bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Haemoglobin saturation during incremental arm and leg exercise.
Authors: Powers S. K. , Dodd S. , Woodyard J. , Beadle R. E. , Church G.
Published: December 2008

There are few reports concerning the alterations in the percent of haemoglobin saturated with oxygen (%SO2) during non-steady state incremental exercise. Further, no data exist to describe the %SO2 changes during arm exercise. Therefore, the purpose of this study was made to assess the dynamic changes in %SO2 during incremental arm and leg work. Nine trained subjects (7 males and 2 females) performed incremental arm and leg exercise to exhaustion on an arm crank ergometer and a cycle ergometer, respectively. Ventilation and gas exchange measurements were obtained minute by minute via open circuit spirometry and changes in %SO2 were recorded via an ear oximeter. No significant difference (p greater than 0.05) existed between arm and leg work in end-tidal oxygen (PETO2), end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO2), or %SO2 when compared as a function of percent VO2 max. These results provide evidence that arterial O2 desaturation occurs in a similar fashion in both incremental arm and leg work with the greatest changes in %SO2 occurring at work rates greater than 70% VO2 max.
Acute soccer injuries in Finland in 1980.
Authors: Sandelin J , Santavirta S , Kiviluoto O
Published: December 2008

The present investigation analyses all the acute soccer injuries recorded in Finland during one year (1980). The mean follow-up time was 18 months. The calculated yearly injury incidence was 5.8%. No significant difference in the injury incidences between the two sexes could be detected. A major part, 64% of the injuries were located in the lower extremities. Fractures and dislocations accounted for 11% of all injuries. One quarter of the injuries were classified as mild, causing a playing disability shorter than a week. Most injuries occurred through physical contact with another player (p less than 0.001). The calculated median time of absence from practice after injury was 4 weeks.
Orofacial injuries and the use of mouthguards by the 1984 Great Britain Rugby League touring team.
Authors: Chapman P J
Published: December 2008

Mouthguards are considered by most authorities to be an essential part of equipment for players in any body-contact sports, especially the combative type e.g. Rugby Union, Rugby League, American Football (gridiron), boxing, etc. (Turner, 1977). The qualities provided by the mouthguard are dental protection, especially of the upper anterior teeth, soft tissue protection around the mouth, a reduction in the risk of fracture of the mandible, and a reduction in the concussion force from a blow to the mandible (Clegg, 1969; Upson, 1982; Davies et al, 1977). Of the 28 players interviewed, only 7 (25%) wore mouthguards, the commonest reason for not using a mouthguard being difficulty with breathing, a finding in common with other similar surveys (Davies et al, 1977). In view of the fact that 17 (60.7%) had sustained oral injuries - dental and jaw injuries, intra-oral and circumoral lacerations, in the past, it was a surprising response to find that only 2 (7.2%) stated that mouthguards should be compulsory when playing Rugby League football.
Serum lipids: interactions between age and moderate intensity exercise.
Authors: Van der Eems K , Ismail A H
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between age and selected serum lipids and lipoproteins in women before and after a physical fitness programme. Twenty females 27-59 years of age who had participated in the Purdue University Physical Fitness Programme were selected and placed into one of two groups: "junior" (mean age 34, all under 40 yrs) or "senior" (mean age 50, all over 43). A two way factorial design was used to study differences in serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), and the risk ratios TC/HDLC and LDLC/HDLC associated with physical fitness and the eight month physical fitness programme. The ability of the biochemical variables to discriminate between the age groups was investigated using discriminant function analyses. The analyses of variance indicated that although the two age groups were matched on the basis of a multivariate physical fitness score (Ismail et al, 1965) the older group was heavier (p less than 0.05), and had higher systolic and pulse pressures (p less than 0.05). Both groups increased their physical fitness score from pre to post programme (p less than 0.01). No significant age related biochemical differences were noted in the univariate analyses; however, in the discriminant function analyses the biochemical variables significantly discriminated between the two groups before, but not after the programme. A decrease in serum triglycerides was observed in the more highly fit women in each age group. These findings suggest that moderate levels of physical activity may help to counteract some of the undesirable changes in the lipid profile associated with age.
Sports injuries in adolescent boarding school boys.
Authors: Briscoe J H
Published: December 2008

A survey is presented of 346 sports injuries admitted to the Eton College Sanatorium between 1971 and 1982. The incidence of injury was lowest in 13 year olds perhaps because of their lighter weight. The injuries were classified into four groups--minor head injury, soft tissue injury, fractures and dislocations, and eye injury. Football caused 75 per cent of all injuries except eye injury where it accounted for only a third. Comparison of the incidence of injury at the three types of football played at Eton--Rugby, Association and Eton--showed Rugby football to be the most dangerous and Eton football the safest game. Advice on the management and prevention of injury is given.
Iliopsoas injury in soccer players.
Authors: Mozes M , Papa M Z , Zweig A , Horoszowski H , Adar R
Published: December 2008

Injuries to the iliopsoas muscle are rarely mentioned in the literature dealing with soccer-related trauma. This report describes our experience in the successful diagnosis and treatment of iliopsoas injury in 40 professional soccer players. These injuries were not associated with direct external trauma to the muscle. Anatomical and functional characteristics of the iliopsoas are reviewed as they relate to the diagnosis and to the treatment by direct local injection with corticosteroids. A safe anatomical approach to the iliopsoas below the inguinal ligament is described.
Potential injury mechanisms to the climber's belayer.
Authors: Butlin P A
Published: December 2008

Photographs and transparencies of the techniques used in belaying, combined with information gained from discussions amongst experienced climbers, provided evidence of the potential injury mechanisms which may be subjected to the belayer in having to arrest a falling climber, whilst moving towards the belayer.
Ruptured semimembranosus bursa--an unusual complication following sports injury of the knee.
Authors: Andersen-Ranberg F , Hejgaard N
Published: December 2008

An exceptional complication of a slight sports injury of the knee with rupture of the semimembranosus bursa in a 29-year-old male football player is reported. The diagnosis was verified by immediate arthrography, consequently the possibility of thrombophlebitis could be ruled out. Anticoagulation is dangerous and contraindicated in rupture of the semimembranosus bursa due to the risk of developing compartment syndrome. Simple bed-rest for a week gave complete relief of pain.
Peak oxygen uptake in arm ergometry: effects of testing protocol.
Authors: Walker R , Powers S , Stuart M K
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if a new proposed arm ergometer protocol was advantageous in eliciting higher peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) when compared with two protocols currently referred to in the literature. Ten male subjects were tested on three different exercise protocols; a discontinuous test (DT), a continuous test (CT) and a new proposed jump-max test (JMT). The CT began at a work rate of 33 watts (W) (40 rpm) with the power output (PO) being increased 16 W every 3 minutes. The DT began without resistance on the ergometer flywheel (50 rpm) and the work rate was increased by 25 W every 3 minutes with a 1-minute rest between stages. The JMT began with a 3-minute pretest to determine a PO which elicited a HR of 120 +/- 5 beat min-1. After a 2-minute rest, subjects began exercise at the predetermined work rate (80 rpm) with the PO being increased 20 W each minute of the test. Oxygen uptake was measured minute by minute via open circuit spirometry. Peak VO2 was higher (p less than 0.05) in the JMT (mean +/- SEM = 2.36 +/- 0.06 l.min-1) when compared with either (means +/- SEM = 2.16 +/- 0.07 l.min-1) or the CT (means +/- SEM = 2.04 +/- 0.10 l.min-1). No difference (p greater than 0.05) existed in peak VO2 between the CT and the DT. These data suggest that the proposed JMT may result in a higher measured peak VO2 in subjects when compared with either DT or CT of moderate to long duration.
Gender comparisons in anaerobic power and anaerobic capacity tests.
Authors: Maud P J , Shultz B B
Published: December 2008

The purpose of the study was to compare anaerobic power and anaerobic capacity test scores between young active men and women. Three performance measures of anaerobic power and two of anaerobic capacity were administered to a sample comprising 52 male and 50 female college students (means age = 21.4 yrs). Results indicated significant differences between men and women in body height, weight and per cent fat, in fat free mass (FFM), anaerobic power, and anaerobic capacity when recorded as gross work completed and relative to body weight. However, these differences are reduced when data is adjusted for body weight and further reduced when corrected for FFM. The study found no significant differences between men and women in either anaerobic power or anaerobic capacity when values were given relative to FFM.
Upper limb injuries associated with rock climbing.
Authors: Bannister P , Foster P
Published: December 2008

Four cases of upper limb injuries secondary to rock-climbing or training for rock climbing are presented. All four cases had diagnosis and treatment delayed because of unawareness of the range of injuries seen in high grade rock climbing.
Seasonal changes in body composition in Australian Rules footballers.
Authors: Burke L M , Gollan R A , Read R S
Published: December 2008

Anthropometric measurements were collected from a group of Australian Rules footballers at the start and end of the competitive season. Eighty-nine players were studied, drawn from a top level professional league team, a second level association team and an A-grade amateur association team. Changes in the physical profile of these players during the season were observed. A small but significant gain in fat-free body mass in the top level players was observed (0.9 kg, p less than 0.01), but no change in body fat. The intermediate level players showed no significant change in body mass and a tendency toward a slight loss in body fat, while the lower level players showed a significant loss in body fat during the season (1.8 kg, p less than 0.001) without significant change in fat-free body mass.
Pancreatic transection during karate training.
Authors: Nielsen T H , Jensen L S
Published: December 2008

A case report of total transection of the pancreas occurring during karate training is described. The clinical features and delayed diagnosis are discussed.
Stress inoculation training to control anxiety in sport: two case studies in squash.
Authors: Mace R , Carroll D
Published: December 2008

This study arose as a result of two squash players, one male one female, seeking advice on how to improve their mental approach to playing. They both felt that their game suffered badly through too much anxiety. After preliminary interviews it was decided to use a programme of stress inoculation training to help them learn to control their anxiety. In order to obtain baseline measures of anxiety, both subjects completed a state anxiety questionnaire on five occasions, immediately prior to playing important league or team matches. They were then given eight training sessions. On completion of the training, subjects were asked to complete a further five state anxiety tests immediately prior to analogous matches. There was a considerable decrease in self-reported anxiety levels and both players reported that their performance had improved. It is argued that stress inoculation training is potentially very useful as a technique for controlling anxiety in certain competitive sports.
Caffeine ingestion and isokinetic strength.
Authors: Bond V , Gresham K , McRae J , Tearney R J
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of caffeine on maximum voluntary contractions of the dominant knee extension and flexion muscles in 12 male intercollegiate track sprinters. Caffeine (5 mg.kg-1) and placebo (225 mg methylcellulose) gelatin capsules were administered orally in randomly assigned order. Muscle function was measured isokinetically by a Cybex II dynamometer interfaced with a data reduction computer. Six repetitions maximum of the extensors and flexors were performed at three sequential ordered speeds (30 degrees, 150 degrees and 300 degrees s-1) with a one-minute rest between varying velocities. Peake torque and power were than assessed after treatment conditions, as well as a fatigue index calculated from a series of 60 repetitions maximum ato 150 degrees s-1. Results of the 2 X 3 ANOVA and paired t-test indicated no difference in measures of peak torque and power at the varying contracting velocities and fatigue index after caffeine ingestion. These findings indicate the ingestion of caffeine in a small dose exerts no ergogenic effect on muscle function under anaerobic conditions.
Sports injuries' postal survey: difficulties encountered in assessment of outcome.
Authors: Pickard M A , Tullett W M , Patel A R
Published: December 2008

We present the results of a postal survey on the outcome of sports injuries treated in an Accident and Emergency Department which shows that this is unsuitable for assessing their outcome. There are, however, some points of interest relating to associated morbidity and satisfaction with treatment in the Accident and Emergency Department.
Body composition and physiological characteristics of law enforcement officers.
Authors: Spitler D L , Jones G , Hawkins J , Dudka L
Published: December 2008

The physical work capacity, body composition, and physiological characteristics of 12 law enforcement officers (9 males, 3 females) were measured. Subjects included a representative sample from the occupational categories of detective, staff, investigative and patrol officer. Mean maximal oxygen uptake of the men was 42.1 +/- 8.9 ml.kg-1min-1 with mean values of 41.5 +/- 8.7 ml.kg-1min-1 for the women. Measurement of body composition indicated an average of 24.4 +/- 7.1% body fat for the men and 30.9 +/- 1.2% for the women. Muscular power, strength, and endurance as measured by isolated limb flexion-extension movement and fitness test performance was considered average with no excessive bilateral differences. The results of this study were compared with other investigations of law enforcement officers of similar age groups. The officers displayed average or above health and physical fitness scores for their age classification and were able to complete all police task-oriented tests.
Dental and facial injuries in international field hockey.
Authors: Bolhuis J H , Leurs J M , Flögel G E
Published: December 2008

In many respects international sportsmen are trendsetters for the behaviour of recreational sportsmen. For this reason the attitude of international hockey players towards mouth protectors was studied. The possession and use of mouth protectors vary markedly between different countries. The incidence of dental-facial traumas among international field hockey players is high; 54% had sustained injuries necessitating a visit to a physician and/or a dentist. Of these victims 20% sustained serious dental damage at least once (women 16% and men 22%). Only 20% of the international players wear a mouth protector consistently during training and matches. Women use the apparatus almost twice as much as men. The main argument in rejecting a mouth protector is that it is not felt to be necessary.
Effect of marathon training on the plasma lactate response to submaximal exercise in middle-aged men.
Authors: Rumley A G , Taylor R , Grant S , Pettigrew A R , Findlay I , Dargie H
Published: December 2008

Twenty-one previously sedentary male volunteers (aged 35-50 years) undertook a defined marathon training programme lasting 30 weeks. At weeks 0 (T1), 15 (T2) and 30 (T3) they underwent measurement of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), submaximal VO2 and submaximal plasma lactate concentration during cycle ergometry. No exercise was taken for 24-48 hours prior to testing. During training aerobic power increased significantly (p less than 0.001) from an initial VO2 max at T1 of 33.9 +/- 6 (mean +/- sd) ml.kg-1min-1 to 39 +/- 5.6 ml.kg-1min-1 at T2 but the T3 value of 39.2 +/- 5.2 ml.kg-1min-1 was not significantly different from that at T2. Plasma lactate concentration of 4 mmol.l-1 (OBLAw) occurred at a significantly (P less than 0.05) higher workload (155 +/- 28 w) at T2 compared with T1 (132 +/- 30 w) but the T3 figure was 137 +/- 34 w. OBLA VO2 at T1 was 2.04 +/- 0.42 l.min-1, at T2 was 2.24 +/- 0.04 l.min-1 but at T3 was 2.03 +/- 0.30 l.min-1 (T1:T2 P less than 0.05, T1:T3 NS). OBLA % VO2 max at T1 was 75 +/- 12%, at T2 was 73 +/- 11% but at T3 was 62 +/- 10% (T1:T2 NS, T1:T3 P less than 0.01).
Dietary preparation and per cent fat measurement by hydrostatic weighing.
Authors: Thomas T R , Crough L D , Araujo J
Published: December 2008

To examine if the dietary preparation for hydrostatic weighing (HW) alters the % fat measurement, seven men and three women (age 29 +/- 6, Males 11.7 +/- 7.3% fat and Females 24.1 +/- 5.4% fat, mean +/- SD) were assessed before and after three meals. On separate days and in random order, each subject (1) ate a salad with toppings (600 g) with small beverage, (2) ate two bean burritos and one bean tostada (900 g) with small beverage, and (3) drank 800 ml of carbonated beverage. The subject was reweighted 45 min after the meals and immediately after the beverage ingestion. Functional residual capacity was assessed simultaneously with underwater weight. Dependent t-tests indicated that body weight in air increased after each of the three means (Bean 0.78, Salad 0.92, Beverage 0.90 kg, all p less than 0.05), but underwater weights were unchanged. Following the salad, body density (1064.6 vs 1061.8 kg.m-3) and % fat (15.0 vs 16.3%, p less than 0.05) were significantly different pre-meal vs post-meal. Likewise, beverage ingestion resulted in decreased body density (1064.7 vs 1061.2 kg.m-3) and increased % fat (15.0 vs 16.5%, p less than 0.05). The bean meal did not cause a change in measured body density (1062.8 vs 1062.8 kg.m-3) or % fat (15.8 vs 15.8%). These results indicate that for the most accurate analysis, preliminary dietary preparation for HW should include food and beverage restriction.
Dietary regimen and performance of high intensity ergometer exercise.
Authors: White J A , Harridge S , Stensil D , Wyeth A
Published: December 2008

The influence of preceding diet (mixed, MD; carbohydrate CD; protein PD) on performance during high intensity endurance cycling was examined in six middle distance runners. Subjects undertook cycle ergometer exercise at a workload equivalent to 80% VO2 max until exhaustion following each of the three dietary regimens. Dietary analyses were performed using a computerised evaluation technique and cardiorespiratory, blood glucose and lactate responses to exercise were measured along with exercise time to exhaustion. Significant differences in carbohydrate and protein intakes were noted between respective diets as well as significantly higher total energy intake in MD (P less than 0.05). A significant relationship was observed between carbohydrate intake and exercise time to exhaustion (r = 0.59, P less than 0.05). No significant differences were noted in cardiorespiratory measures or blood glucose response after exhaustive exercise between the three dietary regimens but peak blood lactate concentration was lower following PD (P less than 0.05). Total time to exhaustion was significantly higher on CD (1070.0 +/- 106.7 s) than on PD (642.5 +/- 84.3 s, P less than 0.01). Performance time on MD (895.7 +/- 84.3 s) did not differ significantly for performance time on either CD or PD. It was concluded that dietary manipulation significantly improves exercise time to exhaustion during short term, high intensity cycling.
Prevention of injury in karate.
Authors: Johannsen H V , Noerregaard F O
Published: December 2008

The purpose of the study was to analyse the effect of knuckle protection on the type and incidence of injuries in traditional karate contests. Knuckle protection was mandatory at the Danish karate championships 1983 and 1986 (290 matches, 0.26 injuries per match), and prohibited at the championships 1984 and 1985 (620 matches, 0.25 injuries per match). Head injuries were more common in the tournaments where fist pads were used. The incidences of transitory psychomotor disturbances following blows to the head were comparable. The severity of head injuries, however, decreased; minor head injuries dominated when fist pads were used (66%, compared with 44% without fist pads, p less than 0.01) and there were fewer lacerations and fractures. Injuries to the fingers or hands were also fewer--1.3% compared with 11% without protection (p less than 0.01). The use of fist pads reduced considerably the number of injuries requiring treatment (from 42% to 16%, p less than 0.01). In conclusion; fist pads offer some protection against injuries, especially to the hands, but additional measures are needed.
A progressive shuttle run test to estimate maximal oxygen uptake.
Authors: Ramsbottom R , Brewer J , Williams C
Published: December 2008

The purpose of the present study was to examine the validity of using a 20 m progressive shuttle run test to estimate maximal oxygen uptake. Running ability was described as the final level attained on the shuttle run test and as time on a 5 km run. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) was determined directly for seventy-four volunteers (36 men, 38 women) who also completed the shuttle run test. Maximal oxygen uptake values were 58.5 +/- 7.0 and 47.4 +/- 6.1 ml.kg-1.min-1 for the men and women respectively (mean +/- SD, P less than 0.01). The levels attained on the shuttle run test were 12.6 +/- 1.5 (men) and 9.6 +/- 1.8 (women; P less than 0.01). The correlation between VO2 max and shuttle level was 0.92. The correlation between VO2 max and the 5 km run was -0.94 and the correlation between both field tests was -0.96. The results of this study suggest that a progressive shuttle run test provides a valid estimate of VO2 max and indicates 5 km running potential in active men and women.
Exercise levels and resting pulse rate in the community.
Authors: Laird G D , Campbell M J
Published: December 2008

A community survey examined attitudes to exercise in relation to health, measured levels of exercise participation, and related exercise participation to resting pulse rate. A questionnaire was sent to 400 Southampton residents selected by a systematic random sample from the electoral roll, and provided 259 useful responses, yielding an effective response rate of 68%, with an average age of 46 years. Attitudes to health benefits of exercise were generally very positive; 92% thought that exercise was important for staying in good health. Attitudes were less positive in subjects over 50 years old, and in social classes IV and V. Although 35% had done some vigorous exercise during the last four weeks only 7% of social classes IV and V had done so. A total of 22 (8.5%) had exercised for at least 20 minutes, 3 or more times per week, and 17 (77%) of these were males with an average age of 29 years. Ninety per cent of the sample were able to take their own resting heart rate. Resting heart rate was 7 beat.min-1 lower in subjects who exercised for at least 20 minutes 3 or more times per week than the average.
Reliability of ratings of perceived effort regulation of exercise intensity.
Authors: Eston R G , Williams J G
Published: December 2008

This study assessed the reliability of ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) for the prescription of exercise intensity during cycling. Ten healthy men (21 to 62 years) and six women (25 to 50 years) attended the laboratory four times, 5 to 7 days apart. On the first visit each subject's maximal oxygen uptake was measured and, subsequently, they cycled at constant work rates based on their perception of ratings 9, 13 and 17 of the Borg 6-20 scale by regulating the resistance of the ergometer without reference to the instrument display panel. Analysis of variance revealed no significant between-trial differences with regard to oxygen uptake (VO2) or heart rate for men or women. The relative exercise intensities corresponding to the 3 ratings of exertion did not differ between men and women. Between-trial correlations for VO2 were highest for visits two and three at RPE levels 9 and 13 (r = 0.83 and r = 0.94) and consistently high (r = 0.92 or greater) for the three trials at RPE17. These data suggest that RPE is a useful frame of reference for the regulation of high levels of exercise intensity in healthy men and women. Small amounts of practice with the scale improve its applicability at lower exercise levels.
Health and ergogenic effects of caffeine.
Authors: Jacobson B H , Kulling F A
Published: December 2008

The indiscriminate use of caffeine by people of all ages may present health hazards. The public at large needs to be more informed of the presence of caffeine in commonly consumed foods and beverages, particularly by infants, children and pregnant women. It is the responsibility of all consumers to investigate the caffeine content of suspected products so that intake may be objectively monitored. Although doubts still exist about the efficacy of caffeine as an ergogenic aid, particularly for exercise of high intensity and short duration, the IOC and the National Collegiate Athletic Association of the US have adopted bans on the use of caffeine to aid sport performance. Currently, both of these organizations prohibit the concentration of caffeine in urine to exceed 15 micrograms-ml-1. That is to say, only very large amounts of caffeine are not permitted at present. Additional research is needed to confirm or deny the contraindications presented by the ingestion of caffeine on a chronic basis.
Marathon finishers and pre-race drop-outs.
Authors: Clough P J , Shepherd J , Maughan R J
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this longitudinal questionnaire study was to investigate the effects of participation or non participation in a marathon race on future running behaviour. The majority (70 per cent) of the participants who intended to run a future marathon actually did so and only 11 per cent stopped running altogether. Fewer of the pre-race drop-outs (31 per cent) who indicated their intention to run a future marathon actually did so (P less than 0.001) and more of them (24 per cent) stopped running altogether (P less than 0.001) compared with the runners in the finishers' sample. These results suggest that the experience of running in a marathon does not negatively influence future running habits. However, failure to run in a race for which an entry has been made may lead to a reduced involvement in running. The present study also examined the reasons for pre-race drop-out. Injury (36 per cent), lack of training (31 per cent) and illness (12 per cent) were the most frequently given reasons for drop-out. Few differences were found between the pre-race drop-outs and the finishers, but the drop-outs did feel that running was less important (P less than 0.001), reported a greater number of longer term injuries (P less than 0.001) and did significantly less training (P less than 0.001) than the finishers.
The nature and incidence of injuries in morris dancers.
Authors: Tuffery A R
Published: December 2008

Morris dancing includes several distinct forms of vigorous traditional dance with about 5000 amateur participants in the UK and Ireland. Questionnaires were sent to over 500 registered morris sides. The response rate was 29 per cent with 129 acute injuries and 47 chronic injuries including one fatality. The commonest acute injuries were to ankle (33 per cent) and calf (22 per cent). The back was the commonest site of chronic injury, with a high contribution from occupational and other sources. Morris dancing is a relatively low-risk activity, but injuries could be prevented by improving the fitness of dancers and selecting safer surfaces to dance on. The severity of injuries could probably be reduced by seeking more and better treatment.
Training induced physiological and metabolic changes associated with improvements in running performance.
Authors: Ramsbottom R , Williams C , Fleming N , Nute M L
Published: December 2008

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between improvements in running performance and some of the prominent physiological and metabolic adaptations to endurance exercise training. Twelve male undergraduates agreed to participate in this study (trial group), aged matched physical education students provided a control group. Running performance, assessed as a five km time trial, improved from 19.69 +/- 2.24 to 19.22 +/- 2.03 min in the trial group (P less than 0.01) after training. Maximal oxygen uptake values increased from 56.0 +/- 6.1 to 60.7 +/- 5.4 ml.kg-1.min-1, the running speed equivalent to a blood lactate reference concentration of 4 mmol.l-1 (V-4 mM) increased from 3.79 +/- 0.77 to 4.04 +/- 0.71 m.s-1, and the rate of oxygen consumption at 3.58 m.s-1 (running economy) increased from 43.3 +/- 3.2 to 45.0 +/- 3.4 ml.kg-1.min-1 (P less than 0.01). The control group did not show any significant changes. The improved five km times in the trial group were significantly correlated (r = -0.71; P less than 0.01) with changes in the running economy rather than changes in the VO2 max (r = -0.07; ns), or V-4 mM (r = -0.13; ns) suggesting the increased rate of oxygen utilization reflected a greater oxidative degradation of metabolic substrates together with a slower rate of lactate production.
Brachial plexus neuropathy in a gymnast associated with chicken pox.
Authors: Kennedy M , Molloy M
Published: December 2008

A case report is presented of brachial plexus neuropathy in an international gymnast in association with chicken-pox and the clinical features, investigations and prognosis are discussed.
Effort thrombosis in an American football player.
Authors: Gorard D A
Published: December 2008

A case of lower limb venous thrombosis occurring in a young male after playing American football is described. The features are compared to the more widely recognized effort thrombosis of the upper limb veins. The possibility of effort thrombosis needs to be considered in athletes presenting with leg injuries.
Role of the team physiotherapist in rugby union football.
Authors: McLean D A
Published: December 2008

The team physiotherapist plays an important role in rugby union football. Traditionally, this is seen as injury care and rehabilitation, but increasingly the role focuses on injury prevention. The author discusses these aspects with reference to statistics from recent Scottish international tours.
Sports injuries in adolescents' ball games: soccer, handball and basketball.
Authors: Yde J , Nielsen A B
Published: December 2008

In a prospective study of 302 adolescent players in three ball games (soccer, handball and basketball), 119 incurred injuries. The injury incidence (number of injuries per 1000 playing hours) was 5.6 in soccer, 4.1 in handball and 3.0 in basketball. Ankle sprains accounted for 25 per cent of the injuries, finger sprains 32 per cent, strains in the thigh and leg 10 per cent, and tendinitis/apophysitis 12 per cent. The most serious injuries were four fractures, one anterior cruciate ligament rupture, and two meniscus lesions. The most serious injuries, with the longest rehabilitation period, occurred in soccer. In soccer, many injuries occurred during tackling and contact with an opposing player, while the injuries in handball and basketball were often caused by ball contact and running.
Metabolic predictors of middle-distance swimming performance.
Authors: Ribeiro J P , Cadavid E , Baena J , Monsalvete E , Barna A , De Rose E H
Published: December 2008

To evaluate the capacity of different metabolic indices to predict performance in middle distance swimming, 15 competitive swimmers performed a submaximal and a maximal 400 metres freestyle swimming event. Expired gases were collected in Douglas bags immediately after the events for the determination of VO2 max. Arterialized blood samples were collected for the determination of maximal blood lactate concentration and the velocity corresponding to blood lactate concentration of 4 mM. The results demonstrated (means +/- SD): maximal velocity of 1.44 +/- 0.05 m.s-1; velocity at 85 percent of VO2 max of 1.36 +/- 0.04 m.s-1; velocity at 4 mM of 1.32 +/- 0.04 m.s-1; VO2 max of 3.47 +/- 0.5 l.min-1; maximal blood lactate concentration of 11.8 +/- 2.5 mM. Multiple regression analysis relating metabolic indices and maximal velocity demonstrated that only velocity at 85 percent of VO2 max (r2 = 0.81) and velocity at 4 mM (r2 = 0.79) were significant predictors. Thus, 79 percent of the variance in the performance of 400 m freestyle can be accounted for the velocity at 85 percent of VO2 max or the velocity at 4 mM. The success in this event seems to depend on the swimmer's capacity to achieve higher velocities with lower blood lactate levels and/or utilizing a lower percentage of their VO2 max.
Oro-facial and dental injuries in club rugby union players.
Authors: Kay E J , Kakarla P , Macleod D A , McGlashan T P
Published: December 2008

Oro-facial and dental injuries are of particular importance as dental tissues have a low potential for recovery when damaged and such injuries can give rise to functional, aesthetic and psychological disfigurement. Also their repair can be costly, distressing and time consuming. This study sought to clarify the nature and severity of oro-facial injuries amongst rugby players in a first division club in Scotland. A secondary aim of the study was to examine the influence of position and standard of play on injury rates. The results show that oro-facial injuries are common amongst rugby players, and that players in the first fifteen were at the greatest risk. Although injuries may still occur when mouthguards are used, their severity will be reduced by use of such protective devices.
Sports injury registration: the Fysion Blesreg system.
Authors: de Bruijn J V , Keizers S
Published: December 2008

Fysion Blesreg is a new system on which sports assistants (trainers, masseurs, physiotherapists and physicians) can rely for quick and straightforward registration and retrieval of personalized injury data. Registration of injury data can provide a clear picture of the injury mechanism, which in turn can lead to effective preventive measures and a decline in sports injuries. The two components of the Fysion Blesreg system are registration forms and computer software. Registration forms are filled out when the competition starts (zero form), and when injuries occur (team cards and players' cards). Data are collected for the individual (zero form), the sports activity (team card), and the cause, nature and treatment of the injury (player's card). All data are entered into the computer with an MS-DOS based computer program, and can in various ways be reported or graphically reproduced.
Acquired venous aneurysms.
Authors: Paes T , Andrews S , Wyatt A
Published: December 2008

A case is reported of acquired venous aneurysms in the superficial forearm veins of an oarsman. The aetiology, presentation and complications are discussed.
Dietary intakes of age-group swimmers.
Authors: Hawley J A , Williams M M
Published: December 2008

The purposes of this study were to collect information regarding the dietary habits of male and female age-group swimmers and report the energy consumptions of these athletes in relation to their daily training demands. Twenty competitive swimmers, who were training 6000 m per day 6 days a week, recorded all fluid and food consumed during a 4-day period. Dietary analysis revealed that 11 swimmers (55%) had calcium intakes below recommended dietary allowances (RDA), while 13 (65%) had iron intakes lower than RDA. Despite identical training loads and body mass, male swimmers had significantly greater (P = 0.004) daily mean (s.d.) energy consumption (3072(732) kcal, 12.9(3.1) MJ) than females (2130(544) kcal, 8.9(2.3) MJ) and were maintaining energy balance. Although the contribution of carbohydrate to total daily energy intake was the same for male (55%) and female swimmers (56%), the females ingested significantly less (P = 0.011) carbohydrate (292(87) g) than the males (404(88) g) and could be considered deficient in dietary carbohydrate with respect to their daily training demands.
Accuracy of pulse oximeters in estimating heart rate at rest and during exercise.
Authors: Iyriboz Y , Powers S , Morrow J , Ayers D , Landry G
Published: December 2008

Pulse oximeters are being widely used for non-invasive, simultaneous assessment of haemoglobin oxygen saturation. They are reliable, accurate, relatively inexpensive and portable. Pulse oximeters are often used for estimating heart rate at rest and during exercise. However, at present the data available to validate their use as heart rate monitors are not sufficient. We evaluated the accuracy of two oximeters (Radiometer, ear and finger probe; Ohmeda 3700, ear probe) in monitoring heart rate during incremental exercise by comparing the pulse oximeters with simultaneous ECG readings. Data were collected on eight men (713 heart rate readings) during graded cycle ergometer and treadmill exercise to volitional fatigue. Analysis by linear regression revealed that general oximeter readings significantly correlated with those of ECG (r = 0.91, P less than 0.0001). However, comparison of heart rate at each level of work showed that oximeter readings significantly (P less than 0.05) under-estimated rates above 155 beats/min. These results indicate that the use of pulse oximeters as heart rate monitors during strenuous exercise is questionable. This inaccuracy may well originate from the instability of the probes, sweating, other artefacts during exercise, and measurement of different components in the cardiovascular cycle.
Aspects of psychology in sports medicine.
Authors: Greenspan M , Fitzsimmons P , Biddle S
Published: December 2008

Psychology's impact as an ergogenic aid across sports and competitive levels has been well documented. In addition, exercise can play a major role in disease prevention and health enhancement while also enhancing psychological well-being. In addition to its preventive value, exercise is being recognized as a valuable therapeutic tool. Like most therapeutic modalities, however, exercise also has some potentially negative qualities.
Intravascular haemolysis in the recreational runner.
Authors: Deitrick R W
Published: December 2008

Intravascular haemolysis has been found to result from prolonged endurance competition, rigorous military training and participation in impact sports. Haematological research involving the recreational runner is sparse. Recreational runners frequently vary their training to avoid monotony and improve endurance capacity. This study investigated the haematological effects of a typical day of increased distance training in 15 male recreational runners (62.4(3.1) ml kg-1 min-1 treadmill VO2max; 44.6(8.4) km per week training (means(s.d.)). Venous blood samples were collected before, immediately after, 1 day, 4 days, and 10 days after a 13-km training run (about twice the subjects' typical running distance) and analysed for changes in bilirubin, serum potassium, haematocrit, haemoglobin, red blood cell count, haptoglobin, poikilocytosis and reticulocytosis. Urine samples were collected at the same times as the blood samples and analysed for urobilinogen. Significant (P less than 0.05) 1-day and 4-day decreases in mean haemoglobin, red blood cell count, and haptoglobin values, compared to before training venous blood values and significant (P less than 0.05) post-training increases in bilirubin, serum potassium, urobilinogen and poikilocytosis provided evidence for increased intravascular haemolysis. After 10 days the values for haematocrit, bilirubin, serum potassium, red blood cell count, urobilinogen and poikilocytosis were not significantly (P less than 0.05) different from pre-training values while haemoglobin remained significantly (P less than 0.05) lower, exhibiting a constant but not significant increase over the period from 1 to 10 days. The results indicate that mild intravascular 'footstrike' haemolysis can occur in the recreational runner when typical training distance is increased. This condition appears to be transient and benign.
A survey of golf injuries in amateur golfers.
Authors: Batt M E
Published: December 2008

A survey of 461 amateur golfers was undertaken to assess golf injuries. There were 193 respondents of whom 57% reported injuries. Wrist, back, muscle, elbow and knee problems were the most likely ailments to compromise a player's game. Overuse and poor technique were the main aetiological factors. Attention to those factors in addition to maintenance of physique would reduce the incidence of these problems.
Making weight: a case study of two elite wrestlers.
Authors: Maffulli N
Published: December 2008

Two mature elite Sambo wrestlers were studied during a 22-day pre-European Championship period, during which they were to lose weight and maintain their top physical performance characteristics. During this time the athletes underwent intensive training coupled with a hypocaloric diet. Both lost approximately 8% of their initial body weight, while maintaining their pre-weight loss maximum oxygen uptake, anaerobic threshold and maximum isometric strength. These variables therefore increased when expressed relative to the lower body weight. Isometric endurance and short-term sprinting ability, however, were compromised by the weight-loss regimen, decreasing by up to 7% and 13% respectively. Following a well-planned weight-reduction programme coupled with serious training, aerobic power and isometric strength were unaffected and/or improved, but prolonged anaerobic exercise performance was impaired.
Altitude-dependent changes of directional hearing in mountaineers.
Authors: Rosenberg M E , Pollard A J
Published: December 2008

This study demonstrates apparent deterioration in the ability to localize sound associated with acute exposure to high altitude in ten subjects on three mountaineering expeditions. Furthermore, the auditory localization errors improved to sea level values after a period of acclimatization. Occurring at altitudes where overt neurological symptoms are not usually seen, impairment of sensory perception may explain the increase in accidental deaths associated with altitude exposure due to disorientation and misjudgment but before hypoxia is evident.
Gender difference in anaerobic capacity: role of aerobic contribution.
Authors: Hill D W , Smith J C
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of gender on anaerobic and aerobic contributions to high-intensity exercise. A group of 38 subjects (22 women, 16 men) performed modified Wingate tests against resistances of 0.086 kg kg-1 body mass (0.844 N kg-1) for women and 0.095 kg kg-1 body mass (0.932 N kg-1) for men. The aerobic contribution to total work performed was determined from breath-by-breath analyses of expired gases during each test. Total work in 30 s was 30% lower (Student's t test; P < 0.01) in women than men (211 +/- 5 J kg-1 versus 299 +/- 14 J kg-1). Aerobic contribution was only 7% lower (P = 0.12) in women than men (53 +/- 1 J kg-1 versus 57 +/- 2 J kg-1). The anaerobic component of the work performed, determined by subtraction of the aerobic component from total work in 30 s, was 35% lower (P < 0.01) in women than men (158 +/- 5 J kg-1 versus 242 +/- 15 J kg-1). It is concluded that, because women provide a relatively higher (P < 0.01) portion of the energy for a 30-s test aerobically than men (25% versus 20%), total work during a Wingate test actually underestimates the gender difference in anaerobic capacity between women and men.
Arthrography and arthrotomy of the knee in sports injuries.
Authors: Kulthanan T , Noiklang P
Published: December 2008

A total of 266 patients with injuries to the knee sustained during sports activities were managed by arthroscopy and/or arthrotomy. All of them received systemic examination and a standard battery of knee stability tests. Fifty-three were examined by arthrography and all underwent arthrotomy for surgical correction of the lesion diagnosed by both clinical examination and arthrography. Our study showed that clinical examination could give an accurate clinical diagnosis in 88.35% of cases and arthrography in 76.89%. No complication from arthrography was found. Injury occurred most commonly between 21 and 30 years of age and was more common to the right knee than the left. The sport in which most injuries occurred was football.
A longitudinal study of exercise metabolism during recovery from viral illness.
Authors: Jakeman P
Published: December 2008

An élite athlete engaged in a longitudinal programme of physiological assessment suffered a loss of performance that was later ascribed to an asymptomatic viral illness. In this 15-month, single subject, repeated measures study it was possible to demonstrate a severe decrease of exercise performance following viral illness. The oxygen uptake equivalent to the onset of blood lactate accumulation of 4 mmol l-1 (OBLA) decreased by 17% following viral illness, then recovered slowly, but had not returned to pre-viral levels 50 weeks later. Steady state exercise metabolism was also affected. During prolonged exercise at 70% of VO2max the proportion of energy derived from carbohydrate metabolism increased and an inability to maintain euglycaemia was observed. In both the graded and prolonged exercise tests, a pronounced tachycardia was evident after viral illness, possibly as a result of a febrile response to the infection, or, a direct effect of the virus upon myocardial performance. These data provide some preliminary and unique findings of the effects of viral illness upon the physiological and metabolic responses to exercise in an élite athlete. The data also demonstrate the sensitivity of currently used laboratory measures of exercise performance to monitor the changes in physiological function during recovery from viral illness.