Physiological Effects of Training in Elite German Winter Sport Athletes: Sport Specific Remodeling Determined Using Echocardiographic Data and CPET Performance Parameters

Nine ski mountaineering (Ski-Mo), ten Nordic-cross country (NCC), and twelve world elite biathlon (Bia) athletes were evaluated for cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) performance and pronounced echocardiographic physiological cardiac remodeling as a primary aim of our descriptive preliminary report. In this context, a multicenter retrospective analysis of two-dimensional echocardiographic data including speckle tracking of the left ventricle (LV-GLS) and CPET performance analysis was performed in 31 elite world winter sports athletes, which were obtained during the annual sports medicine examination between 2020 and 2021. The matched data of the elite winter sports athletes (14 women, 17 male athletes, age: 18-32 years) were compared for different CPET and echocardiographic parameters, anthropometric data, and sport-specific training schedules. Significant differences could be revealed for left atrial (LA) remodeling by LA volume index (LAVI, p = 0.0052), LV-GLS (p = 0.0003), and LV mass index (LV Mass index, p = 0.0078) between the participating disciplines. All participating athletes showed excellent performance data in the CPET analyses, whereby significant differences were revealed for highest maximum respiratory minute volume (VE (maximum)) and the maximum oxygen pulse level across the participating athletes. This study on sport specific physiological demands in elite winter sport athletes provides new evidence that significant differences in CPET and cardiac remodeling of the left heart can be identified based on the individual athlete's training schedule, frequency, and physique

Evaluation of a Diagnostic-Therapeutic Algorithm for Finger Epiphyseal Growth Plate Stress Injuries in Adolescent Climbers

Background: Finger epiphyseal growth plate stress injuries are the most frequent sport-specific injuries in adolescent climbers. Definitive diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines are pending. Purpose: To evaluate a diagnostic-therapeutic algorithm for finger epiphyseal growth plate stress injuries in adolescent climbers. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: On the basis of previous work on diagnostics and treatment of finger epiphyseal growth plate stress injuries (EGPIs) in adolescent climbers, we developed a new algorithm for management of these injuries, which was implemented into our clinical work. During a 4-year period, we performed a prospective multicentered analysis of our patients treated according to the algorithm. Climbing-specific background was evaluated (training years, climbing level, training methods, etc); injuries were analyzed (Salter-Harris classification and UIAA MedCom score [Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme]); and treatments and outcomes were recorded: union, time to return to climbing, VAS (visual analog scale), QuickDASH (shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand), and a climbing-specific outcome score. Results: Within the observation period, 27 patients with 37 independent EGPIs of the fingers were recorded (mean ± SD age, 14.7 ± 1.5 years; 19 male, 8 female; 66.7% competitive athletes). Regarding maturity at time of injury, the mean age at injury did not differ by sex. Average UIAA climbing level was 9.5 ± 0.8, with 6 ± 4.6 years of climbing or bouldering and 14 ± 9.1 hours of weekly climbing-specific training volume. Among the 37 injuries there were 7 epiphyseal strains, 2 Salter-Harris I fractures, and 28 Salter-Harris III fractures (UIAA 1, n = 7; UIAA 2, n = 30). Thirty-six injuries developed through repetitive stress, while 1 had an acute onset. Twenty-eight injuries were treated nonoperatively and 9 surgically. Osseous union was achieved in all cases, and there were no recurrences. The time between the start of treatment and the return to sport was 40.1 ± 65.2 days. The climbing-specific outcome score was excellent in 34 patients and good in 3. VAS decreased from 2.3 ± 0.6 to 0.1 ± 0.4 after treatment and QuickDASH from 48.1 ± 7.9 to 28.5 ± 3.3. Conclusion: The proposed management algorithm led to osseous union in all cases. Effective treatment of EGPIs of the fingers may include nonsurgical or surgical intervention, depending on the time course and severity of the injury. Further awareness of EGPI is important to help prevent these injuries in the future

Exercise Field Testing in Children: A New Approach for Age-Appropriate Evaluation of Cardiopulmonary Function

Abstract Based on the wide range of problems to effectively perform cardiopulmonary testing in young children, this study strives to develop a new cardiopulmonary exercise test for children using a mobile testing device worn in a backpack in order to test children during their natural movement habits, namely, running outdoors. A standard cardiopulmonary exercise ramp test on a cycle ergometer was performed by a group of twenty 7–10-year-old children. The results were compared with a self-paced incremental running test performed using a mobile cardiopulmonary exercise measuring device in an outdoor park. The children were able to reach significantly higher values for most of the cardiopulmonary exercise variables during the outdoor test and higher. Whereas a plateau in V˙O2 was reached by 25% of the children during the outdoor test, only 75% were able to reach a reasonable VT2, let alone V˙O2peak, during the bicycle test. The heart rate at VT1, the O2-pulse, and the OUES were comparable between both tests. OUES was also positively correlated with V˙O2peak in both tests. Testing children outdoors using a mobile cardiopulmonary exercise unit represents an alternative to standard exercise testing, but without the added problems of exercise equipment like treadmills or bicycles. It allows for individualized exercise testing with the aim of standardized testing durations instead of standardized testing protocols. The running speeds determined during the outdoor tests may then be used to develop age-adapted testing protocols for treadmill testing

Long-Term Radiographic Adaptations to Stress of High-Level and Recreational Rock Climbing in Former Adolescent Athletes: An 11-Year Prospective Longitudinal Study

Background: In the past few years, competition climbing has grown in popularity, and younger people are being drawn to the sport. Purpose: While radiographic changes in long-term climbers are known, there are little data available on adolescent climbers. The question arises as to whether climbing at high levels at a young age leads to radiographic changes and possibly an early onset of osteoarthritis of the finger joints. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 19 members of the German Junior National Team (GJNT group) and 18 recreational climbers (RC group) were examined clinically and radiographically in 1999. In 2011, these climbers were re-examined (mean follow-up, 11.3 ± 1.2 years). Radiographs were evaluated using a standard protocol, searching for physiological adaptations such as cortical thickness of the middle phalanx and an increased adopted Barnett-Nordin index, as well as for early-onset osteoarthritic changes of the hand. In contrast to the Kellgren-Lawrence scale, subchondral sclerosis was added to the group of physiological, adaptive stress reactions and was not defined as osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis was defined by a Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥2. Results: Overall, 15 of 19 (follow-up rate, 78.9%) climbers in the GJNT group and 13 of 18 in the RC group (follow-up rate, 72.2%), with a mean age of 26.8 years, were examined at the 11-year follow-up. Five climbers (33%) in the GJNT group presented with a decreased range of motion for the finger joints, in contrast to only 1 climber (8%) in the RC group. Radiographic stress reactions of the hand were found in 80% of the GJNT group and 46% of the RC group, including cortical hypertrophy (GJNT: 73%; RC: 23%), subchondral sclerosis (GJNT: 80%; RC: 31%), a broadened proximal interphalangeal joint base (GJNT: 67%; RC: 38%), and a broadened distal interphalangeal joint base (GJNT: 53%; RC: 31%). Training intensity in 1999 and body weight in 1999 were significant for the development of radiographic stress reactions in 2011 (P < .05 for both). Signs of early-stage osteoarthritis were seen in 6 climbers: 4 (27%) in the GJNT group and 2 (15%) in the RC group. Significant statistical influences for the development of early-onset osteoarthritis were found for overall total training years (P = .024), use of campus board training in 1999 (P = .033), and climbing level (P = .030). Conclusion: One-quarter of climbers who performed at a high level in their youth showed a “mild” form of osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2). In analyzing the training regimens of our climbers for longer than 10 years, we conclude that intensive finger training (eg, campus board training) can lead to early-onset osteoarthritis of the hand. We also demonstrate that a high Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme (UIAA) climbing level correlates with the risk for early-onset osteoarthritis of the hand and therefore must be seen as a risk factor for developing early-onset osteoarthritis of the finger joints

New kids on the CPET: age-appropriate outdoor cardiopulmonary exercise testing in preschoolers

PurposeCardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in preschoolers (4–6 years) represents a challenge. Most studies investigating CPET have been limited to older children (> 8 year). However, knowledge of the performance of small children is essential for evaluating their cardiorespiratory fitness. This study strives to compare a modified Bruce protocol with a new age-appropriate incremental CPET during natural movement running outdoors, using a mobile device.MethodsA group of 22 4–6-year-old healthy children was tested indoor on a treadmill (TM) using the modified Bruce protocol. The results were compared with a self-paced incremental running test, using a mobile CPET device in an outdoor park. The speeds were described as (1) slow walking, (2) slow running, (3) regular running, and (4) running with full speed as long as possible.ResultsMean exercise time outdoors (6,57 min) was significantly shorter than on the treadmill (11,20 min), V˙O2peak (51.1 ml/min/kg vs. 40.1 ml/min/kg), RER (1.1 vs. 0.98) and important CPET parameters such as V˙Emax, O2pulse, heart rate and breath rate were significantly higher outdoors. The submaximal parameter OUES was comparable between both the tests.ConclusionsTesting very young children with a mobile device is a new alternative to treadmill testing. With a significantly shorter test duration, significantly higher values for almost all cardiopulmonary variables can be achieved without losing the ability to determine VT1 and VT2. It avoids common treadmill problems and allows for individualized exercise testing. The aim is to standardize exercise times with individual protocols instead of standardizing protocols with individual exercise times, allowing for better comparability.Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (1041

Sports despite masks: no negative effects of FFP2 face masks on cardiopulmonary exercise capacity in children

Face masks were recognized as one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus in adults. These benefits were extended to children and adolescents. However, the fear of negative consequences from wearing a face mask during physical exercise led to cancellations of physical education lessons. This further decreased the amount of physical activity available to children and adolescents during the pandemic. However, there is little published data on the potential adverse effects of wearing the most effective and partially mandatory FFP2/N95 face masks during PE or physical activity (PA) in this age. Even though the pandemic has been declared as passed by the WHO, the rise of a new pandemic and thus the use of face masks for limiting its spread is inevitable, so we need to be better prepared for alternative options to lockdown and limitation of PA in such a scenario. Twenty healthy children aged 8–10 years performed two identical cardiopulmonary exercise tests as an incremental step test on a treadmill within an interval of 2 weeks, one time without wearing a protective mask and one time wearing an FFP2 mask. The cardiopulmonary exercise parameter and especially the end-expiratory gas exchange for oxygen and carbon dioxide (petO2 and petCO2) were documented for each step, at rest and 1 min after reaching physical exhaustion. Twelve boys (mean age 8.5 ± 1.4 years) and 8 girls (mean age 8.8 ± 1.4 years) showed no adverse events until maximal exertion. The mean parameters measured at peak exercise did not differ significantly between both examinations (mean peak VO2 = 42.7 ± 9.5 vs 47.8 ± 12.9 ml/min/kg, p = 0.097, mean O2pulse 7.84 ± 1.9 ml/min vs. 6.89 ± 1.8, p = 0.064, mean VE/VCO2slope 33.4 ± 5.9 vs. 34.0 ± 5.3, p = 0.689). The only significant difference was the respiratory exchange rate (RER, 1.01 ± 0.08 vs 0.95 ± 0.08, p = 0.004). The measured respiratory gases (end-tidal O2 and CO2) decreased and respectively increased significantly in almost every step when wearing an FFP2 mask. However, these levels were well below hypercapnia and above hypoxia.Conclusion: In this study, no significant differences in the cardiorespiratory function at peak exercise could be discerned when wearing an FFP2/N95 face mask. While the end-tidal values for CO2 increased significantly and the end-tidal values for O2 decreased significantly, these values did never reach levels of hypercapnia or hypoxia. Furthermore, the children terminated the exercise at a lower RER and heart rate (HR) suggesting a subconscious awareness of the higher strain. Since the detrimental effects of limiting sports during the pandemic are well documented, stopping PE lessons altogether because of the minor physiological effects of wearing these masks instead of simply stopping pushing children to perform at their best seems premature and should be reconsidered in the future.What is Known:• Wearing a face mask has an influence on psychological, social, and physiological functions in adults.• Because of the observed effects of wearing face masks in adults, physical activity in children was limited during the pandemic.What is New:• Wearing an FFP2/N95 mask during physical activity did not lead to hypercapnia or hypoxia in children in this study.• Even though end-tidal CO2 values were significantly higher and end-tidal O2 values significantly lower when wearing an FFP2/N95 face mask, no pathological values were reached.Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (1041

Fitter Fontans for future—Impact of physical exercise on cardiopulmonary function in Fontan patients

Background In Fontans, exercise tolerance is poorer compared to their healthy peers. Higher V˙O2peak represents a strong predictor for mortality and morbidity in these patients. Cardiac rehabilitation programs have been shown to improve cardiopulmonary function in Fontans. More habitual physical activity should therefore lead to a better exercise tolerance. Methods We performed cardiopulmonary exercise testing in 24 Fontan patients who had engaged in physical activity for a minimum of 3 h per week over their lifetime. As a control we performed cardiopulmonary exercise testing in 20 Fontan patients who had undertaken no physical activity or <3 h per week in the past. Results A total of 44 Fontan patients was included (mean age 18.1 years). The mean parameters measured at peak exercise differed significantly between the active and inactive group (peak oxygen uptake [V˙O2peak] of 34.0 vs. 25.0 ml/min/kg, peak heart rate (HR) of 169.8/min vs. 139.8/min). Even though the O2pulse and the EF did not differ significantly between both groups, N-Terminal-Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-pro BNP) was significantly higher in the inactive group. The two groups did not differ with respect to their cardiac function determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). V˙O2peak was positively correlated with hours of sports performed by Fontans. Conclusions V˙O2peak and maximum HR were significantly higher in Fontans who had been physically active compared to those who had been inactive. The values reported in this study were higher than in other studies and reached normal values for V˙O2peak for most Fontans in the physically active group. The positive correlation between V˙O2peak and physical activity is an indicator of the importance of incorporating physical exercise programs into the treatment of Fontan patients

Myocarditis and sports in the young: data from a nationwide registry on myocarditis—“MYKKE-Sport”

BackgroundMyocarditis represents one of the most common causes of Sudden Cardiac Death in children. Myocardial involvement during a viral infection is believed to be higher as a consequence of intensive exertion. Recommendations for return to sports are based on cohort and case studies only. This study aims to investigate the relationship between physical activity and myocarditis in the young.PatientEvery patient in the MYKKE registry fulfilling criteria for suspicion of myocarditis was sent a questionnaire regarding the physical activity before, during and after the onset of myocarditis.MethodThis study is a subproject within the MYKKE registry, a multicenter registry for children and adolescents with suspected myocarditis. The observation period for this analysis was 93 months (September 2013–June 2021). Anamnestic, cardiac magnetic resonance images, echocardiography, biopsy and laboratory records from every patient were retrieved from the MYKKE registry database.Results58 patients (mean age 14.6 years) were enrolled from 10 centers. Most patients participated in curricular physical activity and 36% in competitive sports before the onset of myocarditis. There was no significant difference of heart function at admission between the physically active and inactive subjects (ejection fraction of 51.8 ± 8.6% for the active group vs. 54.4 ± 7.7% for the inactive group). The recommendations regarding the return to sports varied widely and followed current guidelines in 45%. Most patients did not receive an exercise test before returning to sports.ConclusionSports before the onset of myocarditis was not associated with a more severe outcome. There is still a discrepancy between current literature and actual recommendations given by health care providers. The fact that most participants did not receive an exercise test before being cleared for sports represents a serious omission

Myocarditis and sports in the young: data from a nationwide registry on myocarditis—“MYKKE-Sport”

Background Myocarditis represents one of the most common causes of Sudden Cardiac Death in children. Myocardial involvement during a viral infection is believed to be higher as a consequence of intensive exertion. Recommendations for return to sports are based on cohort and case studies only. This study aims to investigate the relationship between physical activity and myocarditis in the young. Patient Every patient in the MYKKE registry fulfilling criteria for suspicion of myocarditis was sent a questionnaire regarding the physical activity before, during and after the onset of myocarditis. Method This study is a subproject within the MYKKE registry, a multicenter registry for children and adolescents with suspected myocarditis. The observation period for this analysis was 93 months (September 2013–June 2021). Anamnestic, cardiac magnetic resonance images, echocardiography, biopsy and laboratory records from every patient were retrieved from the MYKKE registry database. Results 58 patients (mean age 14.6 years) were enrolled from 10 centers. Most patients participated in curricular physical activity and 36% in competitive sports before the onset of myocarditis. There was no significant difference of heart function at admission between the physically active and inactive subjects (ejection fraction of 51.8 ± 8.6% for the active group vs. 54.4 ± 7.7% for the inactive group). The recommendations regarding the return to sports varied widely and followed current guidelines in 45%. Most patients did not receive an exercise test before returning to sports. Conclusion Sports before the onset of myocarditis was not associated with a more severe outcome. There is still a discrepancy between current literature and actual recommendations given by health care providers. The fact that most participants did not receive an exercise test before being cleared for sports represents a serious omission. </sec