Translational sports medicine最新文献

{"title":"Kinetic Factors Related to the Side Hop Test Time in Healthy Individuals.","authors":"Kyoya Ono, Shojiro Nozu, Takuya Yoshida, Masamichi Okudaira, Kazuki Ota, Satoru Tanigawa","doi":"10.1155/tsm2/3241325","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/tsm2/3241325","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The side hop test (SHT) has been proven to be a highly valid assessment tool for the ankle joint. However, previous studies have not revealed which joints affect the SHT time. Thus, interpreting the SHT time correctly may be challenging. Investigating factors that determine the SHT time would provide important basic information regarding the SHT. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the kinetic factors related to the SHT time in healthy individuals. Twenty healthy male college soccer players formed our study population. Three-dimensional motion analysis was conducted during the SHT. The SHT time and peak torque power (hip, knee, and ankle) during the medial hop (MC) and lateral hop contact (LC) phases in the SHT were calculated. The relationship between the SHT time and peak torque power was examined using Pearson's correlation coefficient. In terms of concentric power, significant negative correlations were found between the SHT time and peak concentric hip power in the sagittal (<i>r</i> = -0.77 to -0.67) and frontal planes (<i>r</i> = -0.74 to -0.47) in each phase. For eccentric power, significant positive correlations were found between the SHT time and peak eccentric ankle power in the sagittal plane (<i>r</i> = 0.48-0.50) in each phase. In addition, significant positive correlations were found between the SHT time and peak eccentric hip power in the frontal plane (<i>r</i> = 0.55) in MC, peak eccentric hip power in the sagittal plane (<i>r</i> = 0.63), and eccentric ankle power in the frontal plane (<i>r</i> = 0.52) in LC. Our results showed that concentric and eccentric power were important for the hip and ankle joints, respectively, and different functional requirements depended on the joint. Based on these findings, clinicians can use the SHT to assess an athlete's condition and appropriately determine their safe return to sports.</p>","PeriodicalId":75247,"journal":{"name":"Translational sports medicine","volume":"2025 ","pages":"3241325"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12494464/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145234470","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":"Optimizing the Interpretation of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Endurance Athletes: Precision Approach for Health and Performance.","authors":"Tomasz Kowalski, Przemysław Kasiak, Tomasz Chomiuk, Artur Mamcarz, Daniel Śliż","doi":"10.1155/tsm2/5904935","DOIUrl":"10.1155/tsm2/5904935","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The present review summarizes findings from the NOODLE (\"predictioN mOdels fOr enDurance athLetEs\") study. The research aimed to refine variables obtained during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in a large cohort of highly trained endurance athletes by adjusting general reference values and predictive equations to better reflect the unique physiological profiles of this population. Ventilatory efficiency, oxygen uptake efficiency slope, oxygen uptake efficiency plateau, and peak oxygen pulse were analyzed, as they were recently applied in various models concerning risk stratification and treatment optimization. As more people engage in endurance sports, tailored CPET assessments are crucial for accurate performance evaluation and health monitoring. By characterizing differences between general formulas and those suited for endurance athletes, we offered improved tools for optimizing training and ensuring athlete safety. The findings are in line with the existing trend of precision medicine that tailors diagnostics, treatments, and interventions to individual patients' characteristics. Moreover, we review the recent advances from widely applied CPET-obtained indices, such as maximum oxygen uptake, maximum heart rate, and breathing reserve. We also gave the recommendation for a comprehensive CPET assessment based on the relationships between all of the variables.</p>","PeriodicalId":75247,"journal":{"name":"Translational sports medicine","volume":"2025 ","pages":"5904935"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12390514/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144982044","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":"Use of Running Equipment Predicts Running-Related Injury in Adult Runners: A Cohort Study of 7347 Runners From the Garmin-RUNSAFE Running Health Study.","authors":"Mathias Kristian Pedersen, Frederikke Vestergaard Rasmussen, Ida Lindman, Josefin Abrahamson, Rasmus Østergaard Nielsen","doi":"10.1155/tsm2/6630254","DOIUrl":"10.1155/tsm2/6630254","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Running-related injuries are the most common reason to quit running. There is a gap of knowledge on the use of running equipment as a predictor of running-related injuries in running populations. <b>Objective:</b> To investigate if runners not using equipment while running have a higher rate of running-related injuries compared with runners using running equipment. <b>Design and Methods:</b> Cohort study with an 18-month follow-up, including runners > 18 years old. Exposure was defined as running equipment use, grouped by specific equipment: ankle or knee braces, - tape, insoles, compression socks, jogging stroller, and backpack. Additional groups included participants using multiple types of equipment, those unsure about their equipment use, and those who both indicated uncertainty and selected equipment. <b>Results:</b> Of the 7347 runners included, 3713 (51%) sustained a running-related injury. Runners using knee braces (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.48 [95% CI: 1.14-1.92]), ankle tape (HR = 2.10 [95% CI: 1.44-3.07]), knee tape (HR = 1.83 [95% CI: 1.19-2.82]), insoles (HR = 1.34 [95% CI: 1.20-1.49]), compression socks (HR = 1.14 [95% CI: 1.02-1.27]), or multiple types of equipment (HR = 1.27 [95% CI: 1.15-1.40]) were more prone to injury, while runners using a jogging stroller were less prone (HR = 0.63 [95% CI: 0.39-0.99]). No significant associations were observed for ankle braces (HR = 1.52 [95% CI: 0.90-2.58]), backpacks (HR = 1.00 [95% CI: 0.87-1.14]), runners uncertain about equipment (HR = 0.60 [95% CI: 0.25-1.44]), and uncertain runners who still selected equipment (HR = 1.01 [95% CI: 0.61-1.67]). <b>Conclusion:</b> Runners using certain types of running equipment (e.g., compression socks, insoles, and/or knee brace) while running had higher hazard rates for running-related injuries compared with runners not using running equipment. Owing to the predictive nature of the study, no causal claims between equipment use and running-related injuries can be made.</p>","PeriodicalId":75247,"journal":{"name":"Translational sports medicine","volume":"2025 ","pages":"6630254"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12373465/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144982005","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":"Lower Limb Injuries in Women's Handball, Protocols, and Most Common Tests: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Laura Carrasco-Fernández, Manuel García-Sillero, Jerónimo García-Romero, Javier Benítez-Porres","doi":"10.1155/tsm2/6662321","DOIUrl":"10.1155/tsm2/6662321","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The lower limbs are critical to athletic performance in handball, with strength and power being key variables. Previous studies have shown the importance of studying the rate of force development and the reactive strength index to enhance sports performance and prevent sports injuries. Given the limited research on this subject, the objective of this study was to analyze the effects of plyometric, neuromuscular, and strength training on performance and injury-related kinetic and biomechanical factors in female handball players and to identify commonly used functional and biomechanical tests for injury risk and performance assessment. This systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines and included eight clinical trials. These studies compared various training programs between the control and experimental groups, focusing on biomechanical analysis, strength training, plyometrics, neuromuscular, and standard training. The findings of this systematic review demonstrate the benefits of incorporating supplementary training into traditional handball training, specifically focusing on strength parameters and plyometric and proprioceptive exercises. Furthermore, controlling eccentric actions and addressing body asymmetries between the dominant and nondominant lower limbs reduces the risk of injuries and accelerates the rehabilitation process for injured handball players.</p>","PeriodicalId":75247,"journal":{"name":"Translational sports medicine","volume":"2025 ","pages":"6662321"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12364594/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144981963","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":"Warm-Up Program for Adolescent Golfers Reduces Low Back Pain: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Yuji Hamada, Kiyokazu Akasaka, Yu Okubo, Hiroshi Hattori, Yasuaki Mizoguchi, Yuto Kikuchi, Hotaka Nakagawa, Toby Hall","doi":"10.1155/tsm2/6993582","DOIUrl":"10.1155/tsm2/6993582","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Low back pain (LBP) is common in golfers. While numerous injury prevention programs exist for youth athletes, there is a significant lack of such programs to prevent LBP in adolescent golfers. <b>Objective:</b> To ascertain the impact of an LBP prevention program on the incidence of LBP among adolescent golfers. <b>Design:</b> A double-blind, randomized controlled trial. <b>Participants:</b> Forty-five high-school golfers participated (age, 16.0 ± 0.7 years). <b>Interventions:</b> Participants were randomly allocated to either a Golfer's Low Back Pain Exercise Prevention program (GLEP) group (<i>n</i> = 23) or a Sham group (<i>n</i> = 22). Both groups were instructed to implement each intervention before playing golf for 12 weeks. <b>Outcome Measure(s):</b> The primary outcomes were the number of people with LBP and number of LBP incidents. Secondary outcomes included the trunk motion direction associated with LBP and the golf swing phase during which LBP occurred. A chi-square test was employed to compare the number of people with LBP. Poisson regression analysis was performed to compare the number of LBP incidents and secondary outcomes between the two groups. <b>Results:</b> There was no significant difference between groups in number of people with LBP over the 12-week period (GLEP: <i>n</i> = 5; Sham: <i>n</i> = 8; odds ratio = 0.486, <i>p</i>=0.279). However, the number of LBP incidents was significantly lower in the GLEP group (GLEP: 16 incidents; Sham: 100 incidents; odds ratio = 0.157, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Secondary outcomes showed that the GLEP group had a significantly lower number of LBP incidents during trunk extension and rotation, as well as in all golf swing phases except for the address phase (<i>p</i> < 0.05). <b>Conclusions:</b> The GLEP for adolescent golfers over a 12-week period reduced the incidence of LBP. Regular use of GLEP program can be recommended for high-school golfers in LBP prevention. <b>Trial Registration:</b> UMIN Clinical Trials Registry: UMIN000051318.</p>","PeriodicalId":75247,"journal":{"name":"Translational sports medicine","volume":"2025 ","pages":"6993582"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12358233/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144884495","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":"Exploring the Relationships Between Determinants of Musculoskeletal Injuries in Combat Sports: Focus on Sambo and Judo.","authors":"Anastasiia Lapaeva, Vadim Belyaev, Viktoriia Goryachkina, Olga Lobanova, Valery Rokotyansky","doi":"10.1155/tsm2/8209351","DOIUrl":"10.1155/tsm2/8209351","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of the study was to identify the relationship between factors contributing to injuries among athletes in sambo and judo. We examined the influence and interaction of such injury factors in sambo and judo as rapid weight loss, competitions, training processes, the lateralization of an athlete's fighting stance, and the X-factor. The survey involved 61 athletes (42 men and 19 women) over the age of 18, including 74% sambo practitioners and 26% judo practitioners of high athletic qualification with injuries to the upper and lower extremities. The odds of sustaining an injury during competitions among athletes who resorted to rapid weight correction were 5.59 times higher than among athletes who did not use RWL (OR: 5.59; 95% CI: 1.77-17.71, <i>p</i>=0.004). The odds of injuring the ipsilateral limb with a pronounced lateral right-sided or left-sided stance were 18.13 times higher than for the contralateral limb (OR: 18.13; 95% CI: 4.81-68.36, <i>p</i> < 0.001). The results of our study show that the relationship between factors such as rapid weight loss and participation in competitions (<i>p</i>=0.004), as well as an asymmetric fighting stance reflecting lateral preference and the side of the injured limb (<i>p</i> < 0.001), statistically significantly increases the risk of injuries in sambo and judo. The presence of signature techniques involving rotational throws in an athlete's arsenal did not significantly affect lower back pain (LBP) or injuries.</p>","PeriodicalId":75247,"journal":{"name":"Translational sports medicine","volume":"2025 ","pages":"8209351"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12350006/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144850063","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":"The Natural History of the Development and Resolution of Achilles and Patellar Tendon Sonographic Abnormalities in a Collegiate Cohort.","authors":"Luke A Johnson, Kristin S Hilger, Shelby Mills, Derek Stokes, Ellen Casey, Sarah F Eby, Daniel M Cushman","doi":"10.1155/tsm2/1458964","DOIUrl":"10.1155/tsm2/1458964","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Purpose:</b> To prospectively identify the development and regression of Achilles and patellar sonographic abnormalities in collegiate athletes. <b>Methods:</b> Prior to the beginning of their seasons, the Achilles and patellar tendons of collegiate athletes were sonographically videoed by an experienced sonographer. Subjects were then re-recorded at the end of 1 year of competition in an identical manner. Measurements were obtained using consistent predetermined protocols for each participant. Videos of the results were assessed in a blinded manner for echogenicity, tendon thickening, and neovascularization. <b>Results:</b> A total of 147 patellar and 148 Achilles tendons were recorded, with 40.1% of patellar and 16.2% of Achilles tendons identified to have abnormalities at baseline. Of all tendons analyzed, zero patellar and one Achilles tendon were transformed from \"abnormal\" to \"normal\"-this single tendon showed only a single neovessel without hypoechogenicity or thickening. Of all tendons initially categorized as \"normal,\" only 4 patellar tendons switched categories to \"abnormal\" by the second scan, all with new hypoechogenic foci. Amongst these, all participants were asymptomatic. <b>Conclusions:</b> This prospective study demonstrated that all Achilles and patellar tendons with sonographic abnormalities remain abnormal after 1 year of training and competition, with the exception of a single neovessel on one Achilles tendon that disappeared. A small percentage of collegiate student-athletes developed new abnormalities over a year of practice and competition. This may refute the idea that tendinosis comes and goes in this athletic population, given the minimal change in categorization of participants from either category.</p>","PeriodicalId":75247,"journal":{"name":"Translational sports medicine","volume":"2025 ","pages":"1458964"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12343165/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144839321","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":"Golfers' Perspectives on Injury Prevention: A Qualitative Study on Factors Influencing Successful Implementation.","authors":"Saskia Gladdines, Robert-Jan de Vos, Denise Eygendaal, Evert Verhagen","doi":"10.1155/tsm2/9501921","DOIUrl":"10.1155/tsm2/9501921","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>It is unclear so far how recreational golfers experience an injury prevention program in the real-life setting. A qualitative approach can be used to get insight into this implementation's complexity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perception of recreational golfers on warm-up in general, their experiences with the Golf Injury Prevention Program (GRIPP), and their opinions on how to implement our injury prevention program in a recreational golf setting. We used an explorative qualitative design with a constructivist paradigm to underpin the study. Through convenience sampling, we invited 11 golfers assigned to awarm-up program in a golf-specific injury prevention trial. We conducted semistructured interviews following a standardized interview guide based on three predetermined topics: general warm-up, injury prevention, and implementation. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and a thematic analysis was performed with ATLAS.ti software. Participants cited different reasons for engaging in a warm-up routine, including injury prevention, self-care, preparation, and performance optimization. However, conducting a warm-up was said to be influenced by the golf environment. The prevention program was deemed \"feasible,\" and the supplied materials were considered \"sufficient.\" Participants observed minor differences in the information channels available at golf clubs, which affect implementation. The role of the golf professional was recognized as crucial in promoting and facilitating the warm-up routine. Recreational golfers recognize the performance and health advantages of a warm-up routine, yet motivations for engaging in such activities vary. The social environment influences performance, and a golf professional can help implement this. These findings emphasize the importance of considering contextual factors when developing injury prevention programs in golf.</p>","PeriodicalId":75247,"journal":{"name":"Translational sports medicine","volume":"2025 ","pages":"9501921"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12310309/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144755336","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":"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}

{"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}