bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of hurling and camogie injuries.
Authors: Crowley P J , Condon K C
Published: December 2008

In 1984, 4500 people with sport injuries attended the Cork Regional Hospital. Of these, 817 were injured in the national game of hurling and camogie. Hand injuries were the most frequent occurring in approximately one third of injured players (33 per cent) and of these, just half had a closed metacarpal fracture. Facial injuries were the second most frequent category (28 per cent). Almost one third of these were nasal fractures, while forehead and eyebrow lacerations, fractured zygoma, loss of teeth are also common. Sport eye injuries referred to the Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital in Cork during the same period amounted to 107, of which 26 occurred in hurling. It is believed that a properly designed protective head gear would largely eliminate such facial and eye injuries.
Acute metabolic effects of exercise in bodybuilders using anabolic steroids.
Authors: McKillop G , Ballantyne F C , Borland W , Ballantyne D
Published: December 2008

Four male bodybuilders who had started taking anabolic steroids were monitored during exercise. Most metabolic indicators were similar to bodybuilders not taking steroids; i.e. metabolic acidosis with little change in glucose. However, there is a marked elevation of creatine kinase.
Training volume, androgen use and serum creatine kinase activity.
Authors: Häkkinen K , Alén M
Published: December 2008

Serum creatine kinase (CK) activities were investigated in elite male strength athletes (n = 20) during normal weight training and bodybuilding training (one training session per day), during high volume strength training (two sessions per day) and during strength training (one session per day) with the use of high dose synthetic androgens (five athletes in each subgroup). The findings demonstrated that the increase in serum CK was highest in the subgroup using androgens. These results suggest that strength training with the use of androgenic steroids leads to higher serum CK activities than normal strength training.
Metabolic and renal changes in two athletes during a world 24 hour relay record performance.
Authors: Irving R A , Noakes T D , van Zyl Smit R
Published: December 2008

Metabolic parameters and renal function were studied in two subjects before, during and after they established a world two-man 24 hour relay record. During the race, the athletes expended an estimated 37.747 and 42.880 kJ running at 54 and 61 per cent of maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max). Rectal temperatures reached maxima of 38.6 and 39.2 degrees C respectively during the race. Serum free fatty acid levels peaked at 2108 and 1875 mumol ml-1 after 24 hours; blood glucose levels varied from 4.3-6.5 and 4.9-8.5 mmol.l-1 respectively. Plasma insulin levels fell from 42.9 and 22.7 microU.ml-1 to 11.5 microU.ml-1. Plasma urea, creatinine, beta 2-microglobulin and C-reactive protein concentrations were elevated at the end of the race (to 9.0 and 8.0 mmol.l-1, 119 and 102 mumol.l-1, 3.508 and 3203 micrograms.l-1 and 2.7 and 3.9 mg per cent respectively). Plasma osmolality was altered from 293 and 304 to 302 and 280 mosmol.Kg-1 during the race but increased to 312 and 318 mosmol.Kg-1 the following day probably due to intercompartmental fluid shifts. Plasma creatinine concentration was increased by 38 and 26 per cent due to reduced urinary excretion. Urine flow rate increased 40 and 123 per cent respectively during the race, but creatinine clearance decreased by 38 and 40 per cent. Urine osmolality decreased by 38 and 65 per cent and osmolal clearance decreased by 15 and 16 per cent respectively. Urine sodium excretion was greatly reduced (85 and 90 per cent) on the post-race days (by 88 and 92 per cent on day 2). Both urine total protein and beta2-microglobulin excretion increased during the race (by 89 and 35 per cent and by 334 and 136 per cent respectively), but owing to the increased beta2-microglobulin production renal clearance was unaltered. The changes in renal function were temporary and some aspects of renal tubular function were enhanced during the post-race days. We conclude that, although C-reactive protein concentrations increased sooner and were higher than other shorter events and although creatinine, urine excretion and urine osmolality decreased markedly, the intermittent nature of the event, the mild environmental conditions, the moderate percentage of VO2 max maintained by the well conditioned subjects and a high fluid intake enabled a rapid return to normality and indeed to enhanced renal tubular function. The only moderate increases in body temperature would be due to the same factors.
Age of menarche in Indian female basketball and volleyball players at different competitive levels.
Authors: Mokha R , Sidhu L S
Published: December 2008

Data for the age of menarche have been collected on 98 female volleyball players and 75 basketball players. The players belonged to four different levels of competition: international, national, intervarsity and district. Menarche is significantly delayed in players as compared with the controls. There is a continuous trend of increase in the age of menarche with the increasing levels of competition; menarche is more delayed in players playing at a higher level than those at the lower levels of competition.
Alpine skiing injuries.
Authors: Sahlin Y
Published: December 2008

Alpine skiing accidents admitted to the Trondheim Regional and University Hospital during one year were recorded. Of the 339 injured, 67 per cent were male and 33 per cent were female. Eighty-seven per cent were outpatients, and 13 per cent were hospitalized. Falling accidents (67 per cent), followed by collision accidents (17 per cent), were the most common cause of injury. The injuries in the lower extremities were caused by falling and the head injuries were mostly caused by collisions. Knee ligament strains were the most common injuries, and 17 per cent of these were hospitalized and required operative treatment. Of the minor knee strains, all 44 per cent were not fully recovered after two and a half years. Seventeen patients sustained tibial fractures, eleven of them spiral fractures and six transverse fractures. The patients with spiral fractures were younger than the patients with transverse fractures. Head injuries were the most severe injuries, with eleven concussions and two epidural haematomas.
Asthma.
Authors: Thomas P L
Published: December 2008

Asthmatics should be encouraged to increase the quality and intensity of exercise gradually in order to allow the body to adapt to the training load. If sensible precautions are taken and if adequately controlled with medication, asthmatics can reach the top in even the most arduous of sports.
Strength training for wheelchair users.
Authors: Davis G M , Shephard R J
Published: December 2008

Sedentary adult males with spinal lesions, all habitual wheelchair users, were allocated to exercise (n = 11) and control (n = 4) groups. A Cybex II dynamometer was used to assess peak power, average power, total work and muscular endurance for elbow flexion/extension, shoulder flexion/extension and shoulder abduction/adduction at five angular velocities, on recruitment and after eight and 16 weeks of forearm ergometer training (three days/week). Small sub-groups of the exercised subjects were assigned to high or low intensity endurance effort (70 or 40 per cent of maximal oxygen intake) and long or short training sessions (40 or 20 minutes per session). Despite the aerobic nature of the activity, gains of average power were registered by the two muscle groups most involved in the ergometer task (shoulder extension and elbow flexion). In keeping with current theories of training, gains were largest with prolonged, high intensity activity at angular velocities approximating those adopted during training.
Physical exercise and blood flow properties.
Authors: Ciuffetti G , Mercuri M , Lombardini R , Milia U , Mannarino E
Published: December 2008

In 46 executive level managers at risk for cardiovascular disease, whole blood filterability through five micron pore Nuclepore filters was monitored using a constant flow positive pressure system before and after treadmill exercise and compared to our laboratory standard. Our results show regular exercise compensates not only for the potential damage risk factors represent but also for the physical stress provoked by vigorous exercise.
Estimation of coronary risk factors in British schoolchildren: a preliminary report.
Authors: Armstrong N , Balding J , Gentle P , Kirby B
Published: December 2008

Surveys from several countries have identified the presence of risk factors known to be associated with coronary heart disease in children. Data on the distribution of coronary risk factor variables in British children are scarce. This study was therefore designed to test the feasibility of collecting coronary risk factor data from British children and to conduct a preliminary examination of the problem. One hundred and seven children (mean age 12.8 yr) had their height, weight, triceps skinfold and blood pressure checked. Blood samples for cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol analysis were obtained from 93 children. Peak VO2 was determined on 48 children, 76 children had their daily activity monitored and 59 children's stage of sexual maturity was assessed. The boys' peak VO2 was significantly higher than the girls, whether expressed in l.min-1 (p less than 0.05) or ml.kg.-1min-1 (p less than 0.01). No other significant differences (p greater than 0.05) between the sexes were detected. The results indicate that children have relatively high serum cholesterol levels (boys 4.58 +/- 0.79; girls 4.72 +/- 0.80 mmol.l-1). The willingness and enthusiasm of the children, parents and schools to take part in the study clearly demonstrated the feasibility of a large scale study being successfully pursued in the United Kingdom.
Rehabilitation after coronary artery by-pass grafting and improved quality of life.
Authors: Hoad N A , Crawford I C
Published: December 2008

Long waiting lists for coronary artery by-pass grafting often mean that patients have to endure a prolonged period of pre-operative disability, a known poor prognostic factor for their future quality of life and employment prospects. A survey of 60 patients who attended a post-operative rehabilitation course designed to restore their fitness and self-esteem, and hence their quality of life, has shown encouraging results. When questioned a mean 16 months later, 85 per cent are working and significant improvements have been seen in all four quality of life indicators assessed: job satisfaction, family life, social life and sex life. Significant improvements are also seen in their symptoms. Cardiac rehabilitation should be made more available following coronary artery by-pass grafting.
Establishing a pattern for sports medicine centres in Scotland
Authors: Macleod D. A. D. , Porteous B. W.
Published: December 2008

This paper describes the criteria adopted by the Scottish Sports Council whereby they provide funding to assist in the establishment of a network of sports medicine centres throughout Scotland.
Effect of split exercise sessions on excess post-exercise oxygen consumption.
Authors: Kaminsky L A , Padjen S , LaHam-Saeger J
Published: December 2008

In this study the excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), and related metabolic measures, following a 50 minute run compared to two 25 minute runs all at 70 per cent of peak VO2 in six women were investigated. Open-circuit spirometry procedures were used and appropriate control conditions were maintained for all trials. Following exercise, VO2 returned to baseline within 30 minutes for all three exercise trials. Magnitude of EPOC was also similar after all runs. However, the combined magnitude (expressed in kcals) of the two 25 minute runs was significantly greater than the continuous 50 minute run (13.88 vs 6.39). Heart rate remained elevated above baseline, and respiratory exchange ratio was lower than baseline 30 minutes after exercise. It is concluded that split exercise sessions can significantly increase post-exercise caloric expenditure. However, the overall magnitude of the increase is small.
Badminton injuries.
Authors: Krøner K , Schmidt S A , Nielsen A B , Yde J , Jakobsen B W , Møller-Madsen B , Jensen J
Published: December 2008

In a one year period, from 1 January 1986 to 31 December 1986, 4303 patients with sports injuries were treated at Aarhus Amtssygehus and Aarhus Kommunehospital. The mean age was 21.6 years (range 7-72 years) and 2830 were men. Two hundred and seventeen badminton injuries occurred in 208 patients (136 men) with a mean age of 29.6 years (range 7-57 years), constituting 4.1 percent of all sport injuries in Aarhus. Joints and ligaments were injured in 58.5 percent of the patients, most frequently located in the lower limb and significantly more often among patients younger than 30 years of age. Muscle injury occurred in 19.8 percent of the patients. This type of injury was significantly more frequent among patients older than 30 years of age. Most injuries were minor. However, 6.8 percent of the patients were hospitalized and 30.9 percent received additional treatment by a physician. As the risk of injury varies with age, attempts to plan training individually and to institute prophylactic measures should be made.
Responses of asthmatic and non-asthmatic athletes to prolonged treadmill running.
Authors: Freeman W , Nute M G , Brooks S , Williams C
Published: December 2008

Metabolic and cardio-respiratory responses of four asthmatic and four non-asthmatic athletes to two hours of treadmill running at 70 percent of maximal oxygen uptake are compared. The asthmatic group had pre-exercise airflow obstruction, as indicated by the lower forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) even after medication (2.90 +/- 0.661) compared to the non-asthmatic group (4.09 +/- 1.331). Changes in blood lactate, glucose and catecholamine concentrations as a result of the two hour run were similar for the two groups. However, the pattern of breathing was different. The asthmatics had a slower breathing frequency but a similar tidal volume to the non-asthmatics. Both groups had an increase in the ventilation rate over the two hour run. For the non-asthmatic group, this increase in ventilation was achieved by an increase in the breathing frequency (p less than 0.01), whereas tidal volume was reduced (p less than 0.05). The increase in the ventilation rate over the two hour run for the asthmatic group was brought about by a small increase in breathing frequency (p less than 0.05), whereas tidal volume was not changed. This maintenance of the tidal volume by the asthmatic athletes during endurance running may compensate for the airflow obstruction, and so allow successful participation in endurance running.
Simulated swimming: a useful tool for evaluation the VO2 max of swimmers in the laboratory.
Authors: Kimura Y , Yeater R A , Martin R B
Published: December 2008

This study was designed to develop a simulated swimming exercise (SS) so that peak VO2 would be assessed on swimmers in a laboratory setting. The subjects assumed a prone position on an incline bench and performed arm cranking on a Monark Rehab Trainer while performing a flutter kick against tension supplied by elastic cords. The SS test was compared to four peak VO2 tests: treadmill running (RN), tethered swimming (TW), bicycle ergometry (B), and arm cranking (AC). Eleven male varsity swimmers underwent each of the five VO2 max tests, and maximal cardiorespiratory indicators (HR, VE, VO2, O2 pulse, and RQ) were measured. The percentage of peak VO2 obtained during SS was compared to RN, TW, B, and AC. The SS test achieved 78 percent of RN, 91 percent of TW, 81 percent of B, and 124 percent of AC. There were no significant differences in VO2 in ml/kg.min between SS and TW. As expected, RN and B were significantly higher, while AC was lower. Ten subjects performed the SS test twice on two separate days within one week. The reliability of VO2 max in ml/kg.min was 0.95. the validity of VO2 max in ml/kg.min in the SS test vs. RN was 0.68. The SS test is reliable and can be used as effectively as TW to assess the VO2 max of swimmers in a laboratory setting.
Injury and illness surveillance at local Special Olympic Games.
Authors: McCormick D P , Niebuhr V N , Risser W L
Published: December 2008

The purposes of this study were to: determine the incidence of injury and illness among Special Olympic athletes at local competitions; assess the relative risk of medical problems among Down's syndrome athletes; and compare the relative risk of sports injury incurred by athletes participating in various Special Olympic events. Health stations were set up at all sports venues and injury/illness surveillance records were kept for all injury/illness encounters during a 3-day competition for 777 Special Olympic athletes. A total of 3.5% of the athletes required injury/illness care during the games. Down's syndrome athletes were 3.2 times as likely to encounter a medical problem. Track and field events provided the least activity time and the most injuries. These data suggest that Special Olympic games at the local level are safe and that planners should prepare to treat more illnesses than injuries at such competitions.
The Special Olympic Games for the mentally handicapped--United Kingdom 1989.
Authors: Robson H E
Published: December 2008

The games took place in the City of Leicester in August 1989. Over 1500 mentally handicapped competitors took part, many of whom had severe physical handicaps as well. There were 14 different classes of competition, held in seven separate venues, as well as ceremonies and recreational activities. A medical team of over 100 doctors, nurses and physiotherapists, mostly part-time volunteers, was formed to service the seven medical posts. As it may be of interest to doctors and others involved in any such games in the future, details are given of conditions recorded in pre-games medical examinations, of injuries and other medical conditions treated by the medical team, and some details of the administration and equipping of the medical services. Although the main responsibility of the medical team was to the competitors, many coaches, officials, escorts and a few spectators were also treated.
Criteria to indicate testosterone administration.
Authors: Kicman A T , Brooks R V , Collyer S C , Cowan D A , Nanjee M N , Southan G J , Wheeler M J
Published: December 2008

A detection method for testosterone administration was developed using radioimmunoassay to measure the urinary ratios of testosterone (T) to epitestosterone (E) and to luteinizing hormone (LH). A comparative study of the effect on these ratios of a single intramuscular injection of testosterone heptanoate followed by stimulation with human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) in three normal men was undertaken. To allow immediate investigation, a commercially supplied epitestosterone antiserum was used. This study showed that both T/E and T/LH ratios could be used to detect testosterone administration, the latter also being an indicator of HCG use due to cross-reactivity with the LH antiserum. Subsequently, an epitestosterone antiserum of superior specificity was raised and used in a study to demonstrate the insignificant effect of exercise on these ratios. Finally, an intramuscular injection of a combined preparation of testosterone/epitestosterone heptanoates resulted in raised ratios of T/LH but not of T/E. This demonstrated the importance of the T/LH ratio in circumstances where the T/E ratio can be easily circumvented.
Sports insurance and national governing bodies.
Authors: Jones L , McCabe M
Published: December 2008

A postal survey was conducted of the attitudes and advice of Welsh governing bodies of amateur sports and their Cardiff-based clubs towards personal sports insurance. Information on 36 of the 39 sports surveyed (92%) was sufficient for analysis. Twenty-two of these 36 sports (61%) organized insurance at a national level, one at club level (3%) and 13 (36%) provided no insurance advice. Only 12 sports (33%) insisted on mandatory insurance cover. Many sportsmen and women are left to search for an appropriate insurance cover themselves or remain uninsured. Owing the lack of advice in 36% of cases it was decided to survey Cardiff-based insurance brokers to establish what type of policy they would recommend. Only 41% of the brokers were able to offer a suitable policy. Club policies recommended by the Central Council for Physical Recreation provide individuals with the same sports cover (but at a lower premium) as is available from a personal accident policy. However, cover is somewhat inadequate and may provide a false sense of security. Sports with mandatory sports insurance are not necessarily those with the highest risk of disabling injury.
A formula for comparison of selected sport ball compressibility.
Authors: Dowell L J , Krebs G
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study was to develop a formula to determine and compare the compressibility of selected sport balls. Six balls (basketball, volleyball, soccer ball, baseball, handball, golf ball) were dropped ten times from each of four different heights onto a smooth solid surface overlaid with a white sheet of typing paper, overlaid with a sheet of carbon paper. The diameter of the area of contact of each ball imprinted onto the typing paper was measured in millimetres with calipers. From the data, the distance (d) that each ball compressed for each velocity (v) was calculated. It was found that a linear relationship existed between velocity at impact and the distance for each ball studied. The compressibility coefficient (c) for each ball was calculated and a formula was developed to determine the distance each ball would compress at a given velocity. When velocity is measured in metres per second and the distance a ball compresses is measured in millimetres, the formula to determine d for selected balls, in order of compressibility is: basketball d = 3.07v, volleyball d = 2.90v, soccer ball d = 2.80v, baseball d = 0.77v, handball d = 0.53v, and golf ball d = 0.17v.
Effect of exercise intensity on postexercise energy expenditure in women.
Authors: Sedlock D A
Published: December 2008

This study was designed to examine the effect of exercise intensity on the magnitude and duration of excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) in women. On separate days and in a counterbalanced order, seven moderately active young adult women performed a 850 kJ cycle ergometer exercise at an intensity of 40 or 60% of their previously determined peak oxygen uptake (VO2). Baseline VO2 and heart rate (HR) were recorded during the last 10 min of a 45 min seated rest. VO2 and HR were measured continuously during recovery until VO2 returned to baseline. There was no significant difference noted in the baseline measures between the two exercise programmes. Magnitude of EPOC was comparable (P greater than 0.05) being mean (s.d.) of 30(17) and 36(13) kJ after 40 and 60% exercises respectively. Although the EPOC duration was 53% longer following the 40% exercise than following 60% (27(15) min and 18(8) min, respectively) this difference was not statistically significant. These exercise conditions failed to produce a prolonged EPOC in the women of this study, and values recorded for magnitude of EPOC indicate that it was not significant with regard to the overall energy expenditure of the activity. It was concluded that both magnitude and duration of EPOC seemed to be independent of the chosen exercise intensities used by the women in this study.
Underwater medicine: a neglected area in Accident and Emergency specialist training.
Authors: Braatvedt G D , Mathew B G , Corrall R J
Published: December 2008

We have evaluated the available medical care to sports divers by a postal questionnaire sent to consultants and senior registrars in Accident and Emergency medicine in the UK, assessing their training in underwater medicine. Replies were received from 60 of 96 consultants (63%) and 32 of 58 (55%) senior registrars. Thirty-two per cent of consultants and 50% of senior registrars had previous personal experience in managing an underwater diving accident. Thirty per cent of consultants and only 19% of senior registrars had prior formal postgraduate training in underwater medicine. Twenty-seven per cent of consultants and 13% of senior registrars replying did not know the pattern of referral for specialist advice nor where the nearest recompression chamber was to be found. We believe that more formal postgraduate training in underwater medicine is needed by A and E medical staff. Furthermore, clear guidelines about emergency management and patterns of referral for diving accidents should be displayed prominently in all A and E departments.
Human chorionic gonadotrophin and sport.
Authors: Kicman A T , Brooks R V , Cowan D A
Published: December 2008

Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone which is produced in large amounts during pregnancy and also by certain types of tumour. The biological action of hCG is identical to that of luteinizing hormone, although the former has a much longer plasma half-life. Some male athletes use pharmaceutical preparations of hCG to stimulate testosterone production before competition and/or to prevent testicular shutdown and atrophy during and after prolonged courses of androgen administration. Testosterone administration can be detected by measuring the ratio of concentrations of testosterone to epitestosterone (T/E). An athlete is often considered to have failed a drug test if the urinary T/E ratio is greater than 6. In contrast, hCG administration stimulates the endogenous production of both testosterone and epitestosterone without increasing the urinary T/E ratio above normal values. Although the administration of hCG was banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1987, no definitive test for hCG has been approved by the IOC. Currently, the only way of measuring small concentrations of hCG is by immunoassay, and this does not have a discriminating power as great as gas-liquid chromatography with mass-spectrometry which is necessary to satisfy IOC requirements. Extraction procedures and chromatographic steps could be introduced before using a selected immunoassay for hCG to meet these requirements.
Ice hockey injuries: incidence, nature and causes.
Authors: Tegner Y , Lorentzon R
Published: December 2008

In this prospective study, we have investigated incidence of injuries of different severity, types of injury, and mechanisms of injury during ice hockey games. All twelve Swedish elite hockey teams were observed during the season 1988-1989 when a total number of 664 games were played. There was a total number of 285 injuries, of which the majority were minor (61%) and only 9% were classified as major. Seventy-four per cent of the injuries occurred during games and 26% during practice. The overall incidence of injury was 53.0 per 1000 player-game hours. Eighty-five per cent of injuries were caused by trauma and 15% by over-use. Injuries were most often localized to the head/face (39%) or the lower limb (32%). Most injuries resulted from stick contact or player contact including checking. A reduction of minor and moderate injuries should be possible by stricter enforcement of the hockey rules, and more widespread use of visors.
Factors affecting adherence of end-stage renal disease patients to an exercise programme.
Authors: Williams A , Stephens R , McKnight T , Dodd S
Published: December 2008

Recently it has been shown that regular exercise is both physiologically and psychologically beneficial to patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, ESRD patients traditionally have a high non-adherence level to their self-care and medical regimens. To date, their adherence to exercise programmes has not been studied. Background information about employment, medical history, previous exercise habits and locus of control was obtained from 40 volunteer ESRD patients who started exercise at home. Twenty-eight participants maintained the exercise programme, consisting of aerobic activity lasting an average of 25 min, four times per week, for 12 weeks. The adherent patients were found to have encouraging support groups (75 versus 25%), to be between 41 and 60 years of age (64 versus 33%), to have been on dialysis for between 2 and 5 years, and to have loci of control (feeling of control over life events) classed as 'internal' (68 versus 25%). Factors such as sex, race, employment status and depression were found to have little influence on adherence. The major finding of this study was that patients adherent to exercise could be distinguished by unique psychological and psychosocial factors, and that adherence in this population was higher (70 compared with 50%) than some estimates for the general population.
Bilateral osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow treated by Herbert screw fixation.
Authors: Inoue G
Published: December 2008

The case of a 15-year-old boy, a high-performance motocross rider, who developed bilateral osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow is described. Both lesions were successfully treated by Herbert screw internal fixation.
Stress fractures of the hip in Royal Marine recruits under training: a retrospective analysis.
Authors: Stoneham M D , Morgan N V
Published: December 2008

At the Commando Training Centre, Royal Marines (CTCRM), a retrospective analysis of the occurrence of one form of stress fracture--that of the hip--has shown that this fracture is a significant cause of morbidity in the recruits. Most fractures presented in the last few weeks of training, which may reflect the increasing workload that the training involves. Two different fracture sites are identified, but there is no discernible difference in presentation or outcome between them. The condition may be easily misdiagnosed as a more trivial injury. A careful history and examination, and a low threshold for radiographic and scintigraphic investigation are important for diagnosis, and to avoid the catastrophic failure of the fracture seen in one of our patients.
Injuries in high-skilled and low-skilled soccer: a prospective study.
Authors: Poulsen T D , Freund K G , Madsen F , Sandvej K
Published: December 2008

Fifty-five male soccer players organized in three teams, one high and two lower ranking, were followed prospectively during 1 year to register the rate, type and severity of injuries in highly skilled and low-skilled players. The injury rate of the low-skilled players was significantly higher than that of the better players. The reason for this is that low-skilled players play in more competitions. and this is where injuries tend to occur. When we stratified on game/practice, the low-skilled players' excess risk disappeared and no difference was found in the severity of injuries. Different ways of collecting data in epidemiological studies of soccer are discussed and it is concluded that the most precise and accurate collection of data can only be obtained by direct supervision and examination of soccer players in the field.
Evaluation of knee braces in Swedish ice hockey players.
Authors: Tegner Y , Lorentzon R
Published: December 2008

In this retrospective investigation we have determined the rate and types of knee injuries among Swedish ice hockey players, and related these data to the use of knee braces. Thirty-seven of the originally selected 50 hockey teams (74%) of elite or first division calibre took part in the study, and 600 players answered a questionnaire. A total of 254 previous knee injuries sustained while playing hockey were reported by 243 players; tears of the medical collateral ligament (60%), meniscus (15%) or anterior cruciate ligament (12%) were the most commonly reported injuries. Prophylactic knee braces were worn by 138 (23%) of the players. Of these, 122 (88%) had earlier sustained a knee injury, and 16 had not. A total of 17 knee injuries had occurred while the players were wearing a brace. Six of these players had previously uninjured knees while 11 had repeat injury in a brace despite earlier successful rehabilitation or operation. The most common injury in braced knees was a tear of the medial collateral ligament. We conclude that the number of knee injuries is high among Swedish ice hockey players, and that the efficacy of functional knee braces to reduce knee injuries is questionable.
Lactic acid recovery profiles following exhaustive arm exercise on a canoeing ergometer.
Authors: Baker S J , King N
Published: December 2008

In this study lactate removal rates were monitored in ten subjects during a 30-min recovery period following exhaustive arm exercise. Each subject experienced three recovery regimens on different occasions in random order. One recovery period consisted of supine rest while the other two were active, one incorporating low intensity arm exercise and the other consisting of low intensity leg exercise. Lactate clearance rates showed a significant difference between the recovery regimens, and a posteriori test indicated a significant difference between leg exercise and arm exercise in the recovery period and also between leg exercise and rest. There was no significant difference in lactate clearance between arm exercise and rest in the recovery period.
Medical hazards of a four-km fun run.
Authors: Bethell H , Jewell D , Burke P
Published: December 2008

An observational study was conducted of participants in a 4-km race with the object of identifying risk factors for a poor outcome. Sixteen individuals were identified who required medical assistance at the end of the race. Pulse and lying and standing blood pressure were measured and a brief history was taken. Compared with 92 controls, the subjects showed a greater orthostatic drop in systolic blood pressure and were more likely to have consumed alcohol in the preceding 24 h.
Effect of a weightlifting belt on spinal shrinkage.
Authors: Bourne N D , Reilly T
Published: December 2008

Spinal loading during weightlifting results in a loss of stature which has been attributed to a decrease in height of the intervertebral discs--so-called 'spinal shrinkage'. Belts are often used during the lifting of heavy weights, purportedly to support, stabilize and thereby attenuate the load on the spine. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a standard weightlifting belt in attenuating spinal shrinkage. Eight male subjects with a mean age of 24.8 years performed two sequences of circuit weight-training, one without a belt and on a separate occasion with a belt. The circuit training regimen consisted of six common weight-training exercises. These were performed in three sets of ten with a change of exercise after each set of ten repetitions. A stadiometer sensitive to within 0.01 mm was used to record alterations in stature. Measurements of stature were taken before and after completion of the circuit. The absolute visual analogue scale (AVAS) was used to measure the discomfort and pain intensity resulting from each of the two conditions. The circuit weight-training caused stature losses of 3.59mm without the belt and 2.87 mm with the belt (P greater than 0.05). The subjects complained of significantly less discomfort when the belt was worn (P less than 0.05). The degree of shrinkage was significantly correlated (r = 0.752, P less than 0.05) with perceived discomfort but only when the belt was not worn. These results suggest the potential benefits of wearing a weightlifting belt and support the hypothesis that the belt can help in stabilizing the trunk.
Internal fixation of closed tibial fractures for the management of sports injuries.
Authors: Abdel-Salam A , Eyres K S , Cleary J
Published: December 2008

From 1985 to 1988, 90 closed tibial fractures were prospectively studied to assess the morbidity of such injuries to sports people and how this can be influenced by treatment regimens. All fractures were sustained during rugby or football matches. After random selection, 45 fractures were openly reduced and internally fixed (group A), and 45 fractures were manipulated under general anaesthesia and a long-leg plaster applied (group B). For patients in group A, below-knee plasters were used for 3 to 4 weeks, with immediate weight-bearing when tolerated. A total of 44 (98%) tibiae united clinically and radiologically within 14-18 weeks. Within 4 months of surgery 28 (62%) patients had returned to work and were able to play again by the following season. By 6 months 17 (38%) patients had resumed normal activities. In group B, only 24 (53%) tibiae united in a mean time of 16 weeks (range 12-40 weeks). Six (13%) patients required bone grafting for non-union, and one patient subsequently developed osteomyelitis. Only ten (22%) patients were back to work and playing sport again within 6 months of initial injury. It is concluded that internal fixation of closed tibial fractures as a primary procedure following low velocity sports injuries can be safely performed. It leads to a faster return to normal activities with fewer complications than does conservative treatment in plaster using contemporary methods.
Acute lower leg compartment syndrome.
Authors: Power R A , Greengross P
Published: December 2008

Acute compartment syndromes in the lower leg are well recognized following major trauma. However, although rare, they may occur following seemingly minor sporting injury. A case of acute compartment syndrome, following a football game and affecting the peroneal or lateral compartment, is described, in which prompt diagnosis and treatment led to a satisfactory outcome. The diagnosis and surgical management of acute compartment syndromes are discussed. Early recognition and treatment are important in the prevention of long-term disability.
Ultimate injuries: a survey.
Authors: Marfleet P
Published: December 2008

Injuries sustained while playing Ultimate at six tournaments between 1986 and 1990 were recorded. Thigh muscle strains, ankle ligament sprains and skin abrasions/friction burns were the most frequent injuries. Factors contributing to injury include pitch state, player fitness and preparation, clothing, 'lay-out' technique, tournament organization and squad size. Reducing excessive playing time, improved preparation by the player, sensible use of protective clothing, and care with pitch selection should all lead to a reduction in the number of injuries.
Tendo Achillis pain: steroids and outcome.
Authors: Read M T , Motto S G
Published: December 2008

A retrospective study is presented of 83 athletes with tendo Achillis pain (TAP) treated conservatively over a 12-year period from 1976 to 1988. Local steroid injections did not contribute to an earlier return to sport, though many individuals were improved symptomatically. Local steroids were not found to have a deleterious effect on outcome. Steroids were used most frequently in the chronic cases that presented late and had been treated previously: this group had most recurrences and surgical intervention. One case of Achilles rupture (3%) occurred in the group treated with steroids. Early presentation for treatment led to an earlier return to sport and avoidance of recurrences. Recurrences were most frequent in athletes with bilateral Achilles tendinopathy. The tendo Achillis lesion may range from peritendinitis through a mixed lesion of the tendon and paratenon, to complete rupture. The management depends upon accurate diagnosis, its chronicity and the age and aspirations of the patient. Steroids are safe to use and further prospective trials should note presentation time and disease staging accurately.
Bilateral median nerve palsy in a cyclist.
Authors: Braithwaite I J
Published: December 2008

Cyclists are prone to a number of sport-related musculoskeletal injuries, mainly of the lower limb. Nerve compression injuries are relatively rare, though in the hand ulnar nerve compression is well described. We describe a case of bilateral median nerve compression caused by cycling.
Maximal oxygen uptake in trained and untrained 15-year-old boys.
Authors: Nikolić Z , Ilić N
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study was to assess maximal aerobic power (VO2max) in trained and untrained 15-year-old boys. The trained subjects (18) were junior swimmers from a Belgrade swimming team, and the untrained ones (12) were from a Belgrade high school. VO2max was directly measured during progressive cycle ergometer exercise using open circuit spirometry. No significant differences in height, mass, percentage fat and vital capacity were noted between the trained and untrained groups. Maximal aerobic power (overall, relative and in relation to lean body mass) in absolute values, and expressed per kilogram of body mass and lean body mass, was 31.5%, 21.2% and 20.6%, respectively, higher in the trained than in the untrained group (P less than 0.05). These data suggest that physical training significantly increases maximal aerobic power in young subjects.
Morphological effects of mechanical forces on the human humerus.
Authors: Qu X
Published: December 2008

Various mechanical forces produce a variable stimulus intensity on bone and have different effects on its growth and development. The aim of this project was to study the effects of a variety of mechanical forces on human humerus morphology. This was investigated by measuring the cortical thickness (cm) and diameter (cm) of the humerus at its proximal, middle and distal thirds from radiographs. The humerus of each of 46 men (five controls, six swimmers, eight gymnasts, seven javelin throwers, nine discus throwers and 11 weightlifters) was radiographed on both right and left sides. The humerus size variation among the participants, in order of increasing size, was found to be as follows: gymnasts, controls, swimmers, javelin throwers, weightlifters and discus throwers respectively. The humeral cortex was largest in the weightlifters, being significantly (P less than 0.05) thicker at distal, medial and proximal sites. The proximal and distal humeral sites in javelin and discus throwers were significantly thicker than those of the control subjects. From the results, static load would seem to provide a higher stimulus to bone than dynamic loading.
Stroboscopic computerized determination of humeral rotation in overarm throwing.
Authors: Chagneau F , Delamarche P , Levasseur M
Published: December 2008

Analysis of the final phase of the overarm handball throw was carried out by a microcomputerized treatment of photographic images taken simultaneously in two grid layouts. Reflective stickers on the joints of the throwing arm (shoulder, elbow, wrist) allowed the coordinates of these three points to be measured against a reference on the wall. Using a mathematical treatment and Euler matrices, the movement could be studied in space. The results confirmed that humeral rotation occurs during the overarm handball throw. Initial external rotation was immediately followed with internal rotation about 40 ms before ball release.
Landing patterns in netball: analysis of an international game.
Authors: Hopper D , Lo S K , Kirkham C , Elliott B
Published: December 2008

The passing and landing patterns among netball players were investigated by examining all the 595 passes in an international match between Australia and New Zealand. Intra-class correlations were used to test inter-observer reliability. The independence of two variables was tested using a Pearson chi 2 test and a contingency coefficient was used to assess the degree of association between variables. An inter-rater reliability in the identification of movement patterns was 0.99. Most of the landings observed in this match were on the forefoot and not the hindfoot as generally reported in controlled experiments. Only 14% of the players leapt to receive a pass compared with 76% reported earlier under controlled environments. The distribution of passing techniques unexpectedly showed that approximately 50% of all the players did not reach for the ball as it was thrown directly to them. However, over 70% of the players threw straight passes which were mainly received in the chest quadrant and other types of passes such as loop, bounce and rebound were used less frequently. Nearly 50% of all players used a right-handed pass to dispose of the ball, while the next most popular pass was to use both hands (40.2%). Landing and passing patterns differed between players in different positions. Footfall patterns on landing after a catch were associated with the trajectory of the ball.
Menarcheal age among Indian sportswomen.
Authors: Sharma S S , Shukla N B
Published: December 2008

The subjects of the study were 85 Indian sportswomen from Delhi and the states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Gujarat, and included outstanding players of cricket, hockey, kho-kho and table-tennis, who were winners of university, state or national championships. A sample of 77 subjects selected at random was used as the control. The recall procedures suggested by Damon and Bajema (1974) were used. The combined mean age at menarche for sportswomen is 13.56 years and for the control sample is 12.7 years. Menarche was significantly delayed in those sportswomen who embarked on physical training activities before the onset of menstruation. There are also variations in the mean menarcheal age between participants in different sports specialities.
Efficacy of perceptual versus heart rate monitoring in the development of endurance.
Authors: Koltyn K F , Morgan W P
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the effectiveness of using ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) with heart rate in the monitoring of exercise intensity during aerobic dance instruction. Thirty-eight students who enrolled in aerobic dance classes used heart rate to monitor exercise intensity while 38 additional students used RPE to monitor exercise intensity during a 14-week course. Classes met twice a week for 50 min and all outside workouts were recorded. The groups did not differ with respect to the number of outside workouts. The dependent variable was endurance performance as measured by the distance run in 15 min. Data were analysed with a repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) for multifactor experiments. There were significant trials (P less than 0.0001) and interaction (P less than 0.05) effects, and both groups improved significantly in endurance performance during 14 weeks of training. However, the group using RPE to monitor exercise intensity had a significantly greater gain in endurance. The heart rate group had a mean increase of 6% (166 m) whereas the RPE group increased 11% (274 m). It is concluded that during aerobic dance the monitoring of exercise intensity with RPE is associated with greater improvement in endurance than is heart rate monitoring.
Effect of breathing techniques on blood pressure response to resistance exercise.
Authors: Linsenbardt S T , Thomas T R , Madsen R W
Published: December 2008

Twenty novice male weight lifters performed resistance exercises using three different breathing techniques to determine the effects on blood pressure. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured by an automated non-invasive method while subjects performed the single arm curl and double knee extension using the different breathing techniques. Performing the Valsalva manoeuvre (breath-holding) during either the single arm curl or double knee extension produced the highest blood pressure responses. Inhaling during the concentric phase of the exercise was associated with blood pressure elevations that were similar to the elevations observed with exhaling during the concentric phase. The heart rate response was slightly higher with inhalation. These results suggest that performing the Valsalva manoeuvre exaggerates the blood pressure response to resistance exercise. In addition, coupling inhalation with the concentric phase of the lift offers no cardiovascular advantage over coupling exhalation with the concentric phase of the lift.