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Context: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 8-week ballistic-strength-training program using a validated specific throwing device (ie, Arm/Shoulder Specific Strength Device), on isokinetic shoulders' rotation muscle-torques and ratios as well as range of motion in team handball players. Design: A repeated-measures experimental design with a randomized controlled trial was used. Methods: Twenty-six high-level competitive male U-19 team handball players were randomly assigned into training (TG, n = 15) and control (n = 11) groups. The TG undertook a twice a week for 8-week periodized throws program with an individually predetermined optimal load. The program incorporated shackled eccentric and concentric exercises using the Arm/Shoulder Specific Strength Device. Peak torques, functional, and conventional ratios for both arms at different angular velocities (60°·s−1, 180°·s−1, and 300°·s−1) were assessed over time and between groups, using an isokinetic dynamometer. Results: A significant improvement for TG (P <.01; d = 1.13 [moderate]; +20.2%) of the concentric peak torques for dominant arm in external rotation was observed at 300°·s−1. Significant (P <.05–.01) increases were also noted for nondominant arm at the 3 studied angular velocities. In addition, 300°·s−1 eccentric peak torques of the dominant arm and nondominant arm have significantly improved for both external and internal rotations (P <.05; d =.99 [moderate] and d = 1.21 [large]; +15.7% and + 17.9%, respectively) with small changes at the other angular assessed velocities. Posttraining, TG's dominant arm showed significant improvements (P <.05–.01) in functional and conventional ratios at all velocities. Notably, significant differences (P <.05–.01) were observed at 60°·s−1 and across all velocities when comparing the TG with the control group. TG showed significant increase for internal rotation and external rotation shoulder range of motions (P <.05; d = 1.22–1.27 [large]), +5.0% and +7.7%, respectively). Conclusions: The specific 8-week throwing training program on the Arm/Shoulder Specific Strength Device showed significant performance improvements in almost all assessed isokinetic concentric and eccentric peak torques as well as internal and external range of motion increase for both arms while ensuring rotator cuff torque ratios and shoulder mobility in team handball real sport-specific condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article suggests to investigate the utility of a global multicomponent metric, and to establish conversion relationships to address critical gap in sport-science methodology. It proposes potential solutions to develop more accurate conversion methods and standardized reporting practices such as the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) method, using an analogy approach with three primary determinants, and quantifying energy expenditure across training modalities.

This study investigated the extent of injury incidence and burden in a professional women football team of the Scottish Women's Premier League during two seasons. All injuries causing time-loss or required medical attention were recorded prospectively. A total of 671 injuries, 570 requiring medical attention and 101 causing time-loss were recorded in 41 players. Injuries occurring with National Team resulted in 12% of the club's international players' lay-off. Overall injury incidence was 11.1/1000-hours and burden was 368.9 days/1000-hours. Injury incidence (23.9/1000-hours vs 8.2/1000-hours) and burden (1049.8 days/1000-hours vs 215.1 days/1000-hours) were higher for match compared to training. Foremost mechanism of match injury burden was indirect-contact, which was different than the non-contact predominantly observed for training injury burden. Injury incidence, burden and patterns differed between training, match and playing positions. Tailoring injury-risk reduction strategies considering context, circumstances and playing position deserve consideration to enhance player's injury resilience in professional women footballers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the accuracy of ChatGPT (Chat generative pretrained transformer), a large language model, in calculating sample size for sport-sciences and sports-medicine research studies. Methods: We conducted an analysis on 4 published papers (ie, examples 1–4) encompassing various study designs and approaches for calculating sample size in 3 sport-science and -medicine journals, including 3 randomized controlled trials and 1 survey paper. We provided ChatGPT with all necessary data such as mean, percentage SD, normal deviates (Zα/2 and Z1−β), and study design. Prompting from 1 example has subsequently been reused to gain insights into the reproducibility of the ChatGPT response. Results: ChatGPT correctly calculated the sample size for 1 randomized controlled trial but failed in the remaining 3 examples, including the incorrect identification of the formula in one example of a survey paper. After interaction with ChatGPT, the correct sample size was obtained for the survey paper. Intriguingly, when the prompt from Example 3 was reused, ChatGPT provided a completely different sample size than its initial response. Conclusions: While the use of artificial-intelligence tools holds great promise, it should be noted that it might lead to errors and inconsistencies in sample-size calculations even when the tool is fed with the necessary correct information. As artificial-intelligence technology continues to advance and learn from human feedback, there is hope for improvement in sample-size calculation and other research tasks. However, it is important for scientists to exercise caution in utilizing these tools. Future studies should assess more advanced/powerful versions of this tool (ie, ChatGPT4). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Musculoskeletal injuries during the "Initial Training Phase" (ITP) are a major medical problem faced by law enforcement agencies worldwide. Aiming to develop an injury prevention strategy, we examined the incidence, type, associated factors, and severity of injuries and secondarily tracked their evolution over time by batches in a police academy. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using prospectively collected injury data on 979 newly recruited male police cadets enrolled in eight batches between 2015 and 2023. Among the 376 injured participants (age: 18.1 ± 0.3 years, body-mass: 75.8 ± 12.5 kg, body-height: 173.7 ± 4.0 cm, body mass index [BMI]: 25.1 ± 4.1 kg·m-2, body-fat percentage: 18.1% ± 5.1%), 405 injuries were recorded during the ITP. Musculoskeletal injury data were analyzed according to type, associated-factors, severity, and evolution across batches. Almost half of the recruits (41.4%) sustained at least one musculoskeletal injury. Based on injury frequency (39–69 case) and exposure time (20,944.5–43,006.5 hours per participant) indices, and with an implication of scientific training tips, the long-term follow-up over-batches showed that the injury incidence was decreased 2.5-fold from Batch 1 to Batch 8 (p <.0001). Most injuries occurred between Weeks 2 and 5 (80% cumulative). The most common injury type was medial tibial stress syndrome (36.0%), followed by iliotibial band syndrome (12.6%), and ankle sprain (10.4%). This injury profile aligns with previous studies on law enforcement recruits, although comparisons should be made cautiously due to variations in training programs and recruit characteristics between agencies. The most frequently reported perceived potential contributors of injuries were vitamin and mineral deficiencies (20.7%), overweight/obesity (19.1%), and harsh physical activities (13.0%). During ITP, almost half of the recruits sustained at least one musculoskeletal injury, most of them in the fourth week. Some of the major associated factors of injury could be controlled resulting in a potential reduction of the injury incidence by up to 2.5 times. Implementing tailored fitness programs, incorporating subjective and objective training load assessments, and enhancing monitoring could significantly decrease injury rates, improve recruit readiness, and reduce resource and time waste on injury treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The World Health Organization's declaration of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) in July 2022, followed by its resurgence in 2024, has sparked concerns about its potential impact on sports, especially contact sports such as football. Although mpox is not a pandemic (as of late September 2024), the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experience offers valuable lessons for proactive planning in sports. Our conceptual framework has been designed to draw insightful lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic to assist sports organizations in planning for and preventing similar situations. We aimed to draw lessons from COVID-19 to help sports organizations enhance practical preparedness through effective planning and mitigation strategies. Accordingly, we sought to assess the potential impact of mpox on sports, with a focus on football (soccer), and to develop strategies for prevention, management, and preparedness based on epidemiological insights and lessons from COVID-19 pandemic experience. Here we review mpox's pathophysiology and possibility of transmission in sports settings and discuss tailored strategies, including risk assessments, testing protocols, hygiene measures, and return-to-play policies. This review highlights key differences between mpox and COVID-19 in transmission, incubation, and management, emphasizing the need for customized prevention and control measures in sports. We propose innovative risk assessment methods using global positioning system tracking and machine learning for contact analysis, alongside tailored testing and hygiene protocols. We emphasize the importance of proactive planning, noting improved preparedness in the sports community compared to the early days of COVID-19. In conclusion, our proposed framework provides sports organizations with practical tools to manage potential risks associated with mpox, ensuring the continuity of activities while prioritizing public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exercise mechanical efficiency typically falls within the range of approximately 20 to 25%. This means that a great part of the metabolic energy converted to generate movement is released as heat. Therefore, the rise in core temperature during endurance exercise in humans is proportional to generated work. Cutaneous vasodilation occurs when the core temperature threshold is reached. The rise in heart rate in response to thermal stress is a cardiovascular response that increases cardiac output and skin blood flow. The cardiovascular response during endurance exercise is a complex phenomenon potentially influenced by the involvement of nitric oxide in active thermoregulatory vasodilation. Excessive exercise can create high oxidative stress by disrupting the balance between free radicals' production and scavenging, resulting in impaired cardiovascular function. The above considerations are related to the severity and duration of endurance exercise. The first focus of this narrative review is to provide an updated understanding of cardiovascular function during endurance exercise. We aim to explore the potential role of oxidative stress in causing cardiovascular dysfunction during endurance exercise from a fresh perspective. Additionally, we aim to identify the primary factors contributing to cardiovascular risk during strenuous prolonged exercise by highlighting recent progress in this area, which may shed light on previously unexplained physiological responses. To ascertain the effect of endurance exercise on cardiovascular function and dysfunction, a narrative review of the literature was undertaken using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Medline, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The review highlighted that high oxidative stress (due to high levels of catecholamines, shear stress, immune system activation, and renal dysfunction) leads to a rise in platelet aggregation during endurance exercise. Importantly, we clearly revealed for the first time that endothelial damage, vasoconstriction, and blood coagulation (inducing thrombosis) are potentially the primary factors of cardiovascular dysfunction and myocardial infarction during and/or following endurance exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effect of the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown on athlete sleep and training behavior is documented, albeit without a worldwide soccer-specific focus. Method: Soccer (football) players (N = 1639; 30 countries; age 22.5 [5.7] y; 81% ≤25 y; 56% male; 30% elite; 66% Muslim) answered a retrospective, cross-sectional questionnaire related to their behavioral habits before and during COVID-19 lockdown (survey period July to September 2020), including (1) Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index PSQI, (2) Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), (3) bespoke questions about training behaviors, and (4) Muslim player focused sleep and training behavior questions. Results: During lockdown (compared to prelockdown), PSQI (P <.001; moderate effect size [ES]) and ISI (P <.001; moderate ES) scores were higher in the overall sample and in elite versus nonelite (PSQI: P <.05; small ES and ISI: P <.001; small ES), >25 years versus ≤25 years (PSQI: P <.01; small ES and ISI: P <.001; moderate ES), females versus males (PSQI: P <.001; small ES), <1 month versus >1 month lockdown (PSQI: P <.05; small ES and ISI: P <.05; small ES), and players maintaining versus reducing training intensity (PSQI: P <.001; moderate ES and ISI: P <.001; small ES). Muslim players (41%) reported unfavorable sleep and/or training behaviors during Ramadan in lockdown compared to lockdown outside of Ramadan. Conclusions: Specific subgroups appear more vulnerable to lockdown effects, with training-intensity maintenance moderating negative effects relative to sleep. Policy and support (respectful of subgroup nuances) during lockdown-like challenges that facilitate training (including intensity) appear prudent, given their favorable relationship with sleep, mental health, and physical health, in the present data and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors reflect on a teamwork modeling method to achieve good performance management in elite football (soccer) and ensure the health and availability of players during games. The model focuses on key performance indicators (KPI) to improve the performance of players and the pillars of the model like creating a systematic monitoring system and establishing an appropriate training process.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulted in sporting event suspensions and cancellations, affecting competition calendars worldwide during 2020 and 2021. This challenged high-performance athletes' capacity to complete physical, technical, or tactical training during restricted movement measures (lockdown). With the Football World Cup organized in the last quarter of 2022, the past period of training and match disturbances challenged footballers concerning their performance and potential higher risk of injury at official matches' resumption. There has been considerable debate about the management of resuming professional football (soccer) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Governing bodies worldwide implemented measures to ensure a safe resumption of football. These precautionary measures aimed to protect the health of players, their support staff, and officials around the pitch and ensure the enjoyment of the event by spectators in the football stadiums. We have therefore narratively reviewed scientific papers about how football has resumed on the pitch and in the stands with special focus on the COVID-19 infection control strategies allowing footballers to perform again and supporters to enjoy the game after the 2020 global stop to sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To survey elite athletes and practitioners to identify (1) knowledge and application of heat acclimation/acclimatization (HA) interventions, (2) barriers to HA application, and (3) nutritional practices supporting HA. Methods: Elite athletes (n = 55) and practitioners (n = 99) completed an online survey. Mann–Whitney U tests (effect size [ES; r]) assessed differences between ROLE (athletes vs practitioners) and CLIMATE (hot vs temperate). Logistic regression and Pearson chi-square (ES Phi [ϕ]) assessed relationships. Results: Practitioners were more likely to report measuring athletes' core temperature (training: practitioners 40% [athletes 15%]; P =.001, odds ratio = 4.0, 95% CI, 2%–9%; competition: practitioners 25% [athletes 9%]; P =.020, odds ratio = 3.4, 95% CI, 1%–10%). Practitioners (55% [15% athletes]) were more likely to perceive rectal as the gold standard core temperature measurement site (P =.013, ϕ =.49, medium ES). Temperate (57% [22% hot]) CLIMATE dwellers ranked active HA effectiveness higher (P <.001, r =.30, medium ES). Practitioners commonly identified athletes' preference (48%), accessibility, and cost (both 47%) as barriers to HA. Increasing carbohydrate intake when training in the heat was more likely recommended by practitioners (49%) than adopted by athletes (26%; P =.006, 95% CI, 0.1%–1%). Practitioners (56% [28% athletes]) were more likely to plan athletes' daily fluid strategies, adopting a preplanned approach (P =.001; 95% CI, 0.1%–1%). Conclusions: Practitioners, and to a greater extent athletes, lacked self-reported key HA knowledge (eg, core temperature assessment/monitoring methods) yet demonstrated comparatively more appropriate nutritional practices (eg, hydration). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]