BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the sports industry, resulting in the postponement of events worldwide. This posed a significant burden in the mental and emotional well-being of athletes due to uncertainties and diminished training levels. As an adaptation, bubble camps emerged as a new approach to resuming training and tournaments under stringent regulations of the COVID-19 protocols. In the national context, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has adapted the bubble set-up by implementing antigen testing, RTPCR, and other health protocols as a prerequisite to bubble training. However, uncertainties in the future of sports continue to present as a psychological toll to the well-being of student-athletes despite the sense of normalcy instilled by bubble training. Existing literature on bubble training is grounded heavily on the quantitative assessments of an athlete's well-being in a bubble set-up and its effectiveness in mitigating COVID-19 transmission, thereby lacking insights that may be obtained from qualitative data. This study explored the experiences of UAAP Season 84 studentathletes in a bubble set-up by examining personal and contextual factors that impacted their well-being.

The study employed a qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach based on Seligman's WellBeing Theory. A purposeful sampling technique was used to recruit UAAP student-athletes through online dissemination of Google Forms for recruitment. Only three student-athletes from UAAP fit the eligibility criteria. Data were collected through on-site and online interviews using a semi-structured interview guide to reveal a narrative of the student-athletes' bubble training experiences, common themes, and patterns. The NVivo software program was used for data analysis, utilizing a deductive thematic approach.

The lived experiences of three UAAP studentathletes were classified into six major themes: (1) Availability and Accessibility of Services; (2) Restrictions; (3) Mental Health; (4) Fostering Relationships; (5) Support Systems; and (6) Individual Growth. Accounts of both positive and negative training perceptions and outcomes regarding the bubble set-up were noted from all student-athletes. The set-up provided studentathletes with easy access to training facilities and services, eventual development of mental fortitude and  perseverance, improved interpersonal relationships, and opportunities for individual growth. However, the restrictions, isolation, internal and external pressures, and routinary nature of the set-up contributed to the elevated levels of stress and anxiety, eventually leading to fatigue and burnout.

The study elucidates on the multi-faceted experiences of UAAP student-athletes in bubble training, underpinning the essence of the adequacy of training services and facilities, enhanced support systems, and prompt policy development that caters to improving the holistic well-being of student-athletes amidst adverse changes in the trajectory of sports.

BACKGROUND

Combat sports are intense and physically demanding, and healthy weight control practices are necessary to ensure a safe and fair competition for all athletes involved.

The study will determine the dietary and non-dietary weight control practices of Philippine National Wushu Sanda athletes. It will also aim to explore the perceived effects of these practices on performance and well-being.

A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews will be used to gain insights into the athletes' experiences, habits, and practices regarding their weight control practices. The semi-structured questionnaire will focus on daily food intake, weight control practices, and their effects on performance and well-being. Thematic data analysis will be used to analyze the data.

Weight control practices of Wushu Sanda Athletes vary depending on the training phase. Both dietary practices, such as water intake, skipping meals, and food choices, and non-dietary practices, such as intense training and sweat suits, are expected to be observed to achieve their desired weight. These practices are anticipated to have been influenced by their coaches and senior athletes, having both positive and negative effects on the athlete’s physical, mental, and psychological well-being.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the sports industry, resulting in the postponement of events worldwide. This posed a significant burden in the mental and emotional well-being of athletes due to uncertainties and diminished training levels. As an adaptation, bubble camps emerged as a new approach to resuming training and tournaments under stringent regulations of the COVID-19 protocols. In the national context, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has adapted the bubble set-up by implementing antigen testing, RTPCR, and other health protocols as a prerequisite to bubble training. However, uncertainties in the future of sports continue to present as a psychological toll to the well-being of student-athletes despite the sense of normalcy instilled by bubble training. Existing literature on bubble training is grounded heavily on the quantitative assessments of an athlete's well-being in a bubble set-up and its effectiveness in mitigating COVID-19 transmission, thereby lacking insights that may be obtained from qualitative data. This study explored the experiences of UAAP Season 84 studentathletes in a bubble set-up by examining personal and contextual factors that impacted their well-being.

The study employed a qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach based on Seligman's WellBeing Theory. A purposeful sampling technique was used to recruit UAAP student-athletes through online dissemination of Google Forms for recruitment. Only three student-athletes from UAAP fit the eligibility criteria. Data were collected through on-site and online interviews using a semi-structured interview guide to reveal a narrative of the student-athletes' bubble training experiences, common themes, and patterns. The NVivo software program was used for data analysis, utilizing a deductive thematic approach.

The lived experiences of three UAAP studentathletes were classified into six major themes: (1) Availability and Accessibility of Services; (2) Restrictions; (3) Mental Health; (4) Fostering Relationships; (5) Support Systems; and (6) Individual Growth. Accounts of both positive and negative training perceptions and outcomes regarding the bubble set-up were noted from all student-athletes. The set-up provided studentathletes with easy access to training facilities and services, eventual development of mental fortitude and  perseverance, improved interpersonal relationships, and opportunities for individual growth. However, the restrictions, isolation, internal and external pressures, and routinary nature of the set-up contributed to the elevated levels of stress and anxiety, eventually leading to fatigue and burnout.

The study elucidates on the multi-faceted experiences of UAAP student-athletes in bubble training, underpinning the essence of the adequacy of training services and facilities, enhanced support systems, and prompt policy development that caters to improving the holistic well-being of student-athletes amidst adverse changes in the trajectory of sports.

Background: Hamstring strain injury (HSI) is the most common cause of missing practices and sporting events among running-related athletes. The incidence rate of recurrence in individuals with HSI ranges from 12% to 63%. While various risk factors for HSI have been identified, the alterations and role of biomechanical factors as potential causes of injury have been largely overlooked. Objectives: To report the critical biomechanical parameters assessed among running-related athletes with a recurrent HSI and to present common testing protocols in assessing the biomechanical parameters among running-related athletes with a recurrent HSI. Methods: Eligibility Criteria: Included studies investigated biomechanical parameters assessed among collegiate or elite running-related athletes with recurrent HSI. Sources of Evidence: This scoping review was registered in OSF and was conducted based on PRISMA-ScR. Six electronic databases were systematically searched from 1993 to May 2022. Charting Methods: The reviewers created a data charting tool for the scoping review. Results: Out of 874 articles, a total of 10 articles were included in the scoping review. The critical biomechanical parameters assessed include trunk flexion, hip flexion, and knee extension angles (kinematic variables), flight and stance times and velocity (spatiotemporal variables), and EMG activity of biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, vastus lateralis, and rectus femoris, knee flexion and extension angle peak joint torque (kinetic variables). The most common running test protocols used were the 30-meter overground repeated sprint test, a percentage of maximum running velocity (treadmill), and repeated sprints on a non-motorized treadmill. The most common protocols for isokinetic muscle testing were 60 degrees (concentric), 300 degrees (concentric), and 180 degrees (eccentric) per second angular velocities. Conclusion The review demonstrated a need for more research on this topic, leading to only limited biomechanical parameters being discussed in the literature. This underscores the need for more rigorous research that could have practical applications for athletes and coaches.
Biomechanical Phenomena ; Athletes

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the sports industry, postponing events worldwide. To adapt to the situation, athletes have been forced to train at home. Bubble training was introduced to provide a safe and conducive training environment while adhering to government health protocols. However, concerns have emerged regarding the set-up’s implementation. Objective: The study aims to explore the lived experiences of UAAP Season 84 and NCAA Season 97 student-athletes who underwent bubble training. Methods: The study will employ a qualitative phenomenological approach based on Seligman's Well-Being Theory. A purposive sampling technique will be used to recruit at least seven eligible student-athletes. Data will be collected through on-site or online interviews using a semi-structured interview guide to reveal a narrative of the student-athletes' bubble training experiences, common themes, and patterns. Deductive thematic analysis approach will be used with the help of the NVivo software program. Expected Results This study is expected to develop themes from the daily bubble training routines, habits, coping strategies, and perceived thoughts and feelings of Filipino collegiate student-athletes, regarding their emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and achievement in bubble training. This may provide insights to the government, educational institutions, and athletic associations on possible comprehensive guidelines if they plan to implement bubble training when the need arises.
Athletes ; Students

Humans ; Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome/diagnosis* ; Electrocardiography ; Athletes

Electronic sports (E-sports) are series of competitive activities different from the traditional physical sports, and E-sports athlete is becoming a new profession. Along with the fast development of E-sports industry, the number of E-sports athletes increased tremendously. The early retirement of some top-ranking athletes caused by occupational injuries has aroused the societal attentions on the health problems of E-sports athletes. Facing special occupational exposure, E-sports athletes encounter different health issues comparing to the counterparts of their ages. It is necessary to scientifically identify their health hazards and common health issues, in order to conduct effective health management for this particular professional group. This review summarized global literature on health issues and health management on E-sports athletes. The research on their health issues were mainly descriptive and there was a paucity on interventional research and health management. These provide references and directions on the future health services and research on E-sports athletes.
Athletes ; Athletic Injuries/prevention & control* ; Electronics ; Humans ; Occupational Injuries ; Sports

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries among junior badminton athletes during a national championship. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 128 junior badminton athletes who were members of one Indonesian badminton club and participated in the National Premier Circuit held in June 2019 in West Java, Indonesia. Data on demographic characteristics, history of previous and current injuries, physical examination, diagnosis (type, anatomical structure involved, and location), and treatment of injuries were collected along with data on the format of the game (single, double, or combination), and the number of matches for each respective athlete. Measures of injury frequency used were the incidence proportion and clinical incidence. Determinant factors for incidence were investigated. Results: Twenty-four injury events involving 23 athletes were recorded, with an incidence proportion of 23/128 athletes (18%) and a clinical incidence of 24/128 athletes or 18.8 per 100 athletes. Acute injuries were more frequent (13/24, 54.2%) than chronic/overuse injuries. More than half (14/24, 58.3%) of the injuries occurred in the lower extremities. Factors that increased the risk of injury were age ≥ 15 years (relative risk [RR] = 6.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.96, 20.04, p < 0.001), and the number of matches ≥ 3 (RR = 3.79, 95% CI 1.61, 8.92, p = 0.001). Conclusion Musculoskeletal injuries occurred frequently among Indonesian junior badminton athletes during the national elite championship. An effective injury-prevention program specific to young athletes should be developed to maintain their future participation and performance in competition.
Racquet Sports ; Wounds and Injuries ; Epidemiology ; Athletes ; Adolescent

Athletes ; Exercise ; Flavones/pharmacology* ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone/blood* ; Resistance Training ; Stress, Physiological/drug effects*

Athletes ; Flavones/administration & dosage* ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone/blood* ; Seasons ; Sports Nutritional Physiological Phenomena ; Testosterone/blood* ; Whey Proteins/administration & dosage*