Publications by authors named "Cliodhna McHugh"
Article Synopsis
- This study examined how playing multiple seasons of rugby affects serum S100B levels in male professional players and the acute impact of concussion on these levels.
- Researchers collected blood samples during different seasons of play and after concussions to measure S100B concentrations using an ELISA assay.
- The results showed that while S100B levels remained stable across seasons, they significantly increased immediately after concussions, but returned to pre-season levels by the end of the season, suggesting S100B could be a valuable tool in managing sports-related concussions.
ECG findings in professional rugby players using international screening recommendations.
BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med
March 2024
Article Synopsis
- World Rugby requires ECGs for players entering international competitions, but they are not mandatory for all players; this study aimed to establish ECG norms for male and female rugby players.
- Researchers analyzed the ECGs of 356 professional rugby players, focusing on differences by sex and playing position, using guidelines from 2017 to categorize findings.
- Results showed that 84% of players had normal ECGs, with a higher percentage in males (91%) compared to females (60%), and only a small fraction (2.2%) had positive ECGs, indicating the potential feasibility of ECG screenings in rugby.
Article Synopsis
- Midlife hypertension, or high blood pressure, may be a key factor in cognitive decline as people age, and this review explores that connection.
- The study analyzed data from 149 research articles spanning 26 countries, focusing on individuals aged 40-65 and their cognitive performance later in life.
- Findings indicate that midlife hypertension is negatively associated with cognitive functions like memory and executive function, but it does not seem to affect attention during midlife.
Cardiovascular risk and systemic inflammation in male professional rugby: a cross-sectional study.
BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med
November 2023
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and systemic inflammation in professional male rugby players (RP), comparing them by playing position.
- Results showed that many players had at least one cardiovascular risk factor, with forwards exhibiting higher levels of body fat, glucose, and inflammatory markers compared to backs.
- Despite being athletes, a significant portion of the RP displayed increased inflammation, suggesting potential long-term cardiovascular disease risks, particularly among forwards.
Article Synopsis
- - The study assessed the reliability of a portable ECG sensor (PluxECG) for monitoring heart rates in rowing athletes, especially during high-intensity exercise where traditional methods fall short.
- - Phase I confirmed that the PluxECG system closely matched the accuracy of a standard 12-lead ECG, with a high correlation in heart rate measurements (0.9886).
- - Phase II revealed challenges in interpreting ECG data due to artifacts and variable reader confidence, particularly during on-water rowing compared to ergometer rowing, indicating the need for caution when using PluxECG for this purpose.
Background And Aims: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a substantial problem, causing early death and great economic burden. Research has highlighted the potential positive impact of technological interventions, such as smartphone applications (app) in treatment of AUD. The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of a smartphone app, incorporating computerized cognitive behavioural therapy and text messaging support, on alcohol outcomes over 6 months in a post-rehabilitation setting.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFKicking is fundamental in many field-based sports. Most studies investigating kicking performance have been conducted with male athletes, resulting in a dearth of specific data to inform coaching of this skill in female players. This systematic review aimed to compare kicking biomechanics in male and female athletes in field-based sports.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe purpose of this study was to investigate longitudinal body mass and body composition changes in one professional rugby union team (n=123), (i) according to position [forwards (n=58) versus backs (n=65)], analysis of players with 6 consecutive seasons of DXA scans (n=21) and, (iii) to examine differences by playing status [academy and international], over 7 years. Players [mean age: 26.8 y, body mass index: 28.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: In rugby, the average player body mass has increased by approximately 25% since 1955. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is associated with low grade inflammation, and chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in VAT in relation to other indices of body composition, across 1 season in professional rugby.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: To determine the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in current field-based athletes.
Design: Meta-analysis.
Methods: This review was conducted and reported in accordance with PRISMA and pre-registered with PROSPERO.
Background: Retirement from elite sport participation is associated with decreased physical activity, depression, obesity, and ischemic heart disease. Although engagement in physical activity through sport is recognized as cardioprotective, an estimated one-quarter of deaths in American football players are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), predominately in players classified as obese.
Purpose: To systematically investigate the cardiovascular health profile of retired field-based athletes.