bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A descriptive epidemiology of netball injuries during competition: a five year study.
Authors: Hopper D , Elliott B , Lalor J
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relation between injury profiles - including assessment, treatment, severity, and the perceived reason for the injury - and participation in competitive netball. METHODS: Between 1985 and 1989, approximately 11,228 netball players participated in a 14 week netball competition held at the major competitive centre in Western Australia; 608 netball players presented to the first aid room with an injury and were assessed and treated by the same physiotherapist and St John First Aid officer. RESULTS: The overall incidence rate during competition was 5.4%, with more injuries occurring in the A grade level of play. Ankle injuries (84%) were most frequent, with 67% of these injuries diagnosed as lateral ligament sprains while a further 10% of players who suffered this classification of injury sustained a fracture to the ankle or foot. Few injuries occurred at the knee joint (8.3%) and only 1.8% of these injuries were diagnosed as an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament. The direct probability of a netball players' risk estimate was 0.054 per person per match which implied that netball was a relatively safe game. Injuries sustained during practice were not included in this study. CONCLUSIONS: Netball is a relatively safe game though the potential for injury increases with the level of competition.
Meditation: a modulator of the immune response to physical stress? A brief report.
Authors: Solberg E E , Halvorsen R , Sundgot-Borgen J , Ingjer F , Holen A
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that stress reducing techniques such as meditation alter immune responses after strenous physical stress. METHODS: The hypothesis was tested by studying six meditating and six non-meditating male runners in a concurrent, controlled design. After a period of six months with meditation for the experimental group, blood samples were taken immediately before and after a maximum oxygen uptake test (VO2max). RESULTS: The increase in CD8+ T cells after VO2max was significantly less in the meditation group than in the control group (P = 0.04). The amount of CD2+ cells doubled after VO2max, mainly because of a rise in the CD8+ fraction. CONCLUSIONS: Meditation may modify the suppressive influence of strenous physical stress on the immune system.
Traumatic arteriovenous fistula of the superficial temporal vessels: a case for protective headgear when playing squash?
Authors: Stubington S R , Rigg K M
Published: December 2008

A 35 year old semiprofessional squash player developed the symptoms and signs of an arteriovenous fistula of the left superficial temporal vessels after a squash ball injury. This was sufficiently symptomatic to halt his intensive training programme and required exploration, ligation and excision. Although a rare injury from any cause this would have been prevented by protective headgear.
Resistance trained athletes using or not using anabolic steroids compared to runners: effects on cardiorespiratory variables, body composition, and plasma lipids.
Authors: Yeater R , Reed C , Ullrich I , Morise A , Borsch M
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE--To determine whether there is a difference in cardiac size and function as well as in body composition, aerobic capacity, and blood lipids between resistance trained athletes who use anabolic steroids and those who do not, and to compare them to university cross country athletes. METHODS--Four groups of men were evaluated: recreational lifters, n = 11, lifting < 10 h.week-1; heavy lifters, n = 16, lifting > 10 h.week-1; steroid users, n = 8, same as heavy lifters and used steroids; runners, n = 8, university track members. Echocardiograms, body composition (hydrostatic weighing), maximum oxygen consumption (Vo2), and lipids were studied. RESULTS--As expected, Vo2 (ml.kg-1.min-1), was greatest in the runners, with no difference among the lifting groups. High density lipoprotein cholesterol in the steroid user group was lower than in heavy lifters or runners. Left ventricular internal diastolic dimension was similar among the groups. The left ventricular mass index of the steroid user group was significantly greater than recreational lifters, at 161 v 103. There was no difference among heavy lifters (127), runners (124), and steroid users. There was no compromise in diastolic function in any group. There were no differences among groups in resting or exercise blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS--Resistance training in the absence of steroid use results in the same positive effects on cardiac dimensions, diastolic function, and blood lipids as aerobic training.
Water turnover rates in sedentary and exercising middle aged men.
Authors: Leiper J B , Carnie A , Maughan R J
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE--To assess the effect of exercise on water turnover in endurance trained middle aged men. METHODS--Water turnover was assessed using 2H2O as a tracer for water in six exercising and six sedentary middle aged men over seven consecutive days. The exercising subjects ran on average 14.8 km per day, while the sedentary group did not take part in any regular physical activity. RESULTS--The average median (range) rate of water turnover (ml.d-1) was higher in the exercising group [4673 (4320 to 9606)] than in the sedentary group [3256 (2055 to 4185); P = 0.001]. Although there was a tendency for non-renal water losses (ml.d-1) to be greater in the exercising group [1746 (1241 to 5196)] than in the sedentary group [1223 (1021 to 1950); P = 0.08], the major difference in water loss between the groups was the greater urine output (ml.d-1) in those who exercised [3021 (2484 to 4225)] compared to those who were sedentary [(1883 (925 to 2266); P = 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS--The results suggest that fluid intake in middle aged men who exercise regularly must be greater than that of sedentary individuals of the same age group, and that the difference in volume is in excess of that required to replace exercise induced sweat and respiratory water losses.
Effect of low dose oral contraceptives on exercise performance.
Authors: Bryner R W , Toffle R C , Ullrich I H , Yeater R A
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE--to examine the effect of cycle phase or a low dose oral contraceptive on exercise performance in young women. METHODS--As controls, 15 men were tested twice by a maximal treadmill test (Vo2 max) and by an endurance run 14 d apart to determine performance variability from causes other than hormonal fluctuations. Ten women ages 18-30 were then tested for Vo2 max and endurance in the same way in both the follicular and the luteal phase (random order, ovulation assessed by sonography). They were then randomly assigned to placebo (n = 3) or oral contraceptive (1 mg norethindrone and 35 micrograms ethinyl oestradiol) (n = 7) for 21 days. Tests were repeated during the first and third weeks of treatment. Vo2 max and endurance tests were compared in the men and control cycle of the women by using independent t tests on percent change. The data for both cycles in the women were analysed by repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS--There was no difference in per cent change in total test time, Vo2 max, or breathing frequency between the men and women in either test. Data obtained during the Vo2 max test revealed no difference between the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle for total test time [11.8 (SD 2.3) v 12.6 (2.3) min], Vo2 [41.6 (12.1) v 39.7 (11.4) ml.kg-1.min-1], or breathing frequency [26.8 (3.5) v 27.3 (9.9) breaths.min-1] respectively, or during the first and third weeks of treatment [total test time 12.0 (2.5) v 12.8 (2.4) min; Vo2 37.3 (7.4) v 41.0 (12.4) ml.kg-1.min-1; breathing frequency 27.8 (4.2) v 27.7 (3.4) breaths.min-1, respectively]. Data obtained during the endurance test revealed no difference between the follicular and luteal phase of the menstrual cycle for total test time [20.5 (15.7) v 16.2 (8.5) min], Vo2 [37.5 (9.4) v 32.9 (8.1) ml.kg-1.min-1], or breathing frequency [32.0 (6.0) v 33.2 (5.1) breaths.min-1, respectively], or during the first and third weeks of treatment [total test time 32.3 (34.9) v 30.6 (30.1) min; Vo2 33.9 (10.1) v 35.2 (8.6) ml.kg-1.min-1; breathing frequency 34.0 (5.9) v 34.8 (5.3) breaths.min-1, respectively]. CONCLUSIONS--Neither cycle phase nor a low dose oral contraceptive containing 1 mg norethindrone adversely affects performance during a maximal treadmill test or endurance run.
Postexercise heart rates and pulse palpation as a means of determining exercising intensity in an aerobic dance class.
Authors: Bell J M , Bassey E J
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE--To establish the accuracy of the traditional method of measuring the intensity of exercise in aerobic dance classes, that is, intermittent pulse palpation performed during a brief cessation of activity. METHODS--A short wave telemetry system was used to record heart rates during a class in a group of 12 healthy women aged 26 (SD 6) years. Subjects palpated their pulses for 10 s following high and low intensity exercise [78(8)% and 69(9)% of mean predicted maximum heart rate respectively]. Recorded exercising heart rates, averaged over 60 s preceding pulse palpation [ExHR(rec)], were compared with the recorded postexercise heart rates averaged over the 10 s palpation period [PostExHR(rec)] and with the palpated counts (PalpHR). Differences were assessed using Student's t test and Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS--Differences between ExHR(rec) and PostExHR(rec) following high and low intensity exercise [3(6) beats.min-1 and 5(7) beats.min-1 respectively] were not significant. However, the wide variation between subjects means that a postexercise heart rate is unreliable as a measure of individual exercise intensity. PalpHR was significantly lower than ExHR(rec) (P < 0.01). Every individually palpated count underestimated the exercising heart rate (range 9 to 95 beats.min-1). CONCLUSIONS--While postexercise heart rate adequately represents the exercise heart rate for a group, the individual variation is too wide for this to be a useful measurement.
The New Zealand rugby injury and performance project. IV. Anthropometric and physical performance comparisons between positional categories of senior A rugby players.
Authors: Quarrie K L , Handcock P , Toomey M J , Waller A E
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE--To describe the anthropometric and physical performance characteristics of a sample of senior A club rugby players and to highlight differences between the positional categories of the players within the forwards and backs. METHODS--94 senior A male rugby players were assessed on a number of anthropometric and physical performance assessments. The forwards were categorised into props, hookers, locks, and loose forwards. Backs were categorised into inside, midfield, and outside backs. Categories within the forwards were compared with each other, as were the categories within the backs. RESULTS--The anthropometric characteristics of forwards differed significantly between positional categories. Front row forwards (props and hookers) possessed highly endo-mesomorphic somatotypes, and typically rated very low for ectomorphy. Props possessed greater body mass than hookers. Locks and loose forwards were taller than the front row forwards. In terms of physical performance fewer differences were observed. Hookers performed better than props on an aerobic assessment. Locks and loose forwards were faster than the front row forwards on a 30 m sprint from a running start. The inside backs were shorter and lighter than the midfield and outside backs. CONCLUSIONS--The combination of anthropometric characteristics and physical performance attributes observed allows players to best meet the demands imposed on them by their position.
Thermal pants may reduce the risk of recurrent hamstring injuries in rugby players.
Authors: Upton P A , Noakes T D , Juritz J M
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE--To determine whether the use of thermal pants might reduce the risk of hamstring injury in rugby players. METHODS--44 male rugby players from the Cape Province, South Africa, who had previously suffered a hamstring injury were given the choice of wearing thermal warming pants or not, and were then monitored for the development of hamstring injuries during the 1992 season. RESULTS--In the group who wore warmers some of the time, the injury rate was significantly lower when using the warmers (3 injuries/1000 playing hours) than when not (57/1000 playing hours). There was no difference in injury rates between groups who either wore warmers all the time or none of the time, probably because the number who wore the warmers all the time was small (n = 5). Eighteen percent of the injuries recurred at exactly the same site in the muscle and within 12 d of returning to rugby after the initial injury. The incidence of injury was high in the first three weeks of the season and again in the same period after the mid-season break. More than 80% of all match and practice time lost by these players during the study was a direct result of their hamstring injuries. CONCLUSIONS--Thermal pants may have a role in preventing recurrent hamstring injuries but other factors such as inadequate preseason training and incomplete rehabilitation after injury are likely to be more significant risk factors for injury.
Effect of prewarming in the cold season on thermoregulatory responses during exercise.
Authors: Torii M , Yamasaki M , Sasaki T
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether thermoregulation in the cold season can be affected by prewarming before exercise. METHODS: Four healthy non-athletic unacclimatised males were exercised to the same degree in summer and winter on a bicycle ergometer without prewarming (experiment 1) and after prewarming by sitting for 30 min in a room at 30 degrees C (experiment 2). During exercise, sweat production and rectal and skin temperatures were measured continuously. RESULTS: There was seasonal variation in sweating capacity and sensitivity and in heat storage during exercise without prewarming (experiment 1). After the subjects were warmed before exercise, there was no such seasonal variation in their sweat rates during exercise at 30 degrees C and 40 degrees C (experiment 2). In both cases, the sweat rate and skin temperature were dependent on the environmental temperature, and the sweat rate and core temperature were dependent on the workload. In the cold season, sweating sensitivity and evaporative cooling response could be enhanced by thermal stimulation. There was no seasonal difference in the relation between evaporative heat loss and metabolic rate in the two thermal conditions. These values did not differ significantly between winter after prewarming and summer (P > 0.05), neither did heat storage and metabolic heat production at various workloads (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is adaptation of the thermoregulatory mechanisms during temperature acclimatisation. Body warming enhances not only the heat dissipating activity of the thermoregulatory centre but also the induction of peripheral sweat gland activity. Seasonal change of sweat rate in exercising men can be eliminated through a different type of acclimatisation by prewarming in the cold season.
Effects of submaximal cycling and long-term endurance training on neutrophil phagocytic activity in middle aged men.
Authors: Blannin A K , Chatwin L J , Cave R , Gleeson M
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of long term (> 10 years) endurance training and submaximal exercise on the phagocytic activity of circulating neutrophil granulocytes. METHODS: The ability of stimulated blood neutrophils isolated from well trained cyclists [n = 8; VO2max 61.0(SD 8.8) ml.kg-1.min-1; age 38(4) years] and age matched sedentary controls [n = 8; VO2max 37.4 (6.6) ml.kg-1.min-1] to ingest nitroblue tetrazolium was assessed at rest and following a standardised submaximal bout of exercise on a cycle ergometer. RESULTS: Trained subjects had a lower resting blood neutrophil count (P < 0.01). Acute exercise caused a rise (P < 0.01) in the blood neutrophil count irrespective of training status, but the magnitude of the rise was smaller in the trained subjects (P < 0.05). The circulating neutrophil phagocytic capacity was approximately 70% lower in trained individuals at rest compared with the control subjects (P < 0.01). Acute submaximal exercise increased this variable in both groups, but phagocytic capacity remained substantially lower in the trained subjects compared with the controls (P < 0.05) despite the observation that a higher proportion of the circulating neutrophils were stimulated to undergo phagocytosis in the trained subjects [57(14)% v 32(7)%; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Although neutrophil phagocytic activity is only one variable that contributes to immunological status, prolonged periods of endurance training may lead to increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections by diminishing this activity at rest.
Influence of saddle type upon the incidence of lower back pain in equestrian riders.
Authors: Quinn S , Bird S
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible influences of saddle type on the incidence of "lower back pain" in a cross section of equestrian riders. METHODS: 108 equestrian riders completed a questionnaire concerning their riding habits and whether they suffered from lower back pain. In particular they were asked whether they used a traditional style/general purpose saddle (GP) or a deep seated/Western style saddle (W). RESULTS: 48% of the riders reported suffering from lower back pain, the incidence being higher in the GP saddle users (66%) than in W saddle users (23%) (P < 0.001). Female riders had a higher incidence of lower back pain than males, 58% v 27% (P < 0.005). When the genders were analysed separately for the effect of saddle type, males using the GP and W saddles had a 33% and 6% incidence of lower back pain respectively, while females using the GP and W saddles had a 72% and 33% incidence. The highest incidence of lower back pain occurred in the GP saddle users who had been riding for more than 15 years (P < 0.07). The data also indicated a possible tendency for there to be more low back pain among riders using a short stirrup length. No other factors were found to affect the incidence of lower back pain. CONCLUSIONS: The difference in the incidence of lower back pain between the users of the two saddle types may be due to the additional comfort, cushioning, postural positioning, and stability offered by the design of the deep seated saddle. The results suggest that, while a deep seated saddle is not suited to all equestrian activities, where possible its use should be considered because of its effect in reducing the risk of lower back pain.
Airway efficiency during the use of SCUBA diving mouthpieces.
Authors: Hobson R S
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of varying interdental bite platform thickness of the scuba mouthpiece on airway efficiency. METHODS: 10 male divers had their mean peak flow measured for free breathing, maximum flow with diving mouthpiece, teeth in occlusion, and for five experimental mouthpieces with different thickness of interdental bite platform (1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, and 5 mm). RESULTS: The connecting airway between the demand valve and mouthpiece was found to be a major limiting factor in airway efficiency. An interdental bite platform of 4 mm resulted in the greatest air flow with a further increase in thickness resulting in air flow restriction. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an interdental bite platform of 4 mm placed between the premolar and molar teeth ensures the greatest airway efficiency and also results in a design which provides the least temporomandibular joint discomfort for the diver.
A prospective study of rock climbing injuries.
Authors: Wyatt J P , McNaughton G W , Grant P T
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES: To study the rate, causes, and nature of rock climbing injuries presenting to an accident and emergency (A&E) department. METHODS: Patients presenting with rock climbing injuries to an urban A&E department were studied prospectively for one year. RESULTS: 19 rock climbers presented during the year, at a rate of one per 2774 A&E attendances. Fourteen climbers were injured on outdoor cliffs and five on the local indoor climbing wall, where the safety mats were noted to be in poor condition. Eighteen climbers had been injured during falls, 17 hitting the ground. Twelve of these climbers sustained fractures, four of which were missed on initial attendance. The remaining climber sustained the characteristic A2 pulley finger injury, which was treated conservatively with a good result. CONCLUSIONS: The risks of rock climbing in Britain would be reduced if lead climbers arranged protection at earlier stages of climbs. Sports centres with climbing walls should regularly inspect and repair their safety equipment. It is important for staff in A&E departments to appreciate the large forces involved in any climbing fall, in order that significant injuries are not missed. Those treating injured climbers should also be aware of the specific injuries to which elite climbers are predisposed.
Manubrium sterni stress fracture: an unusual complication of non-contact sport.
Authors: Robertsen K , Kristensen O , Vejen L
Published: December 2008

Tremendous force is usually required to cause sternal fractures. Normally this is caused either by a direct blow to the chest or by an indirect injury from hyperflexion of the torso. A case is presented of a fracture of the manubrium sterni in a young man as a complication of body building exercises-a non-contact sport. It appears that this has not been reported before.
Simultaneous rupture of the quadriceps tendon with contralateral rupture of the patellar tendon in an otherwise healthy athlete.
Authors: Munshi N I , Mbubaegbu C E
Published: December 2008

A case of a healthy athlete with simultaneous rupture of quadriceps tendon and rupture of the contralateral patella tendon is reported. Both tendons rupturing in the same patient is rare and this is the first reported case in a previously healthy person. Different mechanisms are implicated in the different ruptures. The rarity is because the simultaneous presence of contributory factors for either injury in the same person is uncommon.
Tournament water skiing trauma.
Authors: Roberts S N , Roberts P M
Published: December 2008

Tournament water skiing is an increasingly popular and internationally successful sport in Great Britain, despite the climate. The kinematics and injury patterns of the three disciplines will be unfamiliar to most clinicians and are described, with estimation of the stresses. Advances in equipment over the last 15 years have reduced the risk of severe injury in the tricks event, while high speed impacts are responsible for the majority of trauma in slalom and jump. There is a surprisingly high incidence of injury to the lumbar spine during the high impact jump event. Comparison with findings in other sports suggests that the spine may be damaged by overuse, particularly before skeletal maturity.
Epidemiological comparison of injuries in school and senior club rugby.
Authors: Lee A J , Garraway W M
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency, nature, circumstances, and outcome of schoolboy rugby injuries and to compare these injuries with those occurring in senior rugby clubs. METHODS: The study was a prospective cohort study, conducted on 1705 (98%) of 1736 eligible players from nine Edinburgh schools and 1169 (96%) of 1216 eligible players from all 26 senior Scottish Rugby Union clubs (South District) who provided personal details before the 1993-1994 rugby season. Adult linkpersons were appointed to notify the circumstances of all injury episodes occurring in matches or in rugby related training. RESULTS: 154 school players (9%) experienced 210 separate injuries in 186 injury episodes, 80% of which arose in matches. The prevalence rate of schoolboy match injuries was 86.8 (95% confidence interval 73.4 to 100.2) per 1000 player-seasons. Senior club match injury prevalence was much higher at 367.0 (339.4 to 394.6) per 1000 player-seasons. Club players had a higher rate of match injury than school-boys for all injury types. One third of schoolboy match injury episodes occurred in September and the majority of match injury episodes were associated with tackling (40%) or with being tackled (24%). Nine per cent of schoolboy match injury episodes were classified as severe, compared to 13% for clubs. Sixteen per cent (n = 23) of all schoolboy match injury episodes resulted in missed school attendance compared with 27% (n = 117) of all senior club match injury episodes which involved loss of employment or education. CONCLUSIONS: Schoolboy rugby is much safer than senior club rugby and the outcome of injuries that do occur is less disruptive. The relatively high rate of match injury in September migh be reduced by a more intensive period of preseason training.
Effect of creatine on aerobic and anaerobic metabolism in skeletal muscle in swimmers.
Authors: Thompson C H , Kemp G J , Sanderson A L , Dixon R M , Styles P , Taylor D J , Radda G K
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of a relatively low dose of creatine on skeletal muscle metabolism and oxygen supply in a group of training athletes. METHODS: 31P magnetic resonance and near-infrared spectroscopy were used to study calf muscle metabolism in a group of 10 female members of a university swimming team. Studies were performed before and after a six week period of training during which they took either 2 g creatine daily or placebo. Calf muscle metabolism and creatine/choline ratios were studied in resting muscle, during plantar flexion exercise (10-15 min), and during recovery from exercise. RESULTS: There was no effect of creatine on metabolite ratios at rest or on metabolism during exercise and recovery from exercise. Muscle oxygen supply and exercise performance were not improved by creatine if compared to placebo treated subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Oral creatine supplementation at 2 g daily has no effect on muscle creatine concentration, muscle oxygen supply or muscle aerobic or anaerobic metabolism during endurance exercise.
Verbal encouragement: effects on maximum effort voluntary muscle: action
Authors: McNair Peter J , Depledge Jill , Brettkelly Matt , Stanley Stephen N
Published: December 2008

Objective

To examine the effects of verbal encouragement on the peak force of the elbow flexors during an isometric muscle action.

Methods

A crossover design whereby 20 subjects were divided into 10 2×2 Latin squares was undertaken. Peak forces were measured on a Kin-Com dynamometer, and electromyographic (EMG) activity was also recorded from the biceps brachii. All subjects completed trials with and without verbal encouragement.

Results

Mean peak force increased (P<0.05) from 296 to 311 N (5%) when verbal encouragement was presented. A spectral analysis of the EMG activity showed no changes (P>0.05) to the median frequency in the condition where verbal encouragement was present.

Conclusions

These findings have ramifications for training and exercise therapy. An awareness of the effects of verbal encouragement is important when motivating athletes and patients to attain maximum performance during exercise.
Concussion among Swedish elite ice hockey players.
Authors: Tegner Y , Lorentzon R
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of concussion in Swedish ice hockey and to establish a uniform grading and treatment model for concussions of different severity. METHODS: Frequency of concussion was investigated in two studies, one retrospective and one prospective. In the retrospective study, all Swedish elite ice hockey players (n = 265) were asked to answer a questionnaire on the number and treatment of previous concussions. Only concussions diagnosed by a doctor were recorded. The questionnaire was completed by 227 players (86%). In the prospective study, all injuries including concussions occurring during game and practice in the Swedish Elite League (n = 12 teams) were recorded during four years. The causes of injury, referees judgements, diagnosis, treatment, and time absent from ice hockey were registered on special cards. RESULTS: In the retrospective study, 51 out of 227 players (22%) in the Swedish Elite League reported at least one concussion. In the prospective study, 52 concussions were reported. The incidence of a concussion is at least one concussion every year/team or a yearly risk of about 5% for a player to sustain a concussion. Most concussions occurred during league play (81%). Body contact (checking or boarding) was the most common cause of concussions. The players were absent from full training and play on a mean of 6 d. CONCLUSIONS: As this injury is potentially dangerous it must be treated seriously according to a simple treatment model presented. In cases of repeated concussions during the same season, a longer period of time away from play is suggested. In players who have sustained several concussions over the years a thorough medical examination including EEG, CT/MRI, and neuropsychological tests should be performed. If any of these is pathological the player should be advised to give up ice hockey.
Muscular imbalance and shoulder pain in volleyball attackers.
Authors: Kugler A , Krüger-Franke M , Reininger S , Trouillier H H , Rosemeyer B
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: In overhead sports such as volleyball, baseball, or tennis shoulder problems are very common. The aim of this study was to identify features which may correlate with shoulder problems in volleyball attackers. METHODS: 30 competitive volleyball attackers (mean age 25 years) were included in the study; 15 were suffering from shoulder pain and 15 had no history of shoulder pain. The results were compared with those of a control group of 15 recreational athletes without any overhead sports activities. RESULTS: Volleyball attackers have a different muscular and capsular pattern at the playing shoulder compared to the opposite shoulder. Their playing shoulder is depressed, the scapula lateralised, and the dorsal muscles and the posterior and inferior part of the shoulder capsule shortened. These differences were of more significance in volleyball attackers with shoulder pain than in volleyball players without shoulder pain. In contrast to recreational athletes without any overhead sports activity, there were no significant difference in the comparison of the two shoulders. The histories, clinical and sonographic findings did not reveal further typical features for volleyball attackers with shoulder pain. CONCLUSIONS: Muscular balance of the shoulder girdle is very important in this sport. It is therefore imperative to include adequate stretching and muscular training programme for the prevention, as well as for therapy, of shoulder pain in volleyball attackers.
Acute compartment syndrome of the thigh after weight training.
Authors: Bidwell J P , Gibbons C E , Godsiff S
Published: December 2008

Compartment syndrome of the thigh is a rare but serious condition that is normally associated with closed trauma or compressive injury. A case of acute compartment syndrome of the thigh occurred in a 16 year old boy after intensive weight training. There was no evidence of muscle tear or focal haemorrhage during subsequent fasciotomy.
Head injuries in sport.
Authors: Cantu R C
Published: December 2008

Injuries to the head and neck are the most frequent catastrophic sports injury, and head injuries are the most common direct athletic cause of death. Although direct compressive forces may injure the brain, neural tissue is particularly susceptible to injury from shearing stresses, which are most likely to occur when rotational forces are applied to the head. The most common athletic head injury is concussion, which may very widely in severity. Intracranial haemorrhage is the leading cause of head injury death in sports, making rapid initial assessment and appropriate follow up mandatory after a head injury. Diffuse cerebral swelling is another serious condition that may be found in the child or adolescent athlete, and the second impact syndrome is a major concern in adult athletes. Many head injuries in athletes are the result of improper playing techniques and can be reduced by teaching proper skills and enforcing safety promoting rules. Improved conditioning (particularly of the neck), protective headgear, and careful medical supervision of athletes will also minimise this type of injury.
The effect of meditation on shooting performance.
Authors: Solberg E E , Berglund K A , Engen O , Ekeberg O , Loeb M
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To study effects of meditation on the shooting performance. METHODS: 25 elite shooters were investigated in an independent groups design. The results in standardised test shootings indoors and in ordinary competitions outdoors were assessed before and after regular meditation training for the experimental group. The experience of tension during the test shootings was self recorded on a visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: The competition results in the outdoor season (1993), just after the meditation training period, compared with the results the previous season (1992), were better in the meditation group (P < 0.05). No significant difference between the groups was observed in the test shootings before and after the relaxation intervention. A significant association was shown between low tension and the results in the test shootings (correlation r = 0.42, P < 0.0001; Wilcoxon rank sum test, z = -3.36, P < 0.001); 18% (= r2) of the variance in performance was explained by tension. CONCLUSIONS: Meditation may enhance competitive shooting performance.
Evaluation of elite British cyclists: the role of the squad medical.
Authors: Callaghan M J , Jarvis C
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To describe and report results from the procedures and protocols used by the British Cycling Federation during the squad medicals of its elite cyclists. METHODS: Screening of over 500 elite riders has been done by doctors, dentists, physiotherapists, opticians, and dietitians since 1990. A questionnaire provided additional information on musculoskeletal problems. RESULTS: 523 riders have been examined and 92 (17.5%) have been referred for further assessment or treatment. Most of these riders were sent either to their own general practitioner or to the British Olympic Medical Centre. The questionnaire was completed by 81% of riders. Low back pain was the most common problem that riders encountered (60%), and knee pain the second most common (33%). Four riders failed the eye examination, and a further 11 were classed as borderline. Twenty one per cent of riders undergoing dental examination needed further dental treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The squad medical is an important and useful strategy for evaluating elite British cyclists. It shows that a structured system can help early diagnosis and treatment to provide injury-free cyclists at the start of a competitive season. The results from the questionnaire confirm previously unsubstantiated opinions about the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries in cyclists.
A review of the British Journal of Sports Medicine 1991-5.
Authors: Thompson B
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To review 5 years of the British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM) to assess the nature of articles published, look at which specialities and nationalities were contributing most frequently, and analyse the numbers of subjects involved in the studies. METHODS: Data were collated from all original papers, review articles, and case reports from March 1991 to December 1995. RESULTS: Authors from 35 different countries contributed a total of 282 papers in the 5 year period, with medical authors (118) predominating. They covered a wide range of subjects in all aspects of sports medicine. There were few randomised controlled studies (9). CONCLUSIONS: The BJSM has wide international input which covers all aspects of sports medicine. A greater number of large randomised controlled studies would, however, provide a firmer statistical basis for future research and injury management. There is also scope for development of the BJSM especially in the areas of education, innovations, and the practical applications of research.
Posterior element pain in an adolescent schoolgirl
Authors: Batt Mark E , Skattum Nina , Chong Blane K , Tanji Jeffrey L
Published: December 2008

A case is presented of a transitional lumbosacral vertebra in an adolescent girl, presenting with low back pain. There was no evidence of a pars interarticularis defect. Careful assessment of children or adolescents presenting with low back pain is important since back pain in this age group is usually caused by organic disease.
Sports drinks hazard to teeth.
Authors: Milosevic A
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To determine the dental hazards associated with sports supplement drinks by investigating the chemicophysical properties of eight brands of sports drinks. METHODS: The pH and titratable acidity against 0.1 M NaOH was measured. Calcium, phosphate, and fluoride concentrations and viscosities of Carbolode, Gatorade, High Five, Isostar, Lucozade Sport Lemon, Lucozade Sport Orange, Maxim, and PSP22 were determined. RESULTS: The pH values of the drinks ranged from 4.46 (Maxim) to 2.38 (Isostar) and therefore were below the critical pH value (5.5) for enamel demineralisation. Both Lucozade varieties had high titratable acidities (16.30 ml 0.1M NaOH to neutrality) with Gatorade, High Five, and Isostar displaying intermediate titratable acidity, although Isostar had 74.5 ppm calcium and 63.6 ppm phosphate. The fluoride concentration of all drinks was low, and none of the drinks was particularly viscous (range 3.1-1.4 mPa.s). CONCLUSIONS: The chemicophysical analyses indicate that all the sports drinks in this study have erosive potential. However, drinks with higher pH, lower titratable acidity, and higher concentrations of calcium, phosphate, and fluoride will reduce this erosive potential.
Physiological responses of wheelchair athletes at percentages of top speed.
Authors: Campbell I G , Williams C , Lakomy H K
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: Wheelchair athletes often select a percentage of their top speed (%TS) to determine training intensity. The aim of the study was to determine whether choosing a %TS corresponds to the physiological concept of relative exercise intensity (% peak oxygen uptake: %VO2 peak) and to examine selected physiological and metabolic responses of a group of wheelchair athletes to 60 minutes' exercise at 80% TS. METHODS: 12 male wheelchair athletes (10 paraplegics and two tetraplegics) performed a series of tests on a motorised treadmill adapted for wheelchairs. The tests, which were undertaken on separate occasions, included the determination of VO2 peak, the determination of oxygen cost at a range of submaximal wheelchair propulsion speeds, and a 60 min exercise test at 80% TS. RESULTS: Wheelchair propulsion speeds equivalent to 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90% of each subject's TS were found to equate to 48.3 (SD13.8)%, 60.0(11.1)%, 70.6(9.8)%, and 82.7(9.6)% of VO2 peak, with a wide variation in the relative exercise intensities evident at each %TS. During the 1 h exercise test at 80% TS the physiological and metabolic responses measured were indicative of steady state exercise, with no signs of fatigue evident. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that selecting a %TS is not an appropriate way of selecting a common relative exercise intensity. There may also be a need for the current training practises of some wheelchair road racers to be modified.
Use of ratings of perceived exertion for predicting maximal work rate and prescribing exercise intensity in patients taking atenolol.
Authors: Eston R G , Thompson M
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of Borg's rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale to predict maximal exercise levels to control exercise intensity in patients taking atenolol for the treatment of essential hypertension. Normally, a standard formula (220-age) is used for calculating a percentage of exercise intensity, but beta blockade can cause reductions in maximal heart rate of between 20 and 30%. METHODS: Patients were split into a control group-10 men and 10 women, aged 50 (SD 12) and 46 (9) respectively, who had risk factors for cardiovascular disease but were not taking any drugs, and a treatment group-11 men and 11 women, aged 53 (13) and 55 (13) respectively, who were established on 25-100 mg of atenolol. All patients performed two submaximal tests on a cycle ergometer. Test 1 was an estimation test, during which the RPE was reported for each increment in work rate. Test 2 was an RPE production test, during which the patient regulated the work rate according to his/her perception of effort at four predetermined points on the RPE scale (RPE 9, 13, 15, 17). RESULTS: In both tests the individual correlations (r) between RPE, heart rate, and work rate ranged from 0.96 to 0.99. Analysis of variance showed no significant difference in maximal heart rate and maximal power output for the control group when predicted from the regression lines of RPE versus heart rate and RPE versus power output in the estimation test. However, the prediction of maximal power output was lower in the women in the control group and patients in the treatment group when this was predicted from the effort production protocol (P < 0.01). When exercise intensity at each RPE was expressed relative to maximal power output there were no differences between treatment and control groups. CONCLUSION: The findings from this study confirmed the strong positive relation between RPE, heart rate, and work rate in these patients in both passive effort estimation and active effort production protocols. However, caution in applying these procedures is required because the prediction of maximal exercise levels may be lower when effort production procedures are used.
General practitioner knowledge of prohibited substances in sport.
Authors: Greenway P , Greenway M
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES: To assess general practitioner knowledge of banned substances in sport. METHODS: Postal questionnaire sent to all general practitioners in West Sussex. RESULTS: Only 55 (35%) of those who responded (157 in total) were aware that guidelines are to be found in the British National Formulary, and 19 (12%) of respondents believed that medical practitioners are allowed to prescribe anabolic steroids for non-medical reasons. CONCLUSIONS: General practitioner knowledge of which substances are prohibited in sports is poor. There is a lack of awareness of Sports Council guidelines which are to be found in the British National Formulary. Tackling drug abuse in sport requires education of both athletes and doctors.
Bone mineral density in professional female dancers.
Authors: Keay N , Fogelman I , Blake G
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES: To measure the long term effects of dance training and the contribution of the timing and duration of any menstrual disruption on bone mineral density (BMD). DESIGN: Measurement of BMD in 57 premenopausal, previously professionally dance trained women and the relationship to menstrual and training history. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Bone density measurements at lumbar spine and femoral neck by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: The average Z score for BMD at the lumbar spine in the amenorrhoeic dancers was significantly below that for the normal population. The average Z score for BMD at the femoral neck in the eumenorrhoeic dancers was significantly above that for the normal population. There was a significant difference between the average Z score for BMD at both the lumbar spine and femoral neck between the amenorrhoeic and eumenorrhoeic dancers. Significant negative relationships were found between BMD at the lumbar spine and (1) age at menarche, (2) duration of amenorrhoea, (3) BMD at the femoral neck, and (4) the variable of ideal minus lowest weight, which was independent of amenorrhoea. No significant relationships were found between duration of oral contraceptive pill usage and BMD at either the lumbar spine or the femoral neck in eumenorrhoeic or amenorrhoeic dancers. In order to quantify the effect of a combination of these significant factors, a model of BMD was constructed using multiple regression incorporating the variables duration of amenorrhoea, age at menarche, and ideal minus lowest body weight. In this model R2 was 33.6%, in other words 33.6% of the total variation in the Z score for BMD at the lumbar spine could be accounted for by these factors. CONCLUSION: Professional female dancers with a history of delayed menarche and amenorrhoea have been identified as another group of premenopausal women potentially at risk of developing osteoporosis because of a decrease in BMD at the lumbar spine. The femoral neck in dancers with a history of amenorrhoea was partially protected from loss of BMD by virtue of being the major weight bearing site in previous dance training, and in eumenorrhoeic dancers BMD was significantly increased at this site.
Developing a health surveillance strategy for professional footballers in compliance with UK health and safety legislation
Authors: Fuller Colin W , Hawkins Richard D
Published: December 2008

The need for health surveillance for professional footballers has been assessed against criteria specified in UK health and safety legislation. As footballers suffer from chronic injuries under normal playing conditions, professional football clubs have a requirement to implement health surveillance programmes to protect their players. A health surveillance programme, based on benchmarking a player's fitness and addressing the issues of pre-recruitment, pre-season, during-season, post-season, and rehabilitation assessment, is proposed.
Traumatic occlusion of the external iliac artery in a racing cyclist: a cause of ill defined leg pain.
Authors: Taylor A J , Tennant W G , Batt M E , Wallace W A
Published: December 2008

Stenosis of the external iliac artery in healthy athletes, although uncommon, has been reported in competition cyclists. A case of a racing cyclist whose chronic vague leg symptoms were incorrectly attributed to L4/5 nerve root irritation is reported. This highlights the importance of clinical vascular testing when assessing ill defined leg pain. The role of trauma as a causative factor in this condition has not been previously documented.
Dynamic obstruction of the external iliac artery in endurance athletes and its relationship to endothelial function: the case of a long distance runner
Authors: Wright Isabel A , Pugh Neil D , Goodfellow Jonathan , Wood Andrew M , Lane Ian F , Fraser Alan G
Published: December 2008

There have been recent reports of exercise induced claudication in endurance trained athletes attributed to narrowing of the external iliac artery. Most patients have been competitive cyclists, and intimal hyperplasia has been cited as the cause. The case is reported here of a long distance runner who presented with similar symptoms.