ENHANCING ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE AND RECOVERY: INTEGRATING MARINE-DERIVED NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS AND ADVANCED VASCULAR ACCESS TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

This study evaluates the efficacy of Dynamic Needle Guidance (DNG) and Dynamic Needle Tip Positioning (DNTP) in the context of sports-related medical interventions, focusing on their potential to improve the administration of nutritional supplements and medications that support athlete recovery and performance. Thirty-one novice residents performed vascular access procedures using both technologies on a phantom model in a randomized sequence. Our primary endpoint was operation time, with secondary endpoints including puncture time, the number of needle tip adjustments tracked by ultrasound, and success rates of initial punctures and attempts, as well as operation difficulty scores. The findings indicated that DNG significantly reduced the operation time (mean(SD) 24.2 (6.4) s vs. 49.4 (15.8) s; p=0.000) and puncture time (9.6 (2.3) s vs. 31.1 (9.8) s; p=0.000), with fewer median (IQR[range]) needle tip adjustments (1 (1-1) [1-1] vs. 3 (3-4) [2-6]; p=0.000). These results suggest a higher efficiency and potentially less discomfort for athletes undergoing treatment. No significant differences were noted in the first puncture or first-attempt success rates between the two methods. Participants reported a significantly lower mean(SD) operation difficulty with DNG compared to DNTP (3.3 (1.0) vs. 6.7 (1.2); p=0.000). The use of DNG could significantly enhance the precision and speed of treatments involving vascular access in athletes, suggesting its potential as a beneficial tool in sports medicine to accelerate recovery and return to performance.