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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1990

Athletic performance following rapid traversal of multiple time zones. A review.

Athletes travel across multiple time zones in order to engage in national or international competition. It has often been assumed that rapid transmeridian translocation has a negative impact on athletic performance. However, the available studies are characterised by major methodological problems. Consequently, no compelling evidence exists demonstrating that air travel adversely influences athletic performance. Evidence suggests that distance and sprint running performance, as well as dynamic muscular strength and endurance of the elbow flexors, is impaired following west-east travel across 6 times zones in untrained individuals. However, there is no evidence that these findings for untrained subjects generalise to athletes. Both physiological and psychological mechanisms might account for potential effects of travel on athletic performance, but little is known about these potential mechanisms with regards to athletic performance. Systematic research is needed if the relationship between air travel and athletic performance is to be elucidated.

Aircraft↗
PubMed1992

Why is life stress ignored in studies of 'stress' and athletic performance?

Investigations of relationships between stress and athletic performance and stress and outcomes outside of sport psychology have a parallel evolution. Each area has advanced from early attempts to find simple, strong relationships to current strategies for evaluating the influences of individual differences and situational factors on more elusive relationships. However, the most common conceptualizations of stress are very different in research on sport psychology and stress, and most studies of stress and athletic performance do not involve the influences of stress outside athletics. We propose that the approaches used by sports psychologists and stress researchers could be combined to evaluate more fully the relationships between stress and athletic performance.

Achievement↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Analysis of athletic performance with prophylactic ankle devices.

We evaluated the effect of different ankle support devices on athletic performance. Thirty varsity college athletes were tested with both ankles supported by taping, Swede-O brace, Kallassy brace or left unsupported. The athletes performed four events: broad jump, vertical leap, 10 yard shuttle run, and 40 yard sprint. The events and appliances were randomized to prevent bias by fatigue. Compared to the results when no support was used, ankle taping resulted in a significant decreased performance in the vertical jump (4%), shuttle run (1.6%), and sprint (3.5%) (P less than 0.05). Use of the Swede-O brace decreased performance in the vertical jump (4.6%), broad jump (3.6%), and time of the sprint (3.2%). Results using the Kallassy brace showed a decrease in the vertical jump (3.4%) when compared to no support. The test results of the shuttle run with taping were slower than the Kallassy brace (P less than 0.05). Wearing the Swede-O brace caused the athletes' broad jump distance to decrease more than the Kallassy brace (P less than 0.05). Subjective questionnaires supported the Kallassy brace as the most comfortable support and the one that decreased performance the least. Taping of the ankles is universally accepted for ankle prophylaxis. This study has shown a decrease in performance when ankles are taped compared to ankles with no protection. Since the decreases in performance caused by ankle braces are minor, this should not be used as a criterion for selection of prophylactic support compared to taping.

Ankle Injuries↗
PubMed2026

Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training at Different Levels of Arterial Occlusion Pressure on Body Composition and Athletic Performance in Youth Soccer Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of low-load blood flow restriction training (BFRT) performed at different levels of arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) on body composition, maximal strength, and athletic performance in youth soccer players. Twenty-four male youth soccer players were randomly assigned to 40% AOP group, 60% AOP group, or control group. Participants in the BFRT groups performed lower-limb resistance training at 30% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) under the corresponding pressure conditions, whereas the control group trained without BFR. Training was conducted three times per week for six weeks. Body composition, back squat 1RM, countermovement jump (CMJ), T-test, and 30-m sprint performance were assessed before and after the intervention. Results showed that lower-limb muscle mass increased significantly in both the 40% AOP group (mean change = 0.55 kg, 95% CI: 0.13 to 0.97 kg, P = 0.010) and the 60% AOP group (mean change = 0.83 kg, 95% CI: 0.37 to 1.29 kg, P < 0.001), with the 60% AOP group showing significantly greater gains than the control group (between-group difference = 1.48 kg, 95% CI: 0.40 to 2.56 kg, P = 0.008). Back squat 1RM improved significantly in both the 40% AOP group (mean change = 6.50 kg, 95% CI: 3.90 to 9.10 kg, P < 0.001) and the 60% AOP group (mean change = 9.25 kg, 95% CI: 6.75 to 11.75 kg, P < 0.001), with the 60% AOP group demonstrating superior strength gains compared with the 40% AOP group (between-group difference = 2.94 kg, 95% CI: 0.20 to 5.68 kg, P = 0.048). CMJ height and T-test performance improved significantly in both the 40% AOP group (CMJ: mean change = 2.07 cm, 95% CI: 0.80 to 3.34 cm, P = 0.002; T-test: mean change = -0.23 s, 95% CI: -0.35 to -0.11 s, P = 0.001) and the 60% AOP group (CMJ: mean change = 2.65 cm, 95% CI: 1.00 to 4.30 cm, P = 0.003; T-test: mean change = -0.26 s, 95% CI: -0.38 to -0.14 s, P < 0.001), with no significant differences between the two BFRT groups (all P > 0.05). No significant changes were observed in 30-m sprint performance across groups (all P > 0.05). This study showed that six weeks of low-load (30% 1RM) blood flow restriction training performed at both 40% and 60% AOP was associated with improvements in lower-limb muscle mass, squat strength, and selected aspects of athletic performance in youth soccer players, compared with low-load training without BFR. While both pressure levels elicited comparable improvements in CMJ and agility performance, training at 60% AOP was associated with greater adaptations in lower-limb muscle mass and squat strength, with no additional benefits observed for 30-m sprint performance.

Humans↗
PubMed1991

Insufficient dietary carbohydrate during training: does it impair athletic performance?

It is well established that adequate bodily carbohydrate reserves are required for optimal endurance. Based on this fact, it has been hypothesized that consumption of a diet with a high percentage of carbohydrate energy will optimize training adaptations and athletic performance. Scrutiny of the literature, however, does not strongly support the hypothesis that short-term or long-term reductions in dietary carbohydrate energy impairs training or athletic performance. Additional studies with well devised training protocols and performance tests are necessary to prove or disprove the hypothesis that a high carbohydrate energy diet is necessary to optimize training adaptations and performance. Because dietary carbohydrate contributes directly to bodily carbohydrate reserves, and because a high carbohydrate energy diet does not impair athletic performance, it remains prudent to advise athletes to consume a diet with a high carbohydrate energy content.

Diet↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Impact of air pollutants on athletic performance.

Human controlled and observational studies both lead to the conclusion of air pollution adversely affecting athletic performance during training and competition. The dosage of various air pollutants during exercise is much higher due to the marked increase in ventilatory rate and concomitant nasal and oral breathing. This is particularly true for sulfur dioxide which is a highly water-soluble gas and is normally absorbed in the upper airway during nasal breathing. With heavy exercise, oral pharyngeal breathing is the predominant mode of breathing and much larger amounts of sulfur dioxide are delivered to the lower airway resulting in significant impact upon the lower respiratory tract. More recently, several controlled human studies have shown that a combination of exercise and air pollutants such as ozone (O3) or sulfur dioxides (SO2) cause a significant increase in bronchoconstriction and air flow obstruction when compared to the same exposure at rest. In strenuous athletic competition such as the Olympic Games where small increments of time often determine the ultimate success of athletes, the impact of air pollutants and subsequent adverse ventilatory changes can affect athletic performance.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[A variant analysis of static body mass, height, surface area, radiological heart volume and aerobic capacity. Comparison findings between 200 high performance athletes with 80 untrained persons (author's transl)].

Static body mass and parameters of aerobic capacities were investigated in 200 high performance athletes and 80 untrained persons. The results were subjected to a variant analysis. A subdivision of the athletes into strength and endurance sports has been shown to be of value. The mean range in untrained persons, strength athletes, endurance sports athletes and other athletes is presented. Significant variations were observed. Body mass, height and surface area was measured and the findings in athletes and untrained persons were compared. From the variant analysis of absolute and relative heart volume, the statement can be made, that athletes have larger hearts and that differences between sports exist. On the average the maximal O2-Puls and maximal Wattpuls as a measure of the aerobic capacity are greater in trained than in untrained persons. A close correlation between maximal O2-Puls and Wattpuls was demonstrated. Between strength and endurance athletes significant differences in both parameters are observed. A comparison of several statistics from the West German sport medicine literature of recent decades has shown, that in spite of changes in training quality and quantity in high performances athletes no evidence could be found for an increase in the performance parameters of the aerobic capacity.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Enhancement of athletic performance with drugs. An overview.

Drug use among athletes has become a recognised problem in sports. Athletes may use drugs for therapeutic indications, for recreational or social reasons, as ergogenic aids or to mask the presence of other drugs during drug testing. Stimulants were some of the first drugs used and studied as ergogenic aids. Amphetamines may increase time to exhaustion by masking the physiological response to fatigue. Caffeine may improve utilisation of fatty acids as a fuel source thereby sparing muscle glycogen. Cocaine and other sympathomimetic drugs have little or no effect on athletic performance. Anabolic steroids appear to have the potential to increase lean muscle mass and strength under certain conditions. Human growth hormone may also be used for an anabolic effect, but data on this effect are lacking. Erythropoietin may represent a pharmacological alternative to blood doping by increasing red blood cell mass. The use of narcotic analgesics is not necessarily ergogenic but can be harmful if used to allow participation of an athlete with a severe injury. According to the American College of Sports Medicine alcohol does not possess an ergogenic effect. However, it may be used to reduce anxiety or tremor prior to competition. Marijuana does not increase strength. Tobacco products may produce psychomotor effects or control appetite which may be beneficial to some athletes. Other drugs used by athletes include beta-blocking agents, diuretics, and a variety of nutritional supplements. In addition, diuretics and probenecid may be taken to mask drug contents in the urine. Whether the ergogenic effects are real or perceived, the potential for adverse effects exists for all of these drugs. Potential health complications represent a serious risk to an otherwise healthy population. Further research on the long term health risks in athletes taking ergogenic drugs is needed.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed1991

[Bronchial asthma in high-performance athletes].

Bronchial asthma is as frequent among high performance athletes as in the general population. We requested information from 2961 athletes of national or international level about these matters and received 2060 answers. From these, we identified 146 athletes (7.1%) with exercise-related deep respiratory airways symptoms. Athletes subject to hay fever (42%) suffer significantly more often (p less than 0.001) from such symptoms during exercise. 80% of these 146 cases had an insufficient diagnostic investigation and/or were treated with medicines unsuited to their needs or even not treated at all. Of particular interest, athletes who additionally had hay fever also received inadequate treatment, even though it is well known that they are subject to enhanced bronchial irritability during the pollen season. As a rule, athletes with exercise-related respiratory problems should be advised to abstain from smoking, especially if they suffer from an atopy-like illness, such as hay fever.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Nasal patency, aerobic capacity, and athletic performance.

The patency of the nasal airway may directly affect pulmonary ventilation, with obstruction and increased nasal resistance resulting in increased pulmonary resistance, hypoxia, and hypercapnea. Nine aerobic athletes were evaluated to assess the role of the nasal airway on aerobic capacity and athletic performance. A step-ladder graded maximal aerobic capacity test was performed under three test conditions: obstructed, decongested with oxymetazoline hydrochloride, and saline control. No differences in maximum VO2, work load, oxygen saturation, maximal blood pressure, heart rate, or respiratory rate were noted between test conditions. Pre-exercise nasal resistance was lower in the decongested compared to control conditions, but no differences were found after exercise. Athletic performance was not influenced by nasal patency in this model.

Airway Resistance↗
PubMed1991

Evaluation of venous flow by light reflection rheography (LRR) in athletes performing track race.

The venous flow physiology in the athletes represents an interesting research field of sports angiology. The frequent observation of phlebectasias and/or varicose veins in athletes incited us to investigate the venous pathophysiological mechanisms predisposing them to such diseases. The maximal venous outflow (Rmax in millivolts) and the 1/2 venous refilling time (1/2 VRT in seconds) were evaluated in track racers, at rest and after exercise, by means of the light reflexion rheography (LRR). Thirty-two athletes (16 males, 16 females; mean age 23.4 years, range 15-37) were studied, dividing them in three groups: (A) 100 m (13), (B) 2,000 m (13), (C) 6 x 100 m with 2 minute recovery time (6). Among them six athletes performed the test wearing elastic compression stockings (25-32 mmHg). The results demonstrated a significant post-exercise modification of LRR curves and parameters in all groups, testifying superficial venous flow augmentation and deep venous flow overloading.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Protein intake and athletic performance.

For most of the current century, exercise/nutritional scientists have generally accepted the belief that exercise has little effect on protein/amino acid requirements. However, during the same time period many athletes (especially strength athletes) have routinely consumed diets high in protein. In recent years, the results of a number of investigations involving both strength and endurance athletes indicate that, in fact, exercise does increase protein/amino acid need. For endurance athletes, regular exercise may increase protein need by 50 to 100%. For strength athletes, the data are less clear; however, protein intakes in excess of sedentary needs may enhance muscle development. Despite these observations increased protein intake may not improve athletic performance because many athletes routinely consume 150 to 200% of sedentary protein requirements. Assuming total energy intake is sufficient to cover the high expenditures caused by daily training, a diet containing 12 to 15% of its energy from protein should be adequate for both types of athletes.

Dietary Proteins↗
PubMed1992

Effects of coenzyme athletic performance system as an ergogenic aid on endurance performance to exhaustion.

This study examined the effects of the Coenzyme Athletic Performance System (CAPS) on endurance performance to exhaustion. CAPS contains 100 mg coenzyme Q10, 500 mg cytochrome C, 100 mg inosine, and 200 IU vitamin E. Eleven highly trained male triathletes were given three daily doses of either CAPS or placebo (dicalcium phosphate) for two 4-week periods using a double-blind crossover design. A 4-week washout period separated the two treatment periods. An exhaustive performance test, consisting of 90 minutes of running on a treadmill (70% VO2max) followed by cycling (70% VO2max) until exhaustion, was conducted after each treatment period. The mean (+/- SEM) time to exhaustion for the subjects using CAPS (223 +/- 17 min) was not significantly different (p = 0.57) from the placebo trial (215 +/- 9 min). Blood glucose, lactate, and free fatty acid concentrations at exhaustion did not differ between treatments (p < 0.05). CAPS had no apparent benefit on exercise to exhaustion.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Effects of mandibular appliances on athletic performance.

This chapter provides a review of the research findings on the role of oral appliances in performance augmentation among athletes. Supporting and non-supporting data are detailed. Evaluation of these data is complicated by the difficulty in establishing objective tests and ruling out subjective reports on strength augmentation among athletes.

Dental Occlusion↗
PubMed1989

Abuse of drugs used to enhance athletic performance.

The ergogenic potential of drugs used by athletes to enhance performance is reviewed, and areas of involvement for pharmacists interested in the problem of drug abuse in athletics are described. Athletes use drugs for therapeutic and recreational purposes, as supposed ergogenic aids, and to mask the presence of other drugs during testing. Because many athletes train for competition and not for health, they may view the risk-to-benefit ratio of ergogenic drugs as favorable and may begin using them at an early age. Alcohol is the drug most commonly used by student athletes. Although alcohol has no ergogenic benefit, it is viewed as a caloric source and an anxiolytic. Amphetamines do not prevent exhaustion but may mask fatigue, which can have dangerous consequences. Anabolic steroids appear to increase strength but frequently cause adverse reactions, primarily involving the hepatic and endocrine systems. Beta-blocking agents have been shown to reduce anxiety, hand tremor, and heart rate in precision sports like archery, but susceptible persons may experience serious adverse effects. Caffeine improves the efficiency of fuel use and reduces fatigue; its use has been banned by several athletic organizations. Neither cocaine nor marijuana causes any increase in strength. Secretion of human growth hormone may be stimulated by a variety of agents, but evidence that any subsequent increases in size and weight occur is lacking. Other substances tried by athletes include vitamins and minerals, naloxone, albuterol, and human recombinant erythropoietin. Opportunities in sports pharmacy exists in the areas of information retrieval and interpretation, drug testing, legislation to reclassify drugs, education, and research.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Doping in Sports↗
PubMed1990

Increased 137caesium whole body radioactivity in high-performance athletes.

A shadow shield whole body counter with automated gamma spectrum analysis is used in the division of nuclear medicine for the measurement of whole body radioactivity. After the radioactive fall-out in Austria caused by the Chernobyl accident the instrument has been extensively utilized for the assessment of the radiation level in the general population. In November of 1986 and 1987 the level of internal contamination with 137Cs in high-performance athletes was compared with a group of subjects practicing little or no sports. It was found that significantly higher contents of 137Cs were present in the athletes. Furthermore, it was found that within the groups of athletes male subjects had significantly higher internal 137Cs contamination per kilogram of body mass than the female subjects. An explanation for this is the different nutrition and the higher relative muscle mass of the athletes.

Adolescent↗