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Purpose: Different studies indicate that female players in team sports such as soccer tend to have a lower change-of-direction (COD) deficit (CODD) than their male counterparts and that players who performed better in linear and curved sprints tended to have a worse CODD, suggesting that maximum speed does not equate to a faster COD. This study assessed how performance variables related to speed and jumping influence the variability of %CODD among adult highly trained female soccer players. Methods: Fifty-two highly trained female soccer players (age 23.1 [3.25] y; height 163.6 [5.49] cm; weight 59.7 [5.71] kg) participated in this study and performed 180COD, 40-m sprint, countermovement jump, and standing broad jump tests. Results: Significant correlations were found between 180CODL, %CODDR, %CODDL, and between-limbs standing broad jump asymmetry (r =.28–.74). A very large correlation existed between %CODDR and %CODDL (r =.91). Regression analyses indicated a strong inverse relationship between the 10-m sprint time and %CODDR and %CODDL. No predictive models were found for 180COD in either limb. Differences in performance variables such as 180CODR, 180CODL, and asymmetry %CODD were significant between the high- and low-%CODD groups, with moderate to large effect sizes. Conclusion: The present study suggests that specific physical-performance variables, particularly acceleration and unilateral horizontal jumping, are vital to improving COD in highly trained female soccer players, highlighting the need for specific training interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultramarathons are a unique model to study the effects of systemic fatigue in athletes. This investigation applied the spring-mass template to study runners before and 2 days after a road ultramarathon to characterize the effects of fatigue on systemic gait patterns. Overground kinetics were captured 7 days before and 2 days after the event in 14 runners. Traditional kinetic and spring-mass parameters were calculated, along with nonlinear regression-derived parameters and spring-mass model fit metrics. After the ultramarathon, vertical force magnitudes and loading rates were unchanged, but impact peaks increased (1.88 ± 0.08–1.95 ± 0.10 bodyweight). Ground contact times were modestly shorter (−3 ± 1 ms), resulting in increased leg stiffness (10.0 ± 0.5–10.3 ± 0.5 kN/m) with equivocal vertical stiffnesses. The deviation from the modeled spring-mass kinetics also increased (171.3 ± 15.0–181.4 ± 16.5 N). Overall, the systemic mechanical behaviors of the runners persisted despite the fatigue and stress induced by a road ultramarathon. These findings support previous observations that runners maintain gross mechanical behavior when fatigued with small compensatory changes in spatiotemporal and traditional spring-mass characteristics. However, these findings also suggest that the variability within that gross behavior may increase after stress, suggesting new opportunities for quantifying those deviations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online reviews provide rich information on customer satisfaction, displaying various numeric ratings as well as detailed explanations presented in written form. However, analyzing such data is challenging due to the unstructured nature of text. This article introduces a novel machine-learning method for identifying interpretable key drivers of star ratings from text reviews, which might vary across segments. By adopting the Ising model prior to account for dependence between words, the model simultaneously achieves segmentation, identifies segment-level key topics (i.e., groups of frequently co-occurring words), and estimates the impacts of the selected words on the ratings. The authors first demonstrate that the proposed model successfully identifies segment-specific key drivers of customer satisfaction using illustrative simulated review data. Then, the authors utilize real-world reviews from Yelp for empirical applications. When applied to online reviews of 5,241 Arizona-based restaurants, the model identifies three distinct restaurant segments, each characterized by three to five important topics. The model's performance is evaluated against six benchmark models, encompassing various topic models and latent class regression with variable selection. The comparison results emphasize the proposed model's unique advantages in prediction, interpretability, and handling heterogeneity. Additionally, the authors demonstrate the applicability of the model in examining customer segmentation for individual restaurants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Psychological concerns, such as athlete burnout and diminished well-being, have become a more recognized problem among collegiate student-athletes due to substantial demands. The purpose of this study was to determine if (1) an association exists between athlete burnout and well-being in female collegiate student-athletes and (2) social support has a main or buffering-effect on well-being and athlete burnout. Design: Cross-sectional. Methods: 174 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I female collegiate student-athletes were recruited from a single institution to participate. A web-based survey was distributed via Qualtrics during the middle of an academic semester. The following scales were utilized to evaluate social support, athlete burnout, and well-being: Perceived Available Support in Sport Questionnaire, Athlete Burnout Questionnaire, and Warwick Edinburgh Metal Well-Being Scale. Results: Correlation analyses presented a significant negative, moderate correlation (r = −.58, P <.001) between athlete burnout and well-being as well as between social support and athlete burnout (r = −.526, P <.001). A moderate, positive correlation was identified between social support and well-being (r =.604, P <.001). Social support was a significant predictor for reduced sense of accomplishment (F1,172 = 68.32, P <.001), physical and emotional exhaustion (F1,172 = 22.00, P <.001), sport devaluation (F1,172 = 56.51, P <.001), and well-being (F1,172 = 115.3, P <.001). Conclusion: Findings provide new information on theory-based considerations for reducing athlete burnout and improving well-being in female collegiate student-athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Choosing between screw-retained and cement-retained restorations in the esthetic zone may significantly impact the restorative contour. This study analyzes the effect of facial-palatal implant positioning on the facial emergence angle of implant restorations in the anterior maxilla. A total of 133 maxillary anterior implant cases were captured with intraoral scans and used to create digital prosthetic designs. The restoration facial emergence angle and the implant depth were determined using images at the midfacial cross section. Simple logistic and linear regression models were used to analyze the interrelation between the emergence angle, depth, and retention methods. The average facial emergence angle for all restorations in this study was 34.4 degrees. A significant difference in emergence angle was found between screw-retained and cement-retained groups, with averages of 37.3 degrees and 27.9 degrees, respectively. There was no difference in the mean depth between the two groups. A strong negative linear relationship between depth and emergence angle was seen for the screw-retained group. Overall, implant positioning in the anterior maxilla has a significant influence on emergence angle. Facial emergence angle is significantly greater for implants in a screw-retained position. This may be partially alleviated by deeper implant placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the literature on upselling has investigated different aspects of inducing upselling, there are limited discussions of the effect of past transactions on customers' acceptance of upsells. Building on the expectation-confirmation and reference dependence theories, this study utilized mixed-effect regression analysis to explore the extent to which customers' acceptance of upsells changes in response to their prior experience of unexpected gains via free upgrades. The results show that customers accept and spend more on upselling offers when they have experienced a free upgrade in a past transaction and that the effect of the free upgrade on upselling is positively moderated by the level of employee engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phase angle (PhA) is an indicator of cellular health, function, and integrity. PhA has been considered an indicator of nutritional and health status, but it is uncertain whether it could be used as a fitness or athletic performance indicator. Objective: To analyze the relationship between PhA and the fitness and athletic performance of adolescent boxers and to know whether this association is independent of body composition. Methods: Thirty-seven trained youth boxers (15–18 y old) participated in the study. Participants underwent anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance assessments. The following tests were conducted: Fitness-Gram battery; speed, agility, and quickness; ball throws; punch impact force; bench press maximal strength; and vertical and horizontal jumps. Linear regression models were estimated and adjusted by covariates. Results: The PhA was related to upper-limb strength. Nevertheless, in linear regression models, after adjusting models by body composition, only PhA remained as a predictor of relative maximal strength. The PhA was not a predictor of speed, agility, and quickness; cardiorespiratory fitness; or lower-limb power, in which adiposity was the main predictor of fitness. Conclusions: In adolescent boxers, PhA can predict upper-limb maximal strength independently of bioelectrical impedance analysis premises. However, compared with mucle mass, PhA is not a better predictor of upper-limb maximal strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Work passion—a motive that contains affective and cognitive components—is highly desirable and has positive consequences for individuals and organizations. We propose work passion as the missing piece that can explain unique variance in job satisfaction above and beyond the established predictor of dispositional affect. Taking a motivational approach based on the Dualistic Model of Passion and self‐determination theory, we tested how two types of work passion (harmonious and obsessive) and two types of dispositional affect (positive and negative) predicted overall job satisfaction and nine job satisfaction facets (satisfaction with pay, promotion, supervision, fringe benefits, contingent rewards, operating conditions, coworkers, the nature of work, and communication). In a two‐wave study of working adults, structural equation modeling and regression‐based relative weights analysis showed that harmonious passion predicted the largest proportion of variance in job satisfaction overall and in all nine of its facets. Together, our findings highlight the importance of harmonious passion and the utility of a motivational theoretical perspective on job satisfaction for HR scholars and practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organizations must excel at what they do well while also learning new ways of operating to achieve long‐term success. Work teams may thus find themselves pursuing contradictory objectives to support the organization's strategy. We investigated teams' goal orientation (in)congruence and its impact on task meaningfulness and, ultimately, performance, hypothesizing the potential pitfalls of teams simultaneously pursuing both learning‐ and performance‐goal orientations. Three‐wave, multisource data were collected from 109 teams at a large North American mortgage company. In a polynomial regression and response surface analytical framework, team task meaningfulness—and subsequent team performance—was enhanced when teams had greater divergence between their learning‐ and performance‐goal orientations but suffered when both goal orientations were more aligned. Our investigation thus revealed the potential pitfalls of teams simultaneously pursuing both learning‐ and performance‐goal orientations. We discuss the theoretical contributions of the team goal orientation incongruence effect substantiated in this study, as well as implications for practice and future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the compressed workweek (CWW) has gained traction in recent years, its impact on firms' financial performance is not well understood. This study addresses this gap in the literature by examining the effect of the CWW on shareholder value. Drawing on social exchange theory and its norm of reciprocity, we introduce a conceptual model on the main effect of the CWW on shareholder value, and the moderating roles of the anticipated type and degree of employee reciprocation. To test the model's predictions, we exploit the announcement of Belgium's mandatory adoption of a CWW in February 2022 as the setting for a policy event study analysis. We find positive average stock price reactions of Belgian listed firms to the CWW's announcement, consistent with investors expecting the CWW to result in favorable employee reciprocation. Stock price reactions are more positive for firms with a lower ex ante employee productivity, suggesting employees are predicted to reciprocate with higher efforts. Stock price reactions are also more positive for firms with a higher reliance on knowledge workers, consistent with these employees deriving a greater utility from flexible working arrangements. Robustness tests, including a placebo analysis and an event study of international firms with Belgian subsidiaries, corroborate our results. Our study offers several theoretical contributions and has practical implications for HR managers and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maximum running speed is a performance determinant in para-athletics and cerebral palsy football. Sixty international para-athletes with brain impairments completed five activity-limitation tests (standing broad jump, four bounds for distance, split jumps, 10-m speed skip, and running in place) and two criterion tests (40-m sprint and modified agility test). The same three tests (standing broad jump, four bounds for distance, and 10-m speed skip) that correlated with running performance in nondisabled runners (.67 < r < −.82; p <.05; 75% of variance) also correlated in para-athletes with brain impairments (.41 < r < −.62; p <.01; 55% of variance). Standing broad jump, four bounds for distance, split jumps, and running in place also correlated with change-of-direction speed (.43 < r < −.63; p <.01; 58% of variance). Results indicate that methods of classification for para-athletics with nondisabled runners are also valid with para-athletes with brain impairments, and new sport-specific relationships were found for assessing the performance of rapid and short sprints toward different directions, specific of a team para-sport like cerebral palsy football. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pathogenesis of periodontitis may be related to host-mediated inflammatory and immune responses caused by accumulation of oral microbial plaque. Nutrients have anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory capabilities. Dietary intake of antioxidants and micronutrients is associated with the inflammatory burden of the diet. The Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) is a composite index for assessing the antioxidant properties of a diet, and the relationship with periodontitis is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between periodontitis and CDAI. Method and materials: The study was a cross-sectional design and included 7,471 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009 to 2014 database. Participants were divided into experimental and control groups according to the relevant criteria, where the control group consisted of participants with no/mild periodontitis (including 3,646 participants) and the experimental group consisted of participants with moderate/severe periodontitis (including 3,825 participants). First, baseline characteristics of the two groups of participants were compared. Weighted logistic regression analyses was used to explore the relationship between periodontitis and CDAI. The linear relationship between the two was assessed using restricted cubic spline. Finally, sub-group analyses were used to assess model stability. Results: Differences between the two groups of participants were statistically significant in age, sex, race, education, ratio of household income to poverty, body mass index, smoking status, drinking status, and prevalence of diabetes. CDAI, as a continuous variable, was not found to be significantly associated with periodontitis. The CDAI was converted to categorical variables according to quartile. In model 1, participants in the second and third quartile groups had a lower risk of developing periodontitis compared with participants in the lowest quartile group (OR [95% CI] 0.810 [0.681, 0.963], P=.021; OR [95% CI] 0.811 [0.691, 0.951], P=.014; respectively). In model 2, participants in the second, third, and fourth quartile groups had a lower risk of developing periodontitis compared to the lowest quartile group (OR [95% CI] 0.803 [0.660, 0.978], P=.0349; OR [95% CI] 0.753 [0.632, 0.897], P=.003; OR [95% CI] 0.753 [0.617, 0.920], P=.008; respectively). There was a non-linear relationship between CDAI and periodontitis (P non-linearity=.0055), with the inflection point occurring at a CDAI equal to 0.6342. Conclusion: There is a nonlinear relationship between CDAI and periodontitis in US adults. However, further prospective studies are still needed to validate the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe the self-reported menstrual health, symptomatology, and perceived effects of the menstrual cycle on athletic performance for national and international Australian football (soccer) players. Methods: Players from national and domestic teams were invited to complete an online questionnaire regarding menstrual health, use of hormonal contraceptives (HCs), negative symptomatology, and perceived disruption of the menstrual cycle to performance. Descriptive statistics and binomial regressions with odds ratios (OR) were used to report the relationship of menstrual-related variables with perceived performance disruption. Results: A total of 199 players (20.9 [5.1] y) completed the questionnaire, with 18% of players reporting using HCs. One primary amenorrhea case was detected, and 26% of players reported menarche at age ≥15 years. For non-HC users, the prevalence of secondary amenorrhea was 2%, oligomenorrhea was 19%, and heavy menstrual bleeding was 11%. Ninety-seven percent of players reported experiencing physical or affective menstrual symptoms (5 [1.3] per player), and 40% of all players reported that menstrual symptoms impacted their ability to work, study, train, or compete. Furthermore, 40% of players perceived their training or performance to be disrupted by the menstrual cycle. Increasing number of menstrual symptoms (OR = 1.43; 95% CI, 1.28–1.62; P <.001), heavy menstrual bleeding (OR = 12.73; 95% CI, 3.4–82.8; P <.001), and pelvic pain (OR = 3.40; 95% CI, 1.7–7.2; P <.001) increased the likelihood of perceiving the menstrual cycle to disrupt performance. Conclusion: Heavy menstrual bleeding and HC use were low among this cohort of national and international footballers, whereas amenorrhea and oligomenorrhoea were comparable with other football populations. Nearly all players reported menstrual symptoms, and increased symptomatology was associated with greater perceived effects on performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Agility in young soccer players has long been associated with physical attributes like strength, speed, and power. The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship between cognitive factors and agility performance in this unique population. Methods: 39 young soccer players age 13.56 (SD 0.58) years were assessed for leg-muscle function (jump tests) and maturation status (peak height velocity). The Y-Agility Test, which included decision making in players, was used to measure performance. Cognitive factors such as perceptual skills and decision making were evaluated with the Y-Agility Test. Results: The linear regression showed an absence of significance between the Y-Agility Test and drop-jump contact (P =.283), Y-Agility Test and drop-jump flight (P =.185), Y-Agility Test and squat jump (P =.868), and Y-Agility Test and countermovement jump (P =.310). The linear mixed-model analyses suggested a difference between early-average maturers (P =.009) and early-late maturers (P =.005) but did not show a difference between average-late subjects (P = 1.000). Drop-jump flight did not show a difference in maturation (early-average P = 1.000; early-late P = 1.000; average P = 1.000). Squat-jump performance did not demonstrate any significance (early-average P =.618; early-late P = 1.000; P = 1.000). Countermovement-jump performance did not show any significance (early-average P = 1.000; early-late P = 1.000; average-late P =.492). Finally, agility performance does not show any significance between maturation levels (early-average maturer P =.450; early-late P = 1.000; average-late P =.830). Conclusion: Agility in young soccer players appears to follow a nonlinear trajectory, with cognitive factors possibly playing a more significant role than previously thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Challenge and threat (C/T) states have been shown to predict sport performance under pressure. Nevertheless, only one study has examined whether preseason C/T states are associated with season-long performance, yielding promising findings. Despite promising findings, this work is not without limitations that warrant addressing. We aimed to address these limitations and contribute to the scarce literature which tests the effect of anticipatory C/T states on longer term performance. Thirty-eight amateur cricketers prepared and delivered two counterbalanced speeches: a control speech and a speech about an important cricket batting situation approximately 16 weeks prior to the start of their competitive season. Regression analysis showed that cardiovascular reactivity in anticipation of delivering a speech about an important cricket batting scenario the next season did not predict season-long batting performance. The findings have potential to challenge the role C/T states play in predicting longer term performance in the sport domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spiroergometry is important for modern performance diagnostics, and reference values have been evaluated for bicycle and treadmill ergometers. The aim of this study is to assess the comparability of bicycle and hand-crank spiroergometry and its associated parameters, as hand-crank spiroergometry can be used during rehabilitation in patients with definitive or temporally impairment of the lower extremity. Methods: Thirty-seven healthy volunteers completed 2 exhausting performance diagnostics on hand-crank and bicycle spiroergometry. Participants' anthropometric characteristics, maximum power, multiple exertion criteria, maximum aerobic capacity, and maximum heart rate were detected, and ventilatory and metabolic thresholds were determined. Results: The maximum power, maximum heart rate, maximum aerobic capacity, and ventilatory thresholds were significant higher on the bicycle ergometer (P <.001). The metabolic thresholds occurred on higher lactate values on the hand-crank ergometer. Equations for calculating maximum aerobic capacity from the maximum power measured in either hand-crank or bicycle ergometer could be found through regression analysis. Conclusions: Although there are problems in interpreting results of different ergometries due to severe physiology differences, the equations can be used for patients who are temporally unable to complete the established ergometry due to a deficit in the lower extremity. This could improve training recommendations for patients and para-athletes in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In business research, firm size is both ubiquitous and readily measured. Complexity, another firm-related construct, is also relevant, but difficult to measure and not well-defined. As a result, complexity is less frequently incorporated in empirical designs. We argue that most extant measures of complexity are one-dimensional, have limited availability, and/or are frequently misspecified. Using both machine learning and an application-specific lexicon, we develop a text solution that uses widely available data and provides an omnibus measure of complexity. Our proposed measure, used in tandem with 10-K file size, provides a useful proxy that dominates traditional measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a prevalent chronic condition characterized by retropatellar or peripatellar pain exacerbated by various knee flexion-based activities. Previous research has highlighted the impact of psychological constructs on pain and function in chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions, yet their influence on physical activity in PFP cohorts remains unexplored. We aimed to evaluate whether pain self-efficacy and pain catastrophizing predict variations in steps per day and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among individuals with PFP. Design: Cross-sectional observational study. Methods: Thirty-nine participants (11 males) with PFP were included. Dependent variables were steps per day and minutes of MVPA. Independent variables were pain self-efficacy and pain catastrophizing, measured by the pain self-efficacy questionnaire and the pain catastrophizing scale. Participants were given an ActiGraph wGT3X-BT for 7 days to assess physical activity. Correlations were assessed between psychological measures and physical activity, and a simple linear regression was performed on psychological variables that correlated with physical activity. Alpha was set a priori at P <.05. Results: Pain self-efficacy scores displayed a moderate association with steps per day (rho =.45, P =.004) and a weak association with MVPA (rho =.38, P =.014). Pain catastrophizing scores exhibited no significant associations with physical activity (P <.05). Regression models affirmed pain self-efficacy scores as significant predictors of both steps per day (F1,37 = 10.30, P =.002) and MVPA (F1,37 = 8.98, P =.004). Conclusions: Psychological measures continue to demonstrate value to clinicians treating PFP. Pain self-efficacy scores were moderately associated with steps per day and weakly associated with MVPA, explaining nearly a fifth of the variation in physical activity. Clinicians should prioritize the assessment of pain self-efficacy when treating individuals with PFP, potentially employing psychological interventions to improve physical activity in the PFP population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Poor knee biomechanics contribute to knee joint injuries. Neuromuscular control over knee position is partially derived from the hip. It is unknown whether isolated activation training of the gluteal muscles improves lower-extremity frontal plane mechanics. This study examined if a home-based hip muscle activation program improves performance on the Forward Step-Down Test as well as increases surface electromyography (sEMG) activation of the gluteal muscles. Design: The study utilized a single-group repeated-measures design. Methods: Thirty-five participants (24 females, mean age = 23.17 [SD 1.36] years) completed an 8-week hip muscle activation program. The Forward Step-Down Test score and sEMG of gluteus maximus and medius were assessed preintervention and postintervention. Results: Forward Step-Down Test scores improved significantly from preintervention (Mdn = 3.5) to postintervention (Mdn = 3.0, T = 109, P =.010, r =.31.), but this result did not meet clinical significance. sEMG analysis revealed a significant increase in mean gluteus maximus activation (P =.028, d = 1.19). No significant dose–response relationship existed between compliance and the Forward Step-Down Test scores or sEMG results. Conclusions: A home-based hip activation program increases gluteus maximus activation without clinically significant changes in frontal plane movement quality. Future studies may find clinical relevance by adding motor learning to the activation training program to improve functional muscle use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), patients exhibit abnormal walking mechanics and quadriceps dysfunction. Quadriceps dysfunction has been largely attributed to muscle atrophy and weakness. While important, these factors do not capture intrinsic properties of muscle that govern its ability to generate force and withstand load. While fascicle abnormalities after ACLR have been documented in early stages of recovery (<12 mo), long-term effects of ACLR on fascicle mechanics remain unexplored. We evaluated quadriceps fascicle mechanics during walking 3 years post-ACLR and examined the relationship with knee mechanics. Participants included 24 individuals with ACLR and 24 Controls. Linear mixed models compared the ACLR, Contralateral, and Controls limbs for (1) quadriceps strength, (2) fascicle architecture and mechanics, and (3) knee mechanics. No difference in strength or overall fascicle length excursions was found between limbs. The ACLR limb exhibited longer fascicles at heel strike and peak knee extension moment (P <.001–.004), and smaller fascicle angles at heel strike, peak knee extension moment, and overall suppressed fascicle angle excursions (P <.001–.049) relative to the Contralateral and/or Control limb. This indicates an abnormality in fascicle architecture and mechanics following ACLR and suggests abnormalities in contractile function that cannot be explained by muscle weakness and may contribute to long-term gait irregularities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose was to examine (1) the effect of measurement position and sex on femoral cartilage outcomes, and (2) the association between gait biomechanics and cartilage outcomes. Fifty individuals participated (25 males and 25 females; age = 20.62 [1.80] y). Ultrasound measured femoral cartilage thickness and echo-intensity at 90°, 115°, and 140° of knee flexion. Gait outcomes included the external knee adduction and knee flexion moments. Cartilage outcomes were compared using 2 (sex) × 3 (position) repeated-measures analysis of variance. Gait and cartilage associations were assessed using stepwise regression. Medial cartilage was thicker when measured at 90° compared with 115° (P =.02) and 140° (P <.01), and 115° compared with 140°, (P <.01) in males but not in females. Cartilage was thicker at 90° compared with 140° across both sexes within all regions (P <.01). Males had thicker cartilage than females in all positions (P <.01). Echo-intensity was lower at 90° than 115° (P <.01) and 140° (P =.01) in the central and lower at 90° than at 115° (P <.01) and 140° (P =.03) in lateral regions. No association was found between gait and cartilage outcomes. Ultrasound imaging position effects cartilage features more in males compared with females. Imaging position and sex influence cartilage outcomes and should be considered in study designs and clinical evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this review was to evaluate the effects of physical activity on children's free recall, cued recall, and recognition episodic memory and to explore potential moderating factors. Methods: The following databases were searched: PubMed, ERIC, APA Psych Info, CINHAL, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar. Studies were included if: (1) participants were aged 4–18 years, (2) participants were typically developed, (3) participants were randomized to groups, (4) interventions employed gross movements, (5) sedentary group was used for control, (6) memory tests were quantitative, and (7) employed acute or chronic intervention. Results: 14 studies met inclusion criteria resulting in the analysis of data from 7 free recall, 7 cued recall, and 8 recognition memory tests. Physical activity was found to have a positive influence on tests free (g = 0.56), cued recall (g = 0.67), and no influence on tests of recognition (g = 0.06). While some moderator analyses were significant, the authors do not consider these results to be meaningful in application. Conclusions: The effects of acute and chronic physical activity enhance specific aspects of long-term episodic memory. These findings suggest physical activity interventions developed for children may be expected to benefit some, but not all, types of memory processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To (1) establish extensive physiological profiles of highly trained CrossFit® athletes using gold-standard tests and (2) investigate which physiological markers best correlate with CrossFit Open performance. Methods: This study encompassed 60 participants (30 men and 30 women), all within the top 5% of the CrossFit Open, including 7 CrossFit semifinalists and 3 CrossFit Games finalists. Isokinetic dynamometers were employed to measure maximum isometric and isokinetic leg and trunk strength. Countermovement-jump height and maximum isometric midthigh-pull strength were assessed on a force plate. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) was measured by a cardiopulmonary exercise test, and critical power and W′ were evaluated during a 3-minute all-out test, both on a cycle ergometer. Results: Male and female athletes' median (interquartile range) VO2peak was 4.64 (4.43, 4.80) and 3.21 (3.10, 3.29) L·min−1, critical power 314.5 (285.9, 343.6) and 221.3 (200.9, 238.9) W, and midthigh pull 3158 (2690, 3462) and 2035 (1728, 2347) N. Linear-regression analysis showed strong evidence for associations between different anthropometric variables and CrossFit Open performance in men and women, whereas for markers of cardiorespiratory fitness such as VO2peak, this was only true for women but not men. Conventional laboratory evaluations of strength, however, manifested minimal evidence for associations with CrossFit Open performance across both sexes. Conclusions: This study provides the first detailed insights into the physiology of high-performing CrossFit athletes and informs training optimization. Furthermore, the results emphasize the advantage of athletes with shorter limbs and suggest potential modifications to CrossFit Open workout designs to level the playing field for athletes across different anthropometric characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this study, we compared the influence of movement specificity during velocity–load jump testing to predict on-ice acceleration performance in elite speed skaters. Methods: Elite long-track speed skaters (N = 27) performed velocity–load testing with 3 external loads during unilateral horizontal jumping, lateral jumping, and bilateral vertical countermovement jumping. For the unilateral tests, external load conditions were set to 10 N, 7.5% and 15% of external load relative to body weight. For the countermovement jumping, load conditions were body weight and 30% and 60% of external load relative to body weight. On-ice performance measures were obtained during maximal 50-m accelerations from a standing start, including maximal skating speed, maximal acceleration capacity, and maximum horizontal power. The 100-m split time from a 500-m race was also obtained. Regularized regression models were used to identify the most important predictors of on-ice acceleration performance. In addition to regularized regression coefficients, Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were calculated for all variables retained by the model to assess interrelationships between single predictors and on-ice performance measures. Results: The countermovement jump with 30% of body mass demonstrated the strongest association with maximal skating speed, maximum horizontal power, and 100-m time (regularized regression coefficient =.16−.49, r =.84−.97, P <.001). Horizontal jump with 15% of body mass was the strongest predictor of maximal acceleration capacity performance (regularized regression coefficient =.08, r =.83, P <.001). Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that mechanical specificity rather than movement specificity was more relevant for predicting on-ice acceleration performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the growing demand for customised products, companies have faced increasing product and process complexity levels. To address this issue, manufacturing processes should become more flexible. One of the most promising technologies to achieve this goal is collaborative robotics (or 'cobots'). In collaborative assembly processes, human and robot combine their skills. However, the co-existence of humans and cobots in the same workspace may influence the operators' perception of assembly complexity. The analysis and control of assembly complexity are crucial to achieving better performances in terms of process quality and operators' well-being. Many qualitative methods have been proposed in the literature to provide a holistic assessment of assembly complexity. This paper proposes a novel method to define a quantitative scale of perceived assembly complexity, based on Thurstone Law of Comparative Judgements. This method was applied to an experimental case-study concerning the assembly of three different products in two modalities (i.e. manual and collaborative). Regression analysis showed that the perceived complexity may be related to the occurrence of process failures and to the perceived workload. The method also proved capable of identifying assembly processes where cobot assistance was helpful, providing process designers with a supporting tool to minimise perceived complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To complete a reanalysis study of two similarly designed prospective controlled studies exploring prognostic factors associated with the surgical outcomes of reconstructive treatment of peri-implantitis. Materials and Methods: Individual patient data of both studies were gathered. The initial study employed a submerged healing approach via primary wound closure with implant suprastructure removal and complete coverage of grafted sites. The second study employed a nonsubmerged healing protocol in which healing abutments were kept in place and the implants were not fully submerged. Both studies measured all prognostic factors at similar time points throughout 1 year and included clinical defect fill (DF) and radiographic defect fill (RDF), reduction of pocket depth (PDR), and bleeding on probing (BoP). Multilevel regression was used for statistical assessment of outcomes relative to the impact of site, local, surgical, and patient-related variables. Results: Overall, 59 implants (30 submerged and 29 nonsubmerged) were treated. Statistically significant higher DF (on average 0.9 mm higher), RDF (1.7 mm), and PDR (1.3 mm) were observed when a submerged reconstructive approach was performed, whereas BoP reduction was similar. After controlling for treatment (submerged/nonsubmerged), there were no other significant associations with patient-related (age, sex, smoking, prior periodontitis etc), or implant-related (previous prosthesis type, arch, keratinized tissue width [KTW], etc) factors. Conclusions: Within the study's limitations, we conclude that a submerged reconstructive approach for surgical management of peri-implantitis leads to significantly enhanced clinical and radiographic outcomes when compared to a nonsubmerged approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To measure the surface temperature distribution after using a CO2 laser to heat titanium dental implants via different power settings, application intervals, and irradiation times. Materials and Methods: A total of 10 tissue-level titanium implants (Screw-Line Promote Plus, Camlog; 4.3 × 11 mm) were placed (EpoFix, Struers) and irradiated with a CO2 laser (Denta 2, Lutronic) with a wavelength of 10.6 µm at power levels of 4 watts (Group 1), 6 watts (Group 2), 8 watts (Group 3), and 10 watts (Group 4). A continuous beam mode (setting I) and noncontinuous beam modes with 5-second (setting II) and 10-second (setting III) pause intervals were used. For each setting, a total irradiation time of 50 seconds was used and repeated 10 times. The temperature was measured using external thermocouple (Testo) in contact with the implant surface at the implant shoulder, middle, and apex. A linear regression model was used to analyze the data (P = .05). Results: Setting I demonstrated the most rapid increase in implant surface temperature in all three test sites as well as the greatest total temperature at 50 seconds of irradiation time. The greater the pause interval (settings II and III) during the 50 seconds of irradiation, the lower the rate of temperature increase as well as the total temperature in all three test sites and with all power levels. The average temperature difference between the apex and shoulder site was significant for setting III for all groups, but not for any groups in settings I and II. Conclusions: Heating the internal aspect of an implant with a CO2 laser produces different temperature distribution profiles depending on the laser power level and the application interval. Laser-beam irradiation leads to a temperature gradient, which is greatest at the implant apex and smallest at the implant shoulder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Altering baseball pitching mechanics affects both performance and the risk of injury. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships of shoulder external over internal rotation ratio (SEIR) and other shoulder rotational properties during physical exam and biomechanics of pitching for 177 collegiate baseball pitchers. The shoulder range of motion was quantitatively measured using a custom-made wireless device. Pitching motion data were collected at 240 Hz, and a custom program was created to calculate the throwing arm motion and loading during baseball pitching. Linear regression and analysis of variance tests were performed to investigate the relationships between the shoulder physical exam outcomes and throwing arm biomechanics. SEIR had significant correlations with shoulder horizontal adduction angle at foot contact, maximum shoulder external rotation angle, maximum shoulder linear velocity, and elbow angle at ball release. SEIR groups had significant differences in shoulder proximal force, adduction torque, internal rotation torque, and horizontal adduction torque, and in elbow medial force and varus torque. Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit and total rotational motion deficit had no relationships with throwing arm motions or joint loadings. Shoulder health should be monitored to improve understanding of pitching mechanics in collegiate baseball pitchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to cross-validate a recently proposed equation for the prediction of maximal oxygen uptake ( V ˙ O 2 max) in cycling exercise by using the average power output normalized by the body mass from a 5-minute time trial (RPO5-min) as the independent variable. Further, the study aimed to update the predictive equation using Bayesian informative prior distributions and meta-analysis. Methods: On different days, 49 male cyclists performed an incremental graded exercise test until exhaustion and a 5-minute time trial on a stationary cycle ergometer. We compared the actual V ˙ O 2 max with the predicted value obtained from the RPO5-min, using a modified Bayesian Bland–Altman agreement analysis. In addition, this study updated the data on the linear regression between V ˙ O 2 max and RPO5-min, by incorporating information from a previous study as a Bayesian informative prior distribution or via meta-analysis. Results: On average, the predicted V ˙ O 2 max using RPO5-min underestimated the actual V ˙ O 2 max by −6.6 mL·kg–1·min–1 (95% credible interval, −8.6 to −4.7 mL·kg–1·min–1). The lower and upper 95% limits of agreement were −17.2 (−22.7 to −12.3) and 3.8 (−1.0 to 9.5) mL·kg–1·min–1, respectively. When the current study's data were analyzed using the previously published data as a Bayesian informative prior distribution, the accuracy of predicting sample means was found to be better when compared with the data combined via meta-analyses. Conclusions: The proposed equation presented systematic bias in our sample, in which the prediction underestimated the actual V ˙ O 2 max. We provide an updated equation using the previous one as the prior distribution, which could be generalized to a greater audience of cyclists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context : In March 2020, public health concerns resulted in school closure throughout the United States . The prolonged sport cessation may affect knee injury risk in high school athletes. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare risk of knee injuries in high school athletes during 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 academic years, and stratify by gender, severity, mechanism of injury, injury type, and knee anatomic region . Design : Historical-prospective cohort study . Methods : This historical- prospective cohort study included 176 schools in 6 states matched by sport participation in control and COVID years from July 1, 2019 to June 30,2021. Injury rates per 1000 athletes per year were calculated with 95% confidence intervals. A negative binomial regression was performed to assess potential differences in knee injuries between academic years . Results: 94, 847 and 72,521 high school athletes participated in the 2019-2020(19-20) and 2020-2021 (20-21) seasons. Knee injury risk was higher in the 20-21 season (19-20: 28.89% [27.82-29.96-]; 20-21: 33.82% [32.50-35.14]). Risk increased for male athletes from 2019- 2020 to 2020-2021 (19-20: 29.42% [28.01-30.83]; 20-21 : 40.32% [38.89-41.75]). Female knee injury risk was similar between years (19-20: 25.78% [24.29-27.27]; 20-21: 26.03% [24.31-27.75]). Knee injuries increased by a ratio of 1.2 ([95% CI, 1.1- 1.3], P <.001) during 2020-2021. Conclusions,· Knee injury risk and relative risk increased among males in 2020-2021. Results indicate changes in knee injury risk following return from COVID shelter in place among high school athletes and implicate potential negative downstream effects of interrupted sports training and participation on high school injury risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among the political leanings of a state, the state-level implicit and explicit biases against transgender people, and the presence of transgender athlete bans. The authors collected archival data from 2021 and 2022 bans in the United States to examine the hypotheses. As of 2022, 18 states had passed laws barring transgender athletes from participating in sports. Results from regression analyses showed that conservative-leaning states were more likely to enact transgender athlete bans than their peers. The relationship was mediated by explicit (but not implicit) bias toward transgender people. The findings have implications for research and practice. Sport managers have an opportunity to create transgender-inclusive workplaces for staff, coaches, and other managers. They should also work with campus counselors and other staff to ensure that transgender athletes have ample support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show that a common component governs volatility dynamics across a wide range of traded equity factors. This "common factor volatility" (CFV) exists even among orthogonal factors. CFV occurs in both cash-flow and discount-rate components of factor returns and derives from market responses to fundamental news rather than underlying commonality in news volatility. Incorporating CFV improves factor volatility forecasts relative to models that include only own-factor volatility. CFV allows us to characterize stochastic discount factor (SDF) volatility dynamics in a very general sense and we show that many popular models imply SDFs with time-varying volatility that correlates strongly with CFV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate the benefits of merging traditional hypothesis-driven research with new methods from machine learning that enable high-dimensional inference. Because the literature on post-earnings announcement drift (PEAD) is characterized by a "zoo" of explanations, limited academic consensus on model design, and reliance on massive data, it will serve as a leading example to demonstrate the challenges of high-dimensional analysis. We identify a small set of variables associated with momentum, liquidity, and limited arbitrage that explain PEAD directly and consistently, and the framework can be applied broadly in finance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the values of 15 craniofacial linear distances in the Serbian ethnic group using and comparing two methods of face-anthropometric and digital 2D-face-photogrammetric measurement and to determine the correlations between distances that can be predictive or can serve as proxy for occlusal vertical dimension (OVD). Materials and Methods: A total of 90 adults were selected. Facial distance as a tool to measure the OVD was measured as Sn-Gn (the distance between the septum of the nose [Sn] and the tip of the chin [Gn]). Face-anthropometric measurements were made with a Boley gauge (Buffalo Dental). Digital 2D-photogrammetric facial measurements were performed using the computer program Dr Ceph (FYI Technologies). Results: The mean value for the distance Sn-Gn was 63.55 using face-anthropometric measurement (Sn-Gn[f]) and 63.56 using 2D-face-photogrammetic measurement (Sn-Gn[ph]) Multivariate regression analysis revealed that Sn-Gn(f) depended on ExL-ExR(f) P = .001; ZyL-ZyR(f) P = .077; N-Sn(f) P = .096; Sn-Sto(f) P = .043; and sex. Analysis also identified that Sn-Gn(ph) depended on ExL-ExR(ph) P < .001; EnL-EnR(ph) P = .029; N-Sn(ph) P = .013; Sn-Sto(ph) P = .001; and sex. Conclusions: A comparison of facial anthropometry and digital 2D-facial photogrammetry revealed no statistical significance differences in the values obtained and showed that facial photogrammetry could be as reliable a method as facial anthropometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women are more likely than men to be targets of incivility in the workplace. Scholars have referred to this pattern as selective incivility and suggest that incivility directed toward women—that is, selective incivility—is a form of modern sexism in the workplace. However, it remains unclear whether women themselves make sense of incivility from men as a form of gender bias, and when such perceptions shape whether women engage in unique responses to incivility perceived as selective. Drawing on social identity theory, we develop a conceptual model to better understand these relationships. Across two studies with working women, we show that women perceive male‐instigated incivility as selective. Further, our findings show that women are more likely to engage in problem‐focused‐responses (i.e., direct confrontation and formal reporting), rather than emotion‐focused responses (i.e., avoidance) in response to incivility perceived as selective and that these coping responses are, at times, moderated by the frequency of incivility. Overall, our research advances the literature on incivility, selective incivility, and gender bias at work, offers practical implications for managers seeking to foster workplace inclusion, and suggests novel directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To operationalize the extent to which firms place a strategic emphasis on human capital and human resource management (HRM), we draw on the strategy field's dominant logic theory and on the emerging literature on executive compensation for the heads of major firm functions, such as HRM. Specifically, we investigate whether the pay of human resource executives (HREs) relative to other members of top management teams (TMTs) is related to firm performance. After controlling for the endogeneity of HRE status as one of the highest paid executives on the TMT, we find in a comprehensive sample of the largest US firms that HRE relative pay is positively related to firm financial performance, specifically Tobin's Q. We also find that the relationship of HRE relative pay with Tobin's Q is stronger in relatively smaller and younger firms in our sample. The findings suggest that a strategic emphasis on human capital and HRM leads to higher firm value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humble leaders are traditionally thought to create a great deal of human and social capital, yet be overshadowed by self‐promoting rivals for promotions. We propose that through informal career mentoring, humble leaders can improve their organizational status and promotability. We tested our model among a multisource sample of 610 leaders across 18 industries and 21 job functions who participated in a leader development program. Leader humility was reported by the focal leaders' peers, leader mentoring behavior was reported by the focal leaders' direct reports, leader status was reported by the focal leaders' immediate bosses, and leader promotability was reported by the focal leaders' superiors. Results generally confirmed that leader humility predicted leader mentoring behavior, which in turn predicted leader status, and ultimately higher leader promotability ratings. We discuss how our findings extend and enrich the literatures on leader humility and mentoring, showing how humble leaders can ascend organizational hierarchies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Employers face many dilemmas in effectively implementing work–life flexibility to support employees' personal lives. A key issue is that some employees hold jobs with limited opportunities for work–life flexibility, making them susceptible to burnout; yet most employers believe they can do little to mitigate this dynamic. Furthermore, even when employees hold jobs with greater access to work–life flexibility, some do not take advantage of their flexibility to more fully engage in work and/or home roles. These issues are further exacerbated when supervisors are unsure of their role in supporting work–life flexibility. We identify work–life supportive context as a key factor that provides solutions to these dilemmas. Drawing on job demands resources theory, we posit that, when organizations provide work–life supportive training to supervisors, it promotes a work–life supportive context (i.e., signaling that the organization is supportive of employees' managing their work–life interface), which mitigates burnout for those with limited work–life flexibility and promotes engagement in work and home roles for those with greater work–life flexibility. Results from a year‐long randomized field experiment suggest that, in contexts with trained supervisors and lower employee control over work schedules and boundaries (i.e., lower work–life flexibility), emotional exhaustion is reduced. In contexts with trained supervisors and higher employee control over work boundaries (i.e., higher work–life flexibility), family engagement increases. Surprisingly, irrespective of job access to work‐life flexibility, supervisor participation in work–life support training did not enhance employee work engagement. Implications of our findings for fostering work–life supportive contexts are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study had 3 purposes: (1) to develop an index using machine-learning techniques to predict the fitness status of soccer players, (2) to explore the index's validity and its relationship with a submaximal run test (SMFT), and (3) to analyze the impact of weekly training load on the index and SMFT outcomes. Methods: The study involved 50 players from an Italian professional soccer club. External and internal loads were collected during training sessions. Various machine-learning algorithms were assessed for their ability to predict heart-rate responses during the training drills based on external load data. The fitness index, calculated as the difference between actual and predicted heart rates, was correlated with SMFT outcomes. Results: Random forest regression (mean absolute error = 3.8 [0.05]) outperformed the other machine-learning algorithms (extreme gradient boosting and linear regression). Average speed, minutes from the start of the training session, and the work:rest ratio were identified as the most important features. The fitness index displayed a very large correlation (r =.70) with SMFT outcomes, with the highest result observed during possession games and physical conditioning exercises. The study revealed that heart-rate responses from SMFT and the fitness index could diverge throughout the season, suggesting different aspects of fitness. Conclusions: This study introduces an "invisible monitoring" approach to assess soccer player fitness in the training environment. The developed fitness index, in conjunction with traditional fitness tests, provides a comprehensive understanding of player readiness. This research paves the way for practical applications in soccer, enabling personalized training adjustments and injury prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Precooling (PreC) may only benefit performance when thermal strain experienced by an individual is sufficiently high. We explored the effect of mixed-method PreC on 20-km cycling time-trial (CTT) performance under 3 different apparent temperatures (AT). Methods: On separate days, 12 trained or highly trained male cyclists/triathletes completed six 20-km CTTs in 3 different ATs: hot-dry (35 °C AT), moderately hot-humid (40 °C AT), and hot-humid (46 °C AT). All trials were preceded by 30 minutes of mixed-method PreC or no PreC (control [CON]). Results: Faster 2.5-km-split completion times occurred in PreC compared with CON in 46 °C AT (P =.02), but not in 40 °C AT (P =.62) or 35 °C AT (P =.57). PreC did not affect rectal and body temperature during the 20-km CTT. Skin temperature was lower throughout the CTT in PreC compared with CON in 46 °C AT (P =.01), but not in 40 °C AT (P = 1.00) and 35 °C AT (P = 1.00). Heart rate had a greater rate of increase during the CTT for PreC compared with CON in 46 °C AT (P =.01), but not in 40 °C AT (P =.57) and 35 °C AT (P = 1.00). Ratings of perceived exertion (P <.001) and thermal comfort (P =.04) were lower for PreC compared with CON in 46 °C AT only, while thermal sensation was not different between PreC and CON. Conclusion: Mixed-method PreC should be applied prior to 20-km CTTs conducted in hot-humid conditions (≥46 °C AT). Alternatively, mixed-method PreC may be a priority in moderately hot-humid (∼40 °C AT) conditions but should not be in hot-dry (∼35 °C AT) conditions for 20-km CTT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: COVID-19 caused major disruptions across the super-aged nation of Japan, yet few studies explored temporal changes among middle-aged and older cohorts from baseline to the height of community transmission. Changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior during global pandemics may alter patterns of morbidity and mortality among susceptible aging populations. Objectives: This study investigated patterns of physical activity, sitting behavior, and health among representative samples of middle-aged and older adults in Tokyo before and during the pandemic. Methods: Repeated online surveys were conducted with quota samples of 800 Tokyo residents in 2019 and 2021 using validated Japanese-language measures, including the short form-International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Basic Ecological Health Scale-6. Statistical analyses included comparative evaluations of activity parameters by age cohort, gender, and selected covariates. Statistical tests included the Kruskal–Wallis test, Mann–Whitney U test, chi-square test for Independence and Hierarchical Regression. Results: Over 34% of respondents were inactive at each data collection point, and 72% reported negative impacts of COVID-19 on their physical activities. Older adults showed no significant changes in their activity and sitting behavior and reported better health compared with those in middle age across the pandemic. Middle-aged males reported a significant decline in total activity of 33% across the pandemic period (U = 16,958, z = −2.64, p =.008, r =.13). Middle-aged females reported the lowest levels of physical activity, and health, and showed a 29% increase in sitting behavior across the pandemic (U = 16,925, z = −2.68, p =.007, r =.13). Subjective health status was consistently associated with higher overall activity and walking before and during the pandemic. Conclusion: Differential outcomes were identified between age and gender regarding health, physical activity, walking, and sitting across the pandemic with significantly worse impacts reported among middle-aged samples. Implications: These results have implications for healthy transitions to later life and the design of postpandemic interventions to address activity opportunities in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to describe the level of physical activity and its relation to fatigue and frailty during the COVID-19 pandemic in community-dwelling older adults aged 80 years and over. Three hundred and ninety-one older adults (aged 86.5 ± 3.00) completed a survey including physical activity, the Mobility Tiredness scale, and the FRAIL scale. Linear regression analysis was conducted to assess whether the variables age, sex, and physical activity (independent factors) were significantly related to fatigue and frailty. Respectively, 30.5% and 24.7% of the participants reported a decrease in walking and in energy-intensive activities; 25.4% reported increased sedentary behavior. A lower level of physical activity was associated with higher levels of fatigue and increased frailty risk (p <.05), independently from psychological symptoms. These results are important because participants with lower levels of physical activity and more sedentary behavior are more likely to feel fatigued and have higher risk to be frail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is widely reported among young females, and anti-androgens are used for treating hirsutism and acne in these patients. The protective effects of myo-inositol, oral contraceptives, and insulin sensitizers have been reported on the periodontium and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in PCOS females. However, cyproterone acetate/ethinyl estradiol (CPA/EE) has not yet been studied. This cross-sectional study explores the periodontal status and systemic inflammation in PCOS women on CPA/EE drug combination compared to females not on medication. Method and materials: A total of 150 participants were enrolled into three groups: 50 newly diagnosed PCOS females not on medication (N-PCOS); 50 PCOS females consuming CPA/EE combination for the last 6 months (PCOS+CPA/EE); and 50 systemically healthy females (control group). Anthropometric, biochemical, periodontal parameters, and health-related quality of life questionnaires were recorded. Results: N-PCOS and PCOS+CPA/EE groups showed a nonsignificant difference in hsCRP levels, Gingival Index, bleeding on probing, waist circumference, and waist-hip ratio (P > .05). Gingival thickness and keratinized tissue width were significantly greater in the PCOS+CPA/EE than the N-PCOS group (P = .05); however, these were comparable with the control group (P > .05). Regression analysis showed significant association of bleeding on probing with Gingival Index, clinical attachment level, and hsCRP (P = .05). Conclusions: CPA/EE combination does not influence the periodontal and systemic inflammatory status in PCOS females, as similar levels of local and systemic inflammation were observed in CPA/EE consumers compared with PCOS females not on medication. However, it might play a role in increasing gingival thickness and keratinized tissue width in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Among many unanticipated changes, access to rehabilitation was disrupted during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is unclear how the timing of late-stage rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament with surgical reconstruction (ACLR) during the initial months of the pandemic affected outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare physical performance outcome measures in patients following ACLR prior to and following COVID-19-related restrictions. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Data from patients who underwent return-to-sport testing following ACLR were analyzed based on date. December 2018 through March of 2020 (n = 66) was defined as the baseline period, and June through October 2020 (n = 27) was defined as the surveillance period. Outcome measures included single leg hop, triple hop, single leg vertical jump, and the lower-extremity functional test (LEFT). Linear mixed models were used to compare outcome measures before and after the onset of pandemic-related restrictions, clustered by sex and sport. A 1-way analysis of variance was performed to analyze the association between the number of virtual rehabilitation visits and outcome measures for subjects in the surveillance period. Results: Subjects in the surveillance period performed significantly worse in the LEFT (+7.88 s; 95% confidence interval, 1.11 to 14.66; P =.02) and single leg vertical jump on the unaffected side (−4.32 cm; 95% confidence interval, −7.44 to −1.19, P <.01), and performed better with single leg vertical jump symmetry (+6.3%; 95% confidence interval, 1.0% to 11.5%; P =.02). There were no other statistically significant differences. There was no significant association between having virtual rehabilitation visits and any of the performance outcomes. Conclusions: There was a decline in physical performance outcome measures in patients following ACLR who did not attend regular in-person physical therapy sessions in the late-stage rehabilitation due to COVID-19-related restrictions. Other factors during this unique time period, such as access to training facilities or psychosocial stressors, may have also influenced outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated (a) differences between males and females for changes in serum, tear, and urine osmolality, hematocrit, and urine specific gravity following acute passive dehydration and (b) assessed the reliability of these biomarkers separately for each sex. Fifteen males (age: 26.3 ± 3.5 years, body mass: 76 ± 7 kg) and 15 females (age: 28.8 ± 6.4 years, body mass: 63 ± 7 kg) completed a sauna protocol twice (5–28 days apart), aiming for 4% body mass loss (BML). Urine, blood, and tear markers were collected pre- and postdehydration, and change scores were calculated. Male BML was significantly greater than that of females in Trial 1 (3.53% ± 0.55% vs. 2.53% ± 0.43%, p <.001) and Trial 2 (3.36% ± 0.66% vs. 2.53% ± 0.44%, p =.01). Despite significant differences in BML, change in hematocrit was the only change marker that displayed a significant difference in Trial 1 (males: 3% ± 1%, females: 2% ± 1%, p =.004) and Trial 2 (males: 3% ± 1%, females: 1% ± 1%, p =.008). Regression analysis showed a significant effect for sex (male) predicting change in hematocrit (β = 0.8, p =.032) and change in serum osmolality (β = −3.3, p =.005) when controlling for BML but not for urinary or tear measures. The intraclass correlation coefficients for females (ICC 2, 1) were highest for change in urine specific gravity (ICC =.62, p =.006) and lowest for change in tear osmolarity (ICC = −.14, p =.689), whereas for males, it was posthematocrit (ICC =.65, p =.003) and post tear osmolarity (ICC =.18, p =.256). Generally, biomarkers showed lower test–retest reliability in males compared with females but, overall, were classified as poor–moderate in both sexes. These findings suggest that the response and reliability of hydration biomarkers are sex specific and highlight the importance of accounting for BML differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the criterion validity and test–retest reliability of isometric finger-strength testing in 6 differentiated grip techniques for the assessment of bouldering ability among male climbers. Methods: We recruited participants at climbing gyms in Sweden and through online advertisements. We included climbers over 15 years of age with a minimum bouldering performance level of 17 International Rock Climbing and Research Association (IRCRA) for men and 15 IRCRA for women. We tested unilateral, maximal isometric peak finger strength in the front 3 drag, half crimp, closed crimp, 35 sloper, 45 × 90-mm, and 90 × 90-mm pinch through maximal force deloaded of a force plate. We analyzed criterion validity, test–retest reliability, and capacity to determine bouldering performance ability using a stepwise multivariable regression model. Results: Women were excluded from the analysis due to insufficient sample size (n = 16). Thirty-two male participants were included in the primary analysis. The median (interquartile range) age in the advanced and elite group was 27 (25; 35) and 23 (22; 32) years, respectively. The half crimp for the participants' weak and strong hand displayed the highest ability to determine bouldering grade performance, explaining 48% to 58% of the variance. In the stepwise regression, maximal strength in the half crimp and the front 3 drag collectively explained 66% of the variance for performance. Conclusion: Strength in the half crimp proved the most important performance indicator. The results of this study provide a reliable and valid framework for maximal isometric peak finger-strength testing in advanced and elite male boulderers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficacy beliefs targeting personal (self-efficacy), teammates' (other-efficacy), and conjoint (collective efficacy) abilities are each associated with performance of athlete pairs. The purpose of this study was to examine (a) congruence/incongruence of efficacy beliefs between athletes in a pair as a predictor of quality of individual and team performance and (b) quality of performance relative to efficacy congruence at high, moderate, and low levels of efficacy. Eighty-two cheerleading pairs, composed of one base and one flyer, completed questionnaires assessing self-, other, and collective efficacy prior to a national collegiate competition. Individual and team performances were assessed using objective criteria. Polynomial regression analyses indicated that team performance was predicted by congruence of (a) both athletes' collective efficacy beliefs and (b) base self-efficacy and flyer other efficacy. Findings supported that congruence at moderate to high levels of efficacy was associated with better performance relative to incongruent efficacy beliefs across the two athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A decline in youth running was observed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated whether the resumption of organized running after social distancing restrictions changed running habits or injury frequency in adolescent runners. Methods: Adolescents (age = 16.1 [2.1] y) who participated in long-distance running activities completed an online survey in the Spring and Fall of 2020. Participants self-reported average weekly running habits and whether they sustained an injury during the Fall 2020 season. Poisson regression models and 1-way analysis of variance compared running habits while Fisher exact test compared differences in frequencies of injuries during Fall 2020 among season statuses (full, delayed, and canceled). Results: All runners, regardless of season status, increased weekly distance during Fall 2020. Only runners with a full Fall 2020 season ran more times per week and more high-intensity runs per week compared with their Spring 2020 running habits. There were no differences in running volume or running-related injury frequency among Fall 2020 season statuses. Conclusions: There were no significant differences in running-related injury (RRI) frequency among runners, regardless of season status, following the resumption of cross-country. Health care providers may need to prepare for runners to increase running volume and intensity following the resumption of organized team activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: As a multidisciplined combat sport, relationships between external and internal training loads and intensities of mixed martial arts (MMA) have not been described. The aim of this study was to determine the external loads and intensities of MMA training categories and their relationship to internal loads and intensities. Methods: Twenty MMA athletes (age = 23.3 [5.3] y, mass = 72.1 [7.2] kg, stature = 171.5 [8.4] cm) were observed for 2 consecutive weeks. Internal load and intensity (session rating of perceived exertion [sRPE]) were calculated using the Foster RPE for the session overall (sRPE-training load [TL]) and segmented RPE (segRPE-TL) for each training category: warm-up, striking drills, wrestling drills, Brazilian jiujitsu (BJJ) drills, striking sparring, wrestling sparring, BJJ sparring, and MMA sparring. External load and intensity were measured via Catapult OptimEye S5 for the full duration of each session using accumulated Playerload (PLdACC) and PLdACC per minute (PLdACC·min−1). Differences in loads between categories and days were assessed via Bayesian analysis of variance (BF10 ≥ 3). Predictive relationships between internal and external variables were calculated using Bayesian regression. Results: Session overall sRPE-TL = 448.6 (191.1) arbitrary units (AU); PLdACC = 310.6 (112) AU. Category segRPE-TL range = 33.8 (22.6) AU (warm-up) to 122.8 (54.6) AU (BJJ drills). Category PLdACC range = 44 (36.3) AU (warm-up) to 125 (58.8) AU (MMA sparring). Neither sRPE-TL nor PLdACC changed between days. PLdACC was different between categories. Evidence for regressions was strong-decisive except for BJJ drills (BF10 = 7, moderate). R2 range =.50 to.77, except for warm-up (R2 =.17), BJJ drills (R2 =.27), BJJ sparring (R2 =.49), and session overall (R2 =.13). Conclusions: While MMA training categories may be differentiated in terms of external load, overall session external load does not change within or between weeks. Resultant regression equations may be used to appropriately plan MMA technical/tactical training loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most people with intellectual disabilities have comorbid health conditions, which will impact optimization of sporting performance. Classification is used in Paralympic events to ensure that those with similar levels of functional ability compete fairly against each other. An evidence-based approach needs to be developed for athletes with intellectual disabilities to be classified in relation to their overall functional capacity into competition groups of similar ability. This research builds on previous work using the taxonomy of The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to group athletes with intellectual disabilities into comparable competition groups as an approach to Paralympic classification. Three groups of athletes—Virtus, Special Olympics, and Down syndrome—are compared using the ICF questionnaire indicating functional health status in relation to sporting performance. The questionnaire was found to discriminate between athletes with Down syndrome and other athletes, and an approach to using a cutoff score to develop competition classes is explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]