Our objective was to determine self-reported accuracy of an athletic population using two different urine color (Uc) charts (8-color vs. 7-color Uc chart). After approval by the Institutional Review Board, members of an athletic population (n = 189, 20 (19–22) year old student- or tactical athletes and coaches, with n = 99 males and n = 90 females) scored their Uc using two charts. To determine the diagnostic value of Uc, results were compared with urine concentration (osmolality and urine specific gravity, USG). Uc was scored slightly darker with the 8-color vs. 7-color Uc chart (2.2 ± 1.2 vs. 2.0 ± 1.2, respectively, p < 0.001), with a moderate correlation between charts (r = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.69–0.81). Bland-Altman analysis showed a weak reporting bias (r = 0.15, p = 0.04). The area under the curve for correct urine sample classification ranged between 0.74 and 0.86. Higher accuracy for both methods was found when Uc scores were compared to USG over osmolality, indicated by 4.8–14.8% range in difference between methods. The optimal Uc cut-off value to assess a low vs. a high urine concentration for both Uc charts varied in this study between 1 and ≤2 while accuracy for charts was similar up to 77% when compared to USG.

Knowledge of third-party testing is important for elite athletes using nutritional supplements to reduce the chances of a positive doping incident. Therefore, we compared the self-reported knowledge and attitudes of N = 601 Dutch Olympic status and non-Olympic status athletes toward an independent Dutch third-party tested system (NZVT) for purchasing nutritional supplements (NSs). Most of the athletes believed that contaminated NSs could lead to a positive doping test (68.0%), and found it unacceptable to use a contaminated NS as a result of incomplete labeling (87.8%). More Olympic status athletes were familiar with the NZVT system (71.1%) than non-Olympic status athletes (24.5%, p < 0.001). Of the athletes knowing about NZVT, Olympic status athletes reported more frequently using the NZVT than non-Olympic athletes (81.7% vs. 50.0%, p < 0.001). Apart from status, more females were familiar with and used the NZVT system for purchasing NSs than males, p < 0.01. In conclusion, many athletes were not familiar with nor used the preferred third-party testing supplement system in the Netherlands when purchasing NSs. While doping warnings and regulations have been in place, considering the risk of unintentional doping use for over two decades, the knowledge of Olympic status and non-Olympic status high-level athletes could still be improved, as many are not reporting the use of third-party testing systems.

To examine funding and college-provided nutritional resources and to assess whether these are associated with diet quality and subsequent dietitian referral among female collegiate athletes of diff...

Context: Urine color (Uc) is used to asses urine concentration when lab techniques are not feasible. Objective: To compare the accuracy of Uc scoring using four different light conditions and two different scoring techniques with a 7-color Uc chart. Additionally to assess the results' generalizability, a subsample was compared to scores obtained from fresh samples. Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Samples: 178 previously frozen urine samples were scored and n=78 samples were compared to its own fresh outcomes. Main outcome measure: Urine color and accuracy for classifying urine samples were calculated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, allowing to compare the diagnostic capacity against a 1.020 urine specific gravity (USG) cut-off and defining optimal Uc cut-off value. Results: Uc was significantly different between light conditions (P<0.01), with the highest accuracy (80.3%) of correctly classifications of low or high urine concentrations occurring at the brightest light condition. Lower light intensity scored 1.5–2 shades darker on a 7-color Uc scale than bright conditions (P<0.001), with urine color but no further practical differences for accuracy between scoring techniques. Frozen was 0.5–1 shade darker than freshly measured Uc (P<0.004), but they were moderately correlated (r=0.64). A Bland-Altman plot showed that reporting bias mainly affects darker Uc without impacting the diagnostic ability of the method. Conclusions: Uc scoring, accuracy and Uc cut-off values are affected by lighting condition but not by scoring technique, with higher accuracy and a one-shade lower Uc cut-off value at the brightest light (i.e. LED flashlight).

Background: Females are prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to estrogen fluctuations affecting vaginal flora. While menstruating, increased fluid consumption to support urination frequency and void volume may be important, as the urethra and urinary tract are more predisposed to bacteria, particularly UTI pathogens. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the impact of hydration on urinary tract health during menstruation among underhydrated premenopausal women. Methods: Thirteen females participated in a 60-day 2 × 2 randomized crossover trial to evaluate the effectiveness of consuming ≥2.2 L of total beverage fluid intake, with 1.9 L being water, (intervention, INT) and maintaining habitual fluid intake (control, CON) on two subsequent menses. Participants completed fluid and urination diaries at days 2 and 5 after the onset of bleeding (day 1) to determine the fluid amount consumed and urination frequency. Urine concentration was assessed in afternoon (days 2 and 5) and uropathogenic bacterial activity in first-morning (days 3 and 6) urinations. General linear models assessed differences in bacterial and hydration outcomes. Results: The intervention led to a 62% mean total fluid increase, INT 3.0 ± 1.1 L and CON 1.9 ± 0.9 L, p < 0.001, η 2 = 0.459. Urination frequency was greater and urine concentration less in the INT to CON, all p _s < 0.05, η 2 range = 0.023–0.019. Only four cultures detected uropathogenic bacteria, with no patterns between conditions or days, making it difficult to determine the intervention's effectiveness. Conclusion: Fluid intake increased, and hydration status improved. No differences in uropathogenic bacterial activity were seen between the hydration and control conditions.

The transitioning from student to coach or sport psychology practitioner requires sufficient training and practice. A well-crafted and organized program allows for professional growth and promotes career and field development. It also prepares students in sport team relationships and mental-skills training. Based on a coach's experience, this article introduces a “team of three” practicum standard, consisting of a supervisor, a lead consultant, and a junior consultant to teach and develop students as coaches and sport psychology practitioners. Suggestions on how to incorporate this standard into educational programs are provided.