The Relationship Between Psychological Stress and Anxiety with Gastrointestinal Symptoms Before and During a 56 km Ultramarathon Running Race

Background This study assessed relationships and sex differences between psychological state (recovery, stress, anxiety, and self-confidence) and gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) prior to and during a 56 km ultramarathon running race and identified predictive factors of race GIS. Forty-four (26 males, 18 females) ultramarathon competitors completed anxiety, recovery, stress and GIS questionnaires for three days prior to the race and immediately pre-race. Race GIS were assessed immediately post-race. Spearman’s rank order, Mann–Whitney U tests and regression analyses were used to determine correlations and identify sex differences between psychological state and GIS and determine predictors of race GIS. Results Race GIS were significantly correlated with recovery (rs = − 0.381, p = 0.011), stress (rs = 0.500, p = 0.001) and anxiety (rs = 0.408, p = 0.006), calculated as the mean of the three days preceding the race and on race morning. The correlation between anxiety and GIS was strongest in the 24 h immediately prior to the race (all rs > 0.400, and all p < 0.05), but unclear patterns were identified for stress and recovery. Regression analyses showed 36% and 40% of variation in the severity and number of race GIS was accounted for by body mass and measures of stress, anxiety, and GIS over the three days preceding the race and on race morning (both p < 0.001). There were no sex differences in the number and severity of GIS leading up to or during the race (all p > 0.05), however, females reported greater state anxiety (p = 0.018) and lower self-confidence than males (p = 0.006) over the three days preceding the race and on race morning. Conclusion Endurance athletes that experience GIS during competition should investigate elevated stress and/or anxiety as a potential contributor and identify if management strategies can reduce the occurrence and severity of GIS.

Dynamic Behaviors of Mortar Reinforced with NiTi SMA Fibers under Impact Compressive Loading

In this study, a compressive impact test was conducted using the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) method to investigate SMA fiber-reinforced mortar’s impact behavior. A 1.5% fiber volume of crimped fibers and dog-bone-shaped fibers was used, and half of the specimens were heated to induce recovery stress. The results showed that the appearance of SMA fibers, recovery stress, and composite capacity can increase strain rate. For mechanical properties, the SMA fibers reduced dynamic compressive strength and increased the peak strain. The specific energy absorption of the reinforced specimens slightly increased due to the addition of SMA fibers and the recovery stress; however, the effect was not significant. The composite behavior between SMA fibers and the mortar matrix, however, significantly influenced the dynamic compressive properties. The higher composite capacity of the SMA fibers produced lower dynamic compressive strength, higher peak strain, and higher specific energy absorption. The composite behavior of the dog-bone-shaped fiber was less than that of the crimped fiber and was reduced due to heating, while that of the crimped fiber was not. The mechanical properties of the impacted specimen followed a linear function of strain rate ranging from 10 to 17 s−1; at the higher strain rates of about 49–67 s−1, the linear functions disappeared. The elastic modulus of the specimen was independent of the strain rate, but it was dependent on the correlation between the elastic moduli of the SMA fibers and the mortar matrix.

“I never thought it would be that bad” –Increasing teachers’ awareness of psychological well-being through recovery-stress monitoring and individualised feedback

BACKGROUND: The demanding working conditions of teachers make them susceptible to stress. Monitoring temporal changes in recovery and stress may provide a valuable approach for maintaining well-being. OBJECTIVE: This exploratory study followed a two-stage approach aimed at: a) collecting data about the potential effects of holidays on stress in teachers, and b) utilizing these findings to provide tangible feedback to teachers. METHODS: Thirty-seven German teachers completed online questionnaires over six months (eight measurements) which included two holiday periods (Easter break, Summer break). Sociodemographic data regarding recovery and stress were gathered using the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire Work. Interested teachers received individual feedback sessions. RESULTS: The results, inter alia, indicated significant time effects for the dimensions Overall Stress (F(7,119) = 5.31, p < 0.001) and Overall Recovery (F(3.7,67.7) = 4.33, p = 0.004). Significant positive changes were identified over the Summer, but not the Easter break. In the feedback sessions, group-based findings were connected with the individual recovery-stress values. Notable scores were highlighted in a matrix. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates an approach to monitoring and providing group and personalised feedback to raise teachers’ awareness and sensitivity of psychological health status in relation to their working environment.

Initial Validation of a 33-Item Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Italian Athletes

Background: The Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (RESTQ-Sport-36) is a self-report measure intended to monitor the recovery-stress balance in athletes. A validated Italian version of this instrument was not available so far. Objective: The aim of this study was to provide an initial validation in Italian language of the RESTQ-Sport-36. Methods: A sample of Italian athletes (N = 339; women = 148; men = 191) from various sports completed the RESTQ-Sport-36 and the Italian Mood Scale (ITAMS). We examined the factorial validity and the internal consistency of the RESTQ-Sport-36 and its concurrent validity with the ITAMS. Results: A confirmatory factor analysis supported a 12-factor structure after the removal of 3 items. Reliability analysis showed a satisfactory internal consistency of the 33-item Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (RESTQ-Sport-33). Pearson correlation coefficients revealed that the RESTQ-Sport-33 and ITAMS share some common variance but measure different constructs. Conclusion: Our results provided support to the factorial validity and reliability of the RESTQ-Sport-33. This instrument can be used to reliably monitor recovery-stress balance of Italian athletes throughout the season.

The Training Characteristics of Recreational-Level Triathletes: Influence on Fatigue and Health

Little is known about how recreational triathletes prepare for an Olympic distance event. The aim of this study was to identify the training characteristics of recreational-level triathletes within the competition period and assess how their preparation for a triathlon influences their health and their levels of fatigue. During the 6 weeks prior to, and the 2 weeks after, an Olympic distance triathlon, nine recreational athletes (five males, four females) completed a daily training log. Participants answered the Daily Analysis of Life Demands Questionnaire (DALDA), the Training Distress Scale (TDS) and the Alberta Swim Fatigue and Health Questionnaire weekly. The Recovery-Stress Questionnaire (REST-Q) was completed at the beginning of the study, on the day before the competition, and at the end of week 8. Training loads were calculated using session-based rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). The data from every week of training was compared to week 1 to determine how athletes’ training and health changed throughout the study. No changes in training loads, duration or training intensity distribution were seen in the weeks leading up to the competition. Training duration was significantly reduced in week 6 (p = 0.041, d = 1.58, 95% CI = 6.9, 421.9), while the number of sessions was reduced in week 6 (Z = 2.32, p = 0.02, ES = 0.88) and week 7 (Z = 2.31, p = 0.02, ES = 0.87). Training was characterized by large weekly variations in training loads and a high training intensity. No significant changes were seen in the DALDA, TDS or REST-Q questionnaire scores throughout the 8 weeks. Despite large spikes in training load and a high overall training intensity, these recreational-level triathletes were able to maintain their health in the 6 weeks of training prior to an Olympic distance triathlon.