Refine
Year of publication
Document Type
- Article (105)
- Postprint (37)
- Conference Proceeding (33)
- Other (13)
- Review (1)
Language
- English (189) (remove)
Is part of the Bibliography
- yes (189)
Keywords
- sonography (14)
- EMG (8)
- young athletes (8)
- MiSpEx (7)
- Exercise (6)
- reliability (6)
- Basketball (5)
- Children (5)
- Functional ankle instability (5)
- Perturbation (5)
Institute
- Department Sport- und Gesundheitswissenschaften (124)
- Strukturbereich Kognitionswissenschaften (18)
- Humanwissenschaftliche Fakultät (17)
- Hochschulambulanz (10)
- Institut für Ernährungswissenschaft (9)
- Fakultät für Gesundheitswissenschaften (6)
- Extern (4)
- Institut für Biochemie und Biologie (2)
- Department Psychologie (1)
Background: Racing drivers require multifaceted cognitive and physical abilities in a multitasking situation. A knowledge of their physical capacities may help to improve fitness and performance. Objective: To compare reaction time, stability performance capacity, and strength performance capacity of elite racing drivers with those of age-matched, physically active controls. Methods: Eight elite racing drivers and 10 physically active controls matched for age and weight were tested in a reaction and determination test requiring upper and lower extremity responses to visual and audio cues. Further tests comprised evaluation of one-leg postural stability on a two-dimensional moveable platform, measures of maximum strength performance capacity of the extensors of the leg on a leg press, and a test of force capacity of the arms in a sitting position at a steering wheel. An additional arm endurance test consisted of isometric work at the steering wheel at + 30 degrees and -30 degrees where an eccentric threshold load of 30 N.m was applied. Subjects had to hold the end positions above this threshold until exhaustion. Univariate one way analysis of variance (alpha = 0.05) including a Bonferroni adjustment was used to detect group differences between the drivers and controls. Results: The reaction time of the racing drivers was significantly faster than the controls ( p = 0.004). The following motor reaction time and reaction times in the multiple determination test did not differ between the groups. No significant differences (p> 0.05) were found for postural stability, leg extensor strength, or arm strength and endurance. Conclusions: Racing drivers have faster reaction times than age-matched physically active controls. Further development of motor sport-specific test protocols is suggested. According to the requirements of motor racing, strength and sensorimotor performance capacity can potentially be improved.
Background: Gender-specific neuromuscular activity for the ankle (e.g., peroneal muscle) is currently not known. This knowledge may contribute to the understanding of overuse injury mechanisms. The purpose was therefore to analyse the neuromuscular activity of the peroneal muscle in healthy runners. Methods: Fifty-three male and 54 female competitive runners were tested on a treadmill at 3.33 m s(-1). Neuromuscular activity of the M. peroneus longus was measured by electromyography and analysed in the time domain (onset of activation, time of maximum of activation, total time of activation) in % of stride time in relation to touchdown (= 1.0). Additionally, mean amplitudes for the gait cycle phases preactivation, weight acceptance and push-off were calculated and normalised to the mean activity of the entire gait cycle. Findings: Onset of activation (mean; female: 0.86/male: 0.90, p<0.0001) and time of maximum of activation (female: 1.13/male: 1.16, p<0.0001) occurred earlier in female compared to male and the total time of activation was longer in women (female: 0.42/male: 0.39, p=0.0036). In preactivation, women showed higher amplitudes (+ 21%) compared to men (female: 1.16/male: 0.92, p<0.0001). Activity during weight acceptance (female: 2.26/male: 2.41, p = 0.0039) and push-off (female: 0.93/male: 1.07, p = 0.0027) were higher in men. Interpretation: Activation strategies of the peroneal muscle appear to be gender-specific. Higher preactivation amplitudes in females indicate a different neuromuscular control in anticipation of touchdown ("pre-programmed activity"). These data may help interpret epidemiologically reported differences between genders in overuse injury frequency and localisation.
Exercise may increase reactive oxygen species production, which might impair cell integrity and contractile function of muscle cells. However, little is known about the effect of regular exercise on the antioxidant status of adolescents. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of exercise on the antioxidant status and protein modifications in adolescent athletes. Methods: In 90 athletes and 18 controls (16 +/- 2 yr), exercise-related energy expenditure was calculated on the basis of a 7-d activity protocol. Antioxidant intake and plasma concentrations of alpha-tocopherol, carotenoids, and uric acid were analyzed. Plasma antioxidant activity was determined by Trolox equivalent (TE) antioxidant capacity and electron spin resonance spectrometry. Protein modifications were assessed with structural changes of transthyretin using a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and post hoc by the Tukey-Kramer test (alpha = 0.05). Results: Antioxidant intake correlated with energy intake and was within the recommended daily allowance for vitamins C and E and beta-carotene. Plasma levels of neither nutritional antioxidants nor uric acid differed between the groups. TE antioxidant capacity was higher in athletes (men = 1.47 perpendicular to 0.2 mmol TE per liter, women = 1.45 perpendicular to 0.2 mmol TE per liter) compared with controls (men = 1.17 +/- 0.04 mmol TE per liter, women = 1.14 +/- 0.04 mmol TE per liter) and increased with exercise-related energy expenditure (P = 0.007). Transthyretin cysteinylation rate differed between the groups, with the highest rate of protein modifications in moderately active subjects (P = 0.007). Conclusions: Results suggest that if the nutritional choice of athletes is well balanced, enough antioxidants are provided to meet recommended amounts. Moreover, regular exercise increases blood antioxidant capacity in young athletes, whereas chronic exercise was not shown to promote protein modifications. Thus, in young athletes who are sufficiently supplied with antioxidants, beneficial effects of exercise on antioxidant status rather than on oxidative stress may be anticipated.
How much is too much?
(2010)
Although dietary nutrient intake is often adequate, nutritional supplement use is common among elite athletes. However, high-dose supplements or the use of multiple supplements may exceed the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of particular nutrients or even result in a daily intake above tolerable upper limits (UL). The present case report presents nutritional intake data and supplement use of a highly trained male swimmer competing at international level. Habitual energy and micronutrient intake were analysed by 3 d dietary reports. Supplement use and dosage were assessed, and total amount of nutrient supply was calculated. Micronutrient intake was evaluated based on RDA and UL as presented by the European Scientific Committee on Food, and maximum permitted levels in supplements (MPL) are given. The athlete’s diet provided adequate micronutrient content well above RDA except for vitamin D. Simultaneous use of ten different supplements was reported, resulting in excess intake above tolerable UL for folate, vitamin E and Zn. Additionally, daily supplement dosage was considerably above MPL for nine micronutrients consumed as artificial products. Risks and possible side effects of exceeding UL by the athlete are discussed. Athletes with high energy intake may be at risk of exceeding UL of particular nutrients if multiple supplements are added. Therefore, dietary counselling of athletes should include assessment of habitual diet and nutritional supplement intake. Educating athletes to balance their diets instead of taking supplements might be prudent to prevent health risks
that may occur with long-term excess nutrient intake.
On utilise de plus en plus les tests de verification pour confirmer l'atteinte du consommation d'oxygene maximale (VO(2 max)). Toutefois, le moment et les methodes d'evaluation varient d'un groupe de travail a l'autre. Les objectifs de cette etude sont de constater si on peut administrer un test de verification apres un test d'effort progressif ou s'il est preferable de le faire une autre journee et si on peut determiner le VO(2 max) tout de meme lors de la premiere seance chez des sujets ne repondant pas au critere de verification. Quarante sujets (age, 24 +/- 4 ans; VO(2 max), 50 +/- 7 mL center dot min(-1)center dot kg(-1)) participent a un test d'effort progressif sur tapis roulant et, 10 min plus tard, a un test de verification (VerifDay1) a 110 % de la velocite maximale (v(max)). Le critere de verification est un VO(2) de pointe au VerifDay1 < 5,5 % a la valeur retenue au test d'effort progressif. Les sujets ne repondant pas au critere de verification passent un autre test de verification, mais a 115 % du VerifDay1', et ce, 10 min plus tard pour confirmer le VO(2) de pointe du VerifDay1 en tant que VO(2 max). Tous les autres sujets repassent le VerifDay1 a un jour different (VerifDay2). Six sujets sur quarante ne repondent pas au critere de verification. Chez quatre d'entre eux, on confirme l'atteinte du VO(2 max) au VerifDay1'. Le VO(2) de pointe au VerifDay1 est equivalent a celui du VerifDay2 (3722 +/- 991 mL center dot min(-1) comparativement a 3752 +/- 995 mL center dot min(-1), p = 0,56), mais le temps jusqu'a l'epuisement est significativement plus long au VerifDay2 (2:06 +/- 0:22 min:s comparativement a 2:42 +/- 0:38 min:s, p < 0,001, n = 34). Le VO(2) de pointe obtenu au test de verification ne semble pas conditionne par un test d'effort progressif maximal prealable. On peut donc realiser le test d'effort progressif et le test de verification lors de la meme seance d'evaluation. Chez presque tous les individus ne repondant pas au critere de verification, on peut determiner le VO(2 max) au moyen d'un autre test de verification plus intense.
Background: Athletes may differ in their resting metabolic rate (RMR) from the general population. However, to estimate the RMR in athletes, prediction equations that have not been validated in athletes are often used. The purpose of this study was therefore to verify the applicability of commonly used RMR predictions for use in athletes. Methods: The RMR was measured by indirect calorimetry in 17 highly trained rowers and canoeists of the German national teams (BMI 24 +/- 2 kg/m(2), fat-free mass 69 +/- 15 kg). In addition, the RMR was predicted using Cunningham (CUN) and Harris-Benedict (HB) equations. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was calculated to test for differences between predicted and measured RMR (alpha = 0.05). The root mean square percentage error (RMSPE) was calculated and the Bland-Altman procedure was used to quantify the bias for each prediction. Results: Prediction equations significantly underestimated the RMR in males (p < 0.001). The RMSPE was calculated to be 18.4% (CUN) and 20.9% (HB) in the entire group. The bias was 133 kcal/24 h for CUN and 202 kcal/24 h for HB. Conclusions: Predictions significantly underestimate the RMR in male heavyweight endurance athletes but not in females. In athletes with a high fat-free mass, prediction equations might therefore not be applicable to estimate energy requirements. Instead, measurement of the resting energy expenditure or specific prediction equations might be needed for the individual heavyweight athlete.
Neuromuscular control in functional situations and possible impairments due to Achilles tendinopathy are not well understood.
Thirty controls (CO) and 30 runners with Achilles tendinopathy (AT) were tested on a treadmill at 3.33 m s(-1) (12 km h(-1)). Neuromuscular activity of the lower leg (tibialis anterior, peroneal, and gastrocnemius muscle) was measured by surface electromyography. Mean amplitude values (MAV) for the gait cycle phases preactivation, weight acceptance and push-off were calculated and normalised to the mean activity of the entire gait cycle.
MAVs of the tibialis anterior did not differ between CO and AT in any gait cycle phase. The activation of the peroneal muscle was lower in AT in weight acceptance (p = 0.006), whereas no difference between CO and AT was found in preactivation (p = 0.71) and push-off (p = 0.83). Also, MAVs of the gastrocnemius muscle did not differ between AT and CO in preactivity (p = 0.71) but were reduced in AT during weight acceptance (p = 0.001) and push-off (p = 0.04).
Achilles tendinopathy does not seem to alter pre-programmed neural control but might induce mechanical deficits of the lower extremity during weight bearing (joint stability). This should be addressed in the therapy process of AT.
How much is too much? - a case report of nutritional supplement use of a high-performance athlete
(2011)
Although dietary nutrient intake is often adequate, nutritional supplement use is common among elite athletes. However, high-dose supplements or the use of multiple supplements may exceed the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of particular nutrients or even result in a daily intake above tolerable upper limits (UL). The present case report presents nutritional intake data and supplement use of a highly trained male swimmer competing at international level. Habitual energy and micronutrient intake were analysed by 3 d dietary reports. Supplement use and dosage were assessed, and total amount of nutrient supply was calculated. Micronutrient intake was evaluated based on RDA and UL as presented by the European Scientific Committee on Food, and maximum permitted levels in supplements (MPL) are given. The athlete's diet provided adequate micronutrient content well above RDA except for vitamin D. Simultaneous use of ten different supplements was reported, resulting in excess intake above tolerable UL for folate, vitamin E and Zn. Additionally, daily supplement dosage was considerably above MPL for nine micronutrients consumed as artificial products. Risks and possible side effects of exceeding UL by the athlete are discussed. Athletes with high energy intake may be at risk of exceeding UL of particular nutrients if multiple supplements are added. Therefore, dietary counselling of athletes should include assessment of habitual diet and nutritional supplement intake. Educating athletes to balance their diets instead of taking supplements might be prudent to prevent health risks that may occur with long-term excess nutrient intake.