Trevor C Roiger, Mary Beth Zwart, Angela E Brown, Hailey A Haber, Nicholas R Anderson
{"title":"Geographic Remoteness, Socioeconomic Status, and Healthcare Access: Emergency Preparedness of South Dakota Secondary Schools.","authors":"Trevor C Roiger, Mary Beth Zwart, Angela E Brown, Hailey A Haber, Nicholas R Anderson","doi":"10.1155/tsm2/4600636","DOIUrl":"10.1155/tsm2/4600636","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Context:</b> Athletic emergency preparedness remains critical to ensure athlete safety. <b>Objective:</b> To assess the influence of geographic remoteness, socioeconomic status, and healthcare access on athletic emergency preparedness of South Dakota secondary schools. <b>Design:</b> A cross-sectional study. <b>Setting:</b> Secondary schools. <b>Patients or Other Participants:</b> A total of 63 athletic directors (age = 44.09 ± 12.39 years, years as AD = 6.96 ± 7.47). <b>Main Outcome Measure(s):</b> A survey assessing athletic training (AT) and emergency medical services (EMSs), emergency action plans (EAPs), and CPR and AED, concussion, and heat illness policies and guidelines. Descriptive statistics were reported. An independent <i>t</i> test was performed to determine association between median household income (MHI) and access to ATs. Contingency tables and logistic regression were used to determine if access to an AT, hospital distance, and/or MHI were correlated with question responses. <b>Results:</b> Most respondents (73.03%) reported AT access; access was associated with MHI. Over 20% of schools were farther than 20 miles from nearest hospital. Schools without ATs in low MHI counties were less likely to have written EAPs (<i>p</i>=0.03, <i>n</i> = 48); schools without ATs were less likely to have EAPs for every venue (<i>p</i>=0.027, <i>n</i> = 32), CI (-10.7, -0.79). Most respondents (66.7%) reported no CPR certification and AED training requirement for coaches. Schools with ATs reporting farther hospital distance were less likely to have written heat illness guidelines (<i>p</i>=0.02, <i>n</i> = 36, and CI = -0.17-0.017). Schools in low MHI counties were less likely to possess these same guidelines (<i>p</i>=0.04 and <i>n</i> = 47) and were less likely to take environmental measurements to inform activity modifications (<i>p</i>=0.03 and <i>n</i> = 48). <b>Conclusions:</b> Limited AT access, geographic remoteness, and MHI can negatively impact athletic emergency preparedness. Schools may benefit from educational opportunities and emergency preparedness training of coaches and administrators.</p>","PeriodicalId":75247,"journal":{"name":"Translational sports medicine","volume":"2025 ","pages":"4600636"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12170087/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144310926","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Javier Lluch, Félix Martínez-Giménez, Francisco Abad, Javier Garrido Martínez
{"title":"Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Performance of Marathon Runners.","authors":"Javier Lluch, Félix Martínez-Giménez, Francisco Abad, Javier Garrido Martínez","doi":"10.1155/tsm2/9969371","DOIUrl":"10.1155/tsm2/9969371","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Analyzing the performance of marathon runners is a study of vital importance for optimizing athletes' results. The COVID-19 pandemic and its measures against its spread resulted in a drastic change in the way of life of most of the population, including athletes, who saw their training habits modified, in addition to the possible short-, medium-, and long-term consequences that infection with the new virus could cause in their health. This study analyzes through normality analysis, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Chi-square tests, and the Wasserstein distance the finish times and paces of more than 900k athletes (filtered by age range and gender) in major marathons in different cities around the world to determine the effects of the pandemic on their performance. The analysis using the Wasserstein distance shows that the period of years with the most significant differences in race pace was 2019-2021 (pre- and postpandemic years) in practically all the marathons analyzed, while the analysis using chi-square shows differences in that period of years in some cities, age, and gender groups. We found significant differences between 2019 and 2021 in pace behavior in some age and gender groups, shown by the Wasserstein distance and chi-square test.</p>","PeriodicalId":75247,"journal":{"name":"Translational sports medicine","volume":"2025 ","pages":"9969371"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12158584/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144276976","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Running Acceleration Correlates With T2 Magnetic Resonance Imaging Values of the Lumber Intervertebral Disc.","authors":"Takayoshi Hakkaku, Yoshiaki Kubo, Koji Koyama, Koichi Nakazato, Takashi Okada, Kenji Hiranuma","doi":"10.1155/tsm2/5930823","DOIUrl":"10.1155/tsm2/5930823","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Running can contribute to both beneficial and detrimental responses in the intervertebral discs (IVDs). To better understand these effects, we investigated the relationship between loading directions during slow running and the rapid changes in T2 times occurring in the lumbar IVDs before and after running. <b>Methods:</b> Sixteen healthy male students were fitted with a triaxial accelerator and ran on a treadmill at 8 km/h for 1 minute. Three lumbar T2 times from the L3/L4 to L5/S1 levels were measured before, immediately after, and 30 min postexercise via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The analysis focused on five regions of interest within each disc. <b>Results:</b> Acceleration was 0.23 ± 0.06 root mean square in the mediolateral (<i>X</i>-axis), 1.37 ± 0.08 in the vertical (<i>Y</i>-axis), and 0.30 ± 0.06 in the anteroposterior (<i>Z</i>-axis) direction. A strong correlation was observed between the T2 relaxation times and acceleration, particularly in the <i>Z</i>-axis. At L3/L4, a positive correlation was observed for the posterior nucleus (<i>r</i> = 0.72, <i>p</i>=0.002, <i>R</i> <sup>2</sup> = 0.59). At L4/L5, a positive correlation was observed for the central nucleus (<i>r</i> = 0.73, <i>p</i>=0.003, <i>R</i> <sup>2</sup> = 0.49). At L5/S1, a negative correlation was observed for the anterior annulus fibrosus (<i>r</i> = -0.73, <i>p</i>=0.01, <i>R</i> <sup>2</sup> = 0.48). <b>Conclusion:</b> These results suggest that anteroposterior loading may play a significant role in the response of the IVDs to running.</p>","PeriodicalId":75247,"journal":{"name":"Translational sports medicine","volume":"2025 ","pages":"5930823"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12126259/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144201035","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cassidy de França, Matthew J Jordan, Tanita Botha, Helen Bayne
{"title":"Countermovement Jump Kinetic Impairments in Elite Athletes Before and After ACL Injury: Force-Time Waveform Versus Discrete Kinetic Analysis.","authors":"Cassidy de França, Matthew J Jordan, Tanita Botha, Helen Bayne","doi":"10.1155/tsm2/1176787","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/tsm2/1176787","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pre-injury and post-injury countermovement jump (CMJ) force-time data were obtained for elite athletes 6 months after anterior cruciate ligament surgery (ACLR). Jump kinetics were analysed using a traditional phase-specific approach, and force-time data of the CMJ waveform were analysed using statistical parametric mapping (SPM). Elite athletes (<i>n</i> = 10; female <i>n</i> = 6, age = 22.0 ± 3.5 years, mass = 75.9 ± 11.5 kg) performed CMJ testing before (T0) and after ACLR (T1; 24 ± 3 weeks post-surgery). Differences in discrete and continuous metrics were analysed for (1) within-limb differences between T1 and T0 and (2) between-limb differences at T1 and T0. Lower involved limb propulsive impulse (T1: 6.4 ± 1.6 N∙s/kg; T0: 7.7 ± 1.4 N∙s/kg, <i>p</i> = 0.002) and peak force (T1: 6.4 ± 1.6 N/kg; T0: 7.7 ± 1.4 N/kg, <i>p</i> = 0.002) were found after ACLR compared to baseline. After ACLR (T1), lower involved limb propulsive impulse was found compared to the uninvolved limb (involved: 1.26 ± 0.54 N∙s/kg; uninvolved: 1.58 ± 0.56 N∙s/kg, <i>p</i> = 0.007). SPM analysis revealed specific within-limb force loss, notably reduced involved limb propulsion force at T1 compared to pre-injury at T0 (<i>p</i> < 0.001) between 92% and 99% of the CMJ (end of propulsion) and between 36% and 37% of the CMJ (i.e., late unweighting to braking phase transition). SPM analysis revealed within-limb CMJ force loss that was not seen with the discrete analysis, highlighting the complementary value of SPM waveform analysis alongside discrete analysis to identify neuromuscular impairments in stretch-shortening-cycle function in elite athletes after ACLR.</p>","PeriodicalId":75247,"journal":{"name":"Translational sports medicine","volume":"2025 ","pages":"1176787"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12077975/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144081892","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency Among Young Elite Soccer Players Living Above 55 Degrees North Latitude and Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Self-Used Preventive Methods.","authors":"Bezuglov Eduard, Achkasov Evgeniy, Vinogradov Mikhail, Baranova Daria, Shurygin Vladimir, Rudiakova Elizaveta, Usmanova Elvira, Vakhidov Timur, Malyakin Georgiy, Ilsiuiar Anishchenko, Kapralova Elizaveta","doi":"10.1155/tsm2/2299710","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/tsm2/2299710","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The widespread prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among young elite soccer players living above 40° north latitude is a significant issue. Considering the adverse effects of vitamin D deficiency, it is crucial to investigate its prevalence and the effectiveness of self-used preventive strategies among high-risk groups. This study involved 209 young athletes (aged 7-18 years, mean age: 12.79 ± 3.04 years, weight: 50.11 ± 17.75 kg, height: 1.60 ± 0.19 m, and BMI: 18.69 ± 2.75) from a leading soccer academy, residing above 55° north latitude. Blood samples were collected in winter to analyze the total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. High prevalence of insufficiency (38.3%) and deficiency (26.8%) of 25(OH)D was identified. There were no significant differences in the severity of deficiency among different age groups (6-9 years, 10-14 years, and 15-18 years) or during growth spurts. The analysis of self-used preventive methods showed no significant differences between the compared groups (<i>p</i>=0.149). Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are widespread among young elite soccer players living above 55° north latitude and training indoors. The effectiveness of self-used preventive methods is considered low.</p>","PeriodicalId":75247,"journal":{"name":"Translational sports medicine","volume":"2025 ","pages":"2299710"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12008557/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144055214","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Daniel C Ogrezeanu, Luís Suso-Martí, Rubén López-Bueno, Pedro Gargallo, Rodrigo Núñez-Cortés, Carlos Cruz-Montecinos, Lars Louis Andersen, José Casaña, Nicholas Rolnick, Joaquín Calatayud
{"title":"Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Strength and Functionality in People With Knee Arthropathies: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.","authors":"Daniel C Ogrezeanu, Luís Suso-Martí, Rubén López-Bueno, Pedro Gargallo, Rodrigo Núñez-Cortés, Carlos Cruz-Montecinos, Lars Louis Andersen, José Casaña, Nicholas Rolnick, Joaquín Calatayud","doi":"10.1155/tsm2/3663009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/tsm2/3663009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Previous meta-analyses show contrasting findings regarding the effects of blood flow restriction training (BFRT) in different knee conditions. Furthermore, no previous dose-response analysis has been conducted to determine the dose of BFRT required for maximal strength and functionality adaptations. <b>Objective:</b> To analyze the evidence on the effects of BFRT on strength and functionality in patients with knee osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis through a systematic review with dose-response meta-analysis. <b>Methods:</b> Included studies met the following criteria: participants with knee osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis; low-load resistance BFRT as intervention; control group with traditional moderate or high intensity resistance training (MIRT and HIRT); include muscle strength and functionality as primary and secondary outcome measures, respectively; and only randomized controlled trials. A random-effects and a dose-response model estimated strength and functionality using estimates of the total repetitions performed. <b>Results:</b> We included five studies with a sample of 205 participants. No statistically significant differences were found between BFRT and MIRT or HIRT for strength (SMD = -0.06; 95% CI = -0.78-0.67; and <i>p</i> > 0.05) and functionality (SMD = 0.07; 95% CI = -0.23-0.37; and <i>p</i> > 0.05). We found an inverted U-shaped association between the increase in total repetitions and strength gain and between the increase in total repetitions and functional improvement. <b>Conclusions:</b> People with knee osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can use low-load BFRT for strength and functionality as a similarly effective alternative to MIRT and HIRT. A total of 2000 repetitions per BFRT program are necessary to maximize strength gains in these patients, while functional improvement requires 1800 total repetitions.</p>","PeriodicalId":75247,"journal":{"name":"Translational sports medicine","volume":"2025 ","pages":"3663009"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12006712/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144009017","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Estevão de Souza Diniz, José Roberto de Souza Júnior, Pedro Bainy Franz, Leandro Gomes de Jesus Ferreira, Amanda Morais Costa, Julia Rocha, Ana Luísa Ribeiro, Leandro Moreira, Isabella da Silva Almeida, Jeam Marcel Geremia, Fernando Diefenthaeler, Marco Aurelio Vaz, Rodrigo Scattone Silva, João Luiz Quaglioti Durigan, Rita de Cássia Marqueti
{"title":"Comparison of Calf Muscle and Achilles Tendon Stiffness Between Triathletes and Physically Active Controls: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Shear Wave Elastography.","authors":"Estevão de Souza Diniz, José Roberto de Souza Júnior, Pedro Bainy Franz, Leandro Gomes de Jesus Ferreira, Amanda Morais Costa, Julia Rocha, Ana Luísa Ribeiro, Leandro Moreira, Isabella da Silva Almeida, Jeam Marcel Geremia, Fernando Diefenthaeler, Marco Aurelio Vaz, Rodrigo Scattone Silva, João Luiz Quaglioti Durigan, Rita de Cássia Marqueti","doi":"10.1155/tsm2/2468866","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/tsm2/2468866","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Triathlon's global popularity, with over 120 national federations and millions of athletes, has led to an increase in injuries, particularly Achilles tendinopathy, affecting 12-24% of long-distance and 7.7% of short-distance triathletes. Understanding the morphological adaptations of the Achilles tendon and calf muscles is crucial. <b>Objective:</b> This study compares the stiffness of the Achilles tendon and calf muscles between triathletes and physically active controls, while identifying differences in the superficial, middle, and deep layers of the calf muscles across and within these groups. <b>Methods:</b> A cross-sectional study was conducted with 42 participants divided into four groups: 10 male triathletes, 10 male controls, 11 female triathletes, and 11 female controls. Shear wave elastography assessed the stiffness of the Achilles tendon and calf muscles. <b>Results:</b> No between-group differences were found for the overall stiffness of the Achilles tendon and calf muscles. In the soleus muscle, the stiffness of the superficial layer was greater in the male control group compared to female triathletes (<i>p</i>=0.002). Also, the middle layer was greater in the male control group compared to the male triathletes (<i>p</i>=0.023) and female triathletes (<i>p</i>=0.028). Finally, the middle layer was greater in male controls compared to female triathletes (<i>p</i>=0.008). Within-group differences showed that the superficial layer was generally stiffer than the middle and deep layers across all groups and muscles. Notably, in the lateral gastrocnemius, the deep layer showed greater stiffness compared to the middle layer only for female controls (<i>p</i>=0.014). <b>Conclusion:</b> Triathlon does not affect the overall stiffness of the Achilles tendon and calf muscles, but differences in muscle layers highlight the need for a segmented approach in elastography, which may reveal specific training effects or injury risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":75247,"journal":{"name":"Translational sports medicine","volume":"2025 ","pages":"2468866"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12003042/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144058632","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gabriel J Sanders, Stacie Skodinski, Corey A Peacock
{"title":"Impact of Early Season Jump Loads on Neuromuscular Performance in Division I Volleyball: Analyzing Force, Velocity, and Power From Countermovement Jump Tests.","authors":"Gabriel J Sanders, Stacie Skodinski, Corey A Peacock","doi":"10.1155/tsm2/7216781","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/tsm2/7216781","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The study investigated daily jump load variations on neuromuscular fatigue in nine NCAA Division I female volleyball athletes during the first 22 days of the season. Using force plates and inertial measurement units, data from 17 sessions were analyzed to assess relationships between jump loads and neuromuscular performance. Pearson's correlations were calculated to assess the relationships between force, velocity, and power force plate metrics and jump variables (duration in minutes, total jump counts, and jump counts greater than 38.1 cm (Jumps 38+) and 50.8 cm (Jumps 50+)). Nine out of 14 force metrics showed weak-to-moderate negative correlations with Jumps 50+, indicating as the highest intensity of jump counts increased and force production decreased (<i>r</i> ranges from -0.194 to -0.570; <i>p</i> ≤ 0.025 for all). In contrast, nine out of 16 velocity and power metrics showed weak-to-moderate positive correlations with Jumps 50+ (<i>r</i> ranges from 0.175 to 0.466; <i>p</i> ≤ 0.044 for all). In total, 29 out of 36 force plate metrics were significantly correlated to Jumps 50+, the highest intensity jump threshold assessed. Monitoring high-intensity jump loads provides a more accurate and nuanced assessment of neuromuscular performance and fatigue than total jump counts or session duration, with implications for optimizing athlete readiness and performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":75247,"journal":{"name":"Translational sports medicine","volume":"2025 ","pages":"7216781"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11991867/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144061407","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Rapid Weight Loss Across Combat Sports and the Relationships Between Methods and Magnitude.","authors":"Oliver R Barley, Craig A Harms","doi":"10.1155/tsm2/2946317","DOIUrl":"10.1155/tsm2/2946317","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examined rapid weight loss (RWL) habits across combat sports (CS) and how common usage of different methods was related to the magnitude of RWL. Competitors (<i>N</i> = 256) from CS including boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay thai/kickboxing (MT/KB), wrestling, mixed martial arts (MMA), judo, taekwondo, and karate participated in the study. Athletes completed an online survey which included questions on their regular weight loss habits, including magnitudes of weight loss over different time periods and types of methods utilised. Athletes typically started losing weight in their early 20s and engaged in RWL on average three times a year. Magnitudes of weight loss were greater in MT/KB and MMA than other cCS examined (<i>d</i> between 0.63 and 1.54). Wrestlers demonstrated higher prevalence of skipping meals or fasting than other CS (<i>d</i> between 0.7 and 1.29). Athletes at higher competitive levels engaged in larger magnitudes of RWL (<i>d</i> between 0.49 and 0.57). The usage of methods of body fluid manipulation such as fluid restriction, water loading, and sauna were associated with greater amounts of weight loss within 2 weeks and 24 h of weighing in (<i>d</i> between 0.36 and 0.45). Findings indicate that larger weight cuts are linked to strategies involving higher risk, such as sauna, and may be more common among athletes who begin RWL practices at a younger age. Use of certain high-risk methods were associated with increased likelihood of disordered eating behaviours. To reduce reliance on these practices, practitioners and regulators should emphasise the use of smaller weight cuts and to begin losing weight further out from competition.</p>","PeriodicalId":75247,"journal":{"name":"Translational sports medicine","volume":"2025 ","pages":"2946317"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11964705/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143774945","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gabriella Florence, Melissa Janse van Vuren, Wayne Derman, Jake Popperwell, Liske Kotzé-Hörstmann
{"title":"How Healthy Are Our Students Really? Lifestyle-Related Health Risk Behaviour Patterns in Student Athletes and Nonathlete Students.","authors":"Gabriella Florence, Melissa Janse van Vuren, Wayne Derman, Jake Popperwell, Liske Kotzé-Hörstmann","doi":"10.1155/tsm2/1994649","DOIUrl":"10.1155/tsm2/1994649","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Students engage in one or more lifestyle-related risk behaviours that may predispose them to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Whilst student athletes (St-A) are often perceived as having healthier lifestyles compared to nonathlete students (NAS), it is unclear whether they exhibit better risk profiles. This study compares the prevalence and clustering of these lifestyle-related risk behaviours among NAS and St-A at a South African university. <b>Methods:</b> This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, inadequate fruit and vegetable intake and physical inactivity using a screening questionnaire. Differences between gender and athletic status were analysed using chi-square tests. Cluster analysis was employed to identify patterns of co-occurring risk behaviours within the combined cohort. <b>Results:</b> One hundred and forty-five St-A (<i>n</i> = 91 male, <i>n</i> = 54 female) and 143 NAS (<i>n</i> = 90 male, <i>n</i> = 53 female) were included. Similar alcohol use patterns were observed between St-A and NAS (<i>p</i>=0.737), but females consumed less alcohol than men (<i>p</i>=0.025). Smoking was less prevalent among St-A (18.6% vs. 32.2% NAS, <i>p</i>=0.020). Less than 10% of participants met fruit and vegetable intake recommendations, with females consuming more than males (<i>p</i>=0.002). St-A met the moderate activity guidelines more often (73.0% vs. 44.3%, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and the vigorous physical activity guidelines more often (71.5% vs. 37.1%, <i>p</i> < 0.001) than NAS. The cluster analysis identified a higher risk group (34.6% St-A) with multiple risk behaviours, and a healthier group (all meeting vigorous activity goals and none smoking). <b>Conclusions:</b> Both St-A and NAS engage in lifestyle-related risk behaviours. Further investigation into the interconnections of these behaviours and the implementation of university-based interventions is warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":75247,"journal":{"name":"Translational sports medicine","volume":"2025 ","pages":"1994649"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11949602/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143733535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}