bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ACTIVATION PATTERN OF M.GLUTEUS MEDIUS IN PRE-PUBESCENT FEMALE AND MALE ATHLETES DURING DROP-JUMP AND CUTTING MANEUVERS
Authors: Sædís Jónsdóttir U , Árnason Á , Briem K , Sveinsson T
Published: March 2014

Background

One of many risk factors for ACL injury may involve neuromuscular activation patterns of muscles in the lower extremities. These have been studied for some muscles in pre- and post-pubescent female and male athletes. Although m.gluteus medius (GM) activity may be important during dynamic activities, its activation patterns have not been extensively studied.

Objective

To identify gender differences in neuromuscular activation of GM in young athletes.

Design

Cross-sectional controlled laboratory trial.

Setting

Measurements took place in the Research Centre of Movement Science at the University of Iceland.

Participants

11–12 years old football and handball players were recruited from local sports clubs, 9 boys and 36 girls.

Risk factor assessment

Surface electrodes were used to collect EMG activity from GM during two dynamic tasks (drop-jumps (DJ) and cutting maneuvers (CM)), before and after a fatigue protocol.

Main outcome measurements

Timing of peak muscle activation and activation levels at initial contact (IC), normalized to peak activation, were analyzed pre- and post-fatigue between genders for each task.

Results

Girls demonstrated greater activation at IC than boys (P=.02) and peak activation occurred earlier in girls than boys (P<.01) during the DJ. Moreover, GM activation levels at IC were overall significantly greater after a fatigue protocol than before (P<.01) and peaked earlier (P<.01). During CM the only significant finding was a main effect of fatigue for activation levels at IC (P<.01).

Conclusions

Gender differences in activation patterns of GM were identified during DJ in young athletes. This may, in part, reflect different kinematic strategies during this dynamic task or gender biased training. As girls go into puberty earlier than boys, this may have influenced movement patterns of some of the female participants. Further investigation into GM activation in relation to lower extremity kinematics within the context of injury prevention is warranted.
RECOGNITION OF CARDIOGENIC COLLAPSE ON THE FIELD OF PLAY: BOWING, KNEELING AND PROSTRATION
Authors: Baltsezak S
Published: March 2014

Background

Sudden cardiac death/arrest (SCD/SCA) on the field of play remains one of the most tragic and challenging events for a team physician. Even with robust regular preparticipation cardiac screening we cannot prevent all cases of SCA/SCD. Ability to recognise imminent cardiac arrest occurring on the field of play remains an important step in managing this condition without delay.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to more closely characterise the presentation of cardiogenic collapse on the field of play.

Methods

You Tube was searched for video clips clearly depicting sequence of athlete's collapse of cardiac origin. A pattern of collapse was subsequently analysed.

Results

13 cases were available for public viewing on You Tube and demonstrated final position of collapse. 12 collapses had full video footage of athlete's fall. All athletes were men. 84.6% (11) cases were from football (soccer). 15.4% (2) of cases were from martial arts. In 10 out of 12 cardiac event cases (83.3%) bowing and/or kneeling were followed by decubitus position. 58.3% (7) of cases demonstrated bowing at the beginning of collapse. 58.3% (7) cases had kneeling as an element of collapse. 61.5% (8 out of 13 cases) of casualties adopted position of ‘prostration’ as final stage of collapse.

Conclusion

When on the field of play, in the absence of head injury, athletes displaying bowing and/or kneeling positions followed by collapse may experience a life threatening cardiac event. Final position of 'prostration' was adopted in over half of cardiogenic collapses. Sports physician attending such casualties should bear this in mind and target his/her initial and subsequent assessment and treatment accordingly. A defibrillator should be taken to the player when attending such casualties.
IMPACT OF INJURY PATTERN DURING TRAINING ON ULTRAMARATHON PERFORMANCE
Authors: Khodaee M , Spittler J , Hill JC , Hoffman MD
Published: March 2014

Background

Little is known about the effect of injuries during training on ultramarathon performance.

Objective

Determine effects of injuries during training on race performance.

Design

Observational study using a self-administered pre-race survey. Finish times were obtained from race results posted online.

Setting

The 2013 Leadville Trail 100 (LT100) and Western States Endurance Run (WSER).

Participants

Participants of LT100 and WSER 161 km ultramarathons.

Risk factor assessment

Age, gender, educational level, prior completion of a 161 km ultramarathon, shoe type, self-report of foot strike pattern, and injuries or illnesses interfering with training in the past year were considered.

Main outcome measurements

The primary outcome measure was whether sustaining an injury or illness resulting in missed training days affected successful completion of an ultramarathon.

Results

Out of 1206 LT100 and 408 WSER entrants, 893 and 368 completed the pre-race survey (73.9% and 90.1%, respectively). Most participants were male (82%) with average age of 41 years. 52.3% of LT100 and 72.3% of WSER starters finished the races under the 30 hour cutoff time. Among respondents, 40% had masters or higher degrees and 45% reported using dietary supplements on a regular basis. Respondents reported 1432 (multiple answers per runner) injury episodes causing less than a week of missed training and 641 injury episodes causing a week or longer of missed training in the past year. Pain in Achilles (n=196), lower iliotibial band (n=164), upper hamstring (n=115), and groin pain (n=106) were the most common reported issues interfering with training. Only 45 (2.8%) of respondents reported sustaining a stress fracture during training in the past year. Of these, 27 (60%) involved the metatarsals and 10 (22%) involved the tibia. Using a binary logistic regression model, sustaining an injury during the training, age, gender, educational level, prior completion of a 161 km ultramarathon, shoe type, and self-report of foot strike pattern did not affect finish status (P>.05).

Conclusions

Many ultramarathon runners sustain injuries and illnesses interfering with training schedule, but this does not seem to be a predictor of successfully completing the race.
THE EFFECTS OF SPORTS-RELATED INJURIES ON QUALITY OF LIFE AND ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE WITHIN THE KOREAN LADIES PROFESSIONAL GOLF PLAYERS
Authors: Kim LN , Woo JH , Yng HS
Published: March 2014

Objective

To evaluate the effects of sports-related injuries of Korea ladies professional golf players on their quality of life and athletic performance.

Design

Cross-sectional study. Statistical analysis (student T-test) was conducted to examine whether there were any differences according to existence or non-existence of injuries.

Setting

The survey was conducted.

Participants

100 Korea ladies professional golf players.

Intervention

The survey was conducted among them to investigate the existence or non-existence of injuries.

Main outcome measurement

SF-36 questionnair was conducted to evaluate the quality of life; prize money rankings were investigated to evaluate athletic performance.

Results

Among the subjects, 55 players were found to have past and present experiences of injuries. The results of SF-36 analysis on the quality of life showed that physical score was 52.9±5.4; mental score was 46.7±9.6. In order to examine the effects of injuries on the players' quality of life and athletic performance, the subjects were divided into the injury group of those who experienced injuries and the group of those who did not experience injuries. According to the existence or non-existence of injuries; there were significant differences in the physical score of SF-36(non-injury group: 54.0±4.8, injury group: 51.6±5.8, P=.029), in the mental score of SF-36 (non-injury group: 49±7.7, injury group: 43.8±10.6, P=.005), and also in the prize money rankings (P=.042).

Conclusions

The research results showed that athletes were higher in the average reference value of physical score, an indicator of the quality of life; they were however lower in mental score than those of reference of ordinary people. In addition, injuries influenced negatively the physical and mental quality of life; therefore, in order to heighten the degree of satisfaction concerning the quality of life of individual players and to enhance their athletic performance, prevention and management of injury considered very import.
UNILATERAL LOWER LIMBS STRENGTH TRAINING WITH THERA-BAND®ELASTIC RESISTANCE BANDS IMPROVES FUNCTIONAL ABILITY AND BALANCE OF THE UNTRAINED CONTRALATERAL LIMB
Authors: Kordosi S , Beneka A , Malliou P , Rokka S , Gioftsidou A , Tokmakidis S
Published: March 2014

Background

Cross-education (CE) is being studied for several decades and refers to the power transfer and proprioception in untrained limb after training of the homologous contralateral limb.

Objective

To examine whether unilateral strengthening of lower limbs with Thera-Band®elastic resistance bands is beneficial also for the untrained contralateral limb in functional ability and balance.

Design

A double blinding randomized prospective study.

Setting

The study was conducted in the Department of P.E and Sports, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece.

Participants

15 healthy physically active students (at least three training per week) were randomly selected to participate.

Interventions

The participants performed strength training with progressive overload for lower limbs, for 4 weeks, with frequency 3 times per week (12 sessions), duration of 30 minutes with 10 min warm up, 20 min strengthening exercises with Bands (Thera-Band®) of quadriceps, hamstrings and gastrocnemius muscles. The exercises were executed at stations from supine, lateral and sitting position (4 sets of 10 reps with 15 sec break between sets).

Main outcome measurements

A. Balance performance (total stability index as dependent variable of the Biodex Stability test) and b. functional ability (Single leg triple jump hop for distance with distance as dependent variable) at 3 times, before exercise period (pre), at the end (post) and 2 weeks after (retention). The hypothesis was formulated before data collection.

Results

One way repeated measures Anova revealed improvement for both limbs: a. Stability indextrainedpre 5.87±1.15, post 3.44±1.11, retention 3.61±1.12untrainedpre 5.90±1.82, post 3.61±1.61, retention 3.20±1.71 b. Triple jumptrainedpre 3.70±.89, post 4.06±.91, retention 4.01±.88,untrainedpre 3.78±.83, post 4.09±.85, retention 4.12±.71.

Conclusions

Unilateral strength training with Thera-Band® elastic resistance bands at lower limbs is effective in improving functional ability and balance of untrained limb.
EVALUATION OF A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY DESIGN OF TRAINING LOAD RISK FACTORS FOR INJURY IN ELITE JUNIOR AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALLERS
Authors: Lathlean T , Stevenson M , Gastin P , Finch C
Published: March 2014

Background

Research focused on elite senior Australian Football (AF) competition, during the in-season, has found training load (a measurement of both training intensity and duration) and factors such as cumulative load, monotony and strain to be associated with injury risk. Little is known about whether player training loads in elite junior footballers during a pre-season also predispose players to the risk of injury.

Objective

To explore pre-season training load risk factors for injury in elite junior Australian football players.

Design

An Australian Football prospective cohort study is currently underway to assess risk factors for injury over the course of the 2014 elite junior, Victorian state league competition (TAC Cup) season. Training load risk factors of weekly cumulative load, monotony and strain will be assessed over the course of the general and specific conditioning phases of the pre-season period of the 2014 TAC Cup season.

Setting

Elite junior AF.

Participants

Players, conditioning and medical staff involved with the Victorian elite junior competition (TAC Cup). Up to 480 participants, across 12 clubs, will be involved in this cohort study.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main outcome measurements

Number of new injuries across 40 weeks of training and 17 matches (rated as per 1000 training and playing hours), number of training sessions missed per injury and injury site, cause and mechanism.

Results

Specific training load risk factors (cumulative training load, monotony and strain) will be identified over the course of the TAC Cup season as to their association with the number of new injuries and missed training sessions.

Conclusions

This study aims to inform the pre-season conditioning of under-18 elite athletes in terms of both player load management and awareness of factors that could optimise player recovery, with the ultimate goal of resulting in fewer new injuries.
SEGMENTAL SPINE MOBILITY IN MEMBERS OF POLISH WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL NATIONAL TEAM
Authors: Lewandowski J , Ogurkowska M
Published: March 2014

Background

Accurate knowledge of the body build of top sports level volleyball player's is an important information as it is the basis for designation of model body build parameters, body proportions, and build type for a given playing position.

Objective

The main objectives of this study are to define angle values of physiological curvature and segmental spine mobility of the women's volleyball national team members.

Design

In order to obtain a complete picture of the female players' profile, to-date studies would need to be extended by knowledge on spondylometric characteristics of women playing volleyball professionally.

Setting

Studies of somatic and spondylometric characteristics were performed using the tensometric electrogoniometry system. Percentile ranks of somatic and spondylometric characteristics of the female player subject were devised.

Participants

The material includes 12 female players of Polish women's volleyball national team aged 20–27. The control group comprised female players from clubs competing in the Polish Women's Volleyball League.

Main outcome measurements

Although volleyball is considered a no-contact sports discipline, the player's body – including the spine – is exposed to loads related to performing various elements of the game. In particular, major loads with vertical direction are related to the player's jumping to attack or block, and may be the cause of deformations. Spondylometric characteristics of the female player subjects are slightly different from those of athletes in other sports disciplines where jumping ability is the leading feature.

Results

In the elite of Polish female volleyball players lumbar lordosis is dominant (33% above normal values), then cervical lordosis, while thoracic kyphosis is significantly flattened. Range of segmental spine mobility in most cases is lower than the adopted normal values. Significant forward flexion movement limitation in the thoracic section was observed. No functional symmetrisation of the subjects was observed.
GLENOHUMERAL INTERNAL ROTATION DEFICIT (GIRD) – DOES IT REALLY EXISTS IN HANDBALL PLAYERS?
Authors: Lubiatowski M , Grygorowicz M , Kaczmarek P , Cisowski P , Dzianach M , Dudzinski W , Romanowski L
Published: March 2014

Background

GIRD is a condition resulting in the loss of internal rotation of the glenohumeral joint as compared to the contralateral side. Mechanism of GIRD is caused by repetitive throwing such as a handball throw. Difference between total shoulders range of motion (ROM) more than 25° is considered as GIRD positive sign.

Objective

To compare glenohumeral rotation motion between dominant and non-dominant shoulder in handball players.

Design

Cross sectional study.

Setting

Elite handball division players.

Participants

The pilot studies included 48 professional handball players of average age 24.0±4.5 years, height 187.1±5.9 cm, weight 91.0±11.6 kg.

Interventions

All handball players were tested for internal (IR) and external (ER) glenohumeral rotation range of motion. Mean values, minimum, maximum and standard deviation were calculated. Differences between the dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) shoulder were determined. T-Test for two independent samples was used to analyze differences between D and ND shoulder. Statistical significance was set at P<.05.

Main Outcomes

ROM.

Results

We obtained:for ER_D 60.63°±13.23° and for ED_ND 58.65°±13.98°, respectively; for IR_D: 92.60°±6.92° and for IR_ND 88.96°±6.99°. Total ROM values were 153.23°±17.79° for D and 147.60°±18.76° for ND shoulder. Differences between D and ND shoulders was statistically significant only for IR: 3.65°±4.34°; P=.0118. For ER: 1.98°±4.92° and Total ROM: 5.63°±7.76° there was no significant differences (P>.05).

Conclusions

However there are some cases with glenohumeral internal rotation deficit there is more evidence that such a deficit does not exists in handball players. To verify this results further study with grater sample size should be conducted in comparison to other professional overhead athletes.
THE UEFA INJURY STUDY: 11-YEAR DATA CONCERNING 346 MCL INJURIES IN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL
Authors: Lundblad M , Waldén M , Magnusson H , Hägglund M , Karlsson J , Ekstrand J
Published: March 2014

Background

Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury of the knee is scarcely investigated in football.

Objective

To investigate the rate and circumstances of MCL injuries and their development over the past decade.

Design

Prospective cohort study, in which 27 professional football teams were followed between 2001/02 and 2011/12. Individual player exposure and time loss injuries were recorded.

Setting

Highest leagues in Europe.

Participants

1 743 male professional players.

Risk factor assessment

Seasonal trend, expressed as the average annual percentage of change, was analysed using linear regression with log-transformed injury rates as the dependent variable. A 2-year moving average approach, by summarising two consecutive seasons, was also used to smooth out large seasonal variations. Injury circumstances such as player contact and foul play was also studied.

Main outcome measurements

Injury rate was defined as the number of injuries per 1000 player hours.

Results

346 MCL injuries occurred during the study period, being the most common knee injury constituting 4% of all injuries. The MCL injury rate was 0.33 per 1000 hours, and a time trend analysis indicated a significant average annual decrease of approximately seven per-cent over the study period (P=.023). Almost 70% of all MCL injuries were contact-related, and no difference in lay-off times between contact (median=16, Q1=8, Q3=29) and non-contact (median=16, Q1=7, Q3=30) injuries was detected (P=.741). A higher percentage of foul play injuries were found in MCL contact injuries compared with other contact injuries during match play (24% vs. 18%, P=.015).

Conclusion

MCL injury is still the most frequent knee injury in professional football, but the rate has decreased significantly during the 11-year study period. MCL injuries are commonly caused by contact situations and foul play.
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF ELASTICITY CHANGES OF THE CANCELLOUS PART OF VERTEBRAL BODIES OF THE LUMBAR SPINE IN SPORTSMEN PROFESSIONALLY TRAINING STRENGTH AND STAMINA DISCIPLINES
Authors: Ogurkowska M , Lewandowski J
Published: March 2014

Background

Unfavorable biomechanical situations, usually related to the performance of a profession and competitive sports practice, promote formation of overloads. This problem may be particularly perceptible among sportsmen that practice strength and stamina sports. The present study deals with rowing.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the degree of changes of elasticity in the vertebral bodies of the lumbosacral spine in competitive rowers.

Design

The lesions of the intervertebral discs of the lumbosacral spine and the modification of bone structure aiming towards higher density, which were discovered in the tested rowers, resulted in the undertaking of further research in the area of contingent changes in their elasticity.

Setting

This research used a previously created original method, which due to the existence of relation between the structure of the bone tissue and its mechanical properties as well as radio-density, uses the possibilities of a computer tomograph.

Participants

The research was conducted over 20 athletes from the national team aged 21 to 33, practicing competitive rowing with symmetrical sculling oars.

Main outcome measurements

Overload lesions in the athletes (rowers) have a direct relation to the formation of morphological changes (degenerative changes) in the area of tissue structures of the lumbar spine;.

Results

Within the group of the tested rowers, in the cancellous part of the vertebral bodies of the lumbar spine (especially in vertebrae L3 to L5), an increase in the longitudinal elasticity modulus occurs, which aims towards values corresponding to those of a compact bone.

Conclusions

Biomechanical analysis of spine loads and new techniques and methods for the testing of the condition of spine tissue structure let us prove that competitive rowing practice, in its present form, leads to permanent overload lesions of the lumbar spine.
ASSOCIATION OF HIP RANGE OF MOTION AND UPPER EXTREMITY KINETICS IN YOUTH BASEBALL PITCHING
Authors: Oliver G , Plummer H , Johnson R , Holt T , Henning L , Weimar W
Published: March 2014

Background

The overhead throwing motion requires the coordination of efficient segmental actions between the lower and upper extremity. The complexity of the overhead throwing motion, especially in pitching, may be affected by restriction in lower extremity range of motion [ROM].

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between lower extremity ROM and upper extremity kinetics during baseball pitching.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Controlled laboratory setting. Youth sports.

Participants

12 baseball pitchers 811.1±1.2 yrs.; 44.0±6.7 kg; 152.3±6.4 cm), free from injury, with 2.4±1.2 years of pitching experience volunteered.

Interventions

Independent variables were hip internal (IR) and external (ER) ROMs. Dependent variables were shoulder and elbow kinetics.

Main outcome measurements

Outcome measurements consisted of hip IR and ER ROM, and shoulder and elbow kinetics. Shoulder and elbow kinetics were assessed at maximum shoulder external rotation (MER) and maximum shoulder internal rotation (MIR) of the pitching motion. The relationship between hip ROMs and kinetics were assessed with Person Product Correlation Coefficients (P≤.05).

Results

A significant negative relationship was evident between left hip IR (r=−0.82, P=.02), right hip ER (r=−0.76, P=.04) and elbow valgus forces at the point of MER. A negative relationship between right hip ER and shoulder distraction forces (r=−0.82, P=.02) at MIR was evident as well.

Conclusions

These data suggest that there was a complex relationship between hip ROM and upper extremity kinetics during baseball pitching. This may be the first documentation establishing an association between lower extremity ROM and upper extremity kinetics during youth pitching. With elbow and shoulder injuries on the rise in youth baseball, identifying pathomechanics that result in increased joint forces is paramount. Further research is necessary to identify specific mechanisms of injury to the upper extremity associated with lower extremity function.
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF INJURY AND ILLNESS IN GREAT BRITAIN SHORT-TRACK SPEED SKATING
Authors: Palmer-Green D , Brownlow M , Hopkins J , Eley J , Jaques R , Hunter G
Published: March 2014

Background

Prevention of injury and illness in elite sport can have not only athlete health benefits but also potential positive performance gains. As the first step towards prevention, valid injury/illness surveillance data is needed.

Objective

Provide injury/illness epidemiology information on the Great Britain (GB) short-track speed skating squad.

Design

Longitudinal prospective surveillance study, recording injury/illness, and training/competition exposure data. Definitions for injury/illness, time-loss and performance-restriction were used to identify the rate and severity of athlete injuries/illnesses.

Setting

GB short-track speed skating National training centre, including domestic and international training/competition venues during the 2009/2010 season.

Participants

11 (7 male; 4 female) National team athletes.

Interventions

Standardised report forms for injuries/illnesses were completed by medical, and competition/training exposure by coaching, support staff.

Main outcome measure

Injury/illness rate, severity and causes.

Results

There were 14 training (2.7/1000 athlete training hrs) and 2 competition (13/100 competition starts) injuries, and 12 illnesses. Equating 64% and 73% of the squad suffering at least one injury/illness, with 29 days and 5 days lost per injury/illness, respectively. Injuries to the thigh (38%), lumbar spine and knee (19% each) were most common, with 8, 19, and 43 days lost per injury, respectively. Overuse (gradual/sudden-onset: 38%), non-contact trauma (31%) and contact – static object (25%) were the most common causes of injury, with contact – static object (59d) and overuse (33d) most severe. Upper respiratory tract infection was the most common illness (75%), occurring more frequently around periods of competition and long haul travel.

Conclusions

Injury and illness seasonal prevalence was similar, but severity greater for injuries. Prevention initiatives targeting common and severe injuries/illnesses may be beneficial in reducing the number of athlete days lost to training/competition.
PREVIOUS HAMSTRING INJURY REDUCES PRE-SEASON IMPROVEMENTS IN ECCENTRIC STRENGTH IN ELITE AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL PLAYERS
Authors: Shield A
Published: March 2014

Background

Eccentric strength training can reduce hamstring strain injuries (HSIs), although a persistent neuromuscular inhibition after injury may reduce the trainability of this muscle group.

Objective

To test thea priorihypothesis that previous HSI results in a reduced increase in eccentric strength during pre-season training in elite AFL players.

Design

Case controlled observational study. Players with unilateral HSI, confirmed by MRI within the previous 12 months were compared with players who had no HSI.

Setting

5 elite Australian football teams from the AFL.

Participants

103 players were recruited, 28 of whom had sustained unilateral HSI in the previous 12 months. Others were free of lower limb injuries that may have influenced knee flexor strength.

Risk factor assessment

The categorical independent variable was the existence of HSI in the 12 months prior to the study (yes or no).

Main outcome measurements

Eccentric knee flexor strength gain in the preseason training period. Eccentric strength was measured as knee flexion forces at the ankles during the performance of the Nordic hamstring exercise.

Results

ANCOVA on changes in strength indicated that players with recent HSI made less progress in eccentric hamstring strength (–30 N; CI=-57 to –4 N; P=.0266) than those without HSI. This muted strength gain was observed in both the previously injured (13±61 N) and uninjured limbs (10±64 N) of players who had sustained unilateral injury.

Conclusions

Players with recent unilateral HSI exhibited reduced eccentric knee flexor strength gains in both limbs. The mechanism for this is unknown. Additional research should focus on both the reason for this diminished progress and on how to improve eccentric strength in footballers who have suffered hamstring strains.
COMPARISONS OF 3D- AND 2D-MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES AND OBSERVATIONAL REAL-TIME ASSESSMENT OF FRONTAL PLANE KNEE CONTROL IN A VERTICAL DROP JUMP LANDING
Authors: Steffen K , Kroken T , Krosshaug T
Published: March 2014

Background

Poor frontal plane knee control is suggested to be a risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Both 3D motion analysis and less complex methods, such as 2D video analysis and subjective assessments, have been used to assess frontal plane knee motion. However, the agreement between all three methods has not been investigated.

Objective

To determine the agreement between 3D and 2D motion analysis and real-time observational assessment of frontal plane knee control in a vertical drop jump (VDJ) landing.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

Research laboratory.

Participants

119 Norwegian female elite handball players.

Risk factor assessment

Players performed a VDJ during which movement was recorded with a 3D motion analysis system, a digital video camera, and real-time observational screening in frontal plane.

Main outcome measurements

3D and 2D knee-to-ankle separation ratios were calculated to assess frontal plane knee control. A physiotherapist independently scored the knee control as “good”, “reduced” or “poor”. All variables were assessed at peak knee flexion.

Results

Correlations between 3D and 2D knee-to-ankle-separation ratios and 2D and 3D versus real-time observation ranged from 0.63 to 0.75. Mean 3D and 2D knee-to-ankle-separation ratios were significantly lower for players being scored with “poor” compared to those with “reduced” or “good” frontal knee control.

Conclusion

Compared with the “gold standard” (3D analysis), both 2D motion analysis and real-time observations seem to be feasible tests to assess frontal knee control. The injury predictive value of the VDJ screening test remains to be answered.
EFFECTIVENESS OF CARDIAC SCREENING INCLUSIVE OF ECG IN YOUNG ATHLETES
Authors: Toresdahl B , Pelto H , Fudge J , Harmon K , Rao A , Asif I , Owens D , Prutkin J , Salerno J , Drezner J
Published: March 2014

Background

The primary objective of pre-participation screening in athletes is the detection of potentially lethal cardiac conditions. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends a directed history and physical examination. The added value of electrocardiogram (ECG) screening is debated.

 

  

% of Abnormalities DetectedFalse Positive RatePositive Predictive ValueHistory47.8%22.3%1.0%Physical30.4%14.9%1.0%ECG69.6%3.6%8.6%

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of different cardiac screening strategies in young competitive athletes.

Setting

Heart screening events in U.S. high schools from October 2010 through June 2013.

Patients

Competitive athletes ages 13-19.

Interventions

Heart health questionnaire and physical examination based on AHA recommendations, resting 12-lead ECG, and echocardiogram if indicated.

Main outcome measurements

Prevalence of potentially lethal cardiac conditions, false-positive results, and positive predictive value for testing procedures.

Results

4,812 athletes underwent cardiac screening (54% male, 46% female; 65% Caucasian, 10% Asian, 6% African-American, and 19% other). 23 athletes (0.5%, 1 in 209) were identified with a potentially lethal cardiac condition including 9 Wolff-Parkinson-White, 4 coronary artery anomaly, 3 dilated aortic root/aneurysm, 3 long QT syndrome, 2 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 1 ventricular arrhythmia, and 1 short QT syndrome. Abnormal history or physical findings led to the diagnosis in 14/23 (61%) disorders and an abnormal ECG led to the diagnosis in 16/23 (70%). The addition of ECG led to detection of 7/23 (30%) athletes not otherwise identified by the AHA protocol. One case was identified by echocardiography without a relevant abnormality on history, physical, or ECG.

Conclusions

Standardized history and physical examination has a high false-positive rate in cardiac screening of young athletes. ECG screening using modern interpretation criteria provides a low false-positive rate and increases the likelihood of detecting disorders associated with sudden cardiac death. An integrated screening protocol using history, physical examination, and ECG is recommended for pre-participation screening in young athletes.
BIKE POSITION-AN INSIGHT INTO ATHLETIC ABILITY TO ADAPT TO CHANGE?
Authors: Burt P
Published: March 2014

Background

The ergonomic interaction between a cyclist and their bike (bike fit) is a potential source of injury and under performance.

Objective

Expose the potential link between those riders who continually adjust their position (micro adjusters) and those do not (macro absorbers), and injury.

Design

Descriptive narrative of the longitudinal injury data and bike positional changes.

Setting

National Cycling Centre GB Cycling team. Clinical and technical rider input?-clinical, technical. All training and competition venues.

Participants

Podium and Podium Potential National Team athletes (16 female, 45 male).

Interventions

Injury/Illness Performance Project (IPP) injury audit, monitoring of bike set up and alterations made.

Main outcome measure

Reduce injury; improve performance by optimizing bike set up.

Results

Over the course of 2 years injury data audit collection a subjective correlation was noted between those riders who became injured and those who were sensitive to changes in bike set up. Riders who did not get injured observationally were less sensitive to positional changes. Changes to other equipment set up-pedals, cycling shoes elicited the same trend.

Conclusions

Does bike set up and a bike rider's sensitivity to it reflect their ability to adapt to and absorb change? This could be a useful parameter in identifying those individuals at risk from sudden bike set up changes, not only in position but also equipment and training i.e. the micro adjuster'svs.the macro absorbers of the world. More research is needed to establish the strength of the observed correlation. Ongoing injury audit has been adapted to capture this data.
ANGLE-SPECIFIC CHANGES IN ECCENTRIC HAMSTRING TORQUE AND HAMSTRING TO QUAD RATIO FOLLOWING SIMULATED SOCCER
Authors: Cohen D , Zhao B , Okwera B , Martyn M , Delextrat A
Published: March 2014

Background

Soccer-specific fatigue decreases eccentric peak torque and the functional peak hamstring to quadriceps torque ratio (fHecc:Qcon), changes thought to increase the risk of hamstring strain (HS). Inadequate eccentric muscle strength specifically at long length may also be a risk factor for HS. The effect of simulated soccer on the hamstring eccentric torque-angle profile, or the hamstring:quad torque ratio at specific joint angles has not been reported.

Objective

To determine the effect of a simulated soccer on angle-specific eccentric hamstring torque and angle-specific.Hecc:Qcon(AS.Hecc:Qcon) across the range of motion.

Design

Acute intervention.

Setting

Semi-professional soccer.

Participants

9 male players.

Risk factor assessment

Isokinetic concentric and eccentric knee flexion and concentric knee extension was evaluated in the dominant limb at 120°·s−1pre and post the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST).

Main outcome measurements

Changes in eccentric hamstrings torque, concentric quadriceps torque and hamstring:quadriceps torque ratios at 9 joint angles (AS.Hecc:Qcon), angle of peak torque (APT), andfHecc:Qcon.

Results

The LIST resulted in significant decreases in eccentric hamstring torque at 60˚, 50˚ and 10˚ and a significant (21.8%) decrease in AS.Hecc:Qconat 10˚ (P<.05). Eccentric hamstring APT increased significantly (P<.05) from 7.1˚to 18.8˚.

Conclusions

Simulated soccer produces angle-specific changes in hamstring eccentric torque and in AS.Hecc:Qconand a shift in the eccentric hamstring APT. Our findings suggest that a prevention programs should both increase fatigue resistance in the hamstrings and include exercises that specifically develop long-length eccentric hamstring strength. Further research is also needed to determine if the evaluation of angle-specific.Hecc:Qconimproves the predictive power of injury risk screening over assessment of the peak torquefHecc:Qconalone.
MEASURING THE ECCENTRIC EXTERNAL ROTATOR STRENGTH IN THE OVERHEAD ATHLETE, USING A HAND HELD DYNAMOMETER: NORMATIVE DATA IN HEALTHY OVERHEAD ATHLETES
Authors: Cools A , Johansson F , Cagnie B
Published: March 2014

Background

Recently, a novel reliable and valid protocol has been described for the measurement of eccentric strength of the external rotators of the shoulder, using a Hand Held Dynamometer (HHD). These muscles are prone to weakness in healthy as well as in injured overhead athletes. Objective assessment of muscle strength is imperative in the prevention and rehabilitation of shoulder injuries in the overhead athlete.

Objective

To provide a normative database of eccentric muscle strength in overhead athletes from several disciplines (tennis, volleyball, swimming, and gymnastics).

Design

Descriptive laboratory study.

Participants

200 healthy overhead athletes, active in different sport disciplines participated in the study.

Risk factor assessment

Eccentric rotator cuff strength of the external rotators was assessed from a position of 90°–90° abduction/external rotation to 90° abduction in neutral rotation at a speed of 30°/sec, and correlated to isometric rotator cuff muscle strength values in several positions.

Results

The study will be executed sept-jan 2013, results are to be presented from March 2014.

Conclusion

This study provides a normative database of eccentric muscle strength data, measured with a HHD. This device is easy to use in a field or training center environment, and therefore valuable in the prevention and rehabilitation of shoulder injuries in the overhead athlete.
DESCRIPTIVE PROFILE OF SHOULDER AND SCAPULAR ROM AND STRENGTH MEASUREMENTS IN JUNIOR RECREATIONAL AND ELITE GYMNASTS
Authors: Cools A , van De Lanotte L
Published: March 2014

Background

Gymnastic sports requires repetitive high load overhead movements that can lead to upper extremity injury. The scapula and the shoulder play a vital role in injury-free performance. Scapular dysfunction and glenohumeral changes in strength and range of motion (ROM) have been associated with shoulder injury in the overhead athlete.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to describe scapular position and strength, and shoulder ROM and strength variables in a population of junior and adolescent recreational and elite gymnastics in the age categories 6–18 years.

Design

Descriptive study, cross-sectional design.

Setting

Training sports facilities.

Participants

Junior and adolescent gymnastics from different disciplines.

Risk factor assessment

A clinical screening protocol, using a digital inclinometer and a hand held dynamometer, to measure strength and mobility of the shoulder girdle.

Main outcome measures

(1) scapular upward rotation (UR) at several angles of arm elevation, (2) isometric scapular muscle strength (3) glenohumeral ROM, and (4) isometric rotator cuff strength.

Results

Data will be collected sept-dec 2013, and will be presented at the conference.

Conclusion

This study provides a descriptive profile of shoulder and scapular measurements in a population of elite and recreational gymnasts. These data may help the clinician to screen healthy gymnasts in their injury prevention program.
EFFECT OF AN INTERNALLY VERSUS EXTERNALLY FOCUSED ACL INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAM ON INJURY RISK
Authors: Dallinga J , Benjaminse A , Gokeler A , Otten E , Lemmink K
Published: March 2014

Background

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention programs have shown mixed results, which may be in part due to suboptimal training components.

Objective

Determine effects of a prevention program with external and internal focus of attention on (potential) biomechanical risk factors for ACL injury.

Design

Pretest-posttest control group.

Setting

Laboratory and field.

Participants

31 elite female soccer players participated. Exclusion criteria included previous ACL injury or current lower extremity injury.

Intervention

Two teams performed warm-up programs, including strength, agility, balance, plyometric, core and speed exercises twice a week for 12 weeks. One team received instructions to focus attention internally toward movements of the body (INT); another team received instructions to focus attention externally near the body (EXT). The control group (CON) performed their regular warming-up without specific instructions.

Main outcome measurements

Normalized external knee and ankle joint moments and joint angles on a two-legged jump-landing-rebound task.

Results

Results of 3x2 repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant group x time interaction for peak knee extension moment (F (2,23)=4.09, P=.03), the EXT group decreased more (–0.90±0.16 to −0.73±0.15 Nm/kg*m) than the CON group (P<.05). Regarding knee flexion angle at peak varus-valgus, a significant interaction was observed (F (2,26)=3.95, P=.03), the INT group increased more (61.58±11.14 to 69.07±1.53°) than the EXT group (P=.08). Differences between groups were found for peak varus-valgus moment (F (2,26)=4.81, P=.02) and ankle flexion-extension moment (F (2,26)=6.40, P<.01). No significant main effects for time were displayed.

Conclusions

External or internal focused instructions could be beneficial in improving landing technique, which is promising as an external focus of attention requires less time from coaches and has therefore great potential in ACL injury prevention.
EFFECT OF BALANCE TRAINING ON DYNAMIC POSTURAL CONTROL IN SUBJECTS WITH CHRONIC ANKLE INSTABILITY
Authors: De Ridder R , Willems T , Vanrenterghem J , Roosen P
Published: March 2014

Background

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a frequently reported residual outcome after an acute ankle sprain. Balance training is common daily practice in treatment of CAI, but its effect on CAI associated mechanisms as postural control remains unclear.

Objective

The aim of this study was to establish the presence of postural deficits in subjects with CAI and assess the effect of an 8-week balance training program on dynamic postural control.

Design

Case-control baseline group characteristics were determined and intervention effects were evaluated.

Setting

All subjects were tested in a laboratory setting and the intervention group performed a home-based balance protocol.

Participants

Data were collected for 74 recreationally active subjects (43 subjects with CAI and 31 controls).

Interventions

Subjects with CAI performed an 8-week progressive, home-based balance protocol. Subjects had to perform these balance exercises 3 times a week. Eighteen subjects with CAI first served as control group without intervention, before entering the balance program.

Main outcome measurements

Postural control was quantified by means of the dynamic postural stability index (DPSI) and its separate directional stability indices (mediolateral, anterior/posterior and vertical). Perceptual outcomes were documented using the FADI and FADI-Sport.

Results

At baseline, subjects with CAI displayed higher anterior/posterior (P=.002) and vertical postural instability (P=.001), a poorer DPSI (P<.001), and lower subjective stability scores (FADI and FADI-Sport, P<.001) compared to the control group. After balance training, stability scores improved significantly (FADI p=0.001, FADI-Sport P=.005), although no changes were noted for the stability indices.

Conclusion

Subjects with CAI have an impaired postural control. As a treatment modality, balance training exhibits its capability of improving the subjective feeling of instability in subjects with CAI. However, there was no effect on dynamic postural control measured by DPSI.
A ONE YEAR PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON ANKLE STABILITY AND LANDING TECHNIQUE: THE OCCURRENCE OF ANKLE AND KNEE INJURIES IN ELITE BALL TEAM ATHLETES
Authors: van der Does H , Brink M , Lemmink K
Published: March 2014

Background

In team sports lower extremity injuries account for over 50% of all injuries, indicating the importance of early detection of athletes at risk.

Objective

Investigating the predictive value of ankle stability and landing technique at baseline for ankle and knee injury occurrence during the consecutive season in indoor team sport athletes.

Design

Prospective longitudinal cohort study.

Setting

(Sub-)elite level basketball, korfball or volleyball athletes.

Participants

Out of 58 athletes 42 athletes (age: 22.2±3.9 yr, height: 184.5±11.8 cm, mass: 79.0±15.2 kg) met the inclusion criteria; being ≥18 years, performed baseline measurement and completion of season.

Risk factor assessment

Athletes performed the Single-Leg Jump-Landing (SLJL) test and the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) Jump at baseline. SLJL test resulted in a dynamic stability index (DSI) in medial-lateral (ml), anterior-posterior (ap) and vertical (v) direction for frontal, diagonal and lateral jump direction. High DSI indicates poor stability. The LESS determines an athlete's landing technique; high score represents poor landing technique.

Main outcome measurements

Ankle and knee injuries were registered according to the FIFA registration system.

Results

9 ankle injuries and 7 knee injuries were reported. Athletes that reported an ankle injury scored a significant (P≤.05) higher DSI compared to non-injured athletes in diagonal ap (0.072±0.01 vs 0.066±0.01), diagonal v (0.350±0.06 vs 0.305±0.05) and lateral ap (0.057±0.01 vs 0.047±0.01) direction. Athletes that reported a knee injury scored a non-significant higher LESS score (7.46±1.38) compared to non-injured athletes (6.20±2.0).

Conclusions

Athletes who sustained an ankle injury during the season showed higher DSI at baseline. Athletes with a knee injury showed tendency toward poorer landing technique. Both tests seem feasible to screen athletes at baseline giving insight in high-risk athletes. Prevention programs could be implemented preventing these athletes from sustaining an injury.
Birth characteristics in a clinical sample of women seeking infertility treatment: a case–control study
Authors: Vikström Josefin , Hammar Mats , Josefsson Ann , Bladh Marie , Sydsjö Gunilla
Published: March 2014

Objective

To determine the distribution of low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth, small for gestational age (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA) by main cause of infertility (female, combined, male, unexplained) in women seeking infertility treatment.

Design

A case–control study.

Setting

A Centre for Reproductive Medicine in Sweden.

Participants

All women (n=1293) born in Sweden in 1973 or later and who were part of heterosexual couples seeking infertility treatment at a Centre of Reproductive Medicine from 2005 to 2010 were asked to participate. Those who had not begun the diagnostic process and who declined participation in the study were excluded. In total, 1206 women (94.5%) participated in the study.

Main outcome measures

Main cause of infertility (female, combined, male, unexplained) collected from the patients’ medical charts. LBW (<2500 g), preterm birth (<37 weeks), SGA (<−2SD of the mean weight for the gestational length) and LGA (>+2SD of the mean weight for the gestational length), collected from the Swedish Medical Birth Register.

Results

The risk of being born with LBW was increased about 2.4 times (OR=2.40, CI 1.13 to 5.07, p=0.02) in women seeking treatment for infertility due to female causes rather than for male or unexplained causes. Women with a female infertility factor were 2.7 times more likely to be born SGA (OR=2.73, CI 1.02 to 7.34, p=0.047) compared with those in whom the cause of infertility was unexplained.

Conclusions

Women born with LBW or SGA seem to suffer an increased risk of infertility due to a female factor. Thus, infants born with birth characteristics that deviate from the norm may be at greater risk of difficulties in childbearing later on in life. Since this study is the first of its kind, more studies are needed to verify the associations found in this study and to determine their nature.