bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of take‐off forces in ski jumping
Authors: Virmavirta M. , Komi R. V.
Published: July 2010

The take‐off forces exerted by junior (JJ) and senior (SJ) jumpers were measured in plastic ski‐jumping competition. The SJ group showed a positive correlation between the final force peak in the push‐off phase (Fmax) and the length of the jump. Maximal take‐off force related to total body weight (Fmax) and vertical release velocity were significantly higher among the 10 best seniors than among the 10 best juniors. JJ had higher approach velocity to the take‐off table (P < 0.05), but the release velocity did not differ significantly between groups. The results of this study showed that the normal take‐off forces affect the length of the jump. The importance of the appropriate take‐off technique for utilization of the normal take‐off force could be seen from the comparison between JJ and SJ in this study.
Computerized tomographic assessment after bone pin fixation of osteochondral lesions
Authors: Holen K. J. , Engebretsen L. , Svemingsen S. , Nordby A.
Published: July 2010

To the evaluate 14 knees with osteochondral lesions 7 years after surgery, a computerized tomographic scan technique with angulation of the CT gantry was used. The CT scans provided architectural description of the lesions in 5 patients with symptoms from their knee at follow‐up. A clearing zone was detected surrounding the lesion, documenting poor bony ingrowth. It is concluded that the present CT technique may be well suited in the evaluation and follow‐up of patients with osteochondral lesions.
Field measurements of oxygen uptake in elite orienteers during cross‐country running using telemetry
Authors: Jensen K. , Franch J. , Kärkkäinen O. , Madsen K.
Published: July 2010

Oxygen uptake (Vo2) was measured and economy calculated during running on a treadmill and during cross‐country running in 14 male and 9 female orienteers using a telemetric system (K‐2, Cosmed, Italy). The cross‐country route comprised 3 parts: horizontal path running, horizontal running in light terrain and running in heavy terrain with obstacles and steep hills. Each subject accomplished the whole test route at a speed corresponding to 96±5% of maximal speed and at maximal speed. The running time at maximal speed was 19±3 min. The running economy was similar in treadmill and path running (211 ± 10 vs 210± 14 ml · kg−1· km−1), but Vo2 per km increased in light and heavy terrain to 290 ± 16 and 362±18 ml · kg−1· km−1, respectively. There was no difference in running economy between men and women. The elite group (5 men and 3 women) demonstrated 5% better running economy than the sub‐elite (9 men and 6 women) during running in light and heavy terrain, whereas no difference was seen during treadmill and path running. In conclusion, elite orienteers have better running economy in light and heavy terrain than sub‐elite orienteers.
The role of the psoas and iliacus muscles for stability and movement of the lumbar spine, pelvis and hip
Authors: Andersson E. , Oddsson L. , Grundström H. , Thorstensson A.
Published: July 2010

The activation patterns of the psoas and iliacus muscles were investigated in 7 healthy adult subjects (4 men and 3 women) during a variety of motor tasks in standing, sitting and lying. Myoelectric activity was recorded simultaneously from the 2 muscles using thin wire electrodes inserted under guidance of high‐resolution ultrasound. In general, both muscles were coactivated, albeit to different relative levels, particularly when hip flexor torque was required. Selective activation of the iliacus could, however, be seen to stabilize the pelvis in contralateral hip extension during standing. Psoas was found to be selectively involved in sitting with a straight back and in contralateral loading situations requiring stabilization of the spine in the frontal plane. During training exercises from a supine position, such as sit‐ups, the contribution of the psoas and iliacus muscles could be varied by changing the range of motion as well as the position and support for the legs. Thus, the 2 anatomically different muscles of the iliopsoas complex were shown to have individual and taskspecific activation patterns depending on the particular demands for stability and movement at the lumbar spine, pelvis and hip.
Reliability of functional knee tests in normal athletes
Authors: Risberg M. A. , Holm I. , Ekeland A.
Published: July 2010

Functional tests are used to determine functional limitations in patients with anterior cruciate ligament injuries. The reproducibility of 4 such functional tests was determined in 21 normal athletes. The athletes performed the four functional tests (figure 8, vertical jump, triple jump test and stairs hopple tests) twice, with an interval of mean 3.9 weeks (1–7 weeks). The reliability of the tests was determined from each tests' coefficient of variation (CV). The figure 8 test showed a significant difference between the 2 performances and the variation from test I to test II. The CV values ranged from 2.0% for the triple jump test to 7.7% for the vertical jump test. These findings do not support the reliability of the figure 8 test and the vertical jump test, but do support the reliability of the triple jump test and the stairs hopple test.
Effect of nedocromil sodium on exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction exacerbated by inhalation of cold air
Authors: Oseid S. , Mellbye E. , Hem E.
Published: July 2010

This double‐blind placebo‐crossover study examined the effect of nedocromil sodium, 4 mg aerosol 30 min before challenge, on exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in cold air conditions. Twenty‐one asthmatic patients (15–28 years), with methacholine PC20≤8 mg/ml in the absence of significant allergen exposure, were randomized to active and placebo therapy on separate study days. Pulmonary function, measured up to 20 min after exercise, showed significantly less deterioration with nedocromil sodium, which effectively halved the maximum percentage decline in forced expiratory volume in the first second. EIB was increased by cold air, whereas an ancillary study in 15 healthy volunteers (18–19 years) showed no such effects. We conclude that prior inhalation of nedocromil sodium diminished cold air‐exacerbated EIB in young adult asthmatic patients.
Respiratory tract infection and bronchial responsiveness in elite athletes and sedentary control subjects
Authors: Heir T. , Aanestad G. , Carlsen K. H. , Larsen S.
Published: July 2010

To assess the effect of physical exercise during an acute respiratory tract infection (RTI) on bronchial responsiveness, methacholine bronchial challenge tests were performed prospectively in 19 nonasthmatic male crosscountry skiers and 22 healthy control subjects with minimal physical activity. Twelve skiers and 10 controls contracted RTI and were studied before and 1, 3 and 6 weeks after the onset of symptoms. The skiers were given no restrictions in their training routines during the period of illness. The geometric mean provocation concentration of methacholine causing a 10% fall in the forced expiratory volume in the first second (PC10), was lower 1 week after onset of infection than at the initial test in the skiers. From the level at 1 week, PC10 increased to levels at 3 and 6 weeks after infection. The PC10 values at 3 and 6 weeks were not significantly different from the initial test. No significant changes in PC10 occurred after infection in the control group. No significant changes in pulmonary function tests were found during the study period in either of the two groups. In conclusion, RTI was associated with a transient increase in bronchial responsiveness in athletes performing physical training during the symptomatic period of respiratory illness but not in nonactive control subjects.
Ultrasound in the diagnosis and treatment of iliopsoas tendinitis: a case report
Authors: Fredberg U. , Hansen L. B.
Published: July 2010

Ultrasound examination is a recognized advanced tool in the diagnosis of many sport‐related overuse injuries. This article illustrates a new indication for ultrasound examination: the diagnosis of iliopsoas tendinitis and its treatment by ultrasound‐guided local injection of long‐acting corticosteroid.
Mild overcooling increases energy expenditure during endurance exercise
Authors: Sjödin A. , Forslund A. , Webb P. , Hambræus L.
Published: July 2010

Intensive cooling has been shown to increase energy expenditure (EE) during work as well as to decrease physical performance. Two different levels of moderate cooling (10°C vs 15°C) were studied during light endurance exercise in order to examine the effect of the increased heat loss on EE. Twelve subjects performed a 90‐min low intensity exercise (100 W) on a cycle ergometer, wearing a water‐cooled calorimeter suit for controlled cooling. The lower temperature resulted in a 4.3±3.8% (mean±SD) higher EE, increased total heat loss and lowered skin temperatures. No differences in central core body temperature, heart rate or respiratory quotient (RQ) were recorded. There was a relation between differences in the rate of heat loss and the corresponding increase in EE. Even a small increase in cooling during endurance exercise increased EE which may be a relevant problem in winter sports.
The causality field (extrinsic and intrinsic factors) in industrial subacute low back pain patients
Authors: Öhlund C. , Lindström I. , Eek C. , Areskoug B. , Nachemson A.
Published: July 2010

In a prospective, randomized study, primarily designed to test the efficacy of activation on consecutive blue‐collar workers sick‐listed for 6 weeks due to subacute low back pain, 25% of the workers were excluded for medical reasons. In the intervention study (n=103), only a minority of cases (6%) had ‘true’ subacute complaints, i.e. no prior history of low back pain. Subjective reports on general well‐being, health status and work‐related ergonomic factors were significantly lower or worse in patients than in reference samples. The randomized intervention study could establish a significant effect of graded activation on work return, but the effect seemed to be restricted to patients moderately disabled, i.e. one‐third of the subacute low back pain patients included. A predictive four‐factor model on work return increased the possibility of identifing nonresponders (chronic low back pain) more than threefold with a specificity (91%) and sensitivity (74%) comparable to that of clinical disc herniation. The history of a prolonged disablement process, cognitive factors, pain behavior and mentally straining ergonomic factors seemed to be of importance. Psychological reactions, or ‘barriers to recovery’, were slightly different in treatment and control groups but the type of intervention did not significantly alter the predictive model, suggesting that subsets of the study sample may benefit from other optional functional approaches. Descriptive characteristics of the study sample emphasized that subacute low back pain patients cannot be conceptualized as a homogeneous group. Four subgroups could be identified: (a) specific medical disorders; (b) spontaneous recovery group; (c) moderately disabled back pain patients; and (d) nonresponders. The results support proposals that treatment should be tailored according to individual needs and that better case management should have priority for those belonging to the nonresponder group.
Development of muscular endurance and strength from adolescence to adulthood and level of physical capacity in men and women at the age of 34 years
Authors: Barnekow‐Bergkvist M. , Hedberg G. , Janlert U. , Jansson E.
Published: July 2010

This study investigated the development of muscular endurance and strength from the age of 16 to the age of 34 and the fitness components at the age of 34 in men and women. A randomly selected group consisting of 220 boys and 205 girls was tested in 1974 and reinvestigated 18 years later. Muscular endurance and strength increased significantly in 4 of the 5 remeasured tests for the men; bench press increased by 58%, two‐hand lift by 20%, hand grip by 16% and Sargent jump by 8%. For the women there was a significant increase in bench press and two‐hand lift by 25% and 7% respecively, but hand grip and Sargent jump decreased with a few per cent. The hip and trunk flexion test, sit‐up, decreased remarkably in both men (58%) and women (78%). At the age of 16 physical capacity was significantly higher in all tests in the men. This was also the situation at the age of 34 except for VO2 max in ml. kg−1. min−1 and muscular endurance in the back muscles. There were no differences in flexibility between men and women except for less flexibility in the hamstring muscles in the men. The result of the balance test was significantly better in the men.
Epidemiology and traumatology of injuries in elite soccer: a prospective study in Finland
Authors: Lüthje P. , Nurmi I. , Kataja M. , Belt E. , Helenius P. , Kaukonen J. P. , Kiviluoto H. , Kokko E. , Lehtipuu T. P. , Lehtonen A. , Liukkonen T. , Myllyniemi J. , Rasilainen P. , Tolvanen E. , Virtanen H. , Walldén M.
Published: July 2010

A prospective study of male soccer injuries among 12 teams playing at the highest competition level was carried out in Finland in 1993. Overall, two out of three players were injured during the whole season. The injury incidence per 1000 playing hours among injured players and all players during games was higher than during practice, 14.2 vs. 11.3 and 2.3 vs. 1.8, respectively. The lower extremity was involved in 76% of the injuries. Thigh injuries were most frequent (22%), whereas overuse injuries were scarce (6%). Eighteen per cent of the injured players needed surgery and in most cases (58%) the reason for surgery was a knee injury. Sixteen per cent of all injured players were absent from soccer for more than 1 month after the injury. The mean absence time was 17 days for all and 84 days for operatively treated players.
Return to sport after a Bankart operation of the shoulder using the Mitek® anchor system
Authors: Kjeldsen S. R. , Tordrup P. J. , Hvidt E. P.
Published: July 2010

Sixteen athletes suffering anteior instability of the shoulder after primary or recurrent traumatic anterior dislocation were followed for a mean of 23.9 months after an open Bankart operation using Mitek® anchors. Nine patients resumed sports an average of 4.4 months postoperatively, while the remaining seven patients did not return to sports at all. By comparing the group of athletes who had resumed sports and the group who had not, we found in the former group a lower mean age, a higher number of athletes who had inflicted their first anterior dislocation during sports and a larger number of people injured on the dominant arm. However, none of the above‐mentioned differences were statistically significant, and there were no differences in range of motion, degree of disability or stability of the operated shoulders in the two groups: returned vs. not‐returned to sports. All the athletes performing sports at elite‐level returned to sports, whereas all the recreational athletes did not. Among the reasons for not resuming sport, 71% gave sociopsychological reasons such as anxiety or lack of time. Two athletes (12.5%) had suffered redislocations after 12 and 19 months, respectively. No complications or other problems related to the use of Mitek anchors were observed.
Neck injuries from skate blades in ice hockey: a report of three cases
Authors: Vergis A. , Räsänen T. , Hernefalk L.
Published: July 2010

This article describes three neck slash injuries in amateur ice hockey players, with a fatal outcome in two. One player died of asphyxation secondary to hemorrhage into the respiratory passage, but the other died of hemorrhage from the main blood vessels in the neck, severed by the skate blade. All three were not wearing any neck protecting device. Neck slash injury from skate blades, as a preventable sports‐related injury, and the need for neck protective equipment in preventing such injuries are discussed.
Height changes among chronic low back pain patients during intense physical exercise
Authors: Hupli M. , Heinonen R. , Vanharanta H.
Published: July 2010

The possible effects of intense physical exercise on the total body stature of low back pain patients were monitored by circadian total body height measurements. The height was measured with a statiometer, and the change in height was correlated with the changes in the range of motion, pain and subjective disability and degree of disc degeneration seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pictures. The stature of 24 low back pain patients was measured during a 3‐week period. There was an increase of about 3 mm in height after only 4 days of exercise, and by the end of the programme the morning height increased on average by 7.2 mm.

There were also 12 non‐rehabilitated low back pain patients but no such increase was noted among them. The gain of height and reduction of pain were found to be statistically signigicantly correlated (P=0.0001, r=−0.41), as did the gain of height and teh decrease of back disablity (Oswestry index) (P<0.0001, r=−0.39). Circadian total height measures but not the MR images will change due to the active back rehabilitation programme.
The anterior stress fracture of the tibia: an atrophic pseudoarthosis?
Authors: Rolf C. , Ekenman I. , Törnqvist H. , Gad A.
Published: July 2010

Histopathological examination of biopsies from the fracture site in two cases of anterior stress fractures of the tibia demonstrated no bone remodelling activity, absence of inflammatory cells, extensive fibrotic infiltration and local avascular bone necrosis. The biopsies were taken peroperatively from two elite soccer players who earlier had to stop training due to severe exertional pain. When non‐operative treatment failed to heal the fractures within 1 year and 6 months, respectively, surgery was performed in order to stabilize the fractures. Both subjects were relieved from exertional pain within 6 months of surgery. Consecutive radiographs showed the pattern of direct healing and 8 months postoperatively confirmed complete healing without callus formation. Both elite soccer players returned to pre‐injury activity level. We suggest that the excessive fibrotic tissue ingrowth and hypovascularity under repetitive stress causes the delayed healing and histopathological signs similar to an atrophic pseudoarthosis. Treatment should consequently consider the pseudoarthrotic character of the anterior stress fracture of the tibia.
Optimal and predicted anxiety in 9–12‐year‐old track and field athletes
Authors: Wilson G. S. , Raglin J. S.
Published: July 2010

In an effort to determine the applicability of individual zone of optimal functioning (IZOF) theory in young athletes, state anxiety was assessed in 40 track and field athletes (20 male and 20 female) from 9 to 12 years of age. Optimal anxiety was determined by having participants complete the state‐trait anxiety scale for children (STAIC) with instructions to recall how anxious they felt prior to their best performance of the season. Twenty‐four hours prior to three ‘more important’ and three ‘less important’ track meets, participants completed the STAIC under instructions to predict how anxious they would feel 1 h prior to the upcoming track meet. Actual precompetition anxiety was assessed 1 h prior to each meet. Selfratings of performance were collected following each meet in which the athletes competed. Athletes were grouped by age (younger, 9‐10 years old); (older, 11‐12 years old) and by gender for analysis. Analysis by independent t‐tests indicated that predicted and actual precompetition anxiety values did not differ for either age or gender for the more important meets. However, the 11‐12‐year‐old girls had higher (P<0.05) predicted and actual anxiety values in the ‘less important’ meets than all other groups. Significant correlations (P<0.05) between predicted and actual precompetition anxiety occurred in all groups for both the less important and more important meets (r=0.66‐0.97), with the exception of the 9–10‐year‐old girls for less important meets (r=0.38, P>0.05). Of all the participants, 26% reported performing best when anxiety values were in the high range. Self‐ratings of performance were not lower (P>0.05) in cases in which the athlete experienced high levels of precompetition anxiety. In summary, the present findings indicate that several aspects of IZOF theory apply to preadolescent athletes.
Injury proneness in infantry conscripts undergoing a physical training programme: smokeless tobacco use, higher age, and low levels of physical fitness are risk factors
Authors: Heir T. , Eide G.
Published: July 2010

Musculoskeletal injuries represent an adverse event of strenuous physical activity. The aim of the present study was to identify pretraining factors that may predispose to such injuries. Risks of injury according to age, body composition, previous physical activity, physical fitness, use of smokeless tobacco (moist snuff) and smoking habits were determined in a population of 480 male conscripts in the army. Data were obtained by questionnaire, height and weight measurements, and from a 3000‐metre run test prior to a 10‐week period of basic military and physical training. Injuries were registered by doctors attached to the training camp. Every fourth conscript sustained one or more musculoskeletal injuries during the training period. Low back pain, overuse knee injuries, Achilles tendinitis, and sprains of joint capsules or ligaments were the most frequent diagnosis groups. Subjects aged 22 years and more, the least active persons before call‐up, those who thought they were less fit than the average, the slowest one‐third in the 3000‐metre run test, smokers of more than 10 cigarettes a day, and snuff‐takers suffered more injuries according to univariate analyses. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age, self‐assessed physical fitness and snuff‐taking were mutually independent risk factors of high statistical significance.
Epiphysiodesis for bilateral irregular closure of the distal radial physis in a gymnast
Authors: Bak K. , Boeckstyns M.
Published: July 2010

Wrist pain is a common complaint in gymnasts. Repetitive stress on the distal radial physis may lead to either gradual slipping of the epiphysis or growth disturbances. In some cases growth disturbances of the distal radial physis lead to triangulation of the distal radius and secondary ulnar overgrowth, and eventually a Madelung‐like deformity. The present case report is the first to describe the outcome of epiphysiodesis of the distal radial and ulnar growth dates in a skeletally immature gymnast as a surgical treatment to irevent‐Madelung's deformity.
Regional body composition determined by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry. Relation to Training, Sex Hormones, and serum lipids in male long‐distance runners
Authors: Hetland M. L. , Haarbo J. , Christiansen C.
Published: July 2010

This study investigated the regional distribution of fatty and lean tissue in long‐distance runners, and the relation to training, sex hormones, and serum lipids. One hundred and twenty lean men (22 elite, 86 recreational runners and 12 non‐running controls) aged 32±8.1 years (mean±SD) participated. Body composition (adipose and lean tissue) was measured by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry in the total body and in the abdomen, the arms and the legs. Regional and total body fat correlated inversely with the performance at an incremental treadmill exercise test (−0.61<r<−0.52, P<0.0001), and the fat percentage in the abdomen and in the legs was 42% and 36% lower in the elite runners in comparison with the non‐running controls. Sex hormonal status and serum lipids were unrelated to training. After multiple regression analysis the most significant determinant of the fat percentage in the legs was the weekly distance run (partial r=−0.40, P<0.0001), whereas in the abdominal region the free testosterone index also contributed strongly (partial r=0.39, P<0.0001). In conclusion, long‐distance runners had very low amounts of fatty tissue in the abdomen and in the extremities, and the fat percentages in the abdomen and in the legs were associated with both the training intensity and androgenic activity. Since the abdominal fatty tissue is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, running may have a positive impact on the long‐term risk.
Effects of immobilization and subsequent lowand high‐intensity exercise on morphology of rat calf muscles
Authors: Kannus P. , Jozsa L. , Kvist M. , Järvinen T. , Järvinen M.
Published: July 2010

After a cast immobilization of 3 weeks, the effects of 4‐week remobilization by free cage activity or treadmill running on the morphology of the rat soleus and gastrocnemius muscles were studied. The studied morphometric parameters were: percentage volume of intramuscular connective tissue, capillary density, muscle fiber size, number of fibers with a pathological structural alteration, and fiber type distribution.

In both muscles, immobilization of 3 weeks produced a significant increase in the connective tissue volume and number of fibers with pathological alterations, with a similar decrease in the capillary number and fiber size. At the same time, the relative amount of type I fibers decreased and type IIA fibers increased. Free remobilization and especially intensified remobilization by treadmill running significantly restored these values towards controls.

These findings indicate that in rat soleus and gastrocnemius muscles immobilization‐induced accumulation of intramuscular connective tissue, capillary loss, reduction in fiber size, accumulation of fibers with pathological structural alterations, and changes in fiber type distribution are to a great extent reversible phenomena, especially if remobilization is intensified by physical training. In clinical practice, this suggests that in patients with musculoskeletal injuries the postimmobilization rehabilitation should be early and effective.
Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization using transglenoid sutures
Authors: Ekelund A. , Nyberg R.
Published: July 2010

The results of arthroscopic stabilization using multiple transglenoid sutures in 24 patients with posttraumatic recurrent anterior shoulder instability are presented with a minimum follow‐up of 2 years. No serious complications were recorded. There were 2 recurrences. The remaining 22 patients had good or excellent results according to the modified Rowe score, with a median score of 89. The median value for loss of external rotation was 5°. Seventeen patients were active in sports and 11 returned to the same sports at the same competitive level.
Bone mineral assessments in the calcaneus after anterior cruciate ligament injury An investigation of 92 male patients before and two years after reconstruction or revision surgery
Authors: Kartus J. , Stener S. , Nilsén R. , Nilsson U. , Eriksson B. I. , Karlsson J.
Published: July 2010

The aim of this study was to assess the Bone Mineral Areal mass (BMA) in the calcaneus of male patients with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury before and after reconstruction and to assess whether the BMA ratio or the BMA of the injured and uninjured side correlated with the level of activity, functional performance or the time period between the injury and the reconstruction.

Ninety‐two male patients with unilateral ACL injury were included in the study. The BMA was analysed immediately prior to surgery: a median of 11 (2–192) months after the injury in 30 patients aged 26 (15–41) years scheduled for primary ACL reconstruction (Group A). Forty‐nine patients aged 29 (18–49) years had their BMA analysed a median of 24 (23–29) months after the primary ACL reconstruction (Group B). Thirteen patients aged 27 (21–39) years had their BMA analysed a median of 24 (20–45) months after ACL revision surgery (Group C). The median BMA ratio (injured side/uninjured side) was 96 (88–105)% in Group A, 96 (86–118)% in Group B and 95 (83–111)% in Group C. In all three groups, the median BMA value in the calcaneus was significantly lower on the injured side compared with the uninjured side (p=0.001, p=0.0003, p=0.01 in Groups A, B and C, respectively). The time period between the injury and the reconstruction neither correlated with the BMA ratio nor the BMA of the injured or the uninjured side in Group A. The level of activity as measured by the Tegner activity level and the functional performance as measured by the one‐leg‐hop quotient did not correlate with the BMA ratio in any of the groups. In the 49 patients with a primary ACL reconstruction (Group B), the post‐operative Tegner activity level correlated with the BMA, on both the injured and uninjured side (P=0.0003, P=0.0005, respectively), when the BMA was assessed two years after the index operation.

Male patients with unilateral ACL injury had a significantly lower BMA in the calcaneus on the injured side compared with the uninjured side before primary reconstruction, two years after primary reconstruction and two years after revision surgery. The time period between the injury and the index operation did not correlate with the BMA. A high level of activity correlated with the BMA on both the injured and the uninjured side two years after primary reconstruction.
Evaluation of skiing injuries by Injury Severity Score
Authors: Bergstrøm K. A. , Askild O. , Jørgensen N. A. , Ekeland A.
Published: July 2010

The goal of this study was to evaluate the Injury Severity Score (ISS) in an alpine area. Hafjell Alpine Centre was the 1994 Winter Olympic Alpine arena in Lillehammer. A total of 2 044 484 lift transportations and 183 injuries were registered in the two winter seasons 1991 and 1992. The injury rate was 1.8 injuries per 1000 skier days. The mean ISS was 3.6 per injury for this particular alpine area. Thirty‐six per cent of the injured were women and 35.5% were between 15 and 19 years of age. There was no difference in mean ISS between male and female skiers, but mean ISS was higher in adolescents than in the other age groups. Injuries to the knee represented the single most frequently injured body region, but injuries to the abdomen had the highest mean ISS. Alpine skiers suffered more severe injuries than telemark and snowboard skiers Severe injuries (ISS > 16) were recorded when unexpected objects, such as a grooming machine, a net, a root, etc., appeared on the slopes. The Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) and ISS give us additional information about the condition of the slopes, and their use as a tool in preventing skiing injuries is recommended.
Low physical capacity among adolescents in practical education
Authors: Sollerhed A.‐C. , Ejlertsson G.
Published: July 2010

The aim of this study was to obtain better knowledge about teenagers' physical capacity and physical activity. The study group consisted of 301 students in upper secondary school, 191 students in practical education (74 girls and 117 boys) and 110 students in theoretical education (57 girls and 53 boys). The adolescents were 16–19 years old and lived in southern Sweden. The study comprised three parts: a questionnaire, seven physical tests (one test to predict maximal oxygen uptake, three strength tests, two flexibility tests and one balance test) and information on each pupil's grades. Pupils in practical education for occupations like industrial‐ and building workers, mechanics, assistant nurses and hairdressers, all of which are occupations involving physical effort, had lower physical capacity than pupils in theoretical education among both girls and boys. A correlation was found between physical capacity and grades.
Surgical treatment of iliotibial band friction syndrome A retrospective study of 45 patients
Authors: Drogset J. O. , Rossvoll I. , Grøntvedt T.
Published: July 2010

Iliotibial band friction syndrome is an overuse injury mainly affecting runners, but also other athletes. The treatment of choice is conservative. If this treatment is unsuccessful, surgical treatment can be performed. The posterior half of the iliotibial band is transsected where it passes over the lateral epicondyle of the femur. Optionally the underlying bursa is removed. Between 1989 and 1996 45 patients were operated in Trondheim. The mean age was 27 (14–46) years. Of the patients, 22 (48.9%) had excellent results, 16 (35.5%) had good results, 6 (13.3%) had fair results and 1 (2.2%) patient had a poor result. One patient had a minor postoperative infection. Had the postoperative result been known beforehand, 75.6% of the patients would have been operated on again. We conclude that surgical treatment of iliotibial band friction syndrome produces good results in patients with insufficient relief of symptoms after conservative treatment.
Injury incidence in a men's elite bandy league: an epidemiological study of a full regular season
Authors: Timpka T. , Risto O. , Borg K. , Johansson J.
Published: July 2010

Bandy is a popular European winter team‐sport. The best bandy teams participate in semi‐professional leagues, where the play‐off games attract more than 10 000 spectators. Injury patterns in elite bandy have not been investigated previously. The aim of this study is to examine the incidence and types of injuries sustained during elite bandy games for men. Twelve of the 16 teams in the Swedish elite bandy league during the 2002 season participated in the study. In total, 36 injuries were recorded, corresponding to 7.3 injuries/1000 player game hours and 5.7 injuries/1000 athlete exposures. Collision was the most common injury cause (47%), while contusion was the most common injury type (25%), followed by fracture (22%) and ligament rupture (19%). The study showed that the injury incidence in elite bandy is low, but also that the injuries that are still sustained are relatively severe. This pattern can be explained by the fact that even though bandy rules do not allow body checks, collisions between skaters moving at high speeds still cause the majority of injuries. Further studies of the injury rehabilitation practices, and the implementation and evaluation of safety programs in elite bandy are warranted.
Lack of sex differences in the IGF–IGFBP response to ultra endurance exercise
Authors: Berg U. , Enqvist J. K. , Mattsson C. M. , Carlsson‐Skwirut C. , Sundberg C. J. , Ekblom B. , Bang P.
Published: July 2010

The insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)–IGF binding proteins (BP) and the pituitary–gonadal axes were investigated during ultra endurance exercise in 16 endurance‐trained athletes (seven women). Median duration of the race was 6.3 days. Although food and drink were ad libitum, energy balance was negative. Blood samples were drawn before (PRE), at the end of (END) and 24 h after (POST24h) the race. Serum concentrations of total IGF‐I (t‐IGF‐I) and free IGF‐I (f‐IGF‐I) decreased by 33 (SD 38)% and 54 (19)%, respectively. The decrease in t‐IGF‐I appeared to be associated to the total energy deficit during the race. At END, the IGFBP‐3 fragmentation and IGFBP‐1 were increased but these changes did not predict changes in f‐IGF‐I. An increase in POST24h IGFBP‐2 levels in women was the only sex difference. Testosterone was decreased by 67 (12)% in the men and estradiol became undetectable in the women without any detectable increase in LH and/or FSH. In conclusion ultra endurance exercise results in similar IGF–IGFBP responses in men and women reflecting a catabolic state. IGFBP‐2 was the only exception, with increased levels in women after exercise. A concomitant decrease in gonadal hormones was not related to endocrine changes in the IGF–IGFBP axis but may be related to local changes in IGF‐I expression.
A retrospective cohort study of blood hemoglobin levels in blood donors and competitive rowers
Authors: Johansson P. I. , Ullum H. , Jensen K. , Secher N. H.
Published: July 2010

To investigate the distribution of blood hemoglobin levels in healthy blood donors and elite athletes, a retrospective cohort study from 2001 to 2005 of candidate blood donors and elite rowers in Denmark was performed. Eighty‐five thousand eight hundred and forty‐six blood donors were identified (36 962 males), and 3.9% of the males had a blood hemoglobin above 10.5 mM, equalling a hematocrit of 51% and, 1.6% of the females had hemoglobin above 9.7 mM, corresponding to a hematocrit above 47%. One thousand four hundred and six rowers (1116 males) were investigated and 10.4% of the males and 8.3% of the females demonstrated values above the recommended limit for athletic competition. Thus, the prevalence of a high hemoglobin value was greater in the rowers, of both gender, than in the candidate blood donors (P<0.0001). The data demonstrate that high hemoglobin levels in blood are seen regularly in normal people and especially in competition athletes.
Spontaneous rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon in a young goalkeeper: a case report
Authors: Perugia D. , Ciurluini M. , Ferretti A.
Published: July 2010

We report an exceptional case of an acute spontaneous rupture of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon in a 16‐year‐old professional goalkeeper treated by primary surgical repair. Eight weeks after surgery, full thumb motion was regained. Four months after the surgical procedure, the patient resumed playing at the same level and he had no complaint at the 12‐month follow‐up. The anatomical alteration of Lister's tubercle and the consequent microinstability, associated with overuse and overloading, appeared to be the cause of the EPL tendon rupture. In the present case, an end‐to‐end suture appeared to be a safe surgical procedure.
Ischemic strength training: a low‐load alternative to heavy resistance exercise?
Authors: Wernbom M. , Augustsson J. , Raastad T.
Published: July 2010

Strength training with low loads in combination with vascular occlusion has been proposed as an alternative to heavy resistance exercise in the rehabilitation setting, especially when high forces acting upon the musculo‐skeletal system are contraindicated. Several studies on low‐to‐moderate intensity resistance exercise combined with cuff occlusion have demonstrated increases in muscle strength and size that are comparable to those typically seen after conventional high‐load strength training. However, the physiological mechanisms by which occlusion training induces increased muscle mass and strength are currently unclear, although several candidate stimuli have been proposed. Also, the long‐term safety, practicality, and efficacy of this training method are still controversial. Furthermore, recent studies have demonstrated that in some instances, tourniquet cuffs may not be necessary for relative ischemia and significant training effects to occur with resistance exercise at low‐to‐moderate loads. The aims of the present review are to summarize current opinion and knowledge regarding the physiology of ischemic strength training and to discuss some of the training and health aspects of this type of exercise. In addition, suggestions for further research are given.
Participation in sports clubs is a strong predictor of injury hospitalization: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Mattila V. M. , Parkkari J. , Koivusilta L. , Kannus P. , Rimpelä A.
Published: July 2010

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the nature and risk factors of injuries leading to hospitalization. A cohort of 57 407 Finns aged 14–18 years was followed in the Hospital Discharge Register for an average of 10.6 years, totaling 608 990 person‐years. We identified 5889 respondents (10.3%) with injury hospitalization. The most common anatomical location was the knee and shin (23.9%), followed by the head and neck (17.8%), and the ankle and foot (16.7%). Fractures (30.4%) and distortions (25.4%) were the most common injury types. The strongest risk factor for injury hospitalization was frequent participation in sports clubs [hazard ratio (HR) in males 1.8; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.7–2.0 and in females 2.3; 95% CI: 1.9–2.7], followed by recurring drunkenness (HR 1.6; 95% CI: 1.4–2.7 in males and 1.4; 95% CI: 1.2–1.6 in females) and daily smoking (HR 1.4; 95% CI: 1.3–1.5 in males and 1.43 95% CI: 1.2–1.5 in females). The association between injuries and sports clubs participation remained after adjusting for sociodemographic background, health, and health behaviors. Health behavior in adolescence, particularly sports club activity, predicted injury hospitalization. Preventive interventions directed toward adolescents who participate in sports clubs may decrease injury occurrence.
Live and/or sleep high:train low, using normobaric hypoxia
Authors: Richalet J.‐P. , Gore C. J.
Published: July 2010

The increase in oxygen transport elicited by several weeks of exposure to moderate to high altitude is used to increase physical performance when returning to sea level. However, many studies have shown that aerobic performance may not increase at sea level after a training block at high altitude. Subsequently, the concept of living high and training low was introduced in the early 1990s and was further modified to include simulated altitude using hypobaric or normobaric hypoxia. Review is given of the main studies that have used this procedure. Hematological changes are limited to insignificant or moderate increase in red cell mass, depending on the “dose” of hypoxia. Maximal aerobic performance is increased when the exposure to hypoxia is at least over 18 days. Submaximal performance and running economy have been found increased in several, but not all, studies. The tolerance (fatigue, sleep, immunological status, cardiac function) is good when the altitude or simulated altitude is not higher than 3000 m. Virtually no data are available about the effect of this procedure upon anaerobic performance. The wide spread of these techniques deserves further investigations.
Factors associated with physical activity among young adults with a disability
Authors: Saebu M. , Sørensen M.
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine: (1) total physical activity and (2) the relative importance of functioning and disability, environmental and personal factors for total physical activity among young adults with a disability. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health developed by the World Health Organization was used as a structural framework for a cross‐sectional survey, based on a questionnaire. The population studied was 327 young adults (age 18–30) with a disability who were members of interest organizations for persons with disabilities. Using an adapted version of the self‐administered short form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the sample reported some differences in physical activity related to the type and the onset of disability. Linear regression analyses revealed that personal factors demonstrated more power in explaining the variance in physical activity than both the environmental factors and factors related to functioning and disability. As for the able‐bodied, intrinsic motivation and identity as an active person were the factors most strongly associated with physical activity behavior. This should have important consequences for how professionals try to motivate people with disabilities for physical activity, and how they plan and implement rehabilitation.
Loxoscelism and negative pressure wound therapy (vacuum‐assisted closure): an experimental study
Authors: Wong S Lindsey , Schneider Andrew M , Argenta Louis C , Morykwas Michael J
Published: July 2010

Brown recluse spider (Loxosceles) bites cause lesions ranging from chronic necrotic ulcers to acute life‐threatening sepsis. Based on our experience in treating acute and chronic wounds with negative pressure, we postulated that vacuum‐assisted closure (VAC) would be valuable in this application. Chester pigs were procured and injected with purified brown recluse spider venom, 1 µl of venom in two anterior sites and 0·1 µl of venom in two posterior sites on their dorsum. For each concentration of venom, treatment consisted of either VAC or dry, non adherent dressings (control group). Each day, the wounds were inspected and measured. For wounds receiving 1·0 µl of venom, the control wounds decreased in surface area to 50% of initial size after 7 days and none had healed, whereas VAC‐treated wounds were less than 50% after 48 hours and completely healed and reepithelialised after 8 days. Wounds with 0·1 µl of venom had 50% reduction after 5 days with no complete healing for control wounds, and the VAC wounds were 50% after 48 hours and all had closed and reepithelialised after 5 days. Our experimental study showed an accelerated healing time in the animals treated with the VAC as compared with controls.
LES PLANS CONJOINTS AU QUÉBEC*
Authors: Montigaud J.C
Published: July 2010

Cette bréve étude se propose ďanalyser ľun des outils de la politique agricole du Québec, à savoir les plans conjoints. Après avoir décrit les principals étapes institutionnelles qui ont conduit à l'élaboration de cet instrument, nous avons essayé de mesurer ses répercussions sur les prix, les quantités et le nombre de producteurs. Bien que les statistiques existantes soient sujettes à caution, il semble que les résultats ne correspondent pas aux espoirs attendus, notamment en matière de prix. Dans ces conditions, il nous a paru nécessaire de discuter 1'outil utilisé, de mettre en relief ses insuffisances et de proposer si possible quelques améliorations.

MARKETING BOARDS IN QUEBEC ‐ “Agricultural product prices in constant dollars in the province of Quebec have been declining in 1967 compared to 1959.”“The beneficial influence of marketing boards on average price received for agricultural products has been far less beneficial than is commonly believed.”“Marketing Boards are restricted geographically within the confines of specific regions of provinces, and further restricted through a lack of competent administrators in sufficient numbers.”“Additionally, the existing antagonism in Quebec between cooperatives and marketing boards too often results in compromise solutions prejudicial to both groups”.

In simple language, the author evaluates agricultural product marketing boards in Quebec. Within a few pages the author questions marketing boards as a tool for real price maintenance of agricultural products; reviews the inability of boards to ‘impose’ prices on consumers because they also represent consumers; discusses government policy intervention in marketing boards and analyses the limited power of boards‐essentially that of price negotiation with little economic power to act as monopolistic vendors.

The author also makes suggestions for improving the operation of marketing boards. To be fully effective a board's power of negotiation must be accompanied by effective means of influencing costs of transportation and of purchased inputs, as well as efficiency of farm operation. The alternatives suggested are either that existing arrangements will persist or that an environment will be able to develop in which institutions can grow and work toward improving agriculture without the need for periodic crisis management by legislation.
Economic Guidelines for Land and Water Resource use in Agriculture*
Authors: Manning Travis W.
Published: July 2010

This paper presents conceptual and some empirical information concerning natural resource use and demand for natural resources in Canada. The framework for land and water use establishes the predominance of a varying array of factors in decisions on land as compared with water use. In both cases, however, a need is seen for new efforts in studying recreational demands for natural resources and for further study and efforts devoted to preserving and improving the natural environment.

LIGNES ÉCONOMIQUES DIRECTRICES SUR L'EMPLOI DES TERRES ET DE L'EAU EN AGRICULTURE–Ce mémoire présente des renseignements conceptuels et parfois empiriques sur l'utilisation et la demande des ressources naturelles au Canada. La structure pour l'emploi dés terres et de l'eau établit la prédominance d'une gamme variée de facteurs dans les décisions concernant l'utilisation des terres par rapport à l'emploi de l'eau. Dans les deux cas, toutefois, on prévoit un besoin de nouveaux efforts vers létude des demandes récréative en ressources naturelles et d'etudes et d'efforts plus approfondis consacrés à la préservation et l'amélioration de Vambiance naturelle.