Objective:To examine the effects of a maximal exercise test on cognitive function in recreational athletes.Design:A repeated-measures design was used to compare baseline with post-cognitive function and fatigue symptoms after a maximal exercise test.Setting:Division 1 American Midwestern University, (Michigan State University, Michigan, USA).Participants:102 male and female recreational athletes.Intervention:Participants in the experimental group (n = 54) were asked to perform a maximal treadmill exercise test to maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max). Participants in the control group were asked to rest for 15 min.Main outcome measurements:All participants were administered a neuropsychological test battery called Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) before and after exercise to measure neurocognitive function and fatigue symptoms.Results:Results revealed a significant group (control, experimental)×time (baseline, post-test 1, post-test 2) interaction for verbal memory composite scores (p = 0.025). Specifically, verbal memory composite scores decreased in the experimental group from baseline to post-test 1 (p = 0.00). These values returned to baseline 3 days after the Vo₂max test (p = 0.00). Further analysis on verbal memory composite scores demonstrated significant differences on immediate recall memory (p = 0.00) and delayed recall memory (p = 0.00). No significant differences were observed for visual memory (p = 0.54), motor processing speed (p = 0.68) and reaction time (p = 0.44) composite scores between the experimental and control groups.Conclusion:The results of this study suggest that a maximal exercise test attenuated a limiting effect on cognitive function. When utilising a neuropsychological test battery to evaluate a patient who has sustained a head injury, the test should not be administered immediately after a practice or a game session.

Understanding the in-game demands placed on athletes may allow practitioners to design improved training protocols to prepare athletes for competitive demands. This study aimed to quantify the competitive movement demands of professional American football athletes and to determine any inter-positional differences that may exist. Player tracking data were collected from 2018 to 2020 regular season games of the National Football League. Distance, maximum velocity, high-velocity efforts and distance, and acceleration and deceleration efforts and distance were used to evaluate competitive movement demands. To determine position-specific demands, each player was classified by their designated position, and velocity data from competitive games were used to develop position-specific velocity thresholds. One-way ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni statistical analysis were used to determine inter-positional difference. Significant (p < 0.05) positional differences were found for all load metrics with respect to competitive game demands. Generally, wide receivers and defensive backs had faster maximum velocities, higher distances, and more acceleration and deceleration efforts and distance than other positions. Linebackers accumulated the most high-velocity efforts and distance. Lineman had the lowest values for all assessed metrics. These findings may assist the performance staff in developing improved training and return-to-play protocols with the aim of improving player performance and mitigating injury.

» Sudden cardiac events during sports competition are rare but tragic occurrences that require a timely, comprehensive response by well-prepared athletic trainers and medical providers. This sequence should prioritize prompt emergency medical system activation, immediate initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated early defibrillation (AED), and comprehensive advanced life support efforts. » Exercise-induced cardiac remodeling, referred to as the “athlete's heart,” refers to a host of adaptive changes that increase cardiac chamber size and wall thickness to allow for greater pressures and volumes during exercise. This remodeling phenotype may overlap with other inherited cardiomyopathies and cardiac abnormalities, which can complicate clinical care. The long-term implications of this electrical and structural remodeling on cardiac function are unknown. » Although the best screening strategies to optimize primary prevention of sudden cardiac arrest is an evolving topic, the effectiveness of CPR and early defibrillation use in treating out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest has been well-established, despite their reported underuse.