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In this paper, I argue that there are a number of ethical issues facing college and professional athletes that admit of a unified treatment: viewing athletes as workers. By worker, I mean an agent who sells their labor for compensation. With this notion of worker in place, I present and discuss arguments for four claims: not paying college athletes is morally wrong; that the N.C.A.A. infringes on the right of college athletes to collectively bargain; that it is prima facie wrong to draft and trade professional athletes; and that fans fail to respect athletes’ right to strike when they complain about labor stoppages in professional leagues. I argue that sports fans and members of sports media should explicitly conceive of athletes as workers to recognize and prevent these wrongs. I conclude by suggesting that all with an interest in the welfare of labor have an interest in conceiving of athletes as workers, as it puts what is owed to all workers into stark relief. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, all eligible goalball players compete together irrespective of their level of vision impairment, yet it remains unclear whether those with more impairment are disadvantaged during competition. Following the International Paralympic Committee’s requirement for evidence-based, sport-specific classification, this study assessed whether individual goalball performance relates to the level of visual impairment. Using results from the 2016 and 2020 Paralympic Games, players’ sport classes and in-competition key performance statistics (minutes played, throws per minute, goals per minute, penalties conceded per minute, blocks per minute, and goals per throw) were extracted. Players’ visual acuity and visual field results were obtained through the IBSA Sport Administration System. Results showed no statistically significant differences in performance between classes. Further, there were no significant relationships between vision and performance for all six variables for female players. A small but significant positive correlation was found between visual acuity and the number of penalties conceded for male players. Collectively, the results suggest that currently eligible players compete fairly against one another during competitive goalball matches. Results provide support for the existing system of classification whereby all eligible athletes compete against each other irrespective of their level of impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a novel method for evaluating the submaximal velocity-force (V(F)) relationship in mountain ultramarathon races using crowdsourced data from Strava.com. The dataset includes positional data from 408 participants of the 171-km UTMB® 2023 race (9,850-m D+). The race was divided into 100-m segments. The mean net propulsive force and velocity were computed for each segment to describe the submaximal V(F) relationship as a rational function of three parameters. F1: propulsive force at 1 m · s−1; V0: theoretical maximum velocity on flat terrain; C: curvature parameter (the lower C, the more linear the V(F) relationship). The V(F) profile parameters were found to be F1 = 1.80 ± 0.33 N · kg−1, V0 = 2.36 ± 0.42 m · s−1, and C = 0.66 ± 1.81, with good independence between the parameters within a group of homogeneous performance. The best athletes had the highest F1, V0, and C values. V(F) parameters were affected by fatigue during the race, with decreases of 20.9%, 32.0%, and 59.8% between the first and second parts of the race respectively. These findings suggest that the V(F) relationship is an interesting original approach for studying performance and fatigability during mountain ultra-endurance races. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mindfulness is growing in popularity with the potential to improve many favorable health outcomes. Physical activity (PA) is crucial for improving health, however, there is no Turkish scale to measure mindfulness during PA. The purpose of this study was to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Turkish version of The State Mindfulness Scale for Physical Activity (SMS-PA-T). One hundred thirty-seven young adult athletes were included. The validity was determined using the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. The SMS-PA-T had a high-level internal consistency (α = 0.80) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.61 to 0.72 for subscales). The SMS-PA-T subscales were correlated with the BREQ-2 (r = 0.65 to 0.77, p <.005) indicating a good concurrent validity. The results show that the SMS-PA-T proved to be a valid and reliable scale for young adult athletes. The SMS-PA-T provides an easy-to-administer and useful tool to assess. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional narratives of sport posit winning as the defining goal in ways that can feel and be exclusionary to young people and result in a lack of enjoyment and subsequent decision to avoid or discontinue involvement in sport. This is particularly true for girls and young women who participate in sport at lower rates and quit at higher rates than boys and young men. Shifting the focus of sport away from winning can open space for a wider range of girls and young women to see themselves as athletes. Scholars have highlighted how story in the form of counter-narratives can play a role in changing readers' perspectives. However, no attention has been paid to fictional representations of athletes engaging in non-competitive sport and how these depictions might invite girls and young women to imagine themselves differently in sporting spaces. This paper employs thematic inductive analysis to examine three, girl-centric young adult sports novels that work as counter-narratives to examine what happens when winning is not the central goal of participation in sport. Specifically, it explores what fictional young women athletes gain through their participation in non-competitive sport and what young adult readers might gain in their engagement with these titles. Findings reveal how participation in non-competitive sport gives the fictional athletes a sense of full personhood, confidence and pride in what their bodies can do, and connection with something larger than themselves. These titles can show readers that their engagement in sport is desirable, that non-competitive sport is beneficial to them, and that their engagement in sport is possible, that non-competitive sport is for them. The paper suggests that stories of non-competitive sport have the potential to open equitable access by inviting more young people, particularly those who have not seen themselves in stories of sport, to engage as athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Athletes use either an eight-step or a seven-step strategy to reach the first hurdle in the 110 m hurdles event. This study investigates the effect of step strategy on the hurdle clearance technique and spatio-temporal parameters of the four steps prior to hurdle clearance. Two-dimensional video data were collected in the sagittal plane from 12 male sprinters, grouped as seven-step (n = 6) or eight-step (n = 6) strategists. The take-off distance was 0.20 m further from the hurdle and the touchdown was 0.42 m closer to the hurdle for seven-step athletes. Additionally, seven-step athletes reduced the length of the final step before hurdle take-off by 0.14 m compared with the previous step, whereas the eight-step athletes extended their final step by 0.17 m. There was negligible difference between the mean horizontal velocities of the two groups throughout the hurdle clearance (0.02 m/s) or the approach time to the first hurdle from the block clearance (0.01 s). This presents an important first insight into the effect of the step strategy on the first hurdle kinematics. Our findings identify the take-off and touchdown distance parameters of the hurdle clearance technique, and approach step characteristics for a successful seven- or eight-step approach strategy to be employed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to systematically review training methods prescribed to develop lower-body power, determine their effectiveness for the development of lower-body mechanical power and their implementation in an annual training cycle amongst team-sport athletes. The absolute and relative outcome values of concentric mean power, peak power and mean propulsive power were extracted from 19 studies. Outcomes were assessed using baseline to post intervention percent change, effect sizes, and the level of evidence concerning the method's effectiveness. A thorough analysis of the literature indicated that, based on the high level of evidence, traditional (e.g., strength training alone) and combination training (e.g., complex and contrast) methods should be considered. Further, optimal load and velocity-based training can be implemented if coaches have access to the appropriate equipment to monitor movement velocity and mechanical power in every session. This is of particular importance in periods of the season where high volumes of technical-tactical training and congested fixture periods are present. Also, flywheel, eccentric overload and weightlifting methods have been shown to be effective although the level of evidence is low. Future research should expand on current training practices whilst adequately reporting actual training loads from sport-specific training and games alongside strength-power training protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shoulder injuries are a common problem in handball. One likely cause of such injuries is excessive throwing. However, it is difficult to measure the number of player throws in large cohort studies using existing methods accurately. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop and validate a method for identifying overhead throws using a low-cost inertial measurement unit (IMU) worn on the wrist. In a two-stage approach, we developed a threshold-based automatic identification method for overhead throws in a laboratory study using the IMU. Subsequently, we validated the suggested thresholds in a field setting by comparing throws identified by the threshold-method to throws identified by video recordings of handball practices. The best set of threshold values resulted in a per-player median sensitivity of 100% (range: 84–100%) and a median positive predictive value (PPV) of 96% (range: 86–100%) in the development study. In the validation study, the per-player median sensitivity dropped to 78% sensitivity (range: 52–91%), while the per-player median PPV dropped to 79% (range: 47–90%). The proposed method is a promising method for automatically identifying handball throws in a cheap and feasible way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing data reveals prevalent performance and image-enhancing drug (PIED) use in specific global regions and higher rates among athletes, however, research on performance-enhancement experiences among elite untested athletes is lacking. Drawing on conceptual frameworks that emphasize the intersection of context and practice, this research aims to gain insights into the subjective perspectives, motivations, and challenges faced by athletes in managing and optimizing their performance while using PIEDs. In-depth interviews were conducted with seventeen strength sports athletes, including powerlifters and bodybuilders, who had competed at national and/or international levels within untested federations. Thematic analysis was employed to examine the interview data within a social constructivist ontology. Findings revealed that PIEDs have dual roles as tools for enhanced recovery and heightened training stress, a delicate balance that aligns with Foucault's notion of self-transformation through technological advancements. These substances exerted power beyond consumption events with long-term psychological effects such as anxiety and irrational behavior emerging as key concerns. Peers with lived experience were key actors in the relationship between responsible drug management, however, the need for informed guidance was acknowledged. Non-human actors, notably biometric data tracking, played a pivotal role in guiding substance consumption. The study underscores the need for further research and tailored frameworks to support the health and well-being of athletes in this domain while addressing the broader implications of PIED use in public health discourse. Specifically, this study highlights the significance of integrating lived experiences and social contexts, emphasizing the need for nuanced harm-reduction strategies in this space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify (1) university educators' perceptions of academic adjustments (AA), and (2) if teaching experience correlated with AA perceptions following concussion. Participants: Two hundred twenty educators. Methods: University educators were invited to complete a survey containing four subsections; this manuscript focuses on AA following concussion. Objective 1 was descriptive; we conducted spearman's rho correlations between years of teaching experience and AA perceptions to address objective 2. Results: Educators were moderately familiar with AA but were not confident in their knowledge about AA following concussion. Participants who provided AA following concussion most often allowed excused absences and extra time for exams/assignments. There were no significant relationships between teaching experience and perceptions of AA. Conclusions: University educators largely feel unprepared to provide or recommend AA following concussion but had favorable AA perceptions following concussion. Standardized policies or referral sites within the university system may be warranted to improve post-concussion AA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Long COVID is a condition where symptoms or complications persist beyond 3 months after COVID-19 infection. Although most athletes experience mild symptoms, those involved in sports with higher cardiovascular demands can develop long COVID, which can negatively impact sports performance. This narrative review aimed to analyze the long COVID in athletes, especially cardiovascular effects; to alert medical and sporting community for the clinical aftermaths of COVID-19, focusing on physical activity; and to discuss the potential return-to-play strategies for these athletes. Methods: An electronic search in PubMed database for articles published between January/2020 and February/2023 was performed including athletic populations with COVID-19, emphasizing long-term complications, especially the cardiovascular effects. Results and Conclusions: While severe cardiac complications are rare, athletes with long COVID often experience symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea, palpitations, and exercise intolerance. To manage athletes with long COVID, individualized and structured return-to-play programs with the involvement of multidisciplinary teams are crucial. This underscores the importance of recognizing long COVID in athletes, raising awareness of its potential impacts, and implementing strategies to ensure a safe return to play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, we introduce an ecological view of career transitions. We consider an athlete's development as a journey through various athletic and non-athletic environments that support their striving for career excellence. On this journey, an athlete experiences a multitude of environments and transitions from one environment (e.g., one club, one country or one sport) to another. To develop this understanding, we introduce the concept of a transition environment defined as a dynamic and temporary system that bridges the setting that an athlete is transitioning from and to. We also suggest two working models that in unison can work as a roadmap for transition environment research and practice. The transition environment (TE) model helps to describe the TE and the transition environment success factor (TE-SF) model helps to understand why certain TEs are more successful than others supporting athletes in transition. The models can be used by researchers studying specific transition environments to understand how such environments facilitate or hinder transitions, and by practitioners (coaches, managers, sport psychologists) to support athletes' transitions by improving their TEs. We hope the idea of an ecology of athlete transitions will find its way into empirical studies of different types of transitions (e.g., to another sport, to another level in sport, to another club or to another country) in multiple cultural contexts and contribute to the development of career-long psychological support services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the prevalence of non-accidental violence, focusing on experienced harassment and abuse (HA), and mental health among current and retired Swedish competitive cheerleaders. An online survey was distributed to current and retired athletes in the Swedish cheerleading federation. The survey assessed perceived coach–athlete relationship, sport psychological safety, resilience, mental health, and experienced HA within the cheerleading environment. A total of 284 athletes (men = 5; women = 278; gender not disclosed = 1; current athletes = 211; retired athletes = 73) completed the survey. Psychological abuse was the most frequently reported HA form (current athletes = 21.6%; retired athletes = 53.5%), followed by neglect (current athletes = 5.4%; retired athletes: 26.8%) and physical abuse (current athletes = 3.9%; retired athletes = 12.7%). A high-quality coach–athlete relationship was identified as a protective factor for HA. Additionally, 33.1% and 8.9% of participants displayed scores indicating anxiety and depression caseness, while 63.8% reported a high level of wellbeing. Anxiety/depression scores above clinical cut-off were linked to injury episodes and a high level of wellbeing to a mentally healthy environment. Resilience was found to protect mental health overall. The high occurrence of reported psychological abuse and indications of anxiety/depression related to injury episodes suggest a need of attention towards prevention and athlete protection strategies in cheerleading environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractAssessing mental health needs among college athletes is important given the frequency of symptoms of depression and anxiety and associated complications that may arise after a sports-related concussion. The purpose of this study was to explore the utility of the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) as an independent measure of anxiety symptoms among Division II collegiate athletes (n = 568) during baseline concussion assessments, which also included the post-concussion symptom scale (PCSS) and a measure of depression, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). While only 31 athletes (5.5%) fell above the established GAD-7 cutoff score of 5 or more, a sizable proportion of them (13 or 41.9%) endorsed 0 items on the PCSS affective symptom cluster. Additionally, ∼2% of athletes reported elevated symptoms of anxiety but not depression. These findings support the incorporation of a brief stand-alone anxiety screening tool during concussion baseline evaluations to ensure better detection of student athletes with elevated anxiety symptoms who might otherwise be overlooked, so they may be referred for further diagnostic assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore the effects of 8 weeks of lateral entry training on the start performance of elite athletes and its impact on ordinary entry performance. Data were collected from 12 elite-level participants before and after the training using Kistler(9691A1) system with 3D force platform and high-speed cameras. 19 parameters of ordinary and lateral entry were assessed and analysed using paired samples t-tests. Compared to ordinary entry, the lateral entry performance was characterised by: decrease of both vertical force (5.77%) and maximum depth (6.09%) at a significance level (p < .01), and increase of flight distance (4.33%), first kick distance (3.90%) and push force (14.06%) at (p < .05). The results show that, compared to an ordinary entry technique, the lateral entry technique provides a 3.93%, 6.14%, and 8.29% reduction in time to reaching a 5 m, 10 m and 15 m distance (p ≤ .01), showing performance improvements at start times. The 8-week training on the lateral entry technique did not have a significant impact on the time performance of the ordinary entry technique (p > .050). The findings presented herein offer pertinent insights for elite-level athletes, coaches and future investigations aimed at enhancing swimming start techniques and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Supramaximal constant work rate tests (CWR) elicit intense hyperventilation, thus potentially up-shifting ventilation (⩒E)-to-carbon dioxide (CO2) responses when compared to graded exercise tests (GXT) in athletes. We predicted higher ventilatory efficiency on supramaximal CWR using a new method, challenging the classic orthodox interpretation of an increased ⩒E-⩒CO2 as ventilatory inefficiency. This misinterpretation could make difficult to differentiate between physiological hyperventilation from heart disease conditions in athletes. Methods: On different days, a GXT and a CWR at 110% of the maximal velocity achieved in the GXT were performed. Twenty-seven athletes completed the two tests and were compared for usual (linear regression) and log-transformed new variables for ventilatory efficiency through paired t-Student statistics. Results: The ⩒E-⩒CO2 slope (31.4 ± 4.9 vs. 26.2 ± 3.4, p < .001), ⩒E-⩒CO2 intercept (7.2 ± 7.5 vs. 2.8 ± 4.2, p < .007), ⩒E/⩒CO2 nadir (33.0 ± 3.6 vs. 25.4 ± 2.2, p < .001), ⩒CO2-log⩒E slope (10.8 ± 2.9 vs. 6.9 ± 2.2 L*logL−1, p < .001), and η⩒E (36.0 ± 12 vs. 22.8 ± 8.1%, p < .001) values were all significantly higher in the CWR compared to the GXT. We registered a bi-modal nadir response for ⩒E/⩒CO2 on CWR for 22 out of 27 subjects for the first time. A weak association was observed between ⩒E/⩒CO2 nadir (coefficient of determination ~ 27%) and time to exhaustion. Conclusions: The new method allows us to improve the quantification and interpretation of ventilatory efficiency in athletes, avoiding misinterpretation due to the up-shifting elicited by the usual ⩒E-⩒CO2 slope and ⩒E/⩒CO2 nadir indices, which may be confounded with ventilatory inefficiency. This study suggests that ventilatory changes underpin better ventilatory efficiency during CWR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Choosing the best acrobatic technique for each athlete remains a challenge for coaches. Predictive simulations may support coaches, but only a few athlete morphologies have been simulated yet. It is assumed that the optimal acrobatic techniques are somehow generalisable across athletes. However, anthropometry characteristics can influence the twist rotation outcome of an acrobatic technique. Our objective was to assess the differences in optimal techniques caused by the anthropometric differences between athletes. Anthropometry-specific techniques of double pike forward somersaults ending with $$1{1 \over 2}$$112 or $$2{1 \over 2}$$212 twists were generated using predictive simulations and the measurements of 18 acrobatic athletes presenting a wide range of anthropometry. We found that anthropometry had an impact on the optimal acrobatic techniques by modifying the amplitude of the strategies used or, more drastically, by modifying the strategies used. Some athletes had a morphological advantage for twist creation, which was measured using the combined twist potential, a metric introduced in the current study. This metric was very strongly correlated with the complexity of the techniques; models with an advantage for twist creation needed fewer/shorter limb movements to generate twists. This research shows that coaches should consider their athletes’ anthropometry to offer them better guidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imagery training, specifically visual and kinesthetic imagery training, is a well-established method of increasing performance in sport. However, some athletes may have impoverished imagery abilities (e.g., aphantasia; low visual imagery) which may hinder performance increments that benefit others. We administered the Plymouth Sensory Imagery Questionnaire (Psi-Q) which tests multisensory imagery, to 329 participants from nine different sports across two levels: semiprofessional and professional. This formed the baseline test, finding no significant differences between sport or level for imagery ability. The Psi-Q located 27 low imagers (mean total scores <4.2/10), including seven non-visual imagers, three non-auditory, seven non-olfactory, and five non-gustatory imagers, and one across all senses. We split the sample randomly into two groups and immediately delivered the imagery intervention, Functional Imagery Training (FIT) to the first group (over two weeks), followed by delivering the same intervention to the wait group. A wait period was due to the lengthy delivery time of the personalized intervention. Both groups received the intervention for the same duration ending in a Psi-Q retest after the intervention. In both groups, FIT increased overall imagery scores which was maintained six months after intervention completion. This indicates that imagery can be trained and maintained in those with a low ability. Follow up interviews (n = 22) explored how imagery was being used beyond the intervention, revealing that the majority now use imagery to plan and manage thinking. Recommendations are given for ways to train imagery in an applied sport setting and future research in broader areas is detailed. Lay summary: We identified 27 individuals with low multi-sensory imagery scores, and used Functional Imagery Training (FIT) to produce enduring improvements in imagery ability, positioning FIT as a valuable tool for enhancing cognitive skills in sports. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Those working with athletes should assess imagery ability and build a personalized strategy that supports learning. To effectively cater to a diverse range of athletes with varying imagination and planning styles, coaches may find it necessary to adapt their communication styles accordingly. Functional Imagery Training (FIT) is an effective method for improving imagery abilities, offering a viable intervention for athletes with impoverished sensory imagery, including aphantasia or low visual imagery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In competitive sport environments, coaches and sport psychology practitioners work to optimize individual and team performance. One strategy identified as a key to optimal sport performance is athlete self-awareness. This study evaluated the efficacy of a novel, online post-event reflection (PER) tool. Using a mixed methods design, 22 members of a competitive women's ice hockey team completed the PER across one season. The PER demonstrated efficacy through tailored insight used as a basis for athlete discussions, complementing other performance-related feedback. Follow-up interviews with three team members and the head coach provided additional support for the efficacy of the PER. Lay summary: In competitive sport environments, coaches and sport psychology practitioners work to optimize individual and team performance. This study provides evidence to support the use a novel, online post-event reflection tool by athletes, coaches, and sport psychology practitioners to enhance athlete self-awareness of mental skills and performance. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: When striving to optimize performance, coaches and sport psychology practitioners should consider strategies to enhance athlete self-awareness The post event reflection (PER) tool is an effective online tool for athletes, coaches, and sport psychology practitioners to enhance athlete self-awareness of mental skills and performance The PER is also a valuable diagnostic tool for coaches and sport psychology practitioners to identify individual athlete and team patterns in mental skills and performance [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to evaluate the influence of supervision, athlete age and sex and programme duration and adherence on exercise-based injury prevention programme effectiveness in sport. Databases were searched for randomized controlled trials evaluating exercise-based injury prevention programme effectiveness compared to "train-as-normal". A random effects meta-analysis for overall effect and pooled effects by sex and supervision and meta-regression for age, intervention duration and adherence were performed. Programmes were effective overall (risk ratio (RR) 0.71) and equally beneficial for female-only (0.73) and male-only (0.65) cohorts. Supervised programmes were effective (0.67), unlike unsupervised programmes (1.04). No significant association was identified between programme effectiveness and age or intervention duration. The inverse association between injury rate and adherence was significant (β=-0.014, p = 0.004). Supervised programmes reduce injury by 33%, but there is no evidence for the effectiveness of non-supervised programmes. Females and males benefit equally, and age (to early middle age) does not affect programme effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performance during the baseball pitch is dependent on the flow of mechanical energy through the kinetic chain. Little is known about energy flow during the pitching motion and it is not known whether patterns of energy flow are related to pitching performance and injury risk. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to quantify energy generation, absorption, and transfer across the shoulder and elbow during the baseball pitch and explore the associations between these energetic measures, pitch speed, and traditional measures of upper extremity joint loading. The kinematics of 40 youth baseball pitchers were measured in a controlled laboratory setting. Energy flow between the thorax, humerus, and forearm was calculated using a segmental power analysis. Regression analyses revealed that pitch speed was best predicted by arm cocking phase shoulder energy transfer to the humerus and peak elbow valgus torque was best predicted by arm acceleration-phase elbow energy transfer to the forearm. Additionally, energy transfer across the shoulder and elbow generally exhibited the strongest correlations to pitch speed and upper extremity joint loads. These data reinforce the importance of energy transfer through the kinetic chain for producing high pitch speeds and provide descriptive data for energy flow during baseball pitching not previously found in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We examined whether the situational match factors (location, result, and opposition quality), as well as playing position and menstrual cycle phase, influenced self-reported well-being in female soccer players. Methods: Twenty-two professional players (25 ± 5 years) from a squad in the Women's Super League in England self-reported their menstrual cycle phase via an online survey, and their soreness, sleep, stress, mood, and fatigue on a 1 (positive) to 5 (negative) scale on the morning of match day (MD) and for the next 3 days (referred to as MD + 1, MD + 2, MD + 3, respectively). Data was collected for 26 matches across the 2021–2022 season. Session rate of perceived exertion (sRPE) and total distance covered (measured with GPS) were measured on match and training days. Results: Menstrual cycle phase and the situational match factors had no influence on distance covered during matches and sRPE (p >.05). Sleep was worse on MD + 1 (p <.001; g = 1.59) and MD + 2 (p =.005; g = 0.98) after away matches. Stress and mood were > 28% worse after playing top vs. mid and bottom table opposition at MD + 1, and significantly worse when losing compared to winning and drawing (p >.05). Playing position and menstrual cycle phase has no influence on self-reported well-being (p >.05). Conclusion: Sleep quality was worse after away matches and losing matches negatively affects stress and mood for 2 days post-match, but menstrual cycle phase does not influence post-match well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present systematic review aimed to evaluate the effect of probiotic supplementation on gut microbiota and sport performance in athletes and physically active individuals. This review followed the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (P RISMA). The search had no time limits and included the following databases: MEDLINE, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and SP ORT Discus. The risk of bias was assessed through the updated version of the Cochrane tool for assessing the risk of bias in randomized trials (RoB 2). Nine randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included, accounting for 216 participants. Of these, seven studies found positive results on sport performance. Additionally, some studies showed significant decrease in biochemical parameters linked to inflammation. It was also observed direct results in the microbiota composition of the participants, such as an increase in the abundance of probiotics and a decrease in certain pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, the use of probiotics showed improvement in inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress, which indirectly may contribute to the improvement of sport performance. However, the majority of the studies presented a high risk of bias, which impair the reproducibility of the results. While the field of probiotic supplementation and sport performance is emerging, the promising results from this systematic review suggest that further investigation through larger and more robust randomized clinical trials can provide valuable insights for athletes and their performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In partnership with a sport-based Experiential Philanthropy Intervention – The Play Better Program – we conducted a pre-registered, longitudinal experiment examining whether repeatedly reflecting on prosocial activity could boost adolescents' objective generosity. Adolescents (N = 114; aged 9–16) practiced charitable giving throughout their 2-month sports season and were randomly assigned to repeatedly reflect on the importance of their prosocial activity (Reflection condition) or to write about their everyday activities (Control condition). Adolescents completed an objective measure of generosity at pre- and post-intervention and self-reported measures of prosocial character. Across conditions, adolescents donated objectively more at post- vs. pre-intervention. However, adolescents in the Reflection (vs. Control) condition were no more generous and did not report greater prosocial character at post-intervention. Overall, these findings highlight the malleability of human prosociality and the need for additional scholar-practitioner collaborations to uncover whether and how Experiential Philanthropy Interventions boost long-term generosity among the next generation of givers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the impact of integrated neuromuscular training (INT) on athletes' jumping performance and lower limb injury prevention. A thorough search across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Library, identified a sample of 19,805 athletes aged between 8.5 and 27.7 years. Results showed that INT led to a significant improvement in jumping ability (SMD = 0.45, 95% CI 0.30–0.60, P = 0.000) and a reduction in lower limb injuries (SMD = 0.68, 95% CI 0.62–0.74, P = 0.000). The most effective interventions lasted at least 25 minutes, conducted 2-5 times per week, for a minimum of 9 weeks. This approach was particularly beneficial for children and adolescents, as it enhanced their countermovement jump (CMJ) ability and helped in the prevention of injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Talent identification and development systems (TIDS) adopt a deterministic perspective (i.e. athletes' future state/performances can be predicted by observations of their initial state/performance), which encourages early identification and specialisation in sport. In this framework, the main aim of sport systems is to enhance predictability and reduce uncertainty, by investigating the causal relationship between entering a talent pathway and becoming an expert performer. Generally, athletes who display ideal body proportions and attain certain performance standards in early developmental stages are labelled as talented (i.e. they display the potential to succeed) and are selected by TIDS, which afford them a superior developmental opportunity (i.e. better training facilities, certified coaching staff, and higher competition levels), to realise their potential. A deterministic approach, thus, (a) sees talent as a fixed capacity, whereby future successful athletes can be identified early (i.e. early identification); and (b) considers entering at an earlier age in a talent pathway a pre-requisite for sporting success (i.e. early specialisation). Contrary to deterministic expectations, recent research has highlighted how being considered talented from the early stages does not guarantee a better likelihood of successfully achieve senior sporting success. In this paper, taking ideas from ecological anthropology, a new probabilistic approach is proposed which considers TIDS as a process (i.e. being talented is about remaining responsive to what you could become), dialogical (i.e. athlete selection and development are not done in isolation, but both influenced by sociocultural constraints), and open-ended (i.e. unpredictability related to future outcomes). If sport systems embrace the uncertainty of developmental pathways opportunities arise to participate in conversations across and within TIDS to support systemic change. We conclude by proposing four key foundations of any probabilistic TIDS: give sport back to kids, ethos of amateurism, delaying selection processes, and early diversification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The power of athletes to have social impacts is increasingly being acknowledged, and more and more sports stakeholders are recognizing athletes' interests and motivations to engage in social justice action (SJA; e.g. advocacy, activism). This contribution proposes the Athletes' Calling To SJA (ACTS) Mental Health Framework and mental health notes to explore the converse—how SJA impacts athletes, specifically their mental health. The ACTS Mental Health Framework provides an initial conceptualization of how SJA might impact athlete mental health through living a perceived "calling" to engage in SJA and additional potentially relevant factors. Empirical scholarship and sports examples are used to envision, outline, and advance the hypothesis that athlete SJA and engagement with current social issues could serve as mechanisms to support athlete mental health. Mental health considerations ("mental health notes") provide practice considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Athlete burnout is a serious problem faced by many athletes, especially during and after uncertain situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explored the relationships between self-concept clarity, mental toughness, athlete engagement, and athlete burnout to determine the factors influencing athlete burnout among swimmers and to explore effective strategies to alleviate swimmers' burnout. The study included 189 swimmers (113 female and 76 male) aged 9−25 years (M = 13.71; SD = 2.57). They completed the Self-Concept Clarity Scale, Mental Toughness Inventory, Athlete Engagement Questionnaire, and Athlete Burnout Questionnaire. The results showed that the direct effect of self-concept clarity on athlete burnout was negative and significant (β = −0.43, p < 0.001); the mediating effect of athlete engagement (−0.10, 95% CI: −0.18, −0.04) and the chain mediating effect of mental toughness and athlete engagement (−0.13, 95% CI: −0.21, −0.06) on athlete burnout were also significant. However, mental toughness had no significant mediating effect on the relationship between self-concept clarity and athlete burnout. These results suggest that self-concept clarity is associated with swimmers' burnout via mental toughness and athlete engagement. Therefore, maintaining and promoting self-concept clarity, enhancing mental toughness, and athlete engagement may be effective strategies to alleviate burnout in swimmers. These findings can be useful for helping swimmers manage their mental state and to provide practical guidance for administrators and coaches during the training process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impaired thermoregulatory function is a clinical feature of many health conditions that affect triathletes using wheelchairs and consequently, individual athlete performances may fluctuate according to environmental temperature. We aimed to determine the effect of 1) water temperature on wheelchair triathlon swim time and 2) air temperature on handcycle and wheelchair run (push) time. Published race records from 2017 to 2023 (n = 49 events) were extracted from the World Triathlon website. Bayesian negative binomial regression was used to separately model the nonlinear relationships between water temperature and swim time, and air temperature and handcycle and push time. Age, sex, sport class, whether wetsuits were worn (swim model), and swim time (handcycle and push model) were included as fixed effects. Over the observed water temperature range of 15.7–30.5°C, male swim time (mm:ss) improved from 14:13 (95% credible interval [CrI] = 12:27, 16:09) to 12:35 (95% CrI = 11:00, 14:19). Female swim time improved from 15:33 (95% CrI = 13:24, 17:55) to 12:46 (95% CrI = 11:03, 14:38). It was unclear whether handcycle and push time slowed over the observed air temperature range of 14–33°C. Warmer water temperatures, up to 30.5°C, were associated with faster swim times. It was unclear whether combined handcycle and push time slowed with increases in air temperature, up to 33°C. The integration of information on athlete impairment type and severity with performance data is needed to better understand the extent to which individual athlete performances fluctuate across environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During lucid dreaming (LD), dreamers are aware of experiencing a dream and may consciously influence its content. This study used an online questionnaire to investigate the LD frequency and applications in 193 adolescent athletes and non-athletes (17.40 ± 2.09 years; 46% athletes, 54% controls). Given the critical role that sleep plays in adolescent health, development, and performance, associations of LD with various sleep parameters were also explored. LD is prominent in adolescents (67.4% experienced it at least once, 30.0% once a month or more, 12.9% at least once a week), but similar in terms of frequency and uses between athletes and non-athletes. A higher proportion of those who practiced sports/dance during LD reported improved waking self-efficacy (57.1%) over sport performance (42.9%). There was no indication that chronotype preference may influence LD nor that LD may be detrimental to adolescent sleep. Athletes and controls had similar sleep durations, daytime sleepiness, and sleep disturbances frequency, but athletes reported higher sleep quality. Despite, on average, meeting the minimum sleep recommendation guidelines for their age, a relatively large proportion of adolescents did not attain sufficient sleep, particularly on weeknights (47.4% 14–17 years; 20.0% 18–21 years), suggesting that restricted sleep remains prevalent in adolescent populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of our study were 1) to examine whether the force-velocity-power (FvP) outcomes in the concentric and eccentric phases of flywheel (FW) squats differ among sports disciplines and 2) to investigate the association between FvP outcome variables and two key sport-performance indicators: countermovement jump height (CMJ) and change of direction (CoD) time involving 90° or 180° turns. Tests were performed by 469 athletes from five different sport disciplines and physical education students. Our results showed that FvP outcomes, when measured during the eccentric phase of the FW squat, effectively differed between athletes from different sports. However, during the concentric phase of the squat, only for the slope variable differences between sports were found. Contrary to our hypothesis, there were no statistically significant correlations between FW squat FvP outcomes and CMJ or CoD test results. These results suggest that FvP outcomes derived from FW squats may lack external validity and cannot be reliably used as a predictor of athletes' jumping and agility performance. The paper discusses possible reasons for the larger differences between sports in eccentric FvP outcomes, as well as the absence of correlations between FvP outcomes and functional tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcycles are fundamental structures for training prescription and load management, helping to optimise training effects and performance. This study quantified external and internal loads of Italian Serie A youth soccer players across competitive weeks and their periodisation within microcycles. Data were collected from 90 players belonging to four age groups (under-19, -17, -16, -15) across a season. Methods of monitoring external [duration and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS)] and internal load [heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE)] were employed. Linear mixed models determined differences in training loads across age groups, training days and player positions. Under-19 and under-17 players trained five times per week, while younger players trained four times. Late-stage academy players (under-19 and -17) demonstrated higher weekly accumulated external and sRPE training load compared to their younger counterparts (p < 0.05 between groups). Weekly accumulated HR internal loads were higher in under-15 players (p < 0.05 between groups). Marked fluctuations of daily load were observed across microcycles in under-19 and under-17 groups (p < 0.05 between days). These findings highlight progressive increases in training load throughout the development pathway, with late-stage academy players training with higher frequency, volume and marked periodisation compared to younger players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aims of the present research were 1) to characterise the inter-subject and intra-subject timing of the preparatory movements of competitive swimmers during relay starts and 2) to relate the preparatory movements with the relay start outcome. Nine international youth swimmers performed 10 relay freestyle starts (one-step technique) filmed at 120 Hz from a lateral viewpoint. Results obtained (0.14 ± 0.10 s changeover time, 0.31 ± 0.07 s entry time, 2.59 ± 0.09 m entry distance and 0.96 ± 0.06 s time to 5 m) indicated that the longer the preparation time (from the initial position to the swimmer's take-off), the better the changeover time, entry distance, and 5 m time. Specifically, a mixed linear model identified preparation time (p < 0.001, F (1,80.01) = 56.36), and entry distance (p = 0.008, F (1,80.01) = 7.36) as predicting variables for 5 m time. Also, faster swimmers on times to 5 m were found to be more consistent – lower levels of intra-subject variability – in 5 m (r = 0.76, p = 0.018) and changeover (r = 0.72, p = 0.029) times. In summary, the timing of the preparatory movements seems to be a key aspect to optimise relay start performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The barriers between sport and gambling recently have eroded in the US. While this presents economic opportunities, it may also increase the risk of gambling problems among athletes, particularly if athletes are already more susceptible to gambling problems than others. We conducted a scoping review of the literature that sought to characterize what is known about the relationship between participation in athletics and gambling. We identified 45 studies that met our inclusion criteria. The majority (56%) sampled athletes at the collegiate level. More than half of the studies did not include a non-athlete control group. Among the studies that did compare athletes to non-athletes, findings were mixed. Half of the studies that examined gambling involvement found that athletes had higher involvement than non-athletes, while half found no relationship. About 23% of studies that examined gambling problems found a positive relationship between being an athlete and experiencing gambling problems; 69% found no relationship, and 8% found a negative relationship. In some cases, gender appeared to moderate these relationships; in others, there was no interaction with gender. Future research should include rigorous studies that examine these relationships at diverse levels of play, include non-athlete controls, and test what mechanisms explain these relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Athletic injuries are common in youth sports, and much research has focused on the injury experience of athletes. However, less attention has been given to the impact of adolescent injury on relevant others within athletes' recovery orbit, particularly parents. This narrative review examines the impact of adolescent injury on parents using the Multilevel Model of Sport Injury (MMSI). Results revealed that parents' experience of their adolescent's injury is influenced by intra- and interpersonal factors (e.g., thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and interactions with coaches, and sport medicine providers), as well as institutional, cultural, and policylevel factors (e.g., lack of organizational support, internalization of sport norms about playing with pain, and sport injury policies and guidelines). The review provides a more nuanced understanding of the factors and interactions that parents have following adolescent sport injury. Further research using the MMSI can extend current conceptualization and theorizing regarding parents' experiences following adolescent injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breaking has gained public attention as a form of sports activity. The associated intense movements of the hip joints are possibly linked to the development of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Therefore, this study aimed to assess clinical and radiographic FAI measures in professional breakers compared to hobby athletes. The study cohort consisted of professional breakers with persisting hip pain who were 1:1 matched to a cohort of FAI patients without professional sports careers from our outpatient clinic. The primary endpoint assessed on standardized plain radiographs was the alpha angle (AA). Further measures were the acetabular index (AI), lateral center-edge angle (LCEA), crossover sign, ischial spine sign, and femoral head extrusion index (FHEI). The modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score were used to obtain patient-reported measures. We recruited ten professional breakers and matched them to ten hobby athletes. The median AA was significantly higher in the breakers compared with the hobby athletes (73° [IQR 66.5°, 84.2°]) vs. 61.8° [IQR 59.5°, 64.8°], p = 0.0004). There was a significant reduction in weekly training hours in breakers after diagnosis (13.0 hours [interquartile range [IQR] 9.5, 32.4] to 1.5 hours [IQR 0, 4.8], p = 0.0039). There were no inter-group differences regarding mHHS, WOMAC, and additional radiographic measurements. Breakers have higher AA in cam-type FAI compared to nonprofessional athletes. The corresponding hip pain significantly reduced training hours and caused the end of their breaking career. The potentially high prevalence of FAI in breakers and the corresponding consequences need to be considered early when athletes present with hip pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People automatically determine the authenticity of an advertisement, with more authentic ads resulting in more positive advertising evaluations and subsequent behaviors. Building on these past findings, this study sheds light on the exposure of women to images of elite female athletes and athletic-ideal models and subsequent attitudes and behavioral intentions. The study (N = 444) found that elite athletes are seen as more authentic and more influential on health outcomes. Our results suggest opportunities for sports, health, or athletics advertisers (or general advertisers) to capitalize on the potential of elite or professional athlete endorsers in an effort to increase positive health-related behaviors and suggest intent to use products advertised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay replies to Phillip Reichling's recent article in this journal defending a principle of rescue I proposed, but rejected, in my paper, 'Climbing high and letting die' (2021). I argued that 'the comparable risk principle' imposes unreasonable demands on adventure sport athletes, for it implies that because they assume substantial risks for sport, they have duties to assume comparable risks to rescue others – duties that would otherwise be supererogatory precisely because of the risks involved. Reichling (2022) defends the principle and contends that once these athletes have assumed substantial risks for sport, they cannot reasonably claim that a rescue that involves comparable risks is too risky. I argue here, however, that Reichling fails to recognize that one can have good personal reasons for assuming risks that do not prevent one from reasonably citing comparable risks as a justification for not rescuing others. So although adventure sport athletes assume risks for personal reasons, it does not follow that they have a duty to assume comparable risks to rescue others. Reichling's defence of the comparable risk principle is therefore unsuccessful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Injury rates in competitive alpine skiing are high. With current methods, identifying people at risk is expensive and thus often not feasible at the youth level. The aims of this study were (1) to describe the jump performance and movement quality of youth competitive alpine skiers according to age and sex, (2) to compare the jump distance among skiers of different sexes and movement quality grades, and (3) to assess the inter-rater grading reliability of the qualitative visual movement quality classification of such jumps and the agreement between live and video-based post-exercise grading. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study is based on an anonymized dataset of 301 7- to 15-year-old competitive alpine skiers. The skiers performed two-legged forward triple jumps, whereby the jump distance was measured, and grades were assigned by experienced raters from the frontal and sagittal perspectives depending on the execution quality of the jumps. Furthermore, jumps were filmed and ultimately rated post-exercise. Differences in jump distance between various groups were assessed by multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs). Reliability was determined using Kendall's coefficient of concordance. Results: The jump distance was significantly greater in U16 skiers than in U11 skiers of both sexes and in skiers with good execution quality than in those with reduced or poor execution quality. Overall, jump distance in U16 skiers significantly differed between female (5.37m with 95% CI [5.21, 5.53]) and male skiers (5.90m with 95%CI [5.69, 6.10]). Slightly better inter-rater grading reliability was observed for video-based post-exercise (strong agreement) ratings than for live ratings (moderate agreement). Conclusion: In competitive alpine skiers aged 7 to 15 years, jump performance increases with age, and around puberty, sex differences start to manifest. Our results highlight the importance of evaluating both jump distance and movement quality in youth skiers. To improve test-retest reliability, however, a video-based post-exercise evaluation is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of grape juice consumption on oxidative stress, inflammation, physical performance, muscle damage, and recovery in physical activity practitioners were evaluated in clinical studies. However, to date, no studies have gathered these findings. Thus, we aimed to review all randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of grape juice consumption on these markers. The searched databases were MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase®, and Cochrane Central, considering an exhaustive search in the literature with keywords uva OR vitis. The PRISMA guideline was used to conduct and report the review. Seven RCTs with athletes (n = 3), recreational sportspeople (n = 3), and low-intensity physical activity practitioners (n = 1) were included. The qualitative results of the individual studies were controversial, and according to the meta-analysis, acute or chronic consumption of 10/ml/kg/day or 400 ml of grape juice improved antioxidant status but had no effects on markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, physical performance, muscle damage and recovery in physical activity practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volt hockey is a team sport developed for persons with physical disabilities. Because family members are important resources to enable sports participation, the purpose of this study was to illuminate experiences of volt hockey from family members' perspectives. Focus group interviews were conducted, including 20 family members, and the verbatim transcripts were inductively analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Family members saw the value of enabling participation in volt hockey, being an inclusive team sport that brings enjoyment and strengthens social relationships within, and outside of, the family. Trying to facilitate sport participation, the need for material resources and other actors was emphasised, such as personal assistance, funders, and healthcare professionals informing about the sport and the engagement of the volt hockey clubs. In conclusion, involvement in volt hockey is emotionally and socially rewarding for family members, but there is a need for additional enablers to allow the sport to grow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Do athletes adapt to changing conditions within the match, and how? Can their strategic choice of server lead to a better outcome in a match? Leveraging point-by-point data on Grand Slam tennis doubles, we show that better historical serving performance in singles matches leads to a higher probability of being assigned as the 'first server of the match' in doubles. We also show adaptive athletes' behaviour during doubles matches: poorer serving performance in the previous set leads to a higher probability of being replaced as a 'first server' in the following set by the teammate. Both of those strategic choices lead to performance improvement: up to $5\% $ 5 % more points can be won if the strongest athlete serves first. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective communication and rapport building with athletes are key tenets of coaching. As the majority of empirical evidence to date has adopted an androcentric view of strength and conditioning, a potential knowledge gap exists regarding sex-related differences in physical preparation and coaching approaches. Therefore, this study explored the attitudes, beliefs and practices of strength and conditioning coaches (n = 8; M/F, 6/2) in elite level (international) women's rugby union using semi-structured interviews (mean ±standard deviation duration 59 ± 15 min). The interviews explored differences in coaching practices for elite female rugby players compared to males, with a specific focus on the interpersonal aspects of the athlete-coach relationship. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to generate a rich qualitative dataset. The analysis resulted in the identification of higher order themes: athlete engagement, and interpersonal approach. The coaches in this study consistently perceived important differences between male and female players in factors related to engagement and interpersonal approach. Coaches adopted differing coaching practices for male and female athletes. This study provides important contextual evidence for the understanding of differences in the interpersonal relationships of female rugby players compared to male athletes from the perspective of elite-level strength coaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sport media is a public pedagogy that impacts sportswomen’s embodied subjectivities by circulating gender ideologies and discourses as forms of truth. In this study we used relativist narrative inquiry to build on sport media research exploring socially constructed motherhood and sport. We interrogated ‘comeback meanings’ in sport media stories of four veteran (i.e. multiple Olympic Games appearances, 32–41 years of age) Canadian athletes’ journeys to the 2020 Olympics as first time mothers. Thematic narrative analysis of 86 stories and accompanying images identified two sets of comeback meanings: second chances and redemption and coming back stronger and wiser. Second chances and redemption comebacks were linked with personal and career agency, good mother ideologies, and sacrifice narratives. ‘Hybrid athlete mother’ identities in stories of second chance redemption comebacks were also constructed as generative role models as part of an athletic rebirth. Coming back stronger and wiser in media stories troubled gendered assumptions about veteran athlete mothers as weak/past their prime through constructing their experience as valued, along with body-performance tensions. Both sets of comeback meanings resist biological and ageist ideologies in media stories of veteran athlete mothers while perpetuating neoliberal ideologies and narratives of exceptionalism. These findings show the pedagogical value of media stories for expanding understanding of nuanced shifting discourses identified in interviews and media studies on athlete mothers. The implications of these findings highlight a need for more research exploring digital media forms to learn more about veteran athlete mothers’ embodied subjectivities and implications for elite sport careers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundObjectivesMethodsResultsConclusionsAthletes display a high prevalence of undesired sleep characteristics that may affect both performance and wellbeing.This scoping review aimed to identify and map the existing evidence of behavioral sleep interventions and their effects on sleep outcomes in athletes, and retrospectively code the behavior change techniques (BCTs) implemented using the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy (BCTTv1).Conducted following the JBI methodology for scoping reviews, four online databases were used to identify prospective interventions with at least one behavioral component in competitive athletes, and reporting a sleep outcome pre- and post-intervention.Thirty-three studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 892 participants with a median age of 23. Five intervention categories were identified (education, mind-body practices, direct, multi-component, and other), with each demonstrating mixed efficacy but the potential to improve sleep outcomes. The BCTs varied in type and frequency between each category, with only 18 unique BCTs identified across all studies.The varied efficacy of previous studies at improving sleep outcomes may be attributed to the lack of behavior change theory applied during intervention development. Designing interventions following a targeted specification of the behavioral problem, and the integration of corresponding BCTs should be considered in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participation in outdoor sports increases exposure to ultraviolet radiation, necessitating mitigation through sunscreen use. This prospective study examined the effects of sport, setting (practice vs. competition), gender, age and geographic location on sunscreen use and education among youth athletes in various sports. Six hundred and twelve athletes ≤18 years old completed an online survey on sunscreen education and use during competitions and practices. Regardless of sport, reported sunscreen use was higher during practices than competition (p < 0.0001). Sunscreen was used most by swimmers/divers (odds ratio: OR ≥ 1.9, p < 0.001) and least by American football players (OR ≤ 0.57, p ≤ 0.001). Coaches mentioned sunscreen use the most in track and field (OR 1.84, p = 0.001) and the least in American football (OR 0.67, p = 0.03). Athletes used sunscreen more if they were female (OR ≥ 1.9 1.38, p ≤ 0.06) and younger (age OR ≤ 0.88, p < 0.001). In conclusion, youth athletes differ in sunscreen use by sport and setting, highlighting the need for continued photoprotective education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to characterise bilateral asymmetry in running mechanics during perceptually regulated, high-intensity intermittent running in hypoxia and normoxia and examines whether inter-limb differences in running mechanics are modified between and within intervals. Nineteen trained runners completed 4 × 4-min treadmill running bouts (3-min passive recoveries) at a perceived rating exertion of 16 on the 6–20 Borg scale in either hypoxic (FiO2 = 0.15) or normoxic (FiO2 = 0.21) conditions. Ground reaction force recordings at constant velocity (group average: 14.8 ± 1.9 km/h) allowed measurement of running kinetics/kinematics and calculation of spring-mass model characteristics at the beginning and the end of each 4-min interval. Lower limb asymmetry was assessed from the 'symmetry angle' (SA) score. There were no between intervals (P > 0.087), within intervals (P > 0.076) or FiO2 (P > 0.128) differences in SA scores for any of the 16 biomechanical variables. Mean SA scores were lower than 1.5% for spatio-temporal variables, ~1.5–3% for braking and push-off phase durations, peak forces and impulses and ~4–6% for mean loading rate and vertical stiffness. With preserved lower limb asymmetries both between and within intervals and with additional hypoxia, trained runners completing perceptually regulated interval treadmill runs may anticipate a maintained performance without heightened injury risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curvatures of the body can disrupt fluid flow and affect hydrodynamic resistance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a feedback intervention on glide performance and torso morphology. Eleven male and female national swimmers performed glides before and after augmented feedback. Feedback consisted of self-modelling visual feedback and verbal cuing, to manipulate body curvatures that affect hydrodynamic resistance. Two-dimensional landmark position data (knee, hip and shoulder) were used to enable computation of glide factor and glide coefficient as indicators of glide efficiency; posture (trunk incline and hip angle); and performance (horizontal velocity). Underwater images of the swimmers were manually traced to derive transverse and sagittal diameters, cross-sectional areas, and continuous form outlines (anterior and posterior) of the torso. Maximum rate of change in cross-sectional area and form gradient progressing caudally, were calculated for torso segments: shoulder-chest, chest-waist, waist-hip. Mean velocity, glide factor and glide coefficient values significantly (p< 0.001) improved due to the intervention, with large effect size (d) changes 0.880 (p= 0.015), 2.297 and 1.605, respectively. Significant changes to form gradients were related to reductions in lumbar lordosis and chest convexity. The study provides practical cuing phrases for coaches and swimmers to improve glide efficiency and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify the lifetime prevalence and correlates of appearance- and performance-enhancing drugs and substances (APEDS) use among a national sample of US college and university students. Participants: Student participants from the 2020–2021 Healthy Minds Study (N = 7,401; ages 18–30 years). Methods: Lifetime prevalence of five forms of APEDS was estimated. Modified Poisson regression analyses were conducted to determine the sociodemographic correlates of protein and creatine supplement use. Results: Lifetime protein (23.8%) and creatine (7.7%) supplement use were most common among the sample. Older age within young adulthood, male sex, perceiving oneself to be normal weight or somewhat overweight, any athletics participation, and 2–3 or ≥ 5 h/week of exercise were associated with greater likelihood of lifetime protein and creatine supplement use. Conclusions: Awareness and prevention efforts on the potential harms of APEDS use are needed on campuses, particularly among males and those who participate in athletics and high-frequency exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Valid performance on preseason baseline neurocognitive testing is essential for accurate comparison between preseason and post-concussion test results. Immediate Post-Concussion and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) is commonly used to measure baseline neurocognitive function in athletes. We examined the prevalence of invalid performance on ImPACT baseline testing and identified correlates of invalid performance. Method: The sample included 66,998 adolescents (ages 14–18, M = 15.51 years, SD = 1.22) who completed ImPACT baseline tests between 2009 and 2019. Invalid performance was determined by the embedded validity indicators (EVI). Associations between invalid performance, demographic characteristics, and health conditions were assessed using chi-square tests and odds ratios (ORs). Results: Overall, 7.2% of adolescents had baseline tests identified as invalid by one or more of the EVIs. Individual validity indicators classified between 0.5% and 3.7% tests as invalid. Higher frequencies of invalid scores were observed among youth with neurodevelopmental, academic, and medical conditions. Youth who reported having learning disabilities (n = 3126), receiving special education (n = 3563), or problems with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; n = 5104) obtained invalid baselines at frequencies of 16.4%, 16.0%, and 11.1%, respectively. Moreover, youth who reported receiving treatment for a substance use disorder (n = 311) or epilepsy (n = 718) obtained invalid baselines at frequencies of 17.0% and 11.1%, respectively. Conclusions: The base rate of invalid performance on ImPACT's EVIs was approximately 7%, consistent with prior research. Adolescents self-reporting neurodevelopmental conditions, academic difficulties, or a history of treatment for medical conditions obtained invalid baseline tests at higher frequencies. More research is needed to better understand invalid scores in youth with pre-existing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]