1,721,032 research outputs found
Antidoping testing and testicle cancer diagnosis: An unexpected helper
No full textHuman chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is prohibited in male athletes due to its potential performance-enhancing effects. Some athletes with elevated hCG levels during routine doping tests have been diagnosed with testicular cancer, highlighting the inadvertent role of anti-doping screening in cancer detection. This study explores the incidental detection of testicular cancer through routine anti-doping tests among elite athletes, aiming to raise awareness about the potential secondary benefits of these screenings. We have analyzed cases from the past decade to demonstrate how early detection has facilitated timely medical interventions, allowing athletes to heal and return to competitive sports. Through these instances, athletes become unintentional advocates, contributing to public health awareness about this topic
The role of omega-3 fatty acids in sports nutrition: an overview
No full textThis article examines the impact of omega-3 fatty acids (O3FAs), specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on athletic performance, recovery, and injury prevention. The literature review suggests that O3FAs may improve muscular endurance, cardiovascular capacity, and reduce muscle inflammation and pain, contributing to post-exercise recovery. In addition, preliminary evidence points to potential benefits in protecting the respiratory system and preventing traumatic brain injury. However, the effectiveness of O3FA supplementation depends on factors such as dose, duration and individual responses. Measurement of the Omega-3 Index may be a useful tool to guide customization of supplementation, with the goal of optimizing the performance and health of athletes. Further studies are needed to establish evidence-based supplementation protocols specifically tailored to athletes’ needs
Hallux valgus deformity: Treatment options, post-operative management, and return to sport
Full text linkHallux valgus is the commonest forefoot deformity, consisting in a deviation of the great toe. The pathophysiology is complex and multifactorial, with women being more affected than men. Hallux valgus causes symptoms in three ways: pain in the bunion, lack of space for the other toes, and metatarsalgia. Traumatic hallux valgus is an increasingly common injury in the athletic population and represents a unique variant of turf toe. Patients in whom conservative measures fail to relieve symptoms may be considered for surgery, since none of the non-surgical treatment options can permanently correct the hallux valgus deformity. Concern exists on the correct treatment approach and the most appropriate surgical technique, especially in athletes. Newest minimally invasive procedures allow to achieve good clinical and radiographic outcomes and they are associated with decreased recovery and rehabilitation times. Post-operative rehabilitation is aimed to restore physiological gait and foot function, encouraging both plantar pressure on the first ray and joint mobility, with walking immediately permitted. Further studies of higher levels of evidence should be performed to identify the correct indications for this disease. The aim of this narrative review is to give an insight about the treatment options, related post-operative rehabilitation, and return to sport
From “sliding” to “winding” filaments theory: A narrative review of mechanisms behind skeletal muscle contraction
Full text linkThe physiological mechanisms behind muscle contraction are a main concept in sport medicine and rehabilitation. The sarcomere is the functional unit of skeletal muscle and several proteins definite its complex structure. The most common theory to explain muscle contraction was proposed in the last 50’s and has become widely popular and accepted: the “sliding filaments” theory. Even if this hypothesis was able to justify some form of muscle contraction, other processes are not fully described by it. Eccentric contraction and some phenomena, like the “force enhancement during stretch” concept described in the 2002, are not explicable according to the sliding filament theory. Therefore, several hypotheses have been suggested over the years, such as the “popping sarcomeres” theory and the “winding filament” theory. Some other proteins, like titin, have gained a main role in the physiology of the sarcomere and should be relevant to explain mechanisms of eccentric contraction, where the sarcomere generates highest level of tension while it is lengthening. The aim of this review is to summarize the physiological theories of muscle contraction and to define concepts applicable in sport medicine and in rehabilitation areas
Tendinopathies of the hip and pelvis in athletes: A narrative review
Full text linkTendon disorders represent some of the most frequent musculoskeletal complaints worldwide. In the athletic population, tendinopathy could affect different anatomical districts. Tendons surrounding hip and pelvis are frequently involved due to overuse and high functional demands in the athletes. These disorders negatively impact on sport performance, since they are a long-lasting clinical condition requiring a multimodal management. Great trochanter pain syndrome, proximal hamstring tendinopathy, insertional adductor tendinopathy and ileopsoas tendinopathy are the most common clinical conditions involving tendon structures of the hip and pelvis. Due to the anatomical complexity of the region, the relationship with pelvic organs, the demographic and anthropometric characteristics of the athletes, the differential diagnosis between these musculoskeletal disorders and other diseases is often difficult to conduct and some therapeutic options are challenging. Modification of risk factors, changes in training protocols, some specific therapeutic exercise programs and rehabilitation procedures have been proposed as an efficient conservative management strategy, guarantying a complete recovery of athletic function. Surgical approaches are required in a specific subset of patients. This narrative literature review aims to summarize current understanding and areas of ongoing research about the clinical features, diagnostic keys and therapeutic options of the main clinical tendinopathies surrounding hip and pelvis
The challenge of accurate cardiovascular risk assessment in gender-affirming individuals
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Protective Equipment in Football: A Review of History, Evolution, Materials, and Contemporary Use
No full textFootball (soccer) is the world’s most widely played sport, but it carries a high incidence
of traumatic injuries, particularly to the head, face, and lower limbs. Once regarded as
a low-equipment discipline, the role of protective devices has expanded substantially in
recent decades, both in injury prevention and in return-to-play strategies. This review
provides a comprehensive overview of the historical evolution, typology, and materials
of football protective equipment, with additional focus on regulatory frameworks, cultural
acceptance, and illustrative cases from elite athletes. Shin guards remain the only
mandatory device, yet the use of facial masks, headgear, braces, and orthoses is increasing,
particularly following high-profile injuries. Advances in carbon fiber composites,
thermoplastics, viscoelastic foams, and additive manufacturing have enabled lightweight,
customized devices that balance protection with comfort and adherence. Beyond biomechanics,
psychological reassurance, esthetics, durability, and hygiene strongly influence
player compliance and perception. Despite this progress, critical challenges remain. Football
lacks standardized testing protocols, clear certification pathways, and longitudinal
studies on long-term outcomes. Evidence is particularly limited for youth athletes and
newer categories of equipment. Looking ahead, the integration of wearable technologies,
systematic hygiene and durability testing, and sustainable materials could transform protective
gear into multifunctional tools for safety, monitoring, and performance optimization.
Protective equipment in football has thus evolved into a multidisciplinary field at the
intersection of medicine, engineering, psychology, and regulation. Future advances will
depend on stronger collaboration between clinicians, researchers, governing bodies, and
manufacturers to ensure safe, effective, and widely accepted protective solutions at all
levels of the game
Worksite Energy Cost Assessment in Non-surgical versus Surgical Medical Residency Programs
No full textCardiovascular disease prevention in the worksite. Where are we?
No full textThe current guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology on cardiovascular (CV) disease prevention high-lighted the importance of implementing coordinated set of action, including worksite, aimed at eliminating or minimizing the impact of CV disease and their related disabilities. Workplace wellness programs tend to focus on modifiable risk factors of non-communicable disease, such as nutrition, physical activity, and smoking cessation. However, nowadays, corporate wellness programs are still rare and incomplete, and usually received limited attention. This represents a big public health issue since company health and wellness interventions may provide an important opportunity to identify and manage CV risk. Given the increasing of employees' average age, a progressive shifting of retirement age and an increased number of chronic diseases, these preventive programs will increasingly represent key factors of both employee's health and economic strategies of companies in the near future
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