Can Off-Training Physical Behaviors Influence Recovery in Athletes? A Scoping Review

Promoting dual careers at higher education institutions: 31 benefits ranked by the project Student Athletes Erasmus+ Mobility in Europe (SAMEurope)

Introduction

The project Student Athletes Erasmus+ Mobility in Europe identified and defined a total of 31 benefits offered to dual-career student athletes who are combining their university studies with high-level training. The project was co-funded by the European Union and carried out by five universities: Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden), Institut national des sciences appliquées de Lyon (France), University of Jyväskylä (Finland), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany), and Universitat Jaume I (Spain).

Methods

The purpose of the study was to rank these benefits by combining the perspectives of the university staff and the student athletes from each university in the consortium. The university staff included experts from sports services and the international relations office. A questionnaire was also sent to the dual-career athletes enrolled at the consortium's universities. Of the 514 dual-career athletes, 208 (116 women) completed the questionnaire. The overall response rate was 40.47%. The university staff assessed the importance of each benefit, how easy it was to implement at the institution, and whether or not the university offered the benefit to its students. The dual-career students rated each of the 31 benefits and indicated whether or not they had used them. A specific methodology was designed to rank these benefits using the ratings of the university staff and the student athletes. Intra-group and inter-group Pearson correlations were performed.

Results

The results show a strong and significant correlation between the benefits from the perspective of the university staff (r = 0.710, p = 7.76E-7) and from the perspective of the students (r = 0.715, p = 2.44E-6). The correlation is moderate and significant when the benefits are correlated from the perspective of the two groups as a whole (0.363, p = 0.045), with the three most important benefits being the free use of sports facilities, justification for absences, and the adaptation of the pace of studies.

Discussion

The study makes visible the commitment of higher education institutions to facilitating the dual career of student athletes and identifies those benefits that may be of greater interest to European universities as a whole. The European perspective has been considered, while respecting the specificities of each university and the country in which it is located.

Effectiveness of wearable technology to optimize youth soccer players' off-training behaviour and training responses: a parallel group randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Although youth soccer players meet and exceed the weekly physical activity (PA) guidelines also exhibit high off-training sedentary behaviour (SB) levels. Recent evidence indicated that low PA preceding training leads to decreased PA intensity in soccer practice and that SB impairs sports performance and recovery. Thus, a parallel group randomized trial examined the effect of activity wristbands on young players' off-training PA and SB profiles; assessed the added value of wearable wristbands with PA warnings; and investigated whether manipulating off-training PA can affect the players' training responses.

METHODS

Thirty-two adolescent soccer players (16.1 ± 0.9 years old) were monitored during weekdays for two weeks (interspersed with one week). Players were randomly assigned to a reminder to move (REM) and a non-reminder to move group (nREM). The REM wore an activity wristband (Fitbit Charge 2) with PA warnings in the last week of research, while the nREM wore identical monitors without PA feedback. Throughout the study, off-training PA was assessed using tri-axial accelerometers, and training responses were analysed using wearable inertial monitoring units. Gardner-Altman estimation plots and a Fisher's Exact Test of Independence estimated each group's off-training PA changes between the monitored weeks. Complementary, an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) quantified the effect of Fitbit wristband configurations (with a reminder to move or without a reminder to move) on the off-training PA and soccer training external load variables. The independent variable group had two levels (REM and nREM). The off-training PA and training load values collected in the first week were introduced in the model as a covariate, the groups were designated fixed factors and the off-training PA and training load from the third week were the dependent variables. The team was also included as a covariate and the between-group differences post-intervention were adjusted for baseline and team.

RESULTS

Interestingly, results showed that different wearable wristbands did not influence the players' off-training PA profiles (p > 0.05). Concomitantly, no differences were observed in training responses (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Findings emphasize the importance of health and youth sports organizations in developing newer approaches for promoting healthier lifestyles, beyond training practices, with potentially favourable implications for sports performance.

Exploring dual career quality implementation at European higher education institutions: Insights from university experts

INTRODUCTION

This paper examines the convergence of the opinions of European higher education institution (HEI) experts on possible implementation of dual career policies and provision areas at university level.

METHODS

An online 32-item questionnaire encompassing 26 dual career aspects collected the opinion of European HEI experts as the last phase of a Delphi method preceded by i) focus groups with student-athletes who aimed to identify needs for dual careers and ii) a workshop with 21 dual career experts to generate the statements to be included in the survey. Seventy-one HEI experts from 12 EU member states participated in the survey, rating each dual career aspect identified in previous phases.

RESULTS

The relative position of each aspect has been plotted based on relevance (x-axis) and feasibility (y-axis). The Quadrant IV of the resulting scatterplots identified the following nine aspects rated as highly relevant and highly feasible for implementation: tutorship/mentorship, psychological support, programmes based on integration of academic departments and sports services, and adaptable programmes to the needs of each student-athletes (assistance/tutorship area), individual study plans and distance learning (curricula requirements area), publicity for student-athletes and initiatives for increasing the awareness of student-athletes and knowledge of dual career issues (social support area), and access to educational facilities (logistic support area).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The HEI experts' views represent a coherent and useful starting point to develop a deep understanding of the considered 26 aspects founded on a phenomenological lifeworld-led approach and emphasizes the need for a minimum standard for dual career policies and provisions.

Ubiquitous Computing in Sports and Physical Activity-Recent Trends and Developments

The use of small, interconnected and intelligent tools within the broad framework of pervasive computing for analysis and assessments in sport and physical activity is not a trend in itself but defines a way for information to be handled, processed and utilised: everywhere, at any time. The demand for objective data to support decision making prompted the adoption of wearables that evolve to fulfil the aims of assessing athletes and practitioners as closely as possible with their performance environments. In the present paper, we mention and discuss the advancements in ubiquitous computing in sports and physical activity in the past 5 years. Thus, recent developments in wearable sensors, cloud computing and artificial intelligence tools have been the pillars for a major change in the ways sport-related analyses are performed. The focus of our analysis is wearable technology, computer vision solutions for markerless tracking and their major contribution to the process of acquiring more representative data from uninhibited actions in realistic ecological conditions. We selected relevant literature on the applications of such approaches in various areas of sports and physical activity while outlining some limitations of the present-day data acquisition and data processing practices and the resulting sensors' functionalities, as well as the limitations to the data-driven informed decision making in the current technological and scientific framework. Finally, we hypothesise that a continuous merger of measurement, processing and analysis will lead to the development of more reliable models utilising the advantages of open computing and unrestricted data access and allow for the development of personalised-medicine-type approaches to sport training and performance.

Evidence that heat acclimation training may alter sleep and incidental activity

This randomized cross-over study tested the hypothesis that heat acclimation training would detrimentally affect sleep variables and alter incidental physical activity compared to a thermoneutral training control condition. Eight recreationally trained males (V̇O2peak 49±4.9 mL.kg-1.min-1) completed two separate interventions separated by at least 31 days: 5 consecutive day training blocks of moderate-intensity cycling (60 min·day-1 at 50% peak power output) in a hot (34.9±0.7 °C and 53±4 % relative humidity) and a temperate (22.2±2.6 °C; 65±8 % relative humidity) environment. Wrist-mounted accelerometers were worn continuously for the length of the training blocks and recorded physical activity, sleep quality and quantity. Data were analysed in a Bayesian framework, with the results presented as the posterior probability that a coefficient was greater or less than zero. Compared to the temperate training environment, heat acclimation impaired sleep efficiency (Pr β<0 = .979) and wake on sleep onset (Pr β>0 = .917). Daily sedentary time was, on average, 35 min longer (Pr β>0 = .973) and light physical activity time 18 min shorter (Pr β>0 = .960) during the heat acclimation period. No differences were observed between conditions in sleep duration, subjective sleep quality, or moderate or vigorous physical activity. These findings may suggest that athletes and coaches need to be cognisant that heat acclimation training may alter sleep quality and increase sedentary behaviour.HighlightsFive consecutive days of heat training negatively affected some objective measures of sleep quality and incidental physical activity in recreationally trained athletes.Athletes and coaches need to be aware of the potential unintended consequences of using heat acclimation on sleep behaviours.

Off-training physical activity and training responses as determinants of sleep quality in young soccer players

This study aimed to quantify and assess the relationship of young soccer players' off-training physical activity (PA) and training responses on sleep quality. Eleven adolescent soccer players (13 ± 0.5 years old) were monitored during weekdays for four consecutive weeks, throughout soccer practice days. Off-training PA and sleep quality were assessed using 100 Hz tri-axial accelerometers and training responses analyzed using 20 Hz global positioning measurement units. A cluster analysis classified all cases into three different dimensions, (1) off-training PA, (2) training responses and (3) sleep quality. For each dimension, the most important variables for classifying the cases into clusters were sedentary PA and moderate-to-vigorous PA; total distance covered and impacts; and sleep onset latency and sleep fragmentation index, respectively. Afterwards, a correspondence analysis was used to identify whether off-training PA and training responses affected sleep quality. Results exposed that high to medium off-training PA combined with medium to high training responses may have decreased sleep quality. Conversely, no correspondence was observed between off-training PA and training responses, with higher sleep quality. This study emphasizes the importance of sports organizations adopting a holistic approach to youth soccer players' development, that appropriately considers the inter-relationship between lifestyle, performance and health-related information.

COVID-19 pandemic impacts physical activity levels and sedentary time but not sleep quality in young badminton athletes

Purpose

Regular physical activity is a good strategy to maintain the health of athletes, and prevent pain and decreased joint flexibility during the pandemic. On the other hand, higher sedentary time during the pandemic period can have deleterious effects. The objective of this study was to compare physical activity levels, sedentary time, and sleep parameters during the pre-COVID period and the COVID-19 pandemic period in young badminton athletes.

Methods

Fifteen young badminton athletes were evaluated during a pre-COVID period (July 2019) and during the COVID-19 period (July 2020). Sleep parameters, physical activity level, and sedentary time were measured using a tri-axial accelerometer. Participants wore the accelerometer on their dominant wrist for 7 days consecutively. In addition, the average of each sleep parameter [time in bed and total sleep time in hours per day, sleep efficiency (%), wake after sleep onset (WASO, total per day), and sleep latency (minutes per day)] was reported over the 7-day period.

Results

Athletes presented increased sedentary time (pre-COVID = 7.0 ± 1.1 vs.COVID-19 = 8.9 ± 1.9 h/day, p = 0.004, d = 1.30) and significant decreases in the total PA observed in counts per day (pre-COVID = 2,967,064.4 ± 671,544.1 vs. COVID-19 = 1,868,210.2 ± 449,768.4 counts/day, p = 0.001, d = 1.99), time in vigorous PA (pre-COVID = 7.7 ± 0.9 vs. COVID-19 = 6.1 ± 1.2 h/day, p = 0.001, d = 1.56), and time in moderate-to-vigorous PA (pre-COVID = 8.1 ± 0.9 vs. COVID-19 = 6.5 ± 1.3 h/day, p = 0.001, d = 1.48). There were no significant differences for time in light and moderate PA or in sleep parameters (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Young badminton athletes presented increased sedentary time, and decreased total physical activity, time in MVPA, and time in vigorous activities during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-COVID period, however, there were no significant differences in sleep parameters.

Dual Careers of Athletes During COVID-19 Lockdown

This study aimed to investigate the student-athletes' capability to face the academic, sport, and social challenges during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown and to disclose novel aspects of dual careers. A 32-item online survey encompassing demographic characteristics, sport and university engagement, support and dual-career benefits, physical activity, sitting time, and the time deemed necessary to recover the previous level of performance was developed. Four hundred sixty-seven student-athletes (males: 57%, females: 43%) from 11 countries, competing in 49 different sports (individual: 63.4%, team: 36.6%) at regional (17.5%), national (43.3%), and international (39.2%) levels, and enrolled at high school (21.9%) and university (78.1%) levels completed the survey. During the lockdown, the respondents decreased the time dedicated to sport and academics, although they maintained an active lifestyle. Student-athletes from countries under severe contagion were more likely to train at home, dedicate to academics, and receive support from the coach but less likely receive support from their teachers. With respect to their team sport counterparts, athletes competing in individual sports trained more and were more likely to receive support from their coaches. International athletes showed the highest training time and support from their coaches and as student-athletes. High school students received more support from their coaches and teachers, whereas university students were more likely considering dual careers useful to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. This study substantiates the relevant role of competitive sports participation in the maintenance of active lifestyles, with student-athletes considering home training and e-learning valuable resources during the lockdown. Furthermore, their sport and academic commitments helped student-athletes cope with the emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inflammation, muscle damage and postrace physical activity following a mountain ultramarathon

BACKGROUND

The study aimed at exploring whether muscle membrane disruption, as a surrogate for muscle damage, and inflammation recovery following a mountain ultramarathon (MUM) was related with race performance and postrace physical activity.

METHODS

Blood samples were obtained from thirty-four athletes (29 men and 5 women) before a 118-km MUM, immediately after and three- and seven-days postrace. Creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were compared between faster (FR) and slower (SR) runners. Physical activity performed during the week following the MUM was objectively analyzed using accelerometers and compared between FR and SR.

RESULTS

CK was significantly higher in FR at 3 days postrace (P<0.012, d=1.17) and LDH was significantly higher in FR at 3- and 7-days postrace (P=0.005, d=1.01; P<0.015, d=1.05 respectively), as compared to SR. No significant differences were identified in postrace physical activity levels between FR and SR. Significant relationships were found between race time and CK and LDH concentrations at 3 days postrace (r<inf>s</inf>=-0.41, P=0.017; r<inf>s</inf>=-0.52, P=0.002 respectively) and 7 days postrace (r<inf>s</inf>=-0.36, P=0.039; r<inf>s</inf>=-0.46. P=0.007 respectively). However, postrace physical activity was not associated with muscle damage and inflammation recovery, except for light intensity and CRP at 3 days postrace (r<inf>s</inf>=-0.40, P=0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

Race time appeared to have a higher influence on muscle damage recovery than the intensity of physical activities performed in the week after running a MUM. Inflammatory activity takes longer to normalize than muscle damage following a MUM, it is not related with race time and lightly related with postrace physical activity.

Sedentary behaviours and their relationship with body composition of athletes

During the recovery period, athletes present high sedentary behaviour (SB). In non-athletes, there is a direct relationship between SB and obesity. However, little is known about this relationship in athletes. We hypothesized that different types of SB entail different associations with body composition outcomes.We examined the associations between different types of SB and body composition outcomes in 135 athletes (70 males) aged 21.3 ± 3.9 years old. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed to assess fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM) and trunk fat mass (TFM). A validated SB questionnaire (PACE) was used to estimate total SB and specific sedentary pursuits on an average day. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed, adjusting for age, sex, weekly training time, years of sport practice, and sport type.A positive association was found for total SB and total screen time with %TFM (β = 0.220, p = 0.038 and β = 0.319, p = 0.040, respectively), while an inverse association was found for %FFM (β = -0.214, p = 0.042 and β = -0.310, p = 0.026). A higher total screen time was related with a higher %FM (β = 0.283, p = 0.035). With a much stronger effect size, cell phone screen time was positively related with %FM (β = 1.447, p = 0.001).There is still debate whether high levels of physical activity can fully counteract the harms of SB. These findings suggest that SB, particularly cell phone screen time, can compromise athletes' body composition, regardless of weekly training time. Sport federations and coaches may improve athletes' body composition by targeting specific sedentary pursuits, i.e. total screen time and cell phone screen time, during athletes' recovery time.Highlights Even in athletes, SB can compromise total and regional body composition regardless of high training time.Screen time, specifically cell phone screen time seems to be the sedentary pursuit to target in athletes.Sport federations and coaches must control SB during athletes' recovery time.

The Influence of Maturity Status on Anthropometric Profile and Body Composition of Youth Goalkeepers

The anthropometric profile assessment is an important aspect to consider during the growth stages of youth sport practitioners due to its usefulness in controlling maturity status and overall health. We performed an anthropometric profile evaluation in a sample of youth goalkeepers (n = 42) during a training camp, dividing them into three categories based on their years from peak height velocity (YPHV). We also checked if the selection of goalkeepers was associated with the birth quartile. The results showed that most of the participants' anthropometric parameters followed the normal trend according to the maturation stages. However, several subjects showed an overweight/obese condition and/or high waist circumference. Non-optimal values were found, mostly in the group of goalkeepers around the PHV. In addition, no selection based on birth quartile was seen. Therefore, the anthropometric profile and body composition of youth goalkeepers are physiologically affected by maturity status. However, several subjects were found to be overweight/obese and at cardiometabolic risk, suggesting that children and adolescents, although practicing sport, should pay attention to potentially contributing factors such as the attainment of the recommended levels of physical activity, lowering sedentary time, and adopt a healthy lifestyle.