The spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020 affected the sports industry with the cancellation of many professional sports competitions worldwide. Thus, the postponement and organization of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games behind closed doors became a significant disruption to the global sports landscape. In this paper, we present a novel, conceptual discussion, signifying and defining the pandemic via the concept of international security as a hybrid threat. We associated the term hybrid threat to clarify better the difficult times facing sport mega-events. First, the paper proffers that the COVID-19 pandemic is a form of hybrid threat while reflecting on the connected implications of using sport as a soft power tool for nations. Secondly, we discuss the impact of COVID-19 on sport mega-events globally and explain the implications of COVID-19 on the Tokyo 2020 summer Olympic Games. This paper although drawing on some figures associated with COVID-19 and the Tokyo Olympic Games presents a theoretical contribution to knowledge in the area of sport mega events, soft power and hybrid threat. We outline how the threats, triggered by the pandemic, have impeded a successful Olympic Games and clarify how these threats have affected Japan's opportunity to use the Games as a soft power tool, which is the paper's key contribution to the field.
Michael Kimmeyer, MD, Tilman Hees, MD, Laurens Allaart, MD
et al.
Background: Tendon transfers of the latissimus dorsi transfer (LDT) or the lower trapezius transfer (LTT) are treatment options for irreparable posterosuperior irreparable rotator cuff tears (PSIRCT). There is still no consensus on which type of tendon transfer is superior in the treatment of PSIRCT. Due to the differences in the anatomy and biomechanics, we hypothesize that there are different clinical situations in which either LDT or LTT should be preferred. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of LDT and LTT in patients with PSIRCT to establish a clinical algorithm for the treatment decision. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective, single-center observational study. Included were patients who underwent arthroscopically assisted LDT (aaLDT) or arthroscopically assisted LTT (aaLTT) for PSIRCT. In all patients, range of motion (ROM), external rotation strength, visual analog scale of pain and subjective shoulder value were determined pre- and postoperatively. Constant–Murley score was evaluated at the final follow-up. The complication rate, failure of the tendon transfer, and revision rate were analyzed. Results: In total, 29 aaLDT (age 64 years, median follow-up time 45 months) and 8 aaLTT (age 54 years, median follow-up time 34 months) were included. Active ROM, visual analog scale and subjective shoulder value was significantly improved in both cohorts. At follow-up, the median Constant–Murley score was 73 (aaLDT) and 77 (aaLTT), respectively. The failure rate, including revision surgery, was 14% (aaLDT) and 13% (aaLTT), respectively. Low functional findings preoperatively were correlated to a lower functional outcome at follow-up in both groups. Painful loss of anterior elevation and loss of external rotation had no significant impact on functional outcomes in aaLDT. Conclusion: Following the treatment algorithm based on the clinical examination, clinical outcome parameters, active ROM and pain could be significantly improved. A good preoperative function was associated with a good clinical outcome in both transfers. A low failure and revision rate supports the good decision-making of the algorithm presented.
Orthopedic surgery, Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
Jeffery L Heileson, Michael J Macartney, Nora L Watson
et al.
Summary: Background: Accumulating evidence has highlighted the acute and chronic impact of repetitive subconcussive head impacts (rSHIs) in contact sports. Neurofilament-light (Nf-L), a brain-derived biomarker of neuroaxonal injury, elevates in concert with rSHI. Recently, long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC ω-3 PUFAs) supplementation has been suggested to mitigate brain injury from rSHI as reflected by attenuation of Nf-L concentrations within contact sport athletes. Objective: Using a systematic review with a meta-analysis, we aimed to determine the effect of LC ω-3 PUFA supplementation on Nf-L concentrations in athletes routinely exposed to rSHI. Methods: Electronic databases (PubMed and CINAHL) were searched from inception through January 2024. One-stage meta-analysis of individual participant-level data was used to detect changes in Nf-L concentrations between LC ω-3 PUFA and control/placebo (PL) groups from baseline to midseason (MS) and postseason (PS). Least square means (±SE) for Nf-L change from baseline were compared by treatment group for MS/PS using contrast t tests. Significance was set a priori at adjusted P ≤ 0.05. Results: Of 460 records identified, 3 studies in collegiate American football players (n = 179; LC ω-3 PUFA = 105, PL = 71) were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with PL, the change in Nf-L concentrations was statistically similar at MS [mean difference (MD) = –1.66 ± 0.82 pg·mL–1, adjusted P = 0.09] and significantly lower at PS (MD = –2.23 ± 0.83 pg·mL–1, adjusted P = 0.02) in athletes following LC ω-3 PUFA supplementation. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate preliminary support for the prophylactic administration of LC ω-3 PUFA in contact sport athletes exposed to rSHI; however, further research is required to determine the effective dosage required.This trial was registered at OSF (DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/EY5QW).
Nutrition. Foods and food supply, Nutritional diseases. Deficiency diseases
Introduction. With global aging trends, understanding the nutritional status and physical fitness of older adults is crucial for promoting healthy aging and independence. Aim. The aim of this study was to assess nutritional status, physical fitness, and demographic parameters among older adults. Material and Methods. Using reliable assessment tools, data were collected from 40 participants aged 60 years and above. Assessments included the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Timed Up & Go Test (TUG), and Handgrip Strength Test (HGS). Statistical analyses were conducted to explore correlations and differences. Results. Most participants exhibited normal nutritional status (n = 38; 95%) and generally normal mobility and handgrip strength. However, no significant correlations were found between nutritional status, physical fitness, and demographic factors. Conclusions. While the majority demonstrated favorable health indicators, some individuals were at risk of malnutrition and functional limitations. Surprisingly, age did not correlate significantly with nutritional status or physical fitness. Further research with larger cohorts and sensitive assessment tools is needed to elucidate these relationships fully.
Janas M. Harrington, Josephine Hegarty, Frances Shiely
et al.
Background: Testicular cancer (TC) is the most common malignancy in men under 50 years. Athletes are particularly at risk of testicular trauma and diseases. Experiencing negative testicular symptoms does not necessarily imply that men seek help. Men’s awareness of testicular diseases is often lacking and their intention to seek help for testicular symptoms is sub-optimal. The use of virtual reality (VR) may be effective in promoting men’s awareness of testicular diseases. The Enhancing Men's Awareness of Testicular diseases (E-MAT) feasibility trial aims to test the effect of E-MATVR (intervention; interactive experience using virtual reality [VR]) compared to information delivered Electronically E-MATE (control; same information as E-MATVR delivered as plain text and images) on testicular knowledge, and testicular self-examination among male athletes affiliated with a national sports organisation. The overall aim of this mixed method process evaluation will be to describe (i) the experiences of participants and key stakeholders (e.g., researchers); (ii) the perceived effectiveness of intervention components; (iii) acceptability of the feasibility trial and intervention procedures; (iv) the relationship between implementation, mechanisms, and context; and (v) the barriers and facilitators to support effective conduct of a future definitive trial. Methods: This mixed method process evaluation will use a descriptive realist evaluation. Quantitative data will be gathered using a usability and satisfaction survey, in addition to fidelity checks during intervention delivery. Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data will be gathered from semi-structured interviews and focus groups with participants and key stakeholders to investigate their experiences of E-MATVR and E-MATE, and explore areas for improvement. Thematic analysis of transcripts will be conducted. Conclusions: This process evaluation will provide an in-depth understanding of how the interventions worked within this cohort and lessons for a future definitive trial.
این پژوهش با هدف بررسی ارتباط شوخطبعی مدیران و خلاقیت کارکنان با نقش میانجی رفتار سازمانی مثبتگرا انجام شد. این پژوهش از نوع توصیفی-همبستگی بود که به شکل میدانی انجام شد. همۀ کارکنان ادارات ورزش و جوانان استان کرمان جامعۀ آماری را تشکیل دادند (تعداد = 252) که از بین آنها 164 نفر به روش تصادفی خوشهای بهعنوان نمونه انتخاب شدند. برای گردآوری دادهها پس از تأیید روایی و پایایی از پرسشنامههای شوخطبعی، رفتار سازمانی مثبتگرا و خلاقیت کارکنان استفاده شد. دادهها به کمک روش حداقل مربعات جزئی و آزمون سوبل تحلیل شد. نتایج نشان داد شوخطبعی مدیران بر رفتار سازمانی مثبتگرا و خلاقیت کارکنان تأثیر مستقیم و معناداری داشت (07/6P > ؛ 62/16P >). همچنین رفتار سازمانی مثبتگرا اثری مثبت و مستقیم بر خلاقیت کارکنان داشت (54/2P > ). همچنین نتایج حاصل از بررسی نقش متغیر میانجی نشان داد شوخطبعی مدیران بهواسطۀ رفتار سازمانی مثبتگرا بر خلاقیت کارکنان تأثیر غیرمستقیم و معناداری نداشت (64/1P > ). با توجه به یافتههای پژوهش حاضر به مسئولان ادارات ورزش و جوانان توصیه میشود از برنامههای تقویتکننده شوخطبعی و مهارتهای روانشناختی مثبتگرا در جهت افزایش سطح خلاقیت کارکنان غافل نشوند و در راستای بهبود خلاقیت از آموزش و تمرین این مهارتها بهره گیرند.
The inclusive basketball program of the National Sports Academy is a compilation of adapted and unified basketball where persons with intellectual and physical disabilities together with students and volunteers are training and competing together.
PURPOSE of this study is to explore the extent of contribution of our program for the building of social capital. The concept of social capital is drawn from psychology, sociology and economy. It is defined as controversial due to many theories and cultural diversity behind.
METHODS: Participants in the study were all persons involved in the adapted basketball program. Data was collected using interviews, life-story techniques, field notes and tests batteries for basketball skills.
RESULTS are showing improvement in personal development domain for the athletes with disabilities where sport specific skills, building trust and communications were the leading components. For the students in the same domain the leading components of improvement were attitudes and relationships. Positive change was found in the domains of social inclusion, micro-culture and participation. We also found that there is direct and indirect production of social capital.
CONCLUSION: inclusive sport practice like our adapted basketball program could be considered as a powerful contributor to the building of social capital.
Maxime Caru, Ariane Levesque, François Lalonde
et al.
Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is an attractive method for athletes owing to its potential to enhance exercise performance. However, the effectiveness of the IPC intervention in the field of sports science remains mitigated. The number of cycles of ischemia and reperfusion, as well as the duration of the cycle, varies from one study to another. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to provide a comprehensive review examining the IPC literature in sports science. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed (MEDLINE) (from 1946 to May 2018), Web of Science (sport sciences) (from 1945 to May 2018), and EMBASE (from 1974 to May 2018). We included all studies investigating the effects of IPC on exercise performance in human subjects. To assess scientific evidence for each study, this review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. The electronic database search generated 441 potential articles that were screened for eligibility. A total of 52 studies were identified as eligible and valid for this systematic review. The studies included were of high quality, with 48 of the 52 studies having a randomized, controlled trial design. Most studied showed that IPC intervention can be beneficial to exercise performance. However, IPC intervention seems to be more beneficial to healthy subjects who wish to enhance their performance in aerobic exercises than athletes. Thus, this systematic review highlights that a better knowledge of the mechanisms generated by the IPC intervention would make it possible to optimize the protocols according to the characteristics of the subjects with the aim of suggesting to the subjects the best possible experience of IPC intervention. Keywords: Exercise, Human performance, IPC protocols, Ischemic preconditioning, Sports science
The introduction of family medicine on the territory of Ukraine now is the subject of many discussions among health system organizers, scientists, teachers, representatives of medical organizations, patient community groups, etc. Aim of the article: to analyze peculiarities of introduction of several stages reform of medical primary assistance of Ukraine. Methods and materials of research: we have applied the methods of comparative analysis, logical generalization, analysis and synthesis for comprehensive estimation of results and peculiarities of introduction of the practice of family medicine. Results: the scientific work analyzes the peculiarities and ways of introducing several stages of the reform of medical primary care of Ukraine as a guarantee of the total change in all levels of medical care and overcoming the health and medical crisis of the country. Conclusions. Introduction of primary link of medical provision of family medicine in Ukraine happens during difficult socially-economic conditions and in realities of non-proclaimed war, that significantly slows down the process of realization. Gradual implementation of economic methods into management of family medicine allows to gain significant progress in increasing quality of medical-sanitary provision of population, strengthen and saving its health, improvement of world rating of Ukraine. It became clear, that the effectiveness of introducing family medicine exceeds the expected results both for citizens and medical institutions and for the state as a whole for a short term of local implementations.
Gamboa-Granados, M. y Solera-Herrera, A. (2017). Efecto agudo de dos intensidades de ejercicio contra resistencia sobre la presión arterial en reposo de personas normotensas. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 15(2), 1-12.El propósito del estudio fue determinar el efecto sobre la presión arterial (PA)del ejercicio contraresistencia(CR)realizado condiferentes intensidades,en 10 hombres (38.22±7.03 años; 75.15±5.41 kg; 1.69±0.07m; PA en reposo 116±7.5/71±7.3 mmHg),quienes participaronencuatrosesiones de entrenamiento CRen díasdiferentes. La primera de ellas consistió en evaluar una repetición máxima (1RM) de cada uno de los ejercicios, mientras que las otras tresfueron realizadas en ordenaleatorioy consistieron en: (a) ejecutarsieteejercicios CR (2 series x 14 repeticiones) al 50% de 1RM;(b)realizar los mismos sieteejercicios (2 series x 10 repeticiones)al70% de 1RM; y (c) permanecer en reposo durante 35 min. Se tomó la PA en reposo antes del ejercicio,inmediatamente finalizado el ejercicio y, posterior al ejercicio,cada10 min,hasta completar 60 min. Los ANOVAS de dosvías con medidas repetidas en ambos factores (p˂0.05)demostraron que:(1)la PA sistólica es significativamente menor a partir de los 20 min luego del ejercicio, cuando la persona se ejercita al 70%, en comparación con la condición control y con la medición antes del ejercicio; (2) la PA diastólica es significativamente menor luego de realizar ejercicio,a ambas intensidades,con respecto a la medición antes del ejercicio y en comparación con la condición control(no obstante,los efectos son más duraderos luego de ejercitarse al 50%). En conclusión, ambas intensidades de ejercicio desencadenan el efecto hipotensor postejercicio en varones normotensos.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of different methods of self-talk (motivational, instructional, and combined) on acquisition and learning of a motor perceptional task (dart) and physical efficacy in female students aged between 13 and 18. 48 female students (mean age 15.46 yr) who were novice at dart throwing voluntarily participated in this study. Participants were divided into 4 groups including motivational self-talk, instructional self-talk, motivational-instructional self-talk and physical practice (12 students in each group) following an initial instructional session and pretest. The intervention included 10 sessions of acquisition, 2 sessions of retention test and one session of transfer test. One-way ANOVA and ANOVA with repeated measures were used to analyze data. Results showed that combined (motivational-instructional) and the instructional self-talk groups improved dart throwing performance in acquisition, immediate and delayed retention sessions in 13-18-year-old students compared with the motivational self-talk and physical exercise groups. Instructional self-talk group showed the best performance in transfer test while the other three groups showed almost similar performances. The results also showed that different interventions had no significant effects on physical self-efficacy of the participants.
Monitoring physical training is important for the health and performance of athletes, and real-time assessment of fatigue is crucial to improve training efficiency. The relationship between key biomarkers and exercise has been reported. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different levels of training exercises on the urine metabolome. 1H NMR-based metabolomics analysis was performed on urine samples from half-pipe snowboarders, and spectral profiles were subjected to PCA and PLS-DA. Our results show that metabolic profiles varied during different stages of exercises. Lactate, alanine, trimethylamine, malonate, taurine, and glycine levels decreased while TMAO and phenylalanine levels increased in the stage with higher amount and intensity of exercise. Although the amount of exercise was reduced in subsequent stage, no significant variations of metabolic profile were found. Metabolic changes induced by training level were analyzed with related metabolic pathway. Studying metabolome changes can provide a better understanding of the physiology of athletes and could aid in adjusting training.
Uilla Islany Soares de Moura, Lara Rabêlo Mendes, Ingrid Paula de Oliveira Silva
et al.
O balé clássico é uma modalidade de dança que requer dos seus praticantes um bom desempenho físico, além das exigências por um corpo magro e elegante. Deste modo, a alimentação constitui um fator imprescindível, já que pode determinar a composição corporal e aptidão física. Os objetivos do presente trabalho consistiram em avaliar a ingestão alimentar, o perfil antropométrico e a imagem corporal de bailarinas clássicas. No estudo descritivo, foram avaliadas 18 bailarinas, com idades entre 15 e 43 anos. Estas foram submetidas a avaliação cineantropométrica, preenchimento de recordatório alimentar de 24 horas e avaliação da imagem corporal a partir de escalas de silhuetas. A maioria das bailarinas apresentou eutrofia quanto ao IMC (88,9%), e adequação do percentual de gordura corporal (94,4). Quanto à imagem corporal, houve elevada prevalência de insatisfação (77,8%), e a maioria apresentou desejo de emagrecer (71,4%). A verificação do consumo alimentar mostrou baixa ingestão energética por 72,2% da amostra. Por outro lado, foi observado que a ingestão de macronutrientes estava adequada para a maioria delas, assim como o colesterol e a fibra alimentar. Houve baixa ingestão de ferro, cálcio e potássio. Portanto, o grupo estudado apresenta riscos para o desenvolvimento de deficiências nutricionais e distorção da imagem corporal. Intervenções são necessárias para a prevenção de agravos a saúde.
ABSTRACT
Food consumption, anthropometric profile and body image of classic ballerinas from São Francisco
Classical ballet is a form of dance that requires good physical performance from the practitioners beyond the requirements for a slim and stylish body. Thus, food is an essential factor since it can determine body composition and physical fitness. The aims of this study were to assess dietary intake, anthropometric profile and body image among female ballet dancers. In a descriptive study, 18 dancers aged between 15 and 43 years were evaluated. These subjects were submitted to the kinanthropometric evaluation, completion of 24-hour food recall and body image evaluation with help of silhouette scales. Most of the dancers were eutrophic according BMI (88.9%) with adequate body fat percentage (94.4). High prevalence of dissatisfaction (77.8%) was verified in relation to body image and most of the sample showed desire to lose weight (71.4%). The food consumption evaluation showed low energy intake by 72.2% of the sample. On the other hand, it was observed that the macronutrient intake is adequate for most of them, as well as cholesterol and dietary fiber. There was a low intake of iron, calcium and potassium. However, the female ballet dancers studied showed risks for the development of nutritional deficiencies and body image distortion. Interventions are needed to prevent health hazards.
The aim of this study is to examine the profile and the life satisfaction (LS) of male Recreational Fishers (RF) and to find out the motivational factors for participating in recreational fishing (RFG) in Turkey and compare the LS of RF and non-participants of recreational fishing (NPF). The sampling of this study consisted of 359 RF, 284 NPF, totally 643 participants. As a result of this study, it was found that the major factors motivating for fishing are “commune with nature”, “relaxation”, “to affect health positively”, “to get away from demand”, and “to be happy”. It was found that the factors motivating for fishing have statistically meaningful correlations with demographic variables and LS as well as each other and there are statistically meaningful differences among groups of the demographic variables as marital status, occupation, and with whom one goes for fishing, RF and NPF. Namely, strength of the factors motivating people for fishing is dependent to the demographic variables. Furthermore, it was found statistically meaningful correlations between LS and the demographic variables.