bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The fate of clinical sports injury prevention abstracts presented at the 1st world conference on sports injury prevention in oslo 2005
Authors: Knobloch K , Yoon U
Published: March 2011

Background

The World Congress of Sports Injury Prevention initiates in Oslo in 2005 as a unique and comprehensive sports medicine prevention conference.

Objective

The number and quality of presented abstracts published in BJSM followed by a full paper in the subsequent years is unknown.

Hypothesis

Randomised controlled trials (RCT) are more likely to be published as full paper versus observational studies following the conference presentation.

Design

All 154 oral abstracts of the World Congress of Sports Injury Prevention 2005 Oslo and the potential subsequent full text were analysed.

Main outcome measures

Frequency of publication, time to publication, impact factor, score of CONSORT criteria for RCTs and STROBE for observational studies, as well as minor and major inconsistencies.

Results

Overall, 76 of the 154 (49%) presented abstracts were published in a peer-reviewed journal with an impact factor of 1.946±0.812. There was no significant difference between the impact factor for RCTs (2.122±1.015) versus observational studies (1.913±0.765, p=0.469). The full paper of RCTs abstracts was published after 17±13 months and after 12±14 months in observational studies (p=0.323) There was a trend towards more observational abstracts being published as a full paper rather than RCTs (71% vs 47%, p=0.078). All of the published abstracts had at least one minor inconsistency while 65% had at least major inconsistencies. Results changed in 90% versus 68% (p=0.158), data were added in 60% versus 30% (p=0.065), and deleted in 40% versus 30%, (p=0.534). An opposite result was published in 0% versus 5% (p=0.481).

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in the likelihood between RCTs and observational studies being published as full papers after the World Congress of Sports Injury Prevention 2005, neither for impact factor and time to publication. Only about half of the presented abstracts get published in a peer-reviewed journal within 4 years after the conference presentation.
Evidence-based testing of the hamstring muscles using wireless surface emg
Authors: Kotila K , Sveinsson T , Árnason Á
Published: March 2011

Background

The re-injury rate of the hamstring muscle group is reported as high as 12%. This emphasises the need for better testing procedures when considering increasing the workload or allowing a player to return to sport.

Objective

To test the between-days reliability of functional exercises of the hamstring muscles using wireless surface Electromyography (sEMG; Kine ehf).

Design

The study was a test-retest design and sEMG was recorded on the hamstring muscles bilaterally. The exercises are: Nordic Hamstring Lower (HL), One leg horizontal hop (HH), 30 m sprint (S). A normalisation procedure preceded the testing, using maximum voluntary contraction of the hamstring muscles as reference measurement.

Participants and setting

The physiotherapist/principal investigator and three physiotherapist students participated as testers. Male players from two local soccer teams and the sports college were invited to participate. Of 48 players that were invited, 22 accepted and 16 completed the testing. Only players with no physical ailments were allowed to participate. The testing took place at an indoor soccer facility.

Methods

For HL, maximum power output quantified as MaxRMS and the percentage of the drop in median frequency (MF) through repetitions was calculated. For HH, MaxRMS was calculated. For S, total power output and MF was calculated. Data was analyzed for each exercise using paired t-test. Typical error (TE) was calculated for test/retest.

Results

No systematic error was detected. HL (MaxRMS): TE ranging from 21% to 44%. HL (MF): TE ranging from 107% to 170%. More results are pending.

Conclusion

TE is ranging at an unacceptable high level for HL. MaxRMS shows a lower TE value for all muscles compared to MF, indicating that a true change in the muscles activity will be easier detected with MaxRMS. Future studies need to be done to determine the cause(s) for this lack of reliability and possible techniques that can improve it.
Development of sports injury awareness programs for athletes and coaches
Authors: Kotila K , Andersen B , Kirkegaard L
Published: March 2011

Background

Approximately 2.7 million Danes are active in sports and leisure activities. In 2009 over 100.000 sports injuries were registered as medically attended sports injuries in Denmark. National Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation of Denmark and The Association of Danish Sports Physiotherapists have identified the need for increasing the level of awareness about sports injuries and rehabilitation among Danish citizens.

Objective

The objective of the project is to focus on acute treatment and effective rehabilitation among Danish citizens in order to shorten the period of inactivity and lessen the risk of new injuries.

Design

Four elements are initiated; 1.campaign in written and digital media, 2.website 3.application for smart telephones and 4. web-based e-learning program.

Setting

The target group is Danish athletes and citizens in organised or unorganised sports.

Intervention period

The campaign is launched in February 2011, by which date it will be possible to download the ‘first aid on acute sports injury’ application, acquire information on the sports injury homepage and attend the e- learn course.

Main outcome measurements

The success of the project will be measured by the number of downloaded smart telephone-applications, the number of hits on the sports injury homepage, and by the amount of coaches finishing the e-learn courses by 2012. The level of awareness will be measured in a randomised phone interview among Danish athletes, citizens and physiotherapist.

Conclusion

Awareness of proper treatment and rehabilitation can shorten the period of injury-based inactivity for the injured. The project will provide us with the knowledge about whether the four initiated elements are effective ways of increasing awareness in regard to sport injuries and effective rehabilitation. In the long term we hope to see less injuries, better first aid treatment and more effective rehabilitation and prevention, so Danish citizens can shorten the period of injury-based inactivity.
Balanceshoes training for correcting dynamic knee abduction: effect of a 15-minute warm-up program on improving athletic performance in volleyball players
Authors: Kubota S , Sugino S , No Y , Ishizuka T , Gamada K
Published: March 2011

Background

Anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention programs may be received more warmly if a program is presented with the emphasis on performance improvement.

Objective

To examine the effect of an original exercise program (GLAB program) using ReaLine BalanceShoes (RBS) on measures of athletic performance in young volleyball players.

Design

A single-blinded randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Three volleyball teams.

Participants

57 volleyball players aged 16–22 with no current history of lower extremity injuries; 29 players (17 females, 12 males) allocated to the intervention group; 28 players (17 females, 11 males) to the control group.

Interventions

The intervention group used RBS, a shoe-type training device aimed for correcting dynamic knee abduction. The sole of the RBS remains horizontally balanced only if the knee-over-the-toe position is maintained. A 4-staged progressive exercise program was developed, including slow closed-chain strengthening, joint realignment (restoring screw-home movement), balancing (biofeedback), feed-forward (landing) and plyometric (jumping) components. The control group performed same exercises without wearing RBS. One session taking 15 min was executed 3 days a week for 4 weeks.

Main outcome measurements

Vertical jump height (VJH) and single-leg hop distance (SLHD).

Results

Average increase in VJH and SLHD (right and left) of the intervention group were 4.5 ± 5.3 cm, 9.0 ± 9.9 cm, and 10.2 ± 11.9 cm, respectively; corresponding values in the control group were 0.9 ± 3.7 cm, 5.7 ± 8.8 cm, 2.6 ± 12.8 cm. Between-group comparisons indicated the GLAB program resulted in greater improvements in VJH and left SLHD as compared with the control program (p=0.004, 0.02, respectively).

Conclusion

The GLAB program using the RBS enhanced athletic performance. A noteworthy is a VJH increase by 4.5 cm only in 4 weeks. This finding would likely be helpful in promoting injury prevention program to athlete at large.
The business of injury prevention in circus performance
Authors: Lamme E
Published: March 2011

Background

Cirque du Soleil (CDS) is an acrobatic circus company with 1500 acrobatic and non-acrobatic performers for its current 20 touring and resident shows. Although published data analysis revealed that injuries at CDS are generally minor (80% requiring seven treatments or less), injury prevention and rehabilitation have and continue to be a high priority. The company considers injury surveillance an essential tool in evaluating the effect of policy changes on artists' health.

Objective

To describe an example of how CDS uses injury surveillance to improve injury prevention.

Design

Pre-post study.

Setting and Participants

Circus artists.

Intervention

A new touring concept directed for a pilot change in performance schedule where there was a need for artists to travel between cities on ‘non-performance days’, and to perform in more than one city per week.

Main outcome measurements

Injury rate and frequency of treatments.

Results

The previously new and unknown performance concept increased CDS' usual injury rate 1.8-fold and the number of treatments increased 2.4-fold in the two months following the change in tour-schedule. Additional analyses ruled out other changes over time including changes in cast size, and changes in locations. Based on these analyses, CDS did not continue with the pilot policy changes in performance scheduling.

Conclusion

Injury surveillance can be a useful tool to help sport and artistic businesses minimise injury rates and as such maximise the longevity of their athletes and artists.
The chronic effects of concussion on gait
Authors: Martini D , Sabin M , Depesa S , Leal E , Negrete T , Sosnoff J , Broglio S
Published: March 2011

Background

Concussion has a clear effect on motor control with acute alterations in gait documented up to 30 days post injury. These changes include increased stance time and decreased velocity. It is unknown if alterations persist beyond one month post-injury.

Objective

To evaluate the chronic effects of concussion on gait in individuals with and without an injury history.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

A laboratory setting.

Participants

68 individuals ages 18–35 years (37 males, 20.8±1.9 years, 171.0±9.8 cm, 74.5±14.8 kg) were divided in two groups based on self-report of previous concussion history (zero (n=40) and one or more (n=28, 2.0±1.4 previous concussions, 6.3±4.1 years prior)).

Interventions

All participants completed a gait assessment during four conditions: unobstructed (Con1) and obstructed (Con3) walking without a cognitive task; and unobstructed (Con2) and obstructed (Con4) walking with a cognitive task. The cognitive task was a modified Brooks Spatial Task, requiring the recall of digits one through eight in a four-by-four matrix. Obstructed walking involved stepping over two 29.5 cm blocks that divided the walkway into thirds.

Main outcome measures

Gait velocity and percent time in single limb stance (SLS%) and double limb stance (DLS%) were evaluated with multiple mixed model analyses of variance (group (2) x condition (4)) with repeated measures on condition.

Results

Previously concussed individuals walked slower in during Con1 (p=0.02). Significant group effects were seen for SLS% and DLS%. The concussed group demonstrated significantly shorter SLS% during Con3 (p<0.000) and Con4 (p=0.001). Similarly the concussed group had significantly longer DLS% during Con1 (p=0.003), Con3 (p=0.001), and Con4 (p=0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that individuals reporting a previous history of concussion adopt a slower and more stable/conservative gait strategy than our non-concussed controls.
Tackling risk compensation – a psycho-physical approach to measuring behaviour change
Authors: McIntosh A , Caponecchia C , Usman J
Published: March 2011

Background

Risk compensation theory has been used to explain why safety interventions in sport, such as personal protective equipment, are not as successful as predicted. As an example, it has been postulated that rugby union players wearing padded headgear may change their behaviour and tackle more forcefully because they perceive their injury risk to be reduced by headgear. Studies of risk compensation have often relied on self reported behaviour. In rugby football, players have reported that they can tackle harder and play more confidently while wearing headgear, however tackle force has not been measured.

Objective

To assess risk compensating behaviour using a psycho-physical model.

Design

A repeated measures design was applied to study the effect of wearing padded headgear on tackle force.

Setting

Community level adult rugby union football.

Participants

98 players, mean age 25 years, participated in the study.

Intervention

Standard padded headgear.

Main outcome measurements

The force applied by the dominant shoulder was measured using an instrumented 45 kg tackle bag. Each participant completed six tackles. Demographic data and responses to standard surveys of risk perception were completed by each participant.

Results

No significant difference was observed for tackle force with (mean=2025 N, SD=695 N) and without headgear (mean=1996, SD=728 N). No significant differences were observed for headgear use when examining effects of age, experience, risk propensity and belief regarding headgear effectiveness. A significant main effect of experience on tackle force was observed (p=0.029).

Conclusion

Risk compensating behaviour may not be as prevalent as has been postulated and, in this context, self reported behaviour may not be a reliable guide to actual behaviour. Sports behaviours can be measured with appropriate psycho-physical methods. Closer scrutiny of the effectiveness of sports injury interventions is warranted and/or evidence of behavioural change.
A school perspective on injury prevention in children
Authors: Wolt K Klein , Verhagen E , Adriaensens L
Published: March 2011

Background

In the Netherlands annually 39 000 children aged 8–12 years have to be treated medically due to a fall incident. The number of wrist fractures in this age group has increased with 32% over the period 2004–2008.

Objective

Primary objective is to describe the effectiveness of a school-based programme aimed at the prevention of physical activity (PA) related fall injuries in Dutch primary school children.

Design

In a prospective randomised control trial 35 primary schools were assigned to the intervention group (n=19) and control group (n=16). Randomisation took place at school level.

Setting

Physical education classes in school.

Participants

Children attending PA classes in grades 4, 5 and 6 participated in the study: 1539 in the intervention group and 1920 children in the control group.

Intervention

A teaching package with exercises. It includes a teacher's manual, teaching aids, a DVD with exercises, an exercise ball and a book on fall techniques.

During 8 weeks, children learn exercises from different levels of difficulty. The first four lessons form the base of the program, with one lesson to be taught each week. The second part consists of follow-up lessons, in which the core is extended in difficulty.

Main outcome measurements

The number of injuries due to fall accidents, knowledge, risk perception, self-efficacy in relation to falling and fall techniques.

Results

The results will be available in October 2010. First indications show children in the intervention group have less accidents and better knowledge of how to fall safely than children in the control group. There seem to be no differences in risk perception or self-efficacy.

Conclusions

Although the overall results are not yet available, first indications suggest that the teaching package is effective: the incidence of injuries due to falls is lower in the intervention group than in the control group.
Effect of low-load eccentric training before high-intensity eccentric exercise on delayed onset muscle soreness, revealed by c-fos expression in the spinal dorsal horn in rats
Authors: Munehiro T , Kitaoka K , Tsuchiya H
Published: March 2011

Background

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) occurs after unaccustomed exercise and is particularly associated with high-intensity eccentric exercise. Eccentric exercise is reported to have a protective effect against DOMS caused by subsequent eccentric exercise. Since objective assessment of pain is difficult, only limited experimental studies on DOMS and a few studies on pain prevention in DOMS have been performed.

Objective

To examine the hypothesis that performing a low-load eccentric exercise before the high-intensity exercise could reduce the pain associated with DOMS.

Design

Experimental study.

Interventions

36 male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: rats that received muscular compression only (Comp); those that performed high-intensity eccentric exercise only (HE); those that received muscular compression 3, 24, 48, and 96 h after high-intensity eccentric exercise (HE+Comp/3, 24, 48, and 96 h); those that received muscular compression 48 h after a single low-load eccentric exercise (LE); and those that underwent a week of low-load eccentric training before starting high-intensity eccentric exercise, which was followed by muscular compression 48 h later (LET).

Main outcome measurements

Immunohistochemistry was used to determine c-fos expression in the spinal dorsal horn, and change in the tenderness of the exercised muscle was determined from c-fos expression.

Results

In the HE+Comp/48 h rats, the total number of c-fos-positive neurons at the L2 segment was significantly greater than that at the L2 segment in the Comp and HE rats. A week of low-load eccentric training resulted in a decreased number of c-fos-positive neurons compared with the HE+Comp/48 h rats.

Conclusions

The increase in c-fos-positive neurons in the dorsal horn indicated the presence of muscle tenderness. Our data suggest that muscle tenderness occurs in muscles for which high-intensity eccentric exercise has been applied 48 h ago; this tenderness is reduced when low-load eccentric training is performed before high-intensity eccentric exercise.
Safe and effective quadriceps femoris muscle exercise of resisted front bridge with a leg support in patients with anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency
Authors: Nakae N , Koyanagi M , Sato M , Sakai T , Kimura Y , Hidaka K , Nakata K
Published: March 2011

Background

Muscle strengthen exercise of quadriceps femoris is important but risky to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft, because quadriceps muscle exercise near the knee extension may causes anterior tibial translation. We developed a new exercise method, ‘resisted front bridge exercise with a leg support at proximal tibia’ (RFBP) in a prone position to avoid a risk. Our hypothesis is that RFBP is safe for the ACL graft and effective for muscle strengthen exercise.

Objective

To test our hypothesis, we investigated the anterior tibial translation and muscle contraction of quadriceps femoris during RFBP and compared with a front bridge exercise with a leg support at distal tibia (FBD).

Design

Quasi-experimental study.

Setting

Controlled laboratory research.

Patients

Three patients with ACL insufficiency participated in this study approved by the institutional ethical committee.

Interventions

Patients lied in a prone position with a leg support at proximal tibia. Leg extension exercise was ordered with a 20% of body-weight load on the back thigh to perform ‘RFBP’.

Main outcome measurements

Anterior tibial translation at 15° knee flexion was measured by fluoroscopy according to Franklin's method. Electromyography (EMG) of the vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), and rectus femoris (RF) were recorded and normalised against the values of maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC) of the involved leg.

Results

Anterior tibial translation of the involved knee in RFBP was not statistically significantly different from that of the uninvolved knee, and was smaller than that of the uninvolved knee in FBD in all patients by 4.4 mm in average. The%MVC of VM, VL, and RF muscle activities in the involved knee were 101.8%, 68.2%, and 75.6% during RFBP, respectively.

Conclusion

The resisted front bridge exercise with a leg support at proximal tibia is safe and effective for the quadriceps femoris at 15° knee flexion following ACL reconstruction surgery.
Professional ice hockey injuries: a 4 years prospective study
Authors: Ornon G , Fritschy D , Ziltener J-L , Menetrey J
Published: March 2011

Background

Ice Hockey is the fastest team sport with players skating up to 60 km/h and a puck speeding up to 160 km/h. Aggressive contacts between players, rigid obstacles (boards, goalposts), and solid surface may result in high energy trauma and severe injuries despite protective equipments. Precise data at the professional level are lacking.

Objective

To determine on several seasons the epidemiology of professional ice hockey injuries, the mechanism of injury, and risk factors to allow the development of a prevention program.

Material and Methods

All injuries occurring in one of the best Swiss Professional Hockey Team were recorded and monitored during 4 years. Injuries were graded as minor (time loss: 1–7 days), moderate (8–28 days), and major (>28 days).

Results

Incidence of injury was 6.48/1000 h/player and was stable over the 4 years of observation. Incidence of injury resulting in time loss was 2.3/1000 h/player (forwards: 2.6, defensemen: 2.0, goalies: 0.68). Most of the lesions were moderate (51%), (minor 36%, major 13%). Collision between players was the most common mechanism of moderate to severe injury. Contusions were the most frequently seen injuries (38%) tracked by strains/sprains (29%). Knee and shoulder were the most frequently injured part of body (both 12%). Concussion had a higher incidence in defensemen (0.64/player/1000 h) compared to forwards (0.2/player/1000 h). August (beginning of the ice summer camp) was the month with the highest injury rate with and without time loss (18.7% and 18.6% respectively).

Conclusions

In spite of its kinetics, ice hockey injuries rate is comparable to other contact team sports. Risk factors are first month of the season, summer training deficiency, to be a defenseman for concussion, collision between players out of the board. Measures of prevention might include optimal physical conditioning before and during the season, stronger helmet for defenseman, beware of contact in the middle of the ice field.
Preventing injuries in water polo: have we scored?
Authors: Mountjoy M , Junge A
Published: March 2011

Background

Injury surveillance over time is the basis for the identification of injury trends and the development of injury prevention programs.

Objective

To analyse the injury trends in water polo over a 5 year period and evaluate injury prevention programs.

Setting

2004 and 2008 Olympic Games and 2009 FINA World Championships.

Participants

All male and female water polo players participating in the tournaments.

Methods

New onset injuries were reported by the team physicians.

Main outcome measurements

Trends in injury incidence.

Results

The overall injury incidence in water polo has remained constant throughout the study period (OG 2004 20.1 per 1000 player matches; OG 2008 20.1 per 1000 player matches; and FINA 2009 19.3 per 1000 player matches). However, there have been significant differences in gender related injury incidence trends. Men's injury incidence has steadily decreased over the study period from a total of 27.6/1000 player matches in 2004 to 16.2/1000 player matches in 2008 and 14.9/1000 player matches in 2009. Women's injury incidence has shown an opposite trend over the study period (2004: 3.57/1000 player matches; 2008: 28.6/1000 player matches; and 2009: 23.8/1000 player matches).

Conclusion

The decrease in injury incidence in the men's game can possibly be attributed to the institution of an injury prevention program instituted in 2005 following the identification of a high incidence of head injuries and injuries caused by foul play in 2004. In contrast, the injury prevalence in women's water polo has increased over the study period. The cause of this is unknown although may be attributed an increase in aggression in the women's style of play as they try to emulate the men's game. The rising injury incidence in women's water polo and the lack of decrease in overall combined injury rates underscores the need for further injury surveillance and implementation of injury prevention programs.
Association of strength and range of motion with alpha angles in elite youth hockey players
Authors: Philippon M J , LaPrade R F , Briggs K K , Stull J D
Published: March 2011

Background

Increased alpha angle of the hip is associated with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Decreased hip range of motion (ROM) and hip adductor/abductor muscular imbalances are reportedly associated with FAI.

Objective

To determine if there is a relationship between decreased hip ROM and hip muscle imbalances with the degree of observed alpha angle.

Design

Prospective screening study.

Setting

Clinical centre screened elite major midget youth hockey players.

Participants

20 asymptomatic male (average age of 17.6 years, SD=0.5) ice hockey players who had signed IRB approved consent.

Assessment of risk factors

Participants underwent hip ROM and strength assessment prior to an MRI (3T) to determine hip alpha angle.

Main outcome measurements

Positive clinical findings of abduction/adduction strength imbalance and decreased ROM correlate with a high alpha angle.

Results

The degree of hip alpha angles as determined by MRI were not related to hip abduction/adduction ROM (r2=0.075, p=0.24), flexion/extension ROM (r2=0.012, p=0.64), or external rotation/internal rotation ROM (r2=0.115 p=0.14). Additionally the degree of alpha angle was not related to abduction/adduction strength imbalance (r2=0.013, p=0.64). All 20 participants screened displayed acetabular labral pathology on 3T MRI.

Conclusion

We found no relationship between hip ROM or abduction/adduction strength imbalances of the hip with the degree of alpha angle in asymptomatic elite major midget hockey players. Therefore, it is important to inspect for muscle weakness and pain in assessing whether patients have clinical symptoms of FAI and not rely solely on MRI for the diagnosis of FAI.
Sudden cardiac arrest and death in united states marathons
Authors: Webner D , Drezner J , Horneff J , Roberts W
Published: March 2011

Background

There is no national reporting system for marathon sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and death in the US.

Objective

This study assessed the prevalence of SCA and death during USA marathons to assist with emergency planning at events.

Design/Setting/Participants

A retrospective, web-based survey to assess details of SCA and death was sent out to 400 US marathon directors in the autumn of 2009 and summer of 2010.

Results

78/400 (19%) of marathons responded. Participants ranged from 30 to 30 000 runners with a total of 1 411 482 runners from 1976 through 2009. There were 31 SCA's including 11 deaths. The prevalence of SCA was 1 in 45 531, and 1 in 128 316 runners died. 30/31 runners with SCA were male with an average age of 46.7 years (range 19–82). Runners collapsed at the finish line (6), in the final 2 miles (6), from miles 17–23 (6), and before mile 16 (10), and three of the runner's locations were unknown. An automated external defibrillator (AED) was used in 20 cases, not used in two cases, and unknown in nine cases. The 11 non-survivors had eight non-shockable rhythms, and 11 of the 20 survivors had shockable rhythms treated with an AED. The autopsy diagnoses were coronary artery disease (8) and one runner died of congenital heart disease complications. Two causes of death were not known.

Conclusion

SCA occurs in approximately 1 in 45 000 marathon runners, is more common in middle to late aged males, and can occur anywhere along the race course with the majority of cases in the final 10 miles. Prompt resuscitation including use of an AED provides a high survival rate for the victims of SCA. Emergency planning with availability of AED's throughout the race course is recommended.
Correlation between functional asymmetry of professional soccer players and sprint
Authors: Sannicandro I , Piccinno A , Rosa R A , De Pascalis S
Published: March 2011

Background

The functional asymmetry (FA) of the soccer player lower limb is often analyzed to reduce the risk of injury. In football have been described power asymmetries (Samadiet al., 2009; Bittencourtet al., 2008; Rahnamaet al., 2005), differences in plantar pressure (Wonget al., 2007), asymmetries in vertical jump (Impellizzeriet al., 2007), differences in the ground reaction forces during the landing between dominant and non-dominant limb (Sannicandro, 2008). The FA, however, besides being a significant element of risk of injury, can affect the performance of the soccer player.

Objective

The study aims to analyze the relationships between asymmetry of the strength of the lower limb and sprint in professional footballers.

Design

Descriptive research (a correlation study which investigates the relationship between variables).

Setting

Soccer Elite Division, at the end of off season conditioning.

Participants

25 soccer players (26.1 ± 2.9 year, 179.8 ± 3.6 cm, 77.9 ± 2.5 kg).

Assessment of risk factors

The assessment of explosive strength was performed through monopodalic jump, in literature defined as hop test and sprint test on 10 m and 20 m through photocells (TTSport, San Marino).

Main outcome measurements

FA was calculated between the two limbs as follows (jump dominant-limb – jump non-dominant limb)/jump dominant-limb * 100 (Yamamoto, 1993; Impellizzeriet al., 2007). This value was correlated with the results (sec) obtained in the 10 m sprint and 20 m sprint.

Results

The analysis of the correlation between FA and sprint 10 m and 20 m sprint between FA and showed values equal respectively to r=0.702 (p<0.001) and r=0.215 (ns).

Conclusion

The results would suggest that the FA in the lower limb explosive strength affects the performance of short sprints, but not those of the longer sprint. In the 20 m sprint, other factors, such as cyclic speed and intermuscular coordination, could be of greater importance.
Psychological profiling of young female handball and basketball players – a pilot study
Authors: Shima Y , Kitaoka K , Nakase J , Goshima K , Takahashi R , Tsukagoshi S , Yoneda Y , Moriyama S , Ogawa Y , Tsuchiya H
Published: March 2011

Background

The influence of psychological factors on injuries in female handball and basketball is poorly documented.

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of psychological factors on injuries in female handball and basketball players, especially for non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.

Design

Case control study.

Setting and Participants

A three-year prospective cohort study has been initiated in Japanese young female handball and basketball players to identify risk factors for non-contact ACL injuries. At baseline, 99 of 104 young female players (handball: 30 players, basketball: 69 players, age;15–16 years) were asked to complete a detailed questionnaire covering player history, previous injuries, KOOS, personality and psychological-competitive ability using the Y-G personality questionnaire and questionnaire for diagnostic inventory of psychological-competitive ability score (DIPCA-3).

Results

There were no correlation between KOOS and DIPCA-3, and no significant differences were found between handball players and basketball players. There were no significant differences between previously injured and non-injured players in the score of KOOS and DIPCA-3. The players evaluated as D (director) type by the Y-G personality questionnaire scored significantly better result in DIPCA-3 than the A (average), B (burst), E (engineer) type (p=0.0128, p=0.001, p<0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Since perceived mastery climate has been reported as a significant predictor for new injuries, the players who has high psychological-competitive ability evaluated as D type may be the injury-prone athletes. Prospective follow-up is necessary to elucidate whether high psychological-competitive ability is a risk factor for ACL injury or new injury.
Sagittal plane body positions influence tibial anteror shear force during single-leg landing
Authors: Shimokochi Y , Meyer E
Published: March 2011

Background

Excessive tibiofemoral compression has been shown to rupture the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) as axial tibia load may produce an anterior shear force to the proximal lateral tibial plateau.

Objective

To quantify and compare the amount of Tibial Anterior Shear Force (TASF) during three different landing styles.

Design

Controlled Crossover Design.

Setting

Controlled Laboratory.

Participants

20 healthy volunteers (10 M, 10 F; 23.4±3.6 years, 171.0±9.4 cm, 73.3±12.7 kg) without history of lower extremity ligamentous injuries.

Interventions

Biomechanical data were collected from three different landings; (1) self-selected (SS), (2) leaning forward (LF), and (3) upper body upright (UR). TASF was calculated from the sagittal plane knee joint reaction force, and assuming that the posterior slope of the lateral tibial plateau was 15° and that joint reaction force occurred on the lateral knee.

Main outcome measures

Maximum TASFs (TASFmax) normalised by body weight (N), Sagittal plane angle of the ground reaction force (GRF) vector relative to the longitudinal axis of the tibia at TASFmax (GRFAngle, positive direction indicates GRF is inclined more anteriorly than the tibia in sagittal plane).

Results

LF produced the least amount of TASFmax whereas UR produced the largest amount of TASFmax (LF=0.54±0.06, SS=0.95±0.10, UR=1.30±0.11). GRFAnglein UR was the largest while no difference in GRFAnglewas observed between LF and SS (LF=−3.4°±2.2°, SS=0.2°±1.2°, UR=4.2°±1.1°).

Conclusions

It has been reported that GRF pushes the tibia posteriorly during landing, slacking the ACL. However, our research demonstrated GRFAnglemay push the tibia anteriorly and straining the ACL for certain sagittal plane body positions during landing. Based on the TASF calculations, the risk of ACL injuries may depend on the sagittal plane body positions during landing, as well as other factors which increase the lateral TASF, such as valgus knee loading and the amount of the posterior slope on the lateral tibial plateau.
Can a rescuer or simulated patient accurately assess motion during cervical spine stabilisation practice sessions?
Authors: Shrier I , Boissy P , Fecteau L , Mellete J , Steele R , Matheson G O , Garza D , Meeuwisse W H , Segal E , Boulay J
Published: March 2011

Background

Proper stabilisation of suspected unstable spine injuries is necessary to prevent (worsen) spinal cord damage. Almost all training relies on subjective reports from the simulated patient or observations from an independent person. The reliability and validity of these measures remains unknown.

Objective

To determine 1) how accurately rescuers and simulated patients assess motion during cervical spine (c-spine) stabilisation practice, and 2) if providing feedback on performance influences behaviour preferences.

Design

Cross-over design.

Setting and Participants

12 experienced therapists.

Assessment

Head Squeeze and Trap Squeeze (random order) c-spine stabilisation during four test scenarios: lift-and-slide (L&S) and log-roll (LR) placement on spinal board, and agitated patient trying to sit up (AGIT-SIT) or rotate head (AGIT-ROT).

Main outcome measurements

Inter-rater reliability between rescuer and simulated patient quality scores for subjective evaluation of c-spine stabilisation during trials (0=best, 10=worst), correlation between rescuers' quality score and objective measure of motion with inertial measurement units (IMU), and frequency of change in preference for Head Squeeze vs Trap Squeeze.

Results

Although the weighted-kappa for inter-rater reliability was acceptable (0.71–0.74), scores varied by more than one points between rescuers/simulated patients for ∼10–15% of trials. Rescuers' scores correlated with objective measures but with large variability. For example, 38% of trials scored as almost perfect (0–1) by the rescuer actually had >10° of motion in at least one direction. In general, feedback did not affect preference for L&S. For the LR, 6/8 subjects preferring Head Squeeze at baseline preferred Trap Squeeze after feedback. For the confused patient, 5/5 subjects preferring Head Squeeze at baseline preferred Trap Squeeze after feedback.

Conclusion

Rescuers and simulated patients could not adequately assess performance during c-spine stabilisation without objective measures. Providing immediate feedback is a promising tool for teaching proper technique and for changing preferences of behaviour in this context.
Dance injuries: assessment of risk factors by qualitative method
Authors: Bolling C Silveira , Pinheiro T Marcio Magalhães , Hernaez A Martinez
Published: March 2011

Background

The dance literature has been researching injuries risk factors but results are divergent. New factors need to be searched and the qualitative methods are a good way to search.

Objectives

To search factors that affect the health of the dancers, from the dancer's representations.

Design

This is a cross-sectional study using a qualitative approach, from the perspective of the dancers.

Setting

Professional dancers of a public dance company in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Participants

22 dancers. All participants should be employed as dancers.

Interventions

The methodology was the application of free lists to identify the elements of the cultural field of the dancers, asking: what influence your health in your work? Two focus groups were conducted to discuss the relationship between health and work. Data analysis was performed with the software ATLAS.ti by the concepts of Grounded Theory.

Mains outcome measurements

The elements listed were coded and grouped for the development of the hypothesis through data analysis.

Results

The dancers have described aspects of the organisation, as the dynamics of classes and tests, as well as management decisions, which generate changes in training load. The relationships between colleagues, directors and choreographers have been described as part of the health. The psychological aspects were represented in the duality of pleasure and suffering, beyond the great psychological pressure they are subjected to during the shows. They also describe strategies to prevent injuries, like social support, look for pleasure in the dance and changes in the way to do the classes and shows.

Conclusion

The dancer presented as the work organisation and planning, the management, the working relationships, and psychological dynamics, which highlights the importance of including these aspects in future studies concerning the health of the dancer.
A comparison between the star excursion balance test and subjective assessment of knee stability in a single-leg squat
Authors: Steffen K , Nilstad A , Kristianslund E , Krosshaug T , Myklebust G , Bahr R
Published: March 2011

Background

Excessive dynamic knee valgus may leave athletes prone to serious knee injuries. The Star Excursion Balance Test (StarReach) is an objective clinical test, well applicable for non-clinicians, to identify athletes with ankle instability, but it's potential to detect athletes with reduced knee control has not been examined.

Objective

To compare StarReach test performance with subjective assessment of dynamic knee valgus during a single-leg squat in female athletes.

Design

Controlled, laboratory study.

Setting

Norwegian female elite team handball and football.

Participants

This study is part of an ongoing cohort study aimed at investigating risk factors for non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Since 2007, a total of 321 handball and 246 football players (22±4 years) have been included.

Main outcome measures

A physiotherapist assessed how well players stabilised their knees while performing a single-leg squat, and scored their performance as ‘good’, ‘reduced’ or ‘poor’. Maximum reach distances in the StarReach test were measured on both feet in the antero-, medio- and posterolateral directions. A total of 440 players were tested.

Results

StarReach test performance (reach distance adjusted for leg length) was significantly better for those players who were scored with ‘good’ versus ‘poor’ knee stability (p<0.01): anterolateral direction 100.1 cm (SD 8.7 cm) vs 92.0 (9.4) right and 93.4 (6.4) vs 88.7 (7.3) left knee; mediolateral 96.7 (6.7) vs 91.0 (7.8) right and 97.1 (6.2) vs 90.3 (6.9) left knee; posterolateral 105.7 (6.5) vs 98.9 (8.7) right and 106.0 (6.2) vs 98.7 (7.8) left knee. However, correlation coefficients between objective and subjective tests varied between 0.18 and 0.32 for knee stability.

Conclusion

Poor relationships between StarReach-test performance and subjective scores illustrate why these two tests cannot be used interchangeably to assess knee stability. Further investigations are needed to determine whether any of these tests can predict increased knee injury risk.
Hypertensive response to exercise: a marker of altered metabolism in endurance athletes?
Authors: Turmel J , Bougault V , Boulet L P , Poirier P
Published: March 2011

Background

Inappropriate high blood pressure response to exercise in non athletes is known to be a predictor for future resting systemic hypertension. However, the relevance of exercise hypertension in endurance athletes is not known.

Objective

Assess the differences in heart rate variability (HRV), 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and lipid profile in athletes with an hypertensive response to exercise, and athletes with normal response to exercise.

Design

This study was a prospective cross-sectional study. 47 provincial and national athletes without previous diagnosis of systemic hypertension or other cardiovascular disease, training at least 10 h/week were consecutively recruited. 38 athletes completed the study. Intervention: Athletes underwent an ABPM, a 24-h HRV assessment (Holter), a maximal exercise test and blood samples. Hypertensive response to exercise was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥220 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) > 100 mm Hg.

Results

Two athletes had systemic hypertension (SBP: 139 ± 3, DBP: 81 ± 8 mm Hg) on 24 h-ABPM and 14 athletes showed hypertensive response to exercise (SBP: 243 ± 20, DBP: 77 ± 13 mm Hg). Lower values of high density lipoprotein (HDL) (1.27 ± 0.19 vs 1.51 ± 0.23 g/L, p=0.04) and Apo-A1 (1.31 ± 0.14 vs 1.56 ± 0.15 g/L, p=0.003) were observed in athletes with hypertensive responses to exercise. The latter also had higher values of night time SBP on ABPM compared to athletes with a normal response to exercise (116 ± 6 vs 106 ± 8 mm Hg, p=0.02). No difference was found between both groups regarding HRV indices.

Conclusion

Higher values of night time SBP on ABPM and lower values of HDL and Apo-A1 were observed in athletes with hypertensive response to exercise. These observations may be the first sign of minor metabolic disturbance in endurance athletes, although parameters remain within de normal values.
Risk factors for patellar tendinopathy: a review of the literature
Authors: van der Worp H , van Ark M , Roerink S D , Pepping G J , van den Akker-Scheek I , Zwerver J
Published: March 2011

Background

Patellar tendinopathy (PT) is an injury which has a high prevalence in sports, especially in those involving jumping. Because successful treatment of PT remains challenging, prevention is of utmost importance. Before effective prevention programs can be developed, it is important to identify the risk factors that play a role in the development of this injury.

Objective

The aim of this study was to review the literature and to identify risk factors associated with PT.

Design

Systematic review of the literature.

Setting

A search of the Pubmed, EMBASE and AMED databases was conducted to identify studies. Studies were included in the systematic review if they contained: (1) empirical research that investigated factors associated with PT; and (2) a patient group with PT and a comparison group (or tested for differences across groups in a cross-sectional survey).

Assessment of risk factors

The methodological quality of the studies was assessed with a methodological quality assessment list. A strength of evidence criterion was used to identify risk factors. This criterion took into account the percentage of studies that found an association for a factor and the methodological quality of these studies.

Results

11 studies were included in the review investigating over 40 potential risk factors. The overall methodological quality score of the studies was low. Potential risk factors were categorised in four groups; demographics, anthropometrics, sports related factors and strength/flexibility. The present review found evidence for two risk factors for PT: waist-to-hip ratio and hip and knee flexibility.

Conclusion

Waist-to-hip ratio and hip and knee flexibility were identified as risk factors for PT. There is a clear need for high quality studies in order to identify the exact risk factors associated with PT.
Injuries to world cup nordic skiers and telemarkers – data from two seasons
Authors: Flørenes T , Nordsletten L , Heir S , Bahr R
Published: March 2011

Background

There are no recent data regarding injury risk among elite athletes in the Nordic skiing disciplines and Telemark skiing.

Objective

To describe the injury rate in World Cup (WC) ski jumping, cross-country and Telemark skiing.

Design/Setting

Athletes from selected WC teams (Continental Cup for ski jumping women) were interviewed towards the end of two consecutive winter seasons regarding acute injuries sustained during the competitive seasons. A methodological study has shown retrospective interviews to give the most complete picture for WC athletes. Ski jumpers were also asked if they had had a serious knee injury (absence >28 days) during the last four seasons. Exposure data were extracted from the official database of the International Ski Federation as the number of jumps, kilometres and runs performed and used to calculate the incidence for acute injuries in WC competitions.

Results

Among 973 athletes, 50 acute injuries were reported in WC competitions (23 time-loss injuries). In ski jumping there were 0.6 (95% CI 0 to 1.4) and 0.4 (0–1.2) time-loss injuries per 1000 jumps in males and females, respectively. In cross-country skiing there were 0.2 (0–0.3) and 0.1 (0–0.2) injuries per 1000 km skied and in Telemark skiing 3.0 (0.8–5.1) and 5.5 (1.4–9.6) injuries per 1000 runs for males and females, respectively. In ski jumping, 3.9% of the female and 2.0% of the male athletes had sustained a severe knee injury during the previous 4 years, most of these were during ski jumping activity.

Conclusion

There are few injuries and a low injury risk in the Nordic disciplines. Telemark skiing also has a low incidence, comparable to slalom which has the lowest risk among the alpine skiing disciplines. Although the injury incidence is low in ski jumping, we found that severe knee injuries occur at about the same frequency as in team handball and football.