bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KINEMATIC ANALYSIS OF PRESSING MOVEMENTS IN WOMEN'S SOCCER COMPETITIONS
Authors: Sasaki Shogo , Koga Hideyuki , Krosshaug Tron , Fukubayashi Toru
Published: August 2017

Background

The most common movements that occur during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in soccer are “pressing” movements. There are currently no accurate kinematic descriptions of joint kinematics in pressing movements in defensive situations.

Objective

To describe the knee and hip joint kinematics during pressing actions in soccer in order to identify kinematic patterns in high-risk situations for ACL injuries.

Design

Case study

Setting

Competitive level, division-1 amateur female soccer league in Japan.

Participants

Five video sequences involving 4 collegiate soccer players.

Assessment of Risk Factors

The high-risk pressing situations were determined by the large distance between trunk and foot placements in the sagittal plane.

Main Outcome Measurements

The knee and hip joint kinematics using model-based image-matching technique.

Results

The mean knee flexion angle at initial contact (IC) was 13°; it had increased by 11° (95% CI: 3°–14°) 40 ms after IC. As for knee adduction and rotation angles, the knee positions were close to neutral at IC, and only minor knee angular changes occurred later in the sequences. The mean hip flexion was 25° at IC, and had increased by 22° (95% CI: 11°–32°) 100 ms later. The hip was also externally rotated 7° at IC, and gradually rotated internally, reaching 10° of internal rotation 100 ms after IC.

Conclusions

In contrast with previously reported injury-causing situations, the present knee did not experience rapid knee valgus and increased internal rotation. The hip displayed a smooth transition after IC, which contrasted with previously reported hip kinematics of substantial internal rotation and static hip flexion in injury situations. This study suggests that the observed sudden changes in knee valgus and rotation, as well as the static hip flexion seen in ACL injury situations are unique to such situations, supporting the view that these characteristics likely contribute to the injury mechanism.
HAMSTRING INJURIES IN MAJOR AND MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: ARE THEY PREVENTABLE?
Authors: Silvers-Granelli Holly , Zachazewski James , Li Bernard , Insler Stephanie , Mandelbaum Bert , Ahmad Christopher , Snyder-Mackler Lynn
Published: August 2017

Background

Hamstring injuries are the leading cause of time loss injury in professional baseball, accounting for 6% of all injuries.

Objective

To test the efficacy of a hamstring injury prevention program (HIP) designed to address the incidence of acute and chronic hamstring injuries and re-injuries that occur in professional baseball.

Design

Prospective cluster cohort study.

Setting

Major (MAJ) and Minor (MIN) League Professional Baseball (USA).

Patients (Participants)

One Major and Minor League organization served as the intervention (INT) team; which encompassed Rookie, Fall Ball, Class A, AA, AAA and MAJ rosters (6 total teams). A total of 213 athletes were consented: MIN: N=173 and MAJ: N=40 .

Intervention

Athletes completed a questionnaire detailing their HSI history. The HIP was disseminated to the medical staff, which was instructed on program implementation.

Main Outcome Measurements

The data was analysed for program compliance and hamstring injury (HSI) rates compared to the control group (CON).

Results

There were 2 HSI's in the INT vs. 79 in the CON in the MAJ (IR: 0.025 INT vs 0.068 CON, p<0.05); constituting a 25% reduction in HSI. There were 7 HSI's in the INT vs. 297 in the CON (IR: 0.039 INT vs. 0.065 CON, p<0.05), constituting a 40% reduction in MIN HSI. There was a significant reduction in time loss due to injury. There were 9 INT vs. 25.9 CON days lost, resulting in a 65.3% reduction in time loss in the MAJ (p<0.05). The Minor League reported 11.63 INT vs. 21.3 CON days lost, resulting in a 45.3% reduction in time loss (p<0.05).

Conclusions

The reduction in HSI is consistent with existing literature with respect to the efficacy of an HIP to reduce HSI in athletes. This study is continuing for an additional competitive season (three year prospective).
NO DIFFERENCE IN MUSCLE INJURY RATES DURING PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL MATCHES PRECEDED BY THREE TO FIVE DAYS OF RECOVERY
Authors: Bengtsson Håkan , Ekstrand Jan , Waldén Markus , Hägglund Martin
Published: August 2017

Background

There are conflicting results concerning associations between match congestion and injury rates in professional football.

Objective

To analyze associations between short term match congestion and injury rates in professional football and to study the influence of long term match congestion on such associations.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Male professional football.

Participants

122 743 individual match exposures for 2 625 players.

Assessment of Risk Factors

Short term match congestion was defined as the number of days recovery between two match exposures. Long term match congestion was defined as the total match exposure in 30 days preceding a match. Injury rates during individual player match exposures were compared depending on short term match congestion (≤3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 to 10 recovery days). To analyse the influence of players' long term match congestion all match observations were grouped into tertiles (long term match congestion ≤5.0, 5.0 to 7.5 and ≥7.5 hours respectively) and analysed separately.

Main Outcome Measurements

Muscle injury rates.

Results

There was no difference in muscle injury rates in matches preceded by four (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.19) or five (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.25) days recovery compared with the reference group three or less. However, muscle injury rates were lower in matches preceded by six (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.97) or seven to ten days of recovery (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.93) compared with three or less. The same patterns persisted in all long term match congestion tertiles.

Conclusions

While no protective effect was seen after four or five days recovery compared to three or less days muscle injury rates were lower after six or more days recovery between matches.
THE INCIDENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF SHOULDER PAIN IN JUNIOR COMPETITIVE SWIMMERS
Authors: Suzuki Yuta , Urabe Yukio , Noriaki Maeda , Morita Miho , Shima Toshiya , Shirakawa Taizan
Published: August 2017

Background

The relationship between shoulder pain and shoulder flexibility has not been clarified because of different views regarding differences in age or competition level among research-targeted swimmers. Studies to date have hardly examined junior (aged 12 to 17) competitive swimmers.

Objective

To determine the risk factors related to shoulder pain and its prevention in junior competitive swimmers.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Four swimming clubs belonging to the Hiroshima Prefecture Swimming Federation.

Participants

Eighty-one competitive swimmers (45 male and 36 female).

Assessment of Risk Factors

A self-administered questionnaire was used to investigate injury history with or without shoulder pain, years of swimming experience, and stroke specialty. To assess the effect of flexibility on shoulder pain, shoulder rotation width, latissimus dorsi flexibility, and internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) angles in the second position were measured.

Main Outcome Measurements

Preliminary bivariate logistic regression analyses identified the aforementioned variables associated with shoulder pain, and variables with p values<0.15 were retained for the multivariate analyses. The independent predictors of shoulder pain as well as odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated from the final logistic regression model.

Results

Of the 81 participants, 57 (70.4%) had competitive swimming–related pain. Among them, 28 (49.1%) had shoulder pain, the most prevalent pain type. Male swimmers with low IR angles and fewer years of swimming experience were at 1.06 and 1.42 times greater risk of shoulder pain, while female swimmers with low IR and wider shoulder rotation widths were at 1.02 and 1.07 times greater risk of shoulder pain, respectively.

Conclusions

This study showed that low shoulder flexibility were significantly associated with shoulder pain. To apply these findings practically to identify swimmers who may be at increased risk of developing shoulder pain and the use of proper preventive programs may prevent shoulder pain.
2D VIDEO FEEDBACK IMPROVES LANDING TECHNIQUE IN ELITE FEMALE HANDBALL PLAYERS
Authors: Benjaminse Anne , Janssen Ina , Postma Wytze , Otten Bert
Published: August 2017

Background

In handball an anterior cruciate ligament injury often occurs during a jump shot landing. Video feedback is effective to improve landing although little is known about its influence in sport-specific movements.

Objective

Test effectiveness of video overlay feedback on landing technique.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Controlled laboratory with elite athletes.

Participants

Sixteen female handball players were randomly assigned to a Control (CG) or Video (VG) Group.

Interventions

Both groups performed jump shots in pre-test (5 trials), two training sessions (TR1 & TR2, 2x10 trials) and post-test (5 trials). In TR1 and TR2, the VG received self-controlled video feedback of an expert model with an overlay of their own jump shots.

Main Outcome Measurements

Knee and hip flexion angles (initial contact (IC), maximum (MAX) and range of motion (ROM)). Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) score. Shot accuracy, jump height and distance to assess performance.

Results

From pre- to post-test, knee (pre-test IC: −12.4°±3.9, post-test IC: −17.3°±2.4, pre-test MAX: −70.4°±2.8, post-test MAX: −99.6°±11.3, pre-test ROM: −58.1°±5.3, post-test ROM: −82.3°±10.5) and hip (pre-test IC: 29.7°±4.4, post-test IC: 38.7°±6.4, pre-test MAX: 58.9°±11.4, post-test MAX: 97.8°±17.6, pre-test ROM: 31.6°±12.5, post-test ROM: 63.9°±11.7) flexion improved in the VG (p<0.05). The VG reduced their LESS score (pre-test 8.1, post-test 4.0; p<0.05). CG did not show significant changes, resulting in group*time interaction effects for mentioned variables (p<0.05). No differences were found in shot accuracy and jump height, whilst jump distance increased at post-test in the VG.

Conclusions

Overlay visual feedback is effective to improve landing technique during a jump shot whilst maintaining performance. For enhancing injury prevention, it is imperative to determine long-term effects and transfer to training and game situations.
IS SHOE DROP A KEY FACTOR FOR INJURY PREVENTION IN RUNNING? PART 2: AN RCT ON RUNNING BIOMECHANICS
Authors: Theisen Daniel , Gette Paul , Chambon Nicolas , Urhausen Axel , Malisoux Laurent
Published: August 2017

Background

So far, only few biomechanical studies have specifically addressed the acute effect of the heel-to-toe drop in running shoes, but longitudinal studies are lacking.

Objective

Our aim was to investigate if the drop of conventional cushioned shoes induces specific long-term adaptations in running technique.

Design

Randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Leisure-time distance runners were tested on a treadmill at their preferred running speed before and after a 6-month period.

Participants

Study participants (n=59), unexperienced with minimalist shoes, were recruited via advertisements in local newspapers.

Intervention

The participants received a pair of running shoes with a drop of 10 mm (D10, n=20), 6 mm (D6, n=17) or 0 mm (D0, n=22). Apart from the shoe drop, the 3 versions were strictly identical.

Main Outcome Measurements

Kinematic and spatio-temporal variables of running trials were obtained using synchronized systems for three-dimensional motion analysis (200 Hz) and step cycle event detection. Joint angles were investigated at initial contact and mid-stance phase of 151±22 analysed steps per record. Two-way analysis of variance for repeated measures with the post hoc Bonferroni correction was used and accepted significance was set at p<0.05.

Results

The participants performed on average a total of 332±178 km over 163±16 days between pre- and post-tests. No interaction between shoe drop and time was found for any of the spatio-temporal variables, or for any angles at initial contact. At mid-stance phase, a significant shoe drop by time interaction was found for knee abduction angle (p=0.032). For D0 group, knee abduction decreased (−0.3±3.1 vs. -1.3±2.6°) in contrast to D6 (0.3±2.7 vs. 1.3±3.1°) and D10 (−0.2±3.2 vs. 0.5±3.1°) groups. However, none of the pairwise comparisons was significant in the post-hoc analysis.

Conclusions

Shoe drop of standard cushioned shoes does not seem to influence long term adaptation in running biomechanics.
PEAK PLANTAR FORCE IN ELITE SOCCER PLAYERS FOLLOWING ACL RECONSTRUCTION: GREATER SYMMETRY AFTER 9 MONTHS WHEN RUNNING
Authors: Thomson Athol , Whiteley Rod , Einarsson Einar , Bleakley Chris
Published: August 2017

Background

Meeting specific objective discharge criteria after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) or delaying return to sport (RTS) until nine months post ACLR decreases the risk of re-injury.

Objective

Compare plantar forces during running in two groups of soccer players: cases (5–10 months post ACLR) vs controls (no history of ACLR).We also undertook within subjects comparison (injured vs uninjured limb). Players were arbitrarily divided into two groups (≥9 months post ACLR or <9 months post ACLR) and peak plantar forces and symmetry across different running speeds compared.

Design

Case-control study.

Setting

Elite male soccer players.

Participants

Sixteen football players (age 26±4 yrs, weight 74±6 kg, height 178±6 cm) post ACLR on completion of criteria based rehabilitation and 16 uninjured players (28±4 yrs, 77±9 kg, 179±6 cm) were recruited.

Interventions

In-shoe plantar force measured (Novel PedarX) while running on a treadmill at 12,14, and 16 km/h.

Main Outcome Measurements

Peak plantar forces of the injured and uninjured limbs in athletes <9 months post-ACLR and those ≥9 months ACLR were compared. Negative vales indicate relatively lower peak forces on the injured leg. Normative data was collected in uninjured players for comparison (N=16).

Results

Increasing asymmetry for peak plantar force was demonstrated at all running speeds in athletes <9 months post ACLR (n=11) compared to athletes ≥9 months (n=5). Increasing asymmetry was seen with increasing running speed and peaked at 16 km/h −32±11% asymmetry compared to −6±8%; ES=−2.8, p<0.01. Controls showed substantially less asymmetry at each running speed than <9 months ACLR players: 16 km/h (3.8±3% peak plantar force limb asymmetry).

Conclusions

Relative unloading of the ACLR limb is marked at higher running speeds for athletes <9 months post ACLR despite having completed all functional criteria required to permit return to play. These preliminary findings may help add further objective criteria to guide RTS following ACLR.
A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ADIPOSITY AND SPORT INJURY RISK IN YOUTH
Authors: Toomey Clodagh , Patton Declan , Whittaker Jackie , Richmond Sarah , Emery Carolyn
Published: August 2017

Background

Obesity, defined as an accumulation of excessive fat mass that impairs health, is associated with lower levels of neuromuscular control including balance and coordination, which may place youth with higher adiposity at greater risk for injury during sport participation. On the opposite end of the spectrum, excessively low fat mass can also pose an injury risk.

Objective

To determine if adiposity is a risk factor for sport injury in children and adolescents.

Design

Systematic Review.

Methods

Ten electronic databases were systematically searched using key words and Medical Sub-Heading terms. Studies selected included: English language; original data; analytic design; adiposity measurement by age- and sex-adjusted body mass index (BMI) or body fat using imaging, impedance or predictive methods and; children, adolescents and young adults ≤20 years who sustained a musculoskeletal injury during sport or recreation participation that resulted in medical attention or time loss from sport or activities. PRISMA guidelines were followed and studies were assessed by two independent raters. Level of evidence was assessed using the Oxford Centre of Evidence-Based Medicine model.

Results

Of 8029 potentially relevant records, 44 were included in the final review. 75% of these studies were of prospective cohort design (level 2b evidence). Twenty-one studies concluded that a BMI rating of overweight/obese is a significant risk factor for injury; the majority (12/21) of these studies assessed lower extremity injury (e.g. ankle sprain and medial tibial stress syndrome). Nineteen studies showed no association between anthropometric measurement and injury; the majority (14/19) assessed all sport injury. Finally, a BMI rating of underweight (4 studies) was more commonly associated with risk of stress fracture.

Conclusions

There is consistent level 2b evidence that a rating of overweight/obesity is associated with lower extremity injury. Anthropometric risk of injury appears to be dependent on type and site of injury in youth sport.
THE INFLUENCE OF PREVIOUS INJURY HISTORY ON HEALTH AND FITNESS OUTCOMES IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Authors: Berg Carla van den , Doyle-Baker Patricia K , Nettel-Aguirre Alberto , Richmond Sarah , Emery Carolyn
Published: August 2017

Background

Children and youth who sustain a sport and recreational (S&R) injury may be at greater risk of attributing long-term unhealthy body composition and low physical fitness.

Objective

To assess the potential influence of previous S&R injury on body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, musculoskeletal strength, and dynamic balance in junior high school students.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

Junior high schools in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Participants

Students aged 11–16 years (n=1,039; 584 males and 455 females) from six junior high schools.

Assessment of Risk Factors

Participants reported information on demographics, sport participation over the previous year, and S&R injuries sustained in the previous 12 months via a questionnaire.

Main Outcome Measurements

Physical fitness measures included predicted VO2max from a 20-m shuttle run to assess cardiorespiratory fitness, vertical jump to assess lower body musculoskeletal fitness, and the Y-balance and unipedal eyes closed balance tests to assess dynamic balance. Health outcome measures to assess body composition included waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI) calculated from height and weight measures. Statistical analyses (adjusting for age, sex, and mean weekly hours of sport participation) to assess the association between previous S&R injury (yes/no) and each outcome included multivariable logistic regression for body composition measures and multivariable linear regression for physical fitness measures.

Results

One hundred eighty-eight (18.1%) students reported sustaining a S&R injury in the previous year. Previously injured participants had significantly higher BMI (OR=1.82, 99% CI 1.07–3.11) compared to uninjured participants. Exploratory analysis results suggest a more in-depth look at the association between number of previous injuries and body composition.

Conclusions

Participants with a history of injury demonstrated unhealthier body composition compared to uninjured participants. Body composition should be considered in future injury prevention research in youth.
A CONCEPT MAPPING APPROACH TO IDENTIFY PERCEIVED FACILITATORS TO ENHANCE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INJURY PREVENTION TRAINING IN YOUTH TEAM HANDBALL: THE I-PROTECT PROJECT
Authors: Ageberg Eva , Bunke Sofia , Andersson Karolina , Nilsen Per , Donaldson Alex
Published: August 2017

Background

Evidence-based injury preventive exercise programs (IPEPs) usually have limited public health impact because they are not widely implemented into regular training routines.

Objective

To identify facilitators that could help make IPEPs part of regular training routines in youth team handball.

Design

Ecological participatory approach incorporating the perspective of multiple stakeholders. This is the first phase in a series of studies within the “Implementing injury Prevention exercise ROutines in TEams and Clubs in youth Team handball (I-PROTECT)” project.

Setting

Two community team handball clubs in Sweden offering organized training for youth players.

Participants

Stakeholders from multiple levels of youth handball.

Methods

Concept Mapping (CM), a mixed-method approach for qualitative data collection and quantitative data analysis, was used. CM involves steps from generating statements from stakeholders to conceptualizing a framework for developing an implementation plan.

Results

179 stakeholders (32% players, 14% coaches, 42% caregivers, and 12% club, district and national handball administrators) participated in a brainstorming in response to the question “In order to make injury prevention training a part of our regular handball training routines I need….”. This generated 89 unique ‘facilitator’ statements which are currently being sorted into clusters and rated for ‘importance’ and ‘feasibility’ by 35 stakeholders. To date, data collection is completed for 11 of 35 stakeholders, yielding 5 clusters (stress value 0.255): “Understanding and motivation”, “Education, knowledge and consistency”, “Exercises and set-up”, “Routines and quality assurance”, and “Club policy and expert collaboration”. Statements rated as both highly important and feasible indicate that developing an IPEP and an associated implementation plan in partnership with all stakeholders should be a high priority.

Conclusions

The preliminary results suggest that developing an evidence-based context-specific IPEP and an associated context-specific implementation plan in partnership with all stakeholders should be a high priority to ensure successful IPEP implementation in youth team handball.
NEUROMUSCULAR TRAINING EFFECTS ON THE STIFFNESS PROPERTIES OF THE KNEE JOINT AND LANDING BIOMECHANICS OF YOUNG FEMALE RECREATIONAL ATHLETES
Authors: Wang Dan , Vito Giuseppe De , Ditroilo Massimiliano , Delahunt Eamonn
Published: August 2017

Background

Stiffness properties of the knee joint and landing biomechanics are important factors linked to injury risk. Neuromuscular training may mitigate the risk injury and simultaneously improve sports performance.

Objective

To investigate the effect of neuromuscular training on the stiffness properties of the knee joint and landing biomechanics of young female recreational athletes.

Design

Quasi-experimental study.

Setting

Biomechanics laboratory.

Participants

Twenty-six female recreational athletes.

Interventions

Intervention group: combined plyometric (drop jump movements, cutting techniques with quick reactions and maximal effort) and resistance (body-weight, dumbbell and Thera-Band®exercises) training, 3 times/week for 6 weeks; control group: regular physical activity.

Main Outcome Measurements

Peak torque of the knee extensors, relaxed and contracted muscle stiffness of the vastus lateralis, knee joint musculoarticular stiffness (MAS), and drop vertical jump (DVJ) performance were assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Results

Post-intervention MAS increased significantly (pre-1657.58±338.53 Nm−1,post-1930.79±419.15 Nm−1) in the intervention group only. Additionally, compared with the control group the intervention group exhibited an increased rate of torque development (pre-905.13±90.31 Nms−1,post-1076.35±93.14 Nms−1), decreased knee valgus (pre-7.86±5.86 °;post-2.48±5.34 °), increased maximum knee flexion (pre-73.17±9.32 °;post-79.68±9.70 °), increased flight time (pre-0.43±0.04 s;post-0.46±0.03 s), an increase in DVJ height (pre-0.23±0.04 m;post-0.26±0.04 m), as well as decreased peak ground reaction force of the first (pre-2.44±0.60 Nkg−1;post-1.83± 0.47 Nkg−1) and second landings (pre-2.34±0.86 Nkg−1;post-2.06±0.92 Nkg−1) of the DVJ.

Conclusions

Neuromuscular training can improve the stiffness characteristics of the knee joint and landing biomechanics of recreational female athletes.
CARDIOVASCULAR INCIDENTS, INCLUDING SUDDEN CARDIAC ARRESTS, IN PROFESSIONAL MALE FOOTBALL PLAYERS WITH NEGATIVE PRE-PARTICIPATING CARDIAC SCREENING RESULTS AN 8-YR FOLLOW-UP STUDY
Authors: Berge Hilde Moseby , Andersen Thor Einar , Bahr Roald
Published: August 2017

Background

The aim of preparticipation cardiac screening of athletes is to detect cardiovascular disease at an early stage to prevent sudden cardiac death and sudden cardiac arrest. Few studies focus on consequences of false negative findings.

Objective

The main objective of this study was to identify cardiovascular incidents in a cohort of male professional football players with negative screening results.

Design

Retrospective eight years follow-up study.

Setting

Follow-up of systematic preparticipation cardiac screening completed prior to the 2008 football season of 604 players cleared for full participation in the Norwegian professional leagues, including player and family history, electrocardiography and echocardiography.

Patients (or Participants)

All players who suffered severe cardiovascular incidents during 8 years of follow-up.

Interventions (or Assessment of Risk Factors)

Media search with key words football and cardiovascular incidents in Norway from January 1st 2008 until February 13th 2016. We collected medical records from players with disease and compared preparticipation cardiac screening results with outcome.

Main Outcome Measurements

Players from the original cohort who suffered sudden cardiac death or arrest, angina pectoris or myocardial infarction, transitory ischemic attack, cerebral haemorrhage or infarction, atrial flutter or fibrillation, blood clot, myocarditis or pericarditis.

Results

Six players with negative screening results, median age 30 years (27–36), had experienced cardiovascular incidents during follow-up. Three players had suffered sudden cardiac arrest, one myocardial infarction, one transitory ischemic attack and one atrial flutter. Four of the incidents happened during or straight after a match, and one during training.

Conclusions

More than 1 in 100 players with negative screening results suffered severe cardiovascular incidents, included three sudden cardiac arrests, within 8 yrs of follow up. Mandatory preparticipation cardiovascular screening of professional soccer teams in Norway was not able to prevent this.
SPORTS-RELATED ELBOW ULNAR COLLATERAL LIGAMENT INJURY IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Authors: Zaremski Jason , McClelland JoAnna , Vincent Heather , Vincent Kevin , Herman Daniel , Smith Michael Seth , Prine Bryan , Farmer Kevin , Moser Michael , Horodyski MaryBeth
Published: August 2017

Background

Elbow ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries are common injuries in adolescent athletes, particularly overhead athletes. Surgical UCL incidence and outcomes are well-researched, but non-surgical UCL injury patterns and management in developing athletes are not clear.

Objective

To determine patterns of UCL injuries among competitive athletes aged 11–22 years. We hypothesized that non-surgical UCL injuries occurred more frequently in younger athletes during the time frame of 2000–2016.

Design

Descriptive epidemiological study.

Setting

Academic, tertiary medical center.

Patients (or Participants)

Electronic medical records and key word searches were used to identify patients with UCL injuries sustained during competitive athletics (N=136).

Interventions (or Assessment of Risk Factors)

Age, time of injury by year, sport classification, sex.

Main Outcome Measurements

UCL injuries and severity; injury management (surgical, non-surgical).

Results

There were 53 surgical and 83 non-surgical UCL injuries. Non-surgical cases increased nine-fold from 2009–2016 compared to 2000–2008. Injury distribution was as follows: 60 sprains, 39 partial tears, 36 ruptures, 1 re-rupture. 92% of sprains did not undergo surgical intervention, whereas 51% of partial tears and 78% of ruptures underwent UCL-Reconstruction (UCL-R). There are increasing numbers of UCL injuries with increasing age; X2(4,136)=14.209, p=0.007. Non-surgical UCL injuries occurred in highest frequency in the youngest athletes (100% of total injuries in 11–13 years; 71.4% of 14–16 years; 44.3% of 17–22 years). UCL injury volume was most commonly associated with the sports baseball (OR 1.55, p=0.32; 95% CI 0.69–3.51), softball (OR 0.76, P=0.76, 95% CI 0.22 to 2.68), American football (OR 0.50, p=0.48; 95% CI 0.10–2.59, and javelin (OR 6.69, p=0.07; 95% CI 0.72–61.62).

Conclusions

Younger athletes are sustaining more frequent, less severe UCL injuries. Enforcement of appropriate rest, proper sport-related mechanics and diversifying sport participation are important to prevent a) UCL injury at a young age, and b) progression of a non-surgical injury to a potential UCL-R.
TRAINING VOLUME AND CONCUSSION RISK IN MALE YOUTH ICE HOCKEY PLAYERS: A PRIMARY PREVENTION PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Blake Tracy , MacDonald Kerry , Palacios-Derflingher Luz , Emery Carolyn
Published: August 2017

Background

There is a growing body of evidence illustrating the contribution of training load to musculoskeletal injury risk. There is a gap in the literature, however, regarding the impact of training on concussion risk.

Objective

To evaluate the association between sport-specific participation volume and concussion risk in male youth ice hockey players.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

Community ice rinks and sport medicine clinics (2011–15 hockey seasons).

Patients (or Participants)

Male Pee Wee (11–12 years old), Bantam (13–14 years old) and Midget (15–17 years old) ice hockey players were eligible. Players were excluded if they reported unhealed injuries at study entry, had missing/systematically incomplete hockey participation exposure data, or if they sustained a concussion but participation volume could not be estimated from the day of injury.

Interventions (or Assessment of Risk Factors)

Cumulative hockey participation volume (CPHV) was estimated based on participation exposure data reported by team designate. The association between concussion risk and total 7-day and 28-day CHPV was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression [OR (95%CI)]. Models were adjusted for concussion history and cluster by player (α<0.05). ORs with 95%CI that did not cross one were considered significant.

Main Outcome Measurements

Medically diagnosed concussion.

Results

Participants who met the inclusion criteria (n=1235/1990) sustained 34 medically diagnosed concussions. Increased concussion risk was associated with hourly increases in 7-day CHPV [OR=1.16 (95%CI: 1.08–1.25), p<0.05] and 28-day CHPV [OR=1.04 (95%CI: 1.01–1.06), p<0.05]. There was no evidence of effect modification or confounding by concussion history.

Conclusions

Increased hockey participation volume was associated with increased concussion risk in male youth ice hockey players. This is the first study to explore the association between training volume and concussion risk. Future research utilizing objective volume measurements and training response tools will be critical to the development of primary concussion prevention strategies that optimize the role of training load.
DOES CONCUSSION EDUCATION HAVE AN IMPACT IN BEHAVIOURS AMONGST SCHOOL-AGE RUGBY PLAYERS?
Authors: Bosshardt Christopher , Kipps Courtney , England Mike
Published: August 2017

Background

Concussion is a common injury in school-boy rugby, if managed incorrectly it can have serious consequences such as further injury, prolonged symptoms, and second impact syndrome. Adolescent players show poor knowledge levels and symptoms-reporting behaviour.

Objective

Investigate the effects of an educational presentation on the knowledge and behaviour of school age rugby players regarding concussion.

Design

Questionnaire based study.

Setting

120 male rugby players, aged 16–18.

Participants

Three large rugby union playing schools in England.

Interventions

Independent Variable – Educational presentation aimed at school-age rugby players to improve their education and behaviours related to the condition. Players completed a questionnaire testing for likely behavioural responses from a selection of common concussion scenarios. Additional questions assessed knowledge of concussion symptoms, diagnosis and management. The questionnaires were completed pre-season and repeated 2–3 months after the presentation.

Outcome

Dependent variable: Questionnaire scores.

Results

The students had significantly improved their responses giving 53.9% appropriate responses after the presentation (Md=55,n=34) compared to 46.1% before (Md=33.5,n=34) (U=400,Z=−2.18,p=0.029) with a moderate effect size (r=0.37). The knowledge of students increased from 37.85% correct responses before (Md=28,n=35) and 44.07% on follow up (Md=28,n=35) but with no significant difference (U=575.5,Z=−0.88,p=0.378 with a small effect size (r=0.15)). Completed surveys showed increased awareness of guidelines from 19.4% to 73.2% (p=0.00 McNemar's Test).

Conclusions

The students had showed improved concussion behaviour in response to concussion scenarios at 2–3 month follow up in contrast to previous studies on educational interventions. There was no increase in players' knowledge of concussion. The literature shows increases in short-term knowledge with other forms of concussion education but this effect is often lost at long term follow up. There was increased awareness of guidelines. Future concussion education should be modelled on the educational presentation to improve behavioural outcomes.
SUBJECTIVE SLEEP QUALITY IN ELITE WOMENS INTERNATIONAL SOCCER PLAYERS PRIOR TO AN INTERNATIONAL MATCH
Authors: Boyce Stephen , McKenna Michael , White Andrew , Davies Oliver , Dixon Mark , Elliott Niall
Published: August 2017

Background

Sleep has been found to have many recuperative and restorative effects on an athlete's recovery and preparation for a match. In international soccer it is common that players have to sleep in unfamiliar locations (e.g. hotel) prior to matches however little is known about the quality of sleep achieved in a hotel compared with at home.

Objective

To assess the quality of sleep in elite women's international soccer players prior to a domestic international fixture in comparison to sleep at home.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Scotland women's soccer national squad.

Participants

Elite women international soccer players.

Interventions

21 female international soccer player's sleep quality was monitored in the weeks before and during four different domestic international camps with the use of a mobile application that was filled out each morning immediately after awakening.

Main Outcome Measurements

The sleep quality was assessed using a subjective 10-point scale with 1 being negative and 10 being positive. For differences in sleep quality, an independent t-test was used to compare means. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Results

There was no significant difference when comparing sleep quality at home with that of in a hotel in the lead up to a women's home international soccer match (7.44±1.32 vs. 7.36±1.16, p=0.39).

Conclusions

The findings of the present study indicate that the subjective sleep quality of female soccer players is not reduced in a hotel prior to a domestic international match and is not compromising recovery and preparation for the match. Further research is required to determine whether this is the same for away international fixtures involving travel.
PREVALENCE OF ACETABULAR LABRAL TEARS IN ASYMPTOMATIC YOUNG ATHLETES
Authors: Briggs Karen , Philippon Marc , Ho Charles , McNamara Shannen
Published: August 2017

Background

Youth sport injuries are on the rise. These injuries at an early age may prevent young people from continuing with sports or eventually limit their ability to participate in physical activity.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of acetabular labral tears in athletes 19 years of age or younger who compete in a club sport.

Design

Screening Program.

Setting

Youth sports.

Patients (or Participants)

101 (93 males, 8 females) skiers (20) and hockey players (81) with no symptoms around the hip, no history of hip injury or surgery, and parental consent. Average age was 15 (range 11 to 19) years.

Interventions (or Assessment of Risk Factors)

Participants completed an initial questionnaire and had a clinical exam (hip range of motion, impingement test, hip dial test, FABER distance test). All participants had 3T MRI of dominant hip.

Main Outcome Measurements

Positive exam findings and labral tear on MRI.

Results

Labral tears were identified in 70 hips. Average alpha angle was 59 degrees. 89% of the participants 16 years of age or older had labral tears and 56% of the participants 16 years of younger had labral tears. Participants 16 years of older were 7 times more likely to have a labral tear [95% CI: 1.9 to 28] than participants under the age of 16. Participants who had participated in their sport 9 years or greater were 4.9 times more likely to have a labral tear [95% CI: 1.5 to 16.1] compared to participants who had participated less than 9 years.

Conclusions

This study also showed a high prevalence of labral tears in the asymptomatic young athlete. Patients who were older and participated in their sport longer had increased risk of a labral tear. Limiting certain at risk movements when the young athlete is growing has potential for prevention.
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF SPORTS INJURIES AMONG MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
Authors: Caswell Shane , Prebble Matthew , Romm Kaitlyn , Ambegaonkar Jatin , Caswell Amanda , Cortes Nelson
Published: August 2017

Background

Participation in youth sports is increasing. Yet, limited research on the incidence and severity of injuries within middle school sports(MSS) exists.

Objective

Describe the epidemiology of injuries in MSS within a large metropolitan school system located in the US.

Design

Prospective descriptive epidemiology.

Setting

Injury data collected in 9-MSS programs during 2015–2016.

Patients (or Participants)

Boy(n=1194) and girl(n=1008) athletes(age=11–14 years) participating in 12 school sponsored sports.

Interventions (or Assessment of Risk Factors)

Each of the 9 schools was assigned an athletic trainer(AT) who attended all practices and games during the fall, winter, and spring sports seasons of 2015–2016.

Main Outcome Measurements

ATs collected injury and athlete-exposure(AE) data. Injury frequencies and rates with 95% confidence intervals(95%CI) for practices and games were described by sport for all injuries (no-time-loss and time-loss). Injury proportions were described by body region.

Results

1643 injuries(182.6±64.8 injuries/school) were reported. Highest rates of injury were: Girls' basketball (39.4/1000AE 95% CI: 34.7–44.1), American football (30.7/1000AE 95% CI: 27.3–34.1), wrestling (28.7/1000AE 95% CI: 24.4–32.9), and girls' soccer (26.3/1000AE 95% CI: 22.1–30.6). Lowest rates of injury were: Girls' volleyball (9.1/1000AE 95% CI: 6.7–11.6), boys' baseball (10.2/1000AE 95% CI: 6.8–13.5), cheerleading (10.6/1000AE 95% CI: 8.5–12.8), and boys' soccer (14.7/1000AE 95% CI: 11.8–17.7). Most injuries occurred during practice (n=889, 54%) compared with games (n=390, 24%). The top three injured body regions injured were: lower extremity (n=744, 45%), upper extremity (n=409, 25%), and head (n=297, 18%). The highest rates of concussion were: football (2.9/1000AE 95% CI: 1.9–4.0), girls' soccer (2.2/1000AE 95% CI: 0.9–3.4), and cheerleading (1.1/1000AE 95% CI: 0.4–1.8). Most concussions occurred during practice (47.3%) compared with games (34.5%).

Conclusions

Consistent with previous research a greater proportion of MMS injuries occurred during practices than games. However, our finding that girls' basketball had the highest injury rate differs from prior research. Overall, our rates were higher than those previously reported, yet more precise given our sample size and detailed documentation AE. Our findings highlight the need for medical care at MMS practices and games.
THE EFFECT OF ANKLE TAPING ON SHOCK ABSORPTION CHARACTERISTICS OF LOWER EXTREMITY
Authors: Cho Joon-Haeng , Jun Hyung-pil , Lee Young Hee , Lee Sae Yong
Published: August 2017

Background

Ankle taping has been widely used to prevent recurrent ankle sprain during dynamic tasks. However, it may alter joint stiffness result in an adverse effect on a shock absorption to the entire lower extremity kinetic chain during landing due to a restricted ankle joint.

Objective

To investigate changes in lower extremity biomechanics with and without taping during drop landing (DL).

Design

Case control study.

Setting

Laboratory.

Patients (or Participants)

A total of active 53 male college students with no history of lower extremity surgery or injury were participated.

Interventions

Each participant performed eight drop landings (four before and four after ankle taping). Eight infrared-optical cameras system (Vicon Motion Systems Ltd. Oxford, UK) and force-plates (Bertec Corporation. Columbus, OH) were used to collect all kinematics and kinetics during DL.

Main Outcome Measurements

Sagittal plane joint kinematics and kinetics were extracted between initial contact and maximum knee flexion angle. Cohen'sDeffect size (d) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to analyze size of difference.

Results

Sagittal plane total excursion of the ankle was statistically decreased (d=1.01,CI:0.61∼1.42) but knee and hip were not changed after taping. Joint stiffness showed no significant changes at the ankle (d=−0.25,CI:−0.63∼0.13), knee (d=−0.11,CI:−0.49∼0.27), and hip (d=−0.12,95% CI:−0.51∼0.26) after taping There were significant decrease in both eccentric work (d=−0.78,95% CI:−1.18∼-0.39) and contribution to total work (d=0.58, CI:0.19∼0.97) at ankle while no changes observed in the knee and the hip.

Conclusions

Even though ankle taping reduces ankle joint total excursion during DL and may impact on ankle stiffness, it does not alter proximal joint kinematics and stiffness. Reduced both eccentric work and%work at the ankle joint indicates possible changes in shock absorption mechanism during landing. Therefore, the clinicians may consider the importance of proximal joint movement strategy to attenuate shock during landing.
THE SELF ASSESSMENT CORNER ( SAC METHOD): A NOVEL WAY TO SELF ASSESS SHOULDER ROTATOR CUFF STRENGTH: A RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY STUDY
Authors: Decleve Philippe , Cools Ann
Published: August 2017

Background

Risk factors among overhead athletes have been investigated in many studies. The rotator cuff external rotator weakness is associated with an increased probability of substantial shoulder problems and throwing related injury requiring surgical intervention.

Objective

To evaluate the relative and absolute reliability and the validity of the SAC method (SAC) that allows measurement of shoulder internal and external rotator isometric strength by the patient himself with the use of a hand-held dynamometer (HHD) fixed on a stabilization device.

Design

A two session measurement design was used.

Setting

laboratory setting.

Patients (or Participants)

46 healthy adult participants (26 males and 20 females) aged between 18 and 25 years.

Interventions (or Assessment of Risk Factors)

Strength was measured using the SAC in a 0°0° and 90°90° shoulder position and compare to the HHD manual muscle testing in a standing (STAN) and sitting position (SIT).

Main Outcome Measurements

Relative reliability was determined by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Absolute reliability was quantified by standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC). Systematic differences among similar measurements under different testing circumstances, were analyzed with Related Samples Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test or Kruskall Wallis Test.

Results

Results showed relative reliability was good to excellent ranging from 0.85 (IR 0°0°) to 0.92(IR 90°90°). Absolute reliability showed MDC90%varying from 8.06 N (IR 90°90°) to 15,69 N (IR 0°0°) and SEM varying from 3,45 N (IR 90°90°) to 6,72 N (IR 0°0°). Comparative analysis of similar measurements showed no statistically diferences between SAC and STAN in a 0°0° position as well as in a 90°90° position between SAC,STAN and SIT.

Conclusions

We demonstrated a clinically applicable method, reliable and valid for self assessing rotator cuff isometric strength.
STAY HEALTHY: AN AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF SPORT ILLNESS PREVENTION PROJECT
Authors: Drew Michael , Nicole Vlahovich , David Hughes , Renee Appaneal , Kirsten Peterson , Louise Burke , Bronwen Lundy , Mary Toomey , David Watts , Greg Lovell , Stephan Praet , Shona Halson , Candice Colbey , Silvia Manzanero , Marijke Welvaert , Nic West , David Pyne , Gordon Waddington
Published: August 2017

Background

Illnesses affect the ability of an athlete to perform. Few studies investigate risk factors in athletes across disciplines.

Objective

To investigate risk factors for illness in athletes preparing for the Olympic Games.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

Australian athletes eligible for selection for the Olympic Games.

Participants

317 athletes from 15 sports completed at least one component of the study (59% of athletes). To be eligible, athlete had to be available for selection for the Olympics.

Assessment of Risk Factors

Phase 1 (P1) was in the summer period of December 2015-January 2016 and Phase 2 (P2) involved the period in the autumn (late April-June 2016). Questionnaires were administered in an electronic system. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Questionnaire (DASS-21), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Dispositional Resilience Scale (DRS), Recovery-Stress Questionnaire (REST-Q-52 item), Low Energy in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q), a modified Personal and Household Hygiene questionnaire, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and custom-made questionnaires on probiotic usage and travel were administered.

Main Outcome Measurements

A monthly sports incapacity defintion was used in P1. A symptom checklist, including sports incapacity, was utilized in P2 investigating Upper Respiratory Tract Symptoms (URTS), bodily aches, gastrointestinal, head, eye, fatigue or chest symptoms.

Results

Female athletes were at higher odds of respiratory illness (OR=2.8, 95% CI 1.3 to 6.0). The prevalence of a high LEAF-Q score (≥8) was 49 and 53% and was associated with illness (P1: Any illness OR 7.4, 95% CI 0.8–352; P2: URTS OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.3–11.6). High DASS-21 scores were associated with increased reports of illness in P1 (Depression, OR=8.4 95% CI 1.1–59). High PSQI scores increased the reports of illness (P2: URTS: PSQI≥5, OR=2.8 95% CI 1.2–6.9).

Conclusions

The results highlight that female athletes, particularly when exhibiting low energy availability, are at higher risk. Poor mental health and sleep quality were associated with illness.