Search

BackgroundCurrently, there is no evidence to support TMZ administration aiming to enhance any parameter of physical performance or post-exercise recovery in healthy individuals of the general population and athletes.ObjectiveConsidering the lack of empirical data, from a scientific and practical perspective it would be interesting to identify research with high methodological quality that examines the effects of trimetazidine (TMZ) on healthy individuals of the general population and athletes of varying age.MethodsData sources included English articles that were searched by keywords in the PubMed and Scopus databases and the Cochrane Library and published prior to November 2022. Thus, a systematic review of the scientific literature was performed utilizing databases with a traditional PRISMA methodology. An initial search by keyword found 2673 publications and the screening process selected 66 articles, of which two articles met the inclusion criteria.ResultsTwo trials examining the effect of TMZ on healthy members of the general population that were published in 2017 and 2019 were analyzed. Athletes were not recruited for this type of research.ConclusionsCurrently there are no data reporting a positive effect of TMZ on physical performance, post-exercise recovery, or other health parameters in members of the general population, while its administration is associated with the development of relatively common adverse effects.

Study design Cross-sectional study. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the actual prevalence of degenerative spinal changes and their association with age in a cohort of professional soccer players. Summary of background data Presently, there are data that athletes have more degenerative changes than nonathletes; however, the research examining the prevalence of degenerative spinal conditions among professional elite soccer players is scarce. Methods Professional male soccer players were included in the study (n = 40, average age 26,6 ± 4,5 years, average height 18 ± 0.07 m, weight 76.7 ± 7.1 kg). Lumbosacral spine MRI scanning at the L1-S1 level has been performed. Two radiologists with at least 7 years of experience of working with athletes evaluated all images independently of each other. Results 92.5% (n = 37) of soccer players had ≥1 spinal degenerative condition. Thirty-five percent (n = 14) of players had three to five, and 50% (n = 20) had six or more conditions. The average age of players who had six or more conditions was significantly higher than those who had zero to five or three to five conditions-28.1 ± 4.8 years versus 25.1 ± 3.6 years (P = 0.029), and 24.8 ± 3.6 years, respectively.Kruskal-Wallis test has shown no association between the number of degenerative conditions and weight (P = 0.98) as well as body mass index (P = 0.99). The age was associated with degenerative changes (P = 0.008).Disc desiccation was the most common pathologic condition, which was found in 82.5% of athletes. Facet joint arthropathy and spondylosis were present in 70, and 50% of the studied lumbar spine MRI scans, respectively. The spondylolysis prevalence of 20% was noted. Conclusion Elite professional soccer players demonstrate a high prevalence of asymptomatic degenerative lumbar spinal degenerative changes, which are significantly associated with age. These conditions might lead to the development of symptomatic lower back pain, given the high-intensity exercise required in professional soccer. It is presently unclear what measures might be applied for the primary prevention of these degenerative spinal conditions.Level of Evidence: 4.

There are little data on the incidence, and clinical course of COVID-19 among professional soccer players, and the studies examining putative complications of COVID-19 infections are probabilistic. On February 28, the WHO raised the COVID-19 threat assessment to its highest level. The COVID-19 outbreak became a significant challenge for world health. Around 30 million people got infected with COVID-19 since the beginning of this year. More than 900.000 decease. Thus, examining the incidence of COVID-19 and various aspects of its clinical course in a group of adult professional soccer players would be of great practical interest. The incidence, clinical practice, and severity of COVID-19 infection, as well as the duration of treatment and return to play was studied based on a survey of team physicians and medical records assessment in the group of adult professional soccer players representing the clubs of the Russian Premier-League (RPL) during the period of championship resumption from 01.04.2020 until 20.09.2020. COVID-19 infection was detected in 103 soccer players during COVID-19 screening. This number comprises 14.5% of all soccer players on the rosters of RPL soccer teams and is subjected to regular COVID-19 testing. The asymptomatic course was observed in 43.7% of cases (n = 45). These players were isolated, and their clinical condition was monitored closely. In 56.3% of patients (n = 58), fatigue, headache, fever, and anosmia were the most common symptoms. COVID-19 infection was commonly diagnosed among adult professional soccer players in Russia. However, most cases had a mild course and did not impair return to regular exercise. Only two players were hospitalized with lung lesions and returned to regular sports.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a single intake of citrulline at 3 g and 6 g doses in adult elite soccer players performing sport-specific exercise. Materials and Methods: This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study analyzed 18 soccer players from the top divisions of three European countries. Participants were randomized into three groups of six each and performed a field-based soccer-specific test for 18 min. Comparative analysis of heart rate, fatigue and post-exercise recovery was conducted. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in most of the analyzed parameters, nor at any of the time points for lactate concentration. Players’ RPE exercise test score did not reveal any differences. Conclusions: Neither a single intake of 3 g nor of 6 g of citrulline malate affected physical performance, subjective feelings of fatigue or post-exercise recovery in adult elite soccer players who performed a soccer-specific test.

Injuries of the metatarsal bones in football are relatively rare and in most cases are localized in the fifth metatarsal. The gold standard of the diagnosis of fractures in this area can be X-rays, which in most cases allows verifying the diagnosis. The treatment tactics depend on the localization of the fracture according to Lawrence and Botte’s classification: 3 zones of localization are distinguished. Fractures located in zones 2 and 3 belong to a high-risk group due to delayed consolidation and nonunion and therefore athletes are most often treated with osteosynthesis using intramedullary screws. The minimal recovery time for this type of treatment is at least 8 weeks. This report describes 7 cases of the fifth metatarsal bone fractures, located in zones 2 and 3 in professional football players who were treated with an immobilization boot, cryotherapy, nutritional supplements of calcium and vitamin D, and local injections of platelet-rich plasma, which contains numerous growth factors. The deadline for returning to regular training activities was 43 to 50 days, and there was no relapse of damage within 6 months of follow-up. Levels of Evidence: Level of evidence 4: case report study

Context: Our goal was to review the current literature regarding the ability of substances that have recently been included in the WADA prohibited list (i.e., meldonium, trimetazidine, xenon, and cobalt) or in the monitoring program (i.e., ecdysterone and bemethyl) to enhance performance in athletes or cause adverse effects. Evidence Acquisition: To find out which studies led to the prohibition of the substances mentioned, we searched the PubMed database using keywords including the substances’ or methods’ names, as well as phrases related to various aspects of sports activities and health assessments of athletes. Results: The results obtained during our systematic literature search clearly indicate that there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting the impact of several substances prohibited by WADA (i.e., meldonium, trimetazidine, xenon, and cobalt) on athletic performance or on health in athletes. Conclusions: There is insufficient evidence that the previously mentioned substances have any performance enhancing potential. If left on the list, meldonium may be classified as a “specified substance” because of its wide availability and due to the fact that this drug that can be easily bought over the counter without a prescription.

BACKGROUND: The present study investigated the impact of competitive soccer on the short-term changes in isometric strength of the adductor muscle group during the competitive season. METHODS: In this cohort study we evaluated the association between a serum marker of muscle damage [creatine phosphokinase (CPK)] and isometric strength of the adductor muscles of the hip in 30 professional football players (age: 26.7±2.9 years) during two seasons of the national top-level championship. Serum CPK level was determined the day before the match, 12–20, 36–48, 60–72 h after the match. The maximum voluntary isometric contraction force of the adductor muscles complex was determined immediately after having taken blood samples. RESULTS: There was evidence of a statistically significant positive association between age, body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat, and muscle strength, and between weight and muscle strength. There was evidence of a statistically significant negative association between the level of CPK and the maximum isometric strength of the adductors of soccer players. Changes in CPK levels were associated with the muscle strength recovery trend (P

Background: Professional soccer players are often evaluated with asymptomatic lesions of the ankle and foot, and such abnormalities may eventually become clinically relevant. Purpose: To ascertain the prevalence of foot and ankle abnormalities in elite professional adult soccer players. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Professional adult male elite soccer players (n = 37) underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of both their feet and ankles. All competed for their respective national junior or adult soccer teams. MRI scans were performed with 1.5-T scanners and analyzed independently by 2 experienced radiologists. Results: The MRI scans of 86.5% of the players showed degenerative joint disease (DJD) in at least 1 of the joints of the foot and ankle. Articular cartilage lesions in the joints of the foot and ankle were evident in 42% of the scans. Of all lesions, 17% were grade 3 or 4 (Noyes and Stabler classification) cartilage lesions and accompanied by subchondral bone marrow edema. The greater the age, weight, and height of the players, the greater was the odds ratio of DJD of the ankle joint. Synovitis in at least 1 of the joints of the foot was detected in 64% of the MRI scans. Leg dominance significantly correlated with bone marrow edema of the talus. Conclusion: Elite professional soccer players are often evaluated with a high prevalence of asymptomatic osteochondral lesions with subchondral bone marrow edema in the foot and ankle. These osteochondral lesions may remain asymptomatic or, with the continuing high-intensity stresses that modern professional soccer demands of its athletes, may evolve and cause foot and ankle pain. It is unclear whether and which interventions can be implemented to prevent the occurrence of these abnormalities in the first place.

Background The present study assessed the prevalence of non-contact muscle injuries of the lower limbs, including hamstring injuries, in professional Russian soccer players who regularly perform Salah, an obligatory Muslim prayer performed 5 times a day. Methods Using a retrospective cohort study design, 68 professional male soccer players (excluding goalkeepers), 34 of whom were Muslims regularly performing Salah (exposure group) and 34 were randomly chosen non-Muslim players (control group), were included in the study. The groups were similar in their playing leagues, field positions, age (27 ± 3.1 vs 28 ± 4.2 years), and body mass index (22 ± 1.2 vs 23 ± 0.92 kg/m2). Results The incidence of hamstring injury was significantly lower in the exposure group (2 vs 14, p = 0.0085). A declining trend for the number of muscle injuries (either hamstring or not) was observed in the exposure group (11 vs 27, p = 0.0562). Two players in the exposure group and 11 in the control group (p = 0.0115, OR 0.1307, 95% CI 0.0276 to 0.5698) suffered a hamstring injury, with no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of other injuries. The total amount of the training and play days missed because of hamstring and other muscle injuries was significantly lower in the exposure group (24 vs 213 days, p = 0.0043, and 200 vs 344 days, p = 0.0066, respectively). Conclusion The prevalence of non-contact muscle injuries, including hamstring injuries, was lower in professional Russian soccer players who regularly performed Salah.

IntroductionAt present, there are no data regarding the incidence and clinical course of COVID-19 among professional soccer players, and the studies examining putative complications of COVID-19 infections are probabilistic. Thus, examining the incidence of COVID-19 and various aspects of its clinical course in a group of adult professional soccer players would be of great practical interest.MethodsThe incidence, clinical course, and severity of COVID-19 infection, as well as the duration of treatment and return to play were studied by the questioning of the team physicians and medical records assessment in the group of adult professional soccer players representing the clubs of the Russian Premier-League (RPL) during the period of championship resumption from 01.04.2020 until 20.09.2020.ResultsCOVID-19 infection was detected in 103 soccer players in the course of COVID-19 screening. This number comprises 14.5% of all soccer players which were on the rosters of RPL soccer teams and which were subject to regular COVID-19 testing.The asymptomatic course was observed in 43.7% of cases (n=45). These players were isolated and their clinical condition was monitored closely. Clinical symptoms were observed in 56.3% of cases (n=58), the most common symptoms being fatigue, headache, fever, and anosmia.ConclusionsCOVID-19 infection was commonly diagnosed among adult professional soccer players continuously residing in Russia. However, the majority of infections had a mild course and did not impair return to regular exercise.

Bezuglov, E, Shvets, E, Lyubushkina, A, Lazarev, A, Valova, Y, Zholinsky, A, and Waśkiewicz, Z. Relative age effect in Russian elite hockey. J Strength Cond Res 34(9): 2522-2527, 2020-A considerable amount of literature has been published on relative age effect (RAE) in many sports; however, only a few studies have investigated this phenomenon in European elite ice hockey. The objective of this research was to study RAE prevalence in Russian elite ice hockey, which for years has been holding leading positions in global ice hockey. To estimate RAE prevalence, birthdates of recruits of leading ice hockey academies, players of the leading junior and adult teams, and most successful Russian-born National Hockey League (worlds' strongest ice hockey league) players were identified (n = 2,285). A high prevalence of RAE was identified. The number of players born in the first half of the year was higher than those born later in the year-65.5 and 34.5%, respectively. The RAE prevalence was high among all age groups of recruits of the leading Russian hockey academies and junior teams. In contrast to junior hockey, more players born in the fourth quarter of the year were identified in elite adult teams. The high prevalence of RAE in Russian hockey might be explained by the fact of a high level of competition among young players during recruitment to hockey academies. Moreover, the coaches aim to achieve immediate progress, thus selecting more mature players who are better physically developed. However, "later-born" are widely present in elite adult ice hockey leagues.

BackgroundCurrently, no data is available regarding the association between professional experience or limb dominance and the prevalence of asymptomatic knee joint lesions in adult professional male soccer players.HypothesisThe prevalence of the accumulated changes increases with training experience. This is especially true for the dominant leg, which is involved in a large proportion of the athletes’ movements.Study DesignLevel 2 cross-sectional cohort studyMethodsMRI was used to assess the condition of 94 knee joints in 47 adult professional male soccer players (mean age 25.7 ± 4.6 years, BMI 22.8 ± 1.4). Previous surgery on joints was an exclusion criterion. No football player had knee injuries (including fresh bruises) for at least 3 months before the examination. All the scans were performed using a 1.5T MRI scanner and a slice thickness of 3 mm. The images were blindly analyzed by two experienced radiologists. We analyzed all the three compartments of the knee joint. We consider a chondral lesion already from grade I in modified Noyes and Stabler classification system. To assess the influence of soccer training experience, all players were divided into two groups: group 1 formed from players with less than 20 years of experience and group 2 with more than 20 years of experience.ResultsOne hundred percent of the soccer players had at least one chondral and meniscal lesion.In both legs, the posterior horn of the medial meniscus (95.6%) was the most frequent site of injury. Most of the injuries were classified as grade II injuries (73.3% for the dominant and 75.6% for the non-dominant leg).Experience and age of the athletes significantly increased the probability of subcortical bone lesions. They were significantly positively correlated with the grades of patellar lesions and lesions of the patellar surface of the femur and significantly negatively correlated with the grades of lesions of posterior horn of lateral meniscus and anterior horn of medial meniscus.No statistically significant differences in the prevalence and grades of cartilage and meniscal lesions in the dominant and non-dominant limb were observed.ConclusionSoccer practice is associated with the increased prevalence of asymptomatic chondral and meniscal lesions.The probability of subcortical bone lesions significantly increases with training experience and age. These factors are also positively correlated with the grades of patellar lesions and lesions of the patellar surface of the femur.The prevalence and grade of asymptomatic chondral and meniscal lesions is independent of leg dominance.

The present-day conservative treatment algorithms of Osgood-Shlatter Disease (OSD) are often inadequate for young athletes because they require extremity immobilization and avoidance of sports, and hence the longer duration of rehabilitation. Therefore, the development of safe and efficacious treatment protocols for young athletes is of great practical importance. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of the conservative treatment of Osgood-Schlatter disease in young professional soccer players. Medical records of young soccer players from two different Russian soccer-academies from the period January 2016–July 2019 were analyzed in a retrospective cohort study. Trauma records of young soccer players aged 11–15 years were included in the analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics software, 23.0. Descriptive statistics tools were applied for the analysis. A total of 280 soccer players were included in the study. The aged ranged between 11 and 15 years. Ten percent of players (n = 28, mean age 12.9 ± 1.3) were diagnosed with OSD during the observation period. The mean OSD treatment duration was 27.3 ± 13.9 days. Bilateral symptoms were observed in 42.9% of cases, and unilateral symptoms in 57.1%. In 53.6% of players, the first manifestation of OSD symptoms was observed during wintertime. All players were training on artificial turf playing fields. Conservative treatment without immobilization was applied to all patients. It included kinesiotherapy for quadriceps muscle lengthening and physiotherapy as well as gradual increase of physical activity. A total of 35.7% of players reported having discomfort upon resuming regular training, which caused some restrictions in exercise. However, the symptoms resolved spontaneously with time. Surgical treatment or complete avoidance of exercise was not used in any of the patients. High incidence of OSD was revealed among young soccer players of the leading Russian soccer academies. The OSD most commonly occurred during wintertime. Conservative treatment of OSD—i.e., physiotherapy and kinesiotherapy—enabled disease-free resuming of sports activity for the majority of patients.

There is now compelling evidence of the effectiveness of a range of post-exercise recovery techniques, including extended nights of sleep, cold water immersion, massage, and compression garments. Currently, limited information is available on post-exercise recovery methods used by elite endurance athletes. Therefore, this study investigated the actual methods of recovery used in this group of athletes. Google Forms were used to collect information on the recovery methods used by elite endurance track and field athletes (n = 153, 61.4% men, 38.6% women, average age: 22.7 ± 4.6 years). The most used methods of recovery were sauna bathing (96.7%), massage (86.9%), daytime nap (81.0%), and long night sleep (at least 9h) (61.4%). Recovery methods with proven effectiveness such as cold water immersion and compression garments were rarely used (15.0% and 7.8%, respectively). Overall, recovery methods were used more often when the tiers of the track and field athletes were higher. Massage and sauna bathing were the most used methods of post-exercise recovery among Russian endurance track and field athletes. In most cases, they were used in conjunction with short daytime nap and long night sleep. Higher tier athletes were more likely to use sauna bathing, massage, long night sleep, and daytime nap but not cold water immersion and compression garments as recovery methods, however, all these methods except for cold water immersion were widely used among elite-tier athletes.