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Copyright of RICYDE. Revista Internacional de Ciencias del Deporte is the property of Revista Internacional de Ciencias del Deporte and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article explains why the regulation by the World Athletics (WA) mandating female athletes with high levels of testosterone to take oral contraceptives to reduce their testosterone levels and compete in the female category of sporting events is a violation of the World Anti-Doping Code. Also cited are the creation by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) of the code to promote fair competition, and how the WA rule violated the female athletes' basic human rights.

The association between androgens and competition in women has been understudied compared with men. The current study examined the link between testosterone (T) and competition in elite female athletes, using a sample of female wrestlers that included athletes competing at both the national and international level. In a repeated-measures design, saliva samples were collected before and after wrestling bouts, with comparable samples of wins and losses, and subsequently analyzed for T. Study results showed a 22% increase in circulating bioavailable T from pre- to postbout, F(1, 12) = 9.71, P = .009. There was no significant difference in T between win or loss outcomes. These findings—showing a link between individual head-to-head competition and T in women—demonstrate that women's androgenic responses to environmental contexts are dynamic and may be an important factor to address in research on competitive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the Multistage Shuttle Swim Test (MSST), Water Polo Intermittent Shuttle Test (WIST) and 5 × 200 m Incremental Swimming Test (IST) responses in elite female water polo players. Methods: Fourteen Australian Women's National Water Polo Squad members performed the MSST and WIST, and 13 players from a National Water Polo League club performed the IST, MSST and WIST on separate occasions (no goalkeepers were involved). Peak heart rate, blood lactate and ratings of perceived exertion were obtained for all tests. Expired air was collected following all tests for the National League players. Results: The National Squad players scored significantly better (ie, distance covered) in the MSST and WIST than the National League players (effect sizes = 1.60 to 1.79, P < .001). The MSST and WIST scores were significantly correlated (r = .80 to 0.88, P < .001). The MSST scores were significantly correlated with peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak; mL·kg-1·min-1) obtained for all tests (r = .58 to 0.59, P < .05). In contrast, there were no significant correlations between the WIST scores and VO2peak obtained for any of the tests (r = .43 to 0.52, P > .05). Differences in VO2peak for the IST, MSST and WIST were non-significant (P > .05). Conclusions: The MSST and WIST can discriminate players of different competition standards. The MSST can be used to estimate a player's aerobic fitness arid peak heart rate. The WIST appears to better mimic the intermittent activity pattern of the game, but its application to female players, to assess maximal intermittent endurance swimming performance, requires further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some reports suggest variation in physiological responses and athletic performance, for female athletes at specific phases of the menstrual cycle. However, inconsistent findings are common due to the inappropriate verification of menstrual cycle phase, small subject numbers, high intra- and interindividual variability in estrogen and progesterone concentration, and the pulsatile secretion of these hormones. Therefore, the oral contraceptive (OC) cycle may provide a more stable environment in which to evaluate the acute effect of reproductive hormones on physiological variables and exercise performance. To date, most of the OC research has compared differences between OC use and nonuse, and few researchers have examined within-cycle effects of the OC. It is also apparent that OC use is becoming far more prevalent in athletes; hence the effect of the different exogenous and endogenous hormonal profiles on athletic performance should be investigated. Research to date identifies potential for variation in aerobic performance, anaerobic capacity, anaerobic power and reactive strength throughout an OC cycle. The purpose of this review is to present and evaluate the current literature on the physiology of exercise and athletic performance during the OC cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in hamstring activation during lower body resistance training exercises. This study also sought to assess differences in hamstring-to-quadriceps muscle activation ratios and gender differences therein. Methods: A randomized repeated measures design was used to compare six resistance training exercises that are commonly believed to train the hamstrings, including the squat, seated leg curl, stiff leg dead lift, single leg stiff leg dead lift, good morning, and Russian curl. Subjects included 34 college athletes. Outcome measures included the biceps femoris (H) and rectus femoris (Q) electromyography (EMG) and the H-to-Q EMG ratio, for each exercise. Results: Main effects were found for the H (P < 0.001) and Q (P < 0.001). Post hoc analysis identified the specific differences between exercises. In addition, main effects were found for the H-to-Q ratio when analyzed for all subjects (P < 0.001). Further analysis revealed that women achieved between 53.9 to 89.5% of the H-to-Q activation ratios of men, for the exercises assessed. In a separate analysis of strength matched women and men, women achieved between 35.9 to 76.0% of the H-to-Q ratios of men, for these exercises. Conclusions: Hamstring resistance training exercises offer differing degrees of H and Q activation and ratios. Women compared with men, are less able to activate the hamstrings and/or more able to activate the quadriceps. Women may require disproportionately greater training for the hamstrings compared with the quadriceps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the physiological demands of field players in international women's water polo match play. Methods: Video footage was collected at the 13th FINA Women's Water Polo World Cup in Perth in 2002. Video recordings were analyzed using a simple hand-based notation system to record predefined activity durations, frequencies, and corresponding subjective intensities. Results: Average exercise bout duration was 7.4 ± 2.5 s and exercise to rest ratio within play 1:1.6 ± 0.6. The average pattern of exercise was represented by 64.0 ± 15.3% swimming, 13.1 ± 9.2% contested swimming, 14.0 ± 11.6% wrestling, and 8.9 ± 7.1% holding position. Significant differences existed between outside and center players for percentage time swimming (67.5 ± 14.0% vs 60.2 ± 13.3%, P = .002) and wrestling (9.9 ± 9.3% vs 18.4 ± 11.1%, P = .000). A significant difference was found in the number (P = .017) and duration (P = .010) of high-intensity activity (HIA) bouts performed each quarter for outside (1.8 ± 2.2 bouts, 7.0 ± 3.4 s) and center players (1.2 ± 1.5 bouts, 5.2 ± 3.4 s). Positional differences in HIA were the result of a significant difference (P = .000) in the number of maximal/near maximal swims (outside 1.2 ± 1.5 and center 0.5 ± 0.9 per quarter). Conclusions: This study characterizes international women's water polo match play as a highly intermittent activity. Swimming, particularly high intensity, has greater significance to outside players, whereas wrestling has greater significance to center players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the hydration profile of high-performance female cricket players competing at a national tournament. The profile comprised hydration monitoring (n = 18) and a questionnaire (n = 20). Our objectives were to 1) advance the understanding of fluid losses in cricket sessions across a tournament and 2) assess the hydration knowledge and practices in female cricket players. Body mass before and after each game inning was recorded in order to estimate sweat rate, sweat loss, and percentage body-mass loss. Comparisons were made between groups categorized according to level of activity during each inning. When sweat rates were estimated according to actual activity time, results were in the range of those in other female team sports but less than results from male cricket players. A range of knowledge of hydration issues was also observed. This study supports the need for individualized hydration recommendations and provides direction for further hydration education in women's cricket. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: There is a growing need for objective measures of proprioception and balance in athletic females. Objective: To determine the intertester and intratester reliability of the Neurocom Balance Master (NBM) forward lunge (FL), step up and over (SUO), and step quick turn (SQT) tests on a young, healthy, female population. Design: Repeated measures design. Setting: University medical laboratory. Participants: 15 young healthy female volunteers (height 155.1 cm ± 18.5 cm, mass 61.1 kg ± 7.3 kg, age 24.2 years ± 2.9 years). Measurements: The average of three trials on the FL, SUO, and SQT taken during each of three testing sessions on the NBM long force plate. Results: Inter and intratester reliability for the FL (ICC r = 0.71 to r = 0.93) and SQT (ICC r = 0.70 to r = 0.88) ranged from good to excellent while reliability for the SUO ranged from fair to excellent (ICC r = 0.59 to r = 0.92). Conclusions: The three NBM tests are reliable in healthy, young, physically active females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the energy balance of male and female triathletes participating in an Ironman event. Relationships between energy and carbohydrate intake, energy balance and finishing time in the Ironman triathlon; Macronutrient and sodium intake for female and male triathletes during the Ironman; Relationship between nutrient intake and performance.

The intensity of training and diets in female athletes with intensive training may affect the menstruation. The purpose of this study is to examine the menstruation information of women athletes in different branches in terms of different variables. Research engaged in sports in different parts of Turkey; handball (n=16), football (n=10), wrestling (n=20) and taekwondo (n=26) total (n=72) female athletes participated. 41 of these athletes were elite athletes and 31 were sub-elite athletes. In this research, data were collected through individual interview using qualitative research methodology. The survey consisting of questions including menstruation, nutrition and some demographic information was created by the researcher by making use of similar studies in the related literature. According to the research findings, there were statistically significant differences found between the elite and the sub-elite female athletes in terms of the frequency of training and the intensity of the training (p <0.001). There was also a significant difference between the elite and sub-elite female athletes in the menstruation period (p <0.001). Correlation analysis revealed that there was a weak positive correlation between the sports branches and the dysmenorrhea variables in the menstruation period (r =, 470, p <0.01). When the performed correlation analyses considered in sub-elite women athletes, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between the sport and menstruation period during training (r = 447, p <0.01), and a significant negative correlation between training and training severity in menstruation (r = -, 685, p <0.01). As a result, it can be said that elite female athletes have more intensive and intense training than the sub-elite female athletes. Besides, the age of menarche has been observed in elite athletes. When we look at the eating habits of the athletes about nutrition, it was seen that the athletes had lower breakfast and the fastfood habits than the sub-elite athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the effects of bone mineral density (BMD) on female athletes engaged in weight-bearing and non-weight bearing sports. Reasons for BMD loss; Evaluation of BMD sites and anthropometric measurements; Correlation between anthropometric, VO[sub 2] max and BMD measurements.

The purpose of this study was to examine starter/nonstarter motor-skill engagement (MSE) and coaching behaviors in different segments of preseason practices in collegiate women's volleyball. The subjects were players and coaches of eight volleyball teams. Segments of the practice were defined and coded as a warm-up, skill work, scrimmage, or conditioning. Duration recording procedures were used to collect MSE data of starters and nonstarters. Coaching behaviors were coded with interval recording procedures (5-second observe, 1-second code) using an expanded version of the Arizona State University Observation Instrument (ASUOI), A two-way repeated measures ANOVA showed no significant differences in MSE between starters and nonstarters across the segments of the practice sessions. Results of this study offer a starting point for future research on player behaviors in the athletic environment and add to the data base of completed research on coaching behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of SPORMETRE: The Journal of Physical Education & Sport Sciences / Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of SPORMETRE: The Journal of Physical Education & Sport Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Knee strength ratios are related to the movement patterns, sport-specific training and knee injuries in athletes. The purpose of this study was to determine the ratios in the concentric isokinetic strength of the hamstrings and quadriceps and the isometric strength of the knee extensors. In female basketball players (n = 14) and female volleyball players (n = 12) were evaluated: the hamstrings to quadriceps peak torque ratio (H/Q) and side-to-side peak torque ratio (TR) for hamstrings and quadriceps; the ratio of the maximal bilateral strength to the summed maximal unilateral strength (B/U) and side-to-side maximal strength ratio (SR) for knee extensors. For the H/Q values, a 2 × 2 × 3 mixed-factorial analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc test were computed. The H/Q values increased from 48.0 (3.9)% at 60°/s to 70.4 (7.9)% at 300°/s. Furthermore, there were significant differences in the H/Q values between 300°/s and 180°/s, 300°/s and 60°/s in basketball and volleyball athletes, and between 180°/s and 60°/s only in basketball athletes (p < .05). Significantly higher H/Q results at 60°/s demonstrated basketball players than volleyball players (p < .05). Differences in the TR and SR mean values ranged from 4.4% to 8.6% and indicated no significant side-to-side strength deficits (p > .05). In both groups, greater isometric strength developed bilaterally was found (B/U > 100%). The findings revealed the magnitude of knee strength ratios in female athletes determined by sport-specific movements in basketball and volleyball. This study highlighted the importance of the bilateral strength deficit and muscular balance between the hamstrings and quadriceps in basketball and volleyball athletes in activities related to their movement patterns and specific training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores three female swimmers’ relationships with their male coaches and the body practices they were exposed to within Australian swimming. Particular attention is given to how the relationships and practices might relate to gender. Additionally, the article examines how (if at all) the conduct contributed to the social construction of an accepted female swimmer body. Through narrative accounts, the three adolescent female athletes articulate hierarchical male coach–female athlete relationships and specific body encounters they were exposed to and/or engaged with. Their experiences reveal how a sexually maturing body (growing breasts, female body shape and menstruating) was deemed unsuitable for performance and the swimmers were thus encouraged to transform their bodies and behaviours towards that of the boys. Using a feminist Foucauldian perspective, these accounts points to how the three swimmers came to regulate their diet, training and appearance in order to fulfil expectations. This self-regulation is problematic in two ways: first, no scientific evidence shows that a boy like physique is essential for best performance. Second, the stress from being pressured to achieve a particular body, as well as the shame that resulted from being unable to achieve the idealised physique, eventually caused the swimmers to develop an unhealthy relationship with their developing bodies. We highlight how those immersed in sporting contexts should recognise the serious implications of gender practices and power relations underpinning the male coach–female athlete dynamic in competitive sport. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Worries about the potential negative consequences of popular fat loss regimens for aesthetic purposes in normal weight females have been surfacing in the media. However, longitudinal studies investigating these kinds of diets are lacking. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of a 4-month fat-loss diet in normal weight females competing in fitness-sport. In total 50 participants finished the study with 27 females (27.2 ± 4.1 years) dieting for a competition and 23 (27.7 ± 3.7 years) acting as weight-stable controls. The energy deficit of the diet group was achieved by reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing aerobic exercise while maintaining a high level of protein intake and resistance training in addition to moderate fat intake. The diet led to a ~12% decrease in body weight (P < 0.001) and a ~35-50% decrease in fat mass (DXA, bioimpedance, skinfolds, P < 0.001) whereas the control group maintained their body and fat mass (diet × group interaction P < 0.001). A small decrease in lean mass (bioimpedance and skinfolds) and in vastus lateralis muscle cross-sectional area (ultrasound) were observed in diet (P < 0.05), whereas other results were unaltered (DXA: lean mass, ultrasound: triceps brachii thickness). The hormonal system was altered during the diet with decreased serum concentrations of leptin, triiodothyronine (T3), testosterone (P < 0.001), and estradiol (P < 0.01) coinciding with an increased incidence of menstrual irregularities (P < 0.05). Body weight and all hormones except T3 and testosterone returned to baseline during a 3-4 month recovery period including increased energy intake and decreased levels aerobic exercise. This study shows for the first time that most of the hormonal changes after a 35-50% decrease in body fat in previously normal-weight females can recover within 3-4 months of increased energy intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Slobozhanskyi Herald of Science & Sport is the property of Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Women differ considerably in terms of psycho-physiological features, having a different mental and emotional structure from that of men. In the process of practicing physical exercises, women request more attention than men, and the sport which they want to practice it must be adapted to their body and available feminine conformation. Because of excessive emotions, women may face greater difficulties in obtaining sports results. This situation is determined by the nervous system activity of women with different dynamics closely linked by the biological functions of the body in comparison to men. The muscle strength of women is lower than that of men, as the muscles are thinner, having a more layers of fatty tissue. But women are superior to men in terms of accuracy, movement coordination and skill. The female body is characterized by a higher resistance to breakdown of an essential physiological needs range: oxygen insufficiency, hunger, insufficient sleep (simultaneously with predisposition "to sleep much") and higher speed of development of a recovery processes number. Periods of human age in woman's life is characterized by a number of morphological and functional peculiarities. Differences between men and women become more pronounced with early sexual maturity. Among women, a special attention is called by the periodicity of a number of physiological functions that correspond to ovarian menstrual cycle (OMC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effects of a multi-ingredient performance supplement (MIPS) on markers of inflammation and muscle damage, perceived soreness and lower limb performance are unknown in endurance-trained female athletes. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of MIPS (NO-Shotgun®) pre-loaded 4 weeks prior to a single-bout of downhill running (DHR) on hsC-Reactive Protein (hsCRP), interleukin (IL)-6, creatine kinase (CK), muscle soreness, lower limb circumferences and performance. Method: Trained female runners (n = 8; 29 ± 5.9 years) (VO2max: ≥ 50 ml-1.kg-1.min-1, midfollicular phase (7-11 days post-menses) were randomly assigned in a double-blind manner into two groups: MIPS (n = 4) ingested one serving of NO Shotgun daily for 28 days prior to DHR and 30 min prior to all post-testing visits; Control (CON) (n = 4) consumed an isocaloric maltodextrin placebo in an identical manner to MIPS. hsCRP, IL-6, CK, perceived soreness, limb circumferences, and performance measures (flexibility, squat jump peak power) were tested on 5 occasions; immediately before (PRE), immediately post-DHR, 24, 48 and 72 h post-DHR. Results: There were main effects of time for CK (p = 0.05), pain pressure threshold (right tibialis anterior (p =0.010), right biceps femoris (p = 0.01), and left iliotibial band (ITB) (p = 0.05) across all time points), and maximum squat jump power (p=0.04). Compared with 24 h post-DHR, maximumsquat jump power was significantly lower at 48 h post-DHR (p =0.05). Lower body perceived soreness was significantly increased at 24 h (p = 0.02) and baseline to 48 h (p=0.02) post DHR. IL-6 peaked immediately post-DHR (p = 0.03) and hsCRP peaked at 24 h post-DHR (p = 0.06). Calculation of effect sizes indicated a moderate attenuation of hsCRP in MIPS at 72 h post-DHR. Conclusions: Consumption of MIPS for 4 weeks prior to a single bout of DHR attenuated inflammation three days post, but did not affect perceived soreness and muscle damage markers in endurance trained female runners following a single bout of DHR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eating disorders (ED) are present in sports where body weight is usually controlled, such as rhythmic gymnastics. As the main objective, body composition and risk of eating disorder in female gymnastic athletes was assessed in the state of Carabobo. An evaluation of the composition by anthropometry through body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage was made, and the EAT-26 test was applied to assess the risk of ED. According to the BMI and body fat percentage, there was a 33.33% and 40% deficit, respectively. The risk for ED was 13.33%. When characterizing ED risk and nutritional diagnosis by BMI, only one case of ED in low BMI was observed. And according to the nutritional characterization by body fat percentage, it was reported that all cases at risk of ED presented a deficit in this variable. It is concluded that gymnasts at risk for ED presented a deficit in body fat, probably due to the search of a better physical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Static stretching was once recognized as a method of preparation for physical activity that would inhibit performance and increase risk of injury. However, a growing body of research suggests that static stretching may not have an inhibitory effect. Regardless, the data have not examined gender differences or the fatigue index (FI) and flexibility effects of static stretching on the back squat over multiple sets. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between a static-stretch condition (SC) and control condition (CC) on flexibility and the FI of Division I female athletes during 4 sets of the back squat. Eighteen subjects (mean ± SD; age 20 ± 1 yrs; height 164.5 ± 14.6 cm; mass 74.1 ± 26.8 kg; waist circumference 73.2 ± 5.4 cm) participated in 3 testing days over the course of 3 weeks. Each subject's 1RM back squat was assessed during the first day of testing and verified during the second. On the third testing day, subjects assigned to the SC held 3 lower-body stretches twice for 30 second intervals and those assigned to the CC rested during the corresponding 7 minutes and 50 second time period. The subjects also performed a fatiguing squat protocol consisting of 4 sets of maximum repetitions on the third day of testing. A significant (p=0.04) interaction was noted for flexibility. No significant interaction (p=0.41) was observed between the FI of the CC (41.8 ± 24.1%) or the SC (27.6 ± 45.2%). These results indicate that static stretching does not have a significant effect on multiple sets of the back squat. Therefore, coaches may allow their athletes to engage in static stretching prior to resistance exercise ad libitum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to examine sex differences across years in performance of runners in ultra-marathons lasting from 6 h to 10 days (i.e. 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 144, and 240 h). Data of 32,187 finishers competing between 1975 and 2013 with 93,109 finishes were analysed using multiple linear regression analyses. With increasing age, the sex gap for all race durations increased. Across calendar years, the gap between women and men decreased in 6, 72, 144 and 240 h, but increased in 24 and 48 h. The men-to-women ratio differed among age groups, where a higher ratio was observed in the older age groups, and this relationship varied by distance. In all durations of ultra-marathon, the participation of women and men varied by age (p < 0.001), indicating a relatively low participation of women in the older age groups. In summary, between 1975 and 2013, women were able to reduce the gap to men for most of timed ultra-marathons and for those age groups where they had relatively high participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyse the variance of training load between male and female football and futsal players. The statistical analysis tested the variance between gender and type of sport during training sessions. Fifty-nine male and female amateur football and futsal amateur players were monitored during 48 training sessions. The heart rate (HR) responses and the percentage of time spent in zones of intensity were analysed during training sessions. Differences were found in football between the gender and the dependent variables of %HRmax ( p value = 0.001; η = 0.042; minimum effect), %time in Z2 ( p value = 0.001; η = 0.054; minimum effect), %time in Z4 ( p value = 0.001; η = 0.031; minimum effect) and %time in Z5 ( p value = 0.001; η = 0.053; minimum effect). The analysis in male players revealed differences between football and futsal in %HRmax ( p value = 0.001; η = 0.172; minimum effect). Similar results were found in female category ( p value = 0.001; η = 0.040; minimum effect). In this study it was possible to verify that female players spent more time in high intensity zones and that futsal training sessions are more intense than football sessions. Based on such results, coaches and fitness trainers may identify the physiological characteristics of training load imposed to different sports and genders and optimize the training plan for specific categories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT At the Georgian Weightlifting Federation in Tbilisi, Georgia, a mainstay of coaching is the training cue, a shouted word or phrase that coaches use to prompt weightlifters to perform in a certain psychological, physical, or technical way. In this practice, coaches cultivate and naturalize dimensions of physiology and psychology, aligning masculinity with animality, lack of restraint, and emotional surfeit, and femininity with gracefulness, control, and good technique. Although Olympic weightlifting remains stereotypically hypermasculine, coaches compliment female weightlifters' technique as superior to men's and train their athletes to integrate masculine 'nature' and feminine 'culture' in the expression of physical strength. In doing so, coaches do not instill fully formed subjectivities but manage embodied forms, using exclamatory cues to disaggregate the athlete into action, affect, and anatomy. [ post-Soviet sport, masculinity, coaching, weightlifting, strength, technique, Georgia] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As women age, society assigns stereotypes that suggest that older women are no longer capable of being competent athletes. In considering the experiences of older women in sport from a sociological perspective, this article provides a short summary of works examining older women in masters sport settings, as well as three brief case studies of older women engaged in sport and movement. As American women age, more of them will have experienced organized high school sport (after the passage of Title IX), suggesting that the experiences of older women in sport will take on new dimensions and meanings worthy of exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess activation patterns of medial (MH) versus lateral (LH) hamstrings in female athletes who had undergone ACL reconstruction (ACLR) using a hamstrings-graft during single-limb functional testing.Methods: Eighteen athletes (1-6 years since ACLR) and 18 healthy controls were recruited from the Icelandic women's top divisions in football, handball, and basketball. Activation of the MH and LH was monitored bilaterally using surface electromyography. Peak activation of the normalized signal was identified for two phases of the single-limb crossover (SLC) hop test and performance (distance jumped) registered. Self-reported knee symptoms and function were evaluated with the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). A repeated measures general linear model was used for main statistical data analyses, comparing variables of interests between limbs (within-subjects factor) and between groups.Results: ACLR athletes had worse KOOS-symptoms scores (p < 0.05) than controls, while hop distance was equal. Overall, MH and LH muscle activation levels differed between the two phases of the SLC hop test (p < 0.05). Moreover, inter-limb differences in MH and LH activity were identified between groups (p < 0.05), mainly explained by greater LH than MH activation in the uninjured limb of ACLR athletes.Conclusion: One to 6 years after ACLR, female athletes performed on par with uninjured controls, but demonstrated inter-limb differences in muscle activation patterns of the hamstrings that were not evident in controls. This may be an important factor to consider during postsurgical rehabilitation in order to lower the risk of a second injury.Level Of Evidence: III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study to show that for trained female athletes, their menstrual phase was of little physiological or performance consequence during self-paced exercise. Topics discussed include regulation of a woman body temperature, the effects of administration of exogenous synthetic estrogens and progestogens on thermoeffector responses, and metabolic heat production that results in a decline in thermoregulatory strain.

This article argues that women athletes were implicated in discussions of sex changeability occurring in 1930s Britain. The topics of the suitability of sport for women and of sex changeability were both given considerable press coverage. Sports officials were faced with the practical problem of how to differentiate female competitors from male ones. Medics at London's Charing Cross Hospital interpreted athleticism and an interest in sport as signs of maleness in patients. Sports practice developed muscles, which were held to be akin to a male secondary sex characteristic. An awareness of the unfixity ascribed to somatic sex means appreciating that debates about the masculinity of sportswomen cannot be understood simply as homophobia—the possibility of changing sex was a real concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to establish the physiological workload that female handball players are exposed to in different playing positions during official matches. The research included fifteen HC Krim Mercator female handball team players. During the 2009/10 season, six matches of the Women's Regional Handball League were analysed. The results indicated that at the lowest monitored workload in the 50-59% range of maximum heart rate (HRmax) there were no statistically significant differences between groups of players in particular playing positions. Workload intervals of 60 to 69% and 70 to 79% HRmax showed statistically significant (p<.05) differences between goalkeepers and all the other groups of players; on average, goalkeepers spent more time in the low-effort zones than the other groups of players. Groups of goalkeepers (25min 44s±9min 40s) and backs (25min 36s±7min 24s) did not significantly differ with regard to the time players spent in the 80 to 89% HRmax interval. However, the previously mentioned two groups of players had significantly higher values (p<.05) in this interval than groups of pivots (19min 42s±7min 45s) and wings (15min 52s±8min 11s). In the highest-effort interval (90-100%), groups of wings (27min 28s±9min 20s) and pivots (35min 55s±12min 41s) reached significantly higher values (p<.05) than goalkeepers (4min 57s±4min 58s) and backs (19min 04s±9min 00s). Goalkeepers, in contrast, recorded significantly lower values than the other three groups of players. We can conclude that during the analysed matches pivots and wings showed the highest levels of effort, followed by backs. Due to markedly different physiological workloads, physical preparation for different playing positions should also be quite different. Coaches should use the results of this study in practice to make timely decisions on when to substitute players in different position in order to prevent possible drop in their playing efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using qualitativefieldwork and in-depth interviews the authors explore the commonalitiesof experience that female athletes use to denaturalize and disrupt heterosexist and misogynist discourses in relation to sport.Specifically we detail how female athletes on three distinct sporting teams in the USA (members of a community roller derby team, teammates on a mixed-martial-arts fighting club, and studentathletes on a university rugby squad) use physical activity to challenge heterosexist ideology and facilitate empowering body experiences for themselves.Throughout this work we employ a sporting feminist perspective to help illustrate the meanings female athletes associate with bodily empowerment, as well as the various techniques used by them to overcome bodily alienation and objectification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was conducted on a sample of 170 female students at the age of 14-16 years, from the elementary school. According to the research criteria, answering the question of the requirement for engaging in sports, the sample was divided on two subsamples, and with this research 170 girls were tested, from which 70 were defined as female students who regularly attend classes of physical education and are dealing with volleyball and 100 were defined as female students who regularly attend classes of physical education but are not dealing with any sport. The main goal of this research is partially establishing the quantitative and structural differences in basic-motor abilities of female students at the age of 14-16 years dealing with sports (volleyball) and non athletes. For the determination of the partial quantitate differences on uni variant level between the two subsamples t-test for small independent samples was applied. Based on the results of Wilk's Lambda, and in association with Rao's approximation, are giving a significant difference Q = .00 (p- level = 0.00) of the analyzed space. From the analysis of the results it can be concluded that there are differences between groups in the examined space. By applying the uni variant analysis of variance (ANOVA), can be seen statistically significant difference between respondents in the two groups of respondents in the variables: From the results of the t-test, it can be concluded that the analyzed group of respondents statistically significant differs in the variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In order to achieve world-class performances, regular performance diagnostics is required as an essential prerequisite for guiding high performance sport. In high performance swimming, the lactate performance diagnostic is an important instrument in testing the sport specific endurance capacity. Although the role of lactate as a signaling molecule, fuel and a gluconeogenic substrate is accepted, lactate parameters are discussed concerning stability, explanatory power and interpretability. Methods: We calculated the individual anaerobic threshold (IAT) of Bunc using the swimming-specific lactate threshold test by Pansold. Results: The cross-sectional analysis (ANOVA) of n = 398 high performance swimmers showed significant effects for sex, stroke and distance on the IAT, the percentage of personal best time on the IAT (% of PB on IAT) and maximal lactate values (max. bLA). For the freestyle events the IAT decreased, % of PB on IAT and max. bLA increased from 100 to 400 m significantly in men and women. Women showed significantly higher % of PB on IAT with descriptive lower IAT in 7 of 8 analyzed events. Men showed significantly higher max. bLA in 5 of 8 events. In the second step, the analysis of 1902 data sets of these 398 athletes with a multi-level analysis (MLA) showed also significant effects for sex, swimming distance and stroke. For initial status and development over time, the effect sizes for the variables distance and sex were medium to large, whereas for stroke there were no or small effect sizes. Discussion: These significant results suggest that lactate tests in swimming specifically have to consider the lactate affecting factors sex and distance under consideration of the time period between measurements. Anthropometrical factors and the physiology of women are possible explanations for the relative better performance for lower lactate concentrations compared to men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared the acute effects of static stretching (SS) and neuromuscular proprioceptive facilitation (PNF) stretching on heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and oxygen saturation (SpO2) in female athletes. Twelve subjects were randomly divided into 3 groups (2 experimental groups (SS and FNP) and 1 control group (CS)). The groups performed stretching activities as follows: SS (2 sets, 30 sec each for the pectoral and biceps muscles with a 15 sec rest interval between sets); PNF (2 sets, 30 sec each for the pectoral and biceps muscles with 6 sec of isometric contraction and a 15 sec rest interval between sets); and CS (rest). Ten min before and after the experimental and control activities, the subjects had their HR, SBP, DBP, and SpO2 values measured. The results did not demonstrate significant differences in HR, SBP, and DBP (P>0.05) within or between the groups. However, the SpO2 values (before vs. after exercising) were significantly (P<0.001) lower following stretching in the SS and PNF groups but not in the CS group. Thus, although SS exercises and PNF did not alter the HR and pressure responses, they may induce acute deleterious effects for upper limb development by decreasing the oxygen supply to the muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gymnasium: Scientific Journal of Education, Sports & Health is the property of Alma Mater and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article presents a study on women's cycling, focusing on the historical significance of long-distance road races between the 1950s and 1990s. Particular focus is given to the challenges faced by promoters, cyclists, and governing bodies in staging long distance road races for women and the various differences that exist between such races for men and women. Issues including aggressiveness in women athletes, public urination of women, and women's physical endurance, strength, and speed are addressed. Other topics include the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) cycling association, women's elite athletic competitions, and cycling in the Olympic games.

Abstract: Previous research shows that leanness- and weight-dependent sports increase the risk of developing disturbed eating behaviour. This study investigated whether adolescent aesthetic athletes (n =68, M =14.6years), particularly ballet dancers and figure skaters, exhibit more eating pathology compared to the general population. Furthermore, it was investigated whether sport-related factors have explanatory value for the dieting behaviour of aesthetic athletes. To asses eating pathology, reliable and valid self-report questionnaires were used including the Eating Disorder Inventory-II, the Children''s Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire and the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. Results show that female aesthetic athletes show more drive for thinness, features of bulimia, dieting behaviour and concerns about weight and shape compared to female adolescents from the general population. Concerning the explanation of dieting behaviour in aesthetic athletes, both sport-related factors (competition state anxiety) and general risk factors (eating concern) seem to be relevant. These results suggest that female aesthetic athletes show more disturbed eating behaviour and thoughts than female adolescents from the general population and therefore may have an enhanced risk of developing clinical eating disorders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose . The purpose of this study, aerobic training effect on metabolic profile and CRP in women were adult non-athletes. Methods For this purpose, 20 healthy women and disabled adults as volunteers were selected, they randomly divided into two groups often: aerobic exercise group (mean age 34.2 ±4.91 years, height 158.4 ± 1.95 cm, weight 62.3±4.47 kg, BMI 22.48±1.96 kg m and fat 12.97± 2.16 percent) And control group (mean age 32.8 ± 3.25 years, height 162,4±: 3.43 cm , weight 63.42± 6.60 kg , BMI 22.7 ± 2.28 kg m square and fat 13.3±2.32 percent) subgroups.From all subjects after fasting for 12 hours in two stages (before and after exercise) and in the same conditions, were bled . Experimental group and 12 weeks of aerobic training three sessions per week were . Aerobic training program included running 60 to 80 percent of the maximum heart rate. Results . Data analysis using T test showed no significant effect on aerobic exercise variables BMI and triglycerides does not , However, this exercise significantly reduced weight variables, total cholesterol , LDL-C , HIDI-C , CRP and percentage body fat is. Conclusions. Aerobic exercise can be said to have helped improve the metabolic profile And also reduce inflammation and indices Perhaps the risk of future cardiovascular events in non-athletic adult women decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Sports Sciences is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article presents research on salivary hormone and immune responses in elite female athletes during resistance exercise. The endurance, strength-hypertrophy, and power exercise programs and repetition maximum (RM) loads are discussed. Testosterone, cortisol, and immunoglobulin A levels were analyzed. The finding is that high-volume resistance exercise stimulates higher cortisol secretion due to metabolic demand.

The article examines the main variables that contributed to the one repetition maximum throwing distance in indoor weight throw in track and field. The study shows the correlation of female athletes' height to weight throw personal best. It notes that the height was not correlated to the personal best among the male participants.

he purpose of the study was to find out the relationship of the selected fitness components and physiological variables of sportswomen. The subjects for the study were twenty five sports women selected from Rajasthan, participated at nationals or inter university level competitions. Total twelve variables i.e. six physiological variables and six motor components were chosen. Physiological variables included body density, vital capacity, blood pressure, breath holding capacity, hemoglobin and Pulse rate. Motor components included Cardio Vascular Endurance, Agility, Flexibility, Speed, Strength and Balance. Body density (percentage of body fat) was calculated from the skin fold measurements recorded at four sites of the body i.e Biceps, Triceps, Sub-scapular and Supra- iliac with the help of skin fold caliper in millimeters. Peak flow rate was measured with the help of peak flow meter in liters. Blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) was measured by Doctor's Sphygmomano-meter in pulse pressure. Hemoglobin Percentage was measured with the help of Hemoglobinometer. Pulse rate (active pulse rate and resting pulse rate) was timed by stopwatch in number of beats per minute and point of checking area was neck. Breath holding capacity was measured with the help of nasal clip and stop watch in seconds. Speed was measured by the performance of 50 m dash in seconds. Agility was measured by 10 x 4 m shuttle run in seconds. Flexibility of lower back and hamstring muscles was measured by the performance of sit and reach test in centimeters. Strength was measured by the performance of standing broad jump with the help of flexible steel tape in meters. Endurance was measured by the performance of 600 m run on standard track with the help of stop watch in seconds/minutes. Balance was measured by the performance of static balance test (stoke stand) in sec/minute. All sports women were provided complete information about the study and instruments which were used. To find out the relationship of selected motor components and physiological variables Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used. Findings indicated that relationships of physiological variables on sports women were significantly related to 10 x 4 m shuttle run and active pulse rate (0.64673), 50 m dash to systolic blood pressure (0.401422) and active pulse rates (0.412861), balance and diastolic blood pressure (0.41757). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we examined developmental and contextual factors that may increase the odds of reporting higher social physique anxiety (SPA) among 404 adolescent athletes 11 to 16 years old. Findings showed older~ later maturing athletes past peak height velocity and with greater body mass index (BMI) reported higher SPA. Individual aesthetic sport athletes were older at menarche, had lower BMI, and reported higher SPA. The odds of reporting higher SPA were 4.5 times higher (odds ratio =4. 61)for individual aesthetic sport athletes than for nonaesthetic sport athletes. Team aesthetic sport contexts were not implicated in SPA risk. Results are discussed in terms of self-selection away from individual aesthetic sports and the relevance of physical size and puberty in the SPA construct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Female athletes continue to injure their anterior cruciate ligaments at a greater rate than males in comparable sports. During landing activities, females exhibit several different kinematic and kinetic traits when compared to their male counterparts including decreased knee flexion angles as well as decreased lower extremity (LE strength. While open kinetic chain strength measures have not been related to landing kinematics, given the closer replication of movement patterns that occur during closed kinetic chain (CKC) activity, it is possible that lower extremity strength if measured in this fashion will be related to landing kinematics. Purpose: To determine if unilateral isometric CKC lower extremity (LE) strength was related to sagittal plane tibiofemoral kinematics during a single leg landing task in competitive female athletes. We hypothesized females who demonstrated lesser CKC LE strength would exhibit decreased sagittal plane angles during landing. Methods: 20 competitive female athletes(age = 16.0 ± 1.8 yrs; height = 166.5 ± 8.3 cm; weight = 59.7 ± 10.2 kg) completed CKC LE strength testing followed by 5 unilateral drop landings on the dominant LE during one test session at an outpatient physical therapy clinic. Closed kinetic chain LE strength was measured on a computerized leg press with an integrated load cell while sagittal plane tibiofemoral kinematics were quantified with an electrogoniometer. Results: No significant relationships between absolute or normalized isometric CKC strength and sagittal plane landing kinematics were identified. Conclusions: Closed kinetic chain lower extremity isometric strength tested at 25 degrees of knee flexion is not related to sagittal plane landing kinematics in adolescent competitive female athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low bone mass is frequent among female athletes. The 'female athlete triad' is a term that describes the interaction among energy availability, menstrual function, and bone metabolism that may lead to amenorrhea and osteopenia or osteoporosis. The main pathophysiologic mechanisms that lead to low bone mass in female athletes are low energy availability and functional hypothalamic amenorrhea. Increased energy expenditure and/or decreased energy intake, as well as the presence of eating disorders, are associated with low bone mass. In addition, menstrual dysfunction is quite common, especially among athletes competing in sports favoring leanness, and also associates with low bone mass. Screening for bone loss in female athletes should take place in the presence of amenorrhea or body mass index <18 kg/m2. Management of low bone mass aims to restore normal energy availability and nutritional habits. Hormone replacement therapy has no effect in abnormally underweight patients unless normal eating behaviors are restored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the examination, it was purposed to examine physical and motor developments of adolescents female taekwondo athletes which were training regularly. At this study 10-13 aged, 87 female Taekwondo athletes were participated voluntarily. Participants' level, age, height, kilo, body mass index (BMI), competition weight, band, vertical jump, speed, grip strength of right hand, grip strength of left hand, leg force, maximal oxygen consumption (Maximum VO2), balance duration, balance point, reaction time, body fat percentage (BF%), anaerobic endurance, hip flexion, hip extension, hip internal rotation, hip external rotation, knee flexion, knee extension parameters of the volunteer sportsmen were measured in the examination. For statistical analysis, averages of groups and their standard deviations were calculated by Independent't' and One Way Enova tests that were performed for comparison of groups. RESULTS: As a result of comparison according to athletes' increasing age factor, hip extantion, knee flexion parameters were found significantly different (p< 0.05) Athletes' BMI, hip flexion and knee extantion parameters were found significantly different (p<0,01). Athletes' level, height, weight, competitions weight, band category, vertical jump, speed, right hand grip strength, left hand grip strength, leg strength, max. VO2, right-hand sound Reaction Time(RT), RT light right-handed, left-hand sound RT, RT left hand light, choose light RT, RT footstep, foot lights RT, BF%, anaerobic endurance, hip internal rotation, hip external rotation, parameters were found significant (p <0.001). Although differences between age groups showed a linear variability about force and RT parametres, there was not a linear variability abour motor skills and ability of athletes. CONCLUSION: It was seen that athletes had different motor and physical skill improvement at different age and level during adolescent period. While it was seen that age factor had an important effect on maximal produced values, it hadn't and important effect on relative produced values [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this study, the effects of ginseng and exercise applications in women athletes on plasma hydroperoxide (LOOH) and lipid nitric oxide levels are aimed to be determined Material and method: As in total 21 volunteered subjects; 14 healthy women athletes whose weight are 55-65 and age 20-23 years old and 7 healthy women sedentary participated in the study. Subjects separated in 3 groups equally; Control group (C), Exercise (E), Ginseng supported exercise (GE). 20 m. shuttle run test was applied to the subjects in E and GE groups 5 days in week for 6 weeks. The subjects in GE group were provided ginseng tablets in 500 mg dosage as oral at 10.00 am and 07.00 pm for every 45 days. Blood samples had been taken from all the subjects before starting the exercise period and ginseng supplement. Second blood samples were taken from all the subjects after the exercise period and ginseng supplement for 45 days. Blood samples that were taken from elbow vena in accordance with procedures were then transformed into tubes including ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and centrifuged immediately at 3500 rpm and 15min + 4°C degree, thus plasma samples were obtained. Plasma LOOH and NO levels were determined with calorimetric method from the samples. Result: When intra-group LOOH levels of C and GE groups were examined, no significant difference was observed in pre and post application, however a significant (p>0.05) increase in LOOH levels of group E was observed. As to inter-group LOOH levels have no significant difference. When NO levels of the groups were observed, it was seen that there was no difference in C group, and NO levels of groups E and GE were increased significantly (p>0.05). In inter-groups NO levels, it was seen that there was no difference in pre application and a significant (p>0.05) increase was observed in groups E and GE comparing with C group in the post application. Discussion and conclusion: Consequently in this study, it can be said that performed exercise protocol increased stated formation of free radicals and the ginseng supply performed with this exercise protocol showed no significant effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]