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At least 793 records · Page 44Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Differences in myocardial velocity gradient measured throughout the cardiac cycle in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, athletes and patients with left ventricular hypertrophy due to hypertension.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to compare the myocardial velocity gradient (MVG) measured across the left ventricular (LV) posterior wall during the cardiac cycle between patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), athletes and patients with LV hypertrophy due to systemic hypertension and to determine whether it might be used to discriminate these groups. BACKGROUND: The MVG is a new ultrasound variable, based on the color Doppler technique, that quantifies the spatial distribution of transmyocardial velocities. METHODS: A cohort of 158 subjects was subdivided by age into two groups: Group I (mean [+/-SD] 30 +/- 7 years) and Group II (58 +/- 8 years). Within each group there were three categories of subjects: Group Ia consisted of patients with HCM (n = 25), Group Ib consisted of athletes (n = 21), and Group Ic consisted of normal subjects; Group IIa consisted of patients with HCM (n = 19), Group IIb consisted of hypertensive patients (n = 27), and Group IIc consisted of normal subjects (n = 33). RESULTS: The MVG (mean [+/-SD] s-1) measured in systole was lower (p < 0.01) in patients with HCM (Group Ia 3.2 +/- 1.1; Group IIa 2.9 +/- 1.2) compared with athletes (Group Ib 4.6 +/- 1.1), hypertensive patients (Group IIb 4.2 +/- 1.8) and normal subjects (Group Ic 4.4 +/- 0.8; Group IIc 4.8 +/- 0.8). In early diastole, the MVG was lower (p < 0.05) in patients with HCM (Group Ia 3.7 +/- 1.5; Group IIa 2.6 +/- 0.9) than in athletes (Group Ib 9.9 +/- 1.9) and normal subjects (Group Ic 9.2 +/- 2.0; Group IIc 3.6 +/- 1.5), but not hypertensive patients (Group IIb 3.3 +/- 1.3). In late diastole, the MVG in patients with HCM (Group Ia 1.3 +/- 0.8; Group IIa 1.4 +/- 0.8) was lower (p < 0.01) than that in hypertensive patients (Group IIb 4.3 +/- 1.7) and normal subjects (Group IIc 3.8 +/- 0.9). An MVG < or = 7 s-1, as a single diagnostic approach, differentiated accurately (0.96 positive and 0.94 negative predictive value) between patients with HCM and athletes when the measurements were taken during early diastole. CONCLUSIONS: In both age groups, the MVG was lower in both systole and diastole in patients with HCM than in athletes, hypertensive patients or normal subjects. The MVG measured in early diastole in a group of subjects 18 to 45 years old would appear to be an accurate variable used to discriminate between HCM and hypertrophy in athletes.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Dilated inferior vena cava: a common echocardiographic finding in highly trained elite athletes.

Typical structural features of the athlete's heart as defined by echocardiography have been extensively described; however, information concerning extracardiac structures such as the inferior vena cava (IVC) is scarce. Fifty-eight top-level athletes and 30 healthy members of a matched control group underwent a complete Doppler echocardiographic study. IVC diameter was determined in the subxiphoid approach 10 to 20 mm away from its junction to the right atrium. Measures reflect the median values between maximal inspiratory and expiratory values. IVC respiratory collapsibility index was determined as well. IVC in athletes was 2.31 +/- 0.46 cm compared with 1.14 +/- 0.13 cm in the control group (P <.001). Swimmers had an IVC diameter of 2.66 +/- 0.48 cm compared with 2.17 +/- 0.41 cm in other athletes (P <.05). The IVC was normal ( /=2.6 cm) in 24.1% of athletes. The collapsibility index was 58% +/- 6.4% in athletes compared with 70.2% +/- 4.9% in the control group (P <. 001). Correlation was found between IVC size and VO(2) max (r = 0.81, P <.001) and the right ventricle (r = 0.81, P <.001) and with collapsibility index (r = -0.57, P <.05). Multiple regression analysis showed the impact of VO(2) max, cardiac index, and right ventricular and left ventricular end-diastolic dimensions on IVC diameter. IVC dilatation probably represents adaptation of an extracardiac structure to chronic strenuous exercise in top-level, elite athletes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Nutritional status, iron-deficiency-related indices, and immunity of female athletes.

Nutritional status, iron-deficiency-related biochemical indices, and immunologic patterns of female Judo athletes and control subjects were evaluated. The subjects' 3-d food records showed that 41.0 kcal/kg of energy was consumed daily and the contributions of protein, fat, and carbohydrate to total energy intake were 12.5%, 29.2%, and 58.3%, respectively. The reported vitamin intakes of athletic subjects were above those of the recommended daily allowance, however, calcium and iron intakes were less than 100% of the recommended daily allowance. Intakes of energy, protein, phosphate, vitamin B1, and vitamin B2 were higher in the athletes than in the control subjects. Analysis using the Nutrient Adequacy Ratio and the Index of Nutritional Quality showed that athletic subjects had more desirable patterns than the control subjects. There was no any indication of anemia, which often occurs as a result of hemodilution in strenuously trained athletes. The subjects' immunologic patterns showed a slight immunosuppression. Iron, vitamin B1, niacin intakes were positively correlated with immunoglobulin (Ig) G levels in the athletes. The relation between nutrient intakes and the immune systems of endurance-trained athletes needs further investigation.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Prevalence of respiratory symptoms in an athlete population.

This study aimed to look at the prevalence and type of respiratory symptoms experienced by athletes and to assess the possible influence on the perception of symptoms of training duration and environment. A group of 698 athletes (107 with diagnosed or self-reported asthma) filled out a questionnaire on their respiratory condition. They exercised either in cold air (n = 176), dry air (n = 384), humid air (n = 95) or mixed dry and humid air (n = 43). Past exercise-related symptoms reported by athletes were breathlessness (48.7%), phlegm production (22.8%), wheezing (15.6%), cough (15.2%), and chest tightness (7.4%). Only 25% of asthmatic athletes reported having current exercise-induced symptoms of breathlessness, 21.7%, wheezing and 17.4%, chest tightness; current exercise-induced symptoms of breathlessness, wheezing or chest tightness were also reported, respectively, in 38.9%, 3.6% and 2.7% of athletes without a diagnosis of asthma. The perception of exercise-induced symptoms was not influenced by the duration of training or environment. In conclusion, (1) a minority of asthmatic athletes report troublesome respiratory symptoms with exercise, (2) breathlessness is not more frequently reported in asthmatic athletes than in those without such diagnosis while cough and wheezing are more common in asthmatic subjects and (3) the prevalence of respiratory symptoms is independent of training environment and duration of training.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Evaluation of the athlete who 'goes to ground'

The athlete represents the healthiest segment of our society. Yet, there are still reports of sudden death occurring while on the athletic field. Any athlete who 'goes to ground' temporarily (syncope) warrants an immediate investigation. The differential diagnosis of syncope is wide-ranging. However, if a cardiac cause is the underlying etiology of an athlete with syncope, and that athlete participates and has another syncopal episode the likelihood of resuscitation may be quite low. This article reviews the most common causes of sudden death in athletes (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, anomalous coronary arteries, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, and dilated cardiomyopathy). Important attention will be centered on the pathophysiology of each abnormality and how it contributes to symptoms of syncope and sudden death. Also, the ideal evaluation of each will be reviewed. Recommendations regarding eligibility for competition in sports with each underlying abnormality will be reviewed. In addition, this article will review the evaluation of children and young adults who wish to participate in athletics.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

What makes an endurance athlete world-class? Not simply a physiological conundrum.

Inter-individual variation in endurance performance capacity is a characteristic, not only of the general population, but also in trained athletes. The ability of sport scientists to predict which athletes amongst an elite group will become world-class is limited. We do not fully understand the interactions between biological factors, training, recovery and competitive performance. Assessment methods and interpretation of results do not take into account the facts that most research is not done on elite athletes and performances of world-class endurance athletes cannot be attributed to aerobic capacity alone. Many lines of evidence suggest that there is a limit to adaptation in aerobic capacity. Recent advances in molecular biology and genetics should be harnessed by exercise biologists in conjunction with previously used physiological, histological and biochemical techniques to study elite athletes and their responses to different training and recovery regimens. Technological advances should be harnessed to study world-class athletes to determine optimal training and competition strategies. In summary, it is likely that multiple factors are essential contributors to world-class endurance performance and that it is only by using a multidisciplinary approach that we will come closer to solving the conundrum: 'What makes an endurance athlete world class?'

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2005

Fungal infection of the feet in soccer players and non-athlete individuals.

This study was conducted to evaluate the occurrence of mycoses affecting the feet of soccer players and to compare this results with those in non-athlete individuals of the same age and sex. Initial evaluation consisted of a dermatological examination of the foot in 22 Chinese athletes, 83 Brazilian athletes and 24 Brazilian non-athletes. Scales of plantar skin, interdigital and subungual areas of the foot were collected for mycological examination (direct and culture). Nail clippings were obtained for histopathologic analysis. Tinea pedis was diagnosed more frequently among the non-athlete individuals. None of the Chinese athletes had tinea pedis alone. However, in this group onychomycosis was frequently higher when compared to the other groups. The fungal microbiota comprised Trichophyton rubrum (40%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (36.4%) and Candida spp (20%). Candida spp was isolated only from Brazilian athletes. Results obtained with KOH wet mounts agreed with the results obtained in culture and with histopathologic examinations (50.5% vs 40.9%). The frequency of tinea pedis among soccer players was lower than the other groups in this study, possibly due to health education and professional feet care.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The relationship between coaching behaviours and sport anxiety in athletes.

Previous research has identified the relationship between athlete sport anxiety and various sport outcomes (e.g., performance and dropout). For the majority of athletes involved in sport, the coach is an influential element of the competitive experience. Two hundred and twenty-eight athletes from 15 sports, completed the Sport Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Coaching Behavior Scale for Sport (CBS-S). The predictive ability of athletes' perceived frequency of seven coaching behaviours (physical training, mental preparation, goal setting, technical skills, competition strategies, personal rapport and negative personal rapport) on four forms of sport anxiety (total anxiety, somatic anxiety, concentration disruption and worry) was examined. Results indicate that negative personal rapport was a significant predictor of all measured forms of sport anxiety while competition strategies was a significant predictor for total anxiety, concentration disruption, and worry. Other behaviours were not significant. The findings suggest that negative rapport between coach and athlete is an important contributor to athlete anxiety. In addition, behaviours that the coach demonstrates relative to competition can be influential in reducing athlete anxiety.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Sleep in athletes undertaking protocols of exposure to nocturnal simulated altitude at 2650 m.

A popular method to attempt to enhance performance is for athletes to sleep at natural or simulated moderate altitude (SMA) when training daily near sea level. Based on our previous observation of periodic breathing in athletes sleeping at SMA, we hypothesised that athletes' sleep quality would also suffer with hypoxia. Using two typical protocols of nocturnal SMA (2650 m), we examined the effect on the sleep physiology of 14 male endurance-trained athletes. The selected protocols were Consecutive (15 successive exposure nights) and Intermittent (3x 5 successive exposure nights, interspersed with 2 normoxic nights) and athletes were randomly assigned to follow either one. We monitored sleep for two successive nights under baseline conditions (B; normoxia, 600 m) and then at weekly intervals (nights 1, 8 and 15 (N1, N8 and N15, respectively)) of the protocols. Since there was no significant difference in response between the protocols being followed (based on n=7, for each group) we are unable to support a preference for either one, although the likelihood of a Type II error must be acknowledged. For all athletes (n=14), respiratory disturbance and arousal responses between B and N1, although large in magnitude, were highly individual and not statistically significant. However, SpO2 decreased at N1 versus B (p<0.001) and remained lower on N8 (p<0.001) and N15 (p<0.001), not returning to baseline level. Compared to B, arousals were more frequent on N8 (p=0.02) and N15 (p=0.01). The percent of rapid eye movement sleep (REM) increased from N1 to N8 (p=0.03) and N15 (p=0.01). Overall, sleeping at 2650 m causes sleep disturbance in susceptible athletes, yet there was some improvement in REM sleep over the study duration.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

The college life experiences of African American women athletes.

The present study provides a descriptive analysis of four areas of African American women student athletes' college life experiences: academic performance; alienation and abuse; perceived social advantage as the result of athletics; and life satisfaction. Multivariate comparisons were made between the four areas of college life experiences of 154 African American women student athletes and 793 White women student athletes, 250 African American women nonathletes, and 628 African American men student athletes from a national sample of 39 NCAA Division I universities. Overall, African American women student athletes are performing adequately academically, integrating socially within the university, perceiving some social advantage as the result of being athletes, and are fairly satisfied with their life. Their experiences seem most consistent with African American women nonathletes. Results are discussed in the context of potential policy recommendations as well as the need for more research on this particular population.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Erythropoietin concentrations and isoforms in urine of anonymous Olympic athletes during the Nagano Olympic Games.

The ordinary doping control urine samples of 36 anonymous participants (cross-country skiers, biathlon athletes, and curling athletes) of the 1998 Nagano Olympic Games were analyzed for erythropoietin and erythropoietin isoforms. The urine erythropoietin concentration (IU/l) was determined with a competitive radioimmunoassay method and the isoforms were studied by electrophoresis and given as milli albumin mobility units (mAMU). Erythropoietin was detectable in 23 out of 36 specimens (64%). The biathlon and curling athletes had similar urine concentration of erythropoietin. The group of 16 cross-country skiers had significantly (P < 0.05) increased urine concentration of erythropoietin as compared to curling athletes and four of them had urine erythropoietin concentrations between 3.6 and 5.1 IU/l. The electrophoretic mobility of erythropoietin was determined in all eight samples with urine concentration of erythropoietin of more than 2 (range 2.1-5.1) IU/l. No single urine specimen with a median erythropoietin electrophoretic mobility below the cut-off level of 670 mAMU (indicative of doping with recombinant erythropoietin) was registered. Erythropoietin in urine was detected in 71% and the isoforms of Epo characterized in 29% of the anonymous Olympic endurance athletes. The urine concentration of erythropoietin in the biathlon and curling athletes were similar to those of non-athletes. The group of cross-country skiers had higher levels of erythropoietin in urine. These higher levels of urine erythropoietin in cross-country skiers are partly due to more concentrated urine specimens.

Biomarkers↗
PubMed1990

Self-actualisation of elite wheelchair athletes.

The purpose of this study was to examine the self-actualisation of male and female elite wheelchair athletes in comparison to the general population and to able-bodied athletes. All subjects completed the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI), and statistically significant differences were identified. In general, wheelchair athletes were similar to the general population. Male wheelchair athletes were significantly more self-actualised than able-bodied athletes, but female wheelchair athletes were self-actualised to the same extent as able-bodied athletes.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2005

Mitochondrial DNA and ACTN3 genotypes in Finnish elite endurance and sprint athletes.

Differences in ACTN3 (alpha-actinin 3) genotypes have been reported among endurance and power athletes. Elite athletic performance in endurance sports should also depend on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) that produces ATP for muscle metabolism. We determined mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and ACTN3 genotypes in Finnish elite endurance (n = 52) and sprint (n = 89) athletes, and found that the frequencies of mtDNA haplogroups differed significantly between the two groups. Most notably, none of the endurance athletes belonged to haplogroup K or subhaplogroup J2, both of which have previously been associated with longevity. The frequency of ACTN3 XX genotype was higher and that of RR was lower among Finnish endurance athletes, and, in addition, none of the top Finnish sprinters had the XX genotype. Lack of mtDNA haplogroup K and subhaplogroup J2 among elite endurance athletes suggests that these haplogroups are 'uncoupling genomes'. Such genomes should not be beneficial to endurance-type athletic performance but should be beneficial to longevity, since uncoupling of OXPHOS reduces the production of ATP, reduces the release of reactive oxygen species and generates heat.

Actinin↗
PubMed2004

Isokinetic shoulder rotator muscles in wheelchair athletes.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the influence of wheelchair propulsion and neurological level on isokinetic shoulder rotational strength. SETTING: University of Montpellier, France METHODS: Data were evaluated in three groups of subjects as follows: 12 nonathletes, 15 tennis players and 21 wheelchair athletes. We then compared 12 high paraplegic athletes (HPA) and nine low paraplegic athletes (LPA) within the group of 21 wheelchair athletes: The isokinetic tests were performed in the seated 45 degrees abducted test position in the scapular plane at 60, 180 and 300 degrees s(-1) for both shoulders. Peak torque and mean power values were gathered and, from these values, the internal/external rotation ratios were calculated. RESULTS: Intergroup comparison showed an influence of lesion and sport on peak torque at 180 and 300 degrees s(-1) for the internal rotators and significantly higher values of the internal/external ratios in the wheelchair athlete group. For mean power, we observed significant differences under all test conditions and significant differences for ratio only on the dominant side at 180 degrees s(-1) and on the dominant side at 300 degrees s(-1). Comparison of the two groups of paraplegic athletes showed significantly higher values of peak torque and mean power of the external rotators in the LPA for all test conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Neurological level of lesion does not systematically influence the development of internal rotator muscles; in contrast, the participation of the external rotators appears strongly correlated to neurological level. The comparison of the two sides in the two paraplegic groups showed that in two-thirds of the cases the values of the external rotators were significantly higher than those of the internal rotators on the nondominant side for peak torque and mean power. Ratios on the dominant side were systematically higher than on the nondominant side, with significant differences also noted in two-thirds of the cases. These results raise questions about the influence of neurological level and wheelchair propulsion on the muscular adaptations of the shoulder in wheelchair athletes.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2002

Comparison of viscoelastic characteristics in triceps surae between Black and White athletes.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate race differences in viscoelastic characteristics of triceps surae muscle group. Black and white college sprint type athletes (n=44) participated in this study. Viscoelastic properties were assessed using the free vibration technique: subjects sat with their forefeet on the edge of a force-plate (Kistler, Switzerland) and support a frame loaded with weights (0-40 kg) on the knees. Oscillations of the triceps surae and Achilles tendon system were initiated with a hand-held hammer by tapping the weight load. Oscillations occur at frequencies of 3-6 Hz and were slightly damped. The damped oscillations in conjunction with the equation of motion of a damped mass-spring model were used to calculate the viscosity of muscle (b), and the elasticity of muscle fibres (k(d)) and tendon (k(t)) in each subject. There were little significant differences in most of physical characteristic variables between black and white athletes. Black athletes have significantly greater muscle viscosity and elasticity than white athletes while tendon elasticity is equivalent. Thus, muscle stiffness is greater among black athletes. Greater muscle stiffness could contribute to greater sprint/jump performance among black athletes, compared with white athletes, through alteration of foot/ground contact and take-off phases during sprinting/jumping.

Achilles Tendon↗
PubMed2000

The female athlete.

Over the past 30 years, the number of women participating in organized sports has grown dramatically. Several forms of menstrual irregularities have been described in the female athlete: primary and secondary amenorrhoea, oligomenorrhoea, short luteal phases and anovulation. The incidence of menstrual irregularities is much higher in activities where a thin body is required for better performance. The hormonal pattern seen in these athletes is a hypothalamic amenorrhoea profile. There appears to be a decrease in gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulses from the hypothalamus, which in turn decreases the pulsatile secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and shuts down stimulation of ovary. Recently, another type of amenorrhoea has been described in swimmers which is characterized by mild hyperandrogenism. Athletes with low weight are at risk of developing the female athletic triad, which includes amenorrhoea, osteoporosis and disordered eating. Athletes with this triad are susceptible to stress fractures. Other issues include the pregnant athlete. Intensive exercise during pregnancy can cause bradycardia. Safe limits of aerobic exercise in pregnancy depend on previous exercise habits. Infertility, which may develop with exercise, is probably reversible with reduction of exercise or weight gain. High impact sports activities may produce urinary incontinence. Oestrogen replacement therapy is often prescribed in amenorrhoeic athletes, but bone loss may not be completely reversible.

Body Constitution↗
PubMed2002

Exercise-related syncope in young competitive athletes without evidence of structural heart disease. Clinical presentation and long-term outcome.

AIMS: Exercise-related syncopal spells in athletes receive great attention and are a source of anxiety in the sporting world. The aim of the present study is to describe the clinical presentation, the yield of the initial diagnostic work-up and the long-term outcome of a series of consecutive competitive athletes with recurrent exercise-related syncopal spells. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study cohort included 33 athletes (20 females, mean age 21.4+/-3.2 years) referred for recurrent unexplained episodes of exercise-related syncope (mean number of spells before evaluation 4.66+/-1.97). All athletes underwent an extensive evaluation, including echocardiography, 24-h electrocardiographic monitoring, exercise testing, cardiac electrophysiological study and head-up tilt testing. The echocardiographic examination revealed the presence of a mitral valve prolapse in two cases (6.0%). During maximal exercise testing, four athletes (12.1%) developed hypotension associated with pre-syncope. Twenty-two subjects (66.6%) showed a positive response to head-up tilt testing. During follow-up (33.5+/-17.2 months) 11/33 athletes (33.3%) showed at least one recurrence of exercise-related syncope (mean time to first recurrence 20.4+/-14.5 months). No other adverse event of any kind was noted during follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier estimates of first recurrence of exercise-related syncope after 12, 36 and 60 months were 9.1%, 24.4% and 42.9%. The number and frequency of exercise-related syncopal spells before evaluation were found to be univariate predictors of syncope recurrence (P<0.001). However, in the multivariate analysis, the number of exercise-related syncopal spells before evaluation was found to be the only independent predictor of syncope recurrence (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the idea that recurrent exercise related-syncope is not associated with an adverse outcome in athletes without cardiac disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Is asthma over- or under-diagnosed in athletes?

A high prevalence of asthma has been reported in athletes. However, studies in this population usually show an even higher prevalence of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). This report compares studies on self-reported or physician-diagnosed asthma in athletes with those using objective measures of airflow limitation or airway responsiveness. The higher prevalence of AHR (or EIB) measured in athletes, when compared with the prevalence of self-reported or physician-diagnosed asthma, suggests that abnormal airway responses are common in athletes, although they are infrequently associated with troublesome respiratory symptoms. This may indicate underdiagnosis of asthma in athletes, possibly due to an underreporting of respiratory symptoms or a reduction in perception of nociceptive sensations with repeated exercise over time, or it may simply mean that high-level training is associated with asymptomatic AHR. In athletes, as in the general population, the use of subjective methods such as surveys and questionnaires results in an underestimation ofthe prevalence of airway dysfunction when compared with objective measurements. The significance of these observations is unknown, and there is a need to determine their long-term consequences for athletes.

Asthma, Exercise-Induced↗