bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of football fractures in the adult Lothian population
Authors: Wood A M , Aitken S A , Bell D J , Robertson G A J , Court-Brown C M
Published: November 2010

The aim was to illustrate the incidence and epidemiology of fractures sustained by adults while participating in football. All fractures during 2007-2008 in the Lothian population while participating in football were prospectively collected. 412 footballers (400 males) sustained 424 fractures. The incidence was 6.1/10 000 fractures/years. The average age was 25 (range 12-76) years. 56 (14%) patients were over 40 years. Two (0.5%) open fractures were sustained, on digits. The top five fractures were: radius (108), phalanges (72), ankle fractures (44), metacarpals (29), metatarsals (28). Upper limb to lower limb ratio was 290:136. 143 fractures were in the hand, with four isolated ulna fractures. 16 were fracture dislocations, nine involving the phalanges, five the ankle mortice. 360 fractures were initially treated as outpatients, 18 required admission from clinic and 64 fractures were admitted from A&E. Two patients were professional footballers. Football is the most common cause of sport fractures. While the epidemiology of football fractures will vary as participation varies, the authors believe these results are useful for medical teams involved with football. As the ageing population is actively encouraged to participate in sport there will be increasing numbers of osteoporotic fractures sustained. The authors demonstrated that football fractures are not limited to the young; 13.6% of patients were over 40 years. Upper limb fractures are more common as footballers are likely to sustain fractures after a fall rather than contact injuries. 60% of fractures were sustained below the elbow with only four isolated ulna fractures, probably secondary to direct trauma. Most fractures were closed injuries; no open long bone fractures were seen. Pitch-side practitioners should be aware that 10% of ankle fractures were dislocated with the potential for neurovascular complications. Most patients can be discharged from Accident and Emergency and managed as outpatients, a fifth required inpatient treatment. Most patients were not employed as footballers reflecting participation from all ages and occupations. Football produces significant number of fractures in the general population. Most are closed, sustained below the elbow, and can be managed in the outpatient setting.
Effects of a water exercise programme on body composition, physical ability and pain in middle-aged obese women with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Kim T-U , Park G-H
Published: November 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 10 weeks water exercise programme in the middle aged obese women with knee osteoarthritis. Subjects were 12 obese women with mean of 57 years of age, 156 cm height and 66.5 kg body weight. The water exercise programme consists of aquatic aerobic exercises with rating of perceived exertion 13-15 and 2 sets of 10 reps of aquatic resistance exercise. Body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and balance were measured before and after the water exercise treatment. And also subjective pains before and after the treatment of water exercises were measured using Visual Analogue Scale. Data were processed using SPSS V.13.0 program to obtain mean and SD values of the measurements. Mean different measurement between the pre- and post-tests within the group was verified through paired t test. There were significant differences between pre and postwater exercise in body mass (65.9±7.4 kg vs 64.0±6.8 kg), body mass index (27±3 kg/m2vs 26±3 kg/m2), % body fat (36.4% vs 35.4%) and body fat mass. The water exercise programme alleviated the subjective pain (6±2 vs 3±2) of obese patients who were suffering osteoarthritis of the knee by improving those patients' muscular strength (53±10 kg vs 57±2 kg), muscular endurance (6±6 reps vs 12±7 reps), flexibility (12±6 s vs 16±6 s) and balance (8.9±6.9 s vs 17.9±12.3 s). This also led to positive influences on the patients' daily life activities. In conclusion, water exercise programme would be effective in variation of physical ability, body composition and pain relief of obese patients who have osteoarthritis in the knee.
Postural assessment and joint instability in athletes of federated Brazilian swimmers
Authors: Meliscki G A , Monterio L Z , Maman D , Medeiros A , Giglico C A
Published: November 2010

Swimming training imposes a considerable stress about the joint and musculoskeletal structures. This study aimed to identify the postural changes and joint instabilities of federated Brazilian swimming. The authors evaluated 60 swimmers, 29 (48%) women and 31 (52%) men, with an average age of 20±3 years. To appraise the joint instabilities, the authors performed the drawer tests on anterior and posterior shoulder, sulcus test, drawer test anterior and posterior knee, stress test abduction (valgus) and stress test adduction (varus). Statistical analysis used SAS V.9 software and the exact Fisher's test. The main swimming styles were crawl (42%) and butterfly stroke (25%) and the practice time was 9±4 years. In women, the main alterations were: hyperkyphosis chest and knee hyperextension (66%), rotation of left shoulder girdle (52%), convex right scoliosis (45%). In men: hyperkyphosis chest (71%), knee hyperextension (68%) and low back pain (58%). The authors verified an association between the genres and alterations in lumbar spine (p=0.01), that 12 women had convex right scoliosis and 22 men did not have. The authors did not observe an association between the genres in relation with joint instabilities, but the women showed instability in the shoulders (76%), and the men laxity of the lateral collateral ligament (74%) and instability in the shoulders (61%). The overload of this sport is more visible in the region of the shoulder, area of more frequency of lesions found in this work, requiring intensive programmes of prevention and accompaniment of these athletes of swimming competition.
Results of a musculoskeletal preparticipation screening programme in BUCS Super 8 Rugby League players
Authors: Evans K , Cady K , Dobson A , Towers P
Published: November 2010

The physiological demands of rugby league are complex, requiring players to concomitantly develop speed, agility, muscular strength, power and aerobic capacity. Studies indicate that injury rates are higher in rugby league than other collision sports. The incidence of injury in semiprofessional rugby league players has been reported to be as high as 825 per 1000 player-position game hours. Sports teams with a common epidemiology of injuries often undertake musculoskeletal preparticipation screening (MPPS) in an attempt to reduce the incidence of these injuries. The aim of this study was to undertake a general MPPS for a Super 8 BUCS Rugby League team. 30 players volunteered to undertake a MPPS at the start of preseason training. The MPPS consisted of 10 assessments including (1) single-leg supine bridge hold (transversus abdominis stability), (2) straight leg raise (hamstring flexibility) (3) modified Thomas test (abductor, iliopsoas and rectus femoris contracture), (4) gluteus maximus and hamstring muscle recruitment for hip extension, (5) manual muscle test of gluteus medius and minimus, (6) plumbline assessment of standing posture, (7) Trendelenburg test, (8) overhead squat with shoulder width grip, (9) in-line lunge and (10) single-leg squat. Results showed a prevalence of poor physical preparedness. All subjects were deficient in transversus abdominis, gluteus medius and single-leg strength. All subjects were hypertonic in hip abductors, iliopsoas and hamstrings. All subjects recruited hamstrings before gluteus maximus for hip extension. None of the subjects could perform a single-leg squat, nor achieve all of the competencies required in the overhead squat. All subjects demonstrated shoulder protraction in standing posture. A prehabilitation programme was implemented for all players after assessment with modifications to strength and conditioning programmes.
Review of medical provision in English ice hockey
Authors: Cady K , Evans K , Bourgein S
Published: November 2010

Ice hockey is the world's fastest sport played on two feet, with players reaching in excess of 35 mph forwards, and 15 mph travelling backwards. The high intensity intermittent skating, combined with rapid changes in velocity and frequent body contact, indicate a high injury potential. English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) and Ice Hockey UK organise and regulate the sport, including the implementation of medical procedures. The aim of this study was to investigate the current level of provision of first aid in English Ice Hockey from grass roots to semiprofessional level. A total of 18 medical staff completed a questionnaire regarding their role as first aiders in an EIHA registered team. A second questionnaire was issued to 116 players and parents competing in an EIHA recognised league regarding their perception of medical provision in the sport. Results show that 88% of medical staff and 55% of players/parents believed the current medical provision to be insufficient. Of the 18 medical staff, half were graduate sports therapists, two were physiotherapists and nine had attended the EIHA Ice Hockey First Aid course. None of the medical staff had a written job description and only 78% had attended relevant continuing professional development in the last 12 months. 94% of home fixtures were attended by medical staff, compared to 77% of away fixtures. Regarding medical staff appointments, “personal contact” was the most popular method of appointment with interviews or adverts for job vacancies the least popular. In conclusion, evidence suggests the affiliated medical person are sufficiently qualified to provide first aid for ice hockey, but the regularity and methods by which the medical staff are appointed needs to be reviewed. The EIHA Ice Hockey First Aid course has influenced the number of first aiders working in the sport with 50% of staff questioned possessing the qualification.
Improved key health outcomes in women with fibromyalgia undergoing different supervised exercise programmes: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sañudo B , Carrasco L , Saxton J , Galiano D , de Hoyo M
Published: November 2010

The aim of this study was to compare the relative effects of supervised aerobic exercise (AE) with a combined programme of supervised aerobic, muscle strengthening and flexibility exercises on important health outcomes in women diagnosed with fibromyalgia (FM). Sixty-four women diagnosed with FM were randomly allocated to one of three groups: AE, combined exercise (CE) or usual care control. They were assessed at baseline and after 24 weeks using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Short-form Health Survey (SF-36) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Functional outcomes were aerobic capacity (6-min walk test), hand-grip strength and range of motion. A 14%-15% improvement from baseline in total FIQ score was observed in the exercise groups (p≤0.02), and was accompanied by reductions in BDI scores of 8.5 (p<0.001) and 6.4 (p<0.001) points in the AE and CE group, respectively. Relative to nonexercising controls, CE evoked improvements in the SF-36 physical function (p=0.003) and bodily pain (p=0.003) domains and was more effective than AE for evoking improvements in the vitality (p=0.002) and mental health (p=0.04) domains. Greater improvements were also observed in shoulder/hip range of motion and handgrip strength in the CE group. The magnitude of improvement in FIQ scores constitutes a clinically relevant change in FM and is similar to those reported previously after AE interventions in some studies. The improvement in average BDI score in the AE group is comparable to that previously reported after AE interventions suggesting that the changes in BDI scores evoked by this exercise modality are less pronounced. Although changes in global SF-36 scores were similar across exercising groups, improvements in a broader range of SF-36 domains were observed. Furthermore, effect size changes in relation to the controls were generally greater than those observed after the programme of AE. Given the equivalent time commitment required for AE and CE, our results suggest that women with FM can gain additional health benefits by engaging in a similar volume of combined strength, flexibility and AE.
Exercise, sports and musculoskeletal medicine in UK medical school curricula: a survey
Authors: Oluwajana F
Published: November 2010

Exercise and obesity (EO) and sports and exercise medicine (SEM) are becoming increasingly important topics in today's society, due to rising obesity and inactivity rates, the emphasis on physical activity in the community and the London 2012 Olympics. Musculoskeletal medicine is a well established subject in medical schools, whose adequacy has been regularly investigated. Despite the importance of these subjects and the benefits they offer to the public, little is known about their occurrence in medical school curricula. The study aimed to investigate the availability of EO, SEM and musculoskeletal medicine in UK medical schools, opinions regarding the importance and quality of the teaching and to compare SEM and EO with musculoskeletal medicine teaching. A survey consisting of 14 questions was designed, piloted and then distributed to the deans of undergraduate medical education at 33 UK medical schools, as an anonymous online survey. After the initial launch of the survey, reminder emails were sent to participants every 4 weeks for 4 months. The response rate was 76%. All medical schools have a direct focus on musculoskeletal medicine in their curriculum. 68% have a direct focus on EO and 40% on SEM. There are more optional study opportunities in musculoskeletal medicine. 92% of medical schools assess musculoskeletal knowledge, while only 60% and 28% do so for EO and SEM, respectively. Musculoskeletal medicine is perceived to be more important and have better quality teaching than EO and SEM. The most common barrier to improving education was space in the curriculum. EO and SEM teaching are relatively uncommon in UK medical schools compared to musculoskeletal teaching. Increasing the perceived importance of these subjects and providing curricular guidance to medical schools will help improvements to be implemented. The optional curriculum, particularly student selected components, is likely to be the most appropriate initial method of increasing and improving teaching in EO and SEM.
Protein ingestion increases muscle protein synthesis after, but not during, endurance exercise
Authors: Hulston C , Wolsk E , Grøndahl T , Yfanti C , van Hall G
Published: November 2010

The purpose of this study was to determine muscle protein turnover and fractional synthetic rates during endurance exercise and recovery with carbohydrate (CHO) or CHO plus protein (CHO+P) ingestion. On two occasions, eight healthy males were studied at rest and during 3 h cycling and 3 h recovery. Leg muscle protein turnover was determined from stable isotope infusion (L-[ring-13C6]phenylalanine), arterial femoral-venous blood sampling and plasma flow measurements. Fractional synthetic rates (FSR) of the vastus lateralis were determined from the incorporation of L-[ring-13C6]phenylalanine into bound protein. Leg phenylalanine release, which is indicative of muscle protein breakdown, was ∼twofold higher during exercise than at rest (p<0.05), and was not different between CHO and CHO+P (p>0.05). CHO+P ingestion increased leg phenylalanine uptake during exercise (p<0.05) and increased muscle intracellular phenylalanine concentration (p<0.05). However, FSR were not different between CHO and CHO+P (0.029±0.004 and 0.030±0.003%/h respectively, p=0.88). During the recovery period, FSR were 0.070±0.003 and 0.105±0.013%/h for CHO and CHO+P, respectively (p<0.01). Furthermore, ingesting CHO+P during recovery resulted in a net phenylalanine uptake, compared with a net phenylalanine release in the CHO trial. The authors conclude: (1) that endurance exercise increases muscle protein breakdown, (2) protein ingestion does not reduce muscle protein breakdown or increase muscle protein synthesis during exercise, (3) protein ingestion augments post-exercise muscle protein synthesis and (4) protein ingestion is essential to achieve positive muscle protein balance during recovery from endurance exercise.
Computed tomography scan evaluation for recurrent shoulder dislocations after sports injuries
Authors: Akhtar M A , Robinson C M
Published: November 2010

Shoulder dislocation is a common sporting injury. Recent studies suggest a higher rate of recurrence in the presence of glenoid rim fracture (bony Bankart lesion). The authors looked at the incidence of glenoid rim fracture, glenoid flattening and Hill-Sachs defect after recurrent shoulder dislocations. A prospective study was conducted in the Trauma and Orthopaedic Department of the Royal infirmary of Edinburgh from June 2008 to July 2009. All patients attending the specialist shoulder clinic after recurrent shoulder dislocations were evaluated with CT scan of their shoulder to look for glenoid rim fracture (bony Bankart lesion), glenoid flattening and Hill-Sachs defects. Prospective data were collected for 37 patients with a mean age of 25 years and a range of 14-40 years. 24 patients (71%) were involved in contact sports. The most common sport was football in 12 (50%) patients followed by rugby in 9 (37%) patients. Left shoulder was involved in 19 patients (51%). The CT scan showed glenoid fracture (bony Bankart lesion) in 11 patients (32%), glenoid flattening in 14 (41%) patients and Hill-Sachs defect in 29 (85%). The range of the defect was 11-45 mm. Four patients had glenoid flattening but no glenoid fracture. The type of instability was anterior in 33 (89%) patients and multidirectional instability in 4 (11%) patients. The number of dislocations range from 0 to 17 with a mean of 3 and the number of subluxations range from 0 to 35 with a mean of 4.5. The authors looked at the CT scan findings of glenoid and humeral head after recurrent shoulder dislocations in sports related injuries. Although glenoid rim fracture (bony Bankart lesion) is a risk factor for recurrence, glenoid flattening and large Hill-Sachs defects should be carefully evaluated with CT scan and appropriate stabilisation should be offered to prevent future problems.
Physiological characteristics of Malaysian national elite and subelite taekwondo athletes
Authors: Tey W J , Kwong V K W , Rassiah D , Ooi C H
Published: November 2010

This study sought to examine a selected physiological profile of Malaysian national elite and subelite taekwondo athletes. Subjects were 33 elite (16 males, 22±3 years; 17 females, 23±3 years) and 36 subelite (20 males, 18±2 years; 16 females, 18±2 years) taekwondo athletes. They were tested for vertical and broad jumps performance, maximal running speed, shuttle run performance and muscular strength using a standard physiological test battery. Height (male: 175±5 cm vs 175±7 cm; female: 163±7 cm vs 160±6 cm) and mass (male: 67.7±9.6 kg vs 64.7±10.0 kg; female: 59.9±11.0 kg vs 55.1±9.4 kg) were not different between the elite and subelite groups. Performance in countermovement jump (male: 42.0±6.4 cm vs 36.1±4.4 cm; female: 32.0±3.5 cm vs 28.8±4.3 cm), 20-m maximal sprint (male: 3.08±0.08 s vs 3.26±0.12 s; female: 3.48±0.12 s vs 3.73±0.12 s), 20-m multistage shuttle run (male: 107±17 shuttles vs 82±18 shuttles; female: 79±13 shuttles vs 61±20 shuttles), 5-m multiple shuttle test (male: 726±21 m vs 654±41 m; female: 638±33 m vs 588±44 m) and predicted 1 RM bench press (male: 61±10 kg vs 49±0 kg; female: 45±13 kg vs 31±2 kg) were significantly better in elite than subelite (p<0.05). Elite male and female taekwondo athletes were able to jump higher or further, move faster with better aerobic and anaerobic fitness as well as greater upper body strength, when compared to their subelite counterparts. It is unknown whether a superior physiological fitness may be relevant to success in taekwondo performance at elite level. However, a better physical condition in elite taekwondo athletes in the present study could be the result of training adaptation with the fact that the elite taekwondo athletes were 4-5 years older than subelite ones.
Seasonal variation in fitness in a women's National League hockey squad
Authors: Jones E , McGregor A
Published: November 2010

Regular fitness assessments are crucial in monitoring the efficacy of a training programme, judging return to play after injury and motivating athletes. The data can be used by practitioners to track differences in fitness at specific time points in the season or between playing positions. This study presents three seasons of test data in an elite women's squad, covering their promotion from National Division 1 to Premier League Status. Injury-free players were tested at the start of the preseason (PRE), start of competition (COMP1), midseason break (XMAS) and the start of second competition phase (COMP2) for the 2007-2008, 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 seasons. Test battery comprised speed (0-5 m, 0-30 m), repeated sprint (8×56 m off 40 s rolling clock) and the yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1. Aerobic conditioning improved from PRE to COMP1 to XMAS and was maintained (2007-2008), improved (2008-2009) or declined (2009-2010) in the second half of the season. The lowest levels were seen in the 2007-2008 season. Trends in the speed data are difficult to elicit due to missing data points. Repeated sprint performance was lowest at PRE and improved to COMP1 in all three seasons. A decline was evident between XMAS and COMP2. Improvements in aerobic conditioning from the 2007 to the 2008 season reflect the onset of a squad training intervention. There were no further improvements on promotion to the Premier League. A general increase in aerobic conditioning from preseason to the Christmas break is likely indicative of 5-6 months' conditioning. Fitness levels over the midseason break show maintenance in aerobic and repeated sprint performance in the 2008-2009 season. In 2009-2010, a decline was evident in both these parameters, probably due to the inclement weather negatively affecting training patterns and/or poor adherence to the training programme.
Scholar sports participation according to age and sex of students from military schools
Authors: Marques A , Martins J , da Costa F C
Published: November 2010

Inside schools, scholar sports (SS) represent a good opportunity for students to be involved with physical activities (PA). In Portugal almost all schools promote extracurricular activities and students have the opportunity to engage in formal PA, oriented by a PE teacher. The aim of this study was to examine the sex and age differences in SS participation of students who attended military schools, and the association of SS and attitudes toward school and PE. A total of 505 boys (age 14±2 years) and 208 girls (age 14±2 years) participated in the study. The students were grouped in age categories of 10-12, 13-15 and 16-18. Questionnaires were used for data collection. To analyse the differences in SS participation according to age, the t test was used, and to compare sexes in each age group the authors used χ2. Cramer's V correlations were applied to identify the relationships between SS participation and attitudes toward school and PE. 93% of boys and 62% of girls reported to have participated in SS. Younger boys participated more than older boys in SS (p<0.001). Among girls, although the differences were also significant (p=0.009), the older ones reported to be involved in SS more than the younger. While the SS participation among boys tended to decrease, the opposite tendency was observed in girls. Comparing age groups according to sexes, more boys participated in SS than girls (10-12; 95% vs 42%; 13-15; 95% vs 65%; 16-18; 86% vs 73%) and statistical differences were observed in all age groups. There was not a significant correlation between SS and attitudes toward school and PE in either boys or girls. For this particular population, SS represent a good opportunity for students to engage in PA on a regular basis. Even though there were high percentages of participants in SS activities in both sexes, boys still were more involved than girls in all age groups, which means that the activities are better promoted among boys or that girls prefer to choose other types of activities in their leisure time. The increased number of girls participating in SS with age seems to indicate that the school ethos could have the strength to influence them while they are attending this type of school. It suggests that school could play an important role in promoting PA, by providing the activities and an ideal environment.
Association between breath type and postural changes in elite swimmers of Brazil
Authors: Meliski G A , Monterio L Z , Maman D , Medeiros A , Giglio C A
Published: November 2010

Swimming places high demands on the athlete as to time and training load. High loads cause considerable stress about the joint and musculoskeletal structures, which join into a wide range of postural injuries that can be associated with the breathing pattern. The authors aimed to identify the incidence of postural changes and the relationship of these deviations with the breath type. The authors evaluated 60 elite swimmers from the swim team at the University of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, between the ages 14 and 27 (mean 20±3 years). Age, gender, main swimming style, practice time and breath type were recorded. A digital camera (Sony DSC-W 130 Cybershot) was used for postural evaluation. Statistical analysis used the software SAS V.9 and the exact Fisher's test. The main swimming styles were crawl (42%) and butterfly stroke (25%) and the practice time was 9±4 years. The main postural changes were: 41 (68%) hyperkyphosis chest, 40 (67%) knee hyperextension, 30 (50%) low back pain and 25 (42%) rotation of left shoulder girdle. The authors verified that the alterations in the thoracic spine were associated with the breath type (p=0.03), where 7 (11%) swimmers showed bilateral breath and convex left scoliosis, 6 (10%) bilateral breath and convex right scoliosis, 13 (22%) unilateral right respiration and convex left scoliosis, 4 (7%) unilateral right respiration and convex right scoliosis, 9 (15%) unilateral left breath and convex right scoliosis, 2 (3%) unilateral left breath and convex left scoliosis and 19 (32%) swimmers showed no changes. The breath type more used was the bilateral and right unilateral respiration. The knee hyperextension and hyperkyphosis chest were the main postural deviations of the swimmers. These assessments can be the basis for the development of preventive measures in swimming, to obtain better results for athletes who compete.
Development of laboratory-based intermittent running protocols that are matched for various physiological parameters
Authors: Bartlett J D , Close G L , Drust B , Morton J P
Published: November 2010

Data from cycling based protocols demonstrate that high-intensity interval training (HIT) is a more efficient mode of exercise training compared with traditional moderate-intensity continuous (CONT) approaches. The use of cycling based protocols is methodologically advantageous as total work done can be quantified by measuring subject's power output while pedalling on a cycle ergometer. However, examining the efficacy of HIT vs CONT running is more challenging as measurements of heart rate per se may not always reflect energy production. It may therefore be more accurate to prescribe, quantify and match exercise intensity during HIT and CONT running by matching protocols for average velocity corresponding to a particular %VO2max. The aim of the current study was to develop and match laboratory-based HIT and CONT running protocols for energy expenditure, average intensity, duration and distance run. Eight recreationally active men performed two running protocols consisting of HIT (6×3 min 90% VO2maxinterspersed with 6×3 min active recovery at 50% VO2maxwith 7-min warm-up and cool-down at 70% VO2max) and CONT (50 min continuous running exercise at 70% VO2max). Protocols were matched for average intensity (70% VO2max), duration (50 min) and distance run (9843±494 m). There was no difference (p>0.05) in average heart rate (88±3% HRmax vs 87±3% HRmax), average VO2(71±6% VO2maxvs 73±4% VO2max), total VO2(162±16 litres vs 166±27 litres) or energy expenditure (811±83 kcal vs 832±136 kcal) between HIT and CONT protocols, respectively. Although ratings of perceived exertion were higher (p<0.05) during HIT compared to CONT (14±1 vs 13±1), HIT was characterised by higher ratings of perceived enjoyment (p<0.05) (88±6 vs 61±12). To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to have matched HIT and CONT running for all the aforementioned variables. These data provide a controlled experimental model to study the efficacy of HIT vs CONT running. Furthermore, HIT is perceived as more enjoyable than CONT which may have implications for improving exercise adherence in individuals undertaking exercise training to improve human health and/or performance.
High-intensity interval training improves microvascular and macrovascular function and insulin sensitivity
Authors: Cocks M , Shepherd S O , Tipton K D , Wagenmakers A J M , Shaw C S
Published: November 2010

Both micro and macrovascular adaptations contribute to the mechanisms by which reduced physical activity increases the risk for cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance. In a parallel abstract,1 the authors report that 6 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIT) improves insulin sensitivity. Here the authors aim to investigate whether changes in vascular function play a potential role in this improvement of insulin sensitivity. Eight, young sedentary males (age: 23±2 years, BMI 24.5±1.5 Kg/m2) took part in 6 weeks of HIT involving four to six, 30-s Wingate tests separated by 4.5 min of recovery, performed three times per week. Calf microvascular filtration capacity (Kf) which is an indirect measure of muscle capillary density, was measured using venous occlusion plethysmography. Arterial stiffness was assessed using applanation tonometry (SphygmoCor) to determine peripheral (PPWV) and central pulse wave velocity (CPWV), and augmentation index normalised to 75 beats per minute (AIx at 75 bpm). Blood pressure and insulin sensitivity (oral glucose tolerance test) were also measured pre and post training. Calf microvascular Kf improved after training by 43% (2.81±0.30 ml/min vs 4.02±0.70 ml/min 100 ml/mm Hg×10−3; p<0.05). CPWV and PPWV showed a trend to decrease after training (CPWV 4.8±0.3 m/s vs 4.5±0.3 m/s; p=0.053, PPWV 6.4±0.6 m/s vs 5.9±0.4 m/s; p=0.098). No significant change was observed in AIx at 75 bpm (p=0.114). Resting systolic and diastolic BP decreased after training (systolic 119±2 mm Hg vs 114±2 mm Hg; p<0.05, diastolic 63±3 mm Hg vs 59±2 mm Hg; p<0.05). In the parallel study the authors observe increases in insulin sensitivity. The authors conclude that low volume HIT is an effective method to elicit improvements in both micro and macrovascular function which are likely to be mechanistically related to the observed improvements in insulin sensitivity.
Effect of an intervention programme on the physical activity participation patterns among school going children in South Africa
Authors: Phillips J , Figaji T
Published: November 2010

A steady decrease in the levels of physical activity during childhood and adolescents has been noted in various parts of the world. The picture of low physical activity levels in developed countries is no different in developing countries. Children spend the majority of their day at school therefore a school setting is ideal to conduct physical activity intervention studies. The primary aim of this study was to measure the effect of an intervention programme on the physical activity participation patterns among school going children and adolescents. The conveniently selected sample from an urban independent Catholic school included all learners from grade 5 to 7 with parental consent. Baseline data included among others, patterns of physical activity participation, and support for physical activity. Physical activity was assessed with the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents.1 Learners were requested to indicate on how many days of the week preceding the study they participated in vigorous (VPA) and moderate activities for at least 20 min. Support for physical activity from friends and family was also measured.2 The 12-week Promoting Lifestyle activity for Youth (PLAY) programme3 was implemented at the school. Two weeks after the programme, repeat measurement of variables was collected. The mean number of sessions of VPA per week was higher after the intervention programme (3.71 days) than before (3.17 days; p<0.05) and higher levels of support from family for physical activity was reported. The mean number of sessions of moderate physical activity increased with the frequency of family and friends social support. All bivariate correlations between the family and friends social support variables and moderate physical activity were positive and some were statistically significant (p<0.05) The results of the study indicated that intervention programmes such as PLAY have the potential to increase the levels of physical activity participation and support from family for physical activity among learners.
Study on the relationship between skill performance and selected physical fitness variables of hand ball players
Authors: Ibrahim S , Azeem K
Published: November 2010

This study examined the relationship between skill performance and selected physical fitness variables of hand ball players of Osmania University, Hyderabad, India. 30 handball players aged 18-11 years were randomly selected from players undergoing rigorous training camp for the All India Inter-University tournament. Defensive ability, passing ability and dribbling ability were assessed by defence movement test, passing test and control dribbling test. The tests selected for the physical fitness variables were: speed, 50 m run; explosive power, sergeant jump; agility, 6×10 m shuttle run; cardiorespiratory endurance, 12 min run/walk test; flexibility, bend and reach test. The statistical tool used was Pearson product moment correlation. Defensive ability was positively correlated with speed (r=0.72) and agility (r=0.61), whereas explosive power, cardiorespiratory endurance and flexibility were negatively correlated. Passing ability was negatively correlated with speed and agility, and positively correlated with explosive power (r=0.38), cardiorespiratory endurance (r=0.79) and flexibility (r=0.69). The skill of dribbling was positively correlated with speed (r=0.87) and agility (r=0.95), and negatively correlated with explosive power; it was not significantly correlated with cardiorespiratory endurance or flexibility. The results showed that defensive ability performance can be improved by good speed and agility. A player can excel in passing if he has good explosive power, cardiorespiratory endurance and flexibility. The skill of dribbling can be taken care of if a player has speed and agility.
Energy intake and appetite after netball exercise in 13- to 15-year-old trained girls
Authors: Rumbold P L S , St Clair-Gibson A , Allsop S , Stevenson E , Dodd-Reynolds C J
Published: November 2010

The aim of the study was to establish whether free-living energy intake and subjective appetite are influenced by a bout of netball exercise in female adolescent netball players. Energy intake and subjective appetite over 3 days (with two preceding maintenance days) after a netball and sedentary period were compared in a counterbalanced fashion. Eleven trained adolescent netball players; age 14.7±0.9 years, stature 1.66±0.06 m, mass 59.4±7.1 kg, body fat 23.1±5.4%, body mass index 21.6±2.3 kg/m2and dietary restraint 2.13±0.63 (average category for high school females). During preliminary visits, a FLEX heart rate calibration1 and resting metabolic rate test were conducted, to later predict energy expenditure (EE) during the netball exercise and also 24-h EE over the 5 days. Subjects completed two 5-day treatment weeks, separated by a 2-week “wash out” period. A 47-min bout of netball exercise or equivalent sedentary period was carried out on day 3 of each treatment week. Energy intake was measured over each 5-day period using a combined self-reported, weighed, food diary and 24-h recall interview technique. Subjective hunger, prospective food consumption, fullness and mood were rated by subjects using visual analogue scales immediately before and after meals, the netball exercise and the sedentary period. 48-h energy intake was higher after netball exercise compared to the corresponding sedentary period, (18.6±2.5 MJ vs 16.7±3.5 MJ respectively; p=0.015, effect size=1.31). The girls felt more hungry immediately after the netball exercise compared to immediately before, (49±25 mm vs 35±21 mm respectively; p=0.037, effect size=1.08). Overall, trained adolescent girls felt hungrier and increased their energy intake during a 48-h period after netball exercise. Appetite hormones (acylated ghrelin) need to be examined to elucidate appetite responses to sport-specific exercise in adolescent girls.
Meniscal injuries and hyperlaxity
Authors: Akhtar M A , Keating J F
Published: November 2010

This study assessed the incidence of generalised ligament laxity in patients presented with meniscal injuries. Prospective data were collected for 33 patients undergoing meniscal surgery, and a control group of 43 patients with clavicle fractures between June 2008 and July 2009, including demographic details, mechanism of injury and hyperlaxity. Clinical examination was used to assess the ligament laxity using the Beighton score. Laxity is scored on a 0-9 scale. Scores of 4 or above are indicative of generalised ligament laxity. Brighton criteria are used to diagnose benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BJHS) and use signs and symptoms along with Beighton score. The average Beighton score for the patients with meniscal injuries was 1.5 with a range from 0 to 8. Four patients (12%) in this group had a Beighton score of 4 or more as compared to control group that had eight patients (18%) There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with a p value of 0.24. Three patients (9%) fulfilled the Brighton criteria for BJHS. The most common cause of meniscal injury was sports related injuries in 13 patients (46%). The most common sport was football in five patients (38%). The most common procedure performed was partial medial menisectomy in 24 (72%) patients. The authors looked at the incidence of generalised ligament laxity in patients with meniscal injuries which was 12%. The authors concluded that patients with meniscal injuries does not have higher incidence of generalised ligament laxity as compared to a control group of clavicle fractures. Appropriate advice should be given to athletes about the risk of injuries after careful assessment for evidence of generalised ligament laxity.
Comparison of energy expenditure calculations
Authors: Arkesteijn M , Jobson S A , Hopker J , Passfield L
Published: November 2010

The determination of energy expenditure (EE) is central to many applications within exercise physiology. The quantification of EE is usually carried out using indirect calorimetry. This relies upon the accurate measurement of VO2and VCO2to determine the oxygen cost of the activity and the substrate oxidised. EE is calculated using the formula: Total EE (kJ/min)=kilojoules per litre O2consumed×VO2, where kilojoules per litre of O2consumed is calculated from the thermal equivalents of oxygen for nonprotein respiratory quotient (RQ). However, there is variation in the specific thermal equivalents used. The impact that this has on estimated EE has yet to be described. The authors examined nine different methods that were grouped into three different categories. Six methods (C1) were based on the thermal equivalents tables of Lusk.1 Another category (C2) consisted of a major revision of the Lusk table.2 The final two methods (C3) used fixed values for the thermal equivalents of O2.3 The different categories for calculating EE were applied to data with a fixed VO2of 2.5 litre/min and RQ values between 0.71 and 1. Differences between categories were examined using a one-way analysis of variance. The EE values within C1 showed a variation of less than 1.1% at an RQ of 0.85 (p>0.05). The EE based on the Peronnetet altable (C2) of nonprotein RQ differed by 3.2% from C1 (p≤0.01). The fixed methods (C3) showed a difference of up to 6.3% compared with C1 (p≤0.01). Variation in thermal equivalents values has a large impact on calculated EE. Fixed methods are overly simplistic as they do not take into account the substrate being oxidised. The figures of Peronnetet al(1991) are preferable to those based upon Lusk's early work as they are based on more accurate values of energy released from fat and carbohydrates.
Comparison of exercise-induced fatigue after two bouts of prolonged intermittent shuttle running separated by 2 weeks
Authors: Leeder J , van Someren K , Boycott-Brown D , Jewell A , Gaze D , Howatson G
Published: November 2010

Achieving optimum athletic performance requires a balance of stress induced by training and competition with appropriate recovery. It is thought that the physiological stress associated with repeated high intensity intermittent sprint exercise over a number of weeks would be relatively low in well-trained individuals, perhaps due to familiarisation with the exercise mode and protection from muscle damage due to the repeated-bout effect. The aims of the present study were twofold: (1) to ascertain the level of exercise-induced fatigue and recovery profile after an intermittent shuttle run test designed to replicate the demands of a football match; and (2) to compare the fatigue and recovery response when the same exercise bout is repeated 2 weeks later. Eight males (23±3 years) well-trained individuals (VO2max54.6±5.2 ml/kg/min), who regularly participated in repeat sprint field sports (rugby, hockey and football), completed two 90-min intermittent shuttle run tests separated by 2 weeks. Maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) of the knee extensors, countermovement jump (CMJ), delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), creatine kinase (CK) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured before exercise and at a series of time points up to 72 h after both tests. MIVC, CMJ, DOMS, CK and IL-6 all showed significant time effects (p<0.05) over the two exercise bouts indicating exercise-induced fatigue after both tests. CK peaked at 24 h in bout 1 (1375±1247 U/l) and bout 2 (1225±595 U/l). Only CMJ showed a significant bout effect (p<0.05), indicating muscle damage was reduced after the second bout. Declines in CMJ (−4.0±4.8% at 24 h) and MIVC (−8.6±6.3% at 24 h) indicated considerable reductions in muscle function after the second bout. This study indicates that well-trained individuals experience substantial levels of exercise-induced fatigue after a repeated bout of exercise. Consequently, it is likely that well-trained individuals do not benefit from the repeated bout effect phenomenon in the same way that untrained individuals do. Therefore interventions that attenuate these repeated increases in fatigue indices are justified in well-trained individuals.
Improvements in insulin sensitivity and whole-body fat oxidation after a period of high-intensity interval training
Authors: Shepherd S O , Cocks M , Tipton K D , Wagenmakers A J M , Shaw C S
Published: November 2010

Physically trained individuals exhibit high rates of whole-body fat oxidation and elevated insulin sensitivity. High-intensity interval training (HIT) has been suggested to induce similar metabolic adaptations in a more time efficient manner than traditional endurance training. To widen this claim the authors aimed to investigate whether 6 weeks of HIT improves whole-body fat oxidation and insulin sensitivity in young sedentary males. Eight participants (23±2 years; body mass index 24.5±1.5 kg/m2; VO2peak 43.0±1.5 ml/min/kg) with normal glucose tolerance undertook 6 weeks of HIT consisting of between four and six 30-s Wingate tests separated by 4.5 min rest, performed three times per week. Insulin sensitivity (oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)) and substrate metabolism during a 60-min steady state cycling trial (∼65% pretraining VO2peak) was assessed before and after HIT. Dual energyx-ray absorptiometry was also used to measure changes in body composition in response to training. VO2peak increased 18% (pre 43.0±1.5 ml/min/kg2, post 50.8±1.8 ml/min/kg2; p<0.05). A 5% reduction in relative fat content in the body was observed (pre 19.6±2.2%, post 18.8±2.1%, p<0.05), which was attributed to a 6% decrease in relative fat content in the legs. Absolute carbohydrate oxidation was reduced after HIT (pre 1.75±0.11 g/min, post 1.49±0.11 g/min; p=0.04), while relative fat oxidation showed a tendency to increase (pre 35.2±5.7%, post 43.3±3.6%; p=0.078). Plasma glucose and insulin area under the curve in response to the OGTT was reduced by 17% and 31% (p<0.05) posttraining, respectively, which corresponded with a 27% improvement in the Matsuda index of insulin sensitivity (pre 4.0±0.5, post 5.1±0.6, p=0.066). The results obtained for the first time provide evidence to suggest that HIT is also a time-efficient method to improve whole-body fat oxidation, body composition and insulin sensitivity in young, sedentary males.
Effect of a rehydration intervention on markers of hydration status in tennis players
Authors: Chheda K , Reeves S , Cooke K
Published: November 2010

Tennis players have repeatedly been shown to present with signs of dehydration before training or competition. To date no study has investigated the role of post-exercise rehydration in tennis players. Therefore the aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a post-training rehydration strategy on markers of hydration status in high-performance tennis players. Using a nonblinded randomised crossover design the participants (12 male elite tennis players; mean±SD; age 21±2 years, national ranking 13±8; range 2-25) completed their normal daily training and dietary routine followed by ad libitium consumption (CON) of a commercially available carbohydrate-electrolyte solution (Lucozade Sport Hydro Active PLUS; 4 g carbohydrate and 91 mg sodium per 100 ml) or 20 ml per kg body mass (EXP) of the same solution. An array of markers of hydration status were assessed after rest days (baseline) and each training and intervention day (CON, EXP) including but not limited to: urine osmolality (first morning void, freezing point depression method); total body water, intra and extracellular water (multifrequency bioelectrical impedance). All markers of hydration status were measured in the morning before any activity or meals and normalised as a percentage of baseline. A magnitude-based inferences approach1 was used to determine the main effect of the intervention on the markers of hydration status. The mean (±SD% normalised to baseline) in CON vs EXP for urine osmolality, total body water, extracellular and intracellular water were 104±25% vs 95±31%; 99±2% vs 100±2%; 100±2% vs 102±7% and 98±5% vs 100±2%. The probability of a beneficial or positive effect on these markers of hydration status was 87%, 67%, 84% and 59%, respectively. The probability of a harmful or negative effect was 2%, 3%, 8% and 4%, respectively. Therefore this post-exercise rehydration intervention has an unclear effect as the probability of a negative effect on these markers of hydration status was too great.