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A third of Swedish cheerleaders tell of psychological abuse

According to a study from Linköping University, 29% of current and former Swedish cheerleading athletes reported experiencing psychological abuse. The most common reason was feeling frozen out of the community or being manipulated, while lack of support from coaches and injuries were also major contributors to athletes quitting the spo...

SourceLinköping University·JournalJournal of Sports Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateOct 1, 2024

Mental health issues are a common phenomenon in elite sport

A study by Amsterdam UMC found that nearly three-quarters of Dutch elite athletes report sport-related distress, while forty percent of their coaches do so as well. The most common mental health problems among athletes are related to their performance and life events, with unfavorable alcohol consumption also prevalent.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalBMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 23, 2024

Defining chronic pain for high-performance athletes with disabilities

A new UBC Okanagan study emphasizes the importance of identifying and managing neuropathic pain in high-performance athletes with spinal cord injuries. The research stresses the need for sports medicine clinicians and trainers to use standardized assessment tools, including symptom-based questionnaires, to better understand and communi...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalBMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 27, 2024

Sport or snack? How our brain decides

Studies in mice reveal that orexin plays a key role in deciding between physical activity and consuming food, particularly when both options are available. By understanding this process, scientists aim to develop strategies to overcome exercise barriers and address the global obesity epidemic.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2024

Hydrogen-rich gas inhalation can alleviate exercise-induced fatigue

In a new study, inhaling hydrogen-rich gas (HRG) before acute exercise significantly reduces fatigue and enhances performance. HRG inhalation prior to exercise may be a valuable strategy for athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking to enhance performance and recovery.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalInternational Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 30, 2024

Female Australian football players are taking more hits

Sub-elite female Australian football players experience different injury patterns compared to males, highlighting the need for targeted training and injury prevention strategies. Ankle sprains, concussions, and anterior cruciate ligament injuries are the most common and burdensome, resulting in the most missed matches.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport·TypeObservational study·DateJul 16, 2024

Declining iron levels in women in the military

A recent study published in BMJ Military Health found that female conscripts' iron deficiency more than doubled from 25% to 55% after five months of basic military training. The study also showed a significant decrease in ferritin levels, which can lead to anemia and fatigue.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBMJ Military Health·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2024

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers find elementary age children experience more concussions during activities unrelated to sports

A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers found that elementary age children are more likely to experience concussions during recreation and other non-sport activities. These injuries often lead to longer recovery times due to delayed specialist care. The findings highlight the need for education and awareness about co...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 27, 2024

WVU changing the game for sports emergency action plans

The West Virginia University athletic training researcher developed a new national position statement on emergency action plan development and implementation in sports. The recommendations aim to reduce catastrophic injuries by designating an emergency action plan coordinator who collaborates with other athletic staff.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of Athletic Training·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 26, 2024

Cognitive test is poor predictor of athletes’ concussion

A study by University of Washington School of Medicine found that a cognitive test is an inaccurate predictor of athletes' concussions. Instead, symptom reports were the most accurate indicator of concussion. The study involved 92 NCAA Division I athletes who sustained a concussion and their teammates as matched control subjects.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Ruptured Achilles tendon shows faster repair amid plasma irradiation treatment

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered that plasma irradiation can accelerate tendon repair, showing faster regeneration and increased strength in lab rats. This breakthrough could lead to shorter treatment times and more reliable tendon healing for athletes and individuals with sports-related injuries.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2024

Concussion, CTE experts warn term used to describe head impacts – “subconcussion” – is misleading and dangerous

Researchers from top institutions argue that 'subconcussion' is a misleading term that should be replaced with more specific alternatives to better understand the risks of brain injuries. The authors recommend using 'nonconcussive' to describe head impacts without a concussion, highlighting the importance of accurate nomenclature for e...

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 13, 2024

Discovery of a marker of delayed recovery of concussion in children

A new study has identified alpha-1-antichymotrypsin as a blood protein marker that can predict delayed recovery of concussion in children. The study found that children with low levels of alpha-1-antichymotrypsin were more likely to experience delayed recovery, highlighting the potential for early diagnosis and targeted treatment.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·TypeObservational study·DateApr 10, 2024

Binge drinking among sports gamblers

A recent survey study reveals binge drinking is more prevalent among sports wagering individuals compared to nongamblers and non–sports gamblers. This finding highlights the need for targeted interventions to address excessive alcohol consumption in this demographic.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 1, 2024

New study analyzes link between digit ratio and oxygen consumption in footballers

A recent study by Swansea University analyzed the link between digit ratio and oxygen consumption in professional football players. The research found that athletes with longer ring digits relative to their index fingers had more efficient oxygen metabolism, reaching high maximal oxygen consumption during a cardiopulmonary test.

SourceSwansea University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2024

Contrasting characteristics and outcomes of sports-related and non–sports-related traumatic brain injury

This study found that sports-related traumatic brain injuries (TBI) result in higher rates of functional limitations six months after injury. In contrast, patients with non-sports related TBI exhibit better mental health and post-concussion symptom recovery. The findings highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of TBI outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 24, 2024

A new method based on computational time series analysis allows the estimation of exercise thresholds

A new method allows for the estimation of exercise thresholds based on dynamical correlation properties of heart rate variability, optimizing athlete training and injury prevention. This method utilizes heartbeat interval measurements from sports watches and heart rate monitors, providing a reliable alternative to current methods.

SourceTampere University·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateJan 9, 2024

Fascicle gearing dynamics: Unveiling 3D rotation effects in muscle elongation

Researchers at Waseda University used diffusion tensor imaging to reconstruct fascicles in three dimensions, finding that a gearing mechanism reduces individual fascicle elongation during stretching. This mechanism allows muscles to extend without significant fiber length changes, preventing overstretching and injury.

SourceWaseda University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2023

Most forms of exercise are overwhelmingly safe – but don’t ignore the dangers

A five-year study found that most sports and exercise are overwhelmingly safe, with injuries being rare. Fitness activities like running, golf, and dance classes have the lowest injury rates, while sports like football have a moderate risk of injury, with motorsports and gliding carrying significantly higher dangers.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalInjury Prevention·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2023

Normative values of vertical jump (VJ) and sit-and-reach (SR) for Chinese general population.

Researchers established normative values for VJ and SR tests in a diverse Chinese population. Males exhibited an upward trajectory in VJ values until the age of 18, while females maintained stable levels until early adulthood. The findings provide valuable tools for gauging muscle function and detecting health-related issues.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGlobal Transitions·TypeObservational study·DateOct 23, 2023

Social media contributing to poor body image among teenaged athletes, associated with dropping high school sports

A recent study found that social media is a significant factor in body image issues affecting teenaged athletes, with many quitting sports due to perceived imperfections. The research suggests that promoting diverse and realistic images of athleticism can help reduce dropout rates among young girls, who are more likely to quit sports t...

Extreme sports: How body and mind interact

A study published by Vienna University of Technology analyzed the effects of extreme physical and mental stress on a rowing athlete's body. The research found that the variability in heart rate, sleep quality, and regeneration during sleep phases were closely related to the athlete's psychological condition.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeCase study·DateOct 10, 2023

College athletes experience worse post-injury outcomes for concussions suffered outside of sports

Researchers found college athletes who experienced non-sports-related concussions had worse symptoms and more days in sports lost to injury. Female athletes had more severe symptoms than male athletes, highlighting the need for improved concussion recognition and monitoring outside of sports.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Athletic Training·TypeObservational study·DateSep 20, 2023

Active children are more resilient

Research found that active children produce less cortisol in stressful situations and exhibit reduced physiological stress reactions. Regular exercise may also help prevent high cortisol levels during exams by creating a positive association with the hormone.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport·DateSep 5, 2023

Football participation and Parkinson disease among men

Research suggests football participation is associated with a higher odds of developing parkinsonism or Parkinson's disease. Longer football play duration and intensity are linked to an increased risk of diagnosis, highlighting the potential health risks for athletes involved in contact sports.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 11, 2023

Sick of sports? WVU study shows flu deaths rise when pro sports teams move into cities

A WVU study found that U.S. cities with new professional sports teams saw increased influenza mortality rates, with the NHL teams causing the largest increase. The researchers analyzed data from 122 cities and controlled for factors like population and temperature to find a significant correlation between team arrival and flu deaths.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalSports Economics Review·DateAug 4, 2023

During Operation Guardian of the Walls, residents of the south suffered significantly greater physiological and mental harm than the rest of the population

Residents of southern Israel suffered significantly greater physiological and mental harm than others, with spikes in heart rate and stress, reduced sleep duration, and decreased physical activity. Women, young people, and those living near Gaza paid the heaviest price, with notable differences in screen time, mood, and quality of sleep.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalCommunications Medicine·DateJul 4, 2023