22 research outputs found
Normative reference and cut-offs values of maximal aerobic speed-20 m shuttle run test and maximal oxygen uptake for Tunisian adolescent (elite) soccer players
This study aimed to develop reference curves of aerobic parameters of 20 m shuttle run test for
Tunisian soccer players. The study was conducted in the 2022/2023 pre-season. The reference
curves of the maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) were
developed according to the Lambda, Mu and Sigma (LMS) method, using data from 742 Tunisian
premier league soccer players aged 11–18 years. Measured variables included: weight, height,
body mass index and maximal heart rate (HRmax). HRmax was measured when the participants
completed the maximal aerobic speed. VO2max was estimated using the 20 m shuttle run test
protocol (speed increment every minute). Our results presented the smoothed percentiles (3rd,
10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 97th) of MAS (km/h) and VO2max (ml/kg•min⁻1) according to
age. In addition, raw data showed that VO2 max was positively correlated with age (r = 0.333; P
< 0.001), height (cm) (r = 0.279; P < 0.001), weight (kg) (r = 0.266; P < 0.001), practice period
(years) (r = 0.324; P < 0.001) and BMI (kg/m2) (r = 0.10; P < 0.05). However, it was negatively
correlated to HRmax (bpm) (r = 0.247; P < 0.001). Only the measurements within the age
group [12–12.99] are significantly higher (p < 0.001; ES = 0.63) compared with the previous age
group [11–11.99]. Finally, regarding prevalence, our findings showed that 15.5 % of the players
in our sample had VO2max values above the 87.7th percentile cut-off, while only 0.3 % exceeded
the 99.18th percentile. The development of normative curves could help coaches and physical trainers to more accurately detect weaknesses in the aerobic performance of their players in order
to sustain high-intensity repetitive actions during a soccer match.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Does wet-cupping therapy improve repeated sprint ability, perceived wellness, and rating of perceived exertion in young active males?
Wet-cupping therapy (WCT) is one of the oldest known medical techniques, used as a traditional and complementary therapy with a wide application all around the world for general health. Research on the effects of WCT on sports performance are sparse and inconsistent. Thus, we aimed to explore the effects of WCT on repeated sprint ability, wellness, and exertion in young active males. Forty-nine active adult males (age: [28 ± 5] years; body height [177 ± 8] cm; body mass: [79 ± 7] kg; body mass index: [25.4 ± 1.8] kg/m2) were selected for the study. The participants performed a running-based sprint test on two separate occasions (Control and Post-WCT). WCT was performed 24 h before the testing session. They completed the Hooper questionnaire to assess their well-being (i.e., sleep, stress, fatigue, and soreness) before each session. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was collected after each testing session. A higher maximum power (p < 0.05, effect size [ES] = 0.6), mean power (p < 0.01, ES = 0.5) and minimum power (p < 0.01, ES = 0.6) were recorded post-WCT as compared to Control session along with a better perceived sleep (p < 0.01, ES = 0.85). Perceived stress (p < 0.01, ES = 0.6) and RPE (p < 0.001; ES = 1.1) were lower during the post-WCT compared to the Control session. The present findings demonstrated that WCT moderately enhanced repeated sprint ability and had positive effects on perceived sleep, stress, and exertion. WCT may be an effective ergogenic aid to improve repeated sprint ability and general well-being in young adult males. Future large-scale multicentric clinical studies are paramount to confirm the results of our study
The effect of post-lunch napping on mood, reaction time, and antioxidant defense during repeated sprint exercice
To compare the effects of two nap opportunities (20 and 90 min) to countermeasure the transient naturally occurring increased sleepiness and decreased performances during the post-lunch dip (PLD). Fourteen highly trained judokas completed in a counterbalanced and randomized order three test sessions (control (No-nap), 20- (N20) and 90-min (N90) nap opportunities). Test sessions consisted of the running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST), simple and multiple-choice reaction times (MCRT) and the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). From the RAST, the maximum (Pmax), mean (Pmean) and minimum (Pmin) powers were calculated. Blood samples were taken before and after the RAST to measure the effect of pre-exercise napping on energetic and muscle damage biomarkers and antioxidant defense. N20 increased Pmax and Pmean compared to No-nap (p < 0.001, d = 0.59; d = 0.66) and N90 (p < 0.001, d = 0.98; d = 0.72), respectively. Besides, plasma lactate and creatinine increased only when the exercise was performed after N20. Both N20 (p < 0.001, d = 1.18) and N90 (p < 0.01, d = 0.78) enhanced post-exercise superoxide dismutase activity compared to No-nap. However, only N20 enhanced post-exercise glutathione peroxidase activity (p < 0.001, d = 1.01) compared to pre-nap. Further, MCRT performance was higher after N20 compared to No-nap and N90 (p < 0.001, d = 1.15; d = 0.81, respectively). Subjective sleepiness was lower after N20 compared to No-nap (p < 0.05, d = 0.92) and N90 (p < 0.01, d = 0.89). The opportunity to nap for 20 min in the PLD enhanced RAST, MCRT performances, and antioxidant defense, and decreased sleepiness. However, the opportunity of 90 min nap was associated with decreased repeated sprint performances and increased sleepiness, probably because of the sleep inertia
Moving Beyond the Stigma: Understanding and Overcoming the Resistance to the Acceptance and Adoption of Artificial Intelligence Chatbots
Artificial intelligence chatbots may fundamentally transform academic research, automate mundane tasks, and enhance productivity. However, the integration of artificial intelligence chatbots (AIc) is impeded by a complex stigma deeply rooted in individuals’ misconceptions and apprehension, including concerns about academic integrity, job displacement, data privacy, and algorithmic bias. The aim of this study was to scrutinize the origins and impacts of the stigma associated with artificial intelligence chatbots within the realm of academic research and to propose strategies to mitigate such stigmas. This study draws parallels between the reception of artificial intelligence chatbots and previous transformative technologies, presenting case studies illustrating the spectrum of responses to the integration of artificial intelligence chatbots into academic research. This study identifies the need for a shift in mindset from perceiving artificial intelligence chatbots as threats to recognizing them as facilitators of efficiency and innovation. It also underscores the importance of understanding these models as tools that aid researchers but do not replace the need for human expertise and judgment. We further highlighted the role of education, transparency, regulation, and ethical guidelines in overcoming the stigma associated with artificial intelligence chatbots. Given how adaptable people are, the surrounding stigma will likely fade with time. We support a cooperative strategy with continuing education and discussion to maximize the benefits of artificial intelligence chatbots while minimizing their drawbacks, hopefully paving the way for their ethical and successful application in scholarly research
Using artificial intelligence for exercise prescription in personalised health promotion: A critical evaluation of OpenAI’s GPT-4 model
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in healthcare provides new possibilities for personalized health management. AI-based fitness applications are becoming more common, facilitating the opportunity for individualised exercise prescription. However, the use of AI carries the risk of inadequate expert supervision, and the efficacy and validity of such applications have not been thoroughly investigated, particularly in the context of diverse health conditions. The aim of the study was to critically assess the efficacy of exercise prescriptions generated by OpenAI’s Generative Pre-Trained Transformer 4 (GPT-4) model for five example patient profiles with diverse health conditions and fitness goals. Our focus was to assess the model’s ability to generate exercise prescriptions based on a singular, initial interaction, akin to a typical user experience. The evaluation was conducted by leading experts in the field of exercise prescription. Five distinct scenarios were formulated, each representing a hypothetical individual with a specific health condition and fitness objective. Upon receiving details of each individual, the GPT-4 model was tasked with generating a 30-day exercise program. These AI-derived exercise programs were subsequently subjected to a thorough evaluation by experts in exercise prescription. The evaluation encompassed adherence to established principles of frequency, intensity, time, and exercise type; integration of perceived exertion levels; consideration for medication intake and the respective medical condition; and the extent of program individualization tailored to each hypothetical profile. The AI model could create general safety-conscious exercise programs for various scenarios. However, the AI-generated exercise prescriptions lacked precision in addressing individual health conditions and goals, often prioritizing excessive safety over the effectiveness of training. The AI-based approach aimed to ensure patient improvement through gradual increases in training load and intensity, but the model’s potential to fine-tune its recommendations through ongoing interaction was not fully satisfying. AI technologies, in their current state, can serve as supplemental tools in exercise prescription, particularly in enhancing accessibility for individuals unable to access, often costly, professional advice. However, AI technologies are not yet recommended as a substitute for personalized, progressive, and health condition specific prescriptions provided by healthcare and fitness professionals. Further research is needed to explore more interactive use of AI models and integration of real-time physiological feedback
Comparative Study of the Long-Term Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health and Nutritional Practices Among International Elite and Sub-Elite Athletes: A Sample of 1420 Participants from 14 Countries
BACKGROUND: Although several studies have shown that the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown has had negative impacts on mental health and eating behaviors among the general population and athletes, few studies have examined the long-term effects on elite and sub-elite athletes. The present study aimed to investigate the long-term impact of COVID-19 lockdown on mental health and eating behaviors in elite versus sub-elite athletes two years into the pandemic. A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted between March and April 2022, involving athletes from 14 countries, using a convenient non-probabilistic and snowball sampling method. A total of 1420 athletes (24.5 ± 7.9 years old, 569 elites, 35% women, and 851 sub-elites, 45% women) completed an online survey-based questionnaire. The questionnaire included a sociodemographic survey, information about the COVID-19 pandemic, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21) for mental health assessment, and the Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants (REAP-S) for assessing eating behavior.
RESULTS: The results showed that compared to sub-elite athletes, elite athletes had lower scores on the DASS-21 (p = .001) and its subscales of depression (p = .003), anxiety (p = .007), and stress (p < .001), as well as a lower REAP-S score indicating lower diet quality (p = .013).
CONCLUSION: In conclusion, two years into the pandemic, elite athletes were likelier to have better mental health profiles than sub-elite athletes but surprisingly had lower diet quality
Comparative Study of the Long-Term Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health and Nutritional Practices Among International Elite and Sub-Elite Athletes: A Sample of 1420 Participants from 14 Countries
Background
Although several studies have shown that the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown has had negative impacts on mental health and eating behaviors among the general population and athletes, few studies have examined the long-term effects on elite and sub-elite athletes. The present study aimed to investigate the long-term impact of COVID-19 lockdown on mental health and eating behaviors in elite versus sub-elite athletes two years into the pandemic. A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted between March and April 2022, involving athletes from 14 countries, using a convenient non-probabilistic and snowball sampling method. A total of 1420 athletes (24.5 ± 7.9 years old, 569 elites, 35% women, and 851 sub-elites, 45% women) completed an online survey-based questionnaire. The questionnaire included a sociodemographic survey, information about the COVID-19 pandemic, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale—21 Items (DASS-21) for mental health assessment, and the Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants (REAP-S) for assessing eating behavior.
Results
The results showed that compared to sub-elite athletes, elite athletes had lower scores on the DASS-21 (p = .001) and its subscales of depression (p = .003), anxiety (p = .007), and stress (p < .001), as well as a lower REAP-S score indicating lower diet quality (p = .013).
Conclusion
In conclusion, two years into the pandemic, elite athletes were likelier to have better mental health profiles than sub-elite athletes but surprisingly had lower diet quality.
Key Points
Elite athletes had better mental health profiles compared to sub-elite athletes, with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.
Elite athletes reported greater psychological support and perceived themselves as more financially secure during the pandemic than sub-elite athletes do.
Elite athletes were more likely to have poor eating habits compared to sub-elite athletes
Tunis Med: Templates to assist authors in the process of responding to reviewers and/or the editorial team (English (Box 1) and French (Box 2) versions)
Global implications of COVID-19 pandemic on adults' lifestyle behavior: The invisible pandemic of noncommunicable disease
COVID-19 pandemic, with its subsequent lockdown and mobility restriction is a public health emergency that has obliged substantial modifications in daily routines and lifestyle of people worldwide. The drastic measures of social isolation and home confinement has impacted to a great extent the physical and psychological health. The resultant abrupt in lifestyle-related behavior such as physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary habit, sleep disturbance, stress, tobacco use, and alcohol intake, is directly linked to the rising global burden of non-communicable disease. This review aims at gaining a rich and extensive understanding of the potential negative impact triggered by COVID-19 on lifestyle-related behaviors that will influence long-term physical and mental wellbeing. Electronic database search was conducted on PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Scopus from January 1, 2020 to March 15, 2021. Data related to COVID-19 impact on lifestyle habits were extracted from these studies. Articles were included if meeting the inclusion criteria (i.e., assessed the impact of COVID-19 on physical inactivity and sedentary behavior, dietary habits, sleep, mental health, vitamin D, and substance use among adults. Further search was conducted to address these behavioral changes among athletes. While physical isolation is a necessary public health measure to protect the population, outcomes of this review indicate that in light of adverse lifestyle changes brought by the pandemic, noncommunicable disease remains a critical concern. Hence, adopting healthy lifestyle behavior is essentially important especially during the current time to boost immunity and reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. Recognizing the pandemic collateral effects offers a forward-looking perspective to guide the government and health authorities in planning prevention and control programs that focus on resilient and sustainable behavioral change
Effects of daytime ingestion of melatonin on heart rate response during prolonged exercise
The current study sought to investigate the effect of melatonin consumption on cardiovascular response during submaximal exercise in healthy men. For this purpose, eight students (age: 21.8 ± 0.9) were asked to run for 45 minutes at submaximal intensity after melatonin-(6 mg) or placebo-ingestion, in a randomized and counterbalanced order. Heart rate (HR) and rectal temperature (Tre) evolution during exercise were measured. Blood samples were drawn twice (before and immediately after exercise) for the determination of triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), lactate, protein, and superoxide dismutase concentrations. The results showed that melatonin may disturb thermoregulatory control by exerting an effect on HR at 10 min of exercise, reducing HR by 6.6% (9 bpm; P < 0.001), and this effect decreased to 3.6% at the end of exercise (P < 0.01). Melatonin has no effect on triglycerides total cholesterol, HDL-c, lactate, and protein at rest and post-exercise. Although melatonin administration did not present a risk for cardiovascular function in healthy men, melatonin at high doses could decrease superoxide dismutase concentrations owing to the alteration of redox balance. These findings suggest that a high concentration of antioxidants does not enhance cardiovascular performance and may impair thermoregulatory control during prolonged exercise