bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPACT ATTENUATION OF PROTECTIVE BOXING AND TAEKWONDO HEADGEAR
Authors: O'Sullivan D , Fife G , Pieter W
Published: March 2014

Background

To date, only one study reported the impact attenuation of protective taekwondo headgear. Although Olympic boxing has discontinued the use of headgear, similarities in designs are thought to provide a framework for improvements of taekwondo headgear.

Objective

To determine differences in impact attenuation of taekwondo and boxing headgear.

Design

Between groups.

Setting

Impact biomechanics laboratory.

Participants

World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA) approved protective headgear.

Risk factor assessment

A standardized (ASTM F-2397) martial arts headgear striker was used to impart impacts to a 50th Percentile Male Hybrid III Dummy head and neck complex. All impacts were imparted with a terminal striking velocity of 5.0 m/s (min - max=4.75 −5.15m/s). 2 AIBA-approved headgear (Adidas and Green Hills) and 2 WTF-approved headgear were selected for testing. Each headgear model was fitted to the Hybrid III and impacted a total of 5 times to the left side (temporal) of the headgear along an ASTM-specified impact region. As per ASTM standards low velocity impacts must yield head RLAs below 50g.

Main outcome measurements

Resultant linear acceleration (RLA).

Results

1-way ANOVA showed significant differences between the headgear brands (eta2=0.928). The most protection was provided by the taekwondo Adidas headgear (60.5±4.3g) followed by the boxing Adidas (75.4±9.9g), boxing Greenhill (109.4±10.11g), and taekwondo Nike headgear (129.5±8.2g). The greatest difference in RLA was observed between the two taekwondo models (d=−9.54, 95% CI=−13.91 – −5.18), whereas the smallest clinically meaningful difference was observed between the two Adidas models (d=−1.94, 95% CI=−3.20 – −0.29).

Conclusions

Each of the headgear brands performed differently under the testing conditions. All models need to be redesigned to mitigate low velocity impacts. Future testing must include impacts at high impact velocities.
THE EFFECTS OF ECCENTRIC TRAINING ON LOWER LIMB FLEXIBILITY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: O'Sullivan K , McAulliffe S , DeBurca N
Published: March 2014

Background

Reduced flexibility has been documented in athletes with lower limb injury, however stretching has limited evidence of effectiveness in preventing injury or reducing the risk of recurrence. In contrast, it has been proposed that eccentric training can not only improve strength and reduce the risk of injury, but also facilitate increased muscle flexibility via sarcomerogenesis.

Objective

This systematic review was undertaken to examine the evidence that eccentric training has demonstrated effectiveness as a means of improving lower limb flexibility.

Design

Systematic Review. 6 electronic databases were systematically searched by two independent reviewers to identify randomised clinical trials comparing the effectiveness of eccentric training to either a different intervention, or a no-intervention control group. Studies evaluating flexibility using both joint range of motion (ROM) and muscle fascicle length (FL) were included. 6 studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, and were appraised using the PEDro scale. Differences in the muscles studied, and the outcome measures used, did not allow for pooled data analysis.

Results

There was consistent, strong evidence from all six trials in three different muscle groups that eccentric training can improve lower limb flexibility, as assessed using either joint ROM or muscle FL.

Conclusions

The results support the hypothesis that eccentric training is an effective method of increasing lower limb flexibility. Therefore eccentric training is associated with improved flexibility, and not only with gains in strength, performance and injury reduction. Further research is required to compare the increased flexibility obtained after eccentric training to that obtained with static stretching and other exercise interventions.
EFFECT OF INJURY PREVENTION TRAINING ON KNEE MECHANICS IN FEMALE ADOLESCENTS DURING PUBERTY
Authors: Otsuki R , Kuramochi R , Fukubayashi T
Published: March 2014

Background

Female adolescents change their landing mechanics during puberty. It is unknown whether implementation of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention training reduces the loss of knee control in female athletes during puberty.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of injury prevention training on knee mechanics in female athletes during puberty.

Design

Controlled before-and-after study.

Setting

Youth sports.

Participants

60 female junior high school basketball players participated and were divided into 2 groups: training group (n=32) and control group (n=28).

Interventions

The training group underwent an injury prevention program three times per week for 6 months. The focus of the program was to ensure proper movement patterns, particularly avoiding knee valgus motion and encouraging knee flexion. The program was 20 min long and was implemented as a warm-up routine. The control group maintained a regular training routine.

Main outcome measurements

The knee valgus motion and knee flexion range of motion during a drop vertical jump were measured before and after the training period. The probability of a high knee abduction moment (pKAM) was also evaluated using an ACL injury prediction algorithm.

Results

The knee valgus motion was significantly increased in the control group (P<.001), whereas it did not change in the training group (P=.64). Similarly, the knee flexion range of motion was significantly decreased in the control group (P<.001), whereas it was not changed in the training group (P=.55). The pKAM was significantly increased in the control group (P<.001), but not in the training group (P=.06).

Conclusions

Implementation of injury prevention training was effective in limiting the loss of knee control in female athletes during puberty. Although a significant improvement in landing mechanics might not be possible, implementation of injury prevention training should be initiated during puberty to reduce the risk of ACL injury.
NORMATIVE DATA FOR MUSCLE FLEXIBILITY IN MALE SOCCER PLAYERS
Authors: Bittencourt N , Ocarino J , Sorrentino F , Jales F , Gabriel S , Mendonça L , Fonseca S
Published: March 2014

Background

Muscular tightness is frequently postulated as an intrinsic risk factor for a muscle injury in soccer. Further, hamstring, iliopsoas and quadriceps flexibility measurements are of clinical relevance for monitoring recovery after such injury.

Objective

Describe normative data of flexibility for the hamstring, iliopsoas and quadriceps.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

The modified Thomas test was used to measure flexibility for iliopsoas and quadriceps. The passive knee extension test was used to determine the hamstring flexibility. The ICC of these tests range from 0.97 to 0.99. All these measurements were performed at Sports Injuries Prevention and Rehabilitation Laboratory.

Participants

182 elite male soccer players participated in this study; the means for age were of 18.3±3.6 years, body mass of 73.3±8.5 kg and height of 1.78±10.6 m.

Assessment of risk factors

Hamstring, iliopsoas and quadriceps flexibility.

Results

For the iliopsoas and quadriceps flexibility the means were -6.76°± 5.7 and 55.2°±8.35 in the dominant leg (DL) and –7.6°±5.1 and 53.1°±8.2 in the non-dominant leg (NDL), respectively. The hamstring means were 134°±8.5 in the DL and 134.7°±8.3 in the NDL. The DL were significantly less flexible than the NDL for iliopsoas (P<.0001) and for the quadriceps the NDL were less flexible (P<.0001).

Conclusions

The study has provided normative data for a clinical test measuring flexibility of the hamstring, iliopsoas and quadriceps. The athletes had asymmetries between limbs for the MTT and had hamstring flexibility values similar to injured soccer players. Therefore, the flexibility assessment should be performed in preseason to guide preventive interventions and provide baseline values to rehabilitation parameters after a muscle strain.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FRONTAL PLANE KNEE ANGLE AND SUBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT OF KNEE CONTROL DURING A SINGLE-LEG SQUAT
Authors: Räisänen A , Pasanen K , Parkkari J
Published: March 2014

Background

Knee valgus angles have been identified as important predictors of ACL injury risk. To screen for athletes with poor dynamic knee stability simple field tests are needed.

Objective

Purpose of this study was to find out if the subjective assessment of knee control in the single-leg squat task correlates with the two-dimensional video analysis of frontal plane knee angles.

Design

Single-measure.

Setting

The study took place at the UKK Institute, in Tampere, Finland from April 2011 to May 2013.

Participants

480 floorball, basketball, ice-hockey and volleyball players, out of which 283 were females (mean age 17 years, SD 4) and 197 were males (mean age 16 years, SD 2) .

Risk factor assessment

The subject's ability to control the knee during the single-leg squat was assessed by an observer from the front side of the subject. The subjects squatted down to a 90 degree knee flexion angle. A scale from 0 to 2, where 0 equals “good performance” and 2 “poor performance”, was used. Frontal plane knee angles were calculated for each valid trial from the video image.

Main outcome measurements

Subjective assessment of knee control, mean frontal plane knee angle.

Results

The mean frontal plane knee angles were different among subjects rated “good performance” (right 2°, SD 7; left 1°, SD 7), “reduced performance” (right 10°, SD 9; left 8°, SD 7) or “poor performance” (right 20°, SD 9; left 18°, SD 9). These differences were statistically significant (P<.001) for right and left leg.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the subjective assessment on knee control during a single-leg squat task is a suitable tool to screen for athletes with reduced knee control. In future, studies it is necessary to study if the athletes identified having poor or reduced control are in greater risk of knee injury.
INJURY TO THE HEAD REGION IN ELITE MALE GAELIC FOOTBALL AND HURLING: 2007–2012
Authors: Blake C , John M , Conor G , O'Malley E
Published: March 2014

Background

Gaelic football and hurling are national sports of Ireland. The Gaelic Athletic Association has supported the development of an injury database as a platform for injury prevention.

Objective

To report on epidemiology of head injury, in teams registered to the National Injury Database (2007–2012).

Design

Prospective injury surveillance.

Setting

Elite level teams.

Participants

Male players selected for representative county teams were enrolled, with consent, to the database. Identities were concealed and data collected from January 1st each year until elimination from the inter-county competition.

Assessment of risk factors

Injury incidence was measured prospectively.

Main outcome measures

A time-loss injury definition was used, conforming to international consensus definitions. The team doctor or Chartered physiotherapist recorded date, type and circumstances of injury, as well as date of return to partial or full fitness. Injury incidence was expressed as rate per 1000 hours participation in match-play and training. Injury proportions were calculated.

Results

Thirty-five football and 28 hurling squads participated. There were 1188 football players and 914 hurlers in total over the 6 years. Injuries to the head region constituted 3.0% of football injuries and 2.4% of hurling injuries. The head injury incidence rate was 0.26 per 1000 hours of football and 0.19 per 1000 hours of hurling overall. Concussion was diagnosed in 0.8% football and 0.8% hurling injuries. Fractures to the nose constituted 0.7% football injuries and 0.3% hurling injuries. Fractured mandible was reported in football (0.2% injuries) and fractured maxilla/orbit in hurling (0.08%). Perforated eardrum was reported in both football (0.08%) and hurling (0.09%). Lacerations and contusions accounted for 0.9% injuries for football and 0.8% for hurling. There was an additional retinal bleed (0.09%) and dental injury (0.09%) in hurling.

Conclusions

The results provide reference data for head injury in these sports, against which injury prevention methods can be evaluated.
ACUTE LEFT SIDED NUMBNESS AND WEAKNESS IN A WEIGHTLIFTER
Authors: Reeser J
Published: March 2014

Background

Dietary supplements unregulated by the USFDA carry a risk not only of unintentional doping but of other health disturbances as well.

Objective

To describe a case of neurological dysfunction following prolonged supplement consumption.

Design

Case study.

Setting

Outpatient clinic and tertiary hospital.

Patient

An 18-yr male with a history of multiple concussions presented with acute progressive left-sided numbness and paresthesias while weight-lifting. Within the hour, he noted numbness and paresthesias in the left lower limb and left face. Past history was significant for a sustained weight loss of 23 kg over the past two years, coincident with dietary supplementation, and dedicated weight-lifting. He had developed symptoms of acrocyanosis over this interval. He took no prescribed medications. On exam he was sleepy and minimally confused. He demonstrated subtle motor weakness in both the left upper and lower limbs. There was no hyperreflexia. Light touch was subjectively diminished on the left.

Intervention

He was admitted for observation with the following differential diagnosis: 1) Right hemispheric stroke, 2) Thoracic outlet syndrome, 3) Cervical radiculopathy/myelopathy.

Results

MRI of the cervical spine and brain were unremarkable. Delayed MRA of the brain also proved benign, as did 2D Echocardiograpy. Serology for hypercoaguable state was unremarkable. Subsequent testing revealed a toxic B6 level, (3×the upper limit of the normal reference range).

Clinical outcome

The majority of symptoms resolved within 18 hours. He was advised to discontinue all nutritional supplements. His cognitive symptoms steadily improved. Three months post-incident he continued to complain of acrocyanosis. Final diagnosis: 1) Sequelae of probable cerebral vasospasm, possibly due to valsalva, 2) Hypervitaminosis B6.

Conclusion

Practitioners should be aware of the potential adverse nutritional consequences of supplement consumption. The extent to which this case was influenced by the history of concussions is unknown, but should not be dismissed.
PROFILE OF JUDO INJURIES: THE PHILIPPINE EXPERIENCE
Authors: San Juan Reylin
Published: March 2014

Background

Epidemiological studies on judo injuries in Western countries have been carried out before. Scant information is available on judo competition injuries in the Philippines.

Objective

To assess injury rates in Filipino young and adult judo athletes.

Design

Prospective.

Setting

Data were collected at the 2012 Philippine National Games in Dumaguete City, Philippines using a standardized questionnaire.

Participants

Subjects were senior men (n=102) and Senior Women (n=40) as well as junior men (n=42) and Junior Women (n=25). The tournament was open to all eligible judo athletes in the country, including members from the National Team. Junior category was 19 years old and below, while the senior division was open.

Risk factor assessment

Competition injuries were assessed by the tournament physician.

Main outcome measurements

Injury rate per athlete-exposures (A-E).

Results

The injury rate for the men was 140.63/1,000 A-E (95% CI: 75.66–205.60) and for the women, 52.24/1,000 A-E (95% CI: 13.54.90.94). For the boys, the rate was 177.08 (95% CI: 92.90–261.26) and for the girls, 31.25 (95% CI: 12.06–74.56). The upper limbs were most susceptible to injury in both men and women with injury rates of 70.31/1,000 A-E (95% CI: 24.37–116.25) and 37.31/1,000 A-E (95% CI: 4.60–70.02), respectively.

Conclusions

There was no difference in injury rate between the men and the boys. There also was no difference in injury rate between women and girls.
THE EFFICACY OF THE FIFA 11+ PROGRAM IN THE COLLEGIATE MALE SOCCER PLAYER (USA)
Authors: Silvers H , Mandelbaum B , Bizzini M , Dvorak J
Published: March 2014

Background

The efficacy of the FIFA 11+ program in collegiate soccer.

Objective

Can the FIFA 11+ effectively reduce injury in the competitive male soccer player?.

Design

Prospective randomized controlled trial conducted in the NCAA. Every institution (N=411) was contacted via a formal letter, email and phone call. Sixty-one institutions consented to participate. Human ethics approval was acquired through Quorum IRB, Seattle, WA, USA. The intervention group received an instructional DVD, manual and placards. A injury surveillance database was utilized (HealtheAthleteTM, Kansas) for data collection. Every exposure, injury, and compliance data was entered weekly.

Setting

NCAA institutions playing competitive soccer.

Participants

61 institutions completed the study: 34 control (N=850 athletes) and 27 intervention (N=675 athletes).

Intervention

The FIFA 11+ injury prevention program served as the intervention program. It was utilized three times per week for the duration of the season.

Main outcome measurements

Specific injuries, athletic exposures, program compliance and time loss were recorded.

Results

In the intervention Group (IG), 285 injuries were reported (mean=10.56 injuries/team+/− 3.64) compared to 665 injuries (mean=20.15 +/− 11.01) in the control group (CG). The number of athletic exposures was 35,226 (Games: 10 935 AE, Practice: 24 291AE) for the IG and 44 212 (Games: 13 624 AE, Practice: 30 588 AE) in the CG). The incidence rate (IR) was 8.09/1000 AE (95% CI) in the IG compared to 15.04/1000 AE (95% CI) in the CG (P=.00117). Total days missed due to injury was 2 824 (mean=9.94) in the IG compared to 8776 days (mean=13.20) in the CG.

Conclusions:

The FIFA 11+ was shown to reduce injury rates and time loss in the male collegiate soccer player in a statistically significant manner.
A FIVE-YEAR INVESTIGATION INTO THE INCIDENCE AND NATURE OF CRICKET INJURIES IN ELITE SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOLBOY CRICKETERS
Authors: Stretch R
Published: March 2014

Background

Injury surveillance is fundamental to understanding, preventing and reducing the risk of injury.

Objectives

The objective was to determine the incidence of injuries sustained by elite schoolboy cricketers over five-seasons in order to identify risk factors.

Design

Ethics approval for this study was obtained. Participants were required to complete questionnaires relating to cricket injuries sustained in the previous year. This included (i) anatomical site; (ii) month; (iii) cause; (iv) whether it was a recurrence of a previous injury, (v) whether the injury had reoccurred again during the season, and (vi) biographical data.

Settings

Cricketers competing in national age-group tournaments participated.

Participants

Provincial age-group cricketers (n=3 600) participates in the study with 2 081 (58%) questionnaires completed.

Risk factor assessment

Injuries were grouped according to the anatomical region injured. The Sample Statistical Analysis System was used to compute univariate statistics and frequency distributions.

Main outcome measures

Injury patterns for young cricketers would be similar to that of adult cricketers, with slight variations at different age-groups.

Results

572 cricketers sustained 658 injuries with the U15, U17 and U18 groups sustaining 36%, 35% and 29% of the injuries, respectively. U15 cricketers sustained less serious injuries (unable to play for 1–7 days) (58%). The U17 (54%) and U18 (51%) groups sustained more serious injuries (unable to play for more than 8 days). Injuries were predominantly to the lower limbs (38%), back and trunk (33%) and upper (26%) limbs with bowling (44%) the primary mechanism of injury. These injuries occurred primarily during 1-day matches (30%), practices (29%) and gradual onset (21%).

Conclusion

Similar injury patterns occurred in studies of adult cricketers, with slight differences in the nature and incidence of injuries found for the various age-groups. Fast bowlers of all ages remain at the greatest risk of injury.
COORDINATIVE ABILITY VARIABLES AMONG TENNIS AND SQUASH MEN PLAYERS – A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: Syed I , Kanniyan A , Al Moslim H , Syed MA
Published: March 2014

Background

Sports performance is achieved through working, training of all major components i.e. technique coordination, tactics, physical fitness and psychological qualities. This apart coordinative abilities like orientation, differentiation, reaction, balance and rhythm play a big role.

Objective

The objective of the study was to determine the relationship among coordinative abilities between Tennis and Squash men players.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Participants

The samples were 20 Tennis and 30 Squash Inter University players between 18–25 years.

Main outcome measurements

The coordinative abilities studied were orientation, differentiation, reaction, balance and rhythmic. Test items used for different abilities were Zigzag run, backward medicine ball throw, lateral jumping ability, beam walk and long nose tests to find the difference in performance of the players. Mean, standard deviation and ‘t’ test were used as statistical tools and level of significance was 0.05 .

Results

The study showed quite interesting results as the game of tennis and squash are racket games and have many skills very similar to each other. The difference lies in the area of the court, the equipment used for play and the time limit of game. Tennis players have shown better performance in Orientation, differentiation, balance and rhythmic abilities due to the above difference and is in line with other studies done by Lees (2008), Miller,et al.(2001) etc. The only variable in which the squash players have shown some significance is the reaction ability which may be due to small area of play and the need to be quick as the time is too short to respond to the shots during the game.

Conclusion

It is concluded that there exists significant difference in terms of all the coordinating abilities between the tennis and squash players and that the tennis players possessed better coordinating abilities than the squash players.
RISK FACTORS FOR SPORT INJURY IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN: ARE CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL COORDINATION DISORDER OR ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER AT GREATER RISK OF INJURY?
Authors: Tan B , Carnduff R , McKay C , Kang J , Romiti M , Nasuti G , Hurtubise K , Jarus T , Boyd L , Doyle-Baker P , Wilson B , Emery C
Published: March 2014

Background

Studies examining risk factors for sport injury in elementary school children are few. The risk of sport injury in special populations including Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has not been previously examined.

Objective

To examine risk factors for sport injury in elementary school students (ages 9–12), including special populations (DCD and ADHD).

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

A survey was sent home with students in 26 randomly selected Calgary (Canada) elementary schools.

Participants

Children ages 9–12 years (n=540).

Risk factor assessment

The primary risk factors of interest were probable DCD (pDCD) and ADHD. Other risk factors considered included age, sex, ethnicity, highest level of parent education, stressful life events (previous year), receiving coaching in at least 1 sport, and body mass index.

Main outcome measurements

Injury definitions included any sport injury in the previous year and sport injury in the previous year requiring medical attention.

Results

Based on univariate Poisson regression (adjusted for exposure hours and cluster) the risk of all sport injury in the previous year in typically developing children did not differ from children with either pDCD (n=150, Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR=1.02 [95% CI 0.7–1.5]) or ADHD (n=87, IRR=0.94 [95% CI 0.58–1.55]). Children with ADHD were at a greater risk of sport injury requiring medical attention compared to those without ADHD (IRR: 1.82 [95% CI 1.23–2.68]). No other risk factors were identified based on univariate analysis.

Conclusions

Children (9–12 years) with pDCD and ADHD were at a similar risk of sport injury in the previous year as typically developing children. Children with ADHD were at an 82% greater risk of sport injury requiring medical attention than children without the disorder. This study will inform the development of injury prevention strategies for future studies in elementary school targeting children with ADHD.
INTERNATIONAL HIKER WITH ACETAZOLAMIDE-INDUCED GLAUCOMA
Authors: Tierney M , Pujalte G
Published: March 2014

Background

This is a 63-year-old female hiker with normal corrected vision followed status post emergent surgery secondary to bilateral acute angle closure glaucoma (AACG). She was started on acetazolamide by a travel clinic for acute mountain sickness prophylaxis (AMS) prior to hiking Machu Picchu in Peru. Six days later, she rapidly developed blurry vision, headache and nausea. She had mild blurry vision at high altitude, but following descent, she rapidly developed near-irreversible blindness, with an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 60 mm Hg. She required bilateral iridotomies at the Hospital de Clinicas Pinchincha in Quito, Ecuador. Following the procedure, she was started on prednisone and high-dose acetazolamide. Her vision remained blurry with an elevated IOP of 15mm Hg, prior to flying back to the United States for further management.

Objective

Examining a rare case and understanding the mechanism behind acetazolamide-induced glaucoma.

Design

Case Report.

Setting

Machu Picchu, Peru; Hospital de Clinicas Pichincha in Quito, Ecuador; and Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA.

Participant

A 63-year-old American hiker.

Interventions

Peripheral iridotomies in Ecuador and discontinuation of acetazolamide in the United States.

Main outcome measurements

Slit-lamp, iridotomy, and intraocular pressure readings.

Results

Return to baseline visual acuity with normal intraocular pressures following the discontinuation of acetazolamide.

Conclusions

AACG is a rare side effect of acetazolamide reported in few patients following cataract surgery. This is the first case report of acetazolamide-induced glaucoma seen in a hiker secondary to the prophylactic dose for AMS. This case report highlights the potential harmful side effects of acetazolamide at low doses, pertinent for international hikers and any conditioned athletes who rapidly ascend or fly to high altitudes.Figure 1

Ciliochoroidal Edema.

Figure 2

Ciliary Body edema (CB).

.
PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDIATORS BETWEEN PAIN AND SELF-REPORTED HEALTH IN ELITE ATHLETIC ATHLETES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY TO INFORM OVERUSE INJURY PREVENTION
Authors: Timpka T , Dahlström Ö , Bergdahl M , Lundgren D , Bargoria V , Jacobsson J
Published: March 2014

Background

Understanding how sensations of pain affect health status appraisal among athletics athletes is of importance for prevention of overuse injuries. Identification of psychological mediators of the association opens for new intervention possibilities.

Objective

To examine psychological mediators of the association between pain and self-reported health in elite athletics athletes.

Design

Cross-sectional study using e-epidemiological survey methods.

Setting

Swedish male and female youth and adult elite athletics athletes.

Participants

Athletics athletes ranked in the national top-10 were invited (n=301). 226 (75%) athletes returned complete data.

Risk factor assessment

Pain measured on a 3-graded scale; the psychological mediators perceived motivational climate (measured by the PMCSQ), coping behavior (Brief Cope), body consciousness and hyperactivity (BCS-ADHD), and commitment to exercise (CES).

Main outcome easurements

Self-reported health (EuroQol-5D).

Results

85 (38%) athletes reported experiencing pain at the time of the study. The level of pain was associated with the self-reported health (P<.001); the strength of the association did not differ between men and women (P=.720). A multi-component model of psychological elements mediating the association between pain and self-rated health included body competence (Mediation Effect (ME) −1.053 (90% CI −2.025 – −0.082), private body consciousness (ME –0.744 (90% CI –1.478 – −0.010), and a perceived motivational climate endorsing mastery (ME –0.623 (90% CI –1.229 – −0.017). No influence from gender or age on the mediating effects could be statistically confirmed.

Conclusions

Awareness of internal sensations (private body consciousness), an affirmative evaluation of own body functions (body competence), and a perceived endorsement of athletic development (mastery) augmented the influence of pain on self-reported health among elite athletic athletes. This paradoxical observation warrants further investigation in prospective studies on associations between pain, perceived health, athlete and coach behaviors, and overuse injury in elite athletics athletes.
DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATION OF AN INTERVENTION FOR INJURY PREVENTION IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS APPLYING SDT
Authors: Vercruysse S
Published: March 2014

Background

PE teachers are at high risk of injuries because of the total package of physically active tasks123, so a good injury prevention intervention is needed.

Objective

The main research goal was to develop, optimize and trace the feasibility of an SDT-grounded intervention of injury prevention in PE teachers. The second aim was improving the awareness and knowledge for injury prevention in PE teachers in order to motivate towards change in teachers' actual behavior.

Design

The two trainings were each given 5 times and adjusted 2 times. Also a pre-post (awareness and knowledge) and baseline (injury history) was completed.

Setting

PE teachers of 9 different schools in Flanders (BE).

Participants

20 PE teachers (13 men, 7 women; mean age: 42.1±2.2 years) of nine different schools in Flanders (Belgium), voluntarily participated. The PE teachers had to give at least some hours of PE in secondary school and this for the hole period of investigation. There was a drop-out of 3 PE teachers.

Interventions

8 prevention strategies were offered, consisting of: one theoretical (Part I) and two practical parts (Part II & III), which were spread over two trainings. Training A included part I and II, training B consisted of part III.

Main outcome measurements

Appreciation, opinions and suggestions of the usefulness, presentation and form of the different parts of the intervention (focus groups and questionnaires). Secondly self-reported behavior, awareness and knowledge to motivate the PE teachers towards injury prevention.

Results

Both the suggestions and adjustments of the PE teachers resulted into an optimized and feasible intervention. The weekly average of applied prevention strategies was 70.7min/week in males and 38.0min/week in females. Behavior (P=.015), awareness (P<.001) and knowledge (P<.001) improved.

Conclusions

There is a big appreciation for the intervention and first results show an improved behavior, knowledge and awareness.
THE IMPORTANCE OF INJURY AND ILLNESS SURVEILLANCE IN PARALYMPIC ATHLETES
Authors: van de Vliet P
Published: March 2014

Background

Injury and illness surveillance plays an integral role in the prevention of injury and the protection of athletes' health, and there are few epidemiological studies documenting injury and illness in Paralympic athletes.

Objective

A prospective cohort study to report incidence and characteristics of injuries and illnesses in Paralympic athletes.

Design

Daily injury and illness data were obtained from team physicians and through the London 2012 Medical services medical encounters over the full period of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Setting

London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Participants

3 565 athletes (85%) that participated in any of the 20 sports of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Risk factor assessment

Data collection was carried out on a daily basis through the Games' Medical Encounter System and through a web-based Injury and Illness survey populated by the team physicians.

Main outcome measurements

Incidence rates and incidence proportion have been recorded, as well as sport-specific analysis.

Results

The incidence rate of injury during competiton was 12.1/1000 athlete-days, with and incidence proportion of 11.6%. Upper limb injuries (35%), particularly of the shoulder (17%) were most common. Higer injury rates were found in older athletes and certain sports like Football-5-a-side (22.4/1000). Most commonly injured region was the shoulder, followed by wrist/hand, elbow and knee. The incidence rate of illness was 12.8/1000 athlete-days with an incidence proportion of 10.2%. The incidence proportion was highest in the respiratory system, skin, gastrointestinal and genitourinary system. Athletes in the sports of cycling, table tennis, swimming and athletes reported most frequently for medical care.

Conclusions

Injury and illness rates in Paralympic Games are similar to those in other events in able-bodied sports, but patterns of injuries and illness are different. Athletes, team physicians, International Federations and event organizers can plan different prevention and intervention strategies based on this information.
FUTSAL ATHLETES' ASSESSMENT: PRESEASON AND SIX MONTHS FOLLOW UP
Authors: Bolling C , Leite M , Reis D
Published: March 2014

Background

Futsal has high injury's incidence due to intensive training and reduced recovery time between games. Intrinsic factors, which predispose to injury could be investigated by preseason assessment.

Objective

To compare the preseason and 6 months follow up results of single leg hop test and seat and reach test in futsal athletes.

Design

This is an observational longitudinal and prospective study to compare preseason results and follow up in different categories futsal athletes.

Setting

Athletes from 7 competitive categories under 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20 years old and professionals of a Brazilian sports club, competing in national level.

Participants

75 male athletes, mean age of 14.71 years (±2.44), mean weight of 56.95 kg (±12.33) and average height of 166.44 cm (±10.47).

Risk factor assessment

The athletes were evaluated using single leg hop test and sit and reach test in February (preseason) and September of 2012.

Main outcome measurements

Two tests were analyzed (single leg hop test and seat and reach test) to compare preseason and 6 months follow up results. The paired t-test was used for statistical analysis by SPSS software, version 19.0.

Results

All categories except under 17 and 18 showed improvement in values of the single leg hop test (P<.005) on both sides. No significant difference in single leg hop test symmetry were observed except in under 20 (P=.037). The seat and reach test values improved in all categories with a significant difference (P<.005) in under 12, 14 and 15.

Conclusions

The changes between preseason and 6 months later were expected and could be associated with improvements in strenght, power and flexibility. The tests changes indicated a physical capacity enhancement revolving around injury prevention by intrinsic factors management.
THE KINEMATIC ANALYSIS OF FEMALE SUBJECTS AFTER DOUBLE-BUNDLE ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION DURING SINGLE-LEG SQUATTING
Authors: Yamazaki J , Muneta T , Ju YJ , Koga H , Morito T , Sekiya I
Published: March 2014

Background

The kinematic characteristics of female anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-injured subjects were recognized in our previous study using an electromagnetic device comparing both female control groups and male ACL-injured subjects during single-leg squatting.

Objective

To assess the kinematic characteristics of female subjects after double-bundle ACL reconstruction during single-leg squatting.

Design

Case control study.

Participants

Female patients after double-bundle ACL reconstruction.

Risk factor assessment

Three-dimensional motion analysis was performed for single-leg squatting in female subjects after ACL reconstruction. We evaluated the relative angles between the pelvis, thigh, and lower leg using an electromagnetic device during single-leg squatting in 28 female subjects with ACL reconstruction. All patients included in this study restored their sports performance level to 90% or higher.

Main outcome measurements

The lower limb of female subjects after double-bundle ACL reconstruction exhibited asymmetric kinematic results during single-leg squatting in comparison with the involved leg with the uninjured leg.

Results

Comparing the involved leg to the uninjured leg of female subjects after ACL reconstruction, the involved leg demonstrated significantly more hip adduction and less knee varus than the uninjured leg. Comparing the ACL-reconstructed female subjects to the healthy female controls, the involved leg after ACL reconstruction demonstrated significantly less hip flexion, more hip external rotation, more hip adduction, and more knee flexion than the dominant leg of the control group.

Conclusion

This kinematic study exhibited kinematic characteristics of ACL-reconstructed knees of female subjects. Double-bundle ACL reconstruction could not quite restore the normal kinematics of female-involved legs compared with both uninjured legs of female subjects and healthy female controls. In future studies, restoring the correct alignment of ACL reconstructed knee during single-leg squatting would be expected to reduce ACL re-injury and to assist a safe return to sport activities.
JUNIOR GYMNASTIC: INCIDENCE AND INJURY PROFILE
Authors: Bolling C , Leite M , Reis D
Published: March 2014

Background

Junior is the transition to senior category reflected by training load increase and element's difficulty. The higher physical demands modify the injury profile.

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe junior gymnasts' injury profile in the seasons 2011–2012 in a sports club.

Design

This is an observational study, transversal, about the injuries in 2011–2012 season.

Setting

This study was developed with national and international level gymnasts, in a Brazilian sports club.

Participants

The sample was composed of 6 junior male gymnasts, mean age of 15.8 years, exposed to the same training load.

Risk factor assessment

The physiotherapist reported all injuries during the season. The injury definition was time loss and/or any symptom that result in a training modification.

Main outcome measurements

The injuries were reported related to type (acute/chronic), location, affected structure and injury mechanism.

Results

The injury incidence was 37 in 2 years, with an annual average of 3.08 injuries/athlete. According to the injury type, acute lesions were 46% and 54% chronic. The most affected location was the upper limbs (56%), highlighting the shoulder (29%). Shoulder injuries were 18% in 2011 and 21% in 2012, and elbow injuries indicate a decrease from 13% to 4%. In lower limbs (24%), ankle was the more affected joint (10%). Tendon was most common injured structure (32%) followed by muscular (18%). The most frequent mechanism was tendinopathy, especially rotator cuff tendons.

Conclusion

Gymnastic's injury profile highlights the demand on upper limbs. The higher shoulder injuries incidence are associated to greater difficulty in pommel horse, rings, parallel bars, and horizontal bar. Lower elbow injuries reflect a technique improvement. Ankle injuries incidence are associated to repeated jumps and landings. Junior injury profile is important to guide the prevention strategies for healthy senior athletes.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A PROTOCOL FOR THE PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF EXERTIONAL HEAT ILLNESS IN SPORT
Authors: Broman D , Fearn R , Wittenberg M
Published: March 2014

Background

The risk of heat-related illness in sport is significant. It can range from minor symptoms, through heat exhaustion to heat stroke, coma and possible death. Early recognition and cooling can reduce morbidity and mortality associated with exertional heat illness (EHI).

Objective

The aim of our study was to establish a protocol for the prevention, recognition and prompt management of EHI, in athletes, who are participating in potentially dangerous weather conditions/environments.

Design

We performed a prospective, cohort study of the incidence of EHI occurring during a multi-sport event.

Setting

Our study was performed at the Maccabiah Games 2013 in Israel. This event compromised a variety of skill levels, including amateur, semi-professional and Olympic level athletes. The weather conditions in Israel in July 2013, ranged from temperatures of 23°c −41°c.

Patients

In our role, as the medical team for Team GB, we studied all athletes for Great Britain. This included 424 participants, both male and female, at all age levels from 14–58 years old, including a variety of skill levels from amateur to professional athletes.

Interventions

We established a 'heat policy' which we implemented during the Games. The medical team reviewed every athlete with common symptoms of EHI at the pitch-side, recording their temperature, and if necessary removing them from sport and initiating management of hyperthermia.

Main outcome measurements

The main outcome measurement, which was formulated before the data collection began, was to establish risk factors for which athletes developed EHI. We also studied what interventions successfully reduced the risk of developing EHI.

Results & conclusions

We documented 21 cases of EHI, across a spectrum of severity, but with no cases of severe heat stroke/coma. Despite the high-intensity and frequency of sport, in extreme heat, none of our athletes needed tertiary/specialist care.
SURVEY OF SPORT PARTICIPATION AND SPORT INJURY IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN
Authors: Carnduff R , Tan B , McKay C , Kang J , Doyle-Baker P , Emery CA
Published: March 2014

Background

Participation rates in youth sport in Canada are high. Sport injury epidemiology studies in youth primarily focus on adolescents (ages 13–18). There is a paucity of literature examining sport injury risk in children where injury prevention practices require development and evaluation.

Objective

To examine sport participation and sport injury rates in elementary school students (ages 9–12).

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

A survey was sent home with students in randomly selected Calgary (Canada) elementary schools (grades 4–6).

Participants

Elementary schools in Calgary (Canada) were randomly selected to participate (N=26 schools). A survey was completed by 540 children and parent/guardian.

Risk factor assessment

The primary risk factors of interest include age, sport of choice, and time spent participating in sport.

Main outcome measures

Sport injury was defined as any injury sustained in the previous year that required medical attention.

Results

Overall, 81% of participants reported participating in sport in the past year. The highest sport-specific participation was reported in soccer (18.9%), swimming (13.5%), and dance (10.8%). The overall injury incidence proportion (IIP) was 28.3 injuries/100 children/year. The medical attention IIP was 9.8 injuries/100 children/year for males and 11.4 injuries/100 children/year for females. The highest IIP for males occurred in soccer (26.0%), cycling (19.5%) and hockey (9.1%). The highest IIP for females occurred in basketball (10.6%), soccer (10.6%), and dance (9.1%).

Conclusions

The IIP (28.3%) and medical attention IP (10.6%) was lower than previously reported in adolescents (ages 12–18), suggesting less severe injuries in younger children. The greatest burden of sport injury occurred in soccer, cycling, and basketball. This study will inform the development of future targeted interventions within specific sports as well as within school-based curriculums to prevent sport injury in children.
THE EFFECT OF A PRE-BIND ENGAGEMENT TECHNIQUE ON THE BIOMECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF RUGBY SCRUMMAGING ACROSS MULTIPLE PLAYING LEVELS
Authors: Cazzola D , Preatoni E , Stokes KA , England M , Trewartha G
Published: March 2014

Background

The Rugby Union scrum has evolved into a highly dynamic activity, particularly during engagement. Although catastrophic spinal injuries in rugby are extremely rare, approximately 40% of these are associated with the scrum. Repeated scrum engagement may also contribute to premature chronic degeneration of the cervical spine in rugby players.

Objective

To compare the biomechanical stresses experienced by rugby forward players during live contested scrummaging under different scrum engagement processes, taking into account different playing standards.

Design

A cross-sectional design, where teams from five different playing levels performed live scrums under three engagement processes: 1) CTPE (Crouch-Touch-Pause-Engage, 2011–2012); 2) CTS (Crouch-Touch-Set, 2012–2013); and 3) PreBind (Crouch-Bind-Set, 2013–2014). Measures were made via body-worn sensors and video analysis.

Setting

Outdoors, natural turf rugby pitches.

Participants

27 rugby teams (i.e. 54 forward packs, n=432 players) from five playing levels - International, Elite, Community, Women and University.

Risk factor assessment

The three engagement processes. PreBind differs from CTS/CTPE with a legal bind that is taken at the “Bind” call and maintained through the “Set” action.

Main outcome measurements

Biomechanical stresses (force, acceleration) and kinematics (engagement speed, joints angles) characterising the scrum motion.

Results

The PreBind process reduced biomechanical stresses by 15–25% with respect to both CTPE and CTS during the engagement phase without reducing force during the sustained push phase. For front row players, peak cervical acceleration was reduced from 8.2 g (CTPE) and 7.9 g (CTS) to 6.8 g (PreBind), and peak compression forces decreased from 8.4 kN (CTPE) and 8.3 kN (CTS) to 6.3 kN (PreBind). Players' movements/postures did not differ significantly between engagement processes. The mixed design ANOVA did not evidence any significant interaction effect (engagement type-playing level) in any variable.

Conclusions

The PreBind process reduced the mechanical stresses on front row players and may lead to safer conditions without affecting performance.