Strength Asymmetries in Young Elite Sailors: Windsurfing, Optimist, Laser and 420 Classes

Strength asymmetries in the upper and lower limbs may affect the body movements of the joints or limbs. Although asymmetries in the upper limbs have been studied in sailors, those in lower limbs have not been evaluated in this sport population. The aims of this study were: (i) to analyze lower limb asymmetries in young elite sailors in order to quantify the magnitude of asymmetry between limbs for variables that were established as reliable in a healthy population, and (ii) to evaluate the presence of differences between classes and sexes in inter-limb asymmetries in elite youth sailors. Sixty-eight young Spanish elite sailors (9-19 years of age) participated voluntarily in our study. Single-leg vertical countermovement jump (VCJ), single-leg horizontal countermovement jump and hand dynamometry tests were used to evaluate the strength of the upper and lower limbs. More than 50% of the sailors presented asymmetries in the lower limbs. The boys' group and Optimist class presented a greater percentage of strength asymmetry

Performance Analysis in Olympic Sailors of the Formula Kite Class Using GPS

Formula Kite is an Olympic sport that mainly differs from other kitesurfing modalities for the use of a hydrofoil. It is considered an extreme sport due to the great technical ability required. Regarding performance, the variables that determine performance in a real competition situation have not been studied, and even less so with Olympic sailors. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the technical and tactical variables that differentiate elite sailors. The sample consisted of 42 Olympic sailors of the Formula Kite class, who were evaluated in three World Cups. Using a GPS device, the speed, distance traveled, maneuvers, and time spent on the courses of upwind, downwind, and beam reach were recorded. The highest-level sailors presented a higher speed in upwind/downwind/beam reach and a shorter time in upwind and beam reach. Performance seems to be more strongly influenced by technical variables, such as speed, than by tactical variables

Effects of Plyometric, Strength and Change of Direction Training on High-School Basketball Player's Physical Fitness

The study aim was to compare the effects of a 7-week plyometric, strength and change of direction (COD) training program on basketball-specific performance measures in high-school players. Forty male players were randomly assigned to one of the four groups: plyometric (PG, n = 10), strength (SG, n = 10), COD (CODG, n = 10), and control group training (CG, n = 10). Two training sessions were performed at weekly intervals before basketball training. Performance of the counter movement jump (CMJ), Abalakov jump (ABKJ), 10 m zig-zag sprint, 20 m in line sprint (measurements at 10 and 20 m), and sit and reach flexibility test (SRFT) was assessed before and after the intervention. A 4 (group) x 2 (time) repeated measures analysis of variances (ANOVA) was conducted for each variable. Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used when the interaction was significant. Significant (all p < 0.05) time x group interaction was noted for SRFT, CMJ, ABK, sprint, and zig-zag 10 m, in favor of the experimental groups compared to the control group. However, improvements in physical fitness were similar between the three experimental groups. In conclusion, 7 weeks of specific plyometric, strength and COD training produced similar medium to large improvements in physical fitness of high-school basketball players

Sun Exposure during Water Sports: Do Elite Athletes Adequately Protect Their Skin against Skin Cancer?

Excessive sun exposure is the main avoidable cause of skin cancer. Outdoor sports performed without adequate photoprotection are risky practices in this respect. This study examines whether elite athletes in water sports (specifically surfing, windsurfing, and sailing) take appropriate measures to protect their skin from the sun, and whether there are differences in this respect according to age, gender, or sports discipline. This study is based on a questionnaire-based health survey. World championship competitors completed a self-administered questionnaire on their sun protection and exposure habits, as well as sunburns during the last sports season. In total, 246 participants, with an age range of 16-30 years, completed the questionnaire. Of these, 49.6% used inadequate sun protection. Those who protected their skin appropriately tended to be older than those who did not (average age = 23.28 and 20.69 years, respectively; p = 0.000). There were no significant differences in sun protection habits between male and female athletes. The rate of sunburn was very high (76.7%). A high proportion (22.5%) of participants never used sunscreen. Elite athletes in water sports are at real risk of skin lesions from overexposure to the sun, associated with inadequate photoprotection practices. Campaigns to raise awareness and to promote the early detection of skin cancer should target these risk groups

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) as a therapeutic tool in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A narrative review

Introducción: El ejercicio físico es imprescindible para las personas con DMT2, aunque, con frecuencia se presentan problemas para practicarlo, siendo el más frecuente la falta de tiempo. No obstante, el auge de métodos como el HIIT aporta una solución a estas barreras, ya que permiten mejorar la salud con unos pocos minutos de ejercicio diarios. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión narrativa sobre los efectos del HIIT en diferentes parámetros de salud en personas con DMT2. Metodología: Tras la búsqueda en bases de datos (PubMed, SPORTDiscus y Medline) se obtiene un total de 52 artículos. Teniendo en cuenta los criterios de inclusión-exclusión, se incluyen 16 artículos. Todos los estudios incluidos son experimentales (ensayos clínicos) publicados en los últimos 10 años. Se excluyen los artículos a los que no se tiene acceso, las revisiones, los estudios cuya intervención sea similar pero no igual al HIIT y aquellos relacionados con genética. Resultados: De total de estudios incluidos (16), hay 14 que afirman que el HIIT mejora la salud de sujetos con DMT2. Se observan mejoras significativas en: perfil lipídico, control glucémico, resistencia a la insulina, HbA1c, tensión arterial, composición corporal, función endotelial y condición física. Hay 2 estudios en los que no se observa ninguna mejora. Conclusiones: El HIIT tiene efectos positivos en la salud de las personas con DMT2, ya que mejora la condición física, la salud cardio-metabólica, la composición corporal y la calidad de vida. El HIIT puede representar una buena estrategia para mejorar la salud en DMT2. Son necesarios más estudios.Introduction: Physical exercise is essential for people with T2DM, although there are often problems to practice it, the most frequent being the lack of time. However, the rise of methods such as HIIT provides a solution to these barriers, since they allow improving health with a few minutes of exercise per day. Objective: To carry out a narrative review about the effects of HIIT on different health parameters in people with T2DM. Methodology: After the search in databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Medline) 52 articles were obtained. Taking into account the inclusion-exclusion criteria, 16 articles were included. All included studies are experimental (clinical trials) published in the last 10 years. Excluded are articles that cannot be accessed, reviews, studies whose intervention is similar but not equal to HIIT and those related to genetics. Results: Of the total number of included studies (16), there are 14 that affirm that HIIT improves the health of subjects with T2DM. Significant improvements were observed in: lipid profile, glycemic control, insulin resistance, HbA1c, blood pressure, body composition, endothelial function and physical fitness. There are 2 studies in which no improvement is observed. Conclusions: HIIT has positive effects on the health of people with T2DM, since it improves physical fitness, cardio-metabolic health, body composition and quality of life. HIIT may represent a good strategy to improve health in DMT2. More studies are nedeed

Hamstring extensibility in female elite soccer players

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la extensibilidad de la musculatura isquiosural en futbolistas femeninas de élite. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en una muestra de 75 jugadoras de élite de fútbol de cuatro categorías: Sub12 (n=20, edad: 11,42 ± 0,90 años), Sub15 (n=21, edad: 13,38 ± 1,50 años), Provincial (amateur) (n=15, edad: 17,13 ± 1,85 años), y Nacional (profesional) (n=20, edad: 22,80 ± 5,25 años). Como instrumentos de medición se utilizaron el test sit and reach (SRT) y el test de flexión profunda (FP) de tronco. Los valores medios presentados en el SRT fueron de 9,74 ± 5,62 cm. para el grupo Sub12, 13,86 ± 4,82 cm. para el grupo Sub15, 9,73 ± 3,58 cm para el grupo Provincial (amateur) y 7,55 ± 8,39 cm para el grupo Nacional (profesional). En el SRT las participantes del grupo Sub15 obtuvieron resultados significativamente superiores que las participantes del grupo Nacional (p<.05), mientras que en la prueba FP el grupo Sub12 obtuvo resultados significativamente superiores que el grupo Nacional (p<.05). En el análisis de correlaciones bivariadas, se observaron correlaciones moderadas entre la altura y los resultados en las pruebas de FP (r=.561; p<.05) y SRT (r=.491; p<.05) en el grupo Sub12. En conclusión, los resultados de este estudio indican que la extensibilidad isquiosural de las jugadoras de élite de fútbol estudiadas es limitada, por lo que deberíamos implementar programas específicos de estiramientos de la musculatura isquiosural en futbolistas féminas desde las categorías inferiores hasta las categorías profesionales. Palabras clave. flexibilidad, fútbol femenino, flexión profunda, sit and reach test.The aim of this study was to evaluate hamstring extensibility in female elite soccer players. A descriptive transversal study was carried out with a sample of 75 female elite soccer players into four categories: Under12 (n=20, age: 11,42 ± 0,90 years), Under15 (n=21, age: 13,38 ± 1,50 years), Provincial (amateur) (n=15, age: 17,13 ± 1,85 years), and National (professional) (n=20, age: 22,80 ± 5,25 years). The sit and reach test (SRT) and the deep trunk flexion test were used as measurement tools. The average values showed in the SRT were 9,74 ± 5,62 cm. for the Under12 group, 13,86 ± 4,82 cm. for the Under15 group, 9,73 ± 3,58 cm for the Provincial (amateur) group and 7,55 ± 8,39 cm for the National (professional) group. In the SRT the members of Under15 group showed significantly higher results than the members of National group (p<.05), while in the deep trunk flexion test the Under12 group showed significantly higher results than the National group (p<.05). In the analysis of bivariate correlations, in the Under12 group moderate correlations were observed between height and scores in the deep trunk test (r = .561; p <.05) and SRT (r = .491; p <.05). In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that the hamstring extensibility in female elite soccer players studied is limited, so we should implement stretching specific programs of the hamstring muscles in female soccer players from the lower categories to the professional categories. Key words. flexibility, female soccer, deep trunk, sit and reach test

The Federated Practice of Soccer Influences Hamstring Flexibility in Healthy Adolescents: Role of Age and Weight Status

The aim of this study was to compare the hamstring flexibility between federated soccer and non-federated adolescents, and also to evaluate the effect of age and weight status on hamstring flexibility. The participants were 234 students (11-18 years old) divided into: (i) G1: non-federated (n = 127), and (ii) G2: federated in soccer (n = 107). The deep flexion of the trunk (DF) test and the sit and reach test (SRT) were performed. G2 showed higher values for the DF and SRT compared to G1 (p < 0.05). Both flexibility tests correlated positively (r = 0.4, p < 0.001). Body mass index (BMI) was negatively correlated with the DF test (r = -0.3, p < 0.001), but not with the SRT. Divided by BMI, the underweight and normal weight groups had higher scores in the DF test compared with the overweight and obese groups (p < 0.001). BMI was negatively correlated with hamstring flexibility. Federated soccer students present higher scores of hamstring flexibility

What Sun Protection Practices Should Be Adopted by Trainee Teachers to Reduce the Risk of Skin Cancer and Other Adverse Outcomes?

Excessive sun exposure and insufficient protection are the main risk factors for the onset of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (the most common types of cancer suffered by fair-skinned populations) and other adverse effects on the skin and eyes. Epidemiological data highlight the scant awareness of this risk among young people and the high rates of sunburn often recorded among this population. The main aim of the present study is to examine sun exposure and protection behavior by university students. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was undertaken to investigate sun exposure and protection practices among students of education sciences at a university in southern Spain. The data obtained were used to perform a descriptive, comparative analysis, by groups and by gender, of photoprotection and skin self-examination practices. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were both tested. Of the 315 students who completed the questionnaire, 74.6% had suffered at least one sunburn during the previous year. Few made frequent use of sunscreen or protective clothing and 89.5% did not self-examine their skin. The metric properties of the questionnaire revealed its excellent reliability and validity. Among the Spanish university students considered, there was little awareness of the risk of excessive sun exposure, self-protection was insufficient, the potential exposure to dangerous levels of ultraviolet radiation was high, and most had suffered one or more sunburns in the last year. Intervention strategies should be implemented to highlight the risks involved and the need for more appropriate sun protection practices. Information campaigns should be conducted in this respect so that, when these students become teachers, they will have adequate knowledge of the risks involved and of the benefits of addressing this problem effectively, and will ultimately transfer these health education competences to their own students

Ultraviolet exposure of competitors during a Tokyo Olympic Sailing Regatta Test Event

Background Overexposure to sunlight is the main cause of skin cancer. Photoprotection practices and sunburn play a crucial role in skin cancer prevention. Objectives This study aimed to quantify the risk of sun exposure and to evaluate photoprotection practices in Spanish sailors during Olympic competitions. Methods Solar daily ultraviolet (UV) radiation cycle, personal UV dosimetry, photoprotection practices and sunburn checking were followed during three consecutive days of competition among sailors from the Spanish Olympic Sailing Team during a Tokyo Olympic Regatta Test Event. Results A total of 13 sailors (7 women), with mean age of 27.6 +/- 4.7 years and sports experience of 17.7 +/- 5.4 years, were studied. The most common phototypes were type III (53.8%) and type II (38.5%). The rate of sunburn checked was high (46.2%). The mean daily personal UV exposure received was 761.0 +/- 263.6 J/m(2), 3.0 +/- 1.1 minimal erythemal dose and 7.6 +/- 2.6 standard erythemal dose, seven times greater than the maximum permissible UV light exposure values for an 8 h working day. The use of a T-shirt was the most common practice (94.2%), followed by the use of shade (50.2%), hat/cap (44.0%), sunglasses (26.1%) and sunscreen (11.8%). Conclusions Olympic sailor's studies presented high levels of UV radiation received, high rate of sunburn and insufficient adherence to sun-protective behaviours (especially, to use of sunscreen) to prevent sunburn, the main cause of skin cancer. Sport Federations should develop educational campaigns addressing sun-related exposure habits and photoprotection behaviours to reduce the risk of skin cancer among these athletes

Diferencias de la pisada en estático después de una maratón

background: Marathon is a sport that had a boom in recent years. However, there are few biomechanical studies on footsteps, which could promote running efficiency and injuries prevention. Purpose: To determine the effects of marathon races on plantar pressure before and after a marathon race and to determine the relationship between age and plantar pressure before and after a marathon. Methods: We selected 15 runners who participated in Madrid’s Marathon 2014. After medical examination and explanation of the inclusion criteria to all participants, barefoot pressures in a static and standing position was measured on a pressure platform before and just at the end of the marathon. Measurements were taken with participants being completely barefoot and using a pressure platform. Results: After marathon, athletes showed a decrease in the total area of support of footsteps both in the right and left feet (p = .02 y p < .001; respectively). The total mean pressure of left foot was increased just at the end of the race (p = .02). The age was negatively associated with the surface of front part in left foot (r = -.55, p = .04), with the percentage of the force of the front part of the left foot (r = -.52, p = .05) and with the forces distribution of the front part in the right foot (r = -.53, p = .05). Conclusions: Running a marathon and age seems to be affecting the race pattern, as well as footsteps. This fact could be caused by fatigue and the slower race velocity of older runners.introducción: Correr maratones es uno de los deportes más en auge de los últimos años, sin embargo existen pocos estudios biomecánicos de la pisada del pie, lo cual podría mejorar la eficiencia de la carrera y a prevenir lesiones. Objetivos: Determinar el efecto de correr una maratón sobre la pisada del corredor y averiguar la relación entre edad y la presión plantar antes y después de una maratón. Métodos: Se seleccionó a 15 corredores de los participantes en la Maratón de Madrid 2014. Tras pasar un reconocimiento médico y cumplir los criterios de inclusión, a cada uno de los corredores se los tomó medidas de fuerza, presión plantar y superficie de apoyo antes y después de correr la maratón. Las medidas se tomaron totalmente descalzos y utilizando una plataforma de presiones. Resultados: Los atletas mostraron una disminución de la superficie total de apoyo tanto del pie derecho como del pie izquierdo (p = .02 y p < .001; respectivamente). La presión media total del pie izquierdo se incrementó justo al acabar la prueba de maratón (p = .02). La edad se asoció negativamente con la superficie de apoyo de la parte delantera del pie izquierdo (r = -.55, p = .04), con el porcentaje de la fuerza en la parte delantera del pie izquierdo (r = -.52, p = .05), con la distribución de la parte delantera del pie derecho (r = -.53, p = .05). Conclusiones: El correr una maratón y la edad parece estar afectando al patrón de carrera, y por consiguiente al apoyo plantar. Este hecho puede estar provocado por el cansancio de la prueba y por ritmo más lento que llevan los maratonianos de más edad