Characteristics of Relative Age Effects and Anthropometric Data in Japanese Recreational and Elite Male Junior Baseball PlayersKatsumata, Yoichi; Omuro, Kohei; Mitsukawa, Naotoshi; Nakata, Hiroki
2018 Sports Medicine - Open
doi: 10.1186/s40798-018-0165-9pmid: 30499026
Abstract Background The mechanisms underlying the relative age effect (RAE), a biased distribution of birth dates, in sport events have been investigated for more than two decades. The present study investigated the characteristics of the RAE in baseball and anthropometric data (height and weight) among recreational junior baseball players as well as elite players, using data extracted from national surveys. Methods Birth and anthropometric data were obtained from 4464 Japanese students as elementary school, junior high school, and high school players. Results Significant RAEs were noted in recreational junior high school and high school players, but not in elementary school players, and the effect size became larger with increasing grade (0.063 in elementary school players, 0.151 in junior high school players, and 0.227 in high school players). We also observed a significant RAE for elite elementary, junior high, and high school players. However, the effect size of elite players became smaller with increasing grade (0.563 in elementary school players, 0.358 in junior high school players, and 0.343 in high school players). Height and weight values were significantly larger in elite elementary and junior high school players than in recreational elementary and junior high school players, but height was almost the same between recreational and elite high school players. Conclusion The characteristics of RAEs differed between recreational and elite junior baseball players. Anthropometric data were also different, depending on birth data, and between recreational and elite baseball players in elementary and junior high school students.
Frequency of Self-Reported Concussion Amongst Professional and Semi-Professional Footballers in Ireland During the 2014 Season: a Cross-Sectional StudyCoffey, Nicola; Lawless, Martin; Kelly, Seamus; Buggy, Conor
2018 Sports Medicine - Open
doi: 10.1186/s40798-017-0118-8pmid: 29313156
Abstract Background This paper examines the occupational risk of concussion amongst professional and semi-professional footballers in Ireland during the 2014 League of Ireland season. As part of a broader nationally representative study examining occupational safety and health (OSH) awareness amongst professional footballers, this empirical quantitative study, utilising a convenience sample is the first and largest investigation of the frequency of, and attitudes towards, concussion and concussion reporting amongst Irish senior professional and semi-professional footballers. Methods A census survey using an anonymous questionnaire was provided to available League of Ireland clubs between March and May 2015. Permission to access players was provided by the Professional Footballers Association of Ireland. This convenience sample was determined by club availability in relation to match fixtures. Participation by the footballers was voluntary. At the time, there were 250 professional and semi-professional players within the League available to participate. Results A total of 149 footballers participated in the study. Sixty percent of the participants were employed on a semi-professional basis and the majority of all participants were aged between 18 and 30. 15.7% of the participants reported having received a concussion in the 2014 season with semi-professional players having a noticeably higher (though not significant) reporting rate. Analysis indicated that there was a significant association between playing position and concussion reporting with defenders having the greater odds of reporting a concussion than other playing positions. Professional and semi-professional footballers have a relatively equal risk of receiving a concussion. Conclusion This research is the first major investigation of the self-reported frequency of, and attitudes towards, concussion amongst Irish senior professional and semi-professional footballers. The results have important implications for coaches, clinicians, parents, players and national governing bodies. Further research is needed to ascertain whether professional footballers perceive concussion as an occupational risk, and whether they appreciate that accepting such risks can have long-term implications for health.
Assessing Cardiorespiratory Fitness of Soccer Players: Is Test Specificity the Issue?–A ReviewJemni, Monèm; Prince, Mohammad; Baker, Julien
2018 Sports Medicine - Open
doi: 10.1186/s40798-018-0134-3pmid: 29923108
It is important that players and coaches have access to objective information on soccer player’s physical status for team selection and training purposes. Physiological tests can provide this information. Physiological testing in laboratories and field settings are very common, but both methods have been questioned because of their specificity and accuracy respectively. Currently, football players have their direct aerobic fitness assessed in laboratories using treadmills or cycle ergometers, whilst indirect measures (using estimation of aerobic performance) are performed in the field, typically comprising multiple shuttle runs back and forth over a set distance. The purpose of this review is to discuss the applied techniques and technologies used for evaluating soccer players’ health and fitness variables with a specific focus on cardiorespiratory testing. A clear distinction of the functionality and the specificity between the field tests and laboratory tests is well established in the literature. The review findings prioritize field tests over laboratory tests, not only for commodity purpose but also for motivational and specificity reasons. Moreover, the research literature suggests a combination of various tests to provide a comprehensive assessment of the players. Finally, more research needs to be conducted to develop a specific and comprehensive test model through the combination of various exercise modes for soccer players.
Men, Mental Health and Elite Sport: a Narrative ReviewSouter, Gary; Lewis, Robin; Serrant, Laura
2018 Sports Medicine - Open
doi: 10.1186/s40798-018-0175-7pmid: 30569248
Mental health in elite sport is receiving more publicity due to an increase in male athletes sharing their personal experiences. Sports injury is recognised as the major risk factor for psychological distress amongst male athletes, although anecdotally this may be that athletes are more likely to discuss their emotional wellbeing when related to the injury they are experiencing. Stress can be amplified within elite sport and the pressure they experience in relation to competition and performance can be exacerbated by adverse life events. This ongoing stress does not end when their sporting career does, it can follow them into retirement. The physical and psychological demands placed upon them by the sporting environment may predispose athletes to developing depression. As an athlete’s symptoms of mental illness intensify, their performance can be negatively affected leaving them vulnerable and exposed to further symptoms of common mental disorders. The pressure of performance can also expose male athletes to overtraining syndrome which can be difficult to distinguish from depression. Male athletes are more vulnerable to eating disorders compared with males in the general population and they do have anxieties, particularly around their bodies, but find it difficult to disclose their concerns. In addition to this, male athletes are more likely to use substances, including opioids to improve both sport and non-sport performance.