Assessing the magnitude and direction of asymmetry in physical tests and morphological measurements in professional female soccer athletes.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the magnitude and direction of inter-limb asymmetries in vertical jump, T-test, isokinetic peak torque, and muscle volume in professional female soccer players. METHODS: Sixteen female soccer players participated in the study (22.7 ± 3.5 years, 60.4 ± 12.7 kg, 164.2 ± 8.7 cm). The following tests were applied; the unilateral countermovement jump (CMJ), T-test (agility), peak torque of concentric knee extensor (PT_Con_Q), concentric and eccentric knee flexor (PT_Con_H; PT_Ecc_H), and muscle volume of quadriceps (MV_Q) and gastrocnemius (MV_G). The interlimb asymmetry magnitude was calculated as the percentage difference between the stronger and weaker limbs. For the direction of asymmetry, a negative sign (-) was assigned when the non-dominant lower limb was the stronger one, and a positive sign (+) when the dominant lower limb was the stronger one. RESULTS: The asymmetry (%) values varied from 0.7 to 11.9%, with the highest values of asymmetry found in the CMJ, PT_Con_Q, PT_Con_H, and PT_Ecc_H tests. Moderate levels of agreement were observed for CMJ - Vol_G (K = 0.53; 75% agreement); PT_Con_Q - PT_Con_H (K = 0.48; 75% agreement); T-test - PT_Ecc_H (K = 0.43; 68.7% agreement). Fair levels of agreement were found between the T-test - Vol_Q (K = 0.21; 62.1% agreement); PT_Con_Q - PT_Ecc_H (K = 0.36; 68.8% agreement); and PT_Con_H - PT_Ecc_H (K = 0.31; 68.8% agreement). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that of greater asymmetries in the vertical jump and isokinetic torque tests. The direction of the asymmetry seems highly variable, however, the isokinetic tests showed greater agreements with the other tests.

Cervical spine injuries in professional judo: a cross-sectional analysis of prevalence, risk factors, and preventive measures.

INTRODUCTION: Judo, a martial art created by Jigoro Kano in 1882, is a martial art promoting physical and spiritual development. Despite its "gentle way" philosophy, it poses a significant risk for cervical spine injuries, often resulting from throws and ground techniques. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed cervical injuries among professional judo athletes from January to July 2024. Data were collected via an online questionnaire covering demographics, injury details, circumstances, and prevention. The study included athletes from seven countries, with exclusion criteria being pre-existing non-judo-related cervical conditions and incomplete questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using RStudio 4.4.0. RESULTS: Of the 104 participants, 42 athletes reported cervical injuries, primarily during practice and linked to high-risk techniques like uchi-mata and ippon-seoi-nage. Defensive maneuvers, especially involving the "head dive," were significant risk factors. Injuries ranged from contusions to disc herniations and fractures, with symptoms like pain, numbness, and weakness. Most athletes received physical therapy, though some required surgery. Preventive measures were inconsistently applied, despite advice from coaches and physical therapists. CONCLUSION: Cervical spine injuries in judo are common, especially during defensive maneuvers and specific high-risk techniques. The variability in treatment outcomes underscores the need for better prevention strategies, education, and tailored training. Further research is essential to mitigate injury risks for judo athletes.

Metabolomics analyses and physical interventions in soccer: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Soccer is the most recognized sports worldwide. It is a fertile ground for the use of metabolomics analyses, considering the multifactorial nature of soccer's physical demands on the body. Although scientific studies have tried using it to better understand the impacts of soccer into different contexts of the sport, no systematic review is available on metabolomics analyses in soccer athletes subjected to physical exertion interventions. AIM OF REVIEW: Retrieve scientific articles that conducted metabolomics analyses on soccer athletes subjected to physical exertion interventions. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW: Initially, 271 studies were screened, and 48 were retrieved for abstract analysis. Of these, 26 met the eligibility criteria, but 5 failed to meet inclusion criteria. The 21 studies included in this systematic review demonstrate that responses from physical training or acute exercise sessions, followed by the effects of soccer matches, have been the primary focus of researchers to date, highlighting alterations on metabolites from the energy metabolism, immunological pathway, purines, tryptophan/phenylalanine metabolism, as well as oxidative species and antioxidant capacity. Other studies suggest, albeit preliminarily, that organic metabolites have the potential to distinguish soccer players' performance and physical fitness, as well as provide valuable insights into diet, physical condition, training load, and recovery throughout the season. Despite metabolomics great potential to understand physiological alterations provoked by soccer as shown by the included studies, future studies should consider female athletes, explore the cause-and-effect relationship between metabolites and soccer performance more deeply, and examine the effects of different training periodizations on these markers.

Trunk and shoulder strength and mobility in young female volleyball and handball athletes.

INTRODUCTION: Volleyball and handball have typical overhead throwing motion that can generate adaptations in the athlete's kinetic chain predisposing to injuries and pain. Considering the importance of the trunk and shoulder in overhead throwing motion and the particularities of these action in different sports, this study aimed to compare the trunk and shoulder muscle strength and mobility in young female volleyball and handball athletes. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study with 70 female volleyball and handball athletes between 13 and 18 years old. METHODS: Shoulder rotators, trunk extension and flexion with rotation strength was measured with a handheld dynamometer (MicroFET 2, Hoogan Health Industries, West Jordan, UT, USA). Shoulder and trunk range of motion was measured with a digital inclinometer (Acummar - model ACU001). Total range of motion deficit (TROM deficit), glenohumeral internal and external rotation of dominant (DOM) and non-dominant (NDOM) shoulder were also calculated. RESULTS: Handball athletes presented greater muscle strength of trunk flexors/rotators (DOM: 24.96%, effect size: 0.687; NDOM, 31.83%, effect size: 0.798) and dominant shoulder internal rotators (16.65%, effect size: 0.619). The groups showed no difference for trunk and shoulder range of motion and external rotators strength. A TROM (volleyball: 48%, handball: 35%) and a glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (volleyball: 28%, handball: 29%) was found in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Young female handball athletes have greater strength of trunk flexors/rotators and dominant shoulder internal rotators compared to volleyball athletes. These differences may be related to the different demands required in the movement of these sports.

Body composition and phase angle in rugby union athletes: A comparison between forward and back positions.

INTRODUCTION: Rugby union has been increasingly attracting a multitude of enthusiasts over the past years. Nevertheless, there is a need for a more profound understanding of body composition, particularly regarding body fluids, and phase angle by playing position in rugby union athletes. METHODS: This study aimed to compare body composition components and phase angle among rugby union athletes based on their playing positions (forwards vs. backs). The sample consisted of 26 male athletes from rugby union clubs in Florianópolis, Brazil. Body composition [fat mass, lean soft tissue mass (LSTM)], body fluids (total body water, intra and extracellular water, and their proportions) and phase angle were evaluated using dual emission X-ray absorptiometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis, respectively. Statistical analysis was carried out using the analysis of covariance to compare body composition, and phase angle between playing positions (forwards vs. backs). RESULTS: The primary findings indicated that rugby union athletes playing as forwards demonstrated higher values for fat mass, FFBM, and body fluids (total body water, intracellular, and extracellular water) compared to those playing as backs (p < 0.01). No difference was observed between playing positions for the other variables. CONCLUSIONS: Body composition may vary depending on the playing position in rugby union athletes.

Assessment of the effects of direct myofascial release in the lateral gastrocnemius muscle of tennis athletes using ShearWave™ elastography.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to utilize ShearWave™ Elastography to assess tissue stiffness by measuring shear wave speed before and after applying the direct Myofascial release (MFR) technique to the lateral gastrocnemius muscle of competitive tennis athletes. METHODS: Shear wave speed values were measured in the regions of interest within the lateral gastrocnemius fascia and muscle areas from the elastographic images. Measurements were taken in three different situations: before, immediately after and 5 min after MFR protocol. Subsequently, the results from each situation were statistically compared. RESULTS: The protocol was administered to a group of eighteen tennis players with a mean age of 18 ± 1.23 years. The shear wave speed values increased for both fascia and muscles sites, after applying the MFR technique: From 3.01 ± 0.64 to 3.33 ± 0.86 m/s in the deep fascia and from 2.23 ± 0.41 to 2.57 ± 0.51 m/s in superficial fascia. In the deep and superficial muscles sites the increases were from 4.12 ± 0.95 to 4.40 ± 1.22 m/s, and from 2.94 ± 0.71 to 3.38 ± 0.95 m/s, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study showed that after the myofascial manipulation in tennis athletes, the lateral gastrocnemius muscle and fascia tissues stiffness increased, according to elastography, and possible mechanisms were discussed. ShearWave™ Elastography could be utilized to assess the acute effects of applying a direct myofascial release (MFR) technique.

Functional performance profile of Under-20 soccer athletes from a Brazilian first division team during the COVID-19 pandemic: A descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread social isolation and the suspension of sports activities, significantly impacting the physical and psychological performance of athletes worldwide, particularly soccer players. This study aims to evaluate the effects of pandemic-related training suspensions on the functional performance of U-20 soccer players from a first-division club in Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: Forty-one male U-20 soccer players were assessed during the preseason (PS) periods of 2020 and 2021. The following functional tests were performed: Single Leg Step Down (STEP DOWN), Ankle Mobility Test (LUNGE), Y-Balance Test (YBT), and Single Leg Bridge Test (BRIDGE). Comparisons were made between seasons and against established cutoff values. RESULTS: Most athletes demonstrated moderate-to-good performance in the functional tests during PS-20. However, in PS-21, the players showed significantly improved performance in the LUNGE test (P = 0.001) but a decline in YBT performance (P = 0.009). Specifically, 68% and 21% of the U-20 players exhibited moderate-to-good performance in LUNGE and YBT, respectively, in PS-21. CONCLUSION: After a period of restricted social and sports activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most U-20 soccer players experienced changes in their functional test performance. These findings highlight the need for medical and health professionals working with soccer teams to carefully plan exercise and rehabilitation programs during periods of activity restrictions.

Effect of inspiratory muscle training on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, aerobic performance, sports skills, and quality of life in wheelchair rugby athletes.

INTRODUCTION: Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been used in sports to improve factors that can positively influence sports performance. However, the effects of IMT on athletes with disabilities are less well explored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of IMT on the pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, aerobic performance, sports skills, and quality of life (QoL) of wheelchair rugby (WCR) athletes. METHODS: A pre-post-intervention case series study of IMT was carried out with six WCR athletes. Pulmonary function (spirometry), respiratory muscle strength (manovacuometry), aerobic (cardiopulmonary exercise test) and WCR skills (Beck Battery) performance and QoL (WHOQOL-DIS) were investigated. Participants were submitted to a six-week IMT with a linear load resistor involving 30 dynamic inspiratory maneuvers twice daily for five days/week. RESULTS: Increases in maximum load (+14.6%; p = 0.03), maximum effort time (+19.4%; p = 0.03), absolute and percent of predicted maximal expiratory muscle pressure (both +13.2%; p = 0.04) and absolute and percent of predicted maximal inspiratory muscle pressure (both +28.6%; p = 0.04) were observed. No significant differences were observed for pulmonary function variables, WCR skills performance or QoL. CONCLUSION: IMT seemed to be effective at improving the respiratory muscle strength and aerobic performance of WCR players but there was no impact on pulmonary function, sports skills or QoL.

Miodynamic and Radiographic Evaluation in Recreative Athletes with Patellofemoral Pain.

Background and Objectives: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is frequent in the young and active population. The effect of muscle strength in the lower extremities after aerobic activity in patients with this condition has yet to be detailed. Our objective was to determine if patients with PFP show alterations in lower extremity muscle strength measurements after performing a session of ten minutes of aerobic activity on a treadmill compared to people without patellofemoral pain. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective experimental study with a stratified, non-randomized, and non-blinded population sample with group matching, including an experimental group with PFP and a control group with no pain. Subjects completed self-reported functional questionnaires (IKDC, Kujala, KOOS, SF-12), underwent radiographic studies, and were evaluated by measuring the strength of hip and knee muscles and the Single-Leg Triple-Hop (SLTH) test before and after ten minutes of exercise on a treadmill. Results: Seventeen subjects diagnosed with PFP and seventeen control subjects were evaluated. Both groups were homogeneous and had no significant differences in the demographic variables. A wider sulcus angle at 30° (136.8 ± 3.8° vs. 132.5 ± 5.6°, p = 0.0140), a decrease strength post-exercise in the hip abductor (37.9 ± 7.1 N⋅m vs. 45.6 ± 7.7 N⋅m, p < 0.05) and knee extensor (36.0 ± 9.1 N⋅m vs. 47.7 ± 14.0 N⋅m, p < 0.05), and a shorter distance in the SLTH test (337.9 ± 74.9 cm vs. 438.6 ± 65.8 cm, p < 0.01) was recorded in subjects with patellofemoral pain. Conclusions: Subjects with PFP had an overall lower strength of hip and knee muscles, showing significant differences in the hip abductors and knee extensors between people with PFP and healthy matched controls after aerobic exercise.

Use of Carbohydrate (CHO), Gluten-Free, and FODMAP-Free Diets to Prevent Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Endurance Athletes: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal symptoms (GISs) can affect the performance of endurance athletes (EAs). This study aims to analyze the efficacy of carbohydrate (CHO), gluten-free, and low-mono-saccharide and polyol (FODMAP) diets in preventing GISs in adult EAs of both sexes. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted prior to 30 June 2024 in accordance with the PRISMA statement. We searched for original studies from the last eight years, in English or Spanish, that looked at the effect of CHO, gluten-free, or FODMAP diets on the GISs of EAs. In PubMed, the MeSH (medical subject heading) categories were used. The search was repeated in EBSCO, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria were determined using the PICOS framework and the risk of bias in each paper was assessed using the PEDro scale quality criteria checklist (systematic review registration: INPLASY202490080). RESULTS: Of 289 articles identified, only 3.5% met the eligibility criteria. All studies found that GISs are common in EAs. We found that 60% of the articles used an experimental method; moreover, based on 80% of the articles, following a bowel training diet, like CHO, reduced fiber and dairy products, or a low-FODMAP diet, has the potential to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms and improve the athletic performance of EA. CONCLUSIONS: We found that low-FODMAP diets, gut training with CHO intake, and decreased fiber and dairy intake may have favorable effects in preventing GISs. No studies support a gluten-free diet in reducing GISs in EAs.

Impact of Genetic Polymorphisms on Electrochemical Parameters and Acid-Base Disorders in Brazilian Runners During a 105-Kilometer Ultramarathon.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study focused on a group of 22 elite male mountain runners from Brazil (average age of 35.9 ± 6.5 years) with the objective of exploring the possible roles of the ACTN3 R577X, ACE I/D, and CK MM A/G NcoI genetic variants in shaping electrochemical profiles and maintaining acid-base homeostasis during a 105-km ultramarathon. METHODS: Genotyping for each polymorphism (ACTN3: RR, RX, XX; ACE: DD, ID, II; CK MM: AA, AG, GG) was conducted using PCR-RFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism), and saliva samples were used to obtain DNA. Analyses of electrochemical and acid-base disturbances were performed in real time. RESULTS: It was observed that athletes who completed the race in less time had lower calcium concentrations (Rs = 0.35; p = 0.016). Pre-race, the RX genotype showed a 14.19% reduction in potassium levels compared to RR (p = 0.01). The GG genotype showed potassium levels 19.36% higher than AA (p = 0.01) and a 6.11% increase in hematocrit values compared to AA (p = 0.03). Additionally, the AG genotype exhibited hematocrit values 5.44% higher than AA (p = 0.03). Post-race, the XX genotype demonstrated higher hematocrit values compared to RX, with an increase of 8.92% (p = 0.03). The II genotype showed a 0.27% increase in pH compared to ID (p = 0.02) and a 20.42% reduction in carbon dioxide levels (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The findings emphasize the impact of the examined polymorphisms on the modulation of electrochemical factors and the maintenance of acid-base equilibrium in athletes during 105 km ultramarathons.

Evaluating Muscle Damage Biomarkers in Adolescent Athletes: Implications for Public Health in Tacna, Peru-2023.

The success of an athlete is influenced by various factors, including nutritional status, physical condition, training level, recovery, psychological factors, and genetics. Studies on athletes often take a preventive approach to evaluate muscle fatigue caused by intense physical exercise, which can impair performance, particularly in soccer players. This study aims to determine the serum levels of biochemical markers of muscle damage in adolescents from sports centers in the city of Tacna. A sample of 326 adolescents who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria was analyzed for muscle damage markers, including CRP, LDH, CK-total, and CK-MB, to assess potential skeletal muscle injury. The results were as follows: for the LDH test, 2.5% had low-level values, 91.4% had values within the normal range, and 6.1% had high values; for the CK-total test, 74.8% were within normal limits, and 25.2% had elevated values; for the CK-MB test, 99.1% had normal values, and 0.9% had elevated values; and for the CRP test, 95.7% were negative, and 4.3% were positive. According to the CK-MB/CK relative index, 7.1% of adolescents were suspected of having muscle damage. This study concludes that there are alterations in the biochemical markers of muscle damage in adolescents from the sports centers in Tacna.

Self-Reported Use of Prohibited Substances and Methods Among Athletes of the Brazilian Delegations.

ABSTRACT: Use of prohibited substances and methods (doping) by elite athletes is a complex and multifactorial behavior. Understanding the factors associated with doping behavior is crucial to identifying potential intervention targets to reduce doping among this group. However, there are limited data on the prevalence and correlations of self-reported prohibited substance use among Brazilian Olympic athletes. We present data from a cross-sectional, self-reported online survey. Participants were elite Brazilian athletes who participated in the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. A total of 209 athletes (52.6% females) from both Brazilian delegations were surveyed. The self-reported doping use of prohibited substances or methods was found to be 7.2%. Receiving a recommendation from a medical doctor, even knowing that the substance is prohibited, was associated with an increased risk of self-reported doping use (OR = 17.474; 95% CI = 4.664-65.470, P < 0.001). Nearly 1 in 10 athletes reported use in their careers. Medical recommendation to use substances was the only factor associated with an increased risk of doping among elite athletes.

Influence of photobiomodulation on energy contribution in normoxia and hypoxia conditions in amateur runners: a single-blinded and randomized crossover pilot study.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in hypoxia (HYP) and normoxia (NOR) on time to exhaustion and the energetic contribution of treadmill running in amateur athletes. Eleven male participants, aged between 18 and 29 years, were submitted to an incremental test to determine the iV̇O2max, and subsequently on separated days, to the PBMT application (irradiation = 720 s; wavelength = 850 nm), followed by four efforts to exhaustion, in treadmill running, under different conditions [NOR + placebo (PLA); NOR + PBMT; HYP + PLA; HYP + PBMT], in random order, to access energy contribution and maximal accumulated oxygen deficit alternative (MAODALT). Time to exhaustion and absolute aerobic contribution were lower in HYP than NOR, for both PLA and PBMT conditions (p < 0.05). In the percentage energy contribution of each metabolism during exhaustion effort, aerobic participation was lower, while MAODALT was higher in HYP than NOR, only in the PLA situation; alactic anaerobic participation was higher in HYP than NOR in the PBMT application situation (p = 0.002). The PBMT does not promote additional benefits over time to exhaustion in NOR and HYP conditions, however PBMT during exhaustive efforts in HYP results in an increase in anaerobiosis.

Original actions performed by a beginner attacker modify defensive dispersion in small-sided soccer games.

In complex systems, the system's self-regulation processes can transition between states of equilibrium and disequilibrium, leading to changes in the distribution of players within the playing space. Actions that are surprising, rare, or out of the ordinary tend to be valued for their potential to destabilize the opposing defensive structure, altering player dispersion, and creating fragile spaces for the attack. With advancements in understanding the influence of the environment on players' affordances, the tactical consequences from individuals' solutions to various scenarios and their impact on the game context becomes a rich area for investigation. This study compared defensive dispersion in the moments preceding and following original actions in small-sided games. The original actions were obtained using the Creative Behavior Assessment in Team Sports (CBATS) observational matrix. At the same time, defensive dispersion was derived from positional data collected via GPS and processed using dedicated routines in MATLAB to obtain variables such as Stretch Index, Surface Area, Team Width, Team Length, and Individual Player Area. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was employed for normality, and the General Linear Model with Repeated Measures was used to compare pre-and post-action moments across different action classifications (pass and shot) and game configurations (SSG4v4 - Small, SSG4v4 - Large, SSG5v5 - Small, and SSG5v5 - Large). Differences were found in the Stretch Index, Surface Area, and Team Width variables in SSG4v4 - Small and Surface Area in SSG5v5 - Small (p < 0.05). It was concluded that the original action could attract opponents in small formats of SSG, increasing the contraction of the opposing team and reducing space around the action, with the potential to create new spaces in other areas of the field.

Reliability and validity of My Jump 2® app to measure the vertical jump in visually impaired five-a-side soccer athletes.

Background: Although My Jump 2 ® consistently presented excellent values of reliability and validity when compared to force platforms (FPs) and contact mats, to date no scientific investigation assessed the validity and reliability of My Jump 2 ® to measure jump height in visually impaired five-a-side soccer athletes. Thus, the study aimed at analyzing the validity and reliability of the My Jump 2® to measure the vertical jump of five-a-side soccer athletes. Methods: Twelve visually impaired five-a-side soccer athletes, volunteered for this study. Each player performed five countermovement jumps (CMJs) and squat jumps (SJs) on a contact platform (CP) while they were simultaneously recorded using My Jump 2 ®. Results: There was almost perfect agreement between the My Jump 2® and the contact platform measurements of CMJ (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.99; p < 0.001) and SJ (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.99; p < 0.001), heights for athletes during the first and second measurement days. Bland-Altman analysis showed a bias of 0.25 ± 0.5 cm; maximum SD = 1.3; minimum SD = -0.88 for CMJ, while that Bland-Altman analysis showed bias 0.18 ± 0.5 cm; maximum SD = 1.3; minimum SD = -0.96, for SJ. Conclusion: We can conclude that the My Jump 2® is a valid and reliable method to measure CMJ and SJ in visually impaired five-a-side soccer athletes.

Force-velocity-power variables derived from isometric and dynamic testing: metrics reliability and the relationship with jump performance.

We investigated the convergent validity and intrasession reliability of force, velocity, and power (FVP) variables and the dynamic strength index (DSI) obtained from isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) and squat jump (SJ) testing. Fifteen male combat sports athletes (27 ± 5 years, 77 ± 9 kg, 1.76 ± 0.1 m, 14 ± 6% body fat) participated in a 2-days study. The first day involved testing familiarization, while the second was dedicated to IMTP and SJ testing. Maximal isometric force (Fiso ) was obtained from IMTP, while mean force, mean velocity, jump height, and jump impulse (J) were gathered from SJ. To analyze the FVP, we calculated the linear relationship between force and velocity, which allowed us to obtain the slope of the relationship (SFV ), the theoretical velocity at zero force (V0 ), and the theoretical maximal power (Pmax ). DSI was obtained as a ratio from SJ peak force and Fiso . The convergent validity was investigated using Spearman's ρ coefficients to assess the relationships between jump height and J with Fiso , V0 , SFV , Pmax , and DSI. The intrasession reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and coefficient of variations (CV). All variables demonstrated acceptable reliability scores. ICC ranged from moderate to excellent, and the mean CV was <10%. We found a "very large" correlation between jump J and Pmax , while jump height was not correlated with any variable. In conclusion, the IMTP and SJ combination is a practical way to determine FVP producing capacities that can be reliably measured (intrasession). The Pmax , derived from FVP, was correlated with jump performance, which might evidence the convergent validity of the method.

Sportomics Analyses of the Exercise-Induced Impact on Amino Acid Metabolism and Acute-Phase Protein Kinetics in Female Olympic Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Exercise can be used as a model to understand immunometabolism. Biological data on elite athletes are limited, especially for female athletes, including relevant data on acute-phase proteins and amino acid metabolism. METHODS: We analyzed acute-phase proteins and amino acids collected at South American, Pan-American, and Olympic Games for 16 Olympic sports. We compared female and male elite athletes (447 vs. 990 samples) across four states (fasting, pre-exercise, post-exercise, and resting) to understand sex-specific immunometabolic responses in elite athletes. RESULTS: Considering all states and sports, we found that elite female athletes exhibited higher concentrations of C-reactive protein, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, myeloperoxidase, haptoglobin, and IGF1, with ratios ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 (p < 0.001). Women exhibited lower concentrations of most amino acids, except for glutamate and alanine. Although almost 30% lower in women, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) showed a similar pattern in all states (ρ ≥ 0.9; p < 0.001), while aromatic amino acids (AAAs) showed higher consumption during exercise in women. CONCLUSION: We established sex dimorphism in elite athletes' metabolic and inflammatory responses during training and competition. Our data suggest that female athletes present a lower amino acid response towards central fatigue development than male athletes. Understanding these differences can lead to insights into sex-related immuno-metabolic responses in sports or other inflammatory conditions.

Sport mental health continuum in young Brazilian athletes: adaptation and psychometric properties.

Instruments used to assess the mental well-being of young athletes in Brazil are scarce. Therefore, the present study aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt for young athletes, and gather evidence of validity for the Sport Mental Health-Short Form (S-MHC) for use in Brazilian Portuguese. The research was conducted in five stages: translation, synthesis, back-translation, expert review, and validation of the psychometric properties. For validation, 246 young athletes of both genders (88 females, 35.8%), aged between 12 and 18 years (14.5 ± 1.9 years), were recruited. Psychometric methods were employed to confirm and validate the translated and adapted versions of the S-MHC for young athletes, including internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega, composite reliability, Item Characteristic Curve (ICC) using Item Response Theory (IRT), and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Two structures were tested, with Model 1 loading the 14 items of the translated version of the S-MHC into a single latent factor and Model 2 loading the items into three factors related to emotional, social, and psychological sport well-being. Both models showed good validity, consistency, and reliability measures and can be used to investigate the sport well-being of young athletes. It was concluded that the translated version of the S-MHC in Brazilian Portuguese can be used to assess the sport well-being of young athletes in Brazil. Model 2 structure is recommended to observe the different nuances of emotional, social, and psychological well-being.

Effect of creatine supplementation on muscular function and physical performance in children and adolescents a literature review / Efecto de la suplementación de creatina en la función muscular y rendimiento físico en niños y adolescentes una revisión de la literatura

Introduction: Creatine (Cr) is an effective and safe ergogenic supplement that enhances post-exercise recovery, prevents injuries, supports thermoregulation, and provides benefits in rehabilitation, as well as spinal and cerebral neuroprotection for adults and older individuals. However, the evidence regarding its benefits in the pediatric population across various contexts has not been conclusive. Objective: Analyze the impact of different doses of Cr on physical performance and muscle function in children and adolescents in general through a systematic review of the literature. Materials and methods: This review followed the PRISMA reporting guidelines in the electronic databases of PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar. It included controlled clinical trials conducted between 1997 and May 2023 that assessed the effect of Cr supplementation on muscle function and physical performance in children and adolescents. A total of 20 studies were included. Results: The subjects included young high-performance athletes from different disciplines and children or adolescents diagnosed with pathologies affecting muscle function. Significant effects were found in athletes' physical performance and muscular function at various doses and periods of supplementation, unlike those involving a pathology, which mainly did not present improvements in these variables. Conclusions: Some reports suggest a positive effect on physical performance, specifically in young athletes. However, the Cr doses, posology, and administration protocols vary between studies(AU)

Introducción: La creatina (Cr) es un suplemento ergogénico eficaz y seguro que mejora la recuperación post-ejercicio, previene lesiones, favorece la termorregulación y proporciona beneficios en la rehabilitación, así como neuro protección tanto espinal como cerebral para adultos y personas mayores. No obstante, la evidencia sobre sus beneficios en la población pediátrica en diversos contextos aún no ha sido concluyente. Objetivo: Analizar el impacto de diferentes dosis de Cr sobre el rendimiento físico y la función muscular en niños y adolescentes de forma general mediante una revisión sistemática de la literatura. Materiales y métodos: Esta revisión se llevó a cabo mediante la pauta del informe PRISMA en las bases de datos electrónicas de PubMed/Medline y Google Scholar, se incluyeron ensayos clínicos controlados realizados entre 1997 y mayo de 2023 que evaluaron el efecto de la suplementación con Cr en niños y adolescentes sobre la función muscular y el rendimiento físico. Se incluyeron un total de 20 estudios. Resultados: Los sujetos incluyeron jóvenes deportistas de alto rendimiento de diferentes disciplinas y niños o adolescentes diagnosticados con algunas patologías que afectan la función muscular. Se encontraron efectos significativos en el rendimiento físico y la función muscular de los deportistas con diferentes dosis y periodos de suplementación, a diferencia de aquellos que involucran una patología que en su mayoría no presentaron mejoras en estas variables. Conclusiones: Algunos informes sugieren un efecto positivo en el rendimiento físico, especialmente en jóvenes atletas. Sin embargo, las dosis de creatina, así como los regímenes de dosificación y los protocolos de administración, varían entre los estudios(AU)