British journal of sports medicine
Audio Summaries

Exercise-only interventions and exercise-based multidomain lifestyle interventions to promote cognitive function in older adults without dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Sep 21, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the effects of exercise-only interventions versus exercise combined with other lifestyle changes on cognitive functions in older adults without dementia. Their systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that exercise-only significantly improved executive functions, memory, and processing speed compared to control, while exercise-plus was only superior to control for memory and outperformed exercise-only in executive functions and processing speed. The study suggests promoting exercise training for cognitive benefits in older adults, while highlighting the need for further research on the advantages of multidomain interventions.

Prevalence and significance of anterior T-wave inversion in elite football players in the United Kingdom

Sep 17, 2026

The authors aimed to assess the prevalence and significance of anterior T-wave inversion (ATWI) in elite football players of Black and non-Black ethnicity in the UK. They found that ATWI was significantly more common in Black athletes (10.8%) compared to non-Black athletes (1.3%), but this repolarisation pattern was not associated with major cardiac pathology in either group. Notably, the only case of cardiomyopathy identified occurred in a non-Black athlete, suggesting that ATWI may not indicate underlying heart issues in Black athletes.

Examining the pregnancy and postpartum experiences of Para athletes in elite sport: a qualitative description study

Sep 17, 2026

This study aims to explore the pregnancy and postpartum experiences of elite para athletes, highlighting the unique challenges they face due to their disabilities. Through qualitative interviews with 11 athletes, the authors identify key themes such as gaps in disability-specific knowledge, the need for training modifications, and the importance of supportive policies. The findings underscore the necessity for tailored, disability-informed approaches to enhance the participation of para athletes in elite sports during and after pregnancy.

Maternal and fetal cardiovascular response to moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise in singleton and twin pregnancies

Sep 17, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the maternal and fetal cardiovascular responses to moderate-to-vigorous exercise in singleton versus twin pregnancies, addressing the lack of empirical evidence behind current exercise guidelines for pregnant individuals carrying twins. They found that while resting heart rate and mean arterial pressure were higher in women with twin pregnancies, the cardiovascular responses to submaximal exercise were similar between both groups, and exercise did not adversely affect fetal well-being.

Structured exercise interventions and survival outcomes in patients with cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Sep 15, 2026

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of structured exercise interventions on survival outcomes in cancer patients. The findings indicated that such interventions significantly improved overall survival, disease-free survival, and reduced both all-cause and cancer-specific mortality, suggesting that structured exercise may serve as an effective adjuvant therapy in oncology care. The authors highlight the potential benefits of exercise beyond quality of life improvements, particularly for patients with higher adherence and early-stage disease.

Combinations of stepping intensity and daily step counts against all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality: insights from a device-based prospective study

Sep 8, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate how the combination of stepping intensity and daily step counts influences all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality. Their analysis of data from the UK Biobank revealed that both higher stepping intensity and increased daily step counts are associated with lower risks of premature mortality, suggesting that tailored physical activity strategies could effectively prevent such outcomes. The study highlights the importance of considering both the intensity and quantity of physical activity in mortality risk assessments.

Resistance training and depressive symptoms in subcortical vascular cognitive impairment: secondary results of a randomised clinical trial

Sep 3, 2026

The authors aimed to determine the effects of progressive resistance training (PRT) on depressive symptoms in adults with subcortical vascular cognitive impairment (SVCI). Their findings indicate that after 12 months of PRT, participants exhibited significantly lower depressive symptoms compared to those in a balance and tone control group, suggesting that PRT may be an effective intervention for reducing depression in this population.

Graft type is not associated with revision ACL reconstruction in football players: a nationwide cohort analysis of subsequent ACL reconstructions

Sep 3, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate whether the type of autograft used in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR)—specifically hamstring, patellar, or quadriceps tendon—affects the risk of revision ACLR or contralateral ACLR in football players. Their analysis of a nationwide cohort of 10,693 players found no significant association between graft type and revision ACLR, although women using quadriceps tendon grafts showed a higher risk of contralateral ACLR. The study highlighted that younger age and higher pre-injury level of play were consistently linked to an increased risk of subsequent ACLR.

Digital therapeutic combining exercise and cognitive-behavioural therapy reduces pain in patients with chronic patellofemoral pain: a multicentre randomised controlled trial

Sep 3, 2026

This study aimed to determine whether an 8-week smartphone-based digital therapeutic program combining exercise and cognitive-behavioral therapy could reduce knee pain in patients with chronic patellofemoral pain compared to traditional education and exercise instruction. The results indicated that the digital therapeutic significantly decreased usual pain and improved secondary outcomes such as worst pain, knee function, health-related quality of life, and psychological distress. These findings suggest that an integrated digital therapeutic approach may be beneficial in managing chronic patellofemoral pain.

Prevalence and cardiac outcomes of T wave inversions in high school athletes: an analysis of 15 years of preparticipation screening ECGs

Sep 3, 2026

The authors aimed to characterize the prevalence, distribution, and clinical significance of T wave inversions (TWI) in preparticipation ECG screenings of high school athletes. They found that TWI was rare, occurring in only 0.36% of screened athletes, predominantly among black males, and identified a concerning association with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in some cases. This highlights the need for thorough evaluation and ongoing monitoring of athletes exhibiting this ECG pattern.