Ryoichi Ema, Yuta Iino, Yuta Nomura, Tomoki Furusawa, Kosuke Hirata, Yasuhide Yoshitake, Ryota Akagi
{"title":"Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization in healthy adults acutely changes the tissue stiffness.","authors":"Ryoichi Ema, Yuta Iino, Yuta Nomura, Tomoki Furusawa, Kosuke Hirata, Yasuhide Yoshitake, Ryota Akagi","doi":"10.1055/a-2453-8631","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2453-8631","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study clarified whether instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) on the plantar surface changes abductor hallucis and plantar fascia stiffness at rest and medial longitudinal arch height under low- and high-loading conditions. IASTM was performed to one foot of the twenty-eight young men (IASTM condition), and the other foot of them was assigned to the control condition. Using ultrasonography, the resting shear wave propagation velocity of the abductor hallucis and plantar fascia and navicular height in a seated posture were determined. The foot contact area during quiet standing was measured using a foot-scan system. The shear wave propagation velocity of the plantar fascia significantly decreased by 10.8% in the IASTM condition but did not change significantly in the control condition. The magnitude of change in the shear wave propagation velocity of the plantar fascia was negatively correlated (r=- 0.660) with the shear wave propagation velocity of the plantar fascia before IASTM. The interaction of time and condition was not significant for the shear wave propagation velocity of the abductor hallucis, navicular height, or foot contact area. The current study revealed that IASTM on the plantar surface affected tissue stiffness but did not change the structure of the foot.</p>","PeriodicalId":14439,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports medicine","volume":" ","pages":"137-143"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11793953/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142681803","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Vinicius Ribeiro Dos Anjos, Lavínia Vivan, Paulo Engelke, Claudio André Barbosa de Lira, Rodrigo Luiz Vancini, Katja Weiss, Thomas Rosemann, Beat Knechtle, Marília Dos Santos Andrade
{"title":"Differences in 5-km running pace between female and male triathletes.","authors":"Vinicius Ribeiro Dos Anjos, Lavínia Vivan, Paulo Engelke, Claudio André Barbosa de Lira, Rodrigo Luiz Vancini, Katja Weiss, Thomas Rosemann, Beat Knechtle, Marília Dos Santos Andrade","doi":"10.1055/a-2443-9921","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2443-9921","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>During an IRONMAN, the pacing strategy in the running segment differs significantly between sexes. However, it is unknown if sex affects the running pace in shorter triathlon events. This study compared the pacing strategy between sexes during a 5-km running test performed following a 20-km cycle (sprint triathlon distances). Participants included 16 men (34.7±7.5 years) and 16 women (39.5±7.7 years). A cardiopulmonary exercise test to measure maximal oxygen uptake (˙VO<sup>2</sup>max) and a functional threshold power (FTP) were performed. Body composition was measured using a dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry system. Participants cycled at 90% FTP for 20 km and ran as fast as possible for 5 km. The total time spent cycling 20 km was shorter (~11%) in male than in female athletes (p<0.001). Similarly, the time spent to run 5 km was shorter in male (~11%) than in female athletes (p=0.006). Male athletes performed the last 600 m of the 5km race significantly faster than the initial meters (p<0.05). Female athletes performed the 5-km race without pace variation (p>0.05). In conclusion, apart from the sex differences associated with performance in short-term triathlon events, the pacing strategy was also different.</p>","PeriodicalId":14439,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports medicine","volume":" ","pages":"115-120"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142604232","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of subtetanic neuromuscular electrical stimulation on sprint interval exercise.","authors":"Ryosuke Takeda, Hiroya Nojima, Taichi Nishikawa, Kohei Watanabe","doi":"10.1055/a-2450-9051","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2450-9051","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The study aimed to determine the acute effects of subtetanic neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) combined with active recovery between sprint exercises on blood lactate accumulation, sprint performance, and muscle fatigue. Sixteen healthy young individuals [23(4) years, 10 males] underwent a 1-min rest followed by sprint interval training consisting of four 15-sec maximal sprint exercises with three 5-min active cycling sessions. Participants engaged in voluntary cycling at 40% of peak oxygen consumption, with or without NMES (VOLES or VOL; interventions). Blood lactate concentration ([La]<sub>b</sub>) was assessed at the end of the rest and each intervention periods. Mean power was assessed during each sprint exercise session. Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of the knee extensor was measured before and after sprint interval training to evaluate muscle fatigue. The [La]<sub>b</sub> was significantly higher in VOLES than in VOL (main effect, P=0.037). Mean power did not differ between conditions (main effect and interaction, P>0.050). MVC after sprint interval exercise was significantly lower in VOLES than in VOL (interaction, P<0.001). Subtetanic NMES combined with voluntary cycling enhanced blood lactate accumulation and induced greater voluntary fatigue but resulted in similar peripheral muscle fatigue and sprint exercise performance compared with voluntary cycling without NMES.</p>","PeriodicalId":14439,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports medicine","volume":" ","pages":"121-126"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142681801","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ventilatory thresholds in professional female soccer players.","authors":"Koulla Parpa, Marcos A Michaelides","doi":"10.1055/a-2421-9272","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2421-9272","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigated the ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2) along with the corresponding heart rates, velocities and % of V̇O<sub>2</sub> max at which these thresholds are reached in professional female soccer players. It also examined positional differences in the aforementioned parameters. Thirty-three professional players from two teams (age range 18-31 years) were recruited. The players underwent maximal exercise testing on the treadmill for the detection of VT1 (V̇E versus V̇O<sub>2</sub> plot) and VT2 (V̇E versus V̇CO<sub>2</sub> plot). The test began at a speed of 6km/h and was increased by 2 km/h every 3.15 minutes, with the inclination constant at 1%. Results indicated that the players had an average V̇O<sub>2</sub> max of 50.24 ml·kg<sup>- 1</sup>.min<sup>- 1</sup>. VT1 (% max) and VT2 (% max) were shown at 72.87% and 91.26% of V̇O<sub>2</sub> max, respectively. The respective velocities at VT1 and VT2 were indicated at 10.85 km/h and 12.91 km/h, respectively, while the average VV̇O<sub>2</sub> max was 14.61 km/h. The average heart rates at VT1, VT2 and V̇O<sub>2</sub> max were 159.33, 185.15 and 192.85 beats per minute, respectively. Furthermore, analysis of variance ANOVA indicated significant differences in velocity at V̇O<sub>2</sub>max. This study provides important normative data regarding the ventilatory thresholds of female soccer players.</p>","PeriodicalId":14439,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports medicine","volume":" ","pages":"97-103"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142500516","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Stefano Borghi, Sara Bizzozero, Jacopo A Vitale, Elisa Tallini, Francesco Corazza, Antonio La Torre, Giuseppe Banfi, Roberto Codella
{"title":"Chronotype, sleep hygiene, and sleep characteristics among athletes of different disciplines.","authors":"Stefano Borghi, Sara Bizzozero, Jacopo A Vitale, Elisa Tallini, Francesco Corazza, Antonio La Torre, Giuseppe Banfi, Roberto Codella","doi":"10.1055/a-2421-9310","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2421-9310","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The objective of the study was to assess chronotype, sleep hygiene, and sleep characteristics of Italian athletes in order to identify differences among sport disciplines (team- vs individual-sports), level of competition (Elite vs Non-Elite) and sexes. Moreover, correlations between chronotype, sleep hygiene and sleep quality were evaluated. Two hundred eighty Italian athletes (Females:113; Males:167) participated in the study. They completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI) and the MorningnessEveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). Among the athletes, 66.4% were intermediate-type, 21.8% were morning-type and 11.8% were evening-type. 55.4% of the sample was classified as good sleeper (PSQI<5), while 16.1% had poor sleep hygiene (SHI≥35). Females had higher total sleep time (p=0.022) than males. Individual-sports showed more morning-oriented score (p=0.001) and lower PSQI (p=0.006) and SHI (p<0.001) scores, with earlier timing of sleep (bedtime:p<0.001; wake-up time:p<0.001) compared to teamsports. Elite athletes exhibited greater sleep efficiency (p=0.009), and lower sleep latency (p=0.018) and wake after sleep onset (p=0.043) than Non-Elite athletes. Additionally, significant correlations were found between PSQI and SHI (r=0.43, p<0.001), and between MEQ and SHI (r=-0.35, p<0.001). This study yields crucial insights into the sleep behaviors of Italian athletes, revealing that nearly half of the sample were bad sleepers.</p>","PeriodicalId":14439,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports medicine","volume":" ","pages":"104-114"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142516468","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hannah Westerberg, Philip R Stanforth, Aaron Carbuhn, Tyler Bosch, Donald R Dengel
{"title":"Muscle-to-bone and soft tissue-to-bone ratios in track and field athletes.","authors":"Hannah Westerberg, Philip R Stanforth, Aaron Carbuhn, Tyler Bosch, Donald R Dengel","doi":"10.1055/a-2445-9582","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2445-9582","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The purpose of this study was to compare the muscle-to-bone (MBR) and soft tissue-to-bone ratios (SBR) of 459 track and field athletes across event groups to identify differences in MBR and SBR. Dual X-ray absorptiometry provided total and regional (i.e., arm, leg, trunk) lean mass (LM), fat mass (FM), and bone mineral content (BMC). MBR was calculated by dividing LM by BMC. The SBR was calculated by dividing LM+FM by BMC. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare ratios across event groups. Dunn's post-hoc tests were utilized to adjust for multiple comparisons. Total MBR for females was higher in the throwers compared to the multievent athletes (p=0.02). For the males, total MBR was lower in jumpers compared to all events except pole vaulters (PV) (p<0.05). Trunk MBR was higher in the long-distance runners (LD) compared to jumpers, PV, and throwers (p<0.05). The throwers had higher total, arm, and leg SBRs compared to the jumpers, LD, middle distance, PV, and sprint groups (p<0.05). Significant differences in total and regional MBR and SBR were identified across event groups for both sexes, and may indicate event-specific adaptations impacting the balance between soft tissue and bone.</p>","PeriodicalId":14439,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports medicine","volume":"46 2","pages":"90-96"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143189239","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Big Thank You to our Reviewers in the Past Year!","authors":"","doi":"10.1055/a-2513-2338","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2513-2338","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":14439,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports medicine","volume":"46 2","pages":"144-147"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143189208","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lee Moore, Sandrine Isoard-Gautheur, Henrik Gustafsson
{"title":"Psychophysiological markers of athlete burnout: a call to arms.","authors":"Lee Moore, Sandrine Isoard-Gautheur, Henrik Gustafsson","doi":"10.1055/a-2433-3930","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2433-3930","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Burnout is a growing problem in high-performance sport and has negative consequences for athletes (e.g., mental ill-health). It is therefore important to effectively monitor athlete burnout to aid intervention efforts. While self-report measures are available (e.g., athlete burnout questionnaire), the limitations associated with these measures (e.g., social desirability bias) means that objective physiological markers may also be useful. Thus, this article critically discusses potential biomarkers of athlete burnout, drawing on research inside and outside of sport to offer an overview of the current state-of-the-art in this research area. First, it outlines what athlete burnout is, its deleterious consequences, and discusses existing psychological assessments. The article then critically discusses literature on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (e.g., salivary cortisol) and autonomic nervous system (e.g., heart rate variability) indices of burnout, highlighting some promising biomarkers for future research (e.g., salivary cortisol at bedtime, vagally-mediated heart rate variability at rest). Finally, the article concludes by highlighting key considerations and offering recommendations for future research (e.g., use of more homogenous methods in assessing burnout and physiological parameters). As a result, the intention of this article is to spark more higher quality research on the psychophysiology of athlete burnout, thereby helping tackle this prominent issue in high-performance sport.</p>","PeriodicalId":14439,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports medicine","volume":" ","pages":"69-78"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142365202","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Paloma Tavares Mendonça, Yago Medeiros Dutra, Barbara M Antunes, Fabio Lira, Alessandro Moura Zagatto
{"title":"Fourteen weeks of β-alanine supplementation and HIIT did not improve serum BDNF concentrations and Stroop test performance.","authors":"Paloma Tavares Mendonça, Yago Medeiros Dutra, Barbara M Antunes, Fabio Lira, Alessandro Moura Zagatto","doi":"10.1055/a-2500-5556","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2500-5556","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to investigate whether 14 weeks of β-alanine supplementation and high-intensity intermittent training improves brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations and cognitive aspects related to executive functions assessed by the Stroop test. Thirteen healthy and active men underwent a 4-week supplementation period (β-alanine: 6.4 g/d or a placebo) followed by 10-week supplementation combined with high-intensity intermittent training, totaling 14 weeks of intervention. Participants underwent a graded exercise test, while the blood samples for brain-derived neurotrophic factor analysis and the Stroop test (cognitive task) were assessed before and after a high-intensity intermittent exercise (10 runs of 1:1 min effort and a pause ratio at 130% of respiratory compensation point). These measurements were performed three times across the study being at baseline, after 4 weeks of supplementation (POST<sub>4weeks</sub>) and at the end of the 14 weeks of study (POST<sub>14weeks</sub>). Compared to baseline values, there were no improvements in brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations or Stroop test performance with either β-alanine or high-intensity intermittent training. Lactate peak concentrations in a high-intensity intermittent exercise session also did not differ between groups. However, high-intensity intermittent training did improve some cardiorespiratory parameters (i.e., intensity associated with V̇O<sub>2max</sub> <i>p</i>=0.01 and respiratory compensation point, <i>p</i>=0.01). In conclusion, β-alanine supplementation alone or associated with high-intensity intermittent training did not improve the brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations and Stroop test performance in healthy men.</p>","PeriodicalId":14439,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143005313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Reevaluating the energy cost in locomotion: quadrupedal vs. bipedal walking in humans.","authors":"Rui Xu, Riqiang Bao, Yixiang Hu, Chong Gao, Yuhan Guo, Yashu Zhu, Yuanyuan Hu, Guang Ning, Weiqing Wang, Shijia Pan","doi":"10.1055/a-2466-4808","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2466-4808","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examines the energy expenditure and physiological responses associated with short-term quadrupedal locomotion compared to bipedal walking in humans. It aims to support evolutionary theory and explore quadrupedal locomotion's potential for enhancing fitness and health. In a randomized crossover design, 12 participants performed quadrupedal and bipedal walking on a treadmill at identical speeds. Physiological responses, including energy expenditure, carbohydrate oxidation rates, respiratory rate, and heart rate, were measured during both forms of locomotion. Quadrupedal walking significantly increased total energy expenditure by 4.15 Kcal/min [95% CI, 3.11 - 5.19 Kcal/min], due to a rise in carbohydrate oxidation of 1.70 g/min [95% CI, 1.02 - 2.24 g/min]. It also increased respiratory and heart rates, indicating higher metabolic demands. The exercise mainly activated upper limb muscles and the gluteus maximus in the lower limbs. Ten minutes of quadrupedal walking at the same speed as bipedal walking resulted in a 254.48% increase in energy consumption. This simple form of locomotion offers a strategy for enhancing physical activity, and supports the idea that energy optimization influenced the evolution of efficient bipedal locomotion.</p>","PeriodicalId":14439,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142620697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}