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Weight-related issues can be prevalent in elite-level sports, especially in men's road cycling, where riders may exhibit harmful behaviours, with potentially adverse outcomes for mental and physical health. This study investigated Body Mass Index (BMI) values amongst the top five finishers in the three Grand Tours and the five Monuments races between 1994 and 2023 to assess longitudinal patterns. Publicly available height and weight figures were sourced from ProCyclingStats and BMI scores were calculated for n = 154 and n = 255 individual athletes for the Grand Tours and Monuments, respectively. Two analyses were conducted with correlations and ANOVAs: the first included the BMIs of all top-five finishes and the second focussed on the BMIs of new top-five entrants. The results from both analyses revealed consistent mean BMI decreases over the years and larger effect sizes were apparent in the Grand Tours compared to the Monuments. Although lower BMIs are associated with certain performance advantages, these declining trajectories suggest a need for enhanced awareness in the cycling community and possible regulatory measures and educational programmes to promote the sustainable wellbeing of riders. This may be particularly pertinent given the wider evidence of unhealthy weight-related attitudes and behaviours throughout the sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the reliability, validity, and sensitivity of spatiotemporal parameters, during sprint skating, of bandy players. Thirty-two well-trained male bandy players (age: 17.8 ± 1.2 years; height: 1.80 ± 0.06 m; body mass: 75.7 ± 1.2 kg) participated in this study. They performed two 80 m linear skating sprints. To calculate the velocities and obtain glide-by-glide spatiotemporal variables, nine timing gates and two skate-mounted inertial measurement units (IMUs) were synchronized and used. The spatiotemporal variables at each step included the glide time, glide length, double support time, double support length, step length, and step frequency. All the spatiotemporal variables were analyzed separately: averaged over 80 m, during the acceleration, and the maximal steady-state phases. The relative and absolute reliability of the spatiotemporal parameters were good (ICC > 0.70; CV < 10%), except for the step frequency during the steady-state phase. The spatiotemporal parameters showed "good" to "satisfactory" sensitivity during the acceleration phase and whole sprint, and "marginal" sensitivity during the steady-state phase. Content validity was confirmed by a low percentage of the shared variance (17.9–34.3%) between the spatiotemporal parameters obtained during the acceleration and steady-state phases. A "stepwise" regression significantly predicted the steady-state skating velocity from the spatiotemporal metrics obtained during the acceleration [F(5,26) = 8.34, p < 0.001, adj. R2 = 0.62] and steady-state phases [F(5,26) = 13.6, p < 0.01, R2 = 0.67]. Only the step frequency obtained in the acceleration phase significantly predicted the maximal skating velocity (p < 0.01), while the glide length and step frequency derived during the steady-state phase significantly added to the prediction (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the spatiotemporal parameters, obtained by two skate-mounted IMUs, were shown to be reliable and sensitive measures of sprint skating, and they could be used to provide independent information for the different skating phases. The maximal skating velocity could be predicted from the spatiotemporal parameters, with longer gliding and more frequent steps as the most significant determinants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: This research deepens the knowledge about the load demands of kinematic variable accelerations and decelerations of young basketball players during competition. After a first description of these demands by periods of play and playing positions, three ranges of acceleration and deceleration are established. In addition, this study has identified the initial and final velocity of acceleration and deceleration for each range. This information will allow coaches to personalize training tasks, adapting them to the demands of the competition for each playing position. Accelerometry is a crucial tool in basketball for quantifying the external load borne by players in response to the demands of intermittent high-intensity sports. To advance scientific knowledge in this field, it is imperative to study accelerometry across various populations, sexes, and competitive levels. The primary objective of this research was to characterize the acceleration (ACC) and deceleration (DEC) profiles of male under-18 basketball players during official games, identifying differences in acceleration and deceleration thresholds during playing periods and specific positions. Additionally, the interaction between specific positions and playing periods in acceleration thresholds was examined. Acceleration and deceleration were characterized using four variables: maximum ACC and DEC, distance covered, initial velocity and final velocity. These parameters were analyzed to understand the response of players participating in the Euroleague Basketball based on playing position and game period. A one-way ANOVA, along with effect size, was employed for statistical analysis. Demands exceeding ACC and DEC > 4 m·s−2 were found to differentiate player interventions. High-intensity ACC was greater in the first period compared to the third and fourth periods. Distinctions were observed between Guards and Forwards concerning high-intensity ACC being superior to the Centers, and Guards differed from Centers in moderate DEC (2–4 m·s−2), presenting higher values. For all playing positions, high-intensity accelerations were greater during the first period compared to subsequent periods. The four variables used for characterizing ACC and DEC were found to be interrelated. Distance covered depended on maximum ACC and DEC, initial velocity on covered distance, and final velocity on maximum ACC and DEC, distance, and initial velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to analyze the effects of a congested period (three games in four days) on countermovement (CMJ) jump-landing metrics, heart rate variability (HRV), and total recovery quality (TQR) score in under-19 male futsal players, and to detect the differences between those who played for more minutes (HIGHMIN) and less minutes (LOWMIN). Fourteen youth futsal players (age: 17.5 ± 0.5 years; body mass: 70.2 ± 8.5 kg; height: 1.80 ± 0.1 m) participated. HRV, TQR questionnaire, and CMJ metrics (i.e., CMJ height, relative peak power (PPREL), eccentric and concentric impulse, braking time, and time to peak force) were registered. A linear mixed model and effect sizes (ESs) were used to assess the differences between groups and days. Considering the total sample, a significant decrease was found in the PPREL and TQR score (p = 0.001–0.013 and ES = 0.28–0.99) on Days 2, 3, and 4 when compared to Day 1. HIGHMIN group presented a significant decrease in PPREL on Day 3 (p = 0.004; ES: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.39–2.65) when compared to Day 1, and in the TRQ score on Day 3 (p = 0.002; ES: 1.98; 95% CI: 0.18–2.46) and 4 (p = 0.003; ES: 2.25; 95% CI: 0.52–3.38) when compared to Day 1. Non-significant differences were found for the rest of the metrics and in the group LOWMIN. In summary, neuromuscular performance (i.e., CMJ PPREL) and subjective recovery were impaired in players with higher playing minutes during a match-congested period when compared to those with less on-court time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using seven indicator traits, we investigated the genetic basis of bull fertility and predicted gene interactions from SNP associations. We used percent normal sperm as the key phenotype for the association weight matrix-partial correlation information theory (AWM-PCIT) approach. Beyond a simple list of candidate genes, AWM-PCIT predicts significant gene interactions and associations for the selected traits. These interactions formed a network of 537 genes: 38 genes were transcription cofactors, and 41 genes were transcription factors. The network displayed two distinct clusters, one with 294 genes and another with 243 genes. The network is enriched in fertility-associated pathways: steroid biosynthesis, p53 signalling, and the pentose phosphate pathway. Enrichment analysis also highlighted gene ontology terms associated with 'regulation of neurotransmitter secretion' and 'chromatin formation'. Our network recapitulates some genes previously implicated in another network built with lower-density genotypes. Sequence-level data also highlights additional candidate genes relevant to bull fertility, such as FOXO4, FOXP3, GATA1, CYP27B1, and EBP. A trio of regulatory genes-KDM5C, LRRK2, and PME-was deemed core to the network because of their overarching connections. This trio probably influences bull fertility through their interaction with genes, both known and unknown as to their role in male fertility. Future studies may target the trio and their target genes to enrich our understanding of male fertility further., (© 2024 The Authors. Animal Genetics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Stichting International Foundation for Animal Genetics.)

It has yet to be determined whether or not differences in body composition are present between international and non-international players playing in the same elite professional club competition. Similarly, it is not yet clear whether or not differences in body composition exist according to ethnic origin where relative homogeneity is to be expected among soccer players. There is no single anthropometric profile that guarantees sporting success, as success differs according to characteristics. The aim of this study was to assess the description, comparison, and correlation of the body composition profile of Latin American professional football players playing in European leagues. The sample was composed of 238 Latin American male football players from European professional football leagues of Spain, Italy and England during the competition period. Differences were found in all measures. The present study shows that Latin American professional football players playing in Europe have significant differences in various body composition variables such as weight, height, WC, skinfold and fat values. This means that training, revalidation after injury and the classifications of sporting performance carried out in European football clubs should take into account the anthropometric difference between Latin American and European players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common issues in clinical practice. It can be caused by intense physical activity, among other things. The aim of the study was to assess serum iron parameters in a group of men who engage in regular physical activity. The study group was composed of 20 men who regularly perform strength or endurance sports, whereas the control group consisted of 20 men without any sports activity. The red blood cell (RBC) parameters, platelet count (PLT), and white blood cell (WBC) count in venous blood samples were assessed with an automated hematology analyzer. The serum concentration of ferritin was determined through an immunology assay. There were no statistically significant differences between groups comparing RBC parameters and WBC. However, statistical analysis showed dissimilarity in PLT count and serum ferritin concentration comparing control and study groups (p < 0.05). It was shown that lower serum ferritin concentration concerns men with regular physical activity, whereas other blood parameters were not affected in this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports a novel monitoring technique of bearings' bidirectional load (axial and radial) based on a smart sensor coating, which is screen printed onto the surface of a cross-shaped steel substrate. To ensure the accuracy and stability of measurement as well as the durability of the printed coating, the developed prototype is built according to design rules commonly used in electronic circuits. The finite element model (FEM) is used to predict the mechanical property of the tested substrate under either unidirectional or bidirectional loads. Regarding the output voltage of the piezoelectric sensor, experimental results are revealed to be well-corelated to the numerical simulation. It is pointed out that the output signal generated from the sensor (electrode) could be particularly affected due to the capacitive parasite coming from the conductive tracks (CTs). Such a phenomenon might be reduced by printing them on the dielectric layer rather than on the piezocomposite layer. The study also investigates a highly anisotropic shape of electrodes (rectangular instead of circle), indicating that the orientation of such electrodes (axial or radial) does affect the output measurement. To sum up, the high performance of a sensor network coating depends not only on the ultimate characteristics of its own materials, but also on its structural design. Such an issue has been rarely reported on in the literature, but is nonetheless crucial to achieving reliable condition monitoring of bearings, especially for multidirectional loads—a key signature of early failure detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rugby union athletes have divergent body composition based on the demands of their on-field playing position and ethnicity. With an established association between physique traits and positional requirements, body composition assessment is routinely undertaken. Surface anthropometry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) are the most common assessment techniques used, often undertaken synchronously. This study aims to investigate the association between DXA and surface anthropometry when assessing longitudinal changes in fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) in rugby union athletes. Thirty-nine elite male rugby union athletes (age: 25.7 ± 3.1 years, stature: 187.6 ± 7.7 cm, and mass: 104.1 ± 12.2 kg) underwent assessment via DXA and surface anthropometry multiple times over three consecutive international seasons. Changes in the lean mass index, an empirical measure to assess proportional variation in FFM, showed large agreement with changes in DXA FFM (r =.54, standard error of the estimate = 1.5%, p <.001); the strength of association was stronger among forwards (r =.63) compared with backs (r =.38). Changes in the sum of seven skinfolds showed very large agreement with changes in DXA FM (r =.73, standard error of the estimate = 5.8%, p <.001), with meaningful differences observed regardless of ethnicity (Whites: r =.75 and Polynesians: r =.62). The lean mass index and sum of seven skinfolds were able to predict the direction of change in FFM and FM 86% and 91% of the time, respectively, when DXA change was >1 kg. Surface anthropometry measures provide a robust indication of the direction of change in FFM and FM, although caution may need to be applied when interpreting magnitude of change, particularly with FM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary intake is an important consideration for rugby union ('rugby') players to ensure substrate provision for optimal performance and facilitate recovery. Within-day meal distribution is especially important for athletes, particularly those with congested schedules and multiple daily training sessions. In the present study, 10 provincial academy rugby players engaged in a holistic support protocol informed by behaviour-change techniques led by a full-time sports nutritionist. Dietary intake was estimated during a 4-week monitoring and 4-week intervention period using the remote food photography method on one high-volume training day (two training sessions) and two low-volume training days (≤1 training session) per week. Lean body mass did not change significantly in response to the intervention. Significant increases were observed for protein on both low-volume (breakfast, AM snack, evening snack) and high-volume (post-gym, AM snack, evening snack) training days. Carbohydrate intake post-intervention was significantly greater at the pre-gym eating occasion but lower at PM snack and dinner eating occasions on high-volume days. These data suggest that incorporating a holistic support protocol led by a sports nutritionist can influence within-day nutrient intake in rugby players; however, no change to lean body mass was observed, and the influence of these changes in nutrient intake on performance and recovery warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A short-term (e.g., 6 days) basketball tournament is a shorter version of international tournaments, and qualification in it enables participation in international tournaments such as the Olympics and World championships or preparation before major tournaments. Time for recovery between matches is shorter compared with major tournaments, resulting in an accentuated load on players, which can be repeated up to four times within the 6-day competition period. Therefore, nutritional strategies need to focus on faster and adequate recovery after each match as well as optimum fuelling and hydration before and during matches. Travelling can also create additional challenges when preparing and/or applying those nutritional strategies. There are some particular evidence-based sport foods and ergogenic aids that can improve intermittent activity and/or the execution of motor skills, which may facilitate basketball players' recovery and performance. The present review provides practical nutritional strategies to support short-term basketball tournaments based on players' physiological needs and current sport nutrition guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body composition in elite rugby union athletes is routinely assessed using surface anthropometry, which can be utilized to provide estimates of absolute body composition using regression equations. This study aims to assess the ability of available skinfold equations to estimate body composition in elite rugby union athletes who have unique physique traits and divergent ethnicity. The development of sport-specific and ethnicitysensitive equations was also pursued. Forty-three male international Australian rugby union athletes of Caucasian and Polynesian descent underwent surface anthropometry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) assessment. Body fat percent (BF%) was estimated using five previously developed equations and compared to DXA measures. Novel sport and ethnicity-sensitive prediction equations were developed using forward selection multiple regression analysis. Existing skinfold equations provided unsatisfactory estimates of BF% in elite rugby union athletes, with all equations demonstrating a 95% prediction interval in excess of 5%. The equations tended to underestimate BF% at low levels of adiposity, whilst overestimating BF% at higher levels of adiposity, regardless of ethnicity. The novel equations created explained a similar amount of variance to those previously developed (Caucasians 75%, Polynesians 90%). The use of skinfold equations, including the created equations, cannot be supported to estimate absolute body composition. Until a population-specific equation is established that can be validated to precisely estimate body composition, it is advocated to use a proven method, such as DXA, when absolute measures of lean and fat mass are desired, and raw anthropometry data routinely to derive an estimate of body composition change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify the effect of spirulina supplementation on the immune cells' indicators of young soccer players during the preparation period of a tournament. Methods: 39 undergraduate male soccer players were recruited and randomly allocated into a spirulina supplementation group (SP group, n = 20) and the placebo supplementation group (PB group, n = 19). Their elbow venous blood samples were collected before and after the preparation period of a tournament, which included 8 weeks total. The differences within the group and between groups were recorded and analyzed. Results: The ratio of the basophils in the SP group between the pre-test and post-test were statistically significantly different (p < 0.05). In the PB group, the percentage of before and after in leukocytes and monocytes were statistically significantly different (p < 0.05). In the data of the post-test, the percentage of monocytes and basophils between the SP group and PB group were statistically significantly different. The delta variations of monocytes between groups were significantly different (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Intense long-duration exercise can reduce the ratio of leukocytes and monocytes in young athletes, yet the spirulina supplement can inhibit the change. It also might improve immunity to parasites, pathogenic bacterium, and rapid-onset allergies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ti-6Al-4V profiles prepared by hot extrusion are usually accompanied by bending and twisting. The hot twist-stretch straightening is an effective strategy such that the bending deflection and twisting angle can be simultaneously decreased by a single straightening process. In addition, utilizing stress relaxation effect, the residual stress and springback can be greatly reduced by holding the straightening temperature and strain constant for a period after twist-stretch straightening. In this study, the hot deformation behaviors of the Ti-6Al-4V profile were revealed by experiments. The tensile model was obtained by uniaxial tensile tests within ranges of temperatures (500–700 °C) and strain rates (5 × 10−5–1 × 10−3 s−1). The creep constitutive model was acquired with stress relaxation experiments in ranges of temperatures (500–700 °C) and pre-strain of 1.5%. Then, the coupled thermo-mechanical model of hot twist-stretch straightening was established. Based on orthogonal experiment strategy, the effects of straightening temperature, stretch strain, and holding time on the bending deflection and torsion angle of profile were investigated systematically and the process was optimized. The straightening accuracy is significantly affected by straightening temperature and holding time. By using optimized process parameters in practical straightening experiments, the deflection/length and angle/length after straightening does not exceed 2‰ and 2.5‰°/mm, respectively, which is basically consistent with the numerical simulation result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olfactory dysfunction often has severe consequences on patients' quality of life. The most common complaint in these patients is their reduced enjoyment of food in both patients with olfactory loss and parosmia. How the different types of olfactory dysfunction differ in relation to food and cooking habits, sensory awareness, and food-related quality of life has not yet received much attention. By applying questionnaires on cooking, food, olfactory function, weight changes, sensory awareness, and food-related quality of life, we investigated how various aspects of eating differ between participants with olfactory loss (n = 271), parosmia (n = 251), and normosmic controls (n = 166). Cooking habits in olfactory dysfunction revealed pronounced differences as compared with normosmic controls. Cooking with olfactory dysfunction was associated with, e.g., a lack of comfort and inspiration for cooking and an inability to make new foods successfully. Significant differences in cooking were also found between olfactory loss and parosmia. Food items were less familiar in participants with olfactory loss and parosmia, while the ratings of liking food items differed between olfactory loss and parosmia, indicating the importance of adapting ingredients in meals separately for olfactory loss and parosmia. Parosmia was associated with a higher incidence of weight loss, but we found no difference in food-related quality of life between participants with olfactory loss and parosmia. While olfactory loss and parosmia have wide-ranging consequences on patients' cooking and food habits, adapting meals to include 'safer food items' and integrating multisensory stimulation may be a possible avenue for improving the enjoyment of food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study quantified the strength of the relationship between the percentage of heart rate reserve (%HRR) and two acceleration-based intensity metrics (AIMs) at three sensor-positions during three sport types (running, basketball, and badminton) under three intensity conditions (locomotion speeds). Fourteen participants (age: 24.9 ± 2.4 years) wore a chest strap HR monitor and placed three accelerometers at the left wrist (non-dominant), trunk, and right shank, respectively. The %HRR and two different AIMs (Player Load per minute [PL/min] and mean amplitude deviation [MAD]) during exercise were calculated. During running, both AIMs at the shank and PL at the wrist had strong correlations (r = 0.777–0.778) with %HRR; while other combinations were negligible to moderate (r = 0.065–0.451). For basketball, both AIMs at the shank had stronger correlations (r = 0.604–0.628) with %HRR than at wrist (r = 0.536–0.603) and trunk (r = 0.403–0.463) with %HRR. During badminton exercise, both AIMs at shank had stronger correlations (r = 0.782–0.793) with %HRR than those at wrist (r = 0.587–0.621) and MAD at trunk (r = 0.608) and trunk (r = 0.314). Wearing the sensor on the shank is an ideal position for both AIMs to monitor external intensity in running, basketball, and badminton, while the wrist and using PL-derived AIM seems to be the second ideal combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a treadmill exercise on hematological and serum biochemical parameters and the expression of immune-related cytokine genes in leukocytes. For the experiment, six healthy adult dogs were divided into exercise and control groups. The exercise group performed an endurance exercise three times a week for four weeks. Blood samples were collected before exercise, two weeks after exercise, and post-exercise, and hematological and serum biochemical analysis and cytokine gene analysis were conducted. In the exercise group, white blood cell count (WBC), aspartate aminotransferase, serum alkaline phosphatase, and glucose levels were significantly decreased, but there was no change in the control group. The mRNA expression of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-4 was significantly decreased in the exercise group compared to the control group. There was no difference in IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 mRNA expression between groups. The results in the current study demonstrate that short-term moderate-intensity endurance exercise alters WBC levels and mRNA cytokine expression in leukocytes and may have a meaningful effect on immune health in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to analyse the performance evolution of all, and the dominant, team's performances throughout an eight-season period within the Spanish professional basketball league. Match-related statistics were gathered from all regular season matches (n = 2426) played during the period 2009–2010 to 2016–2017. The non-metric multidimensional scaling model was used to examine the team's profiles across seasons and for the most successful (playoff) teams. The main results showed that: 3-point field goals made (effect size, d = 0.61; 90% confidence interval, CI = 0.23; 1.37) and missed (d = 0.72; 90% CI = 0.35; 1.46), and assists (d = 1.27; 90% CI = 0.82; 1.86) presented a positive trend with an increased number of actions across the seasons; 2-point field goals made (d = 0.21; 90% CI = −1.25; 2.02) and missed (d = 0.27; 90% CI = −0.52; 0.92) were decreased; free throws made and missed, rebounds, fouls, blocks, steals and turnovers showed a relatively stable performance. The matrix solution (stress = 0.22, rmse (root mean squared error) = 7.9 × 104, maximum residual = 5.8 × 103) indicated minimal season-to-season evolution with the ordination plot and convex hulls overlapping. The two most dominant teams exhibited unique match patterns with the most successful team's pattern, a potential benchmark for others who exhibited more dynamic evolutions (and less success). The current findings identified the different performances of teams within the Spanish professional basketball league over eight seasons with further statistical modelling of match play performances useful to identify temporal trends and support coaches with training and competition preparations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compression garments can enhance performance and promote recovery in athletes. Different body coverage with compression garments may impose distinct effects on kinematic movement mechanics and thus basketball free-throw accuracy. The objective of this study was to examine basketball free-throw shooting accuracy, consistency and the range of motion of body joints while wearing upper-, lower- and full-body compression garments. Twenty male basketball players performed five blocks of 20 basketball free-throw shooting trials in each of the following five compression garment conditions: control-pre, top, bottom, full (top + bottom) and control-post. All conditions were randomized except pre- and post-control (the first and last conditions). Range of motion of was acquired by multiple inertial measurement units. Free-throw accuracy and the coefficient of variation were also analyzed. Players wearing upper-body or full-body compression garments had significantly improved accuracy by 4.2% and 5.9%, respectively (p < 0.05), but this difference was not observed with shooting consistency. Smaller range of motion of head flexion and trunk lateral bending (p < 0.05) was found in the upper- and full-body conditions compared to the control-pre condition. These findings suggest that an improvement in shooting accuracy could be achieved by constraining the range of motion through the use of upper-body and full-body compression garments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comfort level of the human occupant inside a dynamic vehicle is dependent on the level of vibration generated inside the different segments of the human body. Some technologies have been developed to provide the final level of vibration inside an automotive-seated human, but those technologies considered only a specific portion of human segments. In the present work, a unique and comprehensive finite element simulation model was proposed to predict the final level of vibration at different segments of a seated human driver inside a moving car. The main aim of this unique simulation methodology was to replace the time-consuming and expensive real life vibration testing for a car-seated human body, with a non-robust and correctly postured virtual human model in a finite element environment. The output of this research work focused on the vertical accelerations, vertical displacement, and frequency, and the results obtained from this research work were validated through comparison to real life test data and information provided in other similar research works. The validation study showed that this unique simulation methodology can successfully be implemented to anticipate accelerations and frequencies at different points of a car-seated human body in order to optimize human health, comfort, and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a probiotic supplement during 4 mo of winter training in men and women engaged in endurance-based physical activities on incidence of upper respiratory-tract infections (URTIs) and immune markers. Eighty-four highly active individuals were randomized to probiotic (n = 42) or placebo (n = 42) groups and, under double-blind procedures, received probiotic (PRO: Lactobacillus casei Shirota [LcS]) or placebo (PLA) daily for 16 wk. Resting blood and saliva samples were collected at baseline and after 8 and 16 wk. Weekly training and illness logs were kept. Fifty-eight subjects completed the study (n = 32 PRO, n = 26 PLA). The proportion of subjects on PLA who experienced 1 or more weeks with URTI symptoms was 36% higher than those on PRO (PLA 0.90, PRO 0.66; p = .021). The number of URTI episodes was significantly higher (p < .01) in the PLA group (2.1 ± 1.2) than in the PRO group (1.2 ± 1.0). Severity and duration of symptoms were not significantly different between treatments. Saliva IgA concentration was higher on PRO than PLA, significant treatment effect F(1, 54) = 5.1, p = .03; this difference was not evident at baseline but was significant after 8 and 16 wk of supplementation. Regular ingestion of LcS appears to be beneficial in reducing the frequency of URTI in an athletic cohort, which may be related to better maintenance of saliva IgA levels during a winter period of training and competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of bovine colostrum (BC) on mucosal defense in the respiratory tracts of athletes and a nonexercising control group. Methods: An athlete cohort (ATH) of 25 (12 male, 13 female) elite swimmers (age 14-23 yr) and a control cohort (CON) of 28 (9M, 19F) students (age 18-27 yr) were randomly allocated in a double-blind manner to receive either 25 g BC (low-protein colostrum powder) or isocaloric placebo (PL) per day for 10 wk. Postprandial saliva samples were analyzed for immunoglobulins (A, G, and M) and osmolality at baseline, after 4 and 10 wk, and 2 wk postsupplementation. Blood samples were analyzed for immunoglobulins and C-reactive protein at baseline, after 5 and 10 wk, and 2 wk postsupplementation. Dietary intake was assessed by self-recorded dietary records. Upper respiratory tract symptoms (URS) and exercise were also self-recorded daily. Results: There was no significant time-related effect of the BC supplement on either saliva or plasma immunoglobulin levels for either cohort. After 4 wk supplementation fewer ATH/BC (25%) than ATH/PL participants (61%) reported URS incidents (p = .062). No significant difference occurred in URS reports in the control group. Conclusion: There was no measurable effect on immunoglobulin levels of consuming BC, which is in contrast to effects that have been reported previously in marathon runners, indicating that the effect of BC supplementation is not universal in all groups of athletes. Fewer athletes reported URS (although cause unknown) when consuming BC, which may be advantageous for training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The one dimensional free electron laser equations are solved in the steady state case for high gain weak pump solutions. The quadratic dispersion relation obtained by series expansion is compatible with the classical cubic form by linearization. The functional dependence of the exponentiation length of the radiation field on the machine parameters can be used as a design guideline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sport of basketball exposes athletes to frequent high intensity movements including sprinting, jumping, accelerations, decelerations and changes of direction during training and competition which can lead to acute and accumulated chronic fatigue. Fatigue may affect the ability of the athlete to perform over the course of a lengthy season. The ability of practitioners to quantify the workload and subsequent fatigue in basketball athletes in order to monitor and manage fatigue levels may be beneficial in maintaining high levels of performance and preventing unfavorable physical and physiological training adaptations. There is currently limited research quantifying training or competition workload outside of time motion analysis in basketball. In addition, systematic research investigating methods to monitor and manage athlete fatigue in basketball throughout a season is scarce. To effectively optimize and maintain peak training and playing performance throughout a basketball season, potential workload and fatigue monitoring strategies need to be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Determining somatic models and profiles in young athletes has recently become a fundamental element in selecting basketball playing positions. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the body build of young and adult elite male basketball players at different playing positions. Methods: Participants consisted of 35 young (age: 14.09 ± 0.30 years, n = 35) and 35 adult professional basketball players (age: 24.45 ± 5.40 years, n = 35) competing in elite leagues. The anthropometric characteristics assessed included body mass, body height, skinfolds, somatotypes, girths, and breadths. Results: The centers in both age groups were significantly taller and heavier (p < 0.001) compared to forwards and guards. The greatest difference between categories were in the guards' personal height (from 169.36 to 186.68 = 17.32 cm). The guards from the professional team were closest in height to the forwards (difference = 7.17 cm) compared to young players where the difference between guards and forwards was 13.23 cm. Young competitors were more ectomorphic (2.12-3.75-4.17), while professional players were more mesomorphic (2.26-4.57-3.04). Significant criteria for center selection at professional level seems to be personal height and arm span ratio. Conclusions: The results indicate that the selection for basketball playing positions should include the analysis of body height and mass, shoulder breadth, humerus breadth, femur breadth and specifically for centers the difference between personal the height and arm span. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The scientific literature about probiotic intake and its effect on sports performance is growing. Therefore, the main aim of this systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression was to review all information about the effects of probiotic supplementation on performance tests with predominance of aerobic metabolism in trained populations (athletes and/or Division I players and/or trained population: ≥8 h/week and/or ≥5 workouts/week). A structured search was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA®) statement and PICOS guidelines in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science (WOS), and Scopus international databases from inception to 1 November 2021. Studies involving probiotic supplementation in trained population and execution of performance test with aerobic metabolism predominance (test lasted more than 5 min) were considered for inclusion. Fifteen articles were included in the final systematic review (in total, 388 participants were included). After 3 studies were removed due to a lack of data for the meta-analysis and meta-regression, 12 studies with 232 participants were involved. With the objective of assessing the risk of bias of included studies, Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale were performed. For all included studies the following data was extracted: authors, year of publication, study design, the size of the sample, probiotic administration (dose and time), and characteristics of participants. The random effects model and pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) were used according to Hedges' g for the meta-analysis. In order to determine if dose and duration covariates could predict probiotic effects, a meta-regression was also conducted. Results showed a small positive and significant effect on the performance test with aerobic metabolic predominance (SMD = 0.29; CI = 0.08–0.50; p < 0.05). Moreover, the subgroup analysis displayed significant greater benefits when the dose was ≥30 × 109 colony forming units (CFU) (SMD, 0.47; CI, 0.05 to 0.89; p < 0.05), when supplementation duration was ≤4 weeks (SMD, 0.44; CI, 0.05 to 0.84; p < 0.05), when single strain probiotics were used (SMD, 0.33; CI, 0.06 to 0.60; p < 0.05), when participants were males (SMD, 0.30; CI, 0.04 to 0.56; p < 0.05), and when the test was performed to exhaustion (SMD, 0.45; CI, 0.05 to 0.48; p < 0.05). However, with references to the findings of the meta-regression, selected covariates did not predict probiotic effects in highly trained population. In summary, the current systematic review and meta-analysis supported the potential effects of probiotics supplementation to improve performance in a test in which aerobic metabolism is predominant in trained population. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action of this supplement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sport scientists have recommended to use of single-subject research designs to understand how well an intervention works and to predict performance for an elite athlete. In the present paper, the latest studies on elite athletes’ conditioning using single-subject research designs are reviewed. Although some case studies in elite athletes are reported in the literature, there are still very few studies using single-subject research designs. Rigorous and practical approaches using magnitude-based inferences such as effect size and likelihoods of substantial effects are suggested. Recommendations are also provided to facilitate further studies using single-subject research designs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of intermittent cold-water immersion and massage on perceptual and performance markers of recovery by basketball players after competitive matches. Eight men (age 23 ± 3 years; stature 190.5 ± 8.9 cm; body mass 90.3 ± 9.6 kg; body fat 12.8 ± 4.8%) and eight women (age 22 ± 2 years; stature 179.0 ± 8.5 cm; body mass 77.6 ± 9.2 kg; body fat 22.5 ± 6.6%) basketball players participated. Massage, cold-water immersion or control were applied immediately after competitive matches, followed by assessments of perceptual measures of recovery and physical performance, countermovement jump and repeated-sprint ability 24 h after intervention. There was lower perception of fatigue overall and in the legs immediately after the massage and cold-water immersion condition (P < 0.001; = 0.91). Furthermore, women had a lower perception of fatigue in cold-water immersion than massage at any testing time (P < 0.001; = 0.37). Jump performance was greater after cold-water immersion than the control condition (P = 0.037, = 0.37). There was no effect of any of the recovery interventions on repeated-sprint measures (Pat best 0.067,at best 0.68). The results suggest that both massage and cold-water immersion improve perceptual measures of recovery. Furthermore, cold-water immersion improves jump performance although neither such immersion nor massage had an effect on repeated-sprint ability. This suggests that, overall, cold-water immersion is more useful than massage in the recovery from basketball matches, especially in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We examined the reliability and validity of the assistant referee intermittent endurance test (ARIET), a modified Yo-Yo IE2 test including shuttles of sideways running. The ARIET was carried out on 198 Italian (Serie A-B, Lega-Pro and National Level) and 47 Danish elite soccer assistant referees. Reproducibility was tested for 41 assistant referees on four occasions each separated by one week. The ARIET intraclass correlation coefficients and typical error of measurement ranged from 0.96 to 0.99 and 3.1 to 5.7%, respectively. ARIET performance for Serie A and B was 23 and 25% greater than in Lega-Pro (P < 0.001). The lowest cut-off value derived from receiving operator characteristic discriminating Serie A-B from Lega-Pro was 1300 m. The ARIET performance was significantly correlated with [Vdot]O2max (r = 0.78, P < 0.001), %HRmax after 4 min of ARIET (r = − 0.81, P < 0.001) and Yo-Yo IR1 performance (r = 0.95, P < 0.001), but not sprint performance (r = −0.15; P = 0.58). The results showed that ARIET is a reproducible and valid test that is able to discriminate between assistant referees of different competitive levels. The lack of correlation with sprinting ability and close correlations with aerobic power, intermittent shuttle running and sub-maximal ARIET heart rate loading provide evidence that ARIET is arelevant test for assessment of intermittent endurance capacity of soccer assistant referees. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A conformal load-bearing antenna structure (CLAS) combines the antenna into a composite structure such that it can carry the designed load while functioning as an antenna. Novel microstrip antennas woven into the three dimensional orthogonal woven composite were proposed in our previous study. In order to determine the effect of the space between the conductive wires on the antenna performance, different space ratios of 1.7, 2.3 and 4.6 were considered in the design. Simulation results showed that when the space ratio increased, the frequency shift and return loss of the corresponding antenna became larger. And the antenna had relatively good performance when the space ratio reached 1.7. Two types of antennas were designed and fabricated with the ratio of 1.7 and 1 respectively and both of them obtained agreeable results. It was also demonstrated by the experimental that the orthogonal structure patch antenna had similar radiation pattern with the traditional copper foil microstrip antenna. However, the interlaced patch antenna had large back and side lobes in the radiation pattern because the existence of the curvature of copper wires in interlaced coupons lowered the reflective efficiency of the ground. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We determined the inter-day variability in elite-standard women's artistic gymnastics competition scores. National (50 gymnasts for up to three days) and Olympic (24 gymnasts for up to five days) competition scores published in the public domain (‘Giant poster pull-out’, 2010; Gymnastics Australia, 2008) were evaluated using three statistical measures. Analyses of the inter-day differences in the mean scores as a percentage (MDiff%), coefficient of variation percentages for the mean score across both days (CV%), and Pearson correlation coefficients for the inter-day score (r) were interpreted using thresholds from trivial to large. National-class gymnasts' two-day performance variation was trivial for vault, small for floor and beam, and moderate for bars. When senior gymnasts competed for a third day the performance variation increased to moderate for vault. Across five days of Olympic competition there were trivial (e.g. CV%: vault = 0.8) to small (e.g. CV%: bars = 2.0) variations in performances between days on all apparatus. Olympians' performance score consistency is superior to senior, national-class competitors. The performance score consistency required for gymnasts who aspire to participate at the Olympics as a top-24 competitor is better than 3%. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Summary Introduction: The World Anti-Doping Agency has implemented the Blood Passport in attempt to detect blood doping in athletes. The Blood Passport looks for uncommon changes overtime in reticulocytes percentage (Ret %), as a variable of the OFF-hr score, and haemoglobin concentration ([Hb]) reflecting potential doping violations. Few studies, however, have actually investigated the concurrent stability of Ret % and [Hb] in athletes over extended periods of time, none of which were measured in athletes who undergo strenuous and prolonged physical exercise. Methods: Measurements of Ret % and [Hb] were assessed over the course of four competitive seasons in elite triathletes (10 males and seven female). Blood was obtained at the start of the season, precompetitive period, competitive period and at the end of the competitive period. Results: Differences ( P < 0.001) were observed in both [Hb] and Ret % between genders and there was a high variability between subjects. Neither males nor females exhibited differences in [Hb] across all periods within one season. Within gender, analysis revealed that Ret % varied significantly ( P = 0.0018) between periods only in female athletes. Conclusion: We conclude that Ret % and [Hb] remain stable over four consecutive seasons in elite triathletes, confirming that both parameters are valid for antidoping purposes based on the Blood Passport. In addition, Ret % fluctuations within one season require further investigation in females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]