СРАВНИТЕЛЬНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ ВЫСТУПЛЕНИЯ ЛЕГКОАТЛЕТОВ РОССИИ, УКРАИНЫ И БЕЛАРУСИ НА МЕЖДУНАРОДНОЙ АРЕНЕ В ПОСТСОВЕТСКИЙ ПЕРИОД

The aim of the study is to develop the standards of HRV indexes at rest and during an orthostatic challenge, taking into account different ranges of variability of cardiac intervals (MxDMn) of track and field athletes. The other purpose is to identify the features of changes in the standards in the training process in cases of malfunctions of cardioregulatory systems, sinus node functioning and recovery process, overtraining, and decrease in athletic performance. The authors used the results of individual dynamic express-tests of heart rate variability (HRV) in track and field athletes belonging to different specific training orientations to achieve the goals of the study. Research Methods and Organization. We carried out 1740 dynamic HRV measurements at rest and during an orthostatic challenge. The studies involved 56 track and field athletes (sprinters, middle distance runners and stayers) aged 18 to 29 years, belonging to the 1st adult category, Candidates Master of Sports and Masters of Sports, in different periods of the training process. We carried out HRV measurements in the laboratory of functional research methods of the Institute of physical culture and sports at Udmurt State University, as well as at training camps in the middle mountains (Kyrgyzstan, Kislovodsk) and on the plain (Elabuga). We examined the test subjects at rest in the morning after the previous training day, using the VARICARD 2.51 device and the ISCIM6 and VARICARD MP programs (Ryazan). We recorded cardio intervals of athletes for 5 minutes in lying position and for 6 minutes in standing position. We applied HRV measurements to one or four athletes simultaneously using the ISCIM6 and VARICARD MP programs. Research results. We assigned special emphasis to the assessment of changes in the variational range of cardiointervals (MxDMn) reflecting the state of cardiac regulation and the sinus node functioning during dynamic HRV studies in the training process of each runner. We identified seven MxDMn variation ranges from <150ms to >650ms. We revealed that each MxDMn variation range corresponds to a certain prevailing type of regulation. We demonstrated that frequent shifts of the MxDMn ranges from one level to another in the training process of runners indicate instability of cardiac regulation. We elaborated standards for the variational range of cardiointervals (MxDMn), taking into account the predominance of the HF and LF power in the HRV power spectrum for runners with different specific training orientations. We found that respiratory (HF) or vasomotor waves (LF) could prevail within the same MxDMn variation ranges, which points to a different autonomic balance. We revealed that at rest, the variational range of cardiointervals (MxDMn) depends more on the state of cardiac regulation and the sinus node functioning and less on the specifics of running. We often detected paradoxical reactions to an orthostatic challenge at low or extremely high MxDMn values in the overtrained runners. We determined that runners of any specific training orientation could increase their fitness, adaptive and reserve capabilities only in the context of the optimal regulation state, stable favorable ranges of MxDMn values, and the absence of paradoxical reactions to an orthostatic challenge. The paper contains tables with standard HRV indicators for different MxDMn variation ranges and consideration of the predominance of HF and LF waves at rest and during an orthostatic challenge, as well as examples of the results of HRV analysis at rest and during an orthostatic challenge in runners with different MxDMn variation ranges in the training process. Conclusion. The research demonstrated that the use of the HRV analysis method at rest and during an orthostatic challenge, taking into account the standards of MxDMn values in the training process of track and field athletes, is aimed at obtaining the necessary information about the stability of autonomic balance, autonomic reactivity and body reserves that ensure optimal adaptation and recovery processes.

Introduction: Micronutrients are critical to optimal physiological function of the human body’s overall health and homeostasis. An athlete’s performance and recovery may be inhibited by micronutrient deficiencies1. This study analyzed the micronutrient consumption of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Collegiate Track and Field athletes. Methods: Thirty-seven track and field athletes, 15 females and 22 males participated. Multiple 24-hr recalls were collected, including weekdays and weekends, and analyzed using Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR) to obtain dietary micronutrient intakes. Average intakes were compared to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for each micronutrient. Pearson Chi Squared tests were used to assess correlations amongst the participant characteristics, gender, age, race, track event group, and residence. Results: Many participants under-consumed micronutrients, most commonly magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D. Significant correlations were found between gender and iron intake, race and magnesium intake, and residence and calcium intake. Results indicated a significant relationship between gender and dietary iron intake (p < 0.001), residence and calcium consumption (p < .05), and the race and magnesium intake (p < .05). Males were more likely to meet the iron RDA, and Caucasians had higher magnesium intake than African Americans. Those living on-campus were more likely to meet calcium requirements than off-campus. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for dietary education and the importance of assessing micronutrient intake. While the impact of these nutrients on athletic performance justifies such efforts, their broader implications for overall health reinforce the necessity of thorough dietary analysis. Athletic programs should evaluate micronutrient intake alongside total caloric and macronutrient consumption.

Starting from the mid-20th century, there has been a systematic increase in the average age of leading athletes in all disciplines, both among men and women, which makes athletics one of the most age-diverse sports. The purpose of the study was to compare the average age of finalists in all events of the men's and women's athletics Olympic program for the year 2024 with each other and to compare them with similar data from the beginning of the 21st century. Research methods and organization. Based on the official protocols of the competitions, World Athletics determined the average age of the finalists of the 2024 Olympic Games and the average age of the finalists of the Olympic Games and World Championships from 2000 to 2023 in 23 men's and women's track and field events. The average number of complete years was established for the top 8 athletes in sprints, relays, and hurdles over distances of 100-800 meters, and for the top 12 athletes in other events. A comparison was made between the average age data of the finalists in 2024 and those from 2000-2023. The events with the lowest and highest average age of finalists were identified. Research results. The conducted research showed the preservation of the main age ranges in individual athletic events, established since the beginning of the 21st century. The oldest finalists of the 2024 Olympic Games were marathon runners, followed in descending order of age by throwers, race walkers, jumpers, multi-event athletes, and runners in long, short, and middle distances. Compared to previous competitions, there was a slight decrease in the average age of men in middle-distance running and an increase in long-distance events, while for women, there was an increase in average age in throwing events and a slight decrease in short-distance running. The average age of the finalists in 2024 for men across all events was 26.72 years, which is +0.28 years higher than the average for the previous period, while the average age for women was 27 years, which completely coincided with the average value since the beginning of the century.

Title IX Enforcement Continues the Cultural Revolution

The purpose of the study: to develop and experimentally substantiate the methodology of developing the endurance of track and field athletes at the initial stage of training who specialize in middle-distance running. Participants: 22 track and field athletes (males) aged 11-13 years, who specialize in middle-distance running at the Kharkiv State Secondary School No. 3. Research methods: analysis of literary data, testing of physical fitness, methods of mathematical statistics. Results: a methodology for developing the endurance of young middle-distance track and field athletes has been developed, which combines the use of various running, jumping, game exercises and stretching, and its implementation in the practice of the educational and training process has been substantiated.

Background: Little is known of injury patterns in track and field (athletics). Injury prevalence has been proposed as the most appropriate measure of the injury rate in sports where athletes are at risk for overuse problems. Purpose: To ascertain 1-year retrospective and current prevalence of injury in elite track and field athletes to help plan injury prevention programs for this sport. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: Two hundred seventy-eight youth (16 years old) and adult athletes from an eligible study population of 321 athletes were included. Results: The 1-year retrospective injury prevalence was 42.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 36.9%-49.0%); the point prevalence was 35.4% (95% CI, 29.7%-41.4%). The diagnosis group displaying the highest injury prevalence was inflammation and pain in the gradual onset category (1-year prevalence, 20.9%; 95% CI, 16.2%-26.2%; and point prevalence, 23.2%; 95% CI, 18.4%-28.7%). A strong tendency for higher 1-year prevalence of 16.5% (95% CI, 12.2%-21.4%) than point prevalence of 8.5% (95% CI, 5.5%-12.5%) was recorded for sudden onset injuries in the diagnosis group sprain, strain, and rupture. The body region showing the highest injury prevalence was the knee and lower leg with 15.0% (95% CI, 11.0%-19.8%) 1-year prevalence and 13.7% (95% CI, 9.8%-18.3%) point prevalence, followed by the Achilles tendon, ankle, and foot/toe with 11.7% (95% CI, 8.2%-16.1%) 1-year prevalence and 11.4% (95% CI, 7.9%-15.8%) point prevalence. Conclusion: The injury prevalence is high among Swedish elite track and field athletes. Most of the injuries affect the lower extremities and are associated with a gradual onset. Although it is associated with a potential recall bias, the 1-year retrospective prevalence measure captured more sudden onset injuries than the point prevalence measure. Future prospective studies in track and field are needed to identify groups of athletes at increased risk.

The position of track and field in competitive sports is very important. As a huge resistance in track and field training and competition, sports injuries can affect athletes' training, performance and even sports career. Understanding the common causes of sports injuries and countermeasures for track and field athletes is of great significance to the development of sports in my country. The purpose of this article is to study the common causes and countermeasures of sports injuries in track and field sports. This article uses literature research, questionnaire surveys and other methods to study sports injuries of high-level track and field athletes in colleges and universities, summarizes the rules, and obtains the reasons for the injuries, and further proposes targeted prevention and treatment methods to provide athletes with more scientific theories in accordance with. In this article , through interviews with experts and teachers in the track and field direction of the Provincial Sp orts University, to understand the basic situation of track and field athletes and other related content. In this article, through interviews with specialists and doctors of the Department of Sports Medicine in the hospitals of the province, the relevant content such as professional knowledge of sports injury treatment is proposed. This article asks questions about the current situation and characteristics of students' sports injuries, the causes of their injuries and their understanding of track and field sports injuries. A questionnaire for high-level track and field athletes in colleges and universities based on the research purpose and content of this article was formulated. The survey results show that about 89% of athletes have suffered sports injuries due to unskilled techniques. Therefore, colleges and universities should master technical movements proficiently during track and field training or competitions to avoid sports injuries as much as possible.

Background Track and field athletes engage in high-impact sports and their feet are subjected to a significant amount of force during jumping and sprinting; thus, there have been a greater number of foot posture deviations seen in these athletes. These forces have been revealed to contribute to musculoskeletal alterations and lower extremity malalignment up to the pelvis, which consequently causes uneven strains on the joints, inefficient muscle function, and impaired lower limb proprioception in the kinetic chain. Objective To find the influence of foot posture on pelvic inclination in collegiate track and field athletes using Foot Posture Index (FPI-6) and smartphone inclinometer. Furthermore, the study also aimed to compare the foot posture types among track and field athletes. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 56 track and field athletes within the age group 18–25 years from various colleges in Belagavi city. They were assessed using Foot Posture Index (FPI-6) to determine foot posture type, and smartphone inclinometer to determine the pelvic inclination. Results The results revealed a strong positive correlation between foot posture and pelvic inclination of the left side (r = 0.62) and right side (r = 0.70). Furthermore, higher FPI scores have been significantly correlated with higher degrees of pelvic inclination in these athletes. Conclusion The study concluded that there is an influence of foot posture on pelvic inclination in collegiate track and field athletes. Additionally, our study suggested that pronated feet have been associated with a higher pelvic inclination angle due to the existence of the kinetic chain.

The article examines the main methods of training track and field athletes, as well as the influence and role of various components on the athlete's body. Modern sports, in particular track and field, are constantly evolving under the influence of the latest technologies that are being introduced into all aspects of athletes' training. In conditions of growing competition and increased demands for results, coaches and athletes increasingly rely on innovative solutions that allow not only to improve physical training, but also to optimize tactical decisions, analyze technical aspects and psychological readiness of athletes. In this study, modern technologies in the sports training of long-distance runners are relevant. The purpose of the study: to study the latest technologies used in sports training. Research methods: theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature. Research results. The system of training track and field athletes is considered, combining traditional methods with modern technologies. The main attention is paid to a comprehensive approach to training, which includes technical, physical, tactical, psychological and theoretical training. Conclusions. Modern sport is constantly evolving under the influence of the latest technologies, which are introduced into all aspects of athlete training. In conditions of growing competition and increased demands for results, coaches and athletes increasingly rely on innovative solutions that allow not only to improve physical training, but also the psychological training of athletes.

The Covid-19 outbreak forced many governments to enter a nationwide lockdown. The aim of this study was to evaluate, by means of a survey, changes in sleep parameters and physical activity characteristics of elite track and field athletes in three periods: before the lockdown (T0), during the lockdown (09th March – 03rd May 2020, T1) and the first month after the lockdown (T2). This study was conducted from May 2020 to June 2020 and data were collected using an offline survey with 89 elite track and field athletes (mean age: 24.7 ± 5.4; n = 43 males; n = 46 females). The survey consisted of demographic data and questions on physical activity and sleep behavior at T0, T1 and T2. Athletes reported lower sleep quality scores at T1 compared to T0 and T2 (p < 0.0001) and registered delayed bedtime, wake-up time and longer sleep latency during the lockdown compared to pre-lockdown and post-lockdown whereas no changes in total sleep time were reported. No inter-group differences were detected in sleep characteristics between short- and long-term disciplines and between genders. The weekly training volume decreased from 16.1 ± 5.7 hours at T0 to 10.7 ± 5.7 hours at T1 (p < 0.0001) whereas no significant differences were detected in training volume during the lockdown in relation to the square footage of the house (p = 0.309). Alcohol (p = 0.136) and caffeine intake (p = 0.990) and use of electronic devices (p = 0.317) were similar pre-, during, and post-lockdown. The unprecedented circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic had negative impacts on the Italian track and field athletes’ sleep and training volumes.

Frequency of the MSTN Lys(K)-153Arg(R) polymorphism among track & field athletes and swimmers

Increased Female Athlete Triad Knowledge Following a Brief Video Educational Intervention

The aim of this paper is to process and evaluate the peak performance age in track and field athletics. The object of this paper is to analyse the top world’s Championships (World Championships, European Championships and the Olympic Games) between years 1970 – 2007. Our study is based on status description using normative investigation and developmental survey. Within our investigation we tried to answer questions concerned with significant features of the peak performance age, possibility to state the age accurately, and to monitor its progress. Our data set includes 6314 athletes in total (3,474 men, 2,840 women). Some of the events have binomial distribution which enables accurate peak performance age identification. At present, the age for both sexes moves around 25 and 26 years (except for marathon race). In addition, in long distance races a big disproportion between European and World Championships is found. Surprisingly, there is a difference of 4 years in average in 10 km race. We believe that these results may be of benefit to the individual sport federations, trainers and athletes themselves in their long-term planning of their sport preparation.

Aim: The aim of this study was to characterize the developmental pathway undertaken by Portuguese expert track and field athletes considering the quantity and type of structured and unstructured activities. Methods: The sample was composed of 24 experts and 35 non-expert athletes who completed a questionnaire designed to gather information about their previous experiences in sports. Results: Results reveal key factors which distinguished expert from non-expert athletes’ developmental pathway were related to a greater commitment within track and field in relation to years (U = 251.000, p < 0.01) and hours (U = 212.500, p < .01), as well as with the number of years spent in unstructured activities (U = 284.500, p < .05). Furthermore, a significant association (χ2 = 27.131, p < 0.01) was found between the number of unstructured activities practiced and an expert performance attainment. Conclusions: These findings revealed that more successfully track and field athletes had an early diversified pathway with greater involvement in structured and unstructured activities. Overall, the study provides an insight into the developmental pathway of Portuguese track and field athletes.

The aim of our study was to analyse the prevalence of femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI) in national elite track and field athletes compared to peers using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical examination including impingement tests. A total of 44 participants (22 national elite track and field athletes and 22 non-athletes) underwent an MRI for radiological findings associated with FAI, including alpha angle, lateral centre edge angle (CEA), findings of labral and cartilage lesions. The study group was furthermore investigated by the hip outcome score (HOS) and a clinical hip examination including range of motion (ROM) and impingement tests. Concerning the cam impingement, there was a significant difference measured by mean alpha angle between the athlete group (52.2 ± 7.29°) and the control group (48.1 ± 5.45°, P = 0.004). Eleven athletes showed a cam impingement, while two probands of the control group had a pincer impingement and one a mixed form (P = 0.0217). There was no statistically significant difference concerning the CEA upon evaluating pincer impingement. Seven track and field athletes had a positive impingement test, whereof three had an increased alpha angle >55°. No participant of the control group showed pathological results in the impingement test (P = 0.0121). MRI evidence and clinical examination suggest that cam impingement is more common in elite athletes in comparison to non-athletes. At a professional level, the intense practice of track and field athletics is susceptible for FAI.