Endurance cyclists have a substantial risk to develop flow limitations in the iliac arteries during their career. These flow limitations are due to extreme hemodynamic stress which may result in functional arterial kinking and/or intravascular lesions. Early diagnosis may improve outcome and could prevent the necessity for surgical vascular repair. However, current diagnostic techniques have unsatisfactory sensitivity and cannot be applied during exercise. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has shown great diagnostic potential in peripheral vascular disease and might bring a solution since it measures tissue oxygenation in real time during and after exercise. This report describes the first experiences of the application of NIRS in the vastus lateralis muscle during and after maximal graded cycling exercise in ten healthy participants and in three patients with flow limitations due to (1) subtle functional kinking, (2) an intravascular lesion, and (3) severe functional kinking. The results are put into perspective based on an empirically fitted model. Delayed recovery, showing clearly different types of patterns of tissue reoxygenation after exercise, was found in the affected athletes compared with the healthy participants. In the patients that had kinking of the arteries, tissue reoxygenation was clearly more delayed if NIRS was measured in provocative position with flexed hip. In this pilot experiment, clearly distinctive reoxygenation patterns are observed during recovery consistent with severity of flow limitation, indicating that NIRS is a promising diagnostic tool to detect and grade arterial flow limitations in athletes. Our findings may guide research and optimization of NIRS for future clinical application.

Martijn van Hooff

Goof Schep

Eduard Meijer

Mart Bender

Hans Savelberg

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Is Promising to Detect Iliac Artery Flow Limitations in Athletes: A Pilot Study

Background/Objective. Not only but particularly due to their time efficiency, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is becoming increasingly popular in fitness-oriented endurance sports. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a HIIT running program versus a Moderate Intensity Continuous Exercise (MICE) training running program (16 weeks each) on lactate kinetics in untrained males. Methods. 65 healthy but untrained males (30-50 years, BMI: 27.2 &#xb1; 3.7kg/m2) were randomly assigned to either an HIIT (n=33) or a waiting-control/MICE group (n=32). HIIT consisted of intervals and intense continuous running bouts at or above the individual anaerobic threshold (IANS, 95-110&#x25; of IANS-HR), while MICE focused on continuous running at 70-82.5&#x25; IANS-HR. Both programs were adjusted for &#x201c;total workload&#x201d;. Study endpoints were time to IANS and time from IANS till &#x201c;time to exhaustion&#x201d; (TTE) as assessed by stepwise treadmill test. Results. In both exercise groups time to reach IANS (MICE: 320 &#xb1; 160 s versus HIIT: 198 &#xb1; 118 s) increased significantly (p&#x3c;.001), with the groups differing significantly (p&#x3c;.001). Time from IANS until TTE was prolonged significantly among the HIIT group (27 &#xb1; 66s, p=.030), while among the MICE group a significant reduction of time from IANS until TTE (59 &#xb1; 109s; p=.017) was determined. Between-group difference is significant (p=.003) for this parameter. In both groups TTE increased significantly (HIIT: 27.2 &#xb1; 17.7&#x25; versus MICE: 29.0 &#xb1; 19.4&#x25;, both p&#x3c;.001) at a similar level (p=.279). Conclusion. HIIT and MICE protocols, when adjusted for total workload, similarly increased running performance in untrained male subjects; however, the underlying mechanisms differ fundamentally. Due to its effects on aerobic and anaerobic performance improvement, HIIT can be recommended for untrained individuals as a time-efficient alternative or complementary training method to MICE. However, our protocol did not confirm the general superiority of HIIT versus MICE on the key endurance parameter &#x201c;time to exhaustion&#x201d; that has been reported by other comparative exercise studies.

Michael Tuttor

Simon von Stengel

Michael Hettchen

Wolfgang Kemmler

Stimulus Level during Endurance Training: Effects on Lactate Kinetics in Untrained Men

Introduction. Range of motion (ROM) is closely monitored before and after surgery for stiff elbow and during rehabilitation. Measurements in the home environment may be helpful to increase involvement and adherence of the patient. Therefore, our objective is to investigate the validity and inter- and intraobserver reliability of 3 alternative methods to assess the ROM by the patient in a home-based situation, in comparison to the universal goniometer (UG). We hypothesize that all 3 alternative methods will be valid alternatives and show a level of reliability equivalent to UG. Methods. Goniometric measurements of elbow flexion, extension, pronation and supination using photography, movie, and a smartphone application were obtained. The validity of these measurement methods was compared to UG. The interobserver and intraobserver reliability were calculated for all measurement methods. Results. Photography and movie based goniometry of the elbow showed good validity in flexion and extension. The interobserver and intraobserver reliability were found to be good to excellent for photo and movie but moderate to poor for UG and the smartphone application. Conclusions. Photo or movie based goniometry seems to be a useful option for initial and follow-up measurement of the elbow ROM, both in the outpatient clinic and in a home environment. Based on our study, the smartphone application we used is not recommended.

Ren&#xe9;e Keijsers

Elisa L. Zwerus

Dagmar R. M. van Lith

Koen L. M. Koenraadt

Pjotr Goossens

Bertram The

Michel P. J. van den Bekerom

Denise Eygendaal

Validity and Reliability of Elbow Range of Motion Measurements Using Digital Photographs, Movies, and a Goniometry Smartphone Application

Introduction. The goal of this study was to describe the echocardiographic parameters of soccer referees and to examine the changes in these parameters after a period of intensive physical exercise. Methods and Patients. We conducted a prospective study that included Beninese soccer referees. The study of the geometry and function of the left ventricle (LV) was made at the beginning and end of the national Division 1 championship, which was held during the course of 10 weeks. Results. There were 37 referees included in this study; 20 at the national level (G1: 27.8 &#xb1; 6.6 years) and 17 at the international level (G2: 32.1 &#xb1; 6.4 years). Dimensions of the LV were normal for all the referees. At the beginning of the championship, 51.3&#x25; of the referees had a normal LV geometry, 37.8&#x25; had concentric remodelling, 2.7&#x25; had concentric hypertrophy, and 8.1&#x25; had eccentric hypertrophy. In the group of referees with normal LV geometry, a modification in concentric remodelling at the end of the championship was seen in 30&#x25; of the referees in G1, 33.3&#x25; of the referees in G2, and 31.6&#x25; of the whole sample. In the group of subjects who presented concentric LV remodelling, a modification in the normal geometry was observed in 37.5&#x25; of those in G1, in 0&#x25; of those in G2, and in 21.4&#x25; of the whole sample. The cases of LV hypertrophy showed no change regardless of the group considered. An LV ejection fraction of more than 50&#x25; and an E/E&#x2032; ratio less than 8 were found in all referees. Conclusion. All the referees studied had normal cardiac morphology and function. The intensity of the physical load was insufficient to impact this morphology.

Quenum Coffi

Sonou Arnaud

Gouthon Polycarpe

Ahissou Hyacinthe

Messan Folly

Nouatin Basile

Hounkponou Murielle

Hou&#xe9;nassi D. Martin

Changes in Echocardiographic Parameters among Beninese Soccer Referees during the Division 1 Championship in 2016

Background. Heart rate variability (HRV) reflects neural balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic nervous systems (ANS). Reduced HRV occurs in several chronic diseases and physical inactivity. External addition of pulses to the circulation restores HRV. A new method to add pulses to the circulation can be accomplished with a passive simulated jogging device (JD). We hypothesized that application of JD might increase HRV in seated and supine postures in a heterogeneous group of volunteer subjects. Methods. Twenty ambulatory persons (age range 31-88) were recruited. The physical activity intervention (JD) moved the feet in a repetitive and alternating manner; upward movement of the pedal is followed by a downward movement of the forefoot tapping against a semirigid bumper to simulate tapping of feet against the ground during jogging. Each subject underwent four, 30 min sessions in seated and supine postures with the active JD and same with Sham. HRV was assessed at baseline (BL), and Recovery (REC) from analysis of an electrocardiogram. Time domain variables were computed, namely, standard deviation of all normal RR intervals (SDNN) and square root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between adjacent RR intervals (RMSSD). Frequency domain measures were determined using a standard Fast Fourier spectral analysis, as well as parameters of Poincar&#xe9; plots. Results. Thirty minutes of JD significantly increased time domain measures and Poincar&#xe9; parameters of HRV in both seated and supine postures. Frequency domain parameters showed no change. The effects of JD on HRV measures were not affected by age, gender, or posture. Conclusion. The passive simulated jogging device increased HRV in both seated and supine postures. This intervention that provided effortless physical activity is a novel method to harness the beneficial effects of increasing HRV.

Jose A. Adams

Shivam Patel

Jose R. Lopez

Marvin A. Sackner

The Effects of Passive Simulated Jogging on Short-Term Heart Rate Variability in a Heterogeneous Group of Human Subjects

Exertional heatstroke (EHS) is a medical emergency that cannot be predicted, requires immediate whole-body cooling to reduce elevated internal body temperature, and is influenced by numerous host and environmental factors. Widely accepted predisposing factors (PDF) include prolonged or intense exercise, lack of heat acclimatization, sleep deprivation, dehydration, diet, alcohol abuse, drug use, chronic inflammation, febrile illness, older age, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use. The present review links these factors to the human intestinal microbiota (IM) and diet, which previously have not been appreciated as PDF. This review also describes plausible mechanisms by which these PDF lead to EHS: endotoxemia resulting from elevated plasma lipopolysaccharide (i.e., a structural component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria) and tissue injury from oxygen free radicals. We propose that recognizing the lifestyle and host factors which are influenced by intestine-microbial interactions, and modifying habitual dietary patterns to alter the IM ecosystem, will encourage efficient immune function, optimize the intestinal epithelial barrier, and reduce EHS morbidity and mortality.

Lawrence E. Armstrong

Elaine C. Lee

Elizabeth M. Armstrong

Interactions of Gut Microbiota, Endotoxemia, Immune Function, and Diet in Exertional Heatstroke

This study measured and compared the frequency, magnitude, and distribution of head impacts sustained by junior and adult Australian football players, respectively, and between player positions over a season of games. Twelve junior and twelve adult players were tracked using a skin-mounted impact sensor. Head impact exposure, including frequency, magnitude, and location of impacts, was quantified using previously established methods. Over the collection period, there were no significant differences in the impact frequency between junior and adult players. However, there was a significant increase in the frequency of head impacts for midfielders in both grades once we accounted for player position. A comparable amount of head impacts in both junior and adult players has implications for Australian football regarding player safety and medical coverage as younger players sustained similar impact levels as adult players. The other implication of a higher impact profile within midfielders is that, by targeting education and prevention strategies, a decrease in the incidence of sports-related concussion may result.

Mark Hecimovich

Doug King

Alasdair Dempsey

Myles Murphy

Head Impact Exposure in Junior and Adult Australian Football Players

Background. There are several published anthropometric equations to estimate body fat percentage (BF%), and this may prompt uncertainty about their application. Purpose. To analyze the accuracy of several anthropometric equations (developed in athletic [AT] and nonathletic [NAT] populations) that estimate BF% comparing them with DXA. Methods. We evaluated 131 professional male soccer players (body mass: <svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="32.223pt" style="vertical-align:-0.3499298pt" id="M1" height="8.69875pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -8.34882 32.223 8.69875"><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,0,0)"><path id="g113-56" d="M447 623H65C61 580 56 530 47 475H76C100 541 106 550 172 550H388C308 376 196 170 91 -1L98 -12L172 -2C268 204 360 408 455 611L447 623Z"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,6.242,0)"><path id="g113-52" d="M285 378C315 398 338 416 353 432C373 451 384 474 384 503C384 579 325 635 236 635H235C182 635 136 610 108 579L65 516L85 496C110 533 150 575 205 575C258 575 300 543 300 481C300 407 232 369 141 339L147 310C163 315 188 321 211 321C268 321 338 284 338 192C338 94 288 40 217 40C160 40 119 68 93 91C85 98 77 97 69 91C60 84 47 71 46 58C44 46 48 35 62 22C75 10 116 -12 162 -12C234 -12 424 62 424 224C424 297 373 359 285 376V378Z"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,12.482,0)"><path id="g113-47" d="M113 -12C146 -12 170 11 170 46C170 78 146 103 114 103S58 78 58 46C58 11 82 -12 113 -12Z"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,15.446,0)"><path id="g113-51" d="M412 140C382 77 369 73 315 73H129L270 222C362 320 402 379 402 466C402 571 322 635 234 635C177 635 130 609 99 576L42 495L64 475C90 514 133 568 201 568C274 568 318 519 318 435C318 349 255 267 193 193C144 135 87 78 32 23V0H405C417 45 427 89 440 131L412 140Z"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,24.592,0)"><path id="g117-37" d="M535 290V340H323V533H265V340H52V290H265V84H323V290H535ZM535 -22V28H52V-22H535Z"/></g></svg><svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="15.709pt" style="vertical-align:-0.3499298pt" height="8.69875pt" version="1.1" viewBox="35.0781838 -8.34882 15.709 8.69875"><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,35.128,0)"><path id="g113-57" d="M249 635C141 635 70 555 70 471C70 401 114 353 179 316C143 294 106 267 90 252C68 231 45 202 45 157C45 50 130 -12 237 -12C322 -12 435 52 435 169C435 256 372 304 303 343C349 374 375 398 383 407C401 429 411 458 411 487C411 569 344 635 249 635ZM238 603C285 603 337 567 337 482C337 422 310 385 276 358C205 393 145 426 145 500C145 552 179 603 238 603ZM248 20C183 20 125 70 125 163C125 218 158 268 206 300C284 261 355 217 355 143C355 66 308 20 248 20Z"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,41.368,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-47"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,44.332,0)"><path id="g113-49" d="M241 635C89 635 35 457 35 312C35 153 89 -12 240 -12C390 -12 443 166 443 312C443 466 390 635 241 635ZM238 602C329 602 354 454 354 312C354 172 330 22 240 22C152 22 124 173 124 313S148 602 238 602Z"/></g></svg> kg; height: <svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="38.465pt" style="vertical-align:-0.3499298pt" id="M2" height="8.69875pt" version="1.1" viewBox="-0.0498162 -8.34882 38.465 8.69875"><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,0,0)"><path id="g113-50" d="M384 0V27C293 34 287 42 287 114V635C232 613 172 594 109 583V559L157 557C201 555 205 550 205 499V114C205 42 199 34 109 27V0H384Z"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,6.24,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-56"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,12.482,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-56"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,18.724,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-47"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,21.688,0)"><path id="g113-54" d="M153 550H386L412 615L406 623H120L82 318C104 327 142 338 184 338C294 338 347 275 347 187C347 112 305 39 221 39C160 39 119 71 97 89C88 97 80 96 71 90C59 80 50 67 49 57C48 45 52 36 66 23C80 9 123 -12 169 -12C221 -11 288 15 342 59C403 109 431 165 431 225C431 308 366 395 238 395C212 395 165 379 127 364L153 550Z"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,30.834,0)"><use xlink:href="#g117-37"/></g></svg><svg xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="15.73pt" style="vertical-align:-0.3499298pt" height="8.69875pt" version="1.1" viewBox="41.3211838 -8.34882 15.73 8.69875"><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,41.371,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-54"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,47.611,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-47"/></g><g transform="matrix(.013,0,0,-0.013,50.575,0)"><use xlink:href="#g113-57"/></g></svg> cm; DXA BF% [median, 25th–75th percentile]: 14.0, 11.9–16.4%) aged 18 to 37 years. All subjects were evaluated with anthropometric measurements and a whole body DXA scan. BF% was estimated through 14 AT and 17 NAT anthropometric equations and compared with the measured DXA BF%. Mean differences and 95% limits of agreement were calculated for those anthropometric equations without significant differences with DXA. Results. Five AT and seven NAT anthropometric equations did not differ significantly with DXA. From these, Oliver’s and Civar’s (AT) and Ball’s and Wilmore’s (NAT) equations showed the highest agreement with DXA. Their 95% limits of agreement ranged from −3.9 to 2.3%, −4.8 to 1.8%, −3.4 to 3.1%, and −3.9 to 3.0%, respectively. Conclusion. Oliver’s, Ball’s, Civar’s, and Wilmore’s equations were the best to estimate BF% accurately compared with DXA in professional male soccer players.

Juan R. L&#xf3;pez-Taylor

Roberto G. Gonz&#xe1;lez-Mendoza

Alejandro Gayt&#xe1;n-Gonz&#xe1;lez

Juan Antonio Jim&#xe9;nez-Alvarado

Marisol Villegas-Balc&#xe1;zar

Edtna E. J&#xe1;uregui-Ulloa

Francisco Torres-Naranjo

Accuracy of Anthropometric Equations for Estimating Body Fat in Professional Male Soccer Players Compared with DXA

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Journal of Sports Medicine publishes original research articles and&nbsp;review articles in all areas of sports medicine.

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Journal of Sports Medicine - Table of contents 2018

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Journal of Sports Medicine publishes original research articles and review articles in all areas of sports medicine.

Journal of Sports Medicine