bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intensity of physical activity and respiratory function in subjects with and without bronchial asthma
Authors: Mälkiä E. , Impivaara O.
Published: July 2010

The aim of this study was to assess the intensity of physical activity of asthmatic adults in Finland and the associations between the intensity of physical activity and respiratory function in asthmatic and nonasthmatic persons. The study population (n=8000) was drawn from the population register to represent the Finnish population aged 30 years or over. Adequate information was available from 7193 subjects (89.9% of the sample). Physical activity at work, at leisure and during commuting was recorded with a standard questionnaire. The responses to the questionnaire were expressed as MET values. Asthma was defined on the basis of self‐reports of chronic diseases previously diagnosed by a physician. The spirometric values (VC, FVC, FEV1, FEV%, and PEF) were negatively correlated with age. The results showed clear and significant associations between spirometric values and intensities of physical activity at work and during leisure time in asthmatic men. Although healthier subjects may select more physically demanding activities, it is an equally possible hypothesis that physical activity may improve respiratory function in subjects with and without bronchial asthma.
Atraumatic shoulder instability Discussion of classification and results after capsular imbrication
Authors: Salomonsson B. , Sforza G. , Revay S. , Abbaszadegan H. , Jonsson U.
Published: July 2010

This study consists of 27 shoulders in 24 patients whose atraumatic shoulder instability was treated with the imbrication procedure described by Rockwood. Follow‐up after 2 years or more showed the following results: 37% excellent, 30% good, 15% fair and 18% poor (Rowe score). No statistically significant differences in the results were observed between the dominant and non‐dominant arm, nor in post‐operative return to sports activities. Those with voluntary instability had more laxity at follow‐up and tended to have poorer results. Those with unidirectional laxity had only good or excellent results and showed no post‐operative laxity. We found no other reliable indication of the results of surgery. The difficulties of classifying shoulder instability by such factors as trauma, laxity and direction of instability are discussed. Overall, we consider capsular imbrication to be a good treatment for involuntary atraumatic shoulder instability.
Bioabsorbable tacks for arthroscopic treatment of recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation
Authors: Karlsson J. , Kartus J. , Ejerhed L. , Gunnarsson A.‐C. , Lundin O. , Swärd L.
Published: July 2010

Seventy‐eight patients (82 shoulders) with symptomatic, recurrent anterior post‐traumatic shoulder instability and Bankart lesions were operated on with bioabsorbable tacks (Suretac® fixators). All the patients were followed by an independent observer, with a median follow‐up period of 27 (21–63) months. The recurrence rate was 8/82 (10%). The median Rowe score was 93 (37–100) points. The median Constant score for the index shoulders was 90 (34–100) points, compared with 93 (80–100) points for 59 non‐operated healthy shoulders from the same cohort (P=0.03). The external rotation in abduction was 93 (50–135)° compared with 105 (75–145)° for the control shoulders (P=0.0018). Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization using bioabsorbable Suretac® fixators appears to produce reliable results if used in patients with post‐traumatic shoulder instability and a Bankart lesion.
Postural control — a comparison between patients with chronic anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency and healthy individuals
Authors: Lysholm M. , Ledin T. , Ödkvist L. M. , Good L.
Published: July 2010

Postural control in the sagittal plane was evaluated in 22 patients with chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency and the result was compared to that of a control group of 20 uninjured subjects. Measurement of the body sway was done on a fixed and sway‐referenced force plate in both single‐limb and two‐limb stance, with the eyes open and closed, respectively. Further, an analysis of the postural reactions to perturbations backwards and forwards, respectively, was made in single‐limb stance.

The results demonstrated statistically significant deficits of the postural control in the patient group compared to the control group, but also within the patient group. There was a significantly higher body sway within the patient group when standing on a stable support surface on the injured limb than standing on the uninjured limb with the eyes open, but no difference with the eyes closed. When standing on a stable support surface, there was a significantly higher body sway in the patient group standing on the injured leg than in the control group, both with eyes open and closed. The patient group also showed a significantly impaired postural control compared to the control group when standing on the uninjured leg with the eyes closed. There was no difference between the groups in the two‐limb stance. When standing on the sway‐referenced support surface, the patient group had a significantly larger body sway than the control group when the eyes were open, but there was no significant difference between the groups with the eyes closed. The measurement of the postural corrective responses to perturbations backwards and forwards showed that the reaction time measured from the initiation of the force plate translation, and the amplitude of the body sway was significantly greater in the patient group than in the control group.

We conclude that patients with a continuing chronic ACL insufficiency several years after injury have an impaired postural control in the anteroposterior direction in single‐limb stance on their injured leg. They also show a greater body sway and a prolonged reaction time when subjected to anteroposterior perturbations when standing on their injured leg.
Effects of age on the reciprocal peak torque ratios during knee muscle contractions in elite soccer players
Authors: Gür H. , Akova B. , Pündük Z. , Küçükoǧlu S.
Published: July 2010

To investigate the effects of age on the reciprocal peak torque ratios during knee muscle contractions, 25 elite male soccer players, aged 22.3±3.8 yr (18–28), volunteered for the present study. The players were grouped as adult (>21 years, n=13) and young players (≤21 years, n=12). Maximal concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) isokinetic thigh muscle strength was measured at angular velocities of 30°, 180°, 240° and 300°/s. ECC and CON peak torques of knee flexors (hamstring, HAM) and CON peak torques of knee extensors (quadriceps, QUA) in the dominant knee were greater (P<0.05) in adult players than in young players at 180, 240 and 300°/s. ECC HAM/CON QUA peak torque ratio at 300°/s was greater (P<0.05) for adult players compared to young players in the dominant knee but not in the nondominant knee. Furthermore, conventional HAM/QUA peak torque ratios of the dominant knee at all angular velocities for ECC contraction were higher (P<0.05) in adult players than in young players. In conclusion, the findings of the present study indicate that the reciprocal torque ratio is influenced by age in the dominant knee of elite soccer players. Because there was no effect of age for the nondominant leg, the findings of the present study are more likely to be the result of the training background of the players than their age.
Preserved vascular reactivity in elderly male athletes
Authors: Jensen‐Urstad K. , Bouvier F. , Jensen‐Urstad M.
Published: July 2010

The objective was to characterise function and morphology of the arterial wall in 9 elderly men (mean age 75 ± 3.4 years) with a history of lifelong regular strenuous exercise. A control group of 11 healthy sedentary or moderately physically active men (74.5±2.7 years) was also studied. With increasing age atherosclerosis becomes more common and endothelium‐dependent vasodilation reduced. The effects of training on endothelial function and atherosclerosis have not been studied previously in elderly subjects. High‐frequency ultrasound was used to estimate vasodilatory function in the brachial artery. The endothelium‐dependent (flow‐mediated) and non‐endothelium‐dependent (nitroglycerine‐induced) dilation of the brachial artery were measured. Stasis was used to induce reactive hyperaemia. The carotid arteries were scanned for plaques. intimamedia thickness was measured in the common carotid arteries and arterial wall stiffness was calculated from pulsatile diameter changes in the right carotid artery in relation to blood pressure. The athletes' maximal oxygen uptake during treadmill exercise was 2.90±0.50 I or 41 ± 7 ml · kg−1. The athletes' and the controls' maximal exercise capacity on a bicycle was 254 ± 38 W and 148±19 W respectively (P<0.001). The athletes' body mass index was 22.6±2.6 kg · m−2 and the controls' body mass index was 25.8±3.5 kg · m−2 (P=0.037). Three of 9 athletes had plaques in either or both carotid bifurcations compared with 6 of 11 controls. The athletes had less stiff arteries and better vasodilatory capacity in the brachial artery during increased flow, and borderline significantly greater vasodilation after nitroglycerine. So, elderly athletes with a lifelong training history appear to have better vasodilatory capacity and less stiff arteries than healthy controls. Plaques in the carotid bifurcation were common in both athletes and controls.
The incidence and differential diagnosis of acute groin injuries in male soccer players
Authors: Ekstrand J. , Hilding J.
Published: July 2010

This prospective cohort study evaluated the incidence of acute groin injuries and estimated the distribution of differential diagnoses in male soccer players. Two senior male soccer divisions (21 teams, 326 players) were followed for 1 year. Patients with groin injuries were examined clinically as well as by herniography, sonography and by plain x‐ray of the pelvic bones. Groin injuries accounted for 8% of all injuries. The incidence of groin injury was 0.8/1000 h of exposure. Thirteen (52%) of the 25 patients were clinically considered to have a muscle/tendon injury. However, when using sonography, muscle/tendon injury was only verified in 1 patient. Clinical suspicion of hernia or incipient hernia was evident in 4 (16%) of the patients, while 14 (56%) had a pathological finding at herniography. Clinical and paraclinical (i.e. diagnostic methods using imaging and other advanced techniques) diagnoses do not correspond very well in acute groin injury.
The effects of preexercise stretching on muscular soreness, tenderness and force loss following heavy eccentric exercise
Authors: Johansson P. H. , Lindström L. , Sundelin G. , Lindström B.
Published: July 2010

The present study sought to investigate the effects of preexercise stretching on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), i.e. soreness, tenderness and loss of muscle force, that usually occurs after strenuous or unaccustomed eccentric exercise. Ten female volunteers performed 10 sets of 10 maximal isokinetic eccentric contractions for knee flexion with both legs after a 5‐min ergometer cycling warm‐up. Prior to the exercise for one leg, randomly chosen, 4×20 s of static stretching for the hamstring muscle group was implemented. Rated soreness, tenderness on algometer pressure and loss of maximal eccentric contractile force was evaluated preexercise and 24, 48 and 96 h postexercise. The exercise bout produced severe DOMS, with parameters peaking and troughing at 48 h postexercise. However, no significant differences were found, regarding any of the parameters, when comparing stretched and nonstretched legs. The present study thus suggests that preexercise static stretching has no preventive effect on the muscular soreness, tenderness and force loss that follows heavy eccentric exercise.
The role of achievement goal orientations and perceived ability upon somatic and cognitive indices of sport competition trait anxiety A study of young athletes
Authors: Ommundsen Y. , Pedersen B. H.
Published: July 2010

Goal orientation theory and competence motivation theory were used to examine the relationships between young athletes' achievement goals and indices of somatic and cognitive trait sport competition anxiety. Included in these analyses were also the potential mediating and moderating role of the athletes' perceived competence in sport. We examined 136 young athletes aged 13 to 18 years involved in organized sport within a community in northern Norway. Whereas no association was found between an ego oriented achievement goal and indices of anxiety, multiple regression analyses revealed that both a high task goal orientation and high perceived sport competence predicted a reduced tendency to report cognitive anxiety when competing in sport. In addition, athletes who perceived their competence in sport as high were found to be less predisposed to experiencing somatic anxiety in the form of elevated physiological arousal when competing than those who doubt their competence. The results further showed that perceived competence did not mediate or moderate the relationships between achievement goal orientations and somatic and cognitive indices of trait sport competition anxiety. The findings suggest that being task oriented in sport as well as having a sense of being competent are important in order to prevent sport competitions giving rise to elevated cognitive anxiety in young athletes.
Age‐group differences in intrinsic motivation, goal orientations and perceptions of athletic competence, physical appearance and motivational climate in Greek physical education
Authors: Digelidis N. , Papaioannou A.
Published: July 2010

This study examined age‐group differences in students' motivation, self‐perceptions, task and ego orientations and perception of motivational climate in Greek physical education lessons. Six hundred and seventy‐four students aged 10–17 years responded on self‐reports which, in this study, had acceptable internal consistencies. The results showed that senior high school students scored lower on the scales assessing intrinsic motivation, perceived learning orientation in the lesson, task orientation and perceived athletic ability than junior high school and elementary school students. High school students had lower scores on the Perceived Physical Appearance scale and higher scores on the measure assessing perceptions of students' worries about mistakes than elementary school students. The results suggest that learning orientation should be strengthened in Greek physical education.
Function of the normal meniscus and consequences of meniscal resection
Authors: Aagaard H. , Verdonk R.
Published: July 2010

The principal functions of the meniscus are load transmission and shock absorption, based on the meniscal collagen architecture, the biochemical fluid composition, and the proteoglucan–collagen meshwork. The mobile menisci transmit 50–90% of load over the knee joint, depending on knee flexion angle, femoral translation and rotation. The meniscus contributes to knee joint proprioception and probably also to joint stability. Late consequences of total and partial meniscectomy are radiographic osteoarthritis, with a varying percentage of these patients having symptoms. Malalignment, concomitant articular cartilage lesions, and ligament instability are absolute risk factors, while age, lateral compartment, and continued sport activity are relative risk factors. Acute reinsertion of meniscal tears in the red–red or red–white zones can be performed successfully by arthroscopic technique. Also in chronic tears stable healing can be expected in most cases, if the scar tissue is resected.
Meniscal regeneration or meniscal transplantation?
Authors: Messner K.
Published: July 2010

Owing to the initial necrosis to which any freely transplanted biological graft is subjected, meniscus transplantation is based on similar principles to meniscal regeneration. Both methods rely on repopulation of extrinsic cells of the graft. In the former procedure a biological matrix (meniscus, tendon, fatpad) is used as graft (scaffold), whereas in meniscal regeneration commercially available resorbable or non‐resorbable scaffolds are implanted. However, the cellular (re)population and (re)vitalization process is deleterious rather than beneficial for the function of the graft as the remodelling of the tissue leads to shrinkage and narrowing of the implant. In addition, improper fixation and subsequent elongation of the anterior and posterior bony attachments leads to peripheral graft dislocation, loss of the load distribution function, and subsequently to cartilage degeneration. Hence, meniscus transplantation or regeneration faces two major problems: 1) remodelling of graft to inferior tissue properties after allograft transplantation, or lacking establishment of normal tissue properties after use of biological matrixes other than the meniscus (fatpad, tendon), or commercially available matrixes; 2) improper fixation with elongation of the anterior and posterior attachments. Furthermore, use of allografts incorporates the risk for disease transmission. Today we are unable to control these problems, and therefore the concept of meniscal replacement does not work yet. Further research is necessary to control remodelling and improve fixation to make this procedure a successful one in the future.
Physical activity compensates for increased mortality risk among older people with poor muscle strength
Authors: Portegijs E. , Rantanen T. , Sipilä S. , Laukkanen P. , Heikkinen E.
Published: July 2010

The aim of the study was to determine whether habitual physical activity can compensate for the increased mortality risk among older people with poor muscle strength. Mortality was followed up for 10 years after laboratory examination in 558 community dwelling 75‐ and 80‐year‐old men and women. Maximal isometric strength of five muscle groups was measured and tertile cut‐off points were used to categorize participants. Participants, who reported moderate physical activity for at least 4 h a week, were categorized as physically active and the others as sedentary. High muscle strength and physical activity both protected from mortality, but their effect was not additive. Within each muscle strength tertile, physically active people had a lower mortality risk than sedentary people, the effect being most pronounced among those with lower strength in all muscle groups. A high level of physical activity may thus compensate for the increased mortality associated with low muscle strength.
Resonance frequency in patellar tendon
Authors: Wang T.‐G. , Hsiao T.‐Y. , Wang C.‐L. , Shau Y.‐W.
Published: July 2010

The aim of this study was to the measure resonance frequency of the patellar tendon in order to determine whether the resonance frequency exists in the soft tissue of the human body. A vibrator was attached to the medial aspect of the tibia of 10 healthy subjects to provide different frequencies of vibration, and an accelerometer was attached to the patellar tendon to measure the vibration of the patellar tendon. Measurements were obtained at 0°, 60° and 90° of knee flexion. A mean resonance frequency of 22.5±0.8, 23.0+0.7 and 24.0+0.8 Hz was produced in the right patellar tendon when the knee joint was at 0°, 60° and 90° of flexion, respectively. The increase in resonance frequency from 0° to 60° was not statistically significant. However, the increase from 60° to 90° was significant (P<0.05). No differences in the measured parameters were evident for the left and right patellar tendons. These results indicate that resonance frequencies exist in soft tissues of the body and that this characteristic may be useful in detecting changes in soft tissue physical properties.
Profile of physical activity behaviors among Swedish women aged 56–75 years
Authors: Orsini N. , Bellocco R. , Bottai M. , Hagströmer M. , Sjöström M. , Pagano M. , Wolk A.
Published: July 2010

The aim of this study was to assess profiles of physical activity (PA) behavior using accelerometers among middle‐aged and elderly women in free‐living conditions. A subset of 133 women aged 56–75 years from the population‐based Swedish Mammography Cohort with valid accelerometer data was included in the analysis. The proportion of women who met the PA recommendation of accumulating 30 min of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA), in either one continuous bout or several shorter bouts lasting 8–10 min, on five or more days/week was 31%. The precision of mean daily estimates of MVPA and of inactivity based on 7 days monitoring was 0.80 and 0.86, respectively. On average, participants spent 103 min/day on MVPA, but only about a third of that time was accumulated in the recommended pattern of bouts lasting at least 8–10 min. Obese women had, on average, one bout of MVPA less than normal‐weight women (mean 3.6 bouts/day). The mean MVPA decreased 10 min/day with every 5‐year increase in age. A low proportion of women accumulated MVPA in the pattern recommended for health benefits. The proportion would increase considerably if women maintained their current amount of MVPA but increased the duration of each bout of MVPA.
Failed jump landing trials: deficits in neuromuscular control
Authors: Wikstrom E. A. , Tillman M. D. , Schenker S. , Borsa P. A.
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this investigation was to compare neuromuscular control variables during successful and failed jump landings in multiple directions (sagittal, diagonal, and lateral). All data were collected during a single leg hop stabilization maneuver, which required subjects to stand 70 cm from the center of a force plate, jump off both legs, touch a designated marker placed at a height equivalent to 50% of their maximum vertical jump, and land on a single leg for all directions. Twenty‐six subjects [10 males (22±3.9 years of age, 70.9±7.6 kg, and 176.8±0.5 cm) and 16 females (20.6±0.5 years of age, 65.6±9.1 kg, and 166.4±5.9 cm)] volunteered to participate in this investigation. Muscle activation times, average preparatory, and reactive electromyographic (EMG) amplitudes were calculated for the vastus medialis, semi‐membranosis, lateral gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior. EMG data revealed that successful jump landing trials had earlier activation times and higher preparatory and reactive EMG amplitudes. There was no difference for EMG activation times or amplitudes among directions. The results indicate neuromuscular control differences between successful and failed trials because of earlier muscle onset and greater amplitude. The results also suggest that in a healthy population, the direction of the jump protocol will not affect lower extremity EMG characteristics.
Overreaching‐induced oxidative stress, enhanced HSP72 expression, antioxidant and oxidative enzymes downregulation
Authors: Zoppi C. C. , Macedo D. V.
Published: July 2010

Overreaching (OVR) is defined as the initial phase of overtraining syndrome and is known as a metabolic imbalance leading to short‐term fatigue. Exercise increases reactive oxygen species production, which can oxidize intracellular structures impairing cell function and thus leads to OVR process. The aim of this work is to study the behavior of oxidative stress markers in subjects submitted to an OVR protocol. Thirty rats were divided in exercise and control group, and submitted to an 8‐week‐endurance training (ET) and a 3‐week‐OVR protocol. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), reactive carbonylated derivatives (RCD), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT) and citrate synthase (CS) activities and stress protein HSP72 were measured in soleus (SO), extensor digital longus (EDL) and semitendinuous (ST) muscles. ET induced significant enhancement (P<0.05) in CS, GR, CAT, TBARs, RCD and HSP72 in SO, EDL and ST. OVR induced higher levels (P<0.05) of TBARs, RCD and HSP72 compared with ET only in SO, while in EDL and ST all measured parameters ranged at same levels reached during ET. We concluded that stress‐induced OVR protocol is fiber type dependent, the SO muscle fiber type I being the most affected by this treatment.
Prevention of hamstring strains in elite soccer: an intervention study
Authors: Arnason A. , Andersen T. E. , Holme I. , Engebretsen L. , Bahr R.
Published: July 2010

The purpose was to test the effect of eccentric strength training and flexibility training on the incidence of hamstring strains in soccer. Hamstring strains and player exposure were registered prospectively during four consecutive soccer seasons (1999–2002) for 17–30 elite soccer teams from Iceland and Norway. The first two seasons were used as baseline, while intervention programs consisting of warm‐up stretching, flexibility and/or eccentric strength training were introduced during the 2001 and 2002 seasons. During the intervention seasons, 48% of the teams selected to use the intervention programs. There was no difference in the incidence of hamstring strains between teams that used the flexibility training program and those who did not [relative risk (RR)=1.53, P=0.22], nor was there a difference compared with the baseline data (RR=0.89, P=0.75). The incidence of hamstring strains was lower in teams who used the eccentric training program compared with teams that did not use the program (RR=0.43, P=0.01), as well as compared with baseline data for the same intervention teams (RR=0.42, P=0.009). Eccentric strength training with Nordic hamstring lowers combined with warm‐up stretching appears to reduce the risk of hamstring strains, while no effect was detected from flexibility training alone. These results should be verified in randomized clinical trials.
Influence of mouthguard on temporomandibular joint
Authors: Murakami S. , Maeda Y. , Ghanem A. , Uchiyama Y. , Kreiborg S.
Published: July 2010

The aim of this study is to examine whether wearing a mouthguard (MG) has an influence on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) components (i.e., the condyle and the articular disk) and whether clenching with a resilient MG has an effect on the same components. Twenty‐six healthy volunteers (15 females, 11 males) with an age range of 26–42 years old (median 28 years) participated in this study. Among all 52 joints in the 26 subjects, anterior disk displacement (AntDD) was recognized in 15. Thus, we classified the 52 joints into two groups, the AntDD group and the Normal group. Resilient thermoplastic materials were used to fabricate two types of MG, one that raised the vertical dimension height by 3 mm and another that raised it by 6 mm. Subjects were scanned with/without two types of MG with/without clenching by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The movement of the condylar head and articular disk was measured in the magnetic resonance images using the special subtraction technique. Wearing the MG without clenching did not have a negative influence on the TMJ and clenching in the Normal group. In the AntDD group, however, the relationship between the disk and condyle was affected by clenching and the degree of disk displacement was worsened by clenching with the thicker MG. From our results, we recommend that athletes with an internal derangement of the TMJ not wear the thicker MG and attention should be paid to its setting. And the subtraction technique using MRI was thought as a good tool for detecting a slight change in the TMJ.
What makes coaches tick? The impact of coaches' intrinsic and extrinsic motives on their own satisfaction and that of their athletes
Authors: Jowett S.
Published: July 2010

This study aims to investigate the influence of two types of motivational forces on coach and athlete satisfaction. The focus is on intrinsic and extrinsic motives that initiate coach‐related behavior. A questionnaire that measures both types of motivation and three facets of satisfaction (i.e., satisfaction with performance, with instruction, and with the coach–athlete relationship) was completed by 138 coaches. One athlete from each of the coaches who participated in the study was also asked to complete a questionnaire that measures their satisfaction with performance, instruction, and the coach–athlete relationship. Results from a series of regression analyses indicated that while intrinsic motivation was moderately and positively related to all facets of coach satisfaction, extrinsic motivation was only related to coach satisfaction with the coach–athlete relationship. Athletes' satisfaction with the coach–athlete relationship was only associated with the coach's intrinsic motivation. Interaction effects among the two types of motivation were significant suggesting that extrinsic motivation can potentially undermine intrinsic motivation when intrinsic motivation is low. The findings are discussed based on assumptions put forward by self‐determination theory.
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphism and elite endurance athlete status: the Genathlete study
Authors: Wolfarth B. , Rankinen T. , Mühlbauer S. , Ducke M. , Rauramaa R. , Boulay M. R. , Pérusse L. , Bouchard C.
Published: July 2010

In the Genathlete study, we examined the contribution of three polymorphisms in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) gene to discriminate elite endurance athletes (EEA) from sedentary controls (SC). The EEA group included a total of 316 Caucasian males with a VO2max >75 mL/kg. The SC group comprised 299 unrelated sedentary Caucasian males who had VO2max values below 50 mL/kg. The polymerase chain reaction technique was used to amplify a microsatellite (CA)n repeat in intron 13, a 27 bp repeat in intron 4 and a third fragment in exon 7 containing the Glu298Asp SNP. No difference was found between the EEA and SC groups for the 27 bp repeat and the Glu298Asp polymorphism. Chi‐square analysis of the overall allelic distribution of the (CA)n repeat revealed no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.135). However, comparing carriers and non‐carriers for the most common (CA)n repeat alleles, we found significant differences between SC and EEA, with more EEA subjects carrying the 164 bp allele (P=0.007). In summary, we found suggestive evidence that the 164 bp allele of the (CA)n repeat in intron 13 is associated with EEA status and may account for some of the differences between EEA and SC.
A 10‐year comparison of anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions with hamstring tendon and patellar tendon autograft: a controlled, prospective trial
Authors: Pinczewski L. A. , Lyman J. , Salmon L. J. , Russell V. J. , Roe J. , Linklater J.
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND: There are no controlled, prospective studies comparing the 10‐year outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using patellar tendon (PT) and four‐strand hamstring tendon (HT) autografts.

HYPOTHESIS: Comparable results are possible with HT and PT autografts.

STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS: One hundred and eighty ACL‐deficient knees that met inclusion criteria underwent ACL reconstruction (90 HT autograft, 90 PT autograft) by one surgeon and were treated with an accelerated rehabilitation program. All knees were observed in a prospective fashion with subjective, objective, and radiographic evaluation at 2‐, 5‐, 7‐, and 10‐year intervals.

RESULTS: At 10 years, there were no differences in graft rupture rates (7/90 PT vs 12/90 HT, P=0.24). There were 20 contralateral ACL ruptures in the PT group, compared with nine in the HT group (P=0.02). In all patients, graft rupture was associated with instrumented laxity >2 mm at 2 years (P=0.001). Normal or near‐normal function of the knee was reported in 97% of patients in both groups. In the PT group, harvest‐site symptoms (P=0.001) and kneeling pain (P=0.01) were more common than in the HT group. More patients reported pain with strenuous activities in PT knees than in HT knees (P=0.05). Radiographic osteoarthritis was more common in PT knees than the HT‐reconstructed knees (P=0.04). The difference, however, was composed of patients with mild osteoarthritis. Other predictors of radiographic osteoarthritis were <90% single‐legged hop test at 1 year and the need for further knee surgery. An “ideal” outcome, defined as an overall International Knee Documentation Committee grade of A or B and a radiographic grade of A at 10 years after ACL reconstruction, was associated with <3 mm of instrumented laxity at 2 years, the absence of additional surgery in the knee, and HT grafts.

CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to obtain excellent results with both HT and PT autografts. We recommend HT reconstructions to our patients because of decreased harvest‐site symptoms and radiographic osteoarthritis.
Time course of muscular, neural and tendinous adaptations to 23‐day unilateral lower‐limb suspension in young men
Authors: De Boer M. D. , Maganaris C. N. , Seynnes O. R. , Rennie M. J. , Narici M. V.
Published: July 2010

Muscles and tendons are highly adaptive to changes in chronic loading, though little is known about the adaptative time course. We tested the hypothesis that, in response to unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS), the magnitude of tendon mechanical adaptations would match or exceed those of skeletal muscle. Seventeen men, (1.79±0.05 m, 76.6±10.3 kg, 22.3±3.8 years underwent ULLS for 23 days (n=9) or acted as controls (n=8). Knee extensors (KE) torque, voluntary activation (VA), cross‐sectional area (CSA) (by magnetic resonance imaging), vastus lateralis fascicle length (Lf) and pennation angle (vartheta), patellar tendon stiffness and Young's modulus (by ultrasonography) were measured before, during and at the end of ULLS. After 14 and 23 days, (i) KE torque decreased by 14.8±5.5% and 21.0±7.1%, respectively (P<0.001); (ii) VA did not change; (iii) KE CSA decreased by 5.2±0.7% (P<0.001) and 10.0±2.0% (P<0.001); Lf decreased by 5.9% (NS) and 7.7% (P<0.05) and vartheta by 3.2% (P<0.05) and, (iv) tendon stiffness and modulus decreased by 9.8±8.2% (P<0.05) and 9.2±8.2% (P<0.05) at 14 days, and by 29.3±11.5% (P<0.005) and 30.1±11.9% (P<0.01) at 23 days, with no changes in the controls. Hence, ULLS induces rapid losses of KE muscle size, architecture and function, but not in neural drive. Significant deterioration in tendon mechanical properties also occurs within 2 weeks, exacerbating in the third week of ULLS. Rehabilitation to limit muscle and tendon deterioration should probably start within 2 weeks of unloading.
Asian Indians of Guadeloupe are less physically active than their island counterparts
Authors: Sinnapah S. , Antoine‐Jonville S. , Donnet J. P. , Hue O.
Published: July 2010

The status of ethnic minority has been reported to be associated with a tendency toward sedentary behavior. The Guadeloupean population is composed of Afro‐Caribbeans and an Asian Indian minority. This study examined the association of ethnicity and physical activity on the island. Energy expenditures (EE), energy intakes (EI), and macronutrient intakes of 122 Guadeloupean workers (60 Indians and 62 controls) were assessed by three consecutive 24‐h recalls. Two‐way analyses of variance were conducted to test the hypothesis of an effect of ethnicity, taking the potential effect of sex into account, on these variables. Asian Indians reported lower EE (P=0.011), lower EE/EI ratios (P=0.001), and lower physical activity (P=0.003) than their Afro‐Carribean counterparts. Their food intakes were not different in terms of EI or macronutrient intake. No sex × ethnicity interactions were significant. The present study reports a tendency toward physical inactivity in Asian Indians of Guadeloupe associated with EI similar to those of controls. Sedentary lifestyles and energetic imbalances are well‐documented risk factors for several diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, both major public health concerns in Guadeloupe. Strategies to prevent sedentary lifestyles should be considered for Asian Indian Guadeloupeans.
Cost analysis of an exercise program for older women with respect to social welfare and healthcare costs: a pilot study
Authors: Timonen L. , Rantanen T. , Mäkinen E. , Timonen T.E. , Törmäkangas T. , Sulkava R.
Published: July 2010

The aim of this study was to analyze social welfare and healthcare costs and fall‐related healthcare costs after a group‐based exercise program. The 10‐week exercise program, which started after discharge from the hospital, was designed to improve physical fitness, mood, and functional abilities in frail elderly women. Sixty‐eight acutely hospitalized and mobility‐impaired women (mean age 83.0, SD 3.9 years) were randomized into either group‐based (intervention) or home exercise (control) groups. Information on costs was collected during 1 year after hospital discharge. There were no differences between the intervention and control groups in the mean individual healthcare costs: 4381€ (SD 3829€) vs 3539€ (SD 3967€), P=0.477, in the social welfare costs: 3336€ (SD 4418€) vs 4073€ (SD 5973€), P=0.770, or in the fall‐related healthcare costs: 996€ (SD 2612€) vs 306€ (SD 915), P=0.314, respectively. This exercise intervention, which has earlier proved to be effective in improving physical fitness and mood, did not result in any financial savings in municipal costs. These results serve as a pilot study and further studies are needed to establish the cost‐effectiveness of this exercise intervention for elderly people.
Prevalence of asthma‐like symptoms, asthma and its treatment in elite athletes
Authors: Lund T. , Pedersen L. , Larsson B. , Backer V.
Published: July 2010

The objective was to determine the prevalence of asthma‐like symptoms and asthma and the use of asthma medication in Danish elite athletes. A cross‐sectional questionnaire survey of Danish elite athletes was conducted in 2006. All elite athletes (N=418) financially supported by the national organization of elite athletes comprised the study group; 329 (79%) completed the questionnaire concerning their sport, asthma‐like symptoms, asthma and use of asthma medication. Asthma‐like symptoms at rest were reported by 41% of respondents; 55% reported asthma‐like symptoms at rest or at exercise. Physician‐diagnosed asthma was present in 16% and 14% had current asthma. Asthma medication was taken by 7% of the athletes, of whom 79% used inhaled corticosteroids and 21% used inhaled β2‐agonists only. Athletes participating in endurance sports had higher prevalences of current asthma (24%) and use of asthma medication (15%) than all other athletes (P<0.01). Athletes participating in endurance sports have a higher prevalence of asthma and use of asthma medication. The frequency of asthma medication is lower than the prevalence of current asthma indicating that there is no overuse of asthma medication among Danish elite athletes.
Myostatin inhibition: a potential performance enhancement strategy?
Authors: Fedoruk M. N. , Rupert J. L.
Published: July 2010

A decade has passed since myostatin was first identified as a negative regulator of muscle growth. Since then, studies in both humans and animals have demonstrated that decreasing the levels of this growth factor or inhibiting its function can dramatically increase muscle size, and a number of therapeutic applications of myostatin inhibition to the treatment of myopathies and muscle atrophy have been proposed. As such treatments would be likely to also stimulate muscle growth in healthy individuals, there is a growing concern among anti‐doping authorities that myostatin inhibitors may be among the next generation of ergogenic pharmaceuticals or even in the vanguard of “gene doping” technology. While the ability to stimulate muscle growth through myostatin inhibition is well documented, a growing body of evidence suggests such increases may not translate into an improvement in athletic performance. This article briefly reviews the function of this potent regulator of muscle development and explores the potential therapeutic uses, and potential ergogenic abuses, of myostatin manipulation.
Commuter cycling: effect on physical performance in untrained men and women in Flanders: minimum dose to improve indexes of fitness
Authors: De Geus B. , Joncheere J. , Meeusen R.
Published: July 2010

The purpose was to examine (1) the effect of cycling to work on physical performance; (2) the minimum weekly energy expenditure needed for fitness improvement based on the dose–response relationship between total caloric expenditure and fitness changes. Healthy, untrained men and women, who did not cycle to work, participated in a 1‐year intervention study. Sixty‐five subjects were asked to cycle to work at least three times a week. Fifteen subjects were asked not to change their living habits. All measurements were performed on three consecutive occasions, with 6 months in between. Maximal external power (Pmax), heart rate, respiratory exchange ratio and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) were assessed. Cycling characteristics and leisure time physical activities were reported in a dairy. A significant change over time between both groups was seen for VO2peak (/kg) in the total group and the women and for Pmax in the total group. Correlations were found between VO2peak (/kg) (r≥0.40) and kcal/week and min/week. Preliminary results indicate that the minimum expended energy needed for the improvement of indexes of fitness is higher for men compared with women.
The relative age effect in young French basketball players: a study on the whole population
Authors: Delorme N. , Raspaud M.
Published: July 2010

The aim of this study is to test the presence of the relative age effect (RAE) and to examine height in an overall population of the young French basketball players from 7 to 18 years old, male (n=151 259) and female (n=107 101). For the boys as for the girls, the results show a statistically significant RAE in all age categories. The effect seems more pronounced during puberty. As far as the height is concerned, players born during quarters 1 and 2 are always significantly taller than those born during quarter 4, apart from the 17‐year‐old female players. These results require a new look at the methodology in the statistical calculation and the interpretation of RAE. A study wanting to give a precise measurement of this effect will have to take as the expected theoretical distribution the whole population of licensed players in the corresponding years, rather than one on the global population of the country. This will avoid the hasty conclusion that an asymmetric distribution of dates of birth of professional players would be due to RAE, whereas in reality it would be representative of one existing in the population of licensed players.
Effect of hamstring flexibility on isometric knee flexion angle–torque relationship
Authors: Alonso J. , McHugh M. P. , Mullaney M. J. , Tyler T. F.
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between hamstring flexibility and knee flexion angle–torque relationship. Hamstring flexibility was assessed in 20 subjects (10 men, 10 women) using the straight leg raise (SLR) and active knee extension (AKE) tests. Isometric knee flexion strength was measured at five knee flexion angles while subjects were seated with the test thigh flexed 40° and the trunk flexed 80°. Lower extremities were classified as tight or normal based on the SLR and AKE tests. Peak knee flexion torque, angle of peak torque, and angle–torque relationship were compared between flexibility groups. Peak knee flexion torque was not different between tight and normal groups (SLR P=0.82; AKE P=0.68) but occurred in greater knee flexion (shorter muscle length) in the tight group compared with the normal group (SLR P<0.01; AKE P<0.05). The tight group had higher torque than the normal group at the shortest muscle length tested but lower torque at longer muscle lengths (SLR P<0.001; AKE P<0.001). In conclusion, the angle–torque relationship was shifted to the left in less flexible hamstrings such that knee flexion torque was increased at short muscle lengths and decreased at long muscle lengths when compared with more flexible hamstrings.
Stability training of the lumbo‐pelvo‐hip complex influence stiffness of the hamstrings: a preliminary study
Authors: Kuszewski M. , Gnat R. , Saulicz E.
Published: July 2010

An analysis of data obtained in an experiment investigating the influence of stability training of the lumbo‐pelvo‐hip complex (LPHC) on stiffness of the hamstrings is presented. Randomized controlled trial. The study included 30 subjects (aged 18–42 years) with increased stiffness of the hamstrings at baseline. Over a period of 4 weeks, stability training aiming to activate the deep stabilizing muscle subsystem and to integrate its action with the superficial subsystem was introduced in the experimental group. The control group remained unaffected. Three series of measurements were applied (baseline, after 2 weeks, and after 4 weeks). A digital inclinometer was used to measure outcomes of passive knee extension in the supine test. In the experimental group, a tendency to decrease stiffness of the hamstrings was observed. It was the opposite in the control group. Significant intra‐group differences in the experimental group between series 1 and 3 measurements for both the right and left lower extremities were revealed. Stability training of the LPHC showed a tendency to be effective in reducing stiffness of the hamstrings.
Training in hypoxia and its effects on skeletal muscle tissue
Authors: Hoppeler H. , Klossner S. , Vogt M.
Published: July 2010

It is well established that local muscle tissue hypoxia is an important consequence and possibly a relevant adaptive signal of endurance exercise training in humans. It has been reasoned that it might be advantageous to increase this exercise stimulus by working in hypoxia. However, as long‐term exposure to severe hypoxia has been shown to be detrimental to muscle tissue, experimental protocols were developed that expose subjects to hypoxia only for the duration of the exercise session and allow recovery in normoxia (live low–train high or hypoxic training). This overview reports data from 27 controlled studies using some implementation of hypoxic training paradigms. Hypoxia exposure varied between 2300 and 5700 m and training duration ranged from 10 days to 8 weeks. A similar number of studies was carried out on untrained and on trained subjects. Muscle structural, biochemical and molecular findings point to a specific role of hypoxia in endurance training. However, based on the available data on global estimates of performance capacity such as maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and maximal power output (Pmax), hypoxia as a supplement to training is not consistently found to be of advantage for performance at sea level. There is some evidence mainly from studies on untrained subjects for an advantage of hypoxic training for performance at altitude. Live low–train high may be considered when altitude acclimatization is not an option.
Effects of various training modalities on blood volume
Authors: Schmidt W. , Prommer N.
Published: July 2010

It is controversially discussed whether soccer games should be played at moderate (2001–3000 m) and high altitudes (3001–5500 m) or should be restricted to near sea level and low altitude (501–2000 m) conditions. Athletes living at altitude are assumed to have a performance advantage compared with lowlanders. One advantage of altitude adaptation concerns the expansion of total hemoglobin mass (tHb‐mass), which is strongly related to endurance performance at sea level. Cross‐sectional studies show that elite athletes posses ∼35% higher tHb‐mass than the normal population, which is further elevated by 14% in athletes native to altitude of 2600 m. Although the impact of this huge tHb‐mass expansion on performance is not yet investigated for altitude conditions, lowland athletes seek for possibilities to increase tHb‐mass to similar levels. At sea level tHb‐mass is only moderately influenced by training and depends more on genetic predisposition. Altitude training in contrast, using either the conventional altitude training or the live high–train low (>14 h/day in hypoxia) protocol for 3–4 weeks above 2500 m leads to mean increases in tHb‐mass of 6.5%. This increase is, however, not sufficient to close the gap in tHb‐mass to elite athletes native to altitude, which may be in advantage when tHb‐mass has the same strong influence on aerobic performance at altitude as it has on sea level.