| 1. |
- Ekenros, Linda, et al.
(författare)
-
Impact of Menstrual cycle-based Periodized training on Aerobic performance, a Clinical Trial study protocol—the IMPACT study
- 2024
-
Ingår i: Trials. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1745-6215. ; 25:1
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The menstrual cycle and its impact on training and performance are of growing interest. However, evidence is lacking whether periodized exercise based on the menstrual cycle is beneficial. The primary purpose of this proposed randomized, controlled trial, the IMPACT study, is to evaluate the effect of exercise periodization during different phases of the menstrual cycle, i.e., comparing follicular phase-based and luteal phase-based training with regular training during the menstrual cycle on physical performance in well-trained women.Methods: Healthy, well-trained, eumenorrheic women between 18 and 35 years (n = 120) will be recruited and first assessed for physical performance during a run-in menstrual cycle at different cycle phases and then randomized to three different interventions: follicular phase-based training, luteal phase-based training, or regular training during three menstrual cycles. The training intervention will consist of high-intensity spinning classes followed by strength training. The menstrual cycle phases will be determined by serum hormone analysis throughout the intervention period. Assessment of aerobic performance (primary outcome) and muscle strength, body composition, and blood markers will be performed at baseline and at the end of the intervention.Discussion: With a robust methodology, this study has the potential to provide evidence of the differential effects of exercise periodization during different phases of the menstrual cycle in female athletes.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05697263 . Registered on 25 January 2023
|
|
| 2. |
|
|
| 3. |
- Ekenros, L., et al.
(författare)
-
Does injury risk increase when youth athletes start to study at a sports high school?
- 2023
-
Ingår i: BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine. - : BMJ Publishing Group. - 2055-7647. ; 9:4
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background/aim The injury risk is high in adolescent elite athletes. However, little is known about how the injury risk changes when young talented athletes start studying at a sports high school. The primary aim was therefore to explore the risk of injury when the athlete starts to study at a sports high school. A secondary aim was to identify risk factors for injury. Methods A total of 489 athletes (age 15–16 years) were followed for 20 weeks, including 10 weeks before and 10 weeks after the athlete had started to study at a sports high school. Substantial injury was monitored in adolescent elite athletes using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Questionnaire. Results The results showed that the mean difference (md) in injury prevalence was significantly (p=0.001) higher across the 10 weeks after school had started (md 3.6; 95% CI 1.5 to 5.8), compared with the 10 weeks before. Female athletes had significantly (p<0.001) higher injury prevalence (md 6.4%; 95% CI 3.0 to 9.8) across the 10 weeks after school had started, whereas male athletes (md 0.9%; 95% CI -1.8 to 3.6) had not (p=0.530). Three significant (p<0.05) risk factors were identified; previous injury within the past 12 months (OR 3.23), higher training volume (OR 0.97) and lower well-being (OR 0.71). Conclusions Our results provide supporting evidence for increased injury risk in female adolescent elite athletes after the athletes had started to study at a sports high school.
|
|
| 4. |
- Ekenros, L., et al.
(författare)
-
Experiences of rehabilitation in young elite athletes : an interview study
- 2023
-
Ingår i: BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine. - : BMJ Publishing Group. - 2055-7647. ; 9:4
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Even though injuries are common in elite youth sports, rehabilitation experiences are limited explored in young athletes. This study explored rehabilitation experiences in athletes with a previous injury studying at sports high schools. Twenty-six (14/12 females/males) young elite athletes (age 15–19 years) from 11 individual/team sports were interviewed in focus groups about the rehabilitation experiences following a sports injury. Data were analysed using content analysis. The results led to four main categories identified: ‘High-quality rehabilitation’, ‘Lack of communication between healthcare and coach’, ‘Various consequences of injury’ and ‘No clear path to accessing rehabilitation’. The athletes valued that the healthcare providers had high expertise, were clear and signalled secureness and confidence. It was also important to receive help with rehabilitation as rapidly as possible. The athletes perceived that they felt responsible for providing information regarding rehabilitation progression between healthcare providers and their coach. It was also challenging not to be able to participate in training and competition while injured — causing a sense of frustration and fear of falling behind their peer athletes in terms of development and performance. The athletes described that no well-defined medical teams at the sports high schools were available— instead medical help was offered in several other ways. Based on our findings, the collaboration and communication between the healthcare providers and coaches need to be improved, addressing the rehabilitation content, progress and access to rehabilitation. Through these actions, the rehabilitation process will be more adjusted to the needs of young elite athletes.
|
|
| 5. |
- Ekenros, Linda, et al.
(författare)
-
The perceived influence of menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptives on training and performance: Comparison between football, handball, and orienteering
- 2023
-
Ingår i: International journal of sports science & coaching. - : Sage Publications. - 1747-9541 .- 2048-397X.
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Recently, we published self-reported data concerning the perceived effects of the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptives on the training and performance of 1086 female athletes participating in 57 sports. However, studies comparing differences between sports with large sample sizes are lacking. The aim of this ancillary study was to compare the impact of the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptives on training and performance between the three largest sports in the cohort, that is, football, handball, and orienteering, as well as the knowledge and support provided to the female athletes engaged in these sports. The results are from a web-based questionnaire completed by 312 football players, 243 handball players, and 93 orienteers. A total of 54% of the orienteers planned their training based on the menstrual cycle, which was a higher proportion compared to football (45%) and handball (29%) players (p < 0.05). Fewer football players believed that the menstrual cycle had an impact on their performance during training and competition compared to the two other sports. A high proportion of the athletes used hormonal contraceptives in all three sports, but a lower proportion of the orienteers (40%) used hormonal contraceptives compared to football (76%) and handball players (66%) (p < 0.05). Football and handball players received overall more support than orienteers, and the support was mostly provided by a physiotherapist and/or a strength and conditioner coach besides the main coach. These findings demonstrate that the perceived influence of the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptives on training and performance differs between endurance athletes in orienteering compared to team-sport athletes in football and handball.
|
|
| 6. |
- Björk, Mathilda, et al.
(författare)
-
Inflammatory Arthritis and the Effect of Physical Activity on Quality of Life and Self-reported Function : A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Arthritis care & research. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 2151-464X .- 2151-4658. ; 74:1, s. 31-43
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Although physical activity (PA) is an evidence-based intervention that reduces disease-related symptoms and comorbidity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), PA's effect on self-reported function and Quality of Life (QoL) has not been analyzed. This study synthesizes the evidence for the effectiveness of PA on QoL and self-reported function in adults with RA, spondyloarthritis (SpA), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).METHODS: The databases PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Screening, risk of bias assessment (using RoB 2.0 tool), and data extraction were independently performed by two or more of the authors. The meta-analyses were conducted with a random-effects model.RESULTS: The systematic review included 55 RCTs and the meta-analysis included 37 RCTs. In 55 studies included, 76% investigated RA, 20% investigated SpA, and 4% investigated PsA. In RA effects were found on QoL and function compared to inactive controls, effects not sustained in comparison to active controls. In SpA the effects of PA on QoL were in favor of the control group. Effects on function were found compared to inactive controls and sustained in fatigue and pain when compared to active controls. In PsA no effects on QoL were found but on function compared to inactive controls. The effect size was below 0.30 in the majority of the comparisons.CONCLUSION: PA may improve QoL and self-reported function in RA, SpA, and PsA. However, larger trials are needed, especially in SpA and PsA.
|
|
| 7. |
- Ekenros, Linda, et al.
(författare)
-
Perceived impact of the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptives on physical exercise and performance in 1,086 athletes from 57 sports
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Frontiers in Physiology. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 1664-042X. ; 13
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Female athletes train and compete under the potential influence of hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle or during use of various hormonal contraceptives. Dysmenorrhea and premenstrual symptoms are common in the general population, as well as side effects of hormonal contraceptives. More detailed knowledge concerning prevalence and perceived impact of these symptoms on training and performance in different sports is required. The aim of the study was to 1) characterize perceptions of training and performance during the menstrual cycle phases and by hormonal contraceptive use in a large population of female athletes; 2) explore whether symptoms experienced are related to perceived performance; and 3) examine potential differences in these factors between athletes at different levels of performance. The study was based on self-reported data from 1,086 athletes from 57 sports at different performance levels via a web-based questionnaire. Thirty-seven percent (n = 407) of the athletes did not use hormonal contraceptives. In this group, menstrual cycle related symptoms were common across all athlete levels, particularly dysmenorrhea (74%, n = 300) and premenstrual symptoms (78%, n = 318), which also influenced perceived performance of aerobic fitness, muscle strength, mental sharpness, balance, and sleep quality. Sixty-three percent (n = 679) of the athletes used various hormonal contraceptives and 40% (n = 272) perceived a variety of side-effects. Physical performance was experienced equally independent of time-point of the pill-chart except for the period of inactive pills, which was associated with more negative impact. Nonetheless, only 18% (n = 191) of the athletes considered menstrual cycle or hormonal contraceptive issues when planning their training or competitions. These results indicate that greater focus is needed to identify and effectively treat different menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptive related symptoms on an individual level.
|
|
| 8. |
- von Rosen, Philip, et al.
(författare)
-
Offered Support and Knowledge about the Menstrual Cycle in the Athletic Community: A Cross-Sectional Study of 1086 Female Athletes
- 2022
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 19:19
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Many female athletes perceive that symptoms related to the menstrual cycle such as dysmenorrhea, premenstrual symptoms, amenorrhea or side-effects of hormonal contraceptives negatively impact their training, performance, and general well-being. Knowledge and communication about female athletes’ health is therefore important in the sport community. The aims of this study were to explore the level of knowledge and communication about menstrual cycle issues and use of hormonal contraceptives in the athletic community and to describe the kinds of medical support offered to female athletes. A total of 1086 Swedish and Norwegian athletes from 57 different sports responded to a web-based questionnaire. Of these, 58% (n = 627) practiced team sports and 42% (n = 459) individual sports. Twenty-six percent (n = 278) of the athletes perceived their knowledge about female athlete health to be poor/very poor and the knowledge was most often acquired from medical staff. Fifty-three percent (n = 572) of the athletes perceived the knowledge acquired of their coaches as poor/very poor, even though a significantly (p < 0.001) higher proportion of athletes with a female coach (30%, n = 31) rated their coach’s knowledge as very good/good, compared to athletes with a male coach (5%, n = 31). Only 11% (n = 116) of the athletes discussed female health issues with their coach. The majority (81%, n = 842) of the athletes partly to strongly agreed that female athlete health is considered a taboo topic in the athletic community. Forty-seven percent (n = 510) of the athletes had access to a physiotherapist, while only three percent (n = 29) had access to a gynecologist. Low perceived knowledge, lack of communication and support demonstrate the need for a multi-professional medical team and enhanced educational efforts focused on female athlete health in the athletic community.
|
|
| 9. |
- Ekenros, Linda, et al.
(författare)
-
Changes in premenstrual symptoms in women starting or discontinuing use of oral contraceptives
- 2019
-
Ingår i: Gynecological Endocrinology. - : Taylor & Francis Group. - 0951-3590 .- 1473-0766. ; 35:5, s. 422-426
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- It is not clear whether oral contraceptive (OC) treatment affects premenstrual symptoms in women. The aim of the present study was to evaluate changes in premenstrual symptoms (PMS) in women starting to use or discontinuing the use of OCs. Twenty-four healthy women with no previous diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder were included in this study with a prospective crossover design. Nineteen women completed daily ratings of somatic and mood symptoms during two hormonally different cycles, during a normal menstrual cycle and while using OCs. The menstrual cycle phases were hormonally verified and the low-dose, monophasic OCs were used in a 21/7 regimen. The onset of OC use significantly decreased premenstrual somatic symptoms, but it did not affect mood symptoms. In the women who discontinued OC use, no significant changes in neither somatic nor mood symptoms appeared in the premenstrual phase.
|
|
| 10. |
- Rano, Jacqueline, et al.
(författare)
-
Effects of acute psychological stress on athletic performance in elite male swimmers
- 2019
-
Ingår i: Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. - 0022-4707 .- 1827-1928. ; 59:6, s. 76-1068
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: While physical activity has been shown to affect psychological as well as physiological stress responses, less research has explored the effects of acute stress on athletic performance. The current study hence aimed to investigate the effect of an Acute Psychological Stress (APS) provocation on performance and plasma lactate concentration during a following 200m swim race among male elite swimmers. Furthermore, associations between physiological stress responses (salivary cortisol and testosterone), and outcome measures (speed and lactate) were explored.METHODS: Twenty-three elite male swimmers participated in an experimental counterbalanced within-group repeated measures design consisting of an APS provocation followed by a 200m race and, on a separate day, a control race without prior stress exposure. Salivary cortisol and testosterone were collected prior to each race. Race time was recorded, and serum lactate were collected immediately following, and five min after completed race.RESULTS: Race speed was significantly slower (1.53 (95% CI: 0.08-2.79) seconds) following the APS provocation than under control conditions. Pre-race cortisol levels were positively associated with lactate response when preceding stress exposure was present (rho =.483 immediately, and rho=.429 five minutes post race, p's<0.05). Under control conditions however, both increased testosterone (rho= -657, p=0.001) and cortisol (rho= -.491, p=0.020) levels were associated with faster race times.CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated a negative impact of APS exposure on athletic performance. Further, potential beneficial effects on performance from physiological stress responses (as reflected by salivary cortisol and testosterone) may be diminished during performance following an APS provocation, compared with a regular non-provoked performance situation.
|
|
