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In this study, the effect of a training program developed for healthy nutrition, increasing physical activity and reducing technological addiction on the related behaviors and habits of young athletes was examined. In the study, which was carried out according to the pre-test post-test model with control group, the curriculum developed for the research variables in the experimental group was applied in 4 modules. In the study, no experimental application was applied to the participants in the control group. There were 30 young athletes in the experimental group and 30 young athletes in the control group. Young athletes in the experimental and control groups were equal to each other in terms of gender, age, eating habits and physical activity. 'Dutch Nutrition Behavior Scale', 'Technological Addiction Scale' and 'Physical Activity Questionnaire' were used as data collection tools in the study. According to the findings of the study, it was found that the negative nutritional behaviors and technological addiction of the athletes in the experimental group decreased, while their physical activity levels increased compared to their peers in the control group.

This paper presents a model that analyses the relationship between the coach's emotional competences and the training climate as predictors of the youngsters' emotional competences and psychological well-being. In the present study, 309 athletes and 17 coaches participated in the study. A general predictive model was estimated with path analysis and the maximum robust likelihood (MLR) estimation method. The results showed that the coach's emotional competences are associated with autonomy-supportive climates ([beta] = 0.15, p < 0.005). This climate is related to youth's emotional competences ([beta] = 0.30, p < 0.005) and lower emotional ([beta] = -0.27, p < 0.005), behavioural ([beta] = -0.51, p < 0.005), and social ([beta] = -0.33, p < 0.005) symptomatology. These results have important practical implications in designing interventions that promote coaches' emotional competences given its association with autonomy-supportive climates, which in turn are related to athletes' emotional competences and psychological well-being.

Abstract Background Electrocardiograms (ECGs) in athletes commonly reveal findings related to physiologic adaptations to exercise, that may be difficult to discern from true underlying cardiovascular abnormalities. North American and European societies have published consensus statements for normal, borderline, and abnormal ECG findings for athletes, but these criteria are not based on established correlation with disease states. Additionally, data comparing ECG findings in athletes to non-athlete control subjects are lacking. Our objective was to compare the ECGs of collegiate athletes and non-athlete controls using Z-scores for digital ECG variables to better identify significant differences between the groups and to evaluate the ECG variables in athletes falling outside the normal range. Methods Values for 102 digital ECG variables on 7206 subjects aged 17–22 years, including 672 athletes, from Hawaii Pacific Health, University of Hawaii, and Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego were obtained through retrospective review. Age and sex-specific Z-scores for ECG variables were derived from normal subjects and used to assess the range of values for specific ECG variables in young athletes. Athletes with abnormal ECGs were referred to cardiology consultation and/or echocardiogram. Results Athletes had slower heart rate, longer PR interval, more rightward QRS axis, longer QRS duration but shorter QTc duration, larger amplitude and area of T waves, prevalent R’ waves in V1, and higher values of variables traditionally associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH): amplitudes of S waves (leads V1-V2), Q waves (V6, III) and R waves (II, V5, V6). Z-scores of these ECG variables in 558 (83%) of the athletes fell within − 2.5 and 2.5 range derived from the normal population dataset, and 60 (8.9%) athletes had a Z-score outside the − 3 to 3 range. While 191 (28.4%) athletes met traditional voltage criteria for diagnosis of LVH on ECG, only 53 athletes (7.9%) had Z-scores outside the range of -2.5 to 2.5 for both S amplitude in leads V1-V2 and R amplitude in leads V5-6. Only one athlete was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with a Z-score of R wave in V6 of 2.34 and T wave in V6 of -5.94. Conclusion The use of Z-scores derived from a normal population may provide more precise screening to define cardiac abnormalities in young athletes and reduce unnecessary secondary testing, restrictions and concern.

Child abuse in sports is a significant threat to the well-being of young athletes. The aim of this study was to create in-depth knowledge of children's perspectives and relational situations regarding the manifestation and effects of emotional abuse towards athletes in children's sports. Based on interviews with 15 children aged 12–18 and five coaches, five themes of emotionally abusive interactions were identified: (a) scolding by coaches; (b) negative criticism from coaches and children; (c) expression of aggression and disappointment by coaches; (d) teasing and joking by children; and (e) denial of attention and support from coaches. These interactions lead to emotionally harmful effects for some of the children, which were not always recognized by coaches and were sometimes downplayed. The findings have implications for identifying situations and behaviours that may constitute emotional abuse in children's sports, paving the way for proactive measures aimed at preventing emotional abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There are various pathologies of sports injuries that cause hip and groin pain. Sports-related hip pain is often difficult to diagnose and necessitates long-term suspension of sports activities. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of sports-related hip pathologies and the results of various treatments in young athletes. Methods: A systematic search was conducted to assess English-language articles indexed in the PubMed database within the past 15 years. The search terminology including sports, young athletes, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), borderline dysplasia, labrum, and ligamentum teres was used to search for all relevant articles. Results: The search identified 189 articles. After reviewing the articles, 61 articles were included in this literature review. Hip labrum injury, FAI, and ligamentum teres injury were common sports-related hip pathologies. Hip arthroscopic surgery was found to be a successful procedure in treating FAI and labral tears in young athletes. Conclusions: Hip arthroscopic surgery is minimally invasive and serves both for diagnosis and treatment. Athletes undergoing arthroscopic hip surgery in the setting of hip labrum injury, FAI, and ligamentum teres injury exhibit significant functional improvement.

The aim of this study is to scientifically substantiate the possibilities of complex use of cycle- and power-ergometry in determining aerobic and anaerobic-aerobic performance of power nature. Materials and methods. Young athletes (boys) aged 15–16 (n = 91) of the Brovary Higher School of Physical Education (Kyiv region) (experimental group), who participated in the study, were divided into two groups. Group А (n = 47) – speed-power sports (boxing, freestyle wrestling); group B (n = 44) – endurance sports (track and field athletics: 800, 1500, 3000 and 5000-meters race, bicycle racing 50 and 75 km). Sports experience was 3–5 years and more. The control group (group К) consisted of students aged 15–16, who did not play sports (n = 25). Physical working capacity was determined using two methods: submaximal cycle ergometric test PWC170 and submaximal power ergometric test PWC170. Method of power ergometry (patent of Ukraine No 49417) has no analogues in countries of near and far abroad. Results. The fact of the specific influence of different kinds of dosed physical exercises (strength and power exercises) on PWC170 indicators was established. Thus, no probable differences in aerobic performance indicators were found in wrestlers and boxers during the cycle ergometric test. And conversely, under the conditions of power ergometric testing, we find a significant increase in their PWC170 indicators in relation to athletes of endurance sports. The opposite character of changes was observed when testing the track and field athletes and bike riders. According to the results of the conducted cycle ergometry, these athletes had a significant increase in aerobic performance indicators in comparison with the athletes of speed-power sports. However, the changes of anaerobic-aerobic performance were not significant. It was observed that the adolescents, who did not play sports, had statistically insignificant changes in PWC170 indicators both in the conditions of cycle ergometric and power ergometric testing. Conclusions. The fact of specific influence of different types of training exercises on the body functions of adolescents was confirmed. The possibility of introducing the methods of complex use of aerobic (cycle ergometry) and anaerobic-aerobic loads (power-ergometry) into the practice of medico-biological control of young athletes is shown. Diagnostics of various types of physical working capacity (PWC170) will provide the coach with operational information about the functional state of the athletes’ body, which will allow to effectively manage a training process.

Abstract Smartphones and social media have become an integral part of human daily life and they influence mental well-being. These accounts have been researched in the general population, but not in athletes. This is critical given enhanced physical and emotional stressors in athletes versus non-athletes. Therefore, we here studied intra- and interindividual relationships of four social media sites (WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat) with mood, stress, recovery, and sleep using log-based media usage tracking as an objective measure in 53 competitive athletes aged 12–27 years. Multilevel modeling revealed that intraindividual TikTok usage negatively predicted sleep (β = −0.10, p = 0.040) and recovery (β = −0.15, p

Background: Despite evidence of alarming declines in physical activity levels after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), very little is known about how young athletes perceive their experiences with engagement in sports and physical activity in the years following ACLR. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to answer the research question, "what are the lived experiences and perceptions of factors that facilitate or hinder physical activity among young athletes following ACLR?" Study Design: Qualitative Study Methods: Ten participants were included in this qualitative study at a median of 5.9 (4.3-10.2) years after adolescent ACLR. Using an interpretive phenomenological methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant. Data collection focused on participants' lived experiences related to physical activity participation in the years after ACLR. Iterative coding with two independent coders and a peer debriefing process were used to identify themes from the data. Results: Factors perceived to influence physical activity after ACLR spanned all levels of the socioecological framework. Three overarching themes were generated during thematic analysis: 1) navigation of barriers (common obstacles, injury-related limitations, unique adaptations), 2) movement motives (ingrained desire to move, external motivators, internal motivation), and 3) movement mindset (envisions for future physical activity, perceived impact of injury, belief in the power of sports). Conclusion: The themes identified in this study indicate that the adolescent ACLR experience has the potential to significantly influence one's physical activity into young adulthood, both positively and negatively. These findings serve as an important foundation for future studies to explore the psychological and environmental factors identified as important to one's physical activity participation in the years following adolescent ACLR. Level of Evidence: Level 3 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionIn the current trend toward youthfulness and age reduction in competitive sports, the issue of obligatory exercise among young athletes is becoming more severe. This not only affects their physical and mental health but also hampers their future prospects in the sports world. While delving into the impact of mindfulness on the issue of obligatory exercise among young athletes, it reveals the mediating role of obsessive passion and cognitive state anxiety.MethodsThis study is a cross-sectional research that employs convenience and snowball sampling methods. We selected 403 young athletes from several universities and high-level sports teams in the central-southern region of China as valid samples and used AMOS v.23 to construct a structural equation model to validate the hypotheses.ResultsThe research findings indicate a significant positive correlation between obsessive passion, cognitive state anxiety, and obligatory exercise. Furthermore, obsessive passion and cognitive state anxiety mediate the relationship between mindfulness and obligatory exercise. This implies that young athletes can better regulate their emotional state during training, manage training loads sensibly, and avoid issues with obligatory exercise through mindfulness training.DiscussionIn conclusion, to enhance the cognitive levels of young athletes and reduce their obligatory exercise behaviors, national sports authorities and coaching teams should develop reasonable mindfulness training programs for athletes and encourage their participation in mindfulness training.

The present research aimed to identify and compare playfulness levels of individuals aged 10-14 years engaging in individual and team sports. The sample consisted of 356 participants. We employed a correlational design and used the "Playfulness Scale for 10-14-years-old Children" developed by Hazar as the data collection tool. In data analysis, we utilized descriptive statistics, Independent Samples T-test, One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and Tukey HSD and LSD tests for within-group comparisons. We computed the internal consistency coefficient of the scale to be 0.84. The results suggested that all participants showed high playfulness levels (97.26 ± 16.02) and got the highest scores on the "Social Adaptation" sub-scale (40.50 ± 6.67) while obtaining the lowest scores on the "Game Passion" sub-scale (21.02 ± 7.00). Overall, we determined that the participants significantly differed in playfulness by age and branch, but it was not the case by gender.

Objective: to assess the natural course of subclinical hypothyroidism in young athletes.Methods: In the prospective single-center uncontrolled study, data from 3,062 outpatient records of young athletes (members of the Russian national team) of both sexes (middle age — 15 [14; 16] years) and underwent medical examination in the period from January 2021 to September 2022 were studied. All athletes were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of subclinical hypothyroidism (an increase in the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone from 5 to 10 mUn/l with a normal level of T4 free). During a dynamic follow-up (1 year), athletes with subclinical hypothyroidism underwent a repeated study of the concentration of thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine and antibodies to thyroperoxidase.Results: Signs of subclinical hyperthyroidism were found in 58 young athletes (30 boys (51.7 %) and 28 (48.3 %) girls). During dynamic observation with continued habitual physical activity, spontaneous normalization of the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone was observed in 74 % of young athletes. At the same time, normalization of thyroid-stimulating hormone in girls was observed less often compared to boys (p = 0,272). In no case did clinically pronounced hypothyroidism develop.Conclusion: The majority of young male and female athletes with subclinical hypothyroidism have spontaneous normalization of hormonal profile against the background of persistent physical and psycho-emotional stress. The data obtained make it possible, subject to the possibility of dynamic observation, to recommend doctors working with young elite athletes not to prescribe hormonal replacement therapy and not to modify the usual lifestyle.

To investigate the relationship between predicted risk of injury based on the dichotomous classification of the weight-bearing lunge (WBL) test scores and variables related to jumping and sprinting ability in young athletes. Furthermore, to compare the impact of the classical dichotomous classification versus a more specific quartile subdivision of the WBL test scores on the explored variables. Cross-sectional study. 125 healthy athletes (mean age 10.38 (SD = 2.28) years) were recruited. Ankle dorsiflexion was evaluated with the WBL test, jumping distance with the standing long jump (SLJ) test, and maximal running speed with the 14-m and 28-m sprint test. Athletes with WBL test scores lower than 10 cm exhibited significantly poorer results for the SLJ test as well as lower 14-m and 28-m sprint times than those with WBL test scores higher than 10 cm (p < 0.05). Likewise, when WBL test scores were subdivided by quartiles, a positive trend between range of motion and improved performance was shown. Reduced ankle dorsiflexion mobility may affect sprinting and jumping ability in young athletes. In addition, a more detailed classification of ankle restriction by quartiles is proposed in this study in order to prevent injury and enhance athletic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed the motivational climate perceived by a group of young athletes and its relationship with adaptive and inhibitory aspects of behavior, pointing out the differences according to sex and age. The sample comprised 681 players (14-17 years) from different Spanish basketball and handball clubs, who responded to standardized tests on their adaptive resources to the perception of the climate constructed by their coaches. The results showed that, as a greater task-involving climate is perceived, the satisfaction of basic psychological needs increases (mainly relatedness), while the aversive causes of fear of failure decrease (mainly the fear of losing the interest of others and the fear of angering significant others). Girls showed statistically significant differences in the levels of task-involving climate and relatedness satisfaction, while boys showed significantly more ego-involving climate, fear of having an uncertain future, fear of losing the interest of others, and fear of angering significant others. Regarding age, differences in task climate were only found in favor of younger athletes (14-15 years). This study underlines the coach's educational role in young athletes. The promotion of a task climate favors relatedness and decreases the motives and the occurrence of cognitive-emotional processes of fear of failure in young athletes.

# Background Despite evidence of alarming declines in physical activity levels after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), very little is known about how young athletes perceive their experiences with engagement in sports and physical activity in the years following ACLR. # Hypothesis/Purpose The purpose of this study was to answer the research question, "*what are the lived experiences and perceptions of factors that facilitate or hinder physical activity among young athletes following ACLR?*" # Study Design Qualitative Study # Methods Ten participants were included in this qualitative study at a median of 5.9 (4.3-10.2) years after adolescent ACLR. Using an interpretive phenomenological methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant. Data collection focused on participants' lived experiences related to physical activity participation in the years after ACLR. Iterative coding with two independent coders and a peer debriefing process were used to identify themes from the data. # Results Factors perceived to influence physical activity after ACLR spanned all levels of the socioecological framework. Three overarching themes were generated during thematic analysis: 1) navigation of barriers (common obstacles, injury-related limitations, unique adaptations), 2) movement motives (ingrained desire to move, external motivators, internal motivation), and 3) movement mindset (envisions for future physical activity, perceived impact of injury, belief in the power of sports). # Conclusion The themes identified in this study indicate that the adolescent ACLR experience has the potential to significantly influence one's physical activity into young adulthood, both positively and negatively. These findings serve as an important foundation for future studies to explore the psychological and environmental factors identified as important to one's physical activity participation in the years following adolescent ACLR. # Level of Evidence Level 3

The present study tries to make a comparison between the specific performances of the reaction speed between 2 groups of subjects, basketball and football athletes – Under 10 category, boys. The reaction speed assessment test was carried out using the Witty System equipment, which gives accuracy to the recording of the results. 2 tests were carried out, one on the upper body (arms) and the second on the lower body (legs) both with the mentioned sample of basketball and soccer players. As expected, there were notable differences between the 2 groups, with the reaction speed being superior to the basketball players in arms case and better to the soccer players in legs case. The basic conclusion is that there are prerequisites for the introduction in the sports training process of exercises aimed at improving reaction speed both at the upper body and at the lower body level, regardless of the practiced sport.

Background and Objectives: Although previous reports have shown that early anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is associated with an increased risk of stiffness, recommendations for delayed surgery are based on outdated literature. The advent of arthroscopic surgery and accelerated rehabilitation protocols warrants a reexamination of the optimal surgical timing. The purpose of this study was to investigate complications during early ACL reconstruction after injury in young athletes. Materials and Methods: A total of 87 patients (27 males and 60 females) were included in this study. Patients who underwent anatomic ACL reconstruction using hamstring autografts were evaluated. Patients under 25 years of age with a Tegner activity score greater than 6 were included and classified into three groups according to the time from injury to surgical treatment: one week from injury to surgery (early group), three to six weeks from injury to surgery (normal group), and three to six months from injury to surgery (delayed group). We evaluated the rates of various complications such as graft rupture, contralateral injury, the need for manipulation for loss of ROM, infection, and fracture around the knee up to 2 years postoperatively. In addition, we investigated postoperative muscle strength, Lysholm score, Tegner activity score, and period of the return to sport from injury. Results: Patients in the delayed group were younger than those in the other groups (p = 0.009). Patients in the early group had a lower range of motion than those in the other groups preoperationly. However, the 1-month postoperative range of motion was comparable between groups. Patients in the early group had greater postoperative Tegner activity scores than those in the other groups. The period of return to sport from injury in the delayed group was longer than in the other groups. There were no statistically significant differences in the postoperative complication rate, muscle strength, or Lysholm score. Conclusions: ACL reconstruction performed 1 week from injury to surgery in young athletic patients indicated the rate of complications were not significantly different among the groups. Early ACL reconstruction with no postoperative complications may be related to early return to sports and a high level of sports.

Introduction: The increasing participation of young individuals in sports necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between nutrition and athletic performance during the critical adolescent years. This introduction sets the stage for an exploration of the dynamic nutritional needs of young athletes, emphasizing the pivotal role of nutrition in supporting growth, energy metabolism, and overall athletic achievement. Current State of Knowledge: The current state of knowledge encompasses an in-depth analysis of key nutritional considerations for young athletes. Examining energy and macronutrient requirements, micronutrient considerations, hydration strategies, and optimal timing of nutrition, this section synthesizes existing research to provide evidence-based guidelines. Furthermore, it addresses the unique challenges posed by different sports and the importance of tailored nutritional approaches for diverse athletic endeavors. The evolving landscape of sports nutrition is also explored, with a specific focus on the benefits and potential risks associated with protein and creatine supplementation. Summary: In summary, this article serves as a comprehensive resource for athletes, coaches, and parents seeking to navigate the intricate intersection of nutrition and young athletes. By elucidating evidence-based strategies and addressing the potential drawbacks and risks associated with certain supplements, the article aims to empower stakeholders with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions regarding the nutritional well-being of young athletes. It underscores the importance of individualized approaches, recognizing the diversity of young athletes and advocating for adaptable nutritional strategies that contribute to both immediate performance gains and sustained health and athletic success.

ObjectivesParents are one of the main social agents that shape young athletes’ experiences and participation in sports, but they are also the least explored group in the literature. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of research on the role of parents in the motivation of young athletes.MethodThe systematic literature review consisted of four electronic databases from which 29 articles published in English and in full-text form in peer-reviewed journals between 1999 and 2023 were retrieved.ResultsA total of 29 studies met the eligibility criteria. These studies collectively surveyed 9,185 young athlete participants and 2,191 parent participants. The sample comprised 26 quantitative studies and 3 qualitative studies. The findings underscore that parents play both unique and synergistic multidimensional roles in motivating young athletes. Parents’ positive goals and values, autonomy-supportive parenting styles, moderate parental involvement, positive parent–child relationships, and a parent-initiated task climate are identified as optimal parenting strategies.ConclusionWhile parents undeniably play a crucial role in motivating young athletes, the manner and extent of their involvement are key.

This study is the first attempt to use explainable machine learning (ML) to investigate the factors influencing physical development and the athlete's performance in the Karakalpakstan and Khwarazm regions of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Three physical fitness tests (Dribbling Shuttle, Goal Accuracy, and Yo-Yo intermittent), anthropometrics, and hematology data (33 subject-specific factors) of 60 young soccer players were used in this study. Results reveal that the explainable ML algorithms were effective in prediction with high model accuracy measured from mean absolute error and mean squared error (0.004 and 0.052 for Dribbling Shuttle test with Random Forest model, 41.783 and 5 for Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test-level with XGB model and 0.027 and 0.135 for Goal Accuracy test with XGB model). In contrast, model bias was estimated using mean absolute percentage error (3.6 % for the Dribbling Shuttle test with the Random Forest model, 0.3 % for the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test with the XGB model and 36.7 % for the Goal Accuracy test with the XGB model). Furthermore, Shapley additive explanations analysis exhibited that the anthropometric parameters such as body mass, mesomorph, and ankle diameter are dominant in physical development. These results confirm the generally accepted concept of the dominant anthropometric profile of early maturing professional soccer players. Additionally, it was understood that the hematology parameters of red blood count and mean corpuscular volume significantly influence physical development. Overall, explainable AI-based methods are more effective in predicting young athletes' physical development and performance. Therefore, the findings can effectively be incorporated with fitness assessment interventions and enhance related regional policy development.

IntroductionAthletes frequently experience anxiety and depression at rates similar to or higher than non-athletes. A balanced diet can alleviate athletes internalizing symptoms. Moreover, diet and sleep are all associated with internalising symptoms. Our study investigates how sleep quality mediates the impact of dietary habits on internalizing symptoms in athletes.MethodsThe current cross-sectional study involved 758 Chinese young athletes. The adapted Australian Athletes Diet Index was used to assess dietary patterns, and sleep was measured using the Athletes Sleep Screening Questionnaire. The Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7 scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item scale were used to assess symptoms of anxiety and depression. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis was used to examine the mediating role of sleep quality in young athletes. Raw scores of chronotypes, sleep quality, anxiety and depression were calculated for the statistical analysis.ResultsNo significant indirect effects were found in adolescents. In adult athletes, diet mediated the relationship between chronotype and sleep quality (β = −0.028, p

Introduction. The relevance of the problem is determined – an increase in the number of patients who underwent splenectomy, in the absence of currently developed methodological (clinical) recommendations on admission to training and competitive events.The objective was to develop criteria for admission to training and competitive events, to determine the frequency and volume of medical examinations for this category of persons.Methods and materials. The analysis of the sources of domestic and foreign authors on the management of patients after splenectomy was carried out. We collected the detailed life history, disease history, sports history, information about family history for the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, hematopoietic organs, analysis of the hospital discharge summary, data evaluation from laboratory and instrumental studies (particularly, ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs), ECG with exercise, exercise tests (Martinet-Kushelevsky) in two athletes who underwent splenectomy due to various reasons (blunt abdominal trauma, the spleen rupture in athlete A. N., 14 years old, microspherocytic hemolytic Minkowski-Choffard anemia complicated by sepsis in athlete N. V., 12 years old). The functional fitness indicators taking into account the sports training stage, the results of medical and pedagogical observations during the training process before and after surgery were assessed.Results. In the clinical blood analysis of athlete A. N., there was a slight leukocytosis (leukocytes- 10.94∙109/l), thrombocytosis (platelets – 669∙109/l), no changes in erythron, erythrocytes- 5.46∙1012/l, hemoglobin – 136 g/l, hematocrit – 42.3 %, neutrophils – 4.53∙109/l, lymphocytes – 5.33∙109l. Leukocyte formula by microscopy was without significant pathological changes. The diagnosis was confirmed as: “Reactive thrombocytosis. Condition after splenectomy”. According to the results of IME, there were no absolute contraindications to training and competitive football activities. The athlete received a medical certificate of admission to training and competitive events. In the clinical blood analysis of athlete N.V., there was: erythrocytes – 5.44∙1012/l, hemoglobin – 163 g/l, hematocrit – 44.4 %, leukocytes – 12.2∙109/l, neutrophils – 3.8∙109/l, lymphocytes – 6.4∙109/l, platelets – 515∙109/l. He was taken to the regular medical check-up of a hematologist with the diagnosis: “Hereditary spherocytosis, hemolysis compensation. Condition after splenectomy”. Due to the absence of absolute contraindications for training and competitive football events, the athlete was issued the medical certificate on admission to training and competitive events.Conclusion. A splenectomy history is not an absolute contraindication to sports. The management of an athlete after splenectomy requires an individual approach, taking into account age, sport and stage of sports training, the presence of chronic diseases and/or changes in physical, instrumental and laboratory studies.

Abstract Elite athletes demonstrate higher perceptual cognitive abilities compared to non-athletes and those capacities can be trained. A recent study showed that differences were observed between male and female athletes in their cognitive abilities whereby male athletes showed superior perceptual abilities compared to female athletes. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there were gender differences in athletes’ perceptual cognitive learning using a 3D-MOT tracking task. The study was performed on 72 young people from 16 to 22 years of age; athlete males and females and non-athlete males and females were distributed in four distinct groups. Five sessions comprised of three thresholds were performed with each participant. Results indicated that all participants benefited from training and significantly increased their speed thresholds. Initial scores showed that male athletes achieved higher speed thresholds than any other groups. Furthermore, after 5 weeks, female athletes obtained higher speed thresholds in comparison to their non-athlete counterparts. In conclusion, engaging in sporting activity is associated with improved perceptual-cognitive abilities and learning. The results support the notion that competitive sport-related activity is beneficial for perceptual-cognitive functions and emphasizes the benefits of participating in sport-related activities for improved brain function with an even greater impact for females.