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

Ultra-marathon running has enjoyed increasing popularity, with the number of master ultra-marathon runners growing annually. This study presents a case of a 51-year-old highly experienced long-distance runner (body mass: 65.1 kg, body height: 168 cm), who took part in a 48-h ultra-marathon race held in 2010, but dropped out of the competition due to acute cardiac problems manifested after 16 h of running and having completed a distance of 129 km. Two weeks following the race, intense cardiac examination was performed to explain the drop-out due to chest pain. A 12‑lead electrocardiogram, a 2D transthoracic echocardiography in 3 apical projections of the left ventricle, a computed tomography of the chest, an invasive coronary angiography and a maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2max ) test were performed. The 12-lead ECG revealed a negative T wave in III and aVF without morphological abnormalities. The echocardiographic examinations presented a normal size and function of the heart chambers, and a normal valvar structure and function (only trivial mitral and tricuspid regurgitation was observed). The invasive coronary arteriography – due to an increased calcium score in the CT scan – showed only a non-significant systolic dynamic narrowing in the eighth segment of the left anterior descending artery due to a muscle bridge. The physical performance characteristics of the athlete and a follow-up history of his athletic activity showed that the cardiac problems he had experienced during the ultra-marathon race did not prevent him from being active in sport. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2020;33(4):523–34

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

Monitoring the training of amateur long-distance cross-country skiers (XCS) can help athletes’ achieve a higher exercise capacity and protect their health. The aim of this study was to assess body composition changes and lipid profiles in middle-aged amateur long-distance XCS after four months of training, including specialized roller ski training. The results of the time-to-exhaustion (TTE) test and blood tests and changes in body composition were analyzed with basic descriptive statistics: the paired Wilcoxon test was used to compare the results (initial and final). Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (R) was used to assess the influence of various variables on maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max). The findings show that training of amateur long-distance XCS improved maximal oxygen uptake (p = 0.008) and had a positive effect on fat reduction, measured in percentages (p = 0.038) and in kilograms (p = 0.023), but did not change blood lipids or other parameters. Further research could focus on other aspects of the annual training cycle: the competition period, and women in a larger group of athletes. Training with roller skis and a cross-country skiing training machine (a specialized machine for strengthening the arms and upper body) can support health and prevent obesity, overweight, and cardiovascular disease.

Due to differences in runners’ profiles, which can be related to sociodemographic characteristics, motivations for running can vary. This study aimed to identify Brazilian runners’ motivations for their practice, and the factors associated among runners who point to look for performance improvement as their main motivation. The sample comprised 1097 non-professional road runners. The questionnaire “Profile characterization and associated factors for runner’s performance” was used. The results showed that the oldest athletes and those with the highest income levels presented lower likelihood of reporting performance improvement as their main motivation for taking part in running. In terms of income level, results showed that as this increased, there was a lower chance of getting involved in practice with a focus on incremental improvements in performance. Differences between sexes were also observed, with men more likely to indicate performance improvement as their motivation for running. In Brazil, most runners reported “health” as their main motivation for running. Women, older runners, and those with higher income levels were less likely to point to performance improvements as their main motivation for taking up running.

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

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

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

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

The aim of this study was to investigate how family life and marital status influence the motivations of ultramarathoners. Two-hundred-sixty-seven Polish athletes participated in the diagnostic survey during the Karkonosze Winter Ultramarathon. The Polish version of the Motivation of Marathoner Scale was used. The motivations of ultra-runners were investigated among the following groups of respondents: people in a relationship/marriage, singles, people with children vs. childless people, people who run alone and with a partner, people who parted with a partner because of lack of support for running. Research results can be useful for sport managers&ndash, e.g., findings show the relative importance of modern sport for singles in the second half of life. Research has also shown how people in relationships and people with children can be realized through demanding long-distance running. We also found that running ultramarathons can pose a threat to a relationship.

This research investigated the effect of irradiation with an electron beam energy of 10 MeV in doses of 26&ndash, 156 kGy on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with a 15% and 20% graphite additive. The research has shown that mechanical (compression strength, hardness, and Young&rsquo, s modulus) and sclerometric (coefficient of wear micromechanism and coefficient of resistance to wear) properties improve and tribological wear decreases as graphite content increases. Electron beam irradiation increases the degree of crystallinity of both materials to a similar extent. However significant differences in the improvement of all examined properties have been demonstrated for PTFE with higher (20%) graphite content subjected to the electron beam irradiation. This polymer is characterized by higher hardness and Young&rsquo, s modulus, reduced susceptibility to permanent deformation, higher elasticity, compression strength, and above all, a nearly 30% reduction in tribological wear compared to PTFE with a 15% graphite additive. The most advantageous properties can be obtained for both of the examined composites after absorbing a dose of 104 kGy. The obtained results hold promise for the improvement of the operational life of friction couples which do not require lubrication, used for example in air compressors and engines, and for the possibility of application of these modified polymers. In particular PTFE with 20% graphite content, in the nuclear and space industry.

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

The aim of the study was to determine the full structure of passes during EuroBasket 2015 in the context of the execution technique, creating a passing lane, the movement of the players, the ball p...

Background The beneficial adaptation of skeletal muscle function to strenuous exercise is partially attributable to the improvement of vitamin D status. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 3-week vitamin D supplementation on serum 25(OH)D levels and skeletal muscle biomarkers (i.e. troponin, myoglobin, creatine kinase and lactic dehydrogenase) of endurance runners. Methods A double-blind placebo-controlled study design was used and vitamin D supplementation was compared to a non-treatment control group. Twenty-four runners, competitors of the ultra-marathons held during the National Running Championships, were randomly assigned into two groups supplemented with the dose of 2000 IU vitamin D or placebo for three weeks. All subjects participated in three exercise protocols: (a) incremental exercise test (to determine the maximum oxygen uptake and the intensity of eccentric exercise), (b) eccentric exercise before and (c) after two dietary protocols. Venous blood samples were drawn at rest, immediately after the exercise and after 1 h and 24 h of recovery in order to estimate serum 25(OH)D levels, skeletal muscle biomarkers, proinflammatory cytokines and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels. A two-way ANOVA was used to test main effects and their interactions and Pearson correlation coefficients were analyzed to determine the effects of inter-variable relationships. Results Significant differences between pre- and post-intervention in baseline 25(OH)D levels were observed (34.9 ± 4.7 versus 40.3 ± 4.9 ng/ml, p = 0.02) in supplemented group. A higher post intervention 25(OH)D level was observed after vitamin D diet compared to placebo (40.3 ± 4.9 versus 31.8 ± 4.2 ng/mL, respectively; p

ObjectivesSwimming is one of the most popular forms of physical activity. Pool water is cleaned with chlorine, which - in combination with compounds contained in water - could form chloramines and trichloromethane in the swimmer’s lungs. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of swimming training in an indoor pool on the composition of swimmers’ respiratory phase metabolomics, and develop a system to provide basic information about its impact on the swimmer’s airway mucosa metabolism, which could help to assess the risk of secondary respiratory tract diseases i.e. sport results, condition, and health including lung acute and chronic diseases).DesignA group of competitive swimmers participated in the study and samples of their respiratory phase before training, immediately after training, and 2 h after training were assessed.MethodsSixteen male national and international-level competitive swimmers participated in this study. Respiratory phase analysis of the indoor swimming pool swimmers was performed. Gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (GCMS) was used in the measurements. All collected data were transferred to numerical analysis for trends of tracking and mapping. The breathing phase was collected on special porous material and analyzed using GCMS headspace.ResultsThe obtained samples of exhaled air were composed of significantly different metabolomics when compared before, during and after exercise training. This suggests that exposition to indoor chlorine causes changes in the airway mucosa.ConclusionThis phenomenon may be explained by occurrence of a chlorine-initiated bio-reaction in the swimmers’ lungs. The obtained results indicate that chromatographic exhaled gas analysis is a sensitive method of pulmonary metabolomic changes assessment. Presented analysis of swimmers exhaled air indicates, that indoor swimming may be responsible for airway irritation caused by volatile chlorine compounds and their influence on lung metabolism.

This study analyzed the effects of irradiation of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) containing 40% of bronze using an electron beam with energy of 10 MeV. Dosages from 26 to156 kGy (2.6&ndash, 15.6 Mrad) were used. The impact of a high-energy electron beam on the thermal, spectrophotometric, mechanical, and tribological properties was determined, and the results were compared with those obtained for pure PTFE. Thermal properties studies showed that such irradiation caused changes in melting temperature Tm and crystallization temperature Tc, an increase in crystallization heat ∆Hc, and a large increase in crystallinity &chi, c proportional to the absorbed dose for both polymers. The addition of bronze decreased the degree of crystallinity of PTFE by twofold. Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies confirmed that the main phenomenon associated with electron beam irradiation was the photodegradation of the polymer chains for both PTFE containing bronze and pure PTFE. This had a direct effect on the increase in the degree of crystallinity observed in DSC studies. The use of a bronze additive could lead to energy dissipation over the additive particles. An increase in hardness H and Young&rsquo, s modulus E was also observed. The addition of bronze and the irradiation with an electron beam improved of the operational properties of PTFE.

Pantelis T Nikolaidis,1,2 Elias Villiger,3 Luca P Ardigò,4 Zbigniew Waśkiewicz,5 Thomas Rosemann,3 Beat Knechtle3,6 1Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Nikaia, Greece; 2Exercise Testing Laboratory, Hellenic Air Force Academy, Acharnes, Greece; 3Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; 4Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, School of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy; 5Department of Team Sports, Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland; 6Medbase St. Gallen Am Vadianplatz, St. Gallen, Switzerland Purpose: The age of peak performance (APP) has been studied extensively in various endurance and ultra-endurance sports; however, less information exists in regard to duathlon (ie, Run1, Bike, and Run2). The aim of the present study was to assess the APP of duathletes competing either in a short (ie, 10 km Run1, 50 km Bike, and 5 km Run2) or a long distance (ie, 10 km Run1, 150 km Bike, and 30 km Run2) race. Participants and methods: We analyzed 6,671 participants (women, n=1,037, age 36.6±9.1 years; men, n=5,634, 40.0±10.0 years) in “Powerman Zofingen” from 2003 to 2017. Results: Considering the finishers in 5-year age groups, in the short distance, a small main effect of sex on race time was observed (p

Religious fasting in the Holy Month of Ramadan is an important element of the Muslim culture during which no eating or drinking is permitted from dawn till dusk. A considerable number of Muslim soccer players abide by these restrictions, which may cause a negative impact on key running performance parameters during competitive matches. Alterations to diet and water intake during the Holy Month of Ramadan may affect various running performance parameters in elite Muslim professional adult soccer players. This study was conducted with two groups of soccer players from the Russian Premier League (RPL): The Exposure Group (EG) consisted of 13 Muslims age 24.0 ± 2.8 years abiding by religious fasting and the Control Group (CG) included 13 non-Muslim age 26.0 ± 4.4 years. Using the Instat system, the running performance of each player was controlled in both groups during matches from the RPL before and in the third week of Ramadan (a total of two matches for every player). None of the measured parameters demonstrated significant changes in any match. In conclusion, restrictions in diet and liquid intake during the Holy Month of Ramadan had no negative influence on the running performance of elite Muslim professional adult soccer players during daytime matches.

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

Vitamin D (25(OH)D) insufficiency and deficiency are highly prevalent in adult soccer players and can exceed 80% even in regions with high insolation, however, the treatment of this condition is often complicated. The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in youth Russian soccer players and the efficacy of its treatment. Participants were 131 young male football players (age 15.6 &plusmn, 2.4 years). Low vitamin D levels (below 30 ng/mL) were observed in 42.8% of the analyzed participants. These athletes were split in two groups composed of persons with vitamin D deficiency (serum vitamin D below 21 ng/mL) and insufficiency (serum vitamin D in range of 21&ndash, 29 ng/mL). A dietary supplement of 5000 IU cholecalciferol per day was administered for two months. After the treatment, an average 92% increase in vitamin D concentration was observed (before treatment&mdash, 19.7 &plusmn, 5.4 ng/mL, after treatment&mdash, 34.7 &plusmn, 8.6 ng/mL, p&lt, 0.001) and 74% of the post-treatment values were within the reference range (30&ndash, 60 ng/mL). Serum concentration of vitamin D increased by 200% &plusmn, 98% (p&lt, 0.001) during the first month of treatment with vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency being successfully treated in 83% of the football players. In summary, the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency was high in young Russian soccer players. Furthermore, it was indicated that the daily usage of cholecalciferol in a dose 5000 IU was an effective and well-tolerated treatment for vitamin D insufficiency. No linear dependency between the duration of treatment and increase in vitamin 25(OH)D concentration was observed.

Background: Vitamin D insufficiency is prevalent among athletes, and it can negatively affect physical performance. At the same time, most of the available data were obtained from untrained individuals of various ages, and published studies performed in athletes led to contradictory conclusions. Methods: This cohort prospective study examined the serum concentration of 25-hydroxycalciferol (25(OH)D) and its association with running speed and muscle power in 131 young football players (mean age 15.6 &plusmn, 2.4 years). Results: 25(OH)D levels were below reference in 42.8% (serum 25(OH)D &lt, 30 ng/mL) and above reference in 30.5% of the participants (serum 25(OH)D 61&ndash, 130 ng/mL). A comparison of the results of 5, 15, and 30 m sprint tests and the standing long jump test found no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Athletes from the 25(OH)D-insufficient group were treated with 5000 IU cholecalciferol supplement daily for 60 days. After the treatment, the 25(OH)D concentration increased by 79.2% and was within reference in 84% of the treated athletes (serum 25(OH)D 30&ndash, 60 ng/mL). Testing was repeated after the end of treatment, and a statistically significant increase in the results of the 5, 15, and 30 m sprint tests was observed (Cohen&rsquo, s d was 0.46, 0.33, and 0.34, respectively), while the results of the standing long jump test remained unchanged. Body height, body weight, and lean body mass of the football players also increased. Conclusions: These findings indicate that there is likely no correlation between serum levels of 25(OH)D, muscle power, and running speed in young professional football players, and the changes observed post-treatment might have been caused by changes in the anthropometric parameters. During the study, all the anthropometric parameters changed, but the amount of lean body mass only correlated with the results of the 5 m sprint.

The relative age effect (RAE) has been well studied in adolescent and adult soccer players, however, less information has been available about children engaged in regular soccer training and the role of performance. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence of RAE in children and adolescent soccer players, as well as the role of age and performance. Russian soccer players (n = 10,446) of various ages, playing positions and performance levels were examined for their date of birth. It was observed that RAE was widespread in Russian soccer teams of all age groups. RAE was most pronounced in children teams of the top tier Russian soccer academies and junior Russia national teams, where the proportions of soccer players born in the first quarter were 43.9% and 39.8%, respectively, whereas those born in the fourth quarter of the year were 7.7% and 6.3%, respectively. In top tier soccer academies, RAE did not vary by age group. In the middle tier soccer academies, RAE was less pronounced. It was still prevalent in the junior teams of the top tier clubs of the Russian Premier League, where 14.3% of the soccer players were born in the fourth quarter of the year compared to 42.9% born in the first quarter of the year. RAE can be observed in the top tier Russian adult teams as well, although it is less pronounced there. In summary, RAE is highly prevalent in Russian children and junior soccer and is associated with the level of competitiveness. At the same time, the proportion of players born in the fourth quarter of the year is higher in adult teams than in junior and youth teams, which is most likely due to the wider selection of players, not limited by their age and place of residence. In junior teams, RAE results in a bias towards selection of players who are more physically mature, whereas children who may be more talented but are less developed due to their younger chronological age tend to be overlooked.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common types of cardiac arrhythmias. This review article highlights the problem of the development of atrial fibrillation in individuals engaged in physical activity and sports. Predisposing factors, causes, and development mechanisms of atrial fibrillation in athletes from the perspective of the authors are described. Methods of treatment, as well as prevention of thromboembolic complications, are discussed. Directions for further studies of this problem and prevention of complications are proposed.

Zbigniew Waśkiewicz,1,2 Pantelis T Nikolaidis,3,4 Aïna Chalabaev,5 Thomas Rosemann,6 Beat Knechtle6,7 1Department of Team Sports, Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland; 2Department of Sports Medicine and Medical Rehabilitation, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia; 3Exercise Testing Laboratory, Hellenic Air Force Academy, Acharnes, Greece; 4Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Nikaia, Greece; 5UFR APS, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France; 6Medbase St. Gallen Am Vadianplatz, St. Gallen, Switzerland; 7Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland Background: In ultra-marathon running the proper motivation of the athlete is one of the milestones, not only during the races, but also during the practice sessions, which are long and very exhausting. Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of sport experience (expressed as number of finishes in ultra-marathons) with motivation characteristics of ultra-marathon runners. Subjects and methods: The Motivation of Marathoners Scale examined the motivation of ultra-marathon runners compared to endurance runners of shorter distances (control group). Participants were 1,539 Polish runners, 382 women (24.7%) and 1,157 men (75.3%). Ultra-marathoners (N=425; 26.7%) finished at least one ultra-marathon, whereas the control group consisted of runners of shorter distances (N=1,114, 72.3%). Results: Ultra-marathoners had higher scores in affiliation (3.55±1.60 vs 3.34±1.62, P

The aim of this study was to evaluate selected parameters of strain and rotation of the left ventricle (the basal rotation (BR) index, the basal circumferential strain (BCS) index, and the global longitudinal strain (GLS) of the left ventricle) in male athletes with physiological cardiac hypertrophy (LVH group), and athletes (non-LVH group) and non-athletes without hypertrophy (control group, CG). They were evaluated using transthoracic echocardiography and speckle tracking echocardiography before and after an incremental exercise test. The LVH group demonstrated lower BR at rest than the non-LVH group (p &lt, 0.05) and the CG (p &lt, 0.05). Physical effort had no effect on BR, nor was this effect different between groups (p &gt, 0.05). There was a combined influence of LVH and physical effort on BR (F = 5.70, p &lt, 0.05) and BCS (F = 4.97, 0.05), but no significant differences in BCS and GLS at rest between the groups. A higher BCS and lower GLS after exercise in the LVH group were demonstrated in comparison with the CG (p &lt, 0.05). Left ventricular basal rotation as well as longitudinal and circumferential strains showed less of a difference between rest and after physical effort in subjects with significant myocardial hypertrophy. In conclusion, the obtained results may suggest that echocardiographic assessment of basal rotation and circumferential strain of the left ventricular can be important in predicting cardiac disorders caused by physical effort in individuals with physiological and pathological heart hypertrophy.

The aim of the present study was to examine the acute effect of an ultra-endurance performance on N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), cardiac specific troponin T (cTnT), creatinine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), ischemia modified albumin (IMA), heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) and cardiovascular function. Cardiac biomarkers were evaluated in 14 male ultra-marathoners (age 40 &plusmn, 12 years) during a 24 h ultra-marathon at five points (i.e., Pre-race, Marathon, 12-h run, 24-h run, and 48-h post-race). All subjects underwent baseline echocardiography assessment at least 10 days prior to the ultra-marathon and 48 h post-race. The average distance covered during the race was 149.4 &plusmn, 33.0 km. Running the ultra-marathon led to a progressive increase in hsCRP and H-FABP concentrations (p &lt, 0.001). CK-MB and cTnT levels were higher after a 24-h run compared to pre-race (p &lt, 0.05). Diastolic function was altered post-race characterized by a reduction in peak early to late diastolic filling (p &lt, 0.01). Running an ultra-marathon significantly stimulates specific cardiac biomarkers, however, the dynamic of secretion of biomarkers linked to myocardium ischemia were differentially regulated during the ultra-marathon race. It is suggested that both exercise duration and intensity play a crucial role in cardiovascular adaptive mechanisms and cause risk of cardiac stress in ultra-marathoners.

In today&rsquo, s analytical trends, there is an ever-increasing importance of polymeric materials for low molecular weight compounds including amines and drugs because they can act as carriers or capture amines or drugs. The use of this type of materials will allow the development of modern materials for the chromatographic column beds and the substrates of selective sensors. Moreover, these kinds of materials could be used as a drug carrier. Therefore, the aim of this study is presenting the synthesis and complexing properties of star-shaped oxiranes as a new sensor for the selective complexation of low molecular weight compounds. Propylene oxide and selected oxirane monomers with carbazolyl in the substituent were selected as the monomers in this case and tetrahydrofuran as its solvent. The obtained polymer structures were characterized using the MALDI-TOF. It was found that in the initiation step potassium hydride deprotonates the monomer molecule and takes also part in the nucleophilic substitution. The resulting polymeric material preferably cross-linked with selected di-oxiranes (1,2,7,8-diepoksyoktan in respect ratio 3:1 according to active center) was then used as a stationary phase in the column and thin layer chromatography for amine separation and identification. Sorption ability of the resulting deposits was determined using a quartz microbalance (QCMB). The study was carried out in stationary mode and flow cells to simulate actual operating phase conditions. Based on changes in electrode vibration frequency, the maximum amount of adsorbed analyte and the best conditions for its sorption were determined.

Cold water swimming (winter or ice swimming) has a long tradition in northern countries. Until a few years ago, ice swimming was practiced by very few extreme athletes. For some years now, ice swimming has been held as competitions in ice-cold water (colder than 5 °C). The aim of this overview is to present the current status of benefits and risks for swimming in cold water. When cold water swimming is practiced by experienced people with good health in a regular, graded and adjusted mode, it appears to bring health benefits. However, there is a risk of death in unfamiliar people, either due to the initial neurogenic cold shock response or due to a progressive decrease in swimming efficiency or hypothermia.