bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some physiological demands of a half-marathon race on recreational runners.
Authors: Williams C. , Nute M. L.
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study was to assess the physiological demands of a half-marathon race on a group of ten recreational runners (8 men and 2 women). The average running speed was 223.1 +/- 22.7 m.min-1 (mean +/- SD) for the group and this represented 79 +/- 5% VO2 max for these runners. There was a good correlation between VO2 max and performance time for the race (4 = -0.81; p less than 0.01) and an even better correlation between running speed equivalent to a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol.l-1 and performance times (r = -0.877; p less than 0.01). The blood lactate concentration os 4 of the runners at the end of the race was 5.65 +/- 1.42 mmol.l-1 (mean +/- SD) and the estimated energy expenditure for the group was 6.22 M.J. While there was only a poor correlation between total energy expenditure and performance time for the race, the correlation coefficient was improved when the energy expenditure of each individual was expressed in KJ.kg-1 min-1 (r = 0.938; p less than 0.01).
Frictional forces and ankle fractures in sport.
Authors: Menck H. , Jørgensen U.
Published: December 2008

The frictional forces between the sports footwear and the ground can induce distorsion trauma to the lower extremity. Two cases are reported in which fractures about the ankle are related to this friction. An adjustment and reduction of the frictional forces are recommendable.
Sulindac versus ibuprofen in sprains and strains.
Authors: Hayes T. B. , Fyvie A. , Janke P. G. , Vandenburg M. J. , Currie W. J.
Published: December 2008

In a double-blind parallel group randomised study 191 patients with acute sprains and strains of ankle, hip, shoulder or knees were treated with either 400 mg sulindac or 1200 mg ibuprofen per day for 4 days; of these, 176 completed the trial. Spontaneous pain (day and night), pain on active movement, swelling and tenderness were assessed before and after the treatment period along with a physician's and patient's assessment of therapy at the end of the study. The vast majority of patients had a successful outcome whichever treatment they were taking. No patients reported any adverse effect during the study.
A comparative study of rural athletes of four states of India.
Authors: Bhatnagar D. P. , Grewal R.
Published: December 2008

In the present study 22 rural athletes of four different states of India have been studied for 23 anthropometric parameters--weight, height, sitting height, six diameters, six circumferences and eight skin and subcutaneous tissue folds. Rural athletes of Punjab and Haryana have been found to be comparable pertaining to all the anthropometric variables. Athletes of Madhya Pradesh show minimum values for most of the variables. The order of best anthropometry is athletes of Punjab and Haryana followed by Assam and Madhya Pradesh. Athletes of Madhya Pradesh are lacking behind in all the parameters except skin and subcutaneous tissue folds as compared to athletes of Assam.
Medical implications of ultra marathon running: observations on a six day track race.
Authors: Hutson M. A.
Published: December 2008

Medical records were kept of the injuries and illnesses sustained by competitors in a six day running race held in Nottingham in August 1982. The overall rate of injuries sufficiently severe to affect running performance was 60 per cent. These injuries are itemised and discussed with particular reference to the problems raised by this ultra distance race.
Ruptured fibular ankle ligament: plaster or Pliton brace?
Authors: Cetti R. , Christensen S. E. , Corfitzen M. T.
Published: December 2008

A prospective randomised study was performed in order to compare plaster cast with Pliton-80 cast brace with a mobile plastic shoe insert in the treatment of ruptured fibular ankle ligaments. The two treatment groups consisted of 65 patients in each and all were participating in the follow-up sixth months after the accident. There were no statistically significant differences in the overall results between the two treatment groups. Because 1) the mobile Pliton-80 bandage subjectively is more acceptable to the patients and -2) the disability time in the Pliton-80 group was considerably shorter than in the plaster group--it was concluded that the mobile Pliton-80 bandage can be recommended as the treatment of ruptures of the fibular ankle ligaments.
Fitness and health measurement in air crew.
Authors: Williamson W. M. , Hamley E. J.
Published: December 2008

To fulfil the various tasks and roles efficiently in the Royal Air Force good health is implicit but 'fitness' is not so specifically defined. Fitness relates to a task; it does not describe a state of health. Using a system of submaximal measurement of oxygen uptake (VO2), skinfold thickness, weight and health parameters involving an actuarial scaled questionnaire and blood pressure measurement, a fitness profile was developed evaluating health and fitness. The physiologic characteristics of eighty-two aircrew, 90% fast-jet, fixed-wing and 10% rotary wing employed in search and rescue duties, were investigated in evaluating and developing the fitness profile. The results suggest that individual strengths and weaknesses can be identified simply and economically in a framework of physically educating the individual and also where necessary motivating him to make minor lifestyle modifications, the objective being to ensure his health compatible with his task fitness.
The carbohydrate maintenance properties of an experimental sports drink.
Authors: White J. A. , Ford M. A.
Published: December 2008

The effects of an experimental sports drink (Q) were compared with a commercial sports drink (D) of proven ergogenic efficacy. Seven highly trained subjects performed two hours of cycle ergometry exercise at approximately 65% maximal aerobic power (VO2 max) while receiving levels of Q and D in quantities designed to supply approximately 28% of the total energy requirement of the exercise task. Both Q and D formulations were supplied at 15 minute intervals at 16 degrees C, in volumes required to provide equivalent carbohydrate loads from two products of differing concentrations and compositions. Q was equally as effective as D in terms of the maintenance of plasma glucose concentrations during exercise, while selected physiological indices of work performance favoured Q. However, the time course of plasma glucose concentration changes during and after exercise indicated a trend towards more rapid uptake and assimilation of carbohydrate in the case of Q. The findings suggest that Q may provide a more readily available carbohydrate source during exercise and may enhance work performance through its ergogenic properties.
Naproxen sodium and piroxicam in acute musculo-skeletal disorders.
Authors: Bouchier-Hayes T. A.
Published: December 2008

Of one hundred patients originally entered for this trial eighty-three with acute musculo-skeletal disorders were treated with either naproxen sodium (SYNFLEX, Syntex), 550 mg initially followed by 275 mg four times daily, or piroxicam (FELDENE, Pfizer), 20 mg twice daily for two days then 20 mg once daily. Patients were assessed at admission, on day 4 and on day 8. Pain on passive movement, tenderness, swelling and limitation of function were evaluated and patients also completed a daily self-assessment form. Pain relief was recorded by the patient for 4 hours following the first dose. No statistically significant differences were detected between the treatment groups for any of the efficacy measurements. Of the eighty-three patients analysed, twenty-four patients withdrew from treatment twenty of whom did not need further analgesia (13 in the naproxen sodium group and 7 in the piroxicam group). Three patients experienced side-effects; all were in the piroxicam group, and one patient withdrew from the study because of epigastric pain. Both naproxen sodium and piroxicam proved effective in the treatment of musculo-skeletal disorders. Naproxen sodium did not give rise to any side-effects.
Muscle strength and cross-sectional area in man: a comparison of strength-trained and untrained subjects.
Authors: Maughan R. J. , Watson J. S. , Weir J.
Published: December 2008

This study has examined muscle strength and cross-sectional area in a group of 35 healthy untrained male subjects and 8 subjects who had been engaged in a strenuous weight-training programme. The maximum voluntary knee extension force which could be produced by the untrained subjects was 742 +/- 100 N (mean +/- SD). The trained subjects could produce a significantly (p less than 0.001) greater force (992 +/- 162 N). Cross-sectional area of the knee-extensor muscle group was 81.6 +/- 11.8 cm2 in the untrained subjects and 104.1 +/- 12.3 cm2 in the trained subjects (p less than 0.001). In the untrained subjects, a significant correlation existed between strength and muscle cross-sectional area (r = 0.56, p less than 0.001). In the same group of subjects, there was a significant inverse relationship between muscle cross-sectional area and the ratio of strength to cross-sectional area (r = 0.55, p less than 0.001). The mean ratio of strength to cross-sectional area was 9.20 +/- 1.29 for the untrained group whereas for the trained group this ratio was 9.53 +/- 1.01. It is suggested that the inverse relationship between strength per unit cross-sectional area and cross-sectional area results in part from an increased angle of pennation in the larger muscles.
Ergogenic demands of a 24 hour cycling event.
Authors: White J. A. , Ward C. , Nelson H.
Published: December 2008

The maximal aerobic performance (VO2 max) and energy costs of cycling at various power outputs and equivalent road speeds of a highly trained endurance cyclist (age 23.4 yrs, height 1.95 m, weight 73.1 kg), were measured in the laboratory on an eddy-current cycle ergometer, and the physiological responses related to determinations made during a 24 h cycling time trial event, using continuous ECG recording from which estimates of ergogenic demands were obtained. The cyclist covered a distance of 694 km during the event at an average speed of 28.9 km.h-1 which corresponded to an equivalent oxygen cost of 38.5 ml.kg-1 min-1 and represented approximately 55% of his VO2 max. During the event, the cyclist expended an estimated 82,680 kJ of energy, of which approximately 44,278 kJ (54%) were supplied by repeated feedings of liquids, solids and semi-solids and some 38,402 kJ (46%) came from the stored energy reserves which resulted in a 1.19 kg loss of body weight during the event. The energy demands of the activity were more than three times greater than the highest recorded values of severe industrial work, and similar to the hourly rates of expenditure of shorter duration competitive events, but above the highest values reported over other extreme endurance events over the same period of time. The results thus represent near maximal levels of sustainable ergogenic effort by man over a complete 24 h cycle.
Physiological changes and sleep responses during and following a world record continuous walking record.
Authors: Davies B. , Shapiro C. M. , Daggett A. , Gatt J. A. , Jakeman P.
Published: December 2008

Physiological changes, and subsequent sleep responses, were recorded in a male subject during and following 338 miles of continuous walking and consequent sleep deprivation. One hundred and thirty hours of walking and a seventy-two hours post-walk recovery period were monitored. The subject walked at approximately 55% of maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max), heart rate ranged between 102-106 b/min, and blood lactate (LA) remained below the 2 mmol/l level. No electrocardiograph abnormalities were observed either during the walk or pre- and post-functional diagnostic graded exercise test (FDGXT). Creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) levels rose throughout the walk but exhibited differing depletion patterns. The ratio of CK-MB to CK (MB/CK%) did not exceed levels which are suggestive of myocardial ischaemia. Haematological variables demonstrated signs of anaemia towards the end of the walk. Catecholamine levels rose throughout the walk, with greater rises being observed in nor-adrenaline and dopamine. During the post-walk recovery phase, adrenaline concentration remained elevated. Following this extreme period of exertion, the subject demonstrated very short sleep latency and rapid entry into slow wave sleep (SWS). These sleep patterns were compared to sleep recordings made over a similar period (72 h) six months post-walk, when the subject was not exercising. Nocturnal growth hormone (GH) levels were significantly raised on the post-walk nights.
Marathon without a colon: salt and water balance in endurance running ileostomates.
Authors: Isaacs P.
Published: December 2008

Five trained ileostomates completed a marathon in a cool environment without ill effect. During the race, the ileostomy losses of sodium (1.0-2.7 mmol.h-1) and of water (9.2-19 ml.h-1) were small, but urinary excretion of sodium was very low (0.2-0.75 mmol.h-1) despite drinking a combination of water and glucose-electrolyte solution. The concentration of potassium in the ileostomy discharge tended to increase, also suggesting a sodium retaining state. Healthy ileostomates after suitable training are successful marathon runners, but the prevalence of mild salt depletion in ileostomates generally suggests that it may be advisable for them to take only glucose-electrolyte solutions when competing at any ambient temperature or when preparing for a marathon which is to take place in a warm environment.
Androgenic steroid effects on liver and red cells.
Authors: Alén M
Published: December 2008

Haematological and hepatic effects of testosterone/anabolic steroid self-administration were investigated in five power athletes during 26 weeks of training. During steroid administration blood haematocrit had increased 9.6% (p less than .05) in the study group (n = 5), but not in the control group (n = 6). This erythropoietic phenomenon was supported by increased (p less than .05) RBC and unchanged MCV. Blood haemoglobin concentration did not change markedly and consequently MCHC level in the study group decreased significantly (p less than .001). Also the erythrocyte sedimentation rate decreased (p less than .05) in the study group. The mean values of serum alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltransferase were and remained within normal range in both groups, although those of the study group were higher. The mean values of serum aspartate aminotransferase exceeded the normal range (56 U/l, at highest) but this may be of muscular rather than hepatic origin because of the severe training. It can be concluded that erythropoiesis was stimulated and liver function mildly impaired due to sustained high-dose testosterone/anabolic steroid administration.
Anti-tetanus immunisation in orienteers.
Authors: Folan J C
Published: December 2008

The present state of anti-tetanus immunisation amongst orienteering runners from 20 countries was assessed by questioning the orienteers as to when they last received an anti-tetanus injection. The results demonstrate that approximately 55% were within five years of their last injection, 18% were within 5-10 years, 12% were greater than 10 years and a further 15% did not know when or had never had an anti-tetanus injection.
The hands of karate experts. Clinical and radiological findings.
Authors: Crosby A C
Published: December 2008

The hands and wrists of 22 karate instructors who had practiced the sport for a minimum of five years were reviewed. Radiological evidence of a total of ten fractures was found. There was no evidence that practice of the sport predisposed to the early onset of chronic tenosynovitis or osteoarthritis.
The Dorset Get-Fit Campaign--community fitness testing programme.
Authors: Nutbeam D , Catford J
Published: December 2008

A pilot programme promoting fitness and exercise was launched through the local media in the Bournemouth area. The aim was to study the feasibility and effectiveness of a fitness testing programme as a trigger to increase exercise participation. Three hundred and eighty adult volunteers (male and female, all ages) undertook a sub-maximal fitness test and were given advice on exercise and diet by trained counsellors. Two hundred and eighty-five (75%) completed a second, follow-up fitness test, four months later. The results were very encouraging. Almost all of those classified as being unfit at the first test had exercised more frequently and made great improvements in physical fitness by the second test (p less than 0.01). Similarly, most of those who were overweight made substantial weight reductions during the course of the campaign (p less than 0.01). The majority of the group also made important changes in their diet. There appears to be sufficient interest in the general population to recruit people of all ages and fitness levels to join in fitness promotion programmes, but drop-out rates may be appreciative. On the basis of these findings it is proposed that fitness testing is an acceptable and helpful trigger to increased physical activity for both males and females of all ages. Such an increase in exercise appears to result in important improvements in fitness and, in combination with dietary modification, favourable reductions in weight. Further work should now be conducted in the form of controlled trials to compare the costs and effectiveness of fitness testing programmes with other methods of raising exercise levels in the community.
Rugby football injuries, 1980-1983.
Authors: Sparks J P
Published: December 2008

The injuries sustained by the boys at one English public school have been recorded and analysed by age, experience, position, phase, duration of the game and of the season. Few injuries have been serious. Detailed reference is made to concussion, injuries from collapsed scrums and injuries of the cervical spine. The paper emphasises that the tackle leads to most injuries. This paper presents the Rugby football injuries sustained by the boarders of Rugby School in the four seasons 1980-1983. The injury rate was 194 per 10,000 player hours, compared with the rate of 198 per 10,000 player hours for the thirty seasons 1950-1979 (Sparks, 1981). Tables I-VI list the injuries by different criteria. Table VII lists the sites of injury; Table VIII the time off Rugby football after injury; Table IX lists some of the more important injuries; Table XI summarises the playing results of the various school teams; Table XIII compares some of the Rugby School figures with those recorded in the Accident and Emergency Department of Christchurch Hospital during the 1979 New Zealand Rugby football season (Inglis and Stewart, 1981); Table XIV records information on three aspects of Rugby football that have occasioned much recent concern, viz:--Time off playing after concussion, injuries caused by collapsed scrums and neck injuries.
Relationship of ergometer-specific VO2 max and muscle enzymes to blood lactate during submaximal exercise.
Authors: Jacobs I , Sjödin B
Published: December 2008

This study compared the relationship of maximum oxygen uptake and skeletal muscle enzyme activities to the submaximal exercise intensity eliciting 4 mM blood lactate (OBLA). Twelve subjects performed both cycle (Cy) and treadmill (Tr) submaximal exercise with step-wise increments each fourth minute. Blood lactate concentration and oxygen uptake (VO2) were determined during the final minute of each step. Peak VO2 during exhaustive exercise was also measured on each ergometer. Biopsies were taken from the gastrocnemius (gast) and vastus lateralis (vl) muscles as representatives of muscles recruited during Tr and Cy exercise, respectively. Citrate synthase (CS), phosphofructokinase (PFK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were assayed. Peak VO2 was 10% greater and the VO2 at OBLA was 16% greater during Tr compared to Cy exercise. The percent of peak VO2 at OBLA was 85% and 79% for Tr and Cy exercise, respectively. The absolute enzyme activities were not different in the two muscles, however the ratio LDH/CS was greater in the vl than in the gast. The results indicate that the absolute differences between Cy and Tr exercise in peak VO2 are not commensurate with the differences in the relative exercise intensity at which OBLA occurs.
A laboratory running test: metabolic responses of sprint and endurance trained athletes.
Authors: Cheetham M E , Williams C , Lakomy H K
Published: December 2008

A laboratory-based sprint running test has been devised to examine the performance characteristics and metabolic responses of an individual to 30 seconds of maximal exercise. A non-motorised treadmill was used so that the individual was able to sprint at his own chosen speed and also to vary his speed as fatigue occurred. The treadmill was instrumented so that the chosen speeds as well as the equivalent distance travelled could be monitored by micro-computer throughout the test. The test-retest reliability of the procedure was investigated with 14 recreational runners who performed the test on different days. A good correlation (r = 0.93) was found between the values obtained for peak running speeds on the two occasions. In an attempt to establish whether or not this test could be used to identify the differences in the performance characteristics of highly trained individuals, the responses to the test of eleven sprint trained and eleven endurance trained athletes were examined. The sprint trained athletes covered a greater distance (162.2 +/- 5.95 m vis 153.51 +/- 12.32 m; p less than 0.01) and had higher blood lactate concentrations (16.52 +/- 1.23 mM vis 12.98 +/- 1.77 mM; p less than 0.01) than the endurance trained athletes. Therefore this laboratory sprint running test offers an additional way of investigating human responses to brief periods of high intensity exercise.
Predictability of VO2 max from submaximal cycle ergometer and bench stepping tests.
Authors: Fitchett M A
Published: December 2008

The predictability of the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) was studied using progressive and steady state protocols for cycle ergometry and bench stepping. The subjects were 12 healthy men, 23-58 years old. Prediction of VO2 max was made by extrapolation of the heart rate and O2 uptake at several sub-maximal work-loads using the least squares regression technique. The four sub-maximal procedures underestimated the measured VO2 max by between 0.13-0.55 l.min-1. The differences between the measured and predicted values were statistically significant for the tests involving the steady state protocol. The correlation coefficients between the predicted VO2 max for each of the submaximal tests, and the measured VO2 max, were significant at the .05 level. The results indicate that for a group of male subjects VO2 max can be predicted using the progressive protocol on either the cycle ergometer or stepping bench. Individual predictions are liable to considerable error.
Age, height and weight of female Olympic finalists.
Authors: Khosla T , McBroom V C
Published: December 2008

Age, height and weight are intricately related to performance in a specific sporting activity. Optimum standards derived from 32 female Olympic finalists from two jumping events are listed as a sample from a much larger set of 824 finalists from 47 events. An example of variation is that high jumpers are taller by 6.3 cm and younger by 2.9 years than long jumpers. Conversely, considerable variation in body weight is shown for a group of finalists all with a height of 171 cm. The weights of these finalists range from 56 kg for a 400 m runner to 85 kg for a discus thrower. Many other events are listed between these examples and a number of events are found to share the same combination of height and weight (height 171 cm, weight 59-62 kg) swimming freestyle and medley, 200 m run, rowing, canoeing, volleyball and handball. These findings are expected to be of use for potential champions looking for optimum standards in specific events. They are also of use for trainers counselling athletes in the most appropriate selection of the event befitting her physique. Many sporting activities are found to be seriously biased in favour of the taller members of the population. This is a cause for concern as is the need for some remedial action.
Estimation of plasma volume changes during marathon running.
Authors: Maughan R J , Whiting P H , Davidson R J
Published: December 2008

Indices of fluid loss have been compared in 47 male runners who completed a competitive marathon (42.2 km) race in times varying from 2 hr 37 min to 4 hr 51 min. Body weight was recorded before and after the race; venous blood samples were collected shortly before and immediately after the race and used for the estimation of haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and serum concentration of albumin and total protein. All runners drank a total of 1.4 L of water during the race. The mean decrease in body weight was 2.1 +/- 0.8 kg (mean +/- SD), corresponding to 3.0 +/- 1.1% of initial weight. The decrease in plasma volume (PV), calculated from the haematological parameters, was 6.5 +/- 7.8% (P less than 0.001). Serum total protein concentration increased (P less than 0.001) by 10.4 +/- 4.8% and serum albumin (P less than 0.001) by 9.6 +/- 5.6%. The increase in serum protein concentration was correlated (r = 0.64, P less than 0.001) with the calculated decrease in PV, but was greater (P less than 0.001) than could be accounted for by the loss of plasma water. The change in PV varied widely between individuals and was unrelated to running speed. The estimated decrease in total body water (5%) was not different from the decrease in PV (6.5%), suggesting that water losses were evenly distributed between the intracellular and extracellular compartments.
Haematological and biochemical observations during a 750 mile relay.
Authors: Nyman C R
Published: December 2008

During a marathon relay from John O'Groats to Lands End (JOGLE) various blood and urine parameters were measured in the runners. Samples of blood and urine were taken from each runner immediately prior to the event and on two occasions during it. Subsequently a three point plot was made for each parameter measured. No special diet was taken. Food and liquid refreshment was provided during the run, the first two days of which came from the organisers. The total distance covered was 870 miles and the time taken one hundred hours and thirty-two minutes. Although the results do not approach statistical significance a trend has been shown suggesting that even with the modern running shoe injury may still occur.
Sweat collection from athletes.
Authors: Pilardeau P A , Harichaux P , Chalumeau M T , Vasseur B , Vaysse J , Garnier M
Published: December 2008

The difficulty in taking sweat during heavy physical exercise has drawn the authors into testing a technique of sampling generally used in paediatrics. The fact that the results, which have been dealt with statistically, should coincide with the physiological facts already published allows us to consider a use of the technique in order to investigate the physiological mechanisms in action during sweating under different metabolic conditions.
Aerobic fitness of Anglo-Saxon and Indian students.
Authors: Hardy C P , Eston R G
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study was to compare the aerobic fitness of two groups of male college students: 32 Anglo-Saxon males (age range 16-18 years) with 27 Indian males, born in England, (age range 16-23 years), none of whom was highly active in any particular sport. Maximal oxygen uptake was estimated by submaximal test on a cycle ergometer and percent body fat was assessed by skinfold calipers. The Anglo-Saxon group had higher absolute and relative maximal oxygen consumption values and higher body weight. There was no difference in percent fat between the two groups. Strength data were also provided for descriptive purposes.
The relationship of maximal alactacid anaerobic power to somatotype in trained subjects.
Authors: Ergen E , Sardella F , Dal Monte A
Published: December 2008

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between somatotype components and maximal alactacid anaerobic power (MAAP) in trained subjects. The somatotype components (endomorphy: means = 2.66, S.D. = +/- 0.78; mesomorphy: means = 5.45, S.D. = +/- 1.12; ectomorphy: means = 2.46, S.D. = +/- 0.88) and total MAAP were measured in 40 male fencers (aged, means 21.79, S.D. = +/- 3.97) in order to determine the correlations. The results did not show any correlations between the parameters. It can be concluded that the MAAP of an individual does not depend on the somatotype; but it may also be assumed that MAAP show changes with the percentage of fibre type, enzymatic activity in these fibres involved by large muscle groups which are relatively related to musculo-skeletal development (second component of somatotype) and neuro-muscular properties of the subjects, all having a genetic basis.
Regional rates of sweat evaporation during leg and arm cycling.
Authors: Ayling J H
Published: December 2008

The rate of sweat evaporation from the arm, chest, back and thigh, aural temperature, skin temperature (arm, chest, back and thigh), heat production (derived from measurements of respiratory gas exchange) and heart rate were measured in 7 men during 15 minutes of leg or arm cycling at 32% of predicted maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max). The regional sweat evaporation rates and changes in body temperature were similar during both forms of exercise. The peak rates of sweat evaporation from the arm, chest, back and thigh were 15.7 +/- 19.8, 25.0 +/- 21.6, 28.7 +/- 22.7 and 21.0 +/- 18.2 mg.cm-2 hr-1 during leg cycling and 13.2 +/- 11.6, 22.2 +/- 14.4, 27.6 +/- 14.7 and 19.2 +/- 13.3 (SD) mg.cm-2 hr-1 respectively during arm cycling. The sweat evaporation rates from the different body regions were not significantly different from one another.
Swimming experiences and abilities of nine year olds.
Authors: Langley J , Silva P A
Published: December 2008

As part of a longitudinal study of children, 941 mothers were asked to report on their childrens' swimming experiences and abilities. At age nine, twenty-nine per cent of the children could swim only a few strokes or not at all. A disproportionate number of children who could swim more than a few strokes came from high socio-economic backgrounds, from families where one or more of the parents could swim, and which scored higher on an index of active recreational orientation. There were no significant sex differences in swimming ability. There were 97 incidents reported where a child had been in difficulties while in water and had to be rescued. The importance of collecting data on such incidents is discussed.
Mechanisms of injury--a pictorial record.
Authors: Fairclough J A , Evans R , Farquhar G A
Published: December 2008

The illustrations of both these incidents show, with extraordinary detail, the mechanism of injury involved in the production of these lesions. It is often difficult, when dealing with the end product of trauma of any description, to appreciate its mechanism of occurrence and gain an accurate estimate of the amount of force which has produced the damage. The two photographic sequences highlight the problem of attempting to prevent sporting injuries, as in both cases the incidents illustrated (Fig. 1 and Fig. 4) would not necessarily be interpreted as ones which precede major sporting injuries. In the case of the knee injury, the forcible anterior translocation of the tibia, as pictured, demonstrates well the mechanism of the tear produced in the anterior cruciate. In the case showing the injury to the spine, the position of the back prior to impact is exactly in keeping with the flexion/rotation forces which cause such spinal damage. The camera has recorded with impassionate accuracy the fact that major injuries, far from always having a preventable cause, are inherent in all high-velocity body-contact sports.
The influence of caffeine ingestion on incremental treadmill running.
Authors: McNaughton L R
Published: December 2008

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of caffeine ingestion on estimated substrate utilisation during treadmill running at an initial level of 70%-75% of maximal oxygen consumption after which subjects ran to exhaustion. Twelve subjects undertook either a control, placebo, a small (10 mg X kg-1) or a large (15 mg X kg-1) dose of caffeine in a double-blind design to determine whether caffeine affected the substrate usage during running. Venous blood was collected prior to and during the experimental runs and was later analysed for free fatty acids (FFA), glycerol, triglycerides, lactate and glucose concentrations. The results of this experiment suggest that maximal running performance can be increased by large doses of caffeine. Furthermore, the subjects' respiratory exchange ratios were lower and FFA concentrations were higher following the ingestion of large amounts of caffeine than during other trials, suggesting that a larger proportion of energy was derived from fat being used preferentially during the trial following ingestion of this large dose of caffeine. The subjects rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were lower following the ingestion of a large dose of caffeine than it was in any of the other trials. This study differs from others in this area in so much that caffeine has been found to have positive effects during maximal running when used in large doses.
Injuries in orienteering.
Authors: Linde F
Published: December 2008

In a one-year prospective study of 42 elite orienteers, 73 recent injuries (1.7 per runner per year) were found. Acute injuries totalled 52% and 48% were due to overuse. Ankle sprains made up 37% of acute injuries while the remaining were mainly contusions caused by falls or bumps against branches or rocks. Medial shin pain, Achilles peritendinitis, peroneal tenosynovitis and iliotibial band friction syndrome were the most frequent overuse injuries. All overuse injuries were located in the lower extremity while 18% of acute injuries was located elsewhere. Acute injuries were most frequent in the competitive season while overuse injuries occurred most often during the continuous training period.
Acute sports injuries requiring hospital care.
Authors: Sandelin J
Published: December 2008

The present investigation reports 138 consecutive patients injured in sports, who needed treatment as in-patients in a one year period. More injuries were sustained in soccer than in other sports. The lower extremity was the site of most injuries, fractures and dislocations being the most common type of injury. At follow-up 50% of the patients complained of discomfort. The average stay in hospital after a sports injury requiring hospital care was 6 days. In 52% of the patients the duration of sports incapacity was at least six months and in seven per cent the sports incapacity after the sustained injury was permanent.
A modified Wingate test for measuring anaerobic work of the upper body in junior rowers.
Authors: Koutedakis Y , Sharp N C
Published: December 2008

Eight elite junior oarsmen (ER) and sixteen club level rowers (CR) were tested for upper body strength (trunk, arms) and for mean, peak and minimum power outputs using the Double-Arm Anaerobic Work Test (DAAWT). This test is a modified version of the original Wingate test whereby athletes can be tested using trunk and both arms simultaneously. Multiple Discriminant Analysis was used to determine if the DAAWT variables alone were sensitive enough to discriminate between the two groups. Additionally, Pearson's correlation coefficients and ANOVA were employed. Results indicate that mean power and power difference expressed in absolute values (Watts) could successfully classify junior oarsmen into appropriate groups (91.8%, P less than 0.001). In addition, there was a fairly high correlation (r = 0.81) between mean power and strength in the ER. The strongest ER demonstrated the least fatigue while highly significant differences between the groups in most of the other variables examined have also been demonstrated.
Motorcycle racing injuries on track and road circuits in Ireland.
Authors: Horner C H , O'Brien A A
Published: December 2008

A retrospective study was carried out on all motorcycle injuries occurring at Mondelo Park racetrack for the 1983 and 1984 seasons. In this sport there were a total of 57 injuries for the two year period, 27 occurring in 1983 and 30 in 1984. Soft tissue injuries accounted for 66.7%, fractures 22.8% and head injuries 10.5% of the total. In the fracture group, 2 patients suffered spinal fractures which is noteworthy in that neither were wearing back protectors which as yet are not compulsory safety equipment in Eire. These figures were compared with data from the same two year period on the Ulster road circuit. The incidence of each type of injury was similar and equally low in both groups. Motorcycle racing injuries compared favourably with motor car racing injuries and had a lower incidence of serious head injury. In comparison with road traffic accidents involving motorcyclists the overall number of injuries, the number of serious head, abdominal and chest injuries and the overall fatality rate, are much lower. The two most relevant factors in our lower injury incidence were lack of alcohol and the absence of collision with cars. Experience, medical attention and speed had no direct influence on our injury incidence.
Injuries in taekwondo.
Authors: Siana J E , Borum P , Kryger H
Published: December 2008

During the 6th Taekwondo World Championship more than 4 per cent of the competitors were admitted to hospital. The majoirity of the severe injuries were to the head and neck. More padding and a change of rules are recommended.
Surgical treatment of patellar tendon pain in athletes.
Authors: Orava S , Osterback L , Hurme M
Published: December 2008

A series of surgically treated patellar tendon lesions among athletes is presented. The material was collected during 5 years from three sports injury clinics and from two hospitals. During this period the authors treated about 150 cases of jumper's knee, of which 34 cases were treated by operation. The athletes were mostly volley ball players, jumpers or runners. The operation revealed a necrotic focus of the patellar tendon in 21 cases, the retinaculum was thick and adherent in 16 patients and an exostosis of the patellar insertion was seen in two cases. The necrotic areas were excised, the thick and adherent retinaculum was divided and the exostoses were excised and drilled. Surgical treatment of chronic patellar tendon pains may give good results in selected cases.
Anthropometric and training variables related to 10km running performance.
Authors: Bale P , Bradbury D , Colley E
Published: December 2008

Sixty male distance athletes were divided into three equal groups according to their personal best time for the 10km run. The runners were measured anthropometrically and each runner completed a detailed questionnaire on his athletic status, training programme and performance. The runners in this study had similar anthropometric and training profiles to other distance runners of a similar standard. The most able runners were shorter and lighter than those in the other two groups and significantly smaller skinfold values (P less than 0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups for either bone widths or circumferences but the elite and good runners had significantly higher ponderal indices (P less than 0.05) than the average runners, indicating that they are more linear. Elite and good runners were also less endomorphic but more ectomorphic than the average runners. The elite runners trained more often, ran more miles per week and had been running longer (P less than 0.05) than good or average runners. A multiple regression and discriminant function analysis indicated that linearity, total skinfold, the type and frequency of training and the number of years running were the best predictors of running performance and success at the 10km distance.
Severe eye injuries in cricket.
Authors: Jones N P , Tullo A B
Published: December 2008

We report five cases of severe eye injury sustained in cricket, including retinal detachment and rupture of the globe. The eye is at particular risk from a rising ball. We comment on the need for appropriate facial protection for batsmen and close fielders.
The effects of maximum steady state pace training on running performance.
Authors: Priest J W , Hagan R D
Published: December 2008

Maximum aerobic power (VO2 max), maximum anaerobic power (AP max), submaximal exercise heart rate (HRsub), and performance times for distances of 15m, 600 m, 3.22 km, and 10 km were evaluated in 12 male runners prior to and after 7 weeks of a running programme at each individual's maximum steady-state (MSS) pace. MSS pace, a running speed at which blood lactate is believed to equal 2.2 mmol . l-1, was calculated from weekly 3.22 km runs utilising the regression equation of LaFontaine et al (1981). During the training period, the mean MSS pace increased 11.3% from 3.76 to 4.19 m.s.-1. Body weight and maximal exercise heart rate were unaffected by MSS training. However, MSS training was associated with increases (p less than 0.05) in absolute VO2 max (8.9%) and VO2 max relative to body weight (8.1%), absolute AP max (3.7%) and AP max, relative to body weight (4.3%); decreases in resting HR (5.4%) and HRsub (6.9%); and decreases in performance times for runs of 15m (1.8%), 600 m (4.4%), 3.22 km (9.6%), and 10 km (12.1%). MSS paces determined prior to the pre- and post-training 10 km races were significantly related to the pre-training (r = 0.98) and post-training 10 km (r = 0.95) performance paces. Pretraining MSS pace, maximal aerobic power, and performance times for the 3.22 km and 10 km distances were highly related to improvements in MSS pace and performance times for the 3.22 km and 10 km runs. Our findings indicate that training at MSS pace is an effective method to increase maximal aerobic and anaerobic power, and decrease performance times for short- and middle-distance running events. Pre-training running performance may predict the magnitude of improvement due to MSS pace training.
Riding and other equestrian injuries: considerable severity.
Authors: Lloyd R G
Published: December 2008

All horse-related injuries presenting to an Accident Service over a two-year period were investigated. 237 patients presented. The injuries were not considerable in absolute number but were in severity. There was a high morbidity with 22% of all patients requiring admission to hospital, 50% of all admissions because of head injuries. At least seven life-threatening injuries were identified and there were other severe pelvic and spinal injuries. The wearing of protective head gear remains the most important safety measure.
High intensity training and treadmill sprint performance.
Authors: Cheetham M E , Williams C
Published: December 2008

Twelve county standard hockey players completed a 30 second sprint on a non-motorised treadmill and an uphill treadmill running test to determine maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) before and after 6 weeks of high intensity training (fast runs 3-5 miles, intervals 30-300 m and circuit training), whilst 11 club standard players completed the same tests without any additional training. For the county standard group there was an 11.1% and 5.0% improvement in peak running speed and distance covered on the sprint treadmill respectively, a 4.2% improvement in VO2 max and an 11.5% improvement in run time to exhaustion during the VO2 max test (all p less than 0.01). No changes were observed for the club standard group. There were large increases in blood lactate (county group 13.26 +/- 1.83 mM) and blood glucose (county group 1.56 +/- 0.71 mM) concentrations as a result of the treadmill sprint, but there were no additional changes in these variables as a result of training. Thus, the mechanism of adaptation in this type of brief maximal exercise remains in question.
Roller skating--is it a dangerous sport?
Authors: Tse P Y , Shen W Y , Chan K M , Leung P C
Published: December 2008

A prospective survey of 111 cases of roller skating injuries within one year are reported. Males were more commonly injured than females. There was a high incidence (86%) of serious injuries, 28% of which required surgical treatment. The wrist (23%) was the commonest region involved, followed by the shoulder (20%), the elbow (15%) and the ankle (12%). Collision with other skaters and loss of control were the main factors leading to injury. Better rink discipline, instruction classes and safety publicity should be helpful in minimising accidents.
Pre-race drop-out in marathon runners: reasons for withdrawal and future plans.
Authors: Clough P J , Dutch S , Maughan R J , Shepherd J
Published: December 2008

This study examines the reasons given for non-participation in the 1984 Aberdeen Milk Marathon by those people who entered for the race but did not run. The major reason was found to be injury during training. The future running plans of the sample were also investigated and it was found that the vast majority aimed to continue marathon running. Around two-thirds of the sample had decided not to run at least two weeks before the day of the race. A third of the respondents indicated that they would have taken part in the race had there been a half marathon option.
Racquet sports--patterns of injury presenting to a sports injury clinic.
Authors: Chard M D , Lachmann S M
Published: December 2008

In an 8-year retrospective study, 631 injuries due to the racquet sports of squash (59%), tennis (21%) and badminton (20%) were seen in a sports injury clinic, males predominating (58 to 66%). The proportion of squash injuries was higher than expected and probably relates to higher physical stress and risk of contact in this sport. Also they occurred mainly in persons over 25 years (59%) i.e. the reverse for sport in general. Acute traumatic injuries were seen especially in squash players, a majority affecting the knee, lumbar region, muscles and ankle. Tennis injuries differed most with lateral epicondylitis, patello-femoral pain and lumbar disc prolapse being relatively common. The badminton injury pattern overlapped the others. Lower limb injuries predominated in all three. Detailed assessment of 106 cases showed many to be new, infrequent, social players. Poor warm-up was a common factor in new and established players. The importance of these findings is discussed.
Eye injuries in sport: an increasing problem.
Authors: Jones N P
Published: December 2008

A prospective study of ocular injuries sustained during sport, was performed from January to June 1987. A total of 84 eye injuries were seen. Of these, 23 were severe enough to necessitate admission to hospital. These latter accounted for one quarter of all severe eye injuries during this period. Racquet sports caused 42% of the injuries, and 57% of the hospital admissions, including two penetrating injuries. The importance of sport in causing eye trauma is increasing. It is crucial to encourage safer play, including the wearing of adequate eye protection.