Journal of science and medicine in sport最新文献

{"title":"“It's about the cake, not the icing”: The current state of the Australian high-performance sport pathway system: A qualitative gap analysis study","authors":"Sara A. Guevara,&nbsp;Renee N. Appaneal,&nbsp;Richard J. Keegan,&nbsp;Gordon Waddington,&nbsp;Michael K. Drew,&nbsp;Lain Dare","doi":"10.1016/j.jsams.2026.03.014","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsams.2026.03.014","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Primary: To examine the current macro-system state of the Australian high-performance sport (HPS) pathway system and characterise macro-system level factors (gaps) influencing athlete attrition, including the relationships between these factors.</div><div>Secondary: To develop an integrative framework to increase awareness and facilitate targeted discussions about how to retain talented athletes within HPS pathway programmes.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>Qualitative; gap analysis using a grounded theory and systems thinking approach.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Twenty-three Australian HPS system governance level stakeholders who worked with, or specialised in, Olympic or Paralympic performance pathways were recruited. Using a grounded theory approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted using gap analysis principles as a guide.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This study identified three overarching domains: ‘governance and assurance’, ‘coaching’ and ‘health stewardship’; along with eight themes and twenty-five subthemes. An integrated framework was developed to illustrate the interdependencies between the identified domains. From examining the framework and relationships between the three domains, four considerations were identified: (1) ‘<em>knowledge management</em>’ with the high-performance sport pathway system needs refinement; (2) pathway strategies need to be ‘<em>fit for purpose</em>’; (3) ‘<em>health stewardship</em>’ is a shared system-wide responsibility; and (4) ‘<em>attrition and retention monitoring</em>’ needs to be prioritised within high-performance sport pathway programmes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Findings emphasise the importance of refining knowledge management strategies, optimising pathway frameworks, integrating health stewardship, and prioritising systematic attrition monitoring within pathway programmes. Addressing these considerations can improve athlete retention, enhance system stewardship, organisational performance and support the long-term sustainability of high-performance sport pathways.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16992,"journal":{"name":"Journal of science and medicine in sport","volume":"29 10","pages":"Pages 1157-1165"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147654154","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The VEGFA and KDR genes are associated with bilateral and multiple chronic Achilles tendon injuries","authors":"Christina D. Brazier,&nbsp;Nonhlanhla S. Mkumbuzi,&nbsp;Mary-Jessica N. Laguette,&nbsp;Alison V. September,&nbsp;Malcolm Collins","doi":"10.1016/j.jsams.2026.04.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsams.2026.04.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Pain is the primary symptom of Achilles tendinopathy, with neovascularisation implicated in symptom development despite unclear mechanisms. Neovascularisation and pain are regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and its receptor, KDR. Since <em>VEGFA</em> polymorphisms have previously been associated with Achilles tendinopathy, this study aimed to determine whether <em>VEGFA</em> (rs699947 C<!--> <!-->&gt;<!--> <!-->A, rs2010963 G<!--> <!-->&gt;<!--> <!-->C) and/or <em>KDR</em> (rs2071559 C<!--> <!-->&gt;<!--> <!-->T, rs1870377 A<!--> <!-->&gt;<!--> <!-->T) polymorphisms are associated with exercise-related pain at injury onset, multiple and/or bilateral injuries, as well as self-reported pain using multidimensional pain scales.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>Case-control and cross-sectional genetic association study.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>One hundred and eighty-nine controls without any history of tendon injuries and 181 participants with Achilles tendinopathy were recruited, of which 71 and 91 reported multiple-bilateral and single-unilateral injuries respectively, and genotyped for <em>KDR</em> and <em>VEGFA</em>. Pain was assessed using the VISA-A, short-form McGill Pain and short-form Brief Pain Inventory questionnaires.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The <em>KDR</em> C-T and T-A (rs2071559, rs1870377) inferred haplotypes were associated with decreased (cases: 32.8%, controls: 44.3%, p = 0.009) and increased (cases: 22.1%, controls: 12.1%, p = 0.007) risk of multiple-bilateral tendinopathy, respectively. The C-C-T and A-T-A <em>VEGFA</em> (rs699947) and <em>KDR</em> (rs2071559, rs1870377) allele combinations were also associated with decreased (cases: 13.1%, controls: 20.9%, p = 0.018) and increased (cases: 14.0%, controls: 6.2%, p = 0.001) risk of multiple-bilateral tendinopathy, respectively. There were no significant differences in pain scores between the genotype groups.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div><em>KDR</em> and <em>VEGF</em> genetic variants are associated with susceptibility to bilateral and/or multiple Achilles tendinopathy, supporting the potential role for angiogenesis signalling pathways in injury risk.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16992,"journal":{"name":"Journal of science and medicine in sport","volume":"29 10","pages":"Pages 1101-1108"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147774906","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of changes in pitch limit guidelines on position distribution and capitellar OCD in youth baseball: A 6-year cohort study","authors":"Rikuto Yoshimizu,&nbsp;Junsuke Nakase,&nbsp;Yasushi Takata,&nbsp;Naoki Takemoto,&nbsp;Manase Nishimura,&nbsp;Kentaro Fujita,&nbsp;Satoru Demura","doi":"10.1016/j.jsams.2026.04.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsams.2026.04.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To evaluate changes in position distribution and capitellar osteochondritis dissecans detected at annual screening before and after the 2019 introduction of pitch limit guidelines, focusing on dual-role players.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>Retrospective observational study using an interrupted time series design.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Annual ultrasonography screening was performed from 2017 to 2023 in 1576 players aged 10–12 years. Players were classified as pitcher, catcher, or dual-role. Position distribution was analyzed using interrupted time series binomial models; chi-square tests were used for supplementary comparisons. Osteochondritis dissecans was analyzed using interrupted time series Poisson regression with an offset for the annual number screened and 95% confidence intervals. Worst-case sensitivity analyses assumed all missing confirmatory examinations were osteochondritis dissecans; analyses were repeated in males only.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Catcher proportion decreased from 21.2% to 15.6% in a supplementary pre–post comparison (p = 0.011). Dual-role players accounted for 18.1% pre-guideline and 22.3% post-guideline and increased from 17.4% in 2017 to 26.1% in 2023 (p = 0.040). Overall osteochondritis dissecans was 3.6% pre-guideline and 1.8% post-guideline (p = 0.055); among dual-role players, 6.7% and 1.9% (p = 0.083). In Poisson interrupted time series using confirmed cases only, no significant level change was detected (incidence rate ratio 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.09–3.00). Under the worst-case assumption, guideline introduction was associated with an immediate decrease in overall osteochondritis dissecans (incidence rate ratio 0.15, 95% confidence interval 0.035–0.64). Findings were consistent in males only.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Guideline introduction coincided with fewer catchers and more dual-role players, while osteochondritis dissecans detected at annual screening did not show evidence of an increase among dual-role players.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16992,"journal":{"name":"Journal of science and medicine in sport","volume":"29 10","pages":"Pages 1109-1114"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147816590","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sport-specific prevalence of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) risk among Finnish female national- and international-level athletes","authors":"M. Wynne-Ellis,&nbsp;A. Kuljukka,&nbsp;R.S. Mikkonen,&nbsp;A.C. Hackney,&nbsp;I. Heikura,&nbsp;J.J. Hulmi,&nbsp;M. Valtonen,&nbsp;J.K. Ihalainen","doi":"10.1016/j.jsams.2026.05.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsams.2026.05.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To determine the prevalence and sport-specific patterns of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport risk among Finnish national- and international-level female athletes and active non-athletes.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>Cross-sectional comparison of baseline female data from the Athletic Performance and Nutrition cohort, including endurance athletes (number = 50), speed and power athletes (number = 50), team and interval sport athletes (number = 37), and active non-athletes (number = 20).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport risk was assessed using the four-level Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport Clinical Assessment Tool Version 2 framework. Clinical, hormonal, metabolic, and bone-related indicators were examined descriptively. Group differences were tested using analysis of variance, Kruskal–Wallis, and chi-square tests, and odds of risk were estimated using logistic regression.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Overall, 70% of participants were at risk of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport. Prevalence was 82% among endurance athletes and 65% among non-endurance athletes; endurance athletes had 2.4-fold higher odds of risk. Severe risk occurred in 17.9% of endurance athletes, while no non-athletes were classified in the most severe category. Endurance athletes showed the least favorable indicator profile: 30% reported amenorrhea, 48.9% had low triiodothyronine, and 44% had a low resting metabolic rate ratio. Bone stress injury was reported by 47.6% of endurance athletes and 50% of speed and power athletes, compared with less than 20% in other groups.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport risk was highly prevalent across Finnish Tier 3–4 female athletes, especially in endurance, speed, and power sports.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16992,"journal":{"name":"Journal of science and medicine in sport","volume":"29 10","pages":"Pages 1186-1194"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148005760","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Use of artificial intelligence in the peer review process of sports and exercise medicine research","authors":"Toomas Timpka,&nbsp;Tim Meyer","doi":"10.1016/j.jsams.2026.08.210","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsams.2026.08.210","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16992,"journal":{"name":"Journal of science and medicine in sport","volume":"29 10","pages":"Pages 1073-1074"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148862007","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"It's never too late: The impact of resistance training on strength and body composition in females across the lifespan – A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Eduard Isenmann,&nbsp;Stephan Geisler,&nbsp;Tim Havers,&nbsp;Florian Siegert,&nbsp;Felix Hemke,&nbsp;Steffen Held","doi":"10.1016/j.jsams.2026.03.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsams.2026.03.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Resistance training improves muscular strength and body composition, yet women are underrepresented in research, and guidelines are mainly based on men. No meta-analysis has systematically evaluated its effects on strength and body composition in women. This study therefore synthesizes evidence across the female lifespan and examines potential dose–response relationship.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and PROSPERO registration (CRD42024600270), four databases were searched for studies in healthy women (≥<!--> <!-->18 years) reporting strength or body composition changes after resistance training. Standardized mean differences were pooled using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses compared pre- and postmenopausal women, and meta-regressions examined moderators (age, menopausal status, training frequency, duration). Study quality was assessed with the PEDro scale; analyses were conducted in R.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 126 studies including 4019 women (66.2% postmenopausal, mean age 50.9 ± 19.2 years) were analyzed. Resistance training significantly improved muscular strength in both premenopausal (standardized mean difference = 1.50 [95% confidence interval: 1.28–1.73]) and postmenopausal women (standardized mean difference = 1.46 [95% confidence interval: 1.26–1.67]), with no subgroup difference (p = 0.520). Functional mass increased (standardized mean difference = 0.27 [95% confidence interval: 0.18–0.35]), and fat mass decreased significantly (standardized mean difference = 0.30 [95% confidence interval: 0.25–0.35]) in both groups, with no significant subgroup differences (all p &gt; 0.440). Meta-regressions showed no associations between outcomes and age, training duration, frequency, or total sessions (all p &gt; 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Resistance training appears to be associated with improvements in strength and body composition in women across the lifespan. These findings suggest that general training guidelines could be applicable to women, with individualization remaining important over strict sex- or age-based distinctions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16992,"journal":{"name":"Journal of science and medicine in sport","volume":"29 10","pages":"Pages 1174-1185"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147654147","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association of cardiovascular health status and cardiac troponin proteoforms following endurance exercise: a case series of long-distance walkers","authors":"Tom T.J. Luiken,&nbsp;Sacha K. Lamers,&nbsp;Sylvan L.J.E. Janssen,&nbsp;Ellen J.S. Denessen,&nbsp;Stefanie I.J. Nass,&nbsp;Ruben C.B. Bambacht,&nbsp;Vincent L. Aengevaeren,&nbsp;Wim H.M. Vroemen,&nbsp;Thijs M.H. Eijsvogels,&nbsp;Alma M.A. Mingels","doi":"10.1016/j.jsams.2026.04.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsams.2026.04.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) elevations are common after strenuous exercise and may present a sign of cardiac vulnerability. From our derivation cohort of long-distance walkers (n = 804), we re-analyzed blood samples from six individuals exhibiting very high post-exercise cTnT concentrations using Gel Filtration Chromatography to explore associations between cTnT proteoforms and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Healthy individuals demonstrated elevated concentrations in small cTnT proteoforms (&lt;<!--> <!-->20 kDa), whereas individuals with CVD demonstrated elevated concentrations of both small and large cTnT proteoforms (≥<!--> <!-->29 kDa). Our findings suggest release of distinct cTnT proteoforms between individuals with and without CVD, promoting further investigation in recreational athletes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16992,"journal":{"name":"Journal of science and medicine in sport","volume":"29 10","pages":"Pages 1097-1100"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147774903","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ultrasound-based evaluation of changes in tendon macro- and micromorphology following exercise and ESWT in mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy: A randomized clinical trial with a 26-week follow-up","authors":"Jakub Katolický,&nbsp;Tomáš Nedělka,&nbsp;Gregory Bashford,&nbsp;Jiří Švarc,&nbsp;Kryštof Voleský,&nbsp;Tereza Katolická,&nbsp;Jiří Nedělka,&nbsp;Stanislav Machač","doi":"10.1016/j.jsams.2026.04.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsams.2026.04.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To evaluate effects of progressive resistance training alone and in combination with focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy on tendon macromorphology measured by ultrasound and micromorphology evaluated using spatial frequency analysis in chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>Prospective single-center randomized clinical trial.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>41 participants with unilateral chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy were randomized to resistance training alone or resistance training combined with focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy. Both groups performed a 12-week progressive loading program. The combined group additionally received four focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy sessions. Examinations were performed at baseline, weeks 6, 12, and 26 to assess tendon diameter, cross-sectional area, and micromorphological parameters (PSFR, P6, Q6, PPP, SUM). Pain (numeric rating scale) and function (Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment — Achilles questionnaire) were evaluated concurrently. Contralateral asymptomatic tendons served as reference values.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Both groups showed significant pain reduction and functional improvement (p &lt; 0.001). Macromorphological parameters changed minimally. Cross-sectional area decreased significantly only at week 26 in the combined group (p = 0.031). Spatial frequency analysis revealed time-dependent micromorphological remodeling with decreased P6 and SUM and increased PPP and Q6, consistent with improved collagen organization and tissue homogeneity. This remodeling pattern appeared more pronounced in the combined group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Progressive resistance training, either alone or combined with focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy, leads to clinically meaningful improvements in chronic midportion Achilles tendinopathy. The addition of focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy may accelerate and amplify intratendinous micromorphological reorganization, supporting its role as a physiological catalyst for tendon remodeling rather than solely a symptom-modulating adjunct.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16992,"journal":{"name":"Journal of science and medicine in sport","volume":"29 10","pages":"Pages 1115-1124"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147930681","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cumulative increases in circulating mtDNA as a potential biomarker of brain injury in rugby union: a pilot study","authors":"Valentina Selleri,&nbsp;Marco Bazo,&nbsp;Giorgia Sinigaglia,&nbsp;Giada Zanini,&nbsp;Giulia Micheloni,&nbsp;Francesca Coppi,&nbsp;Roberta D'Alisera,&nbsp;Gustavo Savino,&nbsp;Milena Nasi,&nbsp;Marcello Pinti","doi":"10.1016/j.jsams.2026.03.024","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsams.2026.03.024","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Rugby is a high contact sport that can lead to head contact events, especially in forward players, triggering inflammatory processes. Mitochondrial DNA, released during injury, may act as a proinflammatory signal. This study aimed to assess levels of three mitochondrial DNA forms—mitochondrial (Fraction 1), protein bound (Fraction 2), and naked (Fraction 3) - across a rugby season and correlate them with neuroinflammatory markers, blood parameters, and head impact exposure.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>Observational, longitudinal.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Thirteen male professional rugby players were monitored across two matches in the 2023–24 season. Blood samples were collected before (T0, T2), immediately after (T1, T3) each match, and one month post season (T4). Mitochondrial DNA levels and integrity were quantified, along with neuroinflammatory markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines, hematochemical parameters, immune receptor expression and monocyte distribution.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Mitochondrial DNA levels increased progressively from T0 to T4, particularly in forward players. Post-match, Fraction 2 and 3 mitochondrial DNA levels were elevated, with a peak at T4. Interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 rose after both matches, while tumor necrosis factor-alpha increased only at T3. Neurofilament light chain levels spiked post-match but normalized afterward. Baseline mitochondrial DNA correlated with several hematological and metabolic markers, and immune cell subsets. Global Positioning System data linked mitochondrial DNA levels with high powered actions and contact intensity, especially in forward players.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Repeated head impacts in rugby lead to sustained mitochondrial DNA elevation, suggesting its potential as an early biomarker of cell damage and neuroinflammation. This may aid in preventing sports- related neurodegeneration.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16992,"journal":{"name":"Journal of science and medicine in sport","volume":"29 10","pages":"Pages 1075-1085"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147699083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A characterisation of elite open water swimmers' core temperature responses and preparation practices in European Aquatics competitions","authors":"Kate Markey,&nbsp;Bryna C.R. Chrismas,&nbsp;Chris Esh,&nbsp;Natalia Galan-Lopez,&nbsp;William M. Adams,&nbsp;Naama Constantini,&nbsp;Margo L. Mountjoy,&nbsp;Lee Taylor","doi":"10.1016/j.jsams.2026.03.016","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsams.2026.03.016","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Open water swimming competition occurs within a water temperature (Tw) range (World Aquatics Tw: 16–31 °C) where heat- (hyperthermia) and cold-related (hypothermia) medical events and race-dropouts regularly occur. These can be attributed to the thermodynamic properties of water and human thermoregulatory (Treg) maladaptations for submersion [modest deviations (±<!--> <!-->0.5–2 °C) in core temperature (Tc) can impair performance and health]. Additionally, little real-world knowledge regarding elite open water swimmer preparation [e.g., heat/cold acclimation/acclimatisation] for extreme environments is available. Thus, elite swimmers' Tc and preparation practices were characterised during open water swimming competition.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>(i) Characterise Tc responses; and (ii) questionnaire preparation practices of elite swimmers within cold and warm Tw European Aquatics open water swimming competitions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Tc data were characterised (ingestible-telemetry) for 50 (20 female) elite swimmers during the 2023–25 European Aquatics Open Water Swimming Cup (Leg 4 — COLD₁, Leg 1 — COLD₂, Leg 5 — COLD₃, Leg 1 — COLD₄) and the 2023 Junior European Aquatics Open Water Swimming Championships (WARM). A pre- and post-race questionnaire was disseminated to survey training/preparation practices and symptomology in-race.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Tc responses were highly variable [maximum ± Tc °C change: COLD₁ (+<!--> <!-->1.2 °C; −<!--> <!-->2.0 °C), COLD₂ (+<!--> <!-->1.2 °C; −<!--> <!-->1.6 °C), COLD₃ (+<!--> <!-->1.7 °C; −<!--> <!-->1.3 °C), COLD₄ (+<!--> <!-->2.2 °C; −<!--> <!-->4.2 °C), WARM (+<!--> <!-->1.8 °C; −<!--> <!-->1.7 °C)]. Mild and/or hypo/hyper-thermia co-presented within the same race. Tc in-race was not associated with race time, nor ranking (<em>P</em> ≥ .080). Heat/cold acclimation/acclimatisation adoption was not associated with lower likelihood of hypo-/hyper-thermia (<em>P</em> ≥ .184), nor cold/heat-related symptomology in-race (<em>P</em> ≥ .837).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The observed variability in Tc responses, alongside co-presentation of mild and/or hyper-/hypo-thermia in-race surfaces the challenges to protect open water swimmers' health and performance during competition. Whilst heat/cold acclimation/acclimatisation and body temperature manipulation (e.g., cooling/heating) interventions may be helpful, there is a paucity of open water swimming specific data to evidence-inform practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16992,"journal":{"name":"Journal of science and medicine in sport","volume":"29 10","pages":"Pages 1166-1173"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147654151","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}