bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inadvertent doping through nutritional supplements is a reality
Authors: Van der Merwe PJ , Grobbelaar E
Published: January 2017

Objective. Inadvertent doping through the use of nutritional supplements is a potentially important cause of the increase in positive drug tests involving high-profile Olympic athletes. The aim of this study was to screen over-the-counter nutritional supplements for the presence of steroid or stimulant compounds banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Method. Thirty different nutritional supplements from 14 different manufacturers were bought at shops in Bloemfontein, South Africa and analysed for testosterone and nandrolone prohormones, various ephedrines and caffeine.
Results. Eighteen (60%) of the 30 supplements contained no prohibited substances. Of the 12 (40%) positive supplements, 8 (66.7%) contained prohormones and 4 (33.3%) contained stimulants. Six supplements contained prohormones, which were listed on the labels, while 2 contained prohormones not listed on the labels. The stimulants were listed on the labels as Ma Huang, Guarana and Kola extracts and all contained a mixture of ephedrines and caffeine.
Conclusion. The results showed that approximately 7% of supplements tested may be mislabelled or contaminated with banned substances and that inadvertent doping through nutritional supplement use is a reality for athletes. The sporting community should therefore be aware that supplements might contain anabolic androgenic steroids and stimulants that are not declared on the labels.
SA Sports Medicine Vol.16(2) 2004: 3-7
Age-related decrements in cycling and running performance
Authors: Gibson A St Clair , Lambert Ni , Noakes TD
Published: January 2017

Objective. This study examined age-related decrements in athletic performance during running and cycling activities.
Design. The age group winning times for males aged between 18 and 70 years competing in the 1999 Argus cycle tour (103 km) and 1999 Comrades running marathon (90 km), South Africa's premier endurance cycling and running events respectively, were examined.
Main outcome measures. The relationship between speed (cycling and running respectively) and age was calculated using a 4th order polynomial function. The derivative of each of these functions was determined and then the slope of the function corresponding to each age was calculated.
Results. The rate of decline in running speed occurred at an earlier age (~ 32 years) during the running race compared with the cycling tour (~ 55 years).
Conclusions. These findings establish a trend that there is ‘accelerated' aging during running which can perhaps be attributed to the increased weight-bearing stress on the muscles during running compared with cycling.
SA Sports Medicine Vol.16(2) 2004: 8-11
Alterations in acute-phase reactants (CRP, rheumatoid factor, complement, Factor B, and immune complexes) following an ultramarathon
Authors: Semple SJ , Smith LL , McKune AJ , Neveling N , Wadee A
Published: January 2017

Objectives. The human body initiates an acute phase response (APR) in response to a wide range of homeostatic disturbances. This complex series of reactions serves to activate repair processes and prevent ongoing tissue damage. An important aspect of the APR is the de novo synthesis of acute phase proteins (APP), many of which have not been thoroughly investigated.
Main outcome measures. Alterations in CRP (C-reactive protein), C1est, C3, C4, C6, rheumatoid factor (RF) and Factor B were determined before and after an ultramarathon. Data were analysed using a one-way analysis of variance comparing values to pre-exercise levels. Significance was set at p < 0.05.
Design. Venepunctures were performed on athletes participating in an ultramarathon (90 km) 24 hours before, immediately post-exercise (IPE), and 3h, 24h and 72h after the race. Serum was stored at –80°C until analysed. CRP levels in serum were assessed using the N Latex CRP kit. The levels of circulating immune complexes (CIC) were determined using particle-enhanced nephelometry. Complement proteins C1est, C3, C4 and RF were measured using laser nephelometry. C6 and Factor B were determined by radial immunodiffusion.
Results. CRP was significantly elevated IPE (58%), 3h post (77%), 24h post (87%) and 72h post (69%). Pre-race CRP levels were above the normative range (5.10 ± 3.08 mg/l), C6 was significantly elevated (p < 0.05) at 24h post (7.8%) and 72h post (8.8%) exercise. Factor B was significantly elevated (p < 0.05) at 72h post exercise (12.8%). RF was significantly elevated at 72h post exercise (6.7%).
Conclusion. Significant increases in selected acutephase reactants occur several days after the exercise event. In addition, as indicated by elevated resting levels of CRP, the athletes began the race with some degree of inflammation, presumably as a result of the cumulative training and racing mileage in preparation for the ultramarathon.
SA Sports Medicine Vol.16(2) 2004: 17-21
Biomechanical factors associated with the risk of knee injury when landing from a jump
Authors: Louw Q , Grimmer K
Published: January 2017

Objectives. To systematically assess the literature investigating biomechanical knee injury risk factors when an individual lands from a jump. Data sources. Four electronic databases were searched for peer-reviewed English journals containing landing biomechanical studies published over 14 years (1990 - 2003). Study selection. Publications describing research into knee joint kinetics and/or kinematics when landing from a
jump were included. A total of 26 eligible articles met the inclusion criteria.
Data extraction. A review of the 26 eligible studies was undertaken to describe the key study components including the study aims, sample populations, measurement tools,
measurement procedures and knee risk factors. Methodological quality was scored using the Crombie Checklist and PEDro Scale. Data synthesis. The methodological quality of the studies reviewed was fair. Information on risk factors was variable. One proposed risk factor, landing with the knee in a relatively more extended position, may increase injury risk.
Validity was compromised when the landing action was isolated by studying drop-jumping instead of the whole landing task. Results of reviewed studies were potentially
confounded by a number of factors. Conclusion. High-level evidence for biomechanical knee
injury risk factors when landing from a jump is lacking and it is difficult to draw conclusions regarding knee injury risk factors when landing. However, the published research
reviewed provides important information on injury causality and theories to direct future studies. Further research should be directed towards younger populations using valid
testing protocols applicable to real life scenarios. South African Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 18 (1) 2006: pp. 18-23
The effect of icepack cooling on skin and muscle temperature at rest and after exercise
Authors: Mars M , Hadebe B , Tufts M
Published: January 2017

Objective. To compare cooling of skin, subcutaneous fat and muscle, produced by an icepack, at rest and after short-duration exhaustive exercise.
Methods. Eight male subjects were studied. With the subject supine, hypodermic needle-tip thermistors were inserted into the subcutaneous fat and the mid-portion of
the left rectus femoris, to a depth of 1 cm plus the adipose thickness at the site, and a temperature probe was placed on the skin overlying the needle tips. A pack of crushed
ice was applied for 15 minutes and temperatures were recorded before, during, and for 45 minutes after icepack application. Thereafter, subjects underwent a ramped, treadmill, VO2max test, an icepack was applied after temperature probes were inserted into the right leg and measurements were made as before.
Results. After the treadmill run, skin (Sk), subcutaneous (SC) and muscle (Ms) temperatures (mean ± standard deviation (SD)) were 0.9 ± 1.3, 1.0 ± 0.7 and 1.3 ± 0.8°C
higher than at rest. After 15 minutes of icepack cooling, temperatures fell in the exercised limb by 22.7 ± 1.5°C (Sk), 13.5 ± 4.2°C (SC) and 9.3 ± 5.5°C (Ms) and in the
control limb by 20.7 ± 2.9°C (Sk), 11.4 ± 2.0°C (SC) and 8.7 ± 2.6°C (Ms). The reductions in temperature were significant in both the control and exercised limbs. Forty-five minutes after icepack cooling, muscle temperature was still approximately 5°C lower in both the rested and exercised muscle (p < 0.001). Individual variations in response to cooling were noted.
Conclusions. Cooling of superficial muscle occurs after high-intensity exercise. The degree of cooling is not uniform. This may be due to differences in the sympathetic response to cooling, influencing haemodynamic and thermoregulatory changes after exercise. This needs further investigation. South African Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 18 (3) 2006: pp. 60-66
Peer review – a part of the process?
Authors: Lambert M
Published: January 2017

Peer review – a part of the process?
The epidemiology of golfrelated injuries in Australian amateur golfers - a multivariate analysis
Authors: McHardy A , Pollard H , Lou K
Published: January 2017

Objective. To perform an epidemiological study in order to determine the golf-related injury locations, injury rates and possible risk factors for golf injury in amateur golfers across Australia.
Method. A retrospective cross-sectional survey of Australian golf club members was used to collect data for the study. Chi-square testing was used to evaluate the association
between golf injury and each possible risk factor at univariate level. All the possible risk factors were further examined in multivariate analysis using logistical regression.
Results. There were 1 634 golfers included in the present study. Of these, 288 reported having had one or more golfrelated injuries in the previous year. The most common
injury location was the lower back (25.3%), followed by the elbow (15.3%) and shoulder (9.4%). The most common injury mechanism was poor technique in execution of
the golf swing (44.8%). Age, warm-up status, conditioning habits, wearing a golf glove/s and injury acquired in other sports / activities were significantly associated with risk of
golf injury (p < 0.05). Equipment use such as type of golf club shaft used, type of shoes used and other factors studied were not statistically significant.
Conclusion. The most injured sites identified in this study were the lower back, elbow and shoulder respectively. Risk of injury during golfing varied according to age group,
warm-up status, conditioning habits, whether the player wore a golf glove/s, and whether the golfer had been injured in other activities. South African Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 19 (1) 2007: pp. 12-19
The misuse of science
Authors: Lambert M
Published: January 2017

The misuse of science
Seasonal incidence and nature of cricket injuries among elite South African schoolboy cricketers
Authors: Milson NM , Barnard JG , Stretch RA
Published: January 2017

Objective. To identify the incidence and nature of injuries sustained by elite South African schoolboy cricketers.
Design. Data were collected retrospectively using a questionnaire. Cricketers recalled all injuries from June 2003 to May 2004.
Setting. The population consisted of 196 cricketers representing all provincial teams in the 2004 under-19 Coca- Cola Khaya Majola cricket week.
Results. Sixty-seven injuries were sustained by 196 cricketers, with an incidence of 34.2% during the period under review. Injuries occurred during matches (71.6%), throughout
the season due to repetitive stresses sustained during matches and practices (14.9%), during practice (11.9%) and during other forms of training (1.5%). Bowling accounted
for 50.7% of the injuries, fielding 32.8%, batting 14.9% and the remaining 1.5% occurred while warming up or training. The primary mechanism of injury occurred during the delivery stride and follow through of the fast bowler (34.3%). Eighty seven per cent of the injuries were first-time injuries while 13% were recurrent. Most injuries (40.6%) reported were severe and took the cricketers more than 21 days to recover. Cricketers were more prone to injury during December and January.
Conclusion. The incidence and nature of injuries have been recorded and potential risk factors for injury have been identified. It is suggested that coaches and cricketers
partake in continuous educational processes that focus on all the physical, mental and technical components necessary for success in cricket, with a national database South African Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 19 (3) 2007: pp. 80-84
COPD: Is there evidence to support a role for resistance training in improving measurable health-related quality of life in pulmonary rehabilitation?
Authors: Semple S
Published: January 2017

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. As such, the disease places a significant burden on health care services. Although the pathogenesis of COPD is complex, progressive airflow limitation and a chronic inflammatory response are two hallmark characteristics of the disease. In addition, systemic manifestations such as peripheral muscle dysfunction have recently received considerable attention in the literature. Pulmonary rehabilitation is an evidence-based multidisciplinary intervention that has been shown to produce clinically relevant outcomes. One important component of rehabilitation is exercise. With the majority of COPD patients presenting with muscle weakness and exercise intolerance, the inclusion of resistance training into a pulmonary rehabilitation programme would seem appropriate. Compared with other exercise/training modalities only a small number of studies have investigated the effects of resistance training in COPD patients. Although further research is required to identify the optimal mode, intensity and frequency, it appears that resistance training may prove to be a valuable intervention for COPD patients enrolled in pulmonary rehabilitation programmes.
Sources of variance and reliability of objectively monitored physical activity in rural and urban Northern Sotho-speaking blacks
Authors: Cook I , Lambert EV
Published: January 2017

Objectives. We investigated the sources of variance and reliability in an objective measure of physical activity for a 14- hour and 4-day monitoring period.
Design. A convenience sample of rural (N=31) and urban (N=30) adult, Northern Sotho-speaking blacks was recruited. Physical activity was assessed for 8 consecutive days using
a uni-axial accelerometer. Physical activity indices were total counts, average counts, inactivity (
Differences in muscle pain and plasma creatine kinase activity after \'up\' and \'down\' Comrades marathons
Authors: Burgess TL , Lambert MI
Published: January 2017

Objective. The aim of this study was to compare the acute changes in muscle pain and plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity following the ‘up' and ‘down' Comrades marathon.
Design. This was a quasi-experimental design. Eleven male runners (39.7±9.3 years) completed the ‘up' Comrades marathon, and 11 male runners (41.0±8.4 years) completed the ‘down' Comrades marathon the following year. Maximum oxygen consumption
and peak treadmill running speed were measured 2 weeks before the race. Daily measurements of muscle pain and plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity were recorded 1 day before, and for 7 days after the race.
Results. Muscle pain remained significantly elevated for up to 7 days after the Comrades marathon, compared with pre-race values (p
An analysis of Comrades marathon records: A 2008 update
Authors: Bosch A
Published: January 2017

An analysis of Comrades marathon records: A 2008 update
Accepted or rejected?
Authors: Lambert M
Published: January 2017

Accepted or rejected?
Proliferation of information – the good the bad and the ugly
Authors: Lambert M
Published: January 2017

Proliferation of information – the good the bad and the ugly
Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport – the 3rd International Conference on Concussion in Sport held in Zurich, November 2008
Authors: McCrory P , Meeuwisse W , Johnston K , Dvorak J , Aubry M , Molloy M , Cantu R
Published: January 2017

No Abstract.
The science and management of sex verification in sport
Authors: Tucker R , Collins M
Published: January 2017

The verification of gender eligibility in sporting competition posesa biological and management challenge for sports science and medicine, as well as for sporting authorities. It has been established that in most sporting events, the strength and power advantage possessed by males as a result of the virilising action of hormones such as testosterone produce significant advantages in performance. For this reason, males and females compete largely in separate gender categories. Controversies arise as aresult of intersex conditions, where the classification of individuals into male or female is complex. The present review provides the historical context to the debate, identifying the origins of gender verification as a means to deter cheating. It describes how various testing methods have been attempted, including physical examinations of genitalia, molecular techniques including genetic screening, and complex multidisciplinary approaches including endocrinological, genetic and gynaecological examination. To date, none appear to have provided a satisfactory resolution to the problem, and appear instead to have unfairly discriminated against individuals as a result of inappropriate application of testing results. Sporting authorities have formulated position standsfor the management of such cases, but there is not absolute agreement between them and little evidence to support whether intersex individuals should or should not be allowed to compete in female categories.
Effectiveness of the cricket transformation process in increasing representation and performance of black cricketers at provincial level in South Africa
Authors: Taliep MS
Published: January 2017

Objectives. This study investigates the effectiveness of the crickettransformation process in firstly increasing representation of black players and secondly improving performance of black players in the South African 4-day provincial competition between the 1996/1997 and 2007/2008 cricket seasons.Methods. Cricketers were categorised as white, black African or coloured/Indian. Whenever the category ‘black’ is mentioned alone, it refers to black African and coloured/Indian. All data were obtained from www.cricinfo.com.Results. The number of white players decreased and the numberof black African and coloured/Indian players increased between the 1996/1997 and 2007/2008 seasons. White batsmen had significantlyhigher batting averages than black Africans, but were only better than coloureds/Indians in the 2001/2002 season. Coloureds/Indians had better batting averages than black Africans in all seasons except 2001/2002 and 2004/2005. There was a significant improvement in the batting averages of coloureds/Indians but not of whites and black Africans over the 12 seasons. White bowlers had significantly better bowling averages thancoloured/Indian bowlers for seasons 2002/2003, 2004/2005 and 2006/2007. There were no significant differences in the bowlingaverages between white and black African players and between coloured/Indian and black African players over the 12 seasons.There was a tendency towards a decreased bowling performancefor coloureds/Indians, whereas there was no significant decrementin the bowling performance for whites and black Africans over the 12 seasons.Conclusion. The increase in the number of black cricketers performingaccording to standard suggests a reasonable successful transformation process. However, representation and batting performance of black African batsmen remain a concern.
Narrowing the gap between science and practice
Authors: Lambert M
Published: January 2017

Narrowing the gap between science and practice
Effort thrombosis: A case study and discussion
Authors: Collins RM , Janse van Rensburg DC , Grant CC , Patricios JS , Veller M , Ramagole DA
Published: January 2017

Paget-Schroetter syndrome or effort thrombosis is a rare condition with potentially severe consequences, affecting young and otherwise healthy athletes. Its classic clinical presentation should be rapidly identified to promote early diagnosis and treatment. This prevents recurrences and long-term complications such as persistent swelling of the affected arm. In a 1-year period we saw two young male athletes with this condition. One was treated conservatively and the other surgically, with vastly different outcomes. We therefore present their cases as well as a review of relevant literature to emphasise treatment of this rare condition.
Empty-basket philosophy
Authors: Lambert M
Published: January 2017

Empty-basket philosophy
Interventions for chronic low back pain: whole body vibration and spinal stabilisation
Authors: Baard ML , Pietersen J , Janse van Rensburg S
Published: January 2017

Objectives. This study explored, described and compared the effects of whole body vibration (WBV) therapy and conventional spinal stabilisation exercises in persons with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Design. A non-randomised sampling technique was used to delineate the base of volunteers gathered by a combination of accidental and snowball sampling methods. Twenty subjects were randomly assigned into either a WBV or a spinal stabilisation (SS) group. The dependent variables were perception of pain and general functionality, abdominal muscular endurance, spinal muscular endurance and hamstring flexibility. These were measured at the pre-, mid- and post-test assessments. During the 8-week intervention, both groups performed the same spinal stabilisation exercises 3 sessions per week, the difference being the dynamic performance of the conventional land-based SS group compared with the static, isometric performance on the vibration platform. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) determined differences between groups at the pre-, mid- and post-test. Dependent sample t-tests were computed to determine whether the increases/decreases over time were significant within each group. Cohen’s d was used to determine the practical significance of results. Results. There were significant decreases in perception of pain and enhanced performance of functional activity of daily living, increases in abdominal and hamstring flexibility midway through and after the intervention period for both groups. Neither of the two methods of rehabilitation was significantly superior except for spinal muscular endurance in the WBV group after the 8-week intervention. WBV could be considered as an alternative method of exercise intervention for the rehabilitation of CLBP.
Injury patterns of South African international cricket players over a two-season period
Authors: Stretch RA , Raffan RP
Published: January 2017

Objective. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence and nature of injury patterns of South African international cricket players. Methods. A questionnaire was completed for each cricketer who presented with an injury during the 2004 - 2005 (S1) and 2005 - 2006 (S2) cricket seasons to determine the anatomical site, month, diagnosis and mechanism of injury. Results. The results showed that 113 injuries were sustained, with a match exposure time of 1 906 hours for one-day internationals (ODIs) and 5 070 hours for test matches. The injury prevalence was 4% per match, while the incidence of injury was 90 injuries per 10 000 hours of matches. Injuries occurred mostly to the lower limbs, back and trunk, upper limbs and head and neck. The injuries occurred primarily during test matches (43%), practices (20%) and practices and matches (19%). Acute injuries comprised 87% of the injuries. The major injuries during S1 were haematomas (20 %), muscle strains (14%) and other trauma (20%), while during S2 the injuries were primarily muscle strains (16%), other trauma (32%), tendinopathy (10%) and acute sprains (12%). The primary mechanisms of injury occurred when bowling (67%), on impact by the ball (batting – 65%, fielding – 26%) and when sliding for the ball (19%). Conclusion. The study provided prospective injury incidence and prevalence data for South African cricketers playing at international level over a two-season period, high-lighting the increased injury prevalence for away matches and an increased match injury incidence for test and ODI matches possibly as a result of increased match exposure time.
The female athlete triad: a current concepts review
Authors: George CA , Leonard JP , Hutchinson MR
Published: January 2017

Female athletic participation continues to grow throughout the world. This has many positive effects on health and well-being, but it has also led to a unique set of health problems. The female athlete triad was first described in 1992 by the American College of Sports Medicine, consisting of disordered eating, amenorrhoea and osteoporosis. An updated position stand was released in 2007 that modified the components of the triad to energy availability, menstrual function and bone mineral density. This article reviews the current definitions of the triad components, epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment. Each of the components of the triad exists on a continuum from healthy to pathological. Low energy availability, from either dietary restriction or increased expenditure, is the factor that leads to the pathological states of menstrual function and bone mineral density. Athletes especially at risk are those in sports requiring leanness or low body weight. Prevention and early recognition of triad disorders is crucial to ensure timely intervention and treatment. Treatment is centered on restoring energy availability to adequate levels (30 kcal.kg-1.d-1) to re-establish normal metabolic functioning. All those who work with female athletes must remain vigilant in the education, recognition and treatment of athletes at risk. Continued research and knowledge of the triad disorders aids the development of prevention and treatment strategies to allow women to continue to enjoy the benefits of regular exercise and physical activity throughout their lives.
Rugby-playing history at the national U13 level and subsequent participation at the national U16 and U18 rugby tournaments
Authors: Durandt Justin , Parker Ziyaad , Masimla Herman , Lambert Mike
Published: January 2017

Background. The South African Rugby Union has adopted the model of competition at a young age (U13 years) to identify talent. There is concern however that bigger players who mature early are selected at this age, and that the majority of these players do not play rugby at a high level after puberty. Objectives. The aim of this study was to establish how many players in the 2005 U13 Craven week (n=349) participated in subsequent U16 Grant Khomo and U18 Craven week tournaments. Design. Longitudinal. Results. 31.5% of the players who played in the U13 Craven week, were again selected to play at U16 Grant Khomo week and 24.1% were selected for the U18 Craven week. Conclusion. Seventy-six per cent of the players selected for the U13 tournament do not play at the U18 national Craven week tournament. These data need to be considered when decisions are made about the cost-effectiveness of staging the U13 tournament, particularly if the main goal of this tournament is for talent identification.SAJSM, vol 23 No. 4 2011
Cerebral damage in diving: Taking the cue from sports concussion medicine
Authors: Shuttleworth-Edwards AB , Whitefield-Alexander VJ
Published: January 2017

Within the compressed gas diving arena there is a risk of cerebral damage with deleterious neuropsychological sequelae in association with decompression illness (DCI), hypoxia, gas toxicity, as well as the cumulative subclinical effect of ‘silent’ paradoxical gas embolisms, the last being an area of growing concern. However, within diving medicine there is little evidence of the regular use of neuropsychological evaluation to monitor brain-related sequelae of frequent diving activity. In contrast, in recent years there has been an explosion of interest in the management of sports concussive injury, including emphasis on the pivotal role ofneuropsychological evaluation within that context. Taking the cue from sports concussion medicine, it is proposed that there is an urgent need to incorporate neurocognitive baseline and follow-up screening as a core component in the medical management of those involved in intensive commercial and recreational compressed air diving activities. The objective would be to facilitate (i) accurate neurodiagnostic follow-up of frank DCI or an identifiable hypoxic or toxic incident; (ii) timeous identification of cumulative deleterious effects of repetitive subclinical hypoxic/toxic incidents and/or ‘silent’ paradoxical gas embolisms that might affect them in later life; and (iii) disability assessment following any such eventsor the combination thereof for rehabilitation and compensation purposes.
Translation of research
Authors: Lambert M
Published: January 2017

Translation of research
Author guidelines
Authors: . .
Published: January 2017

Author guidelines
Lifetime injury prevention: The sport profile model*
Authors: Webborn N
Published: January 2017

Participation in sporting activities carries an injury risk. Conversely, the increased awareness that physical inactivity is a major risk factor for disease has led government agencies and the medical community to encourage increased levels of physical activity. Many people will achieve this through participation in sport. Injury inevitably leads to a reduction in participation on a temporary or permanent basis, but the injury experience may also influence the lifelong physical activity behaviour. Few studies adequately examine the possible long-term consequences of sport participation after the competitive period has been completed, but by understanding the patterns of injuries in different sports one test can develop strategies to prevent and better manage the conditions that occur and promote lifelong physical activity. There is a need to develop models of understanding of injury risk at different life phases and levels of participation in a specific sport. The risk assessment of sport participation has to be relevant to a particular sport, the level of participation, skill, age and potential future health consequences. This article describes a sport-specific model which will improve guidance for coaches and healthcare professionals. It poses questions for sports physicians, healthcare providers, educators and for governing bodies of sports to address in a systematic fashion. Additionally the governing body, as an employer, will need to meet the requirements for risk assessment for professional sport and its ethical responsibility to the athlete.
Trainability of junior Rugby Union players
Authors: Hendricks S
Published: January 2017

Growing interest in producing expert performance, and increasing sport participation, has led to a number of models being proposed for optimal sporting development. Using physical or psychological developmental milestones as guidelines, these models in sport were aimed primarily at identifying key stages during childhood and adolescence, and to optimise training adaptation for the child to reach his/her full sporting potential. Taking into consideration the long-term developmental models, and the requirements to succeed in rugby, this review aims to prescribe the trainability of junior rugby players using a scientifically evidence-based long-term player development approach. As there have been several recent and comprehensive reviews of the literature on trainability during childhood and adolescence, the aim of this paper is to resynthesise the material and apply it to rugby. Although athlete developmental models suggest that the appropriate application of training stimulus during specific periods in childhood and adolescence will influence athletic potential, recent available literature contends that this concept is inconclusive and requires further investigation.
Groin and hip quandaries
Authors: Millson H
Published: January 2017

There is little consensus on the diagnosis, pathophysiology, investigation and management of groin injuries. A key factor in making the correct diagnosis is to firstly understand the anatomy and likely generators of pain in the region. This requires an understanding of the two joints in the pelvis – the hip joint and the pubic symphysis ‒ which are at the centre of many movements. There are a multitude of varying studies on this topic. However, most importantly, many of the groin/hip pathologies can be averted by thorough and specific prehabilitation, bearing in mind the entire kinetic chain and addressing total function above and below the pelvis.
Acute corticosteroid-induced rhabdomyolysis in a golf player
Authors: Janse van Rensburg D , Theron W , Grant T , Zondi P , Grant C
Published: January 2017

Acute corticosteroid-induced rhabdomyolysis is a rare, but potentially life-threatening, condition that deserves the attention of medical professionals and sport scientists. Early diagnosis is vital in minimising the secondary damage caused by rhabdomyolysis. This case of rhabdomyolysis highlights the severity of symptoms and the importance of decisive treatment. Clinicians should be familiar with the most common symptoms of acute corticosteroid-induced rhabdomyolysis to enable early diagnosis and efficient management of this condition.
Attitudes and behaviours of top-level junior rugby union coaches towards the coaching of proper contact technique in the tackle – a pilot study
Authors: Hendricks S , Sarembock M
Published: January 2017

Background. Coaching strategies for effective technique and injury prevention have been proposed for the tackle. Despite this, little isknown about current coaching attitudes and the behaviours of coaches towards proper contact technique in the tackle, especially at thejunior level.Objective. To report on the attitudes and behaviours of junior rugby union coaches towards coaching of proper contact technique in thetackle.Methods. Seven coaches of the top 8 rugby-playing schools (Premier Division) in the Western Province Rugby Union participated in thestudy (representing 88% of the entire population of top-level junior coaches in the region). Coaches completed a questionnaire, modelledon previous research, surveying attitudes and behaviours towards tackling.Results. Proper technique for injury prevention was rated as very important (57%) and important (29%), with 14% undecided. Propertechnique to improve performance was rated as very important (57%) and important (43%). To further develop coaching knowledgeand to develop new training methods, ‘coaching colleagues’ (very much – 71%; mean rating 4.7; 95% CI 4.3 - 5.2) was rated as the mostoften used.Conclusion. Collectively, the coaches in this study demonstrated a positive attitude towards injury prevention and performance. Additionalmeans of communicating information to coaches, other than the traditional channels, have also been highlighted here.
A walk down memory lane
Authors: Lambert M
Published: January 2017

A walk down memory lane
Effect of a therapeutic dose of pseudoephedrine on swimmers’ performance
Authors: Gradidge PJ-L , Constantinou D , Heard S-M , King C , Morris-Eyton H
Published: January 2017

Background. The potential performance-enhancement effect of pseudoephedrine (PSE) use has led to its prohibition in competition sports (urine concentrations >150 μg/ml). Data are, however, scarce regarding whether therapeutic PSE use enhances swimming performance.Objective. To investigate the effect of therapeutic PSE use on performance in aerobic and explosive sprint swimming events.Method. A double-blinded cross-over study design was used. Participants in the control group initially received a placebo and those in the experimental group received a divided PSE dose of 90 mg/d. Anaerobic  power (50 m sprint) and aerobic (2 000 m) swimming testing was conducted at (i) baseline; (ii) after ingestion of a placebo or PSE; and (iii)  after the groups were crossed over, following a wash-out period of 4 days, to determine changes in performance between trials.Results. The participants (mean age 44 years; N=7) were competitive  masters swimmers with normal resting heart rates (68 beats per minute (bpm); standard deviation (SD) ±14) and blood pressures (BPs) (171 (SD ±27)/83 (SD ±16) mmHg). The use of PSE during the anaerobic swim test showed only a trivial chance (68%) of improvement, with a likely enhancement in systolic BP (86%). The aerobic swim test did not affirm performance enhancement as measured by time to completion (52%  chance of a positive effect; 41% chance of a negative effect), nor did any other physiological variable of interest (peak heart rate and exercising BP)  differ significantly from baseline results.Conclusion. The use of a therapeutic amount of PSE in short and endurance swimming trials did not appear to have any major ergogenic effect on performance.
Changes in the physical fitness of elite women’s rugby union players over a competition season
Authors: Hene NM , Bassett SH
Published: January 2017

Objective. To investigate changes in the physical fitness characteristics of  elite women’s rugby union players over a competitive season.Methods. Thirty-two elite women’s rugby union players, all members of the South African Rugby Union High Performance Squad, were sub-divided into 2 positional categories of 17 forwards and 15 backs, respectively, and assessed pre-, mid- and post-competition season. Players underwent anthropometric (stature, body mass and sum of 7 skinfolds) and physical performance measurements (vertical jump, 10 m and 40 m sprint, 1  repetition maximum (1RM) bench press and multi-stage shuttle-run test).Analysis. A 2-factor analysis of variance was used to evaluate differences  in physical fitness variables between and within playing positions over the competition season (p<0.01).Results. In both groups, no significant changes were detected in the sum of skinfolds, vertical jump height, 1RM bench press and multi-stage shuttle-run test scores throughout the season. However, sprint times (10 m and 40 m) significantly increased and then decreased for both groups between the early (pre- to mid-season) and later phases of the season (mid- to post-season), respectively.Conclusion. The results suggest that, for improvement in physical fitness, players need to train at higher loads, especially in the preparatory phase. Thereafter, they must take measures to actively maintain these gains  throughout the competitive season. Direct supervision of their conditioning should be encouraged.
MRI to determine the chronological age of Ghanaian footballers
Authors: Sarkodie BD , Ofori EK , Pambo P
Published: January 2017

Background. The chronological age of the ordinary Ghanaian has often been difficult to verify as registration at birth is not compulsory. Consequently, an accurate method of age determination is needed in competitive age-restricted sports.Objective. To evaluate the age of Ghanaian soccer players who are aspiring to play for the national under-17 (U17) team, using the degree of fusion of the distal radius on magentic resonance imaging (MRI) and comparing it with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) MRI grading.Methods. MRI scans of the left wrists of 86 players aspiring to play for the national U17 football team were recruited for the study during a ‘justify your inclusion tournament’ organised by the Ghana Football Association between June and August 2012. The study was conducted in a diagnostic centre in Accra using a 0.35T MRI scanner. The images were analysed using the previously published FIFA grading system.Results. The mean chronological age of the players was 15.4 years (standard deviation ±0.7; range 12 - 17). The study showed that 43.0% of the MRI images were grade 6 (≥17 years) in relation to the degree of fusion of the distal radius, and 93.0% of the grade 6 players were aged 15 - 16 years chronologically. There was no significant correlation between the chronological age and the degree of fusion (r=0.075; p=0.493).Conclusion. Ghanaian U17 soccer players seem to be more biologically mature than a normative population of the same age category. The lack of correlation between age category and degree of fusion supports the suspicion that most Ghanaian players may not know their true age.
Side-to-side asymmetry in absolute and relative muscle thickness of the lateral abdominal wall in cricket pace bowlers
Authors: Olivier B , Stewart AV , Mckinon W
Published: January 2017

Background. The abdominal musculature plays a protective role against lower-back injury. Knowledge of the asymmetry in abdominal wall thickness in healthy, injury-free cricket pace bowlers may provide a useful platform against which pathology could be assessed and the effects of training could be evaluated.Objective. To compare side-to-side differences in absolute muscle thickness and activity of the abdominal musculature and to compare these measurements at the start, with those at the end of a cricket season among a group of amateur pace bowlers.Methods. This was a controlled longitudinal prospective study. Rehabilitative ultrasound imaging was used to assess abdominal muscle thickness in 26 right-handed, injury-free cricket pace bowlers at the start and at the end of a cricket season. Thickness measurements were done at rest, during an abdominal drawing-in manoeuvre (ADIM) and the active straight-leg raise (ASLR) on the left (-L) and right (-R).Results. The absolute thickness of the non-dominant obliquus abdominis internus (OI) was higher than that of the dominant OI at the start (p=0.001; ES=0.87) as well as at the end of the cricket season (p=0.001; ES 1.09). At the start of the season, the percentage change during the ADIM, thus muscle activity, was higher for the non-dominant OI than for the dominant OI (p=0.02; ES=0.51). Absolute thickness of the dominant obliquus abdominis externus (OE) at rest was significantly higher at the end of the season compared with the start of the season (p=0.0001; ES=0.85). During ASLR-R, the activity of the left transversus abdominis (TA) was significantly higher than that of the right TA during ASLR-L (p=0.03) when measured at the end of the season.Conclusion. This study highlights the possible muscle adaptations in absolute muscle thickness and activity as a consequence of the asymmetrical bowling action.
Physiotherapists’ knowledge of pain: A cross-sectional correlational study of members of the South African Sports and Orthopaedic Manipulative Special Interest Groups
Authors: Clenzos N , Naidoo N , Parker R
Published: January 2017

Background. Pain is the most common complaint for which patients seek the help of a physiotherapist. Furthermore, pain has been identified as the fifth vital sign, indicating the attention with which physiotherapists should be assessing pain. Previous studies have found deficits in pain knowledge among healthcare providers. Poor knowledge about pain is recognised to lead to poor assessment ability, and subsequently, to poor pain management.Objective. To investigate the pain knowledge of sports and orthopaedic manipulative physiotherapists in South Africa (SA).Methods. Data were collected online by means of a demographic questionnaire and Unruh’s Revised Pain Knowledge and Attitudes Questionnaire (RPKAQ). Participants were members of the Sports Physiotherapy Group and Orthopaedic Manipulative Physiotherapy Group of the South African Society of Physiotherapy.Results. The mean score for the RPKAQ was 65.5% (standard deviation (SD) ±8.6). Only 14.45% of the physiotherapists scored ≥75%. Lowest scores were obtained for the ‘assessment and measurement of pain’ (47.6%; SD ±15.6) and ‘developmental changes in pain perception’ (58.7%; SD ±20.8) sections of the RPKAQ, while the highest mean score was obtained for the ‘physiological basis of pain’ section (76.8%; SD±14.6). Gender, ethnicity (defined by home language), academic training and clinical experience did not contribute significantly to overall pain knowledge.Conclusion. There is an inadequate level of pain knowledge among members of the sports and orthopaedic manipulative physiotherapy groups in SA, particularly in the areas of the assessment and measurement of pain, and developmental changes in pain perception.
NSAID and other analgesic use by endurance runners during training, competition and recovery
Authors: Joslin J , Lloyd JB , Kotlyar T , Wojcik SM
Published: January 2017

Background. An increasing popularity of ultra-endurance events coupled with excessive or inappropriate non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use during such events could pose considerable potential risks to runners’ health.Objective. To evaluate the incidence of NSAID and other analgesic use in distance runners during training, competition and recovery.Methods. We performed an observational cross-sectional study at the Desert Race Across the Sand race (Colorado to Utah, USA) in June 2011 and the Empire State Marathon half-marathon, and relay races in Syracuse, NY, October 2011. A total of 27 ultramarathon runners and 46 marathon, half-marathon and marathon relay runners participated in the study. Surveys were distributed to runners during race registration. Self-reported use of common analgesic medications during training, racing and recovery was assessed.Results. Among all runners at all stages, NSAIDs were the most commonly used analgesic medication. NSAID use by ultramarathon runners compared with all other runners was similar during training (59% and 63%, respectively; χ2=0.008; p=0.93) and recovery (59% and 61%, respectively; χ2=0.007; p=0.93). However, ultramarathon runners were more likely than all other runners to use NSAIDs during the race (70% and 26%, respectively; χ2=11.76; p=0.0006).Conclusion. Despite undesirable side-effects associated with the use of NSAIDs, there was a high prevalence of use in all runners, particularly during training and recovery. NSAID use during the race was significantly greater in ultramarathon runners. Medical staff at endurance events need to be aware of, and prepared for potential complications related to the high use of NSAIDs in runners. Future efforts should focus on teaching runners about the undesirable effects of medication and emphasising alternatives to pain medication.
"'n Droewige laslap op die voos kombers van onreg": 'n Statistiese analise van konsentrasie-kampbewoners
Authors: du Plessis S , Fourie J
Published: January 2017

Die konsentrasiekampe van die Anglo-Boereoorlog (1899-1902) wek steeds intense emosies op. Om dié rede is dit ook verstaanbaar dat 'n breë literatuur verskeie aspekte van die konsentrasiekampe en die lewe van die bewoners ondersoek. Vreemd genoeg, is een aspek wat wel agterweë gelaat is 'n kwantitatiewe ondersoek na die lengte van verblyf vir die meer as 100 000 wit mans, vroue en kinders in die kampe. Hoeveel dae is die gemiddelde kampbewoner gehuisves? Het bewoners uit die republieke of dié uit die kolonies langer aangebly? En wat was die kenmerke van bewoners wat voor die einde van die oorlog die kampe verlaat het? Duisende het ook in die kampe gesterf. Ons ontleed ook die kenmerke van hierdie groep, en werp lig op die redes vir hul tragiese einde. Deur gebruik te maak van 'n enorme datastel van kampbewoners en die statistiese hulpmiddel oorlewingsanalise, bied hierdie artikel 'n nuwe blik op n ou onderwerp en vra nuwe vrae vir toekomstige historiese navorsing.