bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Length of training, hostility and the martial arts: a comparison with other sporting groups.
Authors: Daniels K , Thornton E
Published: December 2008

Previous research has indicated that training in the martial arts leads to a reduction in levels of hostility. However, such research has only compared hostility within martial arts groups. The present research compares two martial arts groups and two other sporting groups on levels of assaultive, verbal and indirect hostility. Moderated multiple regression analyses revealed a significant interaction between length of training in the respondent's stated sport and whether that sport was a martial art in predicting assaultive and verbal hostility. The form of the interaction suggests that participation in the martial arts is associated, over time, with decreased feelings of assaultive and verbal hostility.
Aetiology of handball injuries: a case--control study.
Authors: Dirx M , Bouter L M , de Geus G H
Published: December 2008

This article presents the results of a case--control study regarding the background to handball injuries among players of 12 years and older. Data were collected by means of a written questionnaire on the nature, location and direct causes of the injuries as well as information on risk factors. Injured players (n = 130) are compared with non-injured players (n = 512). The response for the cases was 67% and for the controls 75%. These injuries are frequently located at the lower extremities (54% of injuries), especially the ankle, and the majority involve distortions (35%) and strains (26%). Players greater than 20 years have a significantly greater risk of injury than players less than 20 years (odds ratio 1.9). Several factors seem to increase the injury risk, although not significantly: having greater than 5 years experience, not doing stretching exercises and not wearing tape or bandages. Another factor, not wearing elbow protectors, appears to decrease the injury risk significantly. It is advisable to interpret the results of this study with some caution, as selection and information bias might have influenced the validity to some extent. Furthermore, the reliability of the data is limited due to the relatively small number of injured players in the study. Some guidelines for future studies are formulated.
Medical cover for 'The Open' golf championship.
Authors: Hadden W A , Kelly S , Pumford N
Published: December 2008

A review of 10 years' provision of medical cover at a major golf championship is presented. The average consultation rate was approximately 1 in 200 of those attending of whom 3% required transfer to hospital, the majority to orthopaedic or general medical departments. Familiarity with acute resuscitation and musculoskeletal complaints is required of the medical attendants. The provision of physiotherapy and chiropody services is essential, especially for the participants' complaints, two-thirds of which affected the axial skeleton. Good communications and close liaison with the Chief Marshal, Police and Ambulance Services are vital.
Understanding of Weil's disease among canoeists.
Authors: Philipp R , King C , Hughes A
Published: December 2008

Although the risks of contracting Weil's disease in the UK are small, it can be a serious illness. Recently the disease has attracted public interest. This interest has prompted confusion and anxiety among recreational water user groups such as canoeists who had not previously seen themselves as being particularly at risk. In this paper, the experience of symptoms associated with Weil's disease among canoeists, their understanding and perceptions of the disease, and their compliance with preventive advice on the British Canoe Union (BCU) warning card, have been studied. Gaps in understanding and of adherence to preventive advice were identified. Accordingly, it was concluded that health education for canoeists could be improved. Consideration is being given by the BCU to the value of preparing a canoeist instructors' training pack.
Retrospective survey of rugby injuries in the Leinster province of Ireland 1987-1989.
Authors: O'Brien C
Published: December 2008

Rugby Union Football is a high-speed contact sport and has a significant incidence of injury. This study evaluated senior rugby players with reference to the anatomical site of injury for each playing position.
Fracture of the lateral process of the talus: computed tomographic scan diagnosis.
Authors: Noble J , Royle S G
Published: December 2008

Fracture of the lateral process of the talus is rare but can be mistaken for a simple ankle sprain. A case with normal conventional radiographs is presented to draw attention to this diagnosis in the resistant ankle sprain, and to highlight some of the problems that may be encountered with treatment.
Injuries of the spine sustained during rugby.
Authors: Silver J R
Published: December 2008

A comparison was made between the number of rugby injuries seen between 1956 and 1982 (67) and the number of rugby injuries seen between 1982 and 1987 (20). The standards, the positions, the mechanics of injury and the fitness of the players were analysed. It was concluded that the law changes had resulted in a dramatic fall in the number of players injured, that it was the less fit and less skilled players that were getting injured, and that the laws were adequate but were not being enforced.
Dying to be big: a review of anabolic steroid use.
Authors: Perry H M , Wright D , Littlepage B N
Published: December 2008

Anabolic steroids use is commonly perceived to be the domain of the higher echelons of competitive athletes. However, a great deal of anabolic steroid use occurs in private gymnasia (non-local authority) among non-competitive recreational athletes. Our study has attempted to give an insight into the prevalence of the use of these drugs, the hazards associated with it, and the public health responses which we have adopted.
Spondylolysis in fast bowlers: principles of prevention and a survey of awareness among cricket coaches.
Authors: Bell P A
Published: December 2008

Back injury in general, and spondylolysis in particular, represents a serious threat to the fast bowler. Hereditary factors, poor technique, overuse, and poor preparation for fast bowling may combine to produce the 'at risk' bowler. Three first-class county coaches were interviewed to establish a level of awareness of the lesion, with an emphasis on preparation of fast bowlers and the roles of technique alteration and bowling prescription in reducing the risk of back injury.
The role of massage in the management of the athlete: a review.
Authors: Callaghan M J
Published: December 2008

Massage has been a therapeutic modality in all cultures since early civilization and has had a long tradition of use in the sporting context. However, there has been a paucity of scientific evidence of the physiological, psychological and therapeutic effects of commonly used massage techniques. This paper reviews the early and more recent studies on the effects of massage and also the more recent literature on its use on the sports person. Little agreement was found in English publications of the efficacy of massage and there were contradictory findings as to the optimum technique and length of time of application. It is clear that the role of massage - a time-consuming technique for a physiotherapist to perform - needs to be evaluated further in order to resolve some contentious issues arising about this mode of treatment and to justify its use.
Response of unacclimatized males to repeated weekly bouts of exercise in the heat.
Authors: Barnett A , Maughan R J
Published: December 2008

The purpose of the present study was to determine if there is an acclimation effect when unacclimatized males exercise in the heat at weekly intervals. Five subjects performed four exercise bouts, each lasting 1 h at 55% VO2max. The first trial was in moderate conditions (mean(s.d.) temperature (Ta) = 22.0(0.8)degrees C; mean(s.d.) relative humidity (rh) = 67(6)%) and the subsequent three trials were carried out at weekly intervals in the heat (mean(s.d.) Ta = 34.6(0.6)degrees C; mean(s.d.) rh = 60(7)%). There were no significant differences between trials in the heat for heart rate, rectal temperature, skin temperature or VO2 (repeated measures analysis of variance), and total sweat loss (one-way analysis of variance). As changes in these variables are seen with heat acclimation it was concluded that there was no heat acclimation effect and separating exercise bouts by 1 week was a valid method for comparing the effects of different treatments on unacclimatized males during exercise in the heat.
Heart rates during competitive orienteering.
Authors: Bird S R , Bailey R , Lewis J
Published: December 2008

This study investigated the heart rate profiles of 16 experienced, competitive orienteers (aged 15-62 years) during three competitive events. Each competitor was assessed over three different types of course which were classified as: fast run (FR), slow run (SR) and highly physical (HP). The results showed that all subjects recorded heart rates that were between 140 and 180 beats min-1 for the majority of each event (irrespective of age or course type). The heart rate data indicated that the activity was largely aerobic but varied in intensity, with phases of strenuous anaerobic work. The type of course was shown significantly (analysis of variance; P < 0.001) to affect the mean heart rate attained by each orienteer (FR = 160, HP = 158, SR = 150 beats min-1), with courses that required more technical skill and hence slower running producing lower mean heart rates; although the general physical demands were similar for all courses. The older orienteers (> 45 years) recorded heart rate profiles that were similar to those of the young orienteers with no correlation being found between age and mean heart rate while exercising.
The sports hernia: a cause of chronic groin pain.
Authors: Hackney R G
Published: December 2008

The management of chronic pain in sportsmen and women requires consideration of a wide differential diagnosis. A syndrome caused by a distension of the posterior inguinal wall is described, effectively an early direct inguinal hernia. The diagnosis can be made from certain aspects of the history and examination, which are described. The results of surgical repair to the posterior inguinal wall are excellent. The procedure was carried out on 14 sportsmen and one woman. There is an 87% return to full sporting activity, with a follow-up of 18 months to 5 years. The remaining 13% were improved by the repair. Many of the athletes had received other treatments without success. The sports hernia should be high on the list of differential diagnoses in chronic groin pain.
Evaluation of the Colin STBP-680 at rest and during exercise: an automated blood pressure monitor using R-wave gating.
Authors: Bond V , Bassett D R , Howley E T , Lewis J , Walker A J , Swan P D , Tearney R J , Adams R G
Published: December 2008

The application of automated blood pressure measurement during exercise has been limited by inaccuracies introduced by the effects of accompanying motion and noise. We evaluated a newly developed automated blood pressure monitor for measuring exercise blood pressure (Colin STBP-680; Colin, San Antonio, Texas, USA). The STBP-680 uses acoustic transduction with the assistance of the electrocardiogram R-wave to trigger the sampling period for blood pressure measurement. The automated monitor readings were compared with simultaneous technician mercury sphygmomanometric readings in the same arm. Blood pressure was measured in 18 men at rest and during exercise at 40% VO2 peak, (low intensity), 70% VO2 peak (moderate intensity) and VO2 peak (high intensity) on the cycle ergometer. Mean(s.d.) systolic blood pressure difference between the automated monitor and mercury manometer readings at rest and during exercise at low, moderate and high work intensities were 3(0) mmHg, 3(2) mmHg, 1(1) mmHg, and 0(11) mmHg respectively (analysis of variance; P > 0.05). Resting diastolic blood pressure obtained with the STBP-680 was similar to the mercury manometer readings (78(10) versus 81(7) mmHg (P > 0.05). Exercise diastolic pressure at the low level of work intensity was almost identical between the automated monitor and mercury manometer readings (64(8) versus 65(10) mmHg (not significant)). Diastolic blood pressure readings between the STBP-680 and mercury manometer showed a greater difference at the moderate and high workloads (11 mmHg and 9 mmHg, respectively), but this difference was not significant (P > 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effectiveness of functional ankle taping for judo athletes: a comparison between judo bandaging and taping.
Authors: Yamamoto T , Kigawa A , Xu T
Published: December 2008

This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of the traditional method of ankle bandaging and the new method of ankle taping for judo athletes in Japan, and to introduce a functionally effective taping method for judo players. Four university judo athletes with ankle instability were selected to undertake radiography of the ankles before and after exercise, with bandaging at one time and taping at the other. Talar tilt (TT) angles were measured in order to compare the ankle-supporting effects. The results showed that the old ankle bandaging method had no role in eliminating the talar tilt during judo practice. In contrast, the new taping method was more effective in eliminating the talar tilt and supporting the involved ankles both mechanically and functionally.
Audit of knee injuries seen in a sports medicine clinic.
Authors: Packer G J , McLatchie G R , Bowden W , Lennox C M
Published: December 2008

In order to assess the management of knee injuries in a sports medicine clinic, an audit was performed of all new patients who attended the clinic over a 12-month period. Of the 167 new patients seen, 76 (46%) had sustained knee injuries. Of these, 43 (57%) were treated in the sports medicine clinic and 33 (43%) were referred for arthroscopic assessment. The maximum waiting time from the time of referral was 3 weeks, with 85% of patients seen within 1 week and 92% within 2 weeks. Arthroscopy was performed on 28 (85%) of the 33 patients referred, and the positive correlation between the sports clinic diagnosis and the arthroscopic diagnosis was 64%. Of the 33 patients referred for arthroscopy, 28 (85%) had sustained acute knee injuries while five (15%) had been treated at other hospitals before referral to the sports medicine clinic. A National Health Service sports medicine clinic is an effective means of treating knee injuries, provided that access to arthroscopy is readily available.
Spinal injuries in sports in the UK.
Authors: Silver J R
Published: December 2008

An analysis was made of 150 rugby, trampolining, gymnastics and horse-riding injuries between 1952 and 1985, resulting in severe spinal injury. The individual analyses of the separate sports had been published previously. There are common factors to all these sports. Of those injured 121 had cervical injuries often as a result of participation in sport by young impetuous people, and causes included: inadequate supervision; motivation to attempt tasks beyond their abilities; a mismatch between the abilities of the performer and the task attempted.
Physiological and psychological responses to a university fitness session.
Authors: Grant S , Armstrong G , Sutherland R , Wilson J , Aitchison T , Paul E , Henderson S
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study was to examine the physiological and psychological responses to a university fitness session entitled 'popmobility'. A popmobility session consists of 20 min of aerobic activities, 5 min of local muscular endurance exercises and 5 min of flexibility exercises. Ten regular participants of these sessions, women of mean(s.d.) age 21.2(1.5) years, took part in the study. A maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) treadmill test was performed by each subject to obtain VO2max and maximum heart rate values. In a laboratory, heart rate and VO2 were measured throughout a popmobility session for each subject. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was measured every 5 min throughout the session. The mean intensity of the aerobic part of the session ranged from 67.7-82.6% of the subject's VO2max (mean of 76.4% VO2max). The mean heart rate reserve for the aerobic section was 75.6%. While the relative oxygen consumption remained fairly static during the aerobic section, the RPE score rose. The mean(s.d.) total energy expenditure was 236.6(28.4) kcal (range 203-288). The popmobility session is of adequate intensity to improve the aerobic fitness of its participants. Heart rate, as used as a measure of intensity during a popmobility session, would appear to be a fairly accurate indicator of intensity. However, the use of RPE for exercise prescription in popmobility sessions is inappropriate. Popmobility could also be useful in a weight-reduction programme.
Re-examination of the incidence of exercise-induced hypoxaemia in highly trained subjects.
Authors: Brown D D , Knowlton R G , Sanjabi P B , Szurgot B T
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study was to examine the occurrence of exercise-induced hypoxaemia (EIH) during maximal exercise in highly trained athletes. Eleven trained cyclists (mean(s.d.) age 23(3.5) years; mean(s.d.) VO2max 66.9(4.8) ml kg-1min-1) performed a continuous, multistage (270 kpm min-1) cycle ergometer test to exhaustion. Measurements of arterial oxygen-haemoglobin saturation (%HbO2) were obtained simultaneously at rest, every 2 min during exercise, and at maximum exercise capacity from arterial blood sampling (%SaO2) and ear oximetry (%SpO2). Exercise induced hypoxaemia (%HbO2 < or = 91%) was present in 64% of the athletes examined when EIH was determined using pulse oximetry, whereas none of the subjects exhibited EIH when %HbO2 was determined using arterial blood. At rest the values for %HbO2 were similar with mean(s.d.) %SaO2 being 97.3(0.6)% and mean(s.d.) %SpO2 being 96.5(1.6)%. During exercise, statistically significant differences were found for %HbO2 between arterial blood and ear oximetry at the 6-min, 8-min, and maximal exercise sampling times (repeated measures analysis of variance, P < 0.05). The results indicate that ear oximetry overestimates the incidence of EIH and underestimates the oxyhaemoglobin saturation in highly trained cyclists during exercise in comparison with those measurements made from arterial blood.
Regular exercise reduces fibrinogen levels: a review of longitudinal studies.
Authors: Ernst E
Published: December 2008

Fibrinogen can be considered as a major cardiovascular risk factor. Therefore there is a growing interest in methods to lower its plasma level. This paper is aimed at reviewing the data investigating the effects of regular exercise on plasma fibrinogen levels. Cross-sectional studies strongly suggest that regular exercise will reduce fibrinogen levels, and longitudinal data confirm this. The average decrease achieved by regular endurance exercise over several months is around 0.4 g/l. It can be extrapolated that this corresponds to a substantial decrease in risk of coronary heart disease. It is concluded that regular exercise is the most practicable approach known to date to lower plasma fibrinogen levels.
Influence of 6-week, 6 days per week, training on pituitary function in recreational athletes.
Authors: Lehmann M , Knizia K , Gastmann U , Petersen K G , Khalaf A N , Bauer S , Kerp L , Keul J
Published: December 2008

The influence on pituitary function of 6 weeks of training on 6 days a week was examined in six recreational athletes. Endurance training on a bicycle ergometer for 31-33 min was performed on 4 days each week at 90-96% (weeks 1-3) and 89-92% (weeks 4-6) of the 4 mmol lactate thresholds determined on day 0 and day 21, respectively, with interval training of 3-5 x 3-5 min in addition on 2 days a week at 117-127% and 115-110%, respectively. Determination of the serum hormone levels and a combined pituitary function test (200 micrograms thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), 100 micrograms gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), 100 micrograms corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH), 50 micrograms growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH)) were made before training, after 6 weeks of training and after another 3 weeks of recovery. Training increased performance at 2 mmol lactate by 25%, at 4 mmol by 12%, and maximum performance by approximately 12%. The releasing hormone-stimulable prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and somatotrophic hormone (STH) synthesis-secretion capacity remained unchanged, the adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) was increased after training. Cortisol release was reduced, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-synthesis-secretion capacity was increased after training, and the luteinizing hormone (LH)-synthesis-secretion capacity reduced. This had no influence on base or exercise-induced serum hormone levels (cortisol, aldosterone, insulin, prolactin, FSH, LH, TSH, ACTH, ADH and STH), which showed no dependence on training, except for free testosterone which showed a decreasing trend (P < 0.10) of 19-25% and post-exercise ACTH which showed an increasing trend of 33% (P < 0.10). Conditioning (cortisol sensitivity and ACTH response) or adaptation (FSH and LH responses) to changed testosterone serum levels and altered spermatogenesis is discussed.
Analysis of the work rates and heart rates of association football referees.
Authors: Catterall C , Reilly T , Atkinson G , Coldwells A
Published: December 2008

This study aimed to describe the work-rate profiles of referees during soccer matches and record heart-rate responses during these games. Using video-recordings 14 referees were observed and their heart rates during the games were monitored by short-range radio telemetry. These included 11 football league matches. The exercise intensity was largely submaximal with a change in activity every 6 s. The mean distance covered during the game was 9.44 km; a significant fall in work rate was noted in the second half (P < 0.05). The mean heart rate of 165 beats min-1 did not vary between first and second halves. The work rate and heart rate varied more between individuals than with the importance of the match, but this variation was small. It was considered that refereeing top level soccer places high physiological demands on the official. This has implications for training and fitness assessment.
Attitudes to mouthguards and prevalence of orofacial injuries in four teams competing at the second Rugby World Cup.
Authors: Chapman P J , Nasser B P
Published: December 2008

The opportunity was taken to conduct a questionnaire survey of the members of four competing countries at the second Rugby World Cup tournament (Australia, Ireland, Scotland, Wales) regarding the prevalence of orofacial injuries and attitudes to mouthguards. The results show that while all players in each team believed that mouthguards provided local protection, approximately one in five of each team did not wear one. The average age when players first started wearing mouthguards varied from 12.7 years for Australia to 18.1 years for Wales, while the percentage of wearers willing to play without their mouthguard ranged from only 4.6% for Australia to 15.8% for Wales. Just less than half of the total group had previously sustained an orofacial injury playing rugby.
Throwing injuries of the shoulder.
Authors: Copeland S
Published: December 2008

A review of the mechanism of throwing is presented and split into the different phases. The presentation and history is often more important than the clinical signs which may only be present after repetitive throwing activity. The pathological relationship between instability and impingement is discussed. Arthroscopy has been found to be extremely helpful in extending knowledge of pathological anatomy as well as defining diagnosis and aiding treatment.
Assessment of tennis elbow using the Marcy Wedge-Pro.
Authors: Smith R W , Mani R , Cawley M I , Englisch W , Eckenberger P
Published: December 2008

The Marcy Wedge-Pro (MWP), a device used in training by tennis players, was employed in the assessment of tennis elbow. The MWP was used to measure the ability of patients to perform wrist extension exercises, since pain resulting from this specific activity is a prominent symptom of the condition. The MWP results were compared with clinical measures and found to identify accurately patients who responded to treatment (P < 0.05). This study illustrates the potential of the MWP to assess tennis elbow quantitatively.
Morphological and physiological studies on Indian national kabaddi players.
Authors: Dey S K , Khanna G L , Batra M
Published: December 2008

Twenty-five national kabaddi players (Asiad gold medalists 1990), mean age 27.91 years, who attended a national camp at the Sports Authority of India, Bangalore before the Beijing Asian Games in 1990, were investigated for their physical characteristics, body fat, lean body mass (LBM) and somatotype. The physiological characteristics assessed included back strength, maximum oxygen uptake capacity and anaerobic capacity (oxygen debt) and related cardiorespiratory parameters (oxygen pulse, breathing equivalent, maximum pulmonary ventilation, maximum heart rate). Body fat was calculated from skinfold thicknesses taken at four different sites, using Harpenden skinfold calipers. An exercise test (graded protocol) was performed on a bicycle ergometer (ER-900) using a computerized EOS Sprint (Jaeger, West Germany). The mean(s.d.) percentage body fat (17.56(3.48)) of kabaddi players was found to be higher than normal sedentary people. Their physique was found to be endomorphic mesomorph (3.8-5.2-1.7). Mean(s.d.) back strength, maximum oxygen uptake capacity (VO2max) and oxygen debt were found to be 162.6(18.08) kg, 42.6(4.91) ml kg-1 min-1 and 5.02(1.29) litre respectively. Physical characteristics, percentage body fat, somatotype, maximum oxygen uptake capacity and anaerobic capacity (oxygen debt) and other cardiorespiratory parameters were compared with other national counterparts. Present data are comparable with data for judo, wrestling and weightlifting. Since no such study has been conducted on international counterparts, these data could not be compared. These data may act as a guideline in the selection of future kabaddi players and to attain the physiological status comparable to the present gold medalists.
Plasma TSH, T3, T4 and cortisol responses to swimming at varying water temperatures.
Authors: Deligiannis A , Karamouzis M , Kouidi E , Mougios V , Kallaras C
Published: December 2008

The acute effect of 30-min swimming at a moderate speed, at three water temperatures (20, 26 and 32 degrees C) on plasma thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (F.T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and cortisol concentrations was studied in 15 élite male swimmers. Blood was sampled before and immediately after the events. The heart rate, which was continuously monitored during exercise, had the highest response at 32 degrees C and the lowest at 20 degrees C. Blood lactate concentrations were found to be similar after the three tests. Plasma TSH and F.T4 were found to be significantly increased (by 90.4% and 45.7% respectively) after swimming at 20 degrees C, decreased at 32 degrees C (by 22.3% and 10.1% respectively) and unchanged at 26 degrees C. Exercise at these three water temperatures did not significantly affect T3. Finally, plasma cortisol was found to be increased after swimming at 32 degrees C (by 82.8%) and 26 degrees C (by 46.9%), but decreased at 20 degrees C (by 6.1%).
Paralympics--Barcelona 1992.
Authors: Reynolds J , Stirk A , Thomas A , Geary F
Published: December 2008

The British Team at the 9th Paralympic Games in September 1992 in Barcelona comprised 151 men and 54 women athletes in a total of 15 sports. They were supported by a staff of 86 including a 12-strong medical team. The athletes were selected from the National Championships of the five disability organizations: British Wheelchair Sports Federation; British Blind Sport; Cerebral Palsy Sport; British Amputee Sports Association; and the British Les Autres Sports Association. This article outlines the organization and experience of the medical support team. The injury/illness profile was similar to those in able bodied sport. The team went on to achieve 40 gold, 47 silver and 41 bronze medals, maintaining third place on the medal table as achieved in Seoul in 1988.
Bungee running--a new sport but old injuries.
Authors: Mbubaegbu C E , Rowntree M
Published: December 2008

Bungee running, a new sport related to bungee jumping, is fast becoming more common. This report of two cases of injury associated with it shows the need for safety precautions during the game.
Sport related injuries attending the accident and emergency department.
Authors: Jones R S , Taggart T
Published: December 2008

Of new patients attending our hospital, 7.1% had injured themselves playing sport. The majority had been playing football and had sustained a soft tissue injury. Many of the patients presented late, i.e. after 24 h or longer. These patients would be best dealt with in a sports clinic, staffed by personnel with an interest in this field.
Athletic footwear affects balance in men.
Authors: Robbins S , Waked E , Gouw G J , McClaran J
Published: December 2008

Stable equilibrium during locomotion is required for both superior performance of sports and prevention of injuries from falls. A recent report indicated that currently available athletic footwear impairs stability in older men. Since this discovery, if confirmed, seems important to both competitive athletes and the physically active general public, we performed an experiment using similar methods on a younger population. We tested the hypothesis that midsole thickness is negatively, and hardness positively related to dynamic equilibrium, in 17 healthy adult men (mean(s.d.) age 33(11.13) years) via a balance beam method. Subjects walked along a 9-m long beam at 0.5 m s-1 once barefoot and six times wearing identical pairs of experimental shoes which differed only in midsole hardness and thickness which spanned the respective ranges currently available in footwear. Falls from the beam (balance failures) were quantified. Balance failures varied significantly in relation to midsole hardness and thickness, and there was a strong trend toward interaction of these variables (P = 0.09). Midsole hardness was positively related to stability, and midsole thickness was negatively related, which confirms the previous report. Hence, shoes with thick-soft soles, similar to modern athletic footwear and 'walking shoes', destabilize men, and shoes with thin-hard soles provide superior stability. The pair with the poorest stability (A 15-thick; 12.34 balance failures per 100 m) produced 217% more balance failures than those associated with the best stability (A 50-thin; 3.89 balance failures per 100 m). Since most types of athletic footwear and many other shoes incorporate midsoles with hardness and thickness associated with poor stability, we conclude that both athletic performance and public safety could be enhanced through stability optimized footwear.
Sport and exercise headache: Part 1. Prevalence among university students.
Authors: Williams S J , Nukada H
Published: December 2008

Sport- and exercise-related headaches have been recognized over the last 20 years, but their prevalence is unknown. A nine-page questionnaire was used to study the prevalence of sports headaches among two contrasting populations of Otago University students: medical students (n = 178) and physical education students (n = 190). Both populations had a similar response rate of approximately 80%. It was found that 35% of respondents had experienced sport- and exercise-related headaches among the two populations, with similar rates for men and women seen in both. Comparison of the two populations showed no significant difference in the rate of sports headache among women, whereas the men physical education students has a significantly higher rate of sports headache than the men medical students. A high frequency of trauma-related headaches in contact sports accounted for this higher rate among the men physical education students. This study demonstrated that sport-and exercise-related headaches are a common problem among university students.
Time-of-day dependence of isokinetic leg strength and associated interday variability.
Authors: Wyse J P , Mercer T H , Gleeson N P
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study was to assess the interday variability and time-of-day effects on selected isokinetic leg strength indices. Nine adult collegiate sportsmen (mean(s.e.) age 19.6(0.5) years; mean(s.e.) height 1.81(0.02) m; mean(s.e.) body mass 76.5(3.1) kg) completed a series of nine test sessions, organized so that each subject was tested three times within a day (08.00-09.00 hours; 13.00-14.00 hours; 18.00-19.30 hours), on three occasions, each separated by a minimum of 7 days. Gravity-corrected indices of extension peak torque (EPT), flexion peak torque (FPT), and the peak torque ratio (PTR), at contraction velocities of 1.05 rad s-1 and 3.14 rad s-1, were calculated for each subject using an isokinetic dynamometer. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance of coefficient of variation (V%) scores revealed no significant differences in performance variability across within-subject factors of time-of-day and performance index (P > 0.05). Overall mean(s.e.) V% for scores across experimental conditions were 3.97(0.72)% at 1.05 rad s-1 and 5.98(1.23)% at 3.14 rad s-1, suggesting that similar levels of measurement error occur between 08.00-19.30 hours. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance of absolute strength indices (EPT, FPT and PTR) revealed that significantly higher scores were achieved during session 3 (18.00-19.30 hours), with mean(s.e.) values of 249.1(40.0) N m, 149.0(32.3) N m, 59.5(5.0)% at 1.05 rad s-1, and 172.1(38.7) N m, 121.3(27.7) N m, 71.1(6.2)% at 3.14 rad s-1, respectively (P < 0.05). This finding appears to be consistent with current knowledge about time-of-day effects on the assessment of muscular strength. Thus for stable and maximal values to be obtained during isokinetic leg testing, the use of multiple-trial protocols is recommended, with testing occurring as close to 18.00-19.30 hours as possible. In addition, the observed significant time-of-day effect suggests that appropriate comparison of maximal isokinetic leg strength can only be achieved based on data obtained within 30 min of the same time of day.
Neuropsychological investigation of amateur boxers.
Authors: Butler R J
Published: December 2008

Amateur boxing is faced with criticism over the potential damage the sport inflicts on those who participate. The most sensitive measure of early neurological dysfunction is neuropsychological investigation. Ten studies employing such assessments on 289 amateur boxers are reviewed. The forms of analysis undertaken include controlled comparison with other sportsmen, of both active and former boxers, detailed pre- and post-bout analysis, analysis of the influence of within-boxing variables, length of career, level of competition and prospective longitudinal investigation. Amateur boxers were found to exhibit no signs of neuropsychological dysfunction in any analysis. However some trends emerged suggesting a long career in amateur boxing might reduce fine motor reactions, although such findings are within the normal range and do not represent central neuropsychological functioning. Thus amateur boxing does not appear to expose individuals to neurological dysfunction.
Case report—stress fractures of the rib in a golfer
Authors: Read Malcolm T. F.
Published: December 2008

Stress fractures of the rib have been reported in rowers1–3and canoeists4–5; this is the first report of a similar fracture in a golfer.
The New Zealand Rugby Injury and Performance Project: II. Previous injury experience of a rugby-playing cohort.
Authors: Gerrard D F , Waller A E , Bird Y N
Published: December 2008

The Rugby Injury and Performance Project (RIPP) is a prospective cohort study by a multidisciplinary research group. Rugby injuries constitute an important area for research because rugby union is New Zealand's national sport and because of the considerable cost of all sports injury acknowledged by the Accident Rehabilitation and Compensation Insurance Corporation (ACC). The initial phase of data collection in the RIPP involved a pre-season questionnaire which, among other things, sought to establish variables relating to the past injury experience of players. The influence of previous injury, the use of safety equipment and the availability and significance of medical advice were among the variables identified by individual questionnaires. This paper analyses the responses to pre-season questions about injury experience in the previous 12 months. In so doing, it identifies baseline data which will be used to address a possible relationship between past injury experience and the prediction of injury during the season.
Trampolines in New Zealand: a decade of injuries.
Authors: Chalmers D J , Hume P A , Wilson B D
Published: December 2008

Despite international concern about the safety of trampolines, they have become increasingly popular in New Zealand. While internationally attention has centred on a relatively few cases of catastrophic cervical spine injury, little research effort has been directed at placing these incidents in a wider context. To redress this, a descriptive epidemiological study of trampoline-related injury in New Zealand was undertaken. National hospitalization and mortality data for a 10-year period revealed 2098 hospitalizations and two deaths. The incidence rate for hospitalizations increased from 3.1 per 100,000 population per year in 1979 to 9.3 in 1988. Of the hospitalized victims, 71% were injured on home trampolines and 80% fell from the trampoline to the surrounding surface. Fractures were the commonest type of injury (68%), and the body site most frequently involved was the upper limb (53%). There was no evidence of a high incidence of severe head and neck injuries. It was concluded that, although existing trampoline standards addressed many of the issues raised by this research, measures to reduce the impact of falls from trampolines to the ground and to prohibit the provision of trampolines as 'play equipment' are required.
Brisk walking and serum lipid and lipoprotein variables in previously sedentary women--effect of 12 weeks of regular brisk walking followed by 12 weeks of detraining.
Authors: Hardman A E , Hudson A
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of brisk walking as a means of improving endurance fitness and influencing serum lipid and lipoprotein variables in previously sedentary women. Walkers (n = 10, mean (s.e.m.) age 47.3(2.0) years) followed a programme of brisk walking (mean(s.e.m.) speed 1.76(0.03) m s-1) for 12 weeks, after which the training stimulus was withdrawn. Controls (n = 10, mean(s.e.m.) age 41.6(1.2) years) maintained their habitual sedentary lifestyle throughout. Endurance fitness was determined using laboratory measures of responses to treadmill walking. Serum lipid and lipoprotein variables were determined in venous blood (12-h fasted). Body fatness was assessed by anthropometry and dietary practice using the 7-day weighed food intake technique. Measurements were repeated after 12 and 24 weeks. Brisk walking resulted in a decrease in heart rate and blood lactate concentration during exercise, while detraining was accompanied by a reversal of these changes. Changes in body mass and the ratio of circumferences at the waist and hip did not differ between groups but the sum of four skinfolds decreased with brisk walking and increased with detraining. High density lipoprotein (HDL) and HDL2 cholesterol increased with walking and decreased with detraining but no between group changes (analysis of variance, P < 0.05) were found in other lipid and lipoprotein variables. These findings suggest that regular brisk walking can improve endurance fitness and increase HDL cholesterol concentration in sedentary women.
The impact of a repeated bout of eccentric exercise on muscular strength, muscle soreness and creatine kinase.
Authors: Smith L L , Fulmer M G , Holbert D , McCammon M R , Houmard J A , Frazer D D , Nsien E , Israel R G
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study was to determine if there were any beneficial or detrimental effects regarding delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), serum creatine kinase (CK), and maximum concentric strength at 80% of 1-RMconc, if a bout of eccentric exercise was repeated at 48 h after an initial bout. A secondary purpose was to determine whether unaccustomed eccentrics might affect plasma cholesterol (TC). Twenty-six men were randomly assigned to a control (Group 1) or experimental group (Group 2). Both groups performed three sets (12 repetitions per set) of the eccentric phase of a chest press, at 80% of one repetition maximum (1-RMconc); Group 2 repeated this exercise 48 h later. DOMS and CK were measured before, and every 24 h for 8 days after; TC was measured before, and every 24 h for 4 days. Maximum strength during the concentric phase of a chest press (1-RMconc) was measured before and at 48-h intervals after. A repeated measures analysis of variance revealed a significant time effect (P < 0.05) for DOMS, CK and strength, but no significant difference between groups (P < 0.05). An interesting finding was the significant (P < 0.05) reduction in TC at 24, 48 and 72 h, after exercise in both groups, which we hypothesized was associated with cellular repair. From these results we concluded that when a bout of eccentrics is repeated 48 h after an initial bout, there is no change in the characteristic time-course and/or intensity of DOMS, CK or 1-RMconc.
Orbital blowout fractures in sport.
Authors: Jones N P
Published: December 2008

One-third of orbital blowout fractures are sustained during sport. Soccer is most commonly involved. Though visual acuity recovery is usually complete, permanent loss of binocular visual field is almost universal. Typically high-energy blows by opponent's finger, fist, elbow, knee or boot are responsible. Injuries to the eye itself may also be sustained and should be looked for. Ocular protection may be feasible in some sports, but the main preventive measure to be addressed is the reduction in aggressive play or deliberate injury.
Badminton injuries--a prospective epidemiological and socioeconomic study.
Authors: Høy K , Lindblad B E , Terkelsen C J , Helleland H E , Terkelsen C J
Published: December 2008

During a 1-year period 100 badminton players were registered and treated in the casualty ward of Randers City Hospital, Denmark. The injuries to the badminton players constituted 5% of all sports injuries registered during the same period in the casualty ward. At follow-up questionnaires were sent to all participants. Replies were received from 89 patients. Over the same period all sports participants in the hospital catchment area (30,254) were registered according to their sport affiliation (2620 badminton players-1650 men and 970 women). Of those injured 58% were men (mean age 31 years) and 42% were women (mean age 25 years). Of the injuries 55% occurred in club players, the remainder occurring during company and school sports activities. The active players were classified into three groups according to age: Group 1 under 18 years (31%); Group 2 18-25 years (16%); Group 3 more than 25 years (53%). According to the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) 17% of the injuries were classified as minor, 56% as moderate, and 27% as severe, respectively. Of the severe injuries (AIS = 3) 56% were found in the oldest age group. AIS correlated with time absent from sport (P < 0.001). Nine players (9%) reported that earlier injuries had influenced the actual accident. Most players (96%) trained one to three times a week. Sprains were the injury most commonly diagnosed (56%), fractures accounted for 5%, torn ankle ligaments were found in 10%, and 13% had ruptures to the Achilles tendon. Overall, 21% were admitted to hospital. None of the patients treated as inpatients was kept in hospital for more than 7 days. The injury caused 56% of players to be absent from work of whom 23% were absent for more than 3 weeks. After the injury 12% of the players gave up their sport, and only 4% restarted their training/sport within 1 week. As many as 28% had to avoid training and playing in matches for 8 weeks or more.
Physical and physiological profiles of Malaysian dragon boat rowers.
Authors: Singh R , Singh H J , Sirisinghe R G
Published: December 2008

Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and maximal workload attained (WLmax) were determined in 28 Malaysian dragon boat rowers who were exercised to exhaustion on an arm ergometer. Mean VO2max was 2.75 l min-1 at a mean WLmax of 195.5 W. Anaerobic endurance power of the arms, determined by cranking at 100 RPM at a workload of 400 W and the time taken to maintain the cadence until it fell to 75 RPM, was 34.9(+/- 2.3) s. Leg performance, as determined by standing long jump and vertical jump, was 140.0(+/- 4.5) kg m and 100.3(+/- 3.1) kg m s-1 respectively. Right hand grip strength was significantly (p < 0.001) greater than the left hand. Percentage body fat of the rowers was 11.8(+/- 0.6)%. These values represent the first measurements of their kind performed on dragon boat rowers in Malaysia.
Prediction of endurance running performance for middle-aged and older runners.
Authors: Takeshima N , Tanaka K
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study was to develop regression equations that would sufficiently predict the endurance running performance (ERP) of middle-aged and older runners (n = 55, 43-79 years). Among many independent variables which were selected as possible predictors of the ERP, oxygen uptake corresponding to the lactate threshold (VO2@LT), or age was found to be the single best predictor. Some variables representing training habits correlated significantly but only moderately with the ERP. Linear multiple regression equations developed in this study were: V5km = 4.203 + 0.054X1 - 0.028X2 (r = 0.87) V5km = 4.436 + 0.045X1 - 0.033X2 + 0.005X3 (r = 0.89) V10km = 4.252 + 0.042X1 - 0.026X2 (r = 0.79) V10km = 4.371 + 0.037X1 - 0.031X2 + 0.005X3 (r = 0.82) VM = 3.207 + 0.048X1 - 0.022X2 (r = 0.91) VM = 3.707 + 0.038X1 - 0.031X2 + 0.005X3 (r = 0.93) where V5km, V10km and VM are the mean running velocity at 5 km, 10 km and marathon races, respectively, and X1 = VO2@LT (ml kg-1 min-1), X2 = age (year), and X3 = average running duration per workout (min). We suggest that the ERP of middle-aged and older runners can be predicted from a linear combination of VO2@LT and age or a combination of these variables plus average running duration per workout.