scholarly journals Use of Sports Supplements in Competitive Handball Players: Sex and Competitive Level Differences

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 3357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Muñoz ◽  
Álvaro López-Samanes ◽  
Raúl Domínguez ◽  
Víctor Moreno-Pérez ◽  
Antonio Jesús Sánchez-Oliver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Sport Performance ◽  
Sports Supplements ◽  
Scientific Support ◽  
Sports Drinks ◽  
Australian Institute ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Sports supplements are commonly used by elite athletes with the main goal of enhancing sport performance. Supplements use might be substantially different depending on the sport discipline, sex, and competitive level. To date, data about prevalence and the most-commonly used supplements in handball are scarce. Thus, the aim of this investigation was to determine the patterns of supplements use by handball players of both sexes and with different competitive levels: One hundred and eighty-seven handball players (112 men and 75 women) of different competitive levels (106 professional and 81 amateur) completed a validated self-administered questionnaire about supplements use. Supplements were classified according to the categorization of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). Overall, 59.9% of the handball players (n = 112) declared the use of at least one supplement and there were no significant differences between men and women (58.9% vs. 61.3%, p = 0.762) nor between professional vs. amateur handball players (67.1% vs. 53.8%, p = 0.074). The most prevalent supplements were sports drinks (42.2%), followed by energy bars (35.3%) and caffeine-containing products (31.6%). However, a greater consumption of group A supplements (those with strong scientific evidence; p = 0.029) and group B supplements (those with emerging scientific support, p = 0.012) was observed in male compared to female handball players. Supplements categorized as medical supplements were more commonly consumed in professional vs. amateur players (0.48 ± 0.80 vs. 0.21 ± 0.44, supplements p < 0.006). Additionally, a higher consumption of group B supplements was observed in professional compared to amateur players (0.58 ± 0.88 vs. 0.33 ± 0.72 supplements, p = 0.015). Handball players revealed a moderate use of supplements while sex and competitive level slighted changed the pattern of supplements use. A high portion of handball players use supplements as fuel during exercise and reported the use of caffeine-containing supplements to enhance performance.

scholarly journals Analysis of Sport Supplement Consumption and Body Composition in Spanish Elite Rowers

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3871
Author(s):  
Raúl Domínguez ◽  
Rubén López-Domínguez ◽  
Álvaro López-Samanes ◽  
Pol Gené ◽  
José Antonio González-Jurado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Impedance Analysis ◽  
Consumption Patterns ◽  
Scientific Support ◽  
Australian Institute ◽  
Anthropometric Characteristics ◽  
Group A ◽  
Elite Rowers ◽  
Group B

The aim of this study was to analyze the anthropometric characteristics and sport supplement (SS) consumption patterns of heavyweight and lightweight international rowers. Methods: The 13 heavyweights (11 males) and seven lightweights (five males) of the Spanish National Rowing Team were recruited for the study. Body composition was measured by bio-impedance analysis, and the questionnaire used in this investigation was previously validated to assess SS consumption. According to anthropometrics parameters, it was reported that male heavyweight rowers were heavier (p < 0.001) and taller (p < 0.001), but no statistical differences were reported for % body fat (p = 0.104) or % lean body mass (p = 0.161). All rowers reported consumption of at least one SS. Based on the Australian Institute of Sport’s classification, higher medical supplement consumption was observed when comparing heavyweight rowers to lightweight rowers (2.5 ± 1.1 vs. 1.7 ± 0.5, p = 0.040). There were no differences in the totals of group A (strong scientific evidence for sports scenarios, p = 0.069), group B (emerging scientific support, deserving of further research, p = 0.776), or group C (scientific evidence not supportive of benefit and/or security amongst athletes, p = 0.484). The six most consumed SSs were iron (85%), caffeine (85%), β-alanine (85%), energy bars (85%), vitamin supplements (80%), and isotonic drinks (80%), with no statistical differences between heavyweight and lightweight rowers (p > 0.05). These results suggest that the absence of differences in body composition (expressed as a percentage) do not represent anthropometric disadvantages for heavyweight rowers. In addition, SS consumption was similar between rowers, reporting only higher medical supplement consumption in heavyweight rowers.

scholarly journals Low molecular weight heparins use in pregnancy: a practice survey from Greece and a review of the literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Papadakis ◽  
A. Pouliakis ◽  
Α. Aktypi ◽  
A. Christoforidou ◽  
P. Kotsi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Major Bleeding ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Vascular Complications ◽  
Bleeding Events ◽  
History Of ◽  
Group A ◽  
Major Bleeding Events ◽  
Diagnostic Work ◽  
Group B ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract Background Use of LMWH in pregnancy is not only limited to VTE management, but it extends, to the management of vascular gestational complications and the optimization of IVF pregnancies despite the lack of concrete scientific evidence. In this context, we conducted the present study aiming to gain insights regarding the use of LMWH during pregnancy and puerperium. We recorded indication for use, diagnostic work-up as well as the safety and efficacy of the treatment, trying to elucidate the clinical practice in our country. Methods We analyzed data regarding 818 pregnant women received LMWH during 2010–2015.Our cohort had a median age of 33.9 years and a BMI of 23.6.There were 4 groups: those with a history of VTE [Group-A: 76], those with pregnancy complications [Group-B: 445], those undergoing IVF [Group-C: 132] and those carrying prothrombotic tendency (thrombophilia, family history of VTE, other) [Group-D: 165]. Mean duration of LMWH administration was 8.6 ± 1.5 months. Out of the total number, 440 received LMWH in fixed prophylactic dose, 272 in higher prophylactic-weight adjusted dose and 106 in therapeutic dose. Moreover, 152 women received in addition low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). 93.8% of pregnancies were single and 6.2% were multiple ones. Live births occurred in 98.7% of pregnancies. Results Anticoagulation was efficacious and well tolerated. Seventeen VTE events were recorded; 7 of them antepartum and 10 postpartum. No major bleeding events were observed while 13 clinical relevant non-major bleeding events were recorded. Regarding gestational vascular complications, 28 IUGR events were recorded, as well as 48 cases of preterm labor of which 12 were concomitant with IUGR (25%). Six early pregnancy losses were recorded; there were 3 fetal deaths and 3 cases of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. Conclusions LMWHs are used extensively during pregnancy and puerperium in Greece for VTE treatment and prophylaxis and for a variety of other indications as well. Although the drug has been shown to be both safe and efficacious, its use for some indications has no proven scientific evidence. In order to clearly define the role of LMWHs in pregnancy, beyond thromboprophylaxis, large prospective studies are required, which could be based on the conclusions of this study.

scholarly journals Effects of Aloe Vera in Local Massage Oils in Alternative Medicine for the Treatment of Joint Pains: A Double Blind Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 8
Author(s):  
Innayat Ullah Arain ◽  
Amina Husnain ◽  
Aisha Talat
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Aloe Vera ◽  
Visual Analogue Score ◽  
Double Blind Study ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Oral Analgesic ◽  
Aloe Vera Gel ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics

AbstractIntroduction:Aloe vera has been reported to have effects upon skin, joint pains and diabetes but without scientific evidence. It has never been studied in isolation as a single drug. Our study was a small study to study the symptom lowering effects of Aloe Vera gel when used in combination with a topical massage oil.Patients and Methods:A prospective double blind interventional study was conducted with patients of osteoarthritis knee randomized in two groups of patients (20 in each). Both groups were given topical oil for massage over the affected joints. They were provided oral analgesic tablets in fixed numbers and during follow up Visual analogue score and number of tablets used was taken as measure of alleviation of symptoms.Results:Both groups comprised of 20 subjects each and had similar characteristics for age/sex/laterality of joint involved. The epidemiological characteristics of the groups were similar. Group A used Topical Mas-sage Oil without addition of Aloe Vera Gel while Group B used the same oil with addition of the gel. It was observed that patients who had been given massage oil with addition of Aloe Vera gel showed less use of oral analgesics during study period and their VAS scores were less as compared to the Group A who were using the same massage oil but without Aloe Vera Gel.Conclusion:Aloe Vera as local application seems to improve pain relief and decrease oral analgesic use in patients of osteoarthritis knees who are being treated with local massage oils of alternative medical origin. Further studies need to be done to reach a conclusion.Key Words: Massage Oil, Aloe Vera, Analgesia.

scholarly journals The Ghrelin Response to Exercise before and after Growth Hormone Administration

2007 ◽  
Vol 92 (1) ◽  
pp. 297-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. T. Vestergaard ◽  
R. Dall ◽  
K. H. W. Lange ◽  
M. Kjaer ◽  
J. S. Christiansen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Test Group ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Serum Ghrelin

Abstract Context: We have previously shown that exercise-induced GH release is not mediated by ghrelin, but it remains to be studied whether the increase in GH may suppress postexercise ghrelin levels. Objective: The objective of this study was to characterize systemic ghrelin levels after exercise with and without concomitant GH administration. Design, Participants, and Intervention: Group A: Twenty-nine elite athletes (age, 18–37 yr) were studied after a maximal exercise test. Group B: In a double blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study, 32 healthy subjects (age, 18–33 yr) were randomized to placebo, GH 0.1 IU/kg per day, or GH 0.2 IU/kg per day for 4 wk. These subjects performed a multistage fitness test to assess maximum oxygen uptake at baseline and after 4 wk. We measured total circulating ghrelin levels before and immediately after exercise and at 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after exercise. Results: Group A: Serum ghrelin levels after exercise decreased significantly (P &lt; 0.01). Group B: Exercise at baseline was associated with a significant lowering of ghrelin levels after exercise (P &lt; 0.0001). In addition, 4 wk of high-dose GH were followed by a further approximately 20% reduction in basal and after exercise serum ghrelin (micrograms per liter): 0.78 (range 0.52–1.17) vs. 0.63 (range 0.50–0.91), P &lt; 0.05. Conclusions: 1) Ghrelin levels decrease significantly after exercise in elite athletes and healthy subjects. 2) High-dose GH suppresses ghrelin levels. 3) These data support the hypothesis that GH feedback inhibits ghrelin secretion.

scholarly journals Efficacy of High-performance Vision Training on Improving the Reaction Time of Collegiate Softball Athletes: A Randomized Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Feldhacker ◽  
Whitney Molitor ◽  
Ashley Athmann ◽  
Molly Boell ◽  
Angela Kaiser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Sport Performance ◽  
Visual Training ◽  
Training Tool ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Purpose. A well-developed visual system is integral to the dynamic nature of sport performance among collegiate athletes. Occupational therapists play an important role in addressing an athlete’s visual skills through incorporating meaningful occupation, in this case sport, into interventions while addressing specific client factors. The aim of the study was to examine the efficacy of occupational therapist led high-performance visual training in improving the reaction time of collegiate softball athletes. Method. A mixed method approach was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data were collected to assess athlete perceptions of sport, and quantitative data were collected using a mixed within group and between group design. Twenty-one participants were randomly allocated into two groups, each receiving a 6-week intervention which followed an evidence-based protocol. Group A consisted of Dynavision™ D2 training, and Group B of non-machine, therapist-led, visual training, twice weekly for 10-15 minutes each. Results. Results of the study highlight perceived meaningfulness of sport and display that both theory-based protocols were effective, as Group A and Group B experienced significant decreases in reaction time. However, decreases in reaction time were more significant for Group A in both proactive and reactive Dynavision™ D2 training modes. Conclusion. Results suggest that both the Dynavision™ D2 and alternative vision training as led by occupational therapists may be beneficial in improving the proactive and reactive reaction times of collegiate athletes, enhancing their abilities to participate in meaningful sports, but the Dynavision™ D2 may be a more effective training tool, especially related to proactive reaction time training.

scholarly journals Sodium chloride 0.9% versus Lactated Ringer in the management of severely dehydrated patients with choleriform diarrhoea

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (07) ◽  
pp. 528-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Antonio Cieza ◽  
Juana Hinostroza ◽  
Julio Arturo Huapaya ◽  
Cristian Paul León
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Chloride ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Oral Rehydration ◽  
Arterial Ph ◽  
Group A ◽  
Lactated Ringer's Solution ◽  
Three Stages ◽  
Group B ◽  
Physiological Benefits ◽  
Oral Rehydration Salts

Introduction: Although experience within Peru suggests clinical and physiological benefits of treating dehydration caused by diarrhoea with Lactated Ringer’s solution (LR) over sodium chloride 0.9%, (NaCl) there is little documented scientific evidence supporting this view. It is important to clarify this issue and determine the best solution for use during epidemics. Methodology: Forty patients suffering from dehydration due to choleriform diarrhoea were enrolled in the study. Twenty patients were treated using NaCl (Group A) and the other twenty with LR (Group B). After diuresis recovery was achieved, the patients were continued on a course of oral rehydration salts. Serum electrolytes, arterial pH, HCO3-, and pCO2 were measured at three stages: at admission, after diuresis recovery, and after 12 hours. Results: Acidosis was corrected more quickly with LR that NaCl. The hyperosmolality and hypernatremic states were corrected with both solutions. Conclusion: LR use resulted in a better clinical response than NaCl, illustrated by more rapid physiological correction, showing that mixed metabolic acidosis was corrected more quickly and more appropriately with this treatment.

An ultrastructural study of sertoli cells in two geographically isolated populations of Aphanius dispar

1992 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 548-549
Author(s):  
Taber A. Ba-Omar ◽  
Philip F. Prentis
Keyword(s):  
Ultrastructural Level ◽  
Uranyl Acetate ◽  
Freshwater Teleost ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
En Bloc ◽  
The North ◽  
Group A ◽  
Ultrathin Sections ◽  
Group B ◽  
Geographically Isolated

We have recently carried out a study of spermiogenic differentiation in two geographically isolated populations of Aphanius dispar (freshwater teleost), with a view to ascertaining variation at the ultrastructural level. The sampling areas were the Jebel Al Akhdar in the north (Group A) and the Dhofar region (Group B) in the south. Specimens from each group were collected, the testes removed, fixed in Karnovsky solution, post fixed in OsO, en bloc stained with uranyl acetate and then routinely processed to Agar 100 resin, semi and ultrathin sections were prepared for study.

Comparison of one-year prognosis of patients classified as chronic critical lower limb ischaemia according to TASC II or European consensus definition in the COPART cohort

VASA ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 0220-0228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion Vircoulon ◽  
Carine Boulon ◽  
Ileana Desormais ◽  
Philippe Lacroix ◽  
Victor Aboyans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Treatment ◽  
Critical Limb Ischaemia ◽  
Limb Ischaemia ◽  
Medical Group ◽  
Consensus Definition ◽  
Transcutaneous Oxygen ◽  
European Consensus ◽  
Group A ◽  
One Year ◽  
Group B

Background: We compared one-year amputation and survival rates in patients fulfilling 1991 European consensus critical limb ischaemia (CLI) definition to those clas, sified as CLI by TASC II but not European consensus (EC) definition. Patients and methods: Patients were selected from the COPART cohort of hospitalized patients with peripheral occlusive arterial disease suffering from lower extremity rest pain or ulcer and who completed one-year follow-up. Ankle and toe systolic pressures and transcutaneous oxygen pressure were measured. The patients were classified into two groups: those who could benefit from revascularization and those who could not (medical group). Within these groups, patients were separated into those who had CLI according to the European consensus definition (EC + TASC II: group A if revascularization, group C if medical treatment) and those who had no CLI by the European definition but who had CLI according to the TASC II definition (TASC: group B if revascularization and D if medical treatment). Results: 471 patients were included in the study (236 in the surgical group, 235 in the medical group). There was no difference according to the CLI definition for survival or cardiovascular event-free survival. However, major amputations were more frequent in group A than in group B (25 vs 12 %, p = 0.046) and in group C than in group D (38 vs 20 %, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Major amputation is twice as frequent in patients with CLI according to the historical European consensus definition than in those classified to the TASC II definition but not the EC. Caution is required when comparing results of recent series to historical controls. The TASC II definition of CLI is too wide to compare patients from clinical trials so we suggest separating these patients into two different stages: permanent (TASC II but not EC definition) and critical ischaemia (TASC II and EC definition).

Absorbable suture material in carotid surgery

VASA ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 451-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Gasbarro ◽  
Luca Traina ◽  
Francesco Mascoli ◽  
Vincenzo Coscia ◽  
Gianluca Buffone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suture Material ◽  
Absorbable Suture ◽  
Paediatric Surgery ◽  
Carotid Surgery ◽  
Suture Materials ◽  
Absorbable Suture Material ◽  
Absorbable Sutures ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Abstract. Background: Absorbable sutures are not generally accepted by most vascular surgeons for the fear of breakage of the suture line and the risk of aneurysmal formation, except in cases of paediatric surgery or in case of infections. Aim of this study is to provide evidence of safety and efficacy of the use of absorbable suture materials in carotid surgery. Patients and methods: In an 11 year period, 1126 patients (659 male [58.5 %], 467 female [41.5 %], median age 72) underwent carotid endarterectomy for carotid stenosis by either conventional with primary closure (cCEA) or eversion (eCEA) techniques. Patients were randomised into two groups according to the type of suture material used. In Group A, absorbable suture material (polyglycolic acid) was used and in Group B non-absorbable suture material (polypropylene) was used. Primary end-point was to compare severe restenosis and aneurysmal formation rates between the two groups of patients. For statistical analysis only cases with a minimum period of follow-up of 12 months were considered. Results: A total of 868 surgical procedures were considered for data analysis. Median follow-up was 6 years (range 1-10 years). The rate of postoperative complications was better for group A for both cCEA and eCEA procedures: 3.5 % and 2.0 % for group A, respectively, and 11.8 % and 12.9 % for group B, respectively. Conclusions: In carotid surgery, the use of absorbable suture material seems to be safe and effective and with a general lower complications rate compared to the use of non-absorbable materials.

Randomized trial of medical compression stockings versus two-layer short-stretch bandaging in the management of venous leg ulcers

Phlebologie ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 38 (04) ◽  
pp. 157-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Franek ◽  
L. Brzezinska-Wcislo ◽  
E. Blaszczak ◽  
A. Polak ◽  
J. Taradaj
Keyword(s):  
Drug Therapy ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Therapy Group ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Leg Ulcers ◽  
Compression Stockings ◽  
Venous Leg Ulcers ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Medical Compression Stockings

SummaryA prospective randomized clinical trial was undertaken to compare a medical compression stockings with two-layer short-stretch bandaging in the management of venous leg ulcers. Study endpoints were number of completely healed wounds and the clinical parameters predicting the outcome. Patients, methods: Eighty patients with venous leg ulcers were included in this study, and ultimately allocated into two comparative groups. Group A consisted of 40 patients (25 women, 15 men). They were treated with the compression stockings (25–32 mmHg) and drug therapy. Group B consisted of 40 patients (22 women, 18 men). They were treated with the short-stretch bandages (30–40 mmHg) and drug therapy, administered identically as in group A. Results: Within two months the 15/40 (37.50%) patients in group A and 5/40 (12.50%) in group B were healed completely (p = 0.01). For patients with isolated superficial reflux, the healing rates at two months were 45.45% (10/22 healed) in group A and 18.18% (4/22 healed) in group B (p = 0.01). For patients with superficial plus deep reflux, the healing rates were 27.77% (5/18 healed) in group A and 5.55% (1/18 healed) in group B (p = 0.002). Comparison of relative change of the total surface area (61.55% in group A vs. 23.66% in group B), length (41.67% in group A vs. 27.99% in group B), width (46.16% in group A vs. 29.33% in group B), and volume (82.03% in group A vs. 40.01% in group B) demonstrated difference (p = 0.002 in all comparisons) in favour of group A. Conclusion: The medical compression stockings are extremely useful therapy in enhancement of venous leg ulcer healing (both for patients with superficial and for patients who had superficial plus deep reflux). Bandages are less effective (especially for patients with superficial plus deep reflux, where the efficiency compared to the stockings of applied compression appeared dramatically low). These findings require confirmation in other randomized clinical trials with long term results.

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