Personality characteristics and competitive anxiety in individual and team athletes

The purposes of this study were to investigate differences in personality and competitive anxiety depending on types of sports and gender, and to determine the influence of personality on competitive anxiety. Participants included 237 athletes (134 men and 103 women) who participated in the Thailand University Games, 2020. They were classified as individual (n = 114) and team (n = 123) athletes. Personality characteristics and competitive anxiety were assessed by using NEO five-factor inventory and sport competitive anxiety test. Differences between individual and team athletes and between gender were tested by using independent t-test. Relationships between personality and competitive anxiety were analyzed by using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. Moreover, multiple regression analysis was used to measure the contributions of personality on competitive anxiety. The results showed that competitive anxiety was significant difference between individual and team athletes (p = 0.03, d = 0.28). However, there was no difference in personality between groups. When compared between gender, there were significant differences in competitive anxiety (p < 0.001, d = 0.52) and the agreeableness (p = 0.04, d = -0.26) component of personality between female and male athletes. From the correlation analyzes, four characteristics of personality showed significant associations with competitive anxiety including neuroticism (r = -0.472, ρ < 0.001), extraversion (r = 0.184, ρ = 0.005), agreeableness (r = 0.147, ρ = 0.024), and conscientiousness (r = 0.202, ρ = 0.002). Among five personality factors, the neuroticism had minimally negative effect on competitive anxiety (β = -0.52) with percentage of prediction of 22%. These can be concluded that types of sport and gender are the important factors affecting personality and competitive anxiety. The athletes with certain personality traits were more susceptible to competitive anxiety. Importantly, the neuroticism could serve as a prediction of the competitive anxiety in all collegiate athletes.

A biomimetic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (BELISA) for the analysis of gonadorelin by using molecularly imprinted polymer-coated microplates

An original biomimetic enzyme-linked immunoassay (BELISA) to target the small peptide hormone gonadorelin is presented. This peptide has been recently listed among the substances banned in sports by the World Antidoping Agency (WADA) since its misuse by male athletes triggers testosterone increase. Hence, in response to this emerging issue in anti-doping controls, we proposed BELISA which involves the growth of a polynorepinephrine (PNE)–based molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) directly on microwells. PNE, a polydopamine (PDA) analog, has recently displayed impressive performances when it was exploited for MIP preparation, giving even better results than PDA. Gonadorelin quantification was accomplished via a colorimetric indirect competitive bioassay involving the competition between biotinylated gonadorelin linked to the signal reporter and the unlabeled analyte. These compete for the same MIP binding sites resulting in an inverse correlation between gonadorelin concentration and the output color signal (λ = 450 nm). A detection limit of 277 pmol L−1 was achieved with very good reproducibility in standard solutions (avCV% = 4.07%) and in urine samples (avCV% = 5.24%). The selectivity of the assay resulted adequate for biological specimens and non-specific control peptides. In addition, the analytical figures of merit were successfully validated by mass spectrometry, the reference anti-doping benchtop platform for the analyte. BELISA was aimed to open real perspectives for PNE-based MIPs as alternatives to antibodies, especially when the target analyte is a poorly or non-immunogenic small molecule, such as gonadorelin. Graphical abstract

Raising the Bar: Causal Evidence on Gender Differences in Risk-Taking From a Natural Experiment

We investigate the risk-taking behavior of women and men in high-stakes jumping competitions. Results indicated that female and male athletes differ in the timing and extent of their reactions to an increase in the risk of failure. Male competitors increased risk-taking in the more risky environment immediately after the changes. Female athletes, however, increased risk-taking two years after the rule change. Over time, female athletes revert to pre-reform risk-taking levels, and male athletes’ continued to make more risky decisions in the new environment. We attribute our findings to gender differences in competitiveness and risk preferences.

Evaluation of Reaction Time on Karate Athletes UKM Syiah Kuala University

The purpose of the study. Reaction time is a determining factor in sports, especially in martial arts. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the reaction time of UKM Karate athletes at Syiah Kuala University. Materials and methods. The approach in this study uses a quantitative approach. The sampling technique used purposive sampling, which means this technique is used to achieve certain goals. The samples in this study were athletes from UKM karate at Syiah Kuala University. The data collection technique was carried out by using the whole body reaction test to measure the reaction time of the athlete's arms and legs. Results. results of the research in the form of a whole body reaction test, the results using the formula for the average value and the total percentage can be concluded: (1) The arm reaction time test with the total average value for male athletes is 0.169 seconds and female athletes are 0.173, and the highest percentage is in the very good category, amounting to 87% for male and female athletes, 75% in the very good category and (2) the limb reaction time test has an average value of 0.269 seconds for male athletes and female athletes of 0.361 seconds, with the highest percentage value amounted to 100% in the good category for male athletes and for female athletes it was in the sufficient category with a percentage of 50%. Conclusions. the analysis show that most athletes have been able to maintain and increase reaction time well, to be able to improve and maintain it, regular and continuous training is needed

Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Insights From a Prospective Registry of Asian Elite Athletes

Background: Asian representation in sport is increasing, yet there remains a lack of reference values for the Asian athlete's heart. Consequently, current guidelines for cardiovascular screening recommend using Caucasian athletes' norms to evaluate Asian athletes. This study aims to outline electrocardiographic and echocardiographic characteristics of the Asian athlete's heart using a Singaporean prospective registry of Southeast (SE) Asian athletes.Methods and Results: One hundred and fifty elite athletes, mean age of 26.1 ± 5.7 years (50% males, 88% Chinese), were evaluated using a questionnaire, 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and transthoracic echocardiogram. All ECGs were analyzed using the 2017 International Recommendations. Echocardiographic data were presented by gender and sporting discipline. The prevalence of abnormal ECGs among SE Asian athletes was 6.7%—higher than reported figures for Caucasian athletes. The abnormal ECGs comprised mainly anterior T wave inversions (ATWI) beyond lead V2, predominantly in female athletes from mixed/endurance sport (9.3% prevalence amongst females). None had echocardiographic structural abnormalities. Male athletes had reduced global longitudinal strain compared to females (−18.7 ± 1.6 vs. −20.7 ± 2.1%, p &lt; 0.001). Overall, SE Asian athletes had smaller left ventricular cavity sizes and wall thickness compared to non-Asian athletes.Conclusion: SE Asian athletes have higher abnormal ECG rates compared to Caucasian athletes, and also demonstrate structural differences that should be accounted for when interpreting their echocardiograms compared to athletes of other ethnicities.

Recurrence of Scaphoid Stress Fracture: A Case Report

Background Scaphoid stress fractures are rare and typically present in young, elite male athletes. Due to the infrequency in which these injuries are encountered, the optimum management is not established. Case Description We present the case of a 20-year-old male gymnast with bilateral stress fractures of the scaphoid waist. Following conservative treatment, clinical and radiological signs of union were seen bilaterally. Eight months after return to normal activities, a unilateral recurrence of the stress fracture occurred. This was successfully treated with internal fixation and bone grafting. Literature Review Scaphoid stress fractures are most frequently seen in gymnasts but also occur in participants of other sports involving repetitive loading of an extended wrist. This action conveys force predominantly through the waist of the scaphoid. Most case studies have reported high union rates, whether treated operatively or conservatively, and the patients returned to high-level sport with no further problems. Stress fracture recurrence has been reported in other bones such as the metatarsal and tibia but never before in the scaphoid. Our case is unusual in that the patient suffered ongoing problems due to a recurrence of the scaphoid stress fracture after returning to normal activities. Clinical Relevance Clinicians should be aware that scaphoid stress fracture recurrence can occur, counsel patients accordingly, and remain vigilant after apparent union. We would recommend early fixation to allow a quicker return to function and prevention of recurrence.

Examination of Nutritional Knowledge Levels and Nutritional Attitudes of Badminton Athletes

Aim: This study aimed to examine the nutritional knowledge levels and nutritional attitudes of badminton athletes in Turkey. Method: The screening model was used in our research. After giving preliminary information about the survey to the participants, a total of 207 volunteer athletes (92 (44.4%) female and 115 (55.6%) male athletes) participated in the study voluntarily. In the research, a personal information form was used in the first part, and a nutrition questionnaire consisting of two main parts was applied in the nutrition-related part. The first part of the nutrition questionnaire measured the nutritional knowledge level of the participants, and the second part measured their nutritional attitudes. The data obtained for the research were first transferred to the computer environment and then analyzed through the SPSS 22.0 package program. Results: According to the results of the study, it was observed that the nutritional attitude values of the female participants were higher than the males, and this difference was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Considering the nutritional attitudes of the national athletes according to the being national athlete status variable of the participants, it was determined that the mean scores were higher than the non-national athletes and this situation was statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: When the results were examined, it was observed that the athletes who took nutrition lessons had higher nutritional knowledge and attitudes than those who did not, and national athletes had higher nutritional knowledge and attitudes than non-national athletes. The fact that national athletes can be in the camp environment at an early age and work with experts was inevitably beneficial for their nutritional knowledge and attitude. Keywords: Badminton, Nutrition Knowledge and Attitude

Gênero e hidratação como mediadores relevantes para restauração de processos inflamatórios em atletas jovens

Objetivos: Poucos estudos tem dado a devida importância ao estado de hidratação e as alterações hematológicas em menores de 18 anos. O presente estudo investigou estas alterações em menores de 18 anos na prova de 3000 metros para ambos os gêneros. Método: Foram incluídos os seis melhores participantes das Olimpíadas Nacionais do Ensino Médio (menores de 18 anos) no Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo observacional e transversal. Os atletas correram 3.000 metros em uma pista oval de 400 metros. Foi realizado leucograma total e específico, eritrograma e contagem de plaquetas em quatro diferentes tempos (jejum, pré, pós e recuperação). Os cálculos de comparação entre tempos, apresentados, foram adaptados do modelo matemático de variação percentual. Resultados: Quando comparadas as médias em relação a cada tempo, pode-se notar que os eritrócitos, hemoglobina, hematócrito, leucócitos totais e basófilos aumentaram significativamente após a corrida para ambos os gêneros. Além disso, as plaquetas também aumentaram para ambos os gêneros sem significância. O coeficiente de correlação de Pearson mostrou importante interação leucócitos-plaquetas. Os homens recuperaram seu estado de hidratação em quase metade do tempo em relação as mulheres. Em relação ao sistema imune e resposta inflamatória, as atletas do gênero feminino tiveram um aumento relativo de mais que o dobro para leucócitos e não recuperaram estes valores, além de apresentarem um aumento de eosinófilos neste mesmo tempo, enquanto os atletas do gênero masculino apresentaram diminuição. As mulheres apresentaram um aumento de quase o dobro para linfócitos, enquanto os homens tiveram este comportamento para os fagócitos. Conclusões: O exercício induz alteração do estado de hidratação e sistema imune, tendo diferenças em relação ao gênero. Quando bem conduzido, gera efeitos antiinflamatórios a longo prazo. Quando não há controle sobre o volume, intensidade e recuperação pode causar imunossupressão e promover a suceptibilidade para infecções. Foi possível observar que os atletas do gênero masculino tem um menor estresse inflamatório e recuperam o seu estado de hidratação e a resposta inflamatória mais rápido que as meninas após uma corrida de 3000 metros. Objectives: Few studies have given due importance to the hydration status and hematological alterations in children under 18 years of age. The present study investigated these alterations in children under 18 years old in the 3000 meters test for both genders. Method: The six best participants of Brazil's National High School Olympiads (under 18 years old) were included. This is an observational and cross-sectional study. Athletes ran 3,000 meters on a 400 meters oval track. Total and specific white blood cell count, erythrogram, and platelet count were performed four times (fasting, pre, post, and recovery). The time comparison calculations presented were adapted from the percentage variation mathematical model. Results: When comparing the means for each time, it can be noted that erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, total leukocytes, and basophils increased significantly after the race for both genders. Furthermore, platelets also increased for both genders without significance. Pearson's correlation coefficient showed a significant leukocyte-platelet interaction. Men regained their hydration status in almost half the time compared to women. Regarding the immune system and inflammatory response, female athletes had a relative increase of more than double for leukocytes and did not recover these values, in addition to showing an increase in eosinophils simultaneously, while male athletes showed a decrease. Women showed an increase of almost double for lymphocytes, while men showed this behavior for phagocytes. Conclusions: Exercise induces changes in hydration status and immune system, with differences concerning gender. When done well, it generates long-term anti-inflammatory effects. When there is no control over volume, intensity, and recovery, it can cause immunosuppression and increase infection susceptibility. It was observed that male athletes have lower inflammatory stress and recover their hydration status and inflammatory response faster than girls after a 3000 meter run.

Center of pressure-based postural sway differences on parallel and single leg stance in Olympic deaf basketball and volleyball players

In sports such as basketball and volleyball, loss of balance due to the inability to maintain body stability and lack of postural control adversely affect athletic performance. Deaf athletes appear to struggle with balance and postural stability problems. The purpose of this study was to examine postural sway values in parallel and single leg stance of Olympic deaf basketball and volleyball players and reveal differences between the branches. Twenty-three male athletes from the Turkish national deaf basketball (n= 11) and volleyball (n= 12) teams participated in the study. After anthropometric measurements, the subjects completed postural sway (PS) tests in parallel/single leg stances with open eyes and closed eyes on a force plate. PS parameters (sway path, velocity, and area) obtained from the device software were used for the statistical analysis. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare differences in PS parameters between basketball and volleyball players, and the alpha value was accepted as 0.05. Volleyball players had significantly better results in parallel stance and dominant leg PS values than basketball players (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in nondominant leg PS values (P>0.05). We think that proprioceptive and vestibular system enhancing training practices to be performed with stability exercises will be beneficial in terms of both promoting functional stability and interlimb coordination. Trainers and strength coaches should be aware of differences in the postural control mechanism of deaf athletes.