Body Dysmorphic-Induced Androgenic Anabolic Steroids Usage and Its Association with Mental Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review

This systematic review on body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use, and mental health outcomes aim to examine the relationship between them. While looking at prior research, it has been suggested that individuals with BDD may be more likely to abuse AAS due to their preoccupation with appearance but, unfortunately, AAS use may worsen mental health issues in this population and exacerbate the issue. This systematic review will also discuss treatments that will help mitigate the effects of AAS on individuals with BDD. The review will include only published literature from a variety of databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and PsycINFO from 1992-2022. Two reviewers independently screened studies for inclusion criteria, extracted pertinent data, and assessed the quality of the evidence. The findings of this review will provide important insights into the complex relationship between BDD, AAS use, and mental health outcomes, and will inform future researchers and health practitioners on effective interventions and treatments for individuals with BDD who may be considering AAS use

Body Composition of Young Soccer Players

Purpose: The main aim of this study was to examine and analyze the body composition of young soccer players across different age groups. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 126 young soccer players divided by age categories U15 – 53 players (age=14.68±0.47); U17 – 51 players (age=16.47±0.50); U19 – 22 players (age=18.05±0.38). Body height for all subjects was measured by anthropometer, while body composition was measured by digital scale TANITA BC-420MA. Results: On average, soccer players in the U-15 group had significantly lower body height, weight, body mass index, and fat free mass than U-17 and U-19 players but had a higher percentage of body fat (p \u3c 0.05). In addition to the percent of body fat mass, which tends to significantly decrease with age, the results also demonstrate significant non-linear increases in body height, weight, and lean body composition concurrent with the players age. Conclusion: These results indicate that younger soccer players have lower absolute values of morphological characteristics compared to senior players

The Benefits of Static Stretching on Health: A Systematic Review

Background: The positive effects of static stretching exercises (SS) on physical fitness and rehabilitation are well established, but the effect on general health and physical fitness, including muscle function, flexibility, and activities of daily living at the individual level are less well understood. Objectives: The objective of this systematic review was to compile the latest research on the effects of SS on general health and different occupational groups with regards to improving or maintaining general health. Search Methods: This review was registered on PROSPERO and followed PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE-Online medical articles, and Science Direct databases were searched from 2010 to 2022 (including 2022) using the search string ‘static stretching effects OR muscle stretching exercises AND rehabilitation AND injury prevention’.Selection criteria: Inclusion criteria: (1) research questions relating to the positive impact of SS on health status, (2) a sample of subjects that included healthy adults, the elderly, pregnant women, and people in the rehabilitation process. Exclusion Criteria: (1) studies related to the positive/negative impact of SS on muscle performance, (2) inappropriate methods of performing SS, (3) a sample of subjects formed exclusively from professional athletes, (4) studies that had an additional exercise protocol in addition to SS. Main Results: The database search yielded 799 articles of which 20 remained after elimination according to the selection criteria. The articles found that the effect of SS, regardless of the protocol used or whether it is active or passive, has a positive effect on the health status of the subjects. SS can reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD), improve respiratory muscle function in patients after a stroke with hemiparesis, improve lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and can be used in pregnancy to reduce the risk or pre- eclampsia. Conclusion: SS is an effective and safe method for improving flexibility and ROM, preventing muscle atrophy, enhancing physical functioning, and improving quality of life with minimal risk of injury

Occurrence and Trends of Musculoskeletal Pain Among Ski Instructors

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are incredibly common and are often related to work load. For any occupational or public health intervention, injury prevention is preferred to injury treatment. Occupational health and injury prevention research has the potential to help mitigate MSD in the workplace. The aim of this study was to determine how the work demands of ski instructors may affect the health of their musculoskeletal system. Material and Methods A cross-sectional study involved the participation of 87 ski instructors (age = 34.61 ±10.67) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (ATUS in Bosnia and Herzegovina). Observed variables were the prevalence of MSD measured using a modified Nordic questionnaire about injuries during the previous ski season (neck, shoulders, elbows, wrist, upper back, lower back, one or both hips, one or both knees, and ankle). Means and standard deviations for each of the variables were calculated, and differences between genders were examined using an independent sample t-test. Results Prevalence of MSDs in ski instructors was most common in neck (13.8%), shoulders (12.6%), elbows (4.6%), wrist (9.2%), upper back (10.3%), lower back (46.0%), one or both hips (9.2%), one or both knees (29.9%), and ankle (9.2%). The results showed statistically significant differences in MSD between genders in the neck (p=.034); shoulders (p=.017); upper back (p=.027); one or both knees (p=.003) and in the ankle joint (p=.011)

Comorbidities, Behaviors, and Socioeconomic Factors and Mortality from Diseases of the Heart in New Jersey

Mortality from diseases of the heart claimed the lives of 186,074 New Jerseyans from 2010 to 2019. This study aims to establish correlations between each of health-related risk factors and death from heart disease in each of six New Jersey counties. Each of the counties ranked by age-adjusted mortality per 100,000 from diseases of the heart. The six counties were divided by the least (Hunterdon, Somerset, Bergen) and greatest (Cape May, Salem, and Cumberland) mortality rates from heart disease. Additionally, this data was broken down into three main categories that include comorbidities, socioeconomic status, and behavior patterns. Each main category is further broken down into subcategories that provide further evidence of how mortality from heart disease impacts the garden state. The main outcome of death in adults over 25 from heart disease from 2010 to 2019 was correlated to 28 health factors including comorbidities, behaviors, and socioeconomic factors. An R squared value was calculated to evaluate the strength of the correlation between each factor and the outcome of mortality from disease of the heart

Speed, Agility and Power Potential of Young Basketball Players

Background. As basketball constantly evolves, physical performance becomes more and more important. Physical fitness assessments are the most reliable way to find out at what level a basketball player is prepared to perform. Therefore, the main aim of this research was to determine if the speed, agility and power of under-16-year- old (U16) basketball players is related to their playing positions. Methods. The study included (n = 40) young basketball (aged 14.99 ± 0.84 years) players. The variables included height, body mass, body mass index (BMI), fat-free mass (FFM), the percentage of body fat (BF%), the counter movement jump (CMJ), counter movement jump with free arms (CMJ free arms), squat jump (SJ), 5m, 10m, 15m and 20m sprints, T-test, Illinois test and 505 test. Results. The results showed that centers are taller and heavier than other positions, while the speed, agility and power of forwards are greater than other positions. Conclusions. At the youth basketball level there are differences in anthropometric and physical fitness testing results between positions. This supports the fact that athletes may be more likely to be selected for a given position based on how their anthropometric and athletic abilities pair with the demands of a given position