Editorial 2-2018
«Garçon! Une prise de sang, s’il vous plait!» Un entraîneur: «Bonjour, je suis entraineur au […] et on a un souci avec une athlète qui a un manque de fer.…
«COOL AND CLEAN»: 10-year outcomes of structural prevention in the Swiss sports setting
The body of evidence on structural prevention is scarce and needs further development. This study contributes to international research by analysing 10-year outcomes of a multicomponent programme promoting a healthy sports setting in Switzerland. Data were collected in 2007, 2011 and 2015, enabling a longitudinal perspective on outcomes. Telephone interviews, case studies, online-surveys and analysis of key documents and data were conducted. The programme «cool and clean» is well known and accepted by key partners. Partnering between the health and the sports sector has improved visibly and cantonal ambassadors are well established.
Laboratory versus outdoor testing: Lactate endurance diagnostics and training management
Recording the endurance lactate concentration has for some 40 years now been considered the most sensitive parameter for identifying and differentiating the aerobic capacity in muscle metabolism. Lactate behavior or the lactate-running-speed ratio is influenced under lab conditions both by the shock absorption of the specific treadmill type, the treadmill angle of inclination, and outdoors by the ground conditions. What is decisive for both indoor and outdoor measurements is the integrative lactate behavior.
Sudden cardiac death in athletes – complete prevention requires evidence
Wenn Sportler vor laufender Kamera bei einem Wettkampf versterben, konfrontieren das die Zuschauer in besonderer Weise mit den Risiken des Sports. Die Todesfälle der Fussballer Marc-Vivien Foé am FIFA Confederations Cup 2003 und Paulo Sérgio Oliveira da Silva «Serginho» in Sao Paulo 2004, oder des kürzlich bei Paris-Roubaix verstorbenen Radrennfahrers Michael Goolaerts haben eine weltweite Welle der Betroffenheit ausgelöst. Für die Sportmedizin resultiert daraus der klare Leistungsauftrag, durch geeignete Vorsorgeuntersuchungen und Massnahmen an Wettkämpfen diese tragischen Ereignisse so gut wie möglich zu verhindern.
Ellen Sprunger: from heptathlete to «health and performance» coordinator
Ellen Sprunger war während mehr als 10 Jahren eine feste Grösse in der Schweizer Leichtathletik und eines unserer Aushängeschilder international. Als Siebenkämpferin erzielte sie mit 6124 Punkten die zweitbeste Leistung einer Schweizerin aller Zeiten und sie gehörte auch im Sprint zur Schweizer Elite. Ende 2017 trat sie vom Spitzensport zurück. Nun kann Sie einen Teil ihrer Erfahrungen aus dem Leistungssport in ihre zweite Karriere als Managerin mitnehmen. Sie gibt uns in einem Interview Einblick in ihre sportliche Karriere und die neuen beruflichen Perspektiven.
Fluctuations in the results of ferritin analysis between six different medical laboratories
Introduction: Iron is an important factor of the energy balance and correlates with serum ferritin. For competitive athletes, ferritin measurements are regularly performed at certified medical laboratories. However, as a laboratory change happened, we questioned the validity of ferritin levels, since unusually high values were measured. The aim of this study is to compare the ferritin values of blood samples in six different laboratories and to evaluate the diagnosis of iron deficiency. Methods: Blood samples from 63 patients with suspected iron deficiency were sent to six laboratories for ferritin measurements.
Vitamin D levels and predictors in Swiss elite athletes – recommandation for supplementation
Background: Vitamin D concentrations corresponding to 75 nmol/L of 25(OH)D or more have been related to maintained muscle function, growth and regeneration, to optimal bone health and immunology in athletes. The objective of this study was to investigate prevalence and predictors of insufficient 25(OH)D concentrations in athletes and to come up with recommendations for our Swiss athletes. Methods: 603 competitive Swiss athletes were assessed during their annual pre-participation examination. A standardized questionnaire was used to gather information about potential predictors for 25(OH)D concentrations.
Iron deficiency in athletes – new guidelines for diagnosis and treatment
Background: Iron deficiency (ID), worldwide a common affection is associated with reduced performance, fatigue and increased risk for infections. Athletes are a risk-population due to a higher prevalence of restrictive diets or exercise-induced inflammation. Particularly in athletes, the diagnosis of ID based on unspecific symptomes or routine laboratory diagnostics with ferritin is not always reliable. The goal of this study was therefore to discover if a new diagnostic approach adding zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) or soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) in the routine assessment of ID in athletes is helpful or even necessary.