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The influence of gender, athletic events, and athletic experience on the subjective dominant hand and the determination of the dominant hand based on the laterality quotient (LQ) and the validity of the LQ.

This study aimed to reveal the influence of gender, athletic events and athletic experience on the subjective dominant hand and the dominant hand based on the laterality quotient (LQ). It also aimed to examine the validity of the Edinburgh Inventory (Oldfield, 1971). Males and females (n=3,726) living in 7 prefectures in Japan (age: 16-45 yrs) participated in this survey. Analysis was performed on 3,557 separate datasets with high reliability. The reliability of the survey was examined using a test-retest method consisting of 100 people selected randomly from all participants. All participants provided the same answers for each question. The influence of gender, event and experience was examined for the subjective and LQ-based dominant hands. In addition, concordance rates of the subjective dominant hand and the LQ-based dominant hand and both dominant hands were examined. Differences of concordance rates between hands used in the 10 movement questions of the Inventory and the subjective dominant hand were tested using the chi(2) test. The frequency differences among items were tested using Ryan's method (multiple comparisons). Significant gender differences were found between rates of the LQ-based dominant hand (males: 94.4%; females: 96.6%) and the subjective dominant hand (males: 91.6%; females: 94.0%), but the degree was only 2.0-4.0%. Insignificant differences were found among athletic events, two groups of different athletic experience, and gender according to each athletic event. The subjective dominant hand almost always agreed with the LQ-based dominant hand (complete concordance rate=0.96, kappa=0.67). Of the 10 question items, inexperienced answers were found only in the item "Knife (without fork)". The "Toothbrush", "Broom (upper hand)", and "Opening box (lid)" items had significantly lower correspondence with the subjective dominant hand (79.7-87.0%) than the other items (92.1-95.7%). In conclusion, athletic experience appears to have little influence on handedness, although there is a slight gender difference. The subjective dominant hand almost always agrees with the dominant hand based on the Inventory. A more efficient handedness inventory may be constructed by excluding the above 4 items.

Adolescent↗

A comparative study of cardiopulmonary efficiency in athletes and non-athletes.

This study was aimed to determine during exercise the maximum related oxygen transport viz, maximum heart rate (max HR), dyspnoeic index (DI), oxygen pulse (O2 pulse), recovery heart rate in an athletic and a non-athletic group. Both study groups were subjected to graded treadmill exercise testing and pulmonary function test (PFT) was done using an electronic spirolyser. Results were compared and analysed. Significantly higher values in athletes were observed as compared to non-athletes regarding the following parameters: VO2 max, V(E) max, delta heart rate and max O2 pulse where resting heart rate, DI at VO2 max and recovery heart rate were lower in athletes while there was no significant change in both the groups in observed value of: MW, BR at VO2 max HR. The observations suggest an overall higher adaptability of the cardiovascular system and the relative refractoriness of the respiratory system to the effects of training and the maximum oxygen consumption in both the groups show similar values as that from otherparts of the country while MW, V(E) max, BR at VO2 and DI at VO2 max differ. A higher delta heart rate in athletes suggests a lesser risk for cardiovascular mortality in this group.

Adolescent↗

Motivational congruency and discrepancy between certified athletic trainers and noncertified student athletic trainers in the state of hawaii.

In March 1992, a survey to assess motivational preference was sent to all certified athletic trainers who were practicing in the State of Hawaii and all noncertified student athletic trainers who were enrolled in the athletic training curriculum at the University of Hawaii. The return rate was 80% for certified athletic trainers and 100% for student athletic trainers. The findings of the study indicated that a motivational discrepancy exists for the following motivational stems: freedom on the job, job growth, benefits and wages, being appreciated, helping the organization obtain goals, receiving raises, being an integral part of the work team, job security, and feedback on job performance (p <.05). Further, the study indicated differences in rating the importance of motivators between the certified and the student athletic trainers concerning freedom on the job, opportunity for advancement, benefits and wages, and job security (p <.05). The differences in motivational factors between the two groups indicated that the students are more concerned with intrinsic types of motivators and less concerned with extrinsic rewards. Further investigation needs to include mainland populations and students in approved/accredited curriculums.

Journal Article↗

National athletic trainers' association position statement: fluid replacement for athletes.

OBJECTIVE: To present recommendations to optimize the fluid-replacement practices of athletes. BACKGROUND: Dehydration can compromise athletic performance and increase the risk of exertional heat injury. Athletes do not voluntarily drink sufficient water to prevent dehydration during physical activity. Drinking behavior can be modified by education, increasing accessibility, and optimizing palatability. However, excessive overdrinking should be avoided because it can also compromise physical performance and health. We provide practical recommendations regarding fluid replacement for athletes. RECOMMENDATIONS: Educate athletes regarding the risks of dehydration and overhydration on health and physical performance. Work with individual athletes to develop fluid-replacement practices that optimize hydration status before, during, and after competition.

Journal Article↗

Preseason strength and flexibility imbalances associated with athletic injuries in female collegiate athletes.

One hundred thirty-eight female collegiate athletes, participating in eight weightbearing varsity sports, were administered preseason strength and flexibility tests and followed for injuries during their sports seasons. Strength was measured as the maximal isokinetic torque of the right and left knee flexors and knee extensors at 30 and 180 deg/sec. Flexibility was measured as the active range of motion of several lower body joints. An athletic trainer evaluated and recorded injuries occurring to the athletes in practice or competition. Forty percent of the women suffered one or more injuries. Athletes experienced more lower extremity injuries if they had: 1) a right knee flexor 15% stronger than the left knee flexor at 180 deg/sec; 2) a right hip extensor 15% more flexible than the left hip extensor; 3) a knee flexor/knee extensor ratio of less than 0.75 at 180 deg/sec. There was a trend for higher injury rates to be associated with knee flexor or hip extensor imbalances of 15% or more on either side of the body. These data demonstrate that specific strength and flexibility imbalances are associated with lower extremity injuries in female collegiate athletes.

Adolescent↗

Differences in perceptions of seriousness and disrupting effects of athletic injury as viewed by athletes and their trainer.

Discrepancies between athletes' ratings of the seriousness and disruptive impact of an athletic injury and ratings by one experienced Sports Medicine Trainer were examined for 30 male and 13 female athletes undergoing treatment at a Sports Medicine Clinic. Overestimation of the seriousness or disruptive impact of the injury was significantly correlated with reports of more pain, higher state anxiety, and greater feelings of anger, apathy, loneliness, and inadequacy, and was more common among athletes competing at lower levels. These findings indicate need for psychological support for those athletes who overreact to injury.

Adolescent↗

[Sudden cardiac death in athletes is usually caused by undiagnosed heart disease. Cardiac screening of young athletes under discussion].

Sudden death during exercise in young athletes is usually caused by previously undiagnosed heart disease. The most frequent underlying diseases are hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, coronary artery anomalies and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. The possibility of carrying out screening to prevent these tragic cardiac deaths in young athletes has been discussed. A history of sudden cardiac death at a young age among relatives and/or the occurrence of exercise related symptoms in the active sportsperson may identify some of the individuals at risk. A pathological ECG is also a risk factor, especially in combination with a history of abnormal findings upon physical examination. For a correct evaluation of the young athlete, it is important to be aware of the normal variation of cardiac findings in athletes ("athlete's heart").

Adult↗

Total lumbar disc replacement in athletes: clinical results, return to sport and athletic performance.

Despite the increasing popularity of total lumbar disc replacement (TDR) in predominantly young and active patients, no previous study has addressed possibilities, limitations and potential risks regarding athletic performance following TDR. Mechanical concerns remain and the implant's resilience as regards its load-bearing capacity during sporting activities is unknown. Thirty-nine athletic patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria for this study. These patients participated in a large variety of different types of sport. Significant and lasting pain-relief was attained following TDR with a mean follow-up of 26.3 months (range 9-50.7 months; FU rate 97.4%). Sporting activity was resumed within the first 3 months (38.5%) to 6 months (30.7%) with peak performance being reached after 5.2 months. Thirty-seven patients (94.9%) achieved resumption of sporting activity. Athletic performance improved significantly in 33 patients (84.6%). Minor subsidence was observed in 13 patients (30%) within the first 3 months with no further implant migration thereafter in 12 patients. Participation in all types of sport recorded in this study was accessible for a high rate of patients up to the level of professional athletes as well as those participating in extreme sports. Preoperative participation in sport proved to be a strong positive predictor for highly satisfactory postoperative outcome following TDR. In a selected group of patients, however, preoperative inability to participate in sporting activities did not impair postoperative physical activity. Due to the young age of the patients and significant load increase exerted during athletic activities, persisting concerns regarding the future behaviour of the implant remain and will require longer follow-up, modified investigation techniques and larger patient cohorts.

Adult↗

Higher seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Korean adolescent athletes compared to age- and sex-matched non-athletes.

BACKGROUND: Poor living conditions, such as overcrowding and bed-sharing, are reported to be significant risk factors for Helicobacter pylori infection throughout childhood. We investigated the prevalence of H. pylori infection in Korean athletes who are obliged to live together in training camps for more than 6 months in a year. METHODS: Blood sampling and surveying through questionnaire were performed on 440 students from a regular high school (228 boys and 212 girls) and 220 athletes (148 boys and 72 girls) of a physical education high school. We measured serum immunoglobulin G antibody (IgG Ab) to H. pylori in order to compare the prevalence of H. pylori infection between normal adolescents and athletes. In addition, we conducted a nutritional analysis and questionnaire survey for socioeconomic status in order to compare other risk factors that might influence H. pylori infection between groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of H. pylori infection in athletes (43.2%) was higher than that in the controls (22.7%). No significant differences in the nutritional factors or socioeconomic status, such as Hollingshead index, type of house, number of siblings, and crowding index, were found between the groups. Multivariate analysis showed that crowding and the difference in school type were the significant predictors of H. pylori seropositivity after controlling for dietary and socioeconomic factors. CONCLUSION: The seroprevalence of H. pylori infection was higher in adolescent athletes than in age- and sex-matched regular students. Further prospective study is needed to confirm the observation.

Adolescent↗

Special Olympics: the oral health status of U.S. athletes compared with international athletes.

The Healthy Athletes Special Smiles Program provides oral health screening and data collection for athletes with mental retardation who are participating in Special Olympic events. Recently, data regarding international athletes have become available for the first time, allowing a comparison against data collected in the United States. The international athletes from the countries of China, Lebanon, Poland, South Africa, and Turkey were generally younger than those of the United States (mean age 17.4 versus 24.0 years) and were more likely to be males (64.3 versus 54.6%). The international athletes were more likely to have untreated caries (50.1 versus 28.2%), and less likely to have restorations (19.6 versus 62.9%), sealants (1.8 versus 13.5%), fluorosis (3.5 versus 8.8%), signs of gingival disease (27.8 versus 40.1%), or to be edentulous (0.1 versus 3.7%). These relationships persisted after adjustment for sex and age differences between the populations.

Adolescent↗

Plasma lipid, lipoprotein and apolipoprotein profiles in Nigerian university athletes and non-athletes.

The fasting plasma lipid, lipoprotein and apolipoprotein profiles were determined in 14 healthy Nigerian male athletes and controls matched for sex and anthropometric parameters. The mean levels of total cholesterol (P < 0.05), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, apolipoprotein (apo) AII and E were significantly lower (P < 0.01) in the athletes than in the controls. However, there were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) between the mean values of the plasma triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, apo AI, B, Lp(a), LpA1 and CIII:NonB respectively for the athletes and controls. A priori, the potential effect on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk was also compared using three predictor ratios - total cholesterol: HDL cholesterol (TC:HDL), LDL cholesterol: HDL cholesterol and apo B:AI. The mean of the three ratios was lower in the athletes than in the controls; however, the differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Based on our data, exercise appears to decrease the TC:HDL ratio in the athletes by lowering LDL-cholesterol, while the HDL-cholesterol is unaffected. We conclude that physical activity has salutary effects on the lipid, lipoprotein and apolipoprotein profiles of healthy Nigerian men.

Adolescent↗

Electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings in top athletes, athletic students and sedentary controls.

Thirty top level athletes, 30 athletic students and 30 sedentary controls underwent electrocardiographic and echocardiographic investigation. Resting ECG in athletes showed increased indices of hypertrophy compared to controls. The echocardiographic examination demonstrated an increase in left ventricular mass (LVM) of 47% in top athletes and 23% in athletic students compared to controls. The relationship between wall thickness and diameter was similar in all groups, as were parameters of systolic and diastolic left ventricular function at rest. There was no correlation between LVM assessed by echocardiography and ventricular ectopic activity assessed by Holter monitoring in this normotensive population. Highly significant correlations between ECG and echocardiographic parameters of hypertrophy were demonstrated.

Adult↗

Drugs and the college athlete: an analysis of the attitudes of student athletes at risk.

Theories related to planned behavior and reasoned action have included an individual's attitude as an important factor in the formation of behavioral intentions and behaviors. Research on this topic suggests that salient beliefs affect intentions and subsequent behaviors, either through attitudes or subjective norms, or the degree of (perceived) control that an individual feels he/she has over the behavior. This study was designed to examine the relative importance of selected attitude variables in describing a profile of athletes who were at risk for using anabolic steroids, human grown hormone, amphetamines, cocaine, and marijuana. Responses from 563 student athletes at two Division One NCAA universities were used in the study. The results of this study suggest that subjective norms, based on the influence of drug testing, peer influence, and a fear of detection are significant factors that influence the decisions of student athletes related to using banned substances. In this article characteristics of at-risk athletes are presented with recommendations for drug education programs for student athletes.

Adult↗

National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Emergency Planning in Athletics.

OBJECTIVES: To educate athletic trainers and others about the need for emergency planning, to provide guidelines in the development of emergency plans, and to advocate documentation of emergency planning. BACKGROUND: Most injuries sustained during athletics or other physical activity are relatively minor. However, potentially limb-threatening or life-threatening emergencies in athletics and physical activity are unpredictable and occur without warning. Proper management of these injuries is critical and should be carried out by trained health services personnel to minimize risk to the injured participant. The organization or institution and its personnel can be placed at risk by the lack of an emergency plan, which may be the foundation of a legal claim. RECOMMENDATIONS: The National Athletic Trainers' Association recommends that each organization or institution that sponsors athletic activities or events develop and implement a written emergency plan. Emergency plans should be developed by organizational or institutional personnel in consultation with the local emergency medical services. Components of the emergency plan include identification of the personnel involved, specification of the equipment needed to respond to the emergency, and establishment of a communication system to summon emergency care. Additional components of the emergency plan are identification of the mode of emergency transport, specification of the venue or activity location, and incorporation of emergency service personnel into the development and implementation process. Emergency plans should be reviewed and rehearsed annually, with written documentation of any modifications. The plan should identify responsibility for documentation of actions taken during the emergency, evaluation of the emergency response, institutional personnel training, and equipment maintenance. Further, training of the involved personnel should include automatic external defibrillation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid, and prevention of disease transmission.

Journal Article↗

Direct and indirect interrelations between anthropometric and physiological variables in athletic and non-athletic adolescent girls: a path-analytic study.

Our previous analysis of anthropometric and exercise test data of 62 athletic and 56 non-athletic girls (age range 10.5-15.5 years) showed that the intensity of habitual exercise failed to discriminate between the group means of the studied variables. However, the patterns of intervariable correlations differed between the subgroups categorized by physical activity. The present paper studies the problem of this difference further by using exploratory multivariate regression of aerobic power (VO2max) on 10 anthropometric variables and age. The VO2(max) regression was significant (Y(nonathletic) = 0.0194x(1) + 0.004x(2) - 0.371x(3) + 0.045x(4) - 0.177x(5) + 0.070x(6) - 0.271x(7) - 0.170x(8) + 0.015x(9) - 0.0005x(10) + 0.185x(11), SEE = 0.37, R2 = 0.71, F(11.44) = 9.63; Y(athletic) = 0.029x(1) + 0.063x(2) + 0.277x(3) - 0.030x(4) - 0.069x(5) + 0.151x(6) - 0.148x(7) + 0.001x(8) + 0.018x(9) - 0.019x(10) - 0.065x(11), SEE = 0.32, R2 = 0.71, F(11.50) = 11.30), but none or only one of the independent variables had a significant partial regression coefficient. The individual VO2(max) estimates were studied in both groups by using the other group's regression formula to rule out sample dependence. Both formulae gave good approximations of the observed values in spite of the dissimilar regression coefficients. The path analysis of the respective criterion-predictor correlation coefficients confirmed that the relationship of the predictor variables with VO2(max) involved quantitatively direct and indirect effects in the non-athletic and athletic groups.

Adolescent↗

Extrinsic compression of popliteal artery in asymptomatic athlete and non-athlete individuals. A comparative study using duplex scan (color duplex sonography).

AIM: Extrinsic compression of the popliteal artery and absence of surrounding anatomical abnormalities characterize the functional popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES). The diagnosis is confirmed to individuals who have typical symptoms of popliteal entrapment and occlusion or important stenosis of the popliteal artery with color duplex sonography (CDS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or arteriography during active plantar flexion-extension maneuvers. However, variable result findings in normal asymptomatic subjects have raised doubts as to the validity of these tests. The purpose of this study was to compare the frequency of popliteal artery compression in 2 groups of asymptomatic subjects, athletes and non-athletes. METHODS: Forty-two individuals were studied. Twenty-one subjects were indoor soccer players, and 21 were sedentary individuals. Physical activity was evaluated through questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and cardiopulmonary exercise test. Evaluation of popliteal artery compression was performed in lower limbs with CDS, ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurements and continuous wave Doppler of the posterior tibial artery. RESULTS: The athletes studied fulfilled the criteria of high level of physical activity whereas sedentary subjects met the criteria of low level of activity. Popliteal artery compression was observed with CDS in 6 (14.2%) studied subjects; 2 of whom (4.7%) were athletes and 4 (9.5%) were non-athletes. This difference was not statistically significant (p=0.21). Doppler of the tibial arteries and ABI measurements gave good specificity and sensibility in the identification of popliteal artery compression. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of popliteal artery compression during maneuvers in normal subjects was 14.2% irrespective of whether or not they performed regular physical activities. Both Doppler and ABI showed good agreement with CDS and should be considered in screening popliteal arteries in individuals suspected of PAES.

Adolescent↗

Athletic Trainers as HIV/AIDS Educators for Athletes.

HIV/AIDS continues to spread among the population at large. The age group 20 through 29 is the fastest growing demographic group in terms of AIDS diagnosis. This study examined a specific subgroup of that population: male and female college athletes. Subjects were 821 scholarship basketball players from 53 NCAA institutions across the nation. A survey instrument required respondents to identify common sources of HIV/AIDS information and preferred instructional formats for HIV/AIDS education. Mass media (92.4%), parents (62.2%), and teammates/peers (54.8%) were most commonly identified. Athletic trainers and team physicians were identified by 32.2% and 43.4% of the sample, respectively. The athletes indicated preference for video presentations (66.5%), small group discussions (58.8%), and question and answer sessions with expert panels (52.4%) as the most preferred instructional formats. Athletic trainers and team physicians can use the information presented in this paper to enhance their important roles in HIV/AIDS education for student athletes.

Journal Article↗

Assessment of cardio-pulmonary efficiency in athletes and non-athletes.

Cardiopulmonary efficiency was studied in 18 Indian medical students and 19 state level athletes by estimating maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), and other parameters related to oxygen transport i.e., heart rate, O2 pulse, respiratory quotient, ventilation volume, breathing reserve and dysponoeic index, following graded exercise on a treadmill. Higher VO2 max observed in athletes, was due to higher stroke volume and arterio-venous O2 difference. Though athletes had higher breathing reserve at VO2 max work load, their dysponoeic index and ventilation volume at VO2 max did not differ significantly from non-athletes suggesting that athletes were economical in expending energy for work of breathing during exercise.

Adult↗