemia COVID-19 en Estudiantes y Deportistas Universitarios Evaluados de Manera Virtual

RESUMEN: El estrés es una reacción normal en humanos. Cuando se mantiene durante tiempo prolongado, pudiera ocasionar desequilibrios en los sistemas, como en el estomatognático presentándose como una parafunción llamada bruxismo, exteriorizándose como apretamiento, rechinamiento o ambos, trayendo repercusiones orales negativas. Los estudiantes universitarios y deportistas de alto rendimiento están más expuestos al estrés. Correlacionar los niveles de estrés con el bruxismo durante la pandemia en estudiantes y deportistas universitarios que solicitaron el servicio de Unidad de Atención Integral de la Salud (UAIS) en casa de manera virtual de la Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (UADY), México, enero-abril-2021, estudio observacional, correlacional, analítico, prospectivo, corte transversal. Muestra de 66 estudiantes y deportistas universitarios que solicitaron el servicio de manera virtual durante la pandemia de COVID-19, a los cuales se les aplicó dos instrumentos: la Escala de Estrés Percibido (EPP) de Cohen et al. (1983) y el instrumento para la medición del bruxismo elaborado y adaptado por la Dra. Celia Elena del Perpetuo Socorro Mendiburu-Zavala. Para el análisis se utilizó estadística descriptiva e inferencial. El 83,3 % (n=55) presentó algún nivel de estrés percibido. Con respecto al bruxismo, el 86,4 % (n=57) tuvo presencia. Al correlacionar ambos, se identificó que los hombres son más afectados que las mujeres. Se observa reflejado en el bruxismo de sueño y en no deportistas. Se concluye que sí existe una relación entre el estrés y bruxismo en estudiantes y deportistas.

ABSTRACT: Stress is a normal reaction in humans. When it is maintained for a log time, it could cause imbalances in the systems, such as in the stomatognathic, presenting itself as a parafunction called bruxism, externalizing as a clenching, grinding or both, bringing negative oral repercussions. College students and high-performance athletes are more exposed to stress. The objective was to correlate stress levels with bruxism during the pandemic in university students and athletes who requested the Comprehensive Health Care Unit (UAIS in spanish) service at home virtually from the Autonomous University of Yucatán (UADY in spanish), Mexico, January-April-2021, Observational, correlational, analytical, prospective, cross-sectional study. Sample of 66 university students and athletes who requested the serice virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic, to whom two instruments were applied: the Perceived Stress Scale (PPS) by Cohen et al. (1983) and the instrument for the measurement of bruxism elaborated and adapted by PhD Celia Elena del Perpetuo Socorro Mendiburu-Zavala, presented some leve lof perceived stress, 83.3 % (n=55). Regarding bruxism, 86.4 % (n=57) had presence of it. It was identified that men are more affected tan women. It is observed reflected in sleep bruxism and in non-athletes. It is concluded that there is a relationship between stress and bruxism in students and athletes.

Sports Psychiatry in Competitive Sports.

Mental complaints and illnesses are common health problems in competitive sports, and mental health, like physical health and performance, is an integral dimension in competitive sports. The promotion of mental health and safe management of mental complaints and illnesses in competitive sports requires a qualified medical discipline for mental health: sports psychiatry as well as an interdisciplinary and interprofessional understanding of care and cooperation. In the following article, sports psychiatry in competitive sports will be addressed and (i) mental health promotion and prevention, (ii) the tandem concept of interprofessional care and collaboration, (iii) diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare of mental disorders and illnesses, and (iv) education and training in sports psychiatry will be presented and discussed.

[Sports Psychiatry in Competitive Sports - Interdisciplinary and Interprofessional Care and Collaboration]. / Sportpsychiatrie und -psychotherapie im Leistungssport.

Sports Psychiatry in Competitive Sports - Interdisciplinary and Interprofessional Care and Collaboration Abstract. Mental complaints and illnesses are common health problems in competitive sports, and mental health, like physical health and performance, is an integral dimension in competitive sports. The promotion of mental health and safe management of mental complaints and illnesses in competitive sports requires a qualified medical discipline for mental health: sports psychiatry as well as an interdisciplinary and interprofessional understanding of care and cooperation. In the following article, sports psychiatry in competitive sports will be addressed and (i) mental health promotion and prevention, (ii) the tandem concept of interprofessional care and collaboration, (iii) diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare of mental disorders and illnesses, and (iv) education and training in sports psychiatry will be presented and discussed.

Benefits of Physiotherapy on Urinary Incontinence in High-Performance Female Athletes. Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: High performance female athletes may be a risk group for the development of urinary incontinence due to the imbalance of forces between the abdomen and the pelvis. Pelvic floor physiotherapy may be a useful treatment in these patients. Objectives: (1) To identify the scientific evidence for pelvic floor (PF) dysfunctions that are associated with urinary incontinence (UI) in high-performance sportswomen. (2) To determine whether pelvic floor physiotherapy (PT) corrects UI in elite female athletes. Materials and methods: Meta-analysis of published scientific evidence. The articles analyzed were found through the following search terms: (A) pelvic floor dysfunction elite female athletes; (B) urinary incontinence elite female athletes; (C) pelvic floor dysfunction elite female athletes physiotherapy; (D) urinary incontinence elite female athletes physiotherapy. Variables studied: type of study, number of individuals, age, prevalence of urinary incontinence described in the athletes, type of sport, type of UI, aspect investigated in the articles (prevalence, response to treatment, etiopathogenesis, response to PT treatment, concomitant health conditions or diseases. Study groups according to the impact of each sport on the PF: G1: low-impact (noncompetitive sports, golf, swimming, running athletics, throwing athletics); G2: moderate impact (cross-country skiing, field hockey, tennis, badminton, baseball) and G3: high impact (gymnastics, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, ballet, aerobics, jump sports (high, long, triple and pole jump)), judo, soccer, basketball, handball, volleyball). Descriptive analysis, ANOVA and meta-analysis. Results: Mean age 22.69 years (SD 2.70, 18.00-29.49), with no difference between athletes and controls. Average number of athletes for each study was 284.38 (SD 373,867, 1-1263). The most frequent type of study was case-control (39.60%), followed by cross-sectional (30.20%). The type of UI was most often unspecified by the study (47.20%), was stress UI (SUI, 24.50%), or was referred to as general UI (18.90%). Studies on prevalence were more frequent (54.70%), followed by etiopathogenesis (28.30%) and, lastly, on treatment (17.00%). In most cases sportswomen did not have any disease or concomitant pathological condition (77.40%). More general UI was found in G1 (36.40%), SUI in G2 (50%) and unspecified UI in G3 (63.64%). In the meta-analysis, elite athletes were found to suffer more UI than the control women. In elite female athletes, in general, physiotherapy contributed to gain in urinary continence more than in control women (risk ratio 0.81, confidence interval 0.78-0.84)). In elite female athletes, former elite female athletes and in pregnant women who regularly engage in aerobic activity, physiotherapy was successful in delivering superior urinary continence compared to the control group. The risk of UI was the same in athletes and in the control group in volleyball female athletes, elite female athletes, cross-country skiers and runners. Treatment with PT was more effective in control women than in gymnastics, basketball, tennis, field hockey, track, swimming, volleyball, softball, golf, soccer and elite female athletes. Conclusions: There is pelvic floor dysfunction in high-performance athletes associated with athletic activity and urinary incontinence. Eating disorders, constipation, family history of urinary incontinence, history of urinary tract infections and decreased flexibility of the plantar arch are associated with an increased risk of UI in elite female athletes. Pelvic floor physiotherapy as a treatment for urinary incontinence in elite female athletes, former elite female athletes and pregnant athletes who engage in regular aerobic activity leads to a higher continence gain than that obtained by nonathlete women.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Diet Quality Profile of the Lithuanian Team of Deaf Women's Basketball Players.

There are about 466 million people with hearing impairments in the world. The scientific literature does not provide sufficient data on the actual nutrition and other variables of professional deaf athletes. The objectives of this study were to investigate and evaluate the body composition, the physical working capacity, the nutrition intake, and the blood parameters of iron and vitamin D in the Lithuanian high-performance deaf women's basketball team players. The female athletes (n = 14) of the Lithuanian deaf basketball team aged 26.4 ± 4.5 years were recruited for an observational cross-sectional study. A 7-day food recall survey method was used to investigate their actual diet. The measurements of the body composition were performed using the BIA (bioelectrical impedance analysis) tetra-polar electrodes. In order to assess the cardiorespiratory and aerobic fitness levels of athletes, ergo-spirometry (on a cycle ergometer) was used to measure the peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and the physical working capacity at a heart rate of 170 beats per minute (PWC170). The athletes' blood tests were taken to investigate the red blood cells, hemoglobin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, ferritin, transferrin, iron concentrations, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). The consideration of the VO2peak (55.9 ± 6.1 mL/min/kg of body weight, 95% CI: 51.8, 58.9) and the low VO2peak (56-60 mL/min/kg of body weight) (p = 0.966) in the deaf women's basketball team players revealed no differences. For the deaf female athletes, the PWC170 was equal to 20.3 ± 2.0 kgm/min/kg of body weight and represented only the average aerobic fitness level. The carbohydrate and protein intakes (5.0 ± 1.3 and 1.3 ± 0.3 g/kg of body weight, respectively) met only the minimum levels recommended for athletes. The fat content of the diet (38.1 ± 4.1% of energy intake) exceeded the maximum recommended content (35% of energy intake) (p = 0.012). The mean blood serum concentrations of 25(OH)D and ferritin (24.1 ± 6.6 nmol/L and 11.0 ± 4.1 µg/L, respectively) predicted vitamin D and iron deficits in athletes. Female athletes had an increased risk of vitamin D and iron deficiencies. Regardless of iron deficiency in the body, the better cardiorespiratory fitness of the deaf female athletes was essentially correlated with the higher skeletal muscle mass (in terms of size) (r = 0.61, p = 0.023), the lower percentage of body fat mass (r = -0.53, p = 0.049), and the reduced intake of fat (r = -0.57, p = 0.040).

Dietary Acid-Base Balance in High-Performance Athletes.

Physical exercise leads to metabolic changes that affect the acid-base balance in skeletal muscles and other tissues. Nutrition is one of the factors that may influence the acid-base balance in the body. Keeping alkaline circumstances in the body is important not only for health and athletic performance in training but also during competition in many sport events. This is especially significant for athletes who practice in sport at the highest level of competition. The aim of the study was to determine the dietary acid-base balance in competitive Lithuanian high-performance athletes, and to evaluate the effect of actual diets of athletes on NEAP (net endogenous acid production), muscle mass and body mineral content during a four-year Olympic cycle. The research participants were 18.1 ± 3.3-year-old Lithuanian high performance athletes (n = 323). The actual diet was investigated using the 24 h recall dietary survey method. The measurements of body composition were performed using BIA (bioelectrical impedance analysis). The potential renal acid load of the diets of athletes (dietary PRAL) and NEAP were calculated. In 10.2% of athletes, NEAP exceeds 100 mEq · day-1 and is on average 126.1 ± 32.7 mEq · day-1. Higher NEAP in athletes is associated with lower muscle mass (ß -1.2% of body weight, p < 0.001) but has no effect on the amount of minerals in the body (ß 0.01% of body weight, p = 0.073). Overall, 25-30% of Lithuanian high-performance athletes use high-protein diets (2.0-4.8 g · kg-1 · day-1) leading to a dietary acid-base imbalance as well as an excessive production of endogenous acids in the body. Athletes are recommended to consume higher amounts of potassium and magnesium. An increase in calcium intake up to 1500 mg per day is recommended. In exceptional cases, periodised nutrition for athletes may involve diets complemented with bicarbonate and/or beta-alanine supplements.

Entre as atividades promovidas e o consumo produtivo: análise das práticas dos jovens atletas de elite nos Jogos Olímpicos da Juventude / Between promoted activities and productive consumption: analysis of the practices of young elite athletes at the Youth Olympic Games / Entre actividades promovidas y consumo productivo: análisis de las prácticas de jóvenes deportistas de élite en los Juegos Olímpicos de la Juventud

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as práticas dos jovens atletas de elite nos Jogos Olímpicos da Juventude diante das atividades culturais e educacionais a partir da observação direta e dos registros iconográficos atinentes à edição de Buenos Aires, cuja análise apoiou-se na teoria do cotidiano. Constata-se que a Vila Olímpica da Juventude é um ambiente deveras intercultural, cujo cotidiano é capaz de ensejar uma pluralidade de práticas tanto no plano estratégico, a partir da sua organização estrutural e da sua programação de atividades culturais e educacionais, quanto no plano tático, a partir dos usos e apropriações diferenciados dos jovens atletas, mobilizando táticas de desvio ou resistência e táticas de bricolagem. Conclui-se que os jovens atletas produziram sentidos que transcendiam as questões culturais e educacionais, associando-se, sobretudo, ao seu crescimento profissional enquanto atleta de elite.

The objective of this study was to analyze the practices of young high performance athletes in the Youth Olympic Games in the face of cultural and educational activities based on direct observation and iconographic records related to the Buenos Aires edition, whose analysis was based on the theory of daily life. It seems that the Youth Olympic Village is a truly intercultural environment, whose daily life is capable of giving rise to a plurality of practices both at a strategic level, from its structural organization and from its program of cultural and educational activities, and at a tactical level, based on the different uses and appropriations of young athletes, using diversion or resistance tactics and diy tactics. It is concluded that young athletes produced meanings that transcended cultural and educational issues, and were associated, mainly, with their professional growth as high performance athletes.

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las prácticas de los jóvenes atletas de alto rendimiento en los Juegos Olímpicos de la Juventud frente a actividades culturales y educativas basadas en la observación directa y los registros iconográficos relacionados con la edición de Buenos Aires, cuyo análisis se basó en la teoría de la vida cotidiana. Parece que la Villa Olímpica de la Juventud es un entorno verdaderamente intercultural, cuya vida diaria es capaz de dar lugar a una pluralidad de prácticas tanto a nivel estratégico, desde su organización estructural y su programa de actividades culturales y educativas, como a nivel táctico, basado en los diferentes usos y apropiaciones de los atletas jóvenes, utilizando tácticas de desviación o resistencia y tácticas de bricolaje. Se concluye que los atletas jóvenes produjeron significados que trascendieron cuestiones culturales y educativas, y se asociaron, mayormente, con su crecimiento profesional como atletas de alto rendimiento.

Personality, Coping Strategies, and Mental Health in High-Performance Athletes During Confinement Derived From the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 outbreak has affected the sports field unprecedentedly. The emergency alert has deprived athletes of training in a suitable environment, as they are faced with cancellations of relevant events in their sports careers. This situation can cause stress levels and other emotional disorders similar to those experienced by athletes during periods of injury. Since the relationship between psychological factors and sports injuries is well-studied, the Global Psychological Model of Sports Injury (MGPLD) is applied to this historical situation for athletes. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationships between perfectionism and trait anxiety with indicators of mental health (mood, depression, state anxiety, and stress) in high-performance athletes during confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to explore the coping strategies that athletes have applied and whether they are perceived as useful for managing negative emotional states. A cross-sectional study was conducted through online questionnaires during April 2020, adapting the Psychological Assessment Protocol of the High-Performance Sports Center of Murcia (Spain), to assess the psychological effects of confinement in a cross-cultural sample of 310 athletes (141 women and 169 men) from different countries in Europe, Asia, and America, and from diverse sports disciplines. The protocol comprised six instruments that test perfectionism, trait anxiety, mood states, stress, depression, coping strategies, and sleep. It was answered online via Google Forms. The results show that maladaptive perfectionism was related to all the indicators of athletes' mental health. However, athletes' levels of anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms are relatively low, and the use of coping strategies such as cognitive restructuring and emotional calm was associated with lower levels of negative emotional states. Besides, the Iceberg Profile, a suitable fit for the mental health model, is observed in the mood of athletes, both in men and in women, although women showed higher levels of anxiety, stress, and depression than men. A strong relationship was observed between maladaptive perfectionism and martial arts sports discipline, superior to other sports. In short, it can be concluded that high-performance athletes in the studied sample showed negative emotional state values below the expected average. Finally, the proposals for practical applications of the results collected are discussed.

Resultados, dificultades y reflexiones psicológicas para futuras generaciones de atletas de alto rendimiento / Results, difficulties and psychological reflections for future generations of high-performance athletes

Introducción: El presente trabajo servirá como base teórica-psicológica para futuras generaciones de atletas de alto rendimiento. Objetivo: Evidenciar un grupo de acciones psicopedagógicas utilizadas en la preparación psicológica de atletas de deportes juveniles en la República Bolivariana de Venezuela. Métodos: Se estudió aleatoriamente una muestra representativa 549 (54,19 por ciento) del Estado de Yaracuy en la República Bolivariana de Venezuela, aplicando diversos cuestionarios validados internacionalmente para determinar personalidad, motivación, relaciones interpersonales, desarrollo de la actividad volitiva, prearranque, asimilación de carga, actividades recreativas y actividades de relajación y reflexión. Resultados: Se detectaron dificultades en los atletas como falta de autoconfianza (79,6 por ciento), excesivo respeto al contrario (65,1 por ciento), motivación media (32,6 por ciento) y baja (36,5 por ciento), falta de compatibilidad psicológica entre atletas y con el entrenador (95 por ciento), falta de disciplina en los atletas ya establecidos (79,4 por ciento), bajo nivel en las cualidades volitivas (68,4 por ciento), entre otros aspectos. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico realizado permite la aplicación efectiva de métodos y medios para el entrenamiento y las competiciones, diseñando recomendaciones e intervenciones psicopedagógicas específicas para la autoconfianza, el respeto excesivo, al contrario, la motivación, la falta de compatibilidad psicológica, la disciplina y los esfuerzos volitivos. Se evidenciaron avances notables en los deportes intervenidos como parte de los juegos nacionales(AU)

Introduction: The present study is a theoretical-psychological analysis intended for future generations of high-performance athletes, with the purpose of contributing a number of psychopedagogical actions used for the psychological preparation of youth sports athletes from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Objective: Contribute some results from the psychological preparation of athletes members of selections from Yaracuy State in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, including the main difficulties found during preparation for the national games. Methods: A random study was conducted of a representative sample of 549 athletes (54.19 percent; population 1 013) from Yaracuy State in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, applying various internationally validated questionnaires to determine personality, motivation, interpersonal relationships, development of volitional activities, pre-start, load assimilation, recreational activities, and relaxation and reflection activities. Results: Deficiencies were found which included low self-esteem (79.6 percent), excessive respect for opponents (65.1 percent), medium and low motivation (32.6 percent and 36.5 percent, respectively), lack of psychological rapport between the athletes and the coach (95 percent), lack of discipline among established athletes (79.4 percent), and poor volitional qualities (68.4 percent), among others. Conclusions: The diagnosis performed leads to effective application of methods and means for both training and competitions, designing psychopedagogical recommendations and interventions specifically geared to self-confidence, excessive respect for opponents, motivation, lack of psychological rapport, discipline and volitional efforts. Notable progress was observed in the sports undergoing intervention in preparation for the national games(AU)

Modifications of the non-linear parameters of the heart rate variability related to the systematic practice of physical exercise

Introduction: In recent years, the relationship between the systematic practice of physical exercise, cardiovascular dynamics and the functioning of the autonomic nervous system has been recognized. Objective: To determine the modifications that non-linear parameters undergo in the autonomic cardiovascular regulation of the heart rate variability with the systematic practice of physical exercise. Methods: A retrospective cohort analytical study was conducted from February 2016 to August 2018. Population and sample: 36 individuals (Group 1: 18 high- performance baseball athletes; Group 2: 18 medical students). The data were collected in the Biomedical Basic Sciences Laboratory at Medical school 1, University of Santiago de Cuba, through the 8-channel PowerLab polygraph, and stored using the Kubios Software version 3.0.4 Premium. Results: Statistically significant differences between means were found in heart rate values (p = 0.000); SD1 (p = 0.025); SD2/SD1 ratio (p = 0.007); sample entropy (p = 0.011); short-term fluctuations α 1 (p = 0.019); mean line length (p = 0.016); max line length (p = 0.001); recurrence rate (p = 0.034); determinism (p = 0.010) and Shannon entropy (p = 0.015). The parameters of SD1 (C = 0.906) and sample entropy (C = 0.712) were significantly associated with a heart rate ≤ 70 beats per minute. Conclusions: With the systematic practice of physical exercise, the non-linear parameters of the autonomic cardiovascular regulation of the heart rate variability undergoes modifications that respond to a better adaptability of the autonomic nervous system, and to a greater capacity to regulate cardiovascular function(AU)

Detecting urine metabolites related to training performance in swimming athletes by means of Raman spectroscopy and principal component analysis.

Raman spectroscopy (RS) is a vibrational technique that is suitable for performing biochemical analyses in human tissues and fluids. This work has investigated the identification of biochemical markers due to physical performance in the urine of swimming athletes. This was achieved by means of the Raman features that were found before and after the swimming training compared to the sedentary control subjects. These particular biochemical marker identifications refer to and infer the physiological status of individuals. The urine samples (single stream) were collected before and after the training (velocity, middle distance and distance) of professional swimmers, as well as from sedentary subjects (control). The urine samples were submitted to RS (830 nm excitation, 350 mW, 400-1800 cm-1 spectral range, 4 cm-1 resolution) and the spectra after the training were compared to the spectra before training, and subsequently, to the control subjects. The principal component analysis (PCA) was employed in order to identify the biochemicals that were responsible for the spectral differences. The Raman features of the urine samples after training showed peaks that were related to common urine metabolites, such as urea and creatinine. PCA analysis also revealed Raman features that were attributed to other metabolites, such as creatine, ketone bodies, phosphate and nitrogenous compounds in the swimmers after training. RS was a rapid and reliable technique for the evaluation of urine metabolites that were related to the physical performance of high-level swimmers, which then allowed for an accurate assessment and a control of their physiological efficiencies.

Análisis biomecánico en la marcha deportiva entre deportistas de iniciación y alto rendimiento / Biomechanical analysis in sports walk among beginners and high performance athletes

Introducción: La relación causa / efecto entre el embarazo y la enfermedad periodontal resulta muy contradictorio en la literatura. Algunos autores niegan que exista esta relación, mientras otros la afirman. Objetivo: Identificar la presencia de Enfermedad Periodontal en gestantes del primer y tercer trimestre, teniendo en cuenta la edad y la higiene bucal de las mismas. Métodos: La muestra estuvo integrada por 106 gestantes del primer y tercer trimestre del embarazo. Las mismas fueron reunidas de acuerdo a los siguientes grupos de edades: Adolescentes, adultas jóvenes y adultas de más de 35 años. A todas las gestantes de la muestra se les efectuó un examen estomatológico para diagnosticar las pacientes portadoras de Enfermedad Periodontal, las formas clínicas presentadas, así como evaluar la calidad de la higiene bucal. Resultados: Se comprobó que 36 de las gestantes eran portadoras de Enfermedad Periodontal: 34 presentaban gingivitis y dos periodontitis. La forma clínica más abundante fue la gingivitis fibro-edematosa. De las 36 gestantes enfermas, 33 eran adultas jóvenes y tres, mayores de 35 años. Ninguna de las adolescentes presentó EP. Del total de gestantes, 20 se encontraban en el primer trimestre y 16 en el tercero. De las 36 pacientes enfermas 29 presentaron higiene bucal deficiente para un 80,55 por ciento y sólo siete mostraban una higiene bucal eficiente para un 19,44 por ciento. Conclusiones: La Enfermedad Periodontal es frecuente entre las gestantes del primer y tercer trimestre a lo cual contribuye la mala higiene bucal, la edad, como también la elevación de las hormonas durante el embarazo(AU)

Introduction: The cause / effect relationship between pregnancy and periodontal disease is very contradictory in the literature. Some authors deny that this relationship exists, while others affirm it. Objective: To identify the presence of Periodontal Disease in first and third trimester pregnant women, taking into account their age and oral hygiene. Methods: The sample consisted of 106 pregnant women from the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. They were collected according to the following age groups: Adolescents, young adults and adults over 35 years of age. All the pregnant women in the sample underwent a stomatological examination to diagnose the patients carrying Periodontal Disease, the presented clinical forms, as well as to evaluate the quality of the oral hygiene. Results: It was found that 36 of the pregnant women were carriers of Periodontal Disease: 34 had gingivitis and two periodontitis. The most abundant clinical form was fibro-edematous gingivitis. Of the 36 pregnant women, 33 were young adults and three were over 35 years old. None of the adolescents presented EP. Of the total of pregnant women, 20 were in the first quarter and 16 in the third. Of the 36 sick patients, 29 had poor oral hygiene for 80.55 percent and only seven showed efficient oral hygiene for 19.44 percent. Conclusions: Periodontal disease is common among pregnant the first and third quarter which contributes to poor oral hygiene, age, as well as elevated hormones during pregnancy(AU)

Efeito da aromaterapia no alívio da dor em atletas de alto rendimento: estudo piloto / The effect of Aromatherapy on high performance athletes pain relieve Pilot

Introdução: A experiência da dor vivida pelo atleta de alto rendimento é tida como cotidiana e marcador de bom rendimento nos treinos e competições. Há uma crescente procura pelas terapias integrativas e complementares à saúde visando o bem-estar, qualidade de vida, rendimento e, principalmente, uma prática livre do risco de dopping. A aromaterapia, ciência que estuda o uso terapêutico dos óleos essenciais (OEs), tem mostrado resultados positivos empiricamente, porém, fazem-se necessárias pesquisas que validem tais práticas a fim de, com segurança e eficácia, servir àqueles que a necessitam e procuram. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito dos óleos essenciais (OEs) sobre a dor no atleta de alto rendimento. Métodos: Estudo piloto quasi-experimental, cegado para o participante, com duas fases: a primeira com utilização de placebo (15 dias) denominada grupo Dor A, a segunda com OEs (15 dias) chamada grupo Dor B e um follow-up de sete dias. Amostra de conveniência composta por 26 atletas adultos de alto rendimento. A intervenção foi realizada com uma sinergia de OEs (lavanda, gengibre e sucupira) e como placebo foi utilizado óleo vegetal inerte (OV). Para a coleta de dados foram utilizados um questionário com dados sóciodemográficos e prática do esporte, recordatório de dor e tratamentos durante o período de estudo, e escalas de Humor de Brunel (BRUMS) e Inventário Breve de Dor (IBD). Para análise de dados utilizou-se o modelo de efeitos fixos e o teste de Bonferroni, teste d Cohen, além de medidas descritivas de tendência central e de variabilidade. Resultados: No início do tratamento, os 26 atletas apresentaram médias de dor de 5,2 no grupo Dor A e 5,6 no grupo Dor B. Após o tratamento com o óleo medicado houve redução de 79% na dor logo após os 15 dias de aplicação e de 81% ao final do período de follow-up (p < 0,001). O nível de tensão medido pela Escala de Humor de Brunel indicou melhora de 37%, logo após o período de aplicação do óleo medicado e 49% após o período de follow-up (p < 0,05). Conclusão: Os resultados mostraram que a sinergia de óleos essências em diluição de 10% teve efeito sobre a dor de atletas de alto rendimento em três aplicações diárias por 15 dias e possuiu efeito residual em sete dias de follow-up (p < 0,05). Observou-se efeito sobre o humor dos atletas, com diminuição da tensão (preocupação e tensão musculoesquelética).

Introduction: The experience of pain felt by high performance athletes is very common, and it is a sign of good performance in training and in competition too. There is a growing demand for integrative and complementary therapies aiming wellness, quality of life and performance increase, without the risk of doping. The science of aromatherapy, that studies the therapeutic use of essential oils (EOs), has shown positive results empirically, however, research is necessary to validate such practices in order to safely and effectively serve those who need it and seek it. Objective: evaluate the effect of essential oils over high performance athletes pain. Methods: Quasi-experimental pilot study, blinded to the participant, with two phases: the first one with the use of placebo (15 days) called Pain A group; the second with EOs (15 days) called Pain B group; and a follow-up of seven days. Convenience sample of 26 high performance adult athletes. For intervention, a synergy of EOs (lavender, ginger and sucupira) was used, and for placebo an inert vegetable oil (OV). For data collection, the following questionnaires were used: a sociodemographic data and sports practice questionnaire; a pain and treatment recall questionnaire; the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS), and the Brief Pain Inventory (IBD). For data analysis, it was used the fixed-effect model, the Bonferroni test, the d Cohen test, and descriptive measures of central tendency and variability. Results: At the beginning of the treatment, the 26 athletes scored 5.2 of pain average (Pain A group) and 5.6 of pain average (Pain B group). After the treatment with OE (15 days), the pain was reduced by 79% and 81% at the end of the follow-up period (p <0.001). The tension level measured by the Brunel Mood Scale indicated improvement of 37% after the period of OE application, and 49% after the follow-up period (p <0, 05). Conclusion: The results showed that the synergy of essential oils at 10% dilution had effect on the pain of high performance athletes in three daily applications for 15 days and residual effect by seven days of follow-up (p <0.05). In addition, the results showed effect on the athletes mood, with reduced tension (tension and musculoskeletal strain).

Efeito da aromaterapia no alívio da dor em atletas de alto rendimento: estudo piloto / The effect of Aromatherapy on high performance athletes pain relieve Pilot

Introdução: A experiência da dor vivida pelo atleta de alto rendimento é tida como cotidiana e marcador de bom rendimento nos treinos e competições. Há uma crescente procura pelas terapias integrativas e complementares à saúde visando o bem-estar, qualidade de vida, rendimento e, principalmente, uma prática livre do risco de dopping. A aromaterapia, ciência que estuda o uso terapêutico dos óleos essenciais (OEs), tem mostrado resultados positivos empiricamente, porém, fazem-se necessárias pesquisas que validem tais práticas a fim de, com segurança e eficácia, servir àqueles que a necessitam e procuram. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito dos óleos essenciais (OEs) sobre a dor no atleta de alto rendimento. Métodos: Estudo piloto quasi-experimental, cegado para o participante, com duas fases: a primeira com utilização de placebo (15 dias) denominada grupo Dor A, a segunda com OEs (15 dias) chamada grupo Dor B e um follow-up de sete dias. Amostra de conveniência composta por 26 atletas adultos de alto rendimento. A intervenção foi realizada com uma sinergia de OEs (lavanda, gengibre e sucupira) e como placebo foi utilizado óleo vegetal inerte (OV). Para a coleta de dados foram utilizados um questionário com dados sóciodemográficos e prática do esporte, recordatório de dor e tratamentos durante o período de estudo, e escalas de Humor de Brunel (BRUMS) e Inventário Breve de Dor (IBD). Para análise de dados utilizou-se o modelo de efeitos fixos e o teste de Bonferroni, teste d Cohen, além de medidas descritivas de tendência central e de variabilidade. Resultados: No início do tratamento, os 26 atletas apresentaram médias de dor de 5,2 no grupo Dor A e 5,6 no grupo Dor B. Após o tratamento com o óleo medicado houve redução de 79% na dor logo após os 15 dias de aplicação e de 81% ao final do período de follow-up (p < 0,001). O nível de tensão medido pela Escala de Humor de Brunel indicou melhora de 37%, logo após o período de aplicação do óleo medicado e 49% após o período de follow-up (p < 0,05). Conclusão: Os resultados mostraram que a sinergia de óleos essências em diluição de 10% teve efeito sobre a dor de atletas de alto rendimento em três aplicações diárias por 15 dias e possuiu efeito residual em sete dias de follow-up (p < 0,05). Observou-se efeito sobre o humor dos atletas, com diminuição da tensão (preocupação e tensão musculoesquelética).(AU)

Introduction: The experience of pain felt by high performance athletes is very common, and it is a sign of good performance in training and in competition too. There is a growing demand for integrative and complementary therapies aiming wellness, quality of life and performance increase, without the risk of doping. The science of aromatherapy, that studies the therapeutic use of essential oils (EOs), has shown positive results empirically, however, research is necessary to validate such practices in order to safely and effectively serve those who need it and seek it. Objective: evaluate the effect of essential oils over high performance athletes pain. Methods: Quasi-experimental pilot study, blinded to the participant, with two phases: the first one with the use of placebo (15 days) called Pain A group; the second with EOs (15 days) called Pain B group; and a follow-up of seven days. Convenience sample of 26 high performance adult athletes. For intervention, a synergy of EOs (lavender, ginger and sucupira) was used, and for placebo an inert vegetable oil (OV). For data collection, the following questionnaires were used: a sociodemographic data and sports practice questionnaire; a pain and treatment recall questionnaire; the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS), and the Brief Pain Inventory (IBD). For data analysis, it was used the fixed-effect model, the Bonferroni test, the d Cohen test, and descriptive measures of central tendency and variability. Results: At the beginning of the treatment, the 26 athletes scored 5.2 of pain average (Pain A group) and 5.6 of pain average (Pain B group). After the treatment with OE (15 days), the pain was reduced by 79% and 81% at the end of the follow-up period (p <0.001). The tension level measured by the Brunel Mood Scale indicated improvement of 37% after the period of OE application, and 49% after the follow-up period (p <0, 05). Conclusion: The results showed that the synergy of essential oils at 10% dilution had effect on the pain of high performance athletes in three daily applications for 15 days and residual effect by seven days of follow-up (p <0.05). In addition, the results showed effect on the athletes mood, with reduced tension (tension and musculoskeletal strain).(AU)