A new screening strategy using conventional echocardiography has been developed to detect cardiovascular abnormalities in athletes. The study found that adding ECHO exams to the standard protocol increases the accuracy of screening and is cost-effective, identifying 14 cases of cardiovascular abnormalities in healthy athletes.
Researchers found that blows to the head during a single season of football or ice hockey can affect brain white matter and cognitive abilities. A subgroup of athletes who performed poorly on memory tests showed more change in the corpus callosum region of the brain.
Researchers found significant differences in brain white matter between varsity football and hockey players and non-contact-sport athletes. The study suggests that repeated blows to the head without concussions may cause cognitive decline, warranting further investigation into identifying susceptible athletes.
A new study reveals that die-hard Oregon State Beavers fans reject ads from rival team Oregon Ducks, even if the ad is compelling. Highly identified fans are most affected by this bias, prioritizing their team loyalty over advertising messages.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that young athletes who spend twice as much time in organized sports than free play are more likely to be injured. The study also found that those who specialize in a single sport for extended periods are at a higher risk of overuse injuries.
A study presented by Loyola University Medical Center sports medicine physician Neeru Jayanthi found that lower back injuries are the third most common injury suffered by young athletes under age 18. The study included over 1,200 athletes who suffered 843 injuries, with serious cases putting them at risk for long-term back problems.
A study by Cristine Legare and André Souza found that rituals help people feel a sense of control over their environment, while Michael Norton's research on grief also highlights the benefits of rituals. This new research on Halloween rituals provides insight into human behavior and the power of ritual in shaping our lives.
A UCSB anthropologist examines the enduring practice of hazing, finding a connection between its persistence across cultures and our shared evolved psychology. He suggests that group benefits may be a key factor in hazing behavior, as individuals with automatic benefits are more likely to haze.
A new study found that elite power athletes are more likely to have the AGT 'CC' genotype, which may predispose them to improved power and strength capacity. However, the functional significance of this genetic variant remains unclear.
A literature review found that one in four people develop hip arthritis before age 85, contributing to groin pain. Contributing factors include sports-related injuries, prior surgery, and traumatic occupational history. A detailed medical history and examination are crucial for diagnosing the source of groin pain.
A recent study has found that attitudes towards gay athletes among young British players have shifted significantly over the past decade. Young footballers on the verge of becoming professionals are now more likely to be supportive of gay teammates, with all participants openly accepting one of their colleagues coming out.
A French study found a significantly lower incidence of sports-related sudden death in women compared to men. The average age of sudden death was also lower for women. The study estimates an incidence rate of 0.51 per million female sports participants, highlighting the need for tailored screening strategies.
A study by Disney Research found that visiting soccer teams should adopt a more aggressive strategy to increase their chances of winning. The analysis of 380 games revealed that performance measures such as shooting and passing percentage were similar for home and away teams, but the location of possession was significantly different.
A comparative analysis of mainstream sports magazine Sports Illustrated and LGBT-themed Compete found hypersexualization and objectification of male athletes on gay-themed magazine covers. The researchers argue that this disassociation results in a queered form of masculinity.
A new study found that Cinderella teams in the NCAA Men's Final Four have a 35 percent larger TV audience than powerhouse schools. This translates to an additional 3 million viewers for semifinal games and 4.5 million for championship games.
Research by Adrian Bejan reveals that elite athletes in these sports are taller and heavier, allowing for more force to be applied as they move forward. This applies to pitchers like Max Scherzer, golfers like those in the top 10 of driving distance, and boxers who maximize punching power by gaining size.
A study by UC Irvine researchers found that basketballs and volleyballs can carry dangerous germs like Staphylococcus aureus, which causes staph infections. The germ was able to survive on sports balls for up to 72 hours, even in stored conditions.
Researchers developed an automated technique for analyzing field hockey team patterns using player roles rather than individual identities. The method was effective in detecting tactics, strategy, and style of play, even correcting errors in video tracking data.
A study on sports journalists' social network found that the Sandusky scandal led to rapid Twitter adoption, with 151 journalists joining in just two days. The 'Power 30' subgroup had significant influence, with 1.7 million followers.
A new study by the University of Michigan Health System has identified a potential therapy to prevent muscle atrophy after ACL tears. By blocking the hormone myostatin, researchers aim to restore athletic and functional abilities in the short term and prevent osteoarthritis in the long term.
A new study finds that soccer training significantly improves the flexibility of the heart, reducing blood pressure and increasing exercise capacity in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study also shows reduced need for medication and improved physical condition.
A study by University of Granada researchers found that elite athletes believe doping substances are effective in improving performance, yet recognize the risks. Coaches play a significant role in shaping their attitudes towards doping.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that high-testosterone males are more likely to choose the color red when competing. The research suggests that this association may be related to biological systems and affect how opponents respond. However, actual performance in the competitive task was not influenced by color choice.
A study by Eric J. Hamerman and Gita V. Johar found that sports fans' superstitious behavior is driven by a desire for control and lower perceived ability to influence outcomes. Consumers may become conditioned to associate products with success or failure, creating an illusion of control over future events.
A University of Missouri study found that male testosterone levels surge during group competitions against rivals, but remain unchanged when competing with friends. This hormonal reaction is linked to the evolution of human cooperation and coalition formation.
Research by Kwanho Suk found that relying on general information about teams' performance improves prediction accuracy, while incorporating detailed information does not.
A study found that female high school athletes were less likely to engage in physical fights and carry weapons compared to non-athletes. However, athletic participation did not have a significant impact on bullying or violence among male students.
A new website application called Dietary Analysis Tool for Athletes (D.A.T.A.) has been validated as accurately recording dietary intake. The digital tool generates a report immediately after the recall, providing quick feedback for athletes and sports health professionals.
A recent clinical study found that young athletes who specialize in one sport and train intensively are at a significantly higher risk of stress fractures and other severe overuse injuries. The study suggests that young athletes should not spend more hours per week in organized sports than their ages to reduce the risk of injury.
Researchers from the University of Granada found that fit individuals have a better sustained attention span and more rapid reaction times compared to those with poor physical health. The study also revealed that temporary perception had the greatest effect on heart rate variability, while sustained perception had the least.
Injuries from bicycling, roller sports, and trampolines decreased by 38.1%, 20.8%, and 17.5% respectively between 2000 and 2010. Football and soccer injuries increased by 22.8% and 10.8%, with overall musculoskeletal-specific injuries declining 12.4%.
A study published in Psychopathology found that sports gamblers who believed they could control the outcome using knowledge of the game were actually no more successful than those with no prior experience or knowledge. Cognitive therapy may be a better approach for treating this type of addiction.
Researchers found that elite athletes outperformed nonathletes in cognitive tests such as memory recall, task-switching, and peripheral vision detection. Female athletes also showed significant advantages over their male peers in certain tasks, minimizing the typical performance gap between women and men.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that positional flexibility is valuable in baseball, accounting for up to 15% of a team's runs. By being able to adapt to injuries, teams can field a strong lineup and continue winning games.
Researchers developed a computer-based process to identify dangerous head movements that lead to concussion-related brain injuries. The approach could lead to new medical treatment options and sports rule changes to reduce brain trauma among players.
New international guidance emphasizes the importance of recognizing and treating concussive symptoms promptly. The Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport notes that mouthguards and helmets have a role in minimizing injuries but do not prevent concussion.
A large registry study found that aortic stenosis and dissection are uncommon yet critical causes of sudden death in young, competitive athletes, usually during exercise. Many cleared players were allowed to participate despite suspicions of cardiovascular conditions.
A study by Professor Jocelyn Faubert found that professional athletes, including soccer players and hockey players, performed better on a brain test than non-athlete university students. The researchers used the Neurotracker machine to evaluate skills such as tracking fast-moving objects and perceiving depth.
A new study published in the Journal of Media Psychology found that sports fans enjoy watching athletic events with high drama and suspense, regardless of the outcome. The researchers discovered that viewers root for heroic athletes and against unfavorable ones, yet report enjoying the game despite the winner.
A study by Dr. Neeru Jayanthi and colleagues suggests that injured young athletes who play a single sport like tennis spend less time in free play and unorganized sports than uninjured athletes. This finding may be a protective factor against injuries, particularly among tennis players.
A new review of existing research reveals no scientific evidence that erythropoietin enhances athletic performance. However, it highlights the potential health risks associated with EPO use, including increased blood clot risk and organ damage.
A new study from Indiana University found that excessive soda consumption and screen time contribute to overweight and weight gain in students. In contrast, a regular meal pattern with at least three meals a day appears to be an effective strategy for achieving healthy weight.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has released new guidelines to prevent cheerleading injuries, highlighting the need for qualified coaches, access to medical care, and injury surveillance. The guidelines aim to reduce catastrophic injuries, which account for 66% of all high school female athlete injuries.
Researchers found that adolescent athletes who slept 8+ hours per night were 68% less likely to be injured than those who slept less. Higher grade levels in school also increased the likelihood of injury, with a 2.3 times greater risk for each additional year.
Ashley Thomas, founder of Bridge II Sports, emphasizes the importance of sports for individuals with physical disabilities. Her nonprofit organization provides adaptive sports programs for children and adults with various disabilities, promoting confidence, self-esteem, and success.
A study of 486,000 head impacts in 450 athletes found that concussions diagnosed by trainers had a wide range of symptoms and symptoms onset times. The authors highlight the heterogeneity in concussion diagnoses and emphasize the need for further investigation to determine predictors of long-term risks.
A Clemson University and University of Louisville study found that sports journalists used Twitter to post biased commentary during the Penn State sex abuse scandal, blurring personal and professional boundaries. The research highlights the challenges of maintaining objectivity in social media news reporting.
Researchers used a logit regression model that included home advantage to predict Team GB's medal haul, suggesting a total of 46 medals. The formula takes into account past performance, home advantage, and funding.
Three new projects will study athletes' vision, movements, and cognitive skills to develop improved training methods for elite athletes across all sports. The research also aims to provide insights into how to train or retrain people who have lost daily skills due to ageing or disease.
Historical analysis reveals the Paralympic movement's problematic roots in 19th-century freak shows, where disability was objectified and exploited. Researcher Danielle Peers argues that the movement prioritizes able-bodied leaders over athletes' contributions, perpetuating paternalism and erasure.
College football players participate in an invisible labor market, with the NCAA monopolizing their services. Research suggests a credible threat of unionization could lead to better financial treatment and more say in interests. An 'invisible union' is proposed as a middle-ground approach.
Young athletes playing contact sports are at high risk of recurring shoulder instability injuries, often caused by traumatic contact injuries such as force or falling on an outstretched arm. Symptoms include pain, instability, and weakness in the affected shoulder.
A study by the University of Western Australia has identified 8% of Olympic athletes with asthma and airway hyper-responsiveness, with summer sports showing a higher prevalence. Intense training may be a contributing factor, while genetic aspects also play a role in airway damage.
Barefoot running, popularized by Abebe Bikila, is not inherently good or bad; proper training and conditioning are key. However, research suggests that it can increase stress fractures and soreness in the calves, while also risking knee and hip injuries similar to those caused by athletic shoes.
A Mayo Clinic study found that many patients with long QT syndrome can safely participate in competitive sports, contradicting current strict guidelines. The study of 353 LQTS patients showed that only one patient experienced a life-threatening event while competing.
A recent study by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine found that Femoral Acetabular Impingement (FAI) increases stress across the groin in athletes. This increased stress leads to a higher risk of sports hernia, a common cause of groin pain in athletes.
Regular exercise has clear benefits for physical and mental health, making it a key factor in reducing mortality rates. Health professionals should consider exercise levels as a vital sign to provide more help for patients to adopt exercise regimes.
The men's 100 m sprint is showing significant improvement in performance due to advancements in technology. The introduction of fully automated timing and changes to javelin specifications have contributed to these gains.
A new study highlights how parents, coaches, and youth sport organizations can promote healthful eating for youth athletes. Parents reported frequent visits to fast-food restaurants and struggled to determine which food options were healthy, despite considering youth sports an unhealthy environment.
Researchers found notable differences in how sports commentators talk about athletes depending on gender, nationality, and athletic performance. Female athletes are often attributed to luck rather than physical ability, while male athletes receive praise for skill and commitment.