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Background: The aim of the present study was to examine the findings of the intraoral examinations of the 12-16 years old novice (control) and elite athletes across the winter sports branches, which were alpine discipline skiing, snowboarding, biathlon, ski jumping, and ice hockey. Besides, the study aimed to determine the intra- and inter-group relationships by comparing the athletes salivary stress biomarker levels at precompetition, during-match, and post-competition stages. Methods: Ninety-one athletes (71 elite, 20 novice) participated in our study. Oral health status of the athletes were evaluated. In addition, cortisol levels in the saliva samples obtained at pre-competition (rested before the competition), during-match (just before the start), and post-competition (competition ending moment) stages were measured. The data were analyzed statistically with a significance level of 0.05. Results: Ice hockey athletes were the most affected by untreated dental caries (27.3%). No signs of dental trauma caused by sports activities were found in the winter sports branches. Basic erosive wear examination scores of the ice hockey athletes were similar to the ski jumping athletes and lower than other groups (P = .034). The mean cortisol values between sports branches were listed as: biathlon > snowboarding > alpine skiing > ice hockey > ski jumping (P < .001). Test results of the winter sports athletes' saliva samples revealed that their salivary stress levels might vary in accordance with the sports branches, and there was a negative relationship between the levels of salivary stress biomarkers in competitions and oral health. Conclusion: In winter sports activities, measures for improving oral health should be disseminated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between respiratory functions and body compositions of elite athletes in alpine disciplines and cross-country skiing through their comparison. The study included 32 male athletes (age: 18.3±2 year, height: 172.1±6.05 cm, body weight: 65.73±10.79 kg, and body mass index (BMI): 22.91±2.80 kg/m2) within the scope of alpine disciplines and cross-country skiing. The heights of the athletes were measured with a stadiometer (Holtain, UK) with an accuracy of ±1mm. The weights of the athletes and BMI values were measured using a Tanita brand (BC, 418 Tanita, Japan) body composition analyzer with a precision of 100 grams. The respiratory function and respiratory muscle strength of the athletes were evaluated using a digital spirometer (Pony FX Cosmed, Italy). Pearson's correlation analysis was used to determine the relationships between respiratory functions and anthropometric structures of the groups. The results indicated that cross-country skiing athletes had higher averages in FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, MIP, MVV, and MEP parameters compared to alpine discipline athletes, with only the MIP value being higher in alpine discipline athletes. The results revealed positive correlations between age and FVC (0.563), FEV1 (0.521), PEF (0.679), and MVV (0.511) in cross-country skiing athletes. Negative correlations were found between body weight and FEV1/FVC (r=0.578), FEV1/FVC (r=0.545), height and MVV (r=0.541), and body mass index and FEV1/FVC (r=0.541), FEV1/FVC (r=0.676) in cross-country skiing and alpine discipline athletes, respectively (p<0.05). The study revealed no significant relationship in other variables (p>0.05). In order to achieve maximum performance, it is very important to identify and keep under control the factors affecting respiratory functions. The current study demonstrated that the characteristics of the sport have an impact on physiological changes in the respiratory system and also affect body compositions and respiratory functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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