Perceptions of high risk sports

Effects of Oxygen Prebreathing on Bubble Formation, Flow-Mediated Dilatation, and Psychomotor Performance during Trimix Dives

Introduction: This research was performed to examine the effects of air and oxygen prebreathing on bubble formation, flow-mediated dilatation, and psychomotor performance after scuba dives. Methods: Twelve scuba divers performed two dives using a gas mixture of oxygen, nitrogen, and helium (trimix). In a randomized protocol, they breathed air or oxygen 30 min before the trimix dives. Venous bubble formation, flow-mediated dilatation, and psychomotor performance were evaluated. The participants solved three psychomotor tests: determining the position of a light signal, coordination of complex psychomotor activity, and simple arithmetic operations. The total test solving time, minimum single-task solving time, and median solving time were analyzed. Results: The bubble grade was decreased in the oxygen prebreathing protocol in comparison to the air prebreathing protocol (1.5 vs. 2, p < 0.001). The total test solving times after the dives, in tests of complex psychomotor coordination and simple arithmetic operations, were shorter in the oxygen prebreathing protocol (25 (21-28) vs. 31 (26-35) and 87 (82-108) vs. 106 (90-122) s, p = 0.028). Conclusions: In the oxygen prebreathing protocol, the bubble grade was significantly reduced with no change in flow-mediated dilatation after the dives, indicating a beneficial role for endothelial function. The post-dive psychomotor speed was faster in the oxygen prebreathing protocol.

Digit ratio, personality and emotions in skydivers

The aim of the present study was investigate if there is an association between second-to-fourth digit length (2D:4D) ratio and personality factors capable of serving as predictors of individual choice towards high-risk activities in a group of experts skydivers; Furthermore, their skills in regulating anxiety and emotions were assessed. The 2D:4D ratio of the right hand of 41 expert skydivers was measured and each of them completed four questionnaires: Big Five Questionnaire-2 (BFQ-2), Profile of Mood States (POMS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y (STAI-Y) and Risk-Taking Inventory. Lower 2D:4D ratios did not appear associated with a greater propensity for taking risks but rather with a lower aptitude to assume precautions in unsafe conditions. In fact, the only sub-dimensions of personality, analyzed by the BFQ-2, correlated with the 2D:4D ratio were conscientiousness and agreeableness. Furthermore, prior to launch, the skydiver's level of stress, measured by the POMS, or state anxiety, measured by the STAI-Y, was not significantly correlated with 2D:4D ratio; whereas there was significant positive correlation between 2D:4D values and trait anxiety. Data analysis further revealed that social desirability correlated negatively with state anxiety and total mood disturbance index, and positively with emotion control. The present results suggest that lower 2D:4D ratio may represent a significant predictor of less attentive precautionary behavior when risk-taking.

Trend Analysis of 20 Years of FIM Road Racing Grand Prix Motorcycle World Championship

Purpose: The technological advancements in motorcycle road racing have ensured the evolution of motorcycle performance; however, it is unknown whether these advancements have resulted in increased speed and therefore risk. To better understand the top level of this sport and inform future regulations, performance-related strategies, and safety procedures, this study aimed to (1) analyze and describe how the performance characteristics of the top class of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme Grand Prix motorcycle world championship (GPWC) have changed with time and (2) quantify potential interactions between performance data (ie, crashes, speed, and environmental conditions). Methods: Variables such as top 10 riders’ speed of racing, crashes, starting position of winner, participants, and environmental conditions were collected from official race reports from 1997 to 2016. Data standardization was also ensured by including only dry competitions in the analysis. Results: The mean racing speed ranged from a minimum of 155 (7.27) km·h−1 (year 2000) to a maximum of 165 (6.48) km·h−1 (year 2015). Linear mixed-model analysis revealed that the variables year and class significantly influenced changes in mean speed (faster racing). Per race, 12–14% of starters (95% confidence interval) suffered a crash. No significant associations were found between crashes and mean speed, ground temperature, air temperature, or air humidity. Conclusions: The speed of dry racing of the top class of the GPWC has increased over a 20-y span. Motorcycle circuit racing riders should consider the importance of being prepared to cope with crashing events to minimize chances of injury.

Femoral Shaft Fracture during Bungee Jump: A Case Report and Literature Review

Bungee jumping is a recreational sport that is accepted to carry a level of risk. We present the case of a femoral fracture sustained during bungee jumping and examine the published literature on bungee jumping-related injuries. A previously well 31-year old female performed a 200ft bungee jump from a crane. The apparatus was performed as expected and documented on the bystander video footage. As the bungee-cord became taut for the second time, there was an audible crack with accompanying scream. A closed, neurovascularly-intact injury was sustained to her right thigh. Radiographs revealed a comminuted mid-diaphyseal spiral femoral fracture, which was treated with intra-medullary nail fixation the following day. Following loss of position with proximal fragment flexion, the intramedullary nail was revised with open reduction and cerclage wiring 6 weeks later. Progression to clinical and radiological union was uneventful. Fatalities in bungee jumping are generally secondary to trauma as a result of equipment malfunction, user error, or related to pre-existing co-morbidity2. As no records are kept on bungee jumping injuries in the UK, reliable statistics are not available regarding the relative risks of this sport. We conclude that incidence of bungee jumping injuries is likely to remain low, but consider that improved recording of bungee jumping-related injury data will allow providers to give customers a realistic quantification of risk before engaging in this sport.

A Cross-Sectional View of Fear of Death and Dying Among Skydivers

The literature lacks a consistent pattern on the relationship between attitudes toward death and dying across occupations and recreational pursuits. The present cross-sectional study categorized a group of individuals engaging in a high-risk recreational activity (i.e., skydivers) on the basis of experience and classified them into student, intermediate, and experts. There were more negative attitudes of death and dying among student skydivers compared with more experienced skydivers. It was also found that expert skydivers had more negative attitudes toward death and dying on some of the measures compared with the intermediate level experienced skydivers. It may be the case that factors such as perceived personal control, overconfidence, and metacognition may be related to these observed differences between the two more experienced groups of skydivers. The possibility of the factors playing a role in skydivers' attitudes toward death and dying should be taken into consideration in the training programs for skydiving.

Psychological Profile of Turkish Rock Climbers: An Examination of Climbing Experience and Route Difficulty

The purpose of this study was to examine sensation seeking, physical self-perception, and intrinsic and extrinsic motives of rock climbers and to compare these psychological constructs with respect to their years of climbing experience and the difficulty of their climbing routes. 64 climbers ( M age = 29.1 yr., SD = 6.4) voluntarily participated in this study. The Arnett Inventory of Sensation Seeking (AISS), Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (PSDQ), and Sport Motivation Scale (SMS) were administered to the rock climbers. Analysis indicated that the mean score of rock climbers on the Novelty subscale of the Sensation Seeking Scale was 33.9 ( SD = 3.6) and mean value on the Intensity subscale was 29.2 ( SD = 5.2). The mean scores of rock climbers on the PSDQ ranged between 3.9 ( SD = 1.0, Physical Activity) and 5.1 ( SD = 1.1, Body Fat). Descriptive analysis indicated that the highest mean score of rock climbers on the SMS was obtained in Intrinsic motivation to Experience Stimulation (5.7, SD = 0.9). The independent sample t test showed no significant differences in sensation seeking, physical self-perception, and sport motivation with regard to years of climbing experience and route difficulty ( p >.05). It may be concluded that sensation seeking in climbers is high, and they have internal motivational orientation and positive physical self-perception; their competence in climbing has no obvious relationship to these variables.

Mountaineers' Risk Perception in Outdoor-Adventure Sports: A Study of Sex and Sports Experience

The purpose of this study was to examine mountaineers' (expert, less-experienced, nonparticipant) risk perception in 19 outdoor-adventure sports related to their sex and sports experience. A total of 299 experienced mountaineers (90 women, 209 men), 321 less-experienced mountaineers (110 women, 211 men) and 193 volunteers nonparticipants in sport (95 women and 98 men) took part. Data were collected with items on a Likert-type 5-point scale. Test-retest over 15 days ranged from .64–86. A two-way variance analysis of sex × group showed that men's mean risk perception was lower than that of women for orienteering, mountain biking, rowing, surfing, sailing, nordic skiing, tour skiing, snowboarding, parachuting, and cliff jumping. Also, experienced mountaineers' mean risk perception was lower than that of those less experienced.

Neural representation of emotion regulation goals

The use of top-down cognitive control mechanisms to regulate emotional responses as circumstances change is critical for mental and physical health. Several theoretical models of emotion regulation have been postulated; it remains unclear, however, in which brain regions emotion regulation goals (e.g., the downregulation of fear) are represented. Here, we examined the neural mechanisms of regulating emotion using fMRI and identified brain regions representing reappraisal goals. Using a multimethodological analysis approach, combining standard activation-based and pattern-information analyses, we identified a distributed network of lateral frontal, temporal, and parietal regions implicated in reappraisal and within it, a core system that represents reappraisal goals in an abstract, stimulus-independent fashion. Within this core system, the neural pattern-separability in a subset of regions including the left inferior frontal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, and inferior parietal lobe was related to the success in emotion regulation. Those brain regions might link the prefrontal control regions with the subcortical affective regions. Given the strong association of this subsystem with inner speech functions and semantic memory, we conclude that those cognitive mechanisms may be used for orchestrating emotion regulation. Hum Brain Mapp 37:600-620, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A Brief Note on the Relationship between Anxiety and Performance in Scuba Diving in Adolescents: A Field Study

This study explored the relationship between anxiety and scuba diving performance of young individuals ( N = 44; 16.9yr., SD = 1.2) participating in an introductory scuba diving activity. The question was whether the well-known negative correlation between anxiety and scuba diving performance found for experienced and middle-aged scuba divers will be observed in young participants in their first dive experience. Diving instructors rated standardized scuba diving skills that were correlated with individual state and trait anxiety. There was no relationship between anxiety and scuba diving performance, neither for state nor for trait anxiety. This non-significant correlation between anxiety and performance was in contrast to recent findings observed for experienced divers or those who participated at a scuba diving training program. Considering the differences in methodological design between this study and recent investigations, further research is needed to reveal possible relations between anxiety, scuba diving performance, and panic behavior in beginner-level youth or adults.

Attitudes Toward Dying and Death: A Comparison of Recreational Groups among Older Men

Previous research reports examining the relationship between attitudes toward dying, death, and involvement in death-related occupations have provided mixed findings as no clear pattern has been identified. Examination of the relationship between attitudes toward dying, death, and recreational activity has not received much attention. The current study examined attitudes toward dying and death of older men categorized into four groups defined by recreational activities. The groups included skydivers (high death risk), nursing home residents (high death exposure), volunteer firefighters (high death risk and high death exposure), and a control group. The analyses found that skydivers reported the least fear of death, while nursing home residents reported the highest level. In addition, skydivers and firefighters had higher death acceptance scores than nursing home residents and the control group for the confrontation dimension, whereas skydivers had higher death acceptance scores than all groups, and firefighters were more accepting of death than nursing home residents for the integration dimension.

Risk taking and risk perception in road safety: comparative study of young sportsmen and nonsportsmen in southeastern France

The relationship between participation in sporting activity and both risk taking and risk perception when traveling on a two-wheeled vehicle were evaluated among 614 adolescents between the ages of 14 and 17 years. The sex of the respondents (252 girls, 362 boys) and their experience with road accidents were taken into account. Three-way analyses of variance indicated a significant main effect for sex, with girls reporting both fewer risky behaviors and higher risk perception than boys when traveling on a two-wheeled vehicle. Effect for sporting activity was also significant, with sports practitioners reporting lower risk taking and higher risk perception than nonsportsmen. There was also a significant interaction between sex and sporting activity. For boys, risk taking was higher and risk perception lower among the nonsportsmen than among the sports practitioners. Experience with road accidents had no significant relationship with risk taking or risk perception when traveling on a two-wheeled vehicle.

Injuries at the 2005 World Championships in Rock Climbing

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the injury risk associated with indoor rock climbing competition.

METHODS

All injuries reported to medical personnel at the 2005 World Championships in Rock Climbing were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

Four hundred forty-three climbers (273 men, 170 women) from 55 countries participated in 3 separate disciplines totaling 520 climbing days. Only 4 of 18 acute medical problems that were treated were significant injuries, resulting in an injury rate of 3.1 per 1000 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

Indoor rock climbing competition has a low injury risk and a very good safety profile.