-
1.
Vitamin D, sport and health: a still unresolved clinical issue.
Di Luigi, L, Antinozzi, C, Piantanida, E, Sgrò, P
Journal of endocrinological investigation. 2020;(12):1689-1702
Abstract
Vitamin D metabolites have a pleiotropic role in human physiology, both in static and dynamic conditions, and a lot of vitamin D-related biological effects could influence physical and sport performances in athletes. Probably due to different factors (e.g., drugs, doping, nutrition, ultraviolet B radiation exposure), in athletes a very high prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy (i.e., deficiency or insufficiency) has been observed. Vitamin D inadequacy in athletes could be associated with specific health risks and to alterations of functional capacities, potentially influencing the fine adjustment of physical performances during training and sport competitions. When risk factors for vitamin D inadequacy exist, a preventive vitamin D supplementation is indicated, and if a vitamin D inadequacy is diagnosed, its supplementation is recommended. Unfortunately, on these issues many concerns remain unresolved. Indeed, it is not clear if athletes should be classified as a special population at increased risk for vitamin D inadequacy; moreover, in comparison to the non-athletic population, it is still not clear if athletes should have different reference ranges and different optimal target levels for serum vitamin D, if they have additional health risks, and if they need different type of supplementations (doses) for prevention and/or replacement therapy. Moreover, in athletes also the abuse of vitamin D supplements for ergogenic purposes raise different ethical and safety concerns. In this review, the main physio-pathological, functional and clinical issues that relate vitamin D to the world of athletes are described.
-
2.
You Snooze, You Win? An Ecological Dynamics Framework Approach to Understanding the Relationships Between Sleep and Sensorimotor Performance in Sport.
LaGoy, AD, Ferrarelli, F, Sinnott, AM, Eagle, SR, Johnson, CD, Connaboy, C
Sleep medicine clinics. 2020;(1):31-39
Abstract
Sleep has a widespread impact across different domains of performance, including sensorimotor function. From an ecological dynamics perspective, sensorimotor function involves the continuous and dynamic coupling between perception and action. Sport performance relies on sensorimotor function as successful movement behaviors require accurate and efficient coupling between perceptions and actions. Compromised sleep impairs different aspects of sensorimotor performance, including perceptual attunement and motor execution. Changes in sensorimotor performance can be related to specific features of sleep, notably sleep spindles and slow waves. One unaddressed area of study is the extent to which specific sleep features contribute to overall sport-specific performance.
-
3.
The Impact of Sleep Duration on Performance Among Competitive Athletes: A Systematic Literature Review.
Kirschen, GW, Jones, JJ, Hale, L
Clinical journal of sport medicine : official journal of the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine. 2020;(5):503-512
Abstract
The athletic advantage of sleep, although commonly touted by coaches, trainers, and sports physicians, is still unclear and likely varies by sport, athletic performance metric, and length of sufficient or insufficient sleep. Although recent literature reviews have highlighted circadian and nutritional factors that influence different aspects of athletic performance, a systematic summary of the effects of sleep duration and sleep quality on performance among competitive athletes is lacking. Here we systematically review the relationship between sleep duration and sleep quality and objective athletic performance among competitive athletes across 19 studies representing 12 sports. Taken holistically, we find that the sports requiring speed, tactical strategy, and technical skill are most sensitive to sleep duration manipulations. Furthermore, longer-term sleep manipulations are more likely than acute sleep manipulations (whether deprivation or extension) to affect athletic performance. Thus, the importance of sleep for competitive athletes to achieve high performance is dependent on the demands of the sport as well as the length of sleep interventions. In light of the limited number of studies investigating sleep quality and performance, the potential relevance of subjective sleep quality remains an interesting question for future work.
-
4.
Efficacy of Combined General, Special, and Specific Resistance Training on Pace Bowling Skill in Club-Standard Cricketers.
Feros, SA, Young, WB, O'Brien, BJ
Journal of strength and conditioning research. 2020;(9):2596-2607
Abstract
Feros, SA, Young, WB, and O'Brien, BJ. Efficacy of combined general, special, and specific resistance training on pace bowling skill in club-standard cricketers. J Strength Cond Res 34(9): 2596-2607, 2020-This study investigated the efficacy of combined "general," "special," and "specific" resistance training on pace bowling skill. Twelve male, club-standard pace bowlers were randomly allocated to a combined resistance training (CRT) program or traditional cricket training (TCT) program for 8 weeks. The CRT group (n = 6) trained with 300, 250-g, and standard cricket balls; performed 20-m sprints with +20% and +15% body mass resistance (but also unresisted); and completed chin-up and pull-up training. The TCT group (n = 6) trained with standard balls and performed unresisted 20-m sprints. No statistically significant GROUP × TIME interactions were identified. The CRT group demonstrated a "clear moderate" enhancement in peak ball release speed (mean ±95% confidence limits [CLs]: 1.2 ± 1.5 m·s, d = 0.66 ± 0.83), a "clear large" increase in mean radial error (mean ±95% CLs: 7.1 ± 6.5 cm, d = 0.94 ± 0.87), and a "clear large" rise in bivariate variable error (mean ±95% CLs: 7.2 ± 7.8 cm, d = 0.97 ± 1.05). The TCT group exhibited "unclear" changes across all pace bowling skill measures. Both groups displayed "unclear" changes in approach speed, 20-m sprint time, and 1 repetition maximum pull-up strength. In 8 weeks, the CRT program improved peak ball release speed, but at the cost of poorer bowling accuracy and consistency of bowling accuracy. These findings could be attributed to bowling with the heavier balls. The inclusion of "specific" resistance training does not seem to be effective in enhancing all-round pace bowling skill in club-standard cricketers.
-
5.
Reviewing the current methods of assessing hydration in athletes.
Barley, OR, Chapman, DW, Abbiss, CR
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2020;(1):52
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite a substantial body of research, no clear best practice guidelines exist for the assessment of hydration in athletes. Body water is stored in and shifted between different sites throughout the body complicating hydration assessment. This review seeks to highlight the unique strengths and limitations of various hydration assessment methods described in the literature as well as providing best practice guidelines. MAIN BODY There is a plethora of methods that range in validity and reliability, including complicated and invasive methods (i.e. neutron activation analysis and stable isotope dilution), to moderately invasive blood, urine and salivary variables, progressing to non-invasive metrics such as tear osmolality, body mass, bioimpedance analysis, and sensation of thirst. Any single assessment of hydration status is problematic. Instead, the recommended approach is to use a combination, which have complementary strengths, which increase accuracy and validity. If methods such as salivary variables, urine colour, vital signs and sensation of thirst are utilised in isolation, great care must be taken due to their lack of sensitivity, reliability and/or accuracy. Detailed assessments such as neutron activation and stable isotope dilution analysis are highly accurate but expensive, with significant time delays due to data analysis providing little potential for immediate action. While alternative variables such as hormonal and electrolyte concentration, bioimpedance and tear osmolality require further research to determine their validity and reliability before inclusion into any test battery. CONCLUSION To improve best practice additional comprehensive research is required to further the scientific understanding of evaluating hydration status.
-
6.
An experimental study on perceptions of energy drink ads among youth and young adults in Canada.
Wiggers, D, Asbridge, M, Baskerville, NB, Reid, JL, Hammond, D
Appetite. 2020;:104505
Abstract
Current regulations in Canada prohibit the marketing of caffeinated energy drinks (CEDs) for use during sports, with alcohol, and by children. The study examined perceptions of CED ads in association with sports and alcohol use, as well as target age groups. An online survey was conducted in 2015 with youth and young adults aged 12-24 years (n = 2010). Participants completed three experiments in which they were randomized to view CED advertisements: 1) sports/party-themed ads, 2) sports-themed ad, and 3) party-themed ad, vs. control 'product information' ads. For each ad, participants were asked about perceived target age group, and if the ad promoted using CEDs during sports and with alcohol. Logistic regression models were fitted to test differences in outcomes between conditions. The majority of respondents reported that the ads, across all themes, targeted people their age. In experiment 1, both sports/party-themed ads were more likely to be perceived as promoting use of CEDs during sports (AOR = 13.32; 95% CI 9.90, 17.91, and AOR = 9.73; 95% CI 7.38, 12.81, respectively), and with alcohol (AOR = 8.55; 95% CI 6.37, 11.48, and AOR = 2.81; 95% CI 2.08, 3.78, respectively), compared to the control ad. In experiment 2, the sports-themed ad was more likely to be perceived as promoting use of CEDs during sports (AOR = 15.02; 95% CI 11.83, 19.08), but not with alcohol, compared to the control ad. In experiment 3, the party-themed ad was more likely to be perceived as promoting use of CEDs with alcohol (AOR = 13.79; 95% CI 10.69, 17.78), but not during sports, compared to the control ad. Ads from leading energy drink brands are perceived as targeting young people and encouraging energy drink use during sports and with alcohol, despite Canadian regulations prohibiting these marketing practices.
-
7.
Gamer's Health Guide: Optimizing Performance, Recognizing Hazards, and Promoting Wellness in Esports.
Emara, AK, Ng, MK, Cruickshank, JA, Kampert, MW, Piuzzi, NS, Schaffer, JL, King, D
Current sports medicine reports. 2020;(12):537-545
Abstract
Electronic sports (esports), or competitive video gaming, is a rapidly growing industry and phenomenon. While around 90% of American children play video games recreationally, the average professional esports athlete spends 5.5 to 10 h gaming daily. These times and efforts parallel those of traditional sports activities where individuals can participate at the casual to the professional level with the respective time commitments. Given the rapid growth in esports, greater emphasis has been placed on identification, management, and prevention of common health hazards that are associated with esports participation while also focusing on the importance of health promotion for this group of athletes. This review outlines a three-point framework for sports medicine providers, trainers, and coaches to provide a holistic approach for the care of the esports athlete. This esports framework includes awareness and management of common musculoskeletal and health hazards, opportunities for health promotion, and recommendations for performance optimization.
-
8.
Recommendations for exercise and screening for safe athletic participation in hypertensive youth.
Baker-Smith, CM, Pietris, N, Jinadu, L
Pediatric nephrology (Berlin, Germany). 2020;(5):743-752
Abstract
Physical activity is an important component of ideal cardiovascular health. Current guidelines recommend that youth with hypertension participate in competitive sports once hypertensive target organ effects and risks have been assessed and that children with hypertension receive treatment to lower BP below stage 2 thresholds (e.g., < 140/90 mmHg or < 95th percentile + 12 mmHg) before participating in competitive sports. Despite these recommendations, pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists continue to struggle with how best to counsel their patients regarding appropriate forms of physical activity, the impact of exercise on blood pressure, and how best to screen for cardiovascular conditions that place youth at risk for sudden cardiac death. This review provides a summary of our current knowledge regarding the safety and utility of exercise in the management of high blood pressure in youth. We review determinants of blood pressure during exercise, the impact of blood pressure on cardiovascular health and structure, mechanisms for assessing cardiometabolic fitness (e.g., exercise stress test), contraindications to athletic participation, and how best to plan for athletic participation among hypertensive youth. Greater knowledge in these areas may offer clarity to providers faced with the challenge of prescribing exercise recommendations for hypertensive youth.
-
9.
Effect of a Carbohydrate-Electrolyte Solution on Fluid Balance and Performance at a Thermoneutral Environment in International-Level Fencers.
Chryssanthopoulos, C, Tsolakis, C, Bottoms, L, Toubekis, A, Zacharogiannis, E, Pafili, Z, Maridaki, M
Journal of strength and conditioning research. 2020;(1):152-161
Abstract
Chryssanthopoulos, C, Tsolakis, C, Bottoms, L, Toubekis, A, Zacharogiannis, E, Pafili, Z, and Maridaki, M. Effect of a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution on fluid balance and performance at a thermoneutral environment in international-level fencers. J Strength Cond Res 34(1): 152-161, 2020-The purpose of the study was to examine a possible effect of a carbohydrate-electrolyte (CHO-E) solution on fluid balance and performance in fencing at a thermoneutral environment. Sixteen fencers performed two 120-minute training sessions separated by 7-14 days under similar environmental conditions (temperature: 20.3° C and humidity: 45-47%). Each session consisted of 60-minute conditioning exercises followed by 10 bouts of 3 minutes against the same opponent with 3-minute interval between each bout. Participants ingested at regular intervals either a 6% CHO-E solution or an artificially sweetened water (PL) in a counterbalanced order. No difference was observed between conditions in the heart rate responses, perceived exertion, changes in plasma volume, urine specific gravity, number of bouts won or lost, or points for and against. Considerable variability was observed in body mass changes that revealed significant differences at the time level (i.e., pre- vs. post-exercise) (F1,15 = 9.31, p = 0.008, η = 0.38), whereas no difference was found between conditions (i.e., CHO-E vs. PL) (F1,15 = 0.43, p = 0.52, η = 0.03) and conditions × time interaction (F1,15 = 3.57, p = 0.078, η = 0.19). Fluid loss was not significantly different between conditions (p = 0.08, d = 0.47). The blood glucose level was higher (p < 0.01) after exercise in CHO-E, whereas the blood lactate level was similar between conditions. In conclusion, the CHO-E solution was as effective as the artificially sweetened water in terms of fluid balance and fencing performance at a thermoneutral environment. Because of large individual variability, fencers should monitor their fluid intake and body fluid loss in training and competition.
-
10.
The Performance Effect of Scheduled Carbohydrate and Caffeine Intake during Simulated Team Sport Match-Play.
Keane, J, Shovlin, A, Devenney, S, Malone, S, Young, D, Coratella, G, Collins, K, Shortall, M
Nutrients. 2020;(7)
Abstract
The aim of the current investigation was to identify the effects of scheduled carbohydrate (CHO) and caffeine (CAF) supplementation on simulated team sport match-play performance. Ten male hurling players completed three hurling match-play simulation protocols (HSP) performed 7 days apart in a double-blind, randomized design. Supplementation included CHO, CHO + CAF, and placebo (PLA). In a randomized order, participants ingested either a 6% CHO solution, a PLA solution of similar taste, or a combined intake of 6% CHO solution + 200 mg CAF capsule. At specific time points (Pre-0 min; half time (HT)-30 min; full time (FT)-60 min), participants completed a repeated sprint protocol (RAST; 12 × 20 m). Physiological [% maximal oxygen uptake (%VO2max), % mean oxygen uptake (%VO2mean), % maximal heart rate (%HRmax), % mean heart rate (%HRmean), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and blood lactate (BLa)] and performance [(best sprint time (RSAbest), mean sprint time (RSAmean), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE)] variables were monitored throughout each simulation. Non-significant differences were observed between supplement trials (CHO, CHO + CAF, and PLA) for BLa (η2 = 0.001, small), %VO2max (η2 = 0.001, small), %VO2mean (η2 = 0.004, small), %HRmax (η2 = 0.007, small), %HRmean (η2 = 0.018, small), RER (η2 = 0.007, small), RPE (η2 = 0.007, small), and RSAbest (η2 = 0.050, small). RSAmean performance significantly improved in CHO + CAF trials compared to PLA, with sprint times significantly improved from Pre to FT also (η2 = 0.135, medium). A significant difference was observed in BLa between time points (Pre, HT, and FT) (η2 = 0.884, large) in % HRmax (η2 = 0.202, medium), %HRmean (η2 = 0.477, large), and RER (η2 = 0.554, large) across halves and in RPE across time points (η2 = 0.670, large). Our data provide novel data regarding the effects of CHO and CAF supplementation on team sport performance, with co-ingestion of CHO + CAF reducing the decrement in repeated sprint performance compared to PLA.