bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of alterations in dietary carbohydrate intake on running performance during a 10 km treadmill time trial.
Authors: Pitsiladis Y P , Duignan C , Maughan R J
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To examine the influence of a seven day diet manipulation on performance during a 10 km treadmill time trial in trained runners. METHODS: Six trained runners ran two 10 km time trials on a treadmill set at a constant 4% gradient, each after a 7 d period of dietary manipulation. The two experimental diets were a low carbohydrate (CHO) diet (40% CHO by total energy) to be consumed for 7 d, and a high CHO diet containing 55% CHO for the first 4 d followed by 70% CHO for the remaining 3 d. Blood samples were obtained before and immediately after each run. Expired gases were collected and heart rate monitored. RESULTS: Performance time following the high CHO [48.6(SD 2.7) min] and low CHO [48.6(2.3) min] diets was not different (P = 0.72), nor were there any differences in running speed between conditions. No significant differences were found between conditions in any of the metabolites measured (blood lactate, glucose, glycerol, and plasma free fatty acids). The rate of CHO oxidation was greater on the high CHO diet compared to the low CHO diet (P < 0.05). Heart rate was not different between conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that moderate changes in the composition of the diet do not affect 10 km running performance in trained subjects.
A study of physiological responses during match play in Indian national kabaddi players.
Authors: Khanna G L , Majumdar P , Malik V , Vrinda T , Mandal M
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To determine the physical and physiological profile of kabaddi players and the physiological demands of playing a kabaddi match. METHODS: Maximum aerobic capacity (VO2max), maximum ventilation (VEmax), O2 pulse, respiratory equivalent (RE), maximum heart rate, and O2 debt were assessed on 16 players. The somatotype of the players was calculated by the Health and Carter method. Heart rate was monitored during a selection trial match on eight players who represented India in the Asian Games, 1994. From the playing heart rate, oxygen consumption (VO2) was computed through a heart rate v VO2 regression equation. Maximum lactate was evaluated from the blood samples collected at the end of the match. RESULTS: The average heart rate and oxygen consumption during the match were 146.5 (SD 9.25) beats min-1 and 2.25(0.59) litre min-1 respectively. During raiding the maximum heart rate attained varied from 162.4(11.3) to 177.4(4.2) beats min-1. Out of 40 min of match play a raider raided on average on 8.13(2.03) occasions. The average time per raid was 20.8(6.26) s. The match heart rate and oxygen consumption was 72.3-83.3% of the maximum heart rate, and 43.5-70.5% of VO2max respectively. Maximum lactate at the end of the match was 6.13(2.53) mmol litre-1. Kabaddi players had the somatotype of 2.68-4.71-1.83, with absolute back strength of 175.0 kg. VO2max and O2 debt were 3.59(0.36) litre min-1 [47.82(3.68) ml kg-1 min-1] and 5.3(1.85) litres (70 ml kg-1) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Kabaddi is an intermittent sport. The rest pause during the game is sufficient for recovery. During raiding the main source of energy is anaerobic.
Acute effects of beta blockade and exercise on mood and anxiety.
Authors: Head A , Kendall M J , Ferner R , Eagles C
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To measure the previously reported beta blocker induced adverse changes in mood state and anxiety measures, and to determine if prolonged aerobic exercise attenuates such mood modifications. METHODS: After 4 days of drug treatment with comparable doses of propranolol (40 and 80 mg), metoprolol (50 and 100 mg), or placebo, mood (POMS) and anxiety states (STAI) were assessed in healthy volunteers, before and after 1 h of treadmill walking exercise at 50% maximum oxygen uptake. RESULTS: Compared to placebo, resting "tension", "depression", and "total mood disturbance" were significantly higher on propranolol 80 mg, but all were reduced with exercise. "Fatigue" and "confusion" were also higher on propranolol, and were unaffected by exercise. "Fatigue" was also higher than placebo after exercise on metoprolol 100 mg. "Anxiety" was unaffected by drug treatment or exercise. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence that beta blockers, and particularly propranolol, have adverse effects on mood was confirmed. It would be preferable to prescribe a beta blocker which does not adversely alter mood states. However, exercise significantly reduced the measures of "tension" and "depression" which were adversely increased by propranolol. Exercise prescription may therefore not only be compatible with beta blockade, but a highly desirable adjuvant therapy.
A high prevalence of abnormal personality traits in chronic users of anabolic-androgenic steroids.
Authors: Cooper C J , Noakes T D , Dunne T , Lambert M I , Rochford K
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: (1) To assess the personality profiles of the anabolic androgenic steroid users (AAS) and (2) to determine whether valid premorbid personality traits could be obtained from cross sectional assessment using multisource data. METHODS: The first author became a participant-observer in a group of body builders. An experimental group of body builders who had been using AAS for no more than 18 months (n = 12) was identified. A group of control subjects, each of whom claimed that he did not, and never had, used AAS (n = 12) was also recruited during this period. Key informants played a crucial role in recruiting subjects representative of the AAS and body building communities. An interview schedule based on the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM3-R) personality disorder criteria was conducted with each subject. Additional data were obtained from an AAS using informant and significant others including family and friends. RESULTS: The user group was significantly heavier than the control group and showed abnormal personality traits, in contrast to the control group. Personality traits of AAS users before the onset of AAS use, assessed retrospectively, were not different from personality traits of control subjects. There were significant differences between the before and after personality traits in AAS user group. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest (1) that AAS use is associated with significant disturbances in personality profile, and (2) that these personality disturbances are possibly the direct result of AAS use.
Medical aspects of the work of a moorland rescue team.
Authors: Guly H R
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To describe the work of a moorland rescue team and, in particular, the medical aspects of this work. METHODS: A retrospective study of 25 years of callouts of the Dartmoor Rescue Group (DRG)-the mountain rescue team (MRT) for Dartmoor. These were analysed by cause, year, month, day of the week, and time of day. Injuries and other medical problems in casualties are described. RESULTS: 276 callouts are described. The most common cause was searching for missing persons, but 62 callouts were to known casualties. The most common medical problem was cold exhaustion. The most common injuries were to the lower leg. However, a wide variety of other medical problems including heat exhaustion was also seen. CONCLUSIONS: The Mountain Rescue Council represents MRTs in mountainous regions and those covering lower hills and moorland. It produces an annual report containing details of the incidents attended by its affiliated teams. The work of the DRG is very different from that of the Mountain Rescue Council as a whole. Medical problems other than cold exhaustion and lower leg injuries are uncommon and moorland rescue teams do not need to equip themselves to treat other medical problems but in view of the wide variety of medical problems encountered a long way from a road, good first aid training of team members is essential.
Distant entry pneumothorax in a competitive fencer.
Authors: Harmer P A , Moriarity J , Walsh M , Bean M , Cramer J
Published: December 2008

An elite level fencer sustained a penetrating wound to the upper arm after his opponent's blade broke. Standard care for a deep puncture wound was given but it was some time before the athlete presented symptoms of a pneumothorax, which was confirmed by radiograph. Although resolution of this case was unremarkable, the possibility of penetrating thoracic injury, even when the point of entry is well outside the thorax and the athlete is not immediately symptomatic, should be born in mind by medical personnel working with fencers.
Subcutaneous and visceral fat distribution and daily physical activity: comparison between young and middle aged women.
Authors: Abe T , Sakurai T , Kurata J , Kawakami Y , Fukunaga T
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of aging and physical activity on distribution patterns in subcutaneous and visceral fat. METHODS: Distributions of subcutaneous rat mass at six segments (face and neck, forearm, upper arm, trunk, thigh, and lower leg) were determined by adipose tissue thickness measurements by B mode ultrasonogram and body surface areas. Visceral fat mass was calculated by subtracting subcutaneous fat mass from the total fat mass determined hydrodensitometrically. Measurements were made on young and middle aged, trained and sedentary women (four groups). RESULTS: Per cent body fat was lower in trained than in sedentary individuals, both in the young and the middle aged subjects. The distribution of subcutaneous fat mass differed between sedentary and trained women. Trained young women had a reduced subcutaneous fat mass compared to sedentary young subjects in all segments except face and neck; the disparity between middle aged sedentary and trained women was limited to upper arm and trunk (P < 0.01 each), with no significant difference in face and neck, forearm, and lower limb segments. Differences in visceral fat mass between sedentary and trained subjects were similar for young and middle aged women (young, 2.5 v 3.7 kg; middle aged, 4.0 v 6.5 kg). CONCLUSIONS: Women who exercise regularly appear to accumulate less adipose tissue, especially in upper arm and trunk segments as they get older, with visceral fat mass remaining lower than in sedentary individuals.
Gender verification in sports by PCR amplification of SRY and DYZ1 Y chromosome specific sequences: presence of DYZ1 repeat in female athletes.
Authors: Serrat A , García de Herreros A
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To perform genetic sex typing during the Barcelona Olympic Games using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of Y chromosome specific sequences. METHODS: The assay consisted of the amplification of a specific sequence corresponding to the repeat DYZ1 element from buccal smears samples of 2406 female competitors. Positive samples were reanalysed for the presence of another Y chromosome specific gene, SRY. RESULTS: The expression of these two elements did not always correlate; six samples were found where the presence of DYZ1 but not SRY was detected. This presence of DYZ1 sequence in female athletes is higher than in unselected females, where no DYZ1 amplification was observed in any of the 1629 samples analysed. CONCLUSIONS: Amplification of DYZ1 repeat should not be used as the only index for determining genetic sex, at least in sporting events.
Musculoskeletal injuries in the ultramarathon: the 1990 Westfield Sydney to Melbourne run.
Authors: Fallon K E
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To document the injuries sustained by participants in a 1005 km ultramarathon. METHODS: Clinical notes were reviewed on entrants in the 1005 km Sydney to Melbourne ultramarathon. An injury was recorded following self referral by a participant or if the history obtained from the runner or his support crew indicated the likelihood of a significant injury which could have an impact upon performance. RESULTS: 64 injuries were found in 32 runners. The knee (31.3%) and ankle (28.1%) regions were most commonly injured. The most common single diagnosis was retropatellar pain syndrome, and Achilles tendinitis and medial tibial stress syndrome were the next most common injuries. Peritendinitis/tendinitis of the tendons passing under the extensor retinaculum at the ankle, an injury infrequently reported in other sports, was common (19% of all injuries). CONCLUSIONS: The injuries were typically associated with running but 12 (19% of the total) involved the tendons of the muscles of the anterior compartment of the lower leg, and in almost every case the major site of inflammation was at the extensor retinaculum at the anterior aspect of the ankle. This injury appears to be relatively specific to the ultramarathon-"ultramarathoner's ankle".
Injury in rugby league: a four year prospective survey.
Authors: Stephenson S , Gissane C , Jennings D
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of injury in English professional rugby league over a period of four playing seasons. METHODS: All injuries that were received by players during match play were recorded. Each injury was classified according to site, type, player position, team playing for, activity at the time of injury, and time off as a result of injury. RESULTS: The overall injury rate was 114 (95% confidence interval 105 to 124) per 1000 playing hours, the most frequent type of injury were muscular injuries [34 (29 to 40) per 1000 playing hours], while the most frequently injured site was the head and neck region [38 (16 to 25) per 1000 playing hours]. Players received the largest percentage of injuries when being tackled [46.3% (41.9 to 50.7)], most injuries required less than one week away from playing and training [70.1% (66.1 to 74.2)], and forwards had a higher injury rate than backs (139 v 93 injuries per 1000 hours). CONCLUSIONS: The high rates of injury in rugby league are undoubtedly due to the high amount of bodily contact in the game. Being tackled has the highest risk of injury, because of being hit forcibly by other players. Forwards suffer higher injury rates than backs, probably because they are involved in a larger number of physical collisions.
Pneumomediastinum in a surf lifesaver.
Authors: Fallon K E , Foster K
Published: December 2008

Pneumomediastinum is an uncommon complication of sporting activity. The case of a young asthmatic surf lifesaver is reported in which several factors are thought to have been involved in the aetiology of his condition. Treatment was expectant and a full recovery was made over a short period. This is the first reported case of pneumomediastinum occurring following training for a surf belt race.
Late deterioration after decompression illness affecting the spinal cord.
Authors: Dyer J , Millac P
Published: December 2008

A former amateur diver presented with a progressive paraparesis. Thirteen years previously he had developed acute spinal cord dysfunction immediately after dry hyperbaric exposure. He had completely recovered motor function in the intervening period. No alternative reason for the later decline emerged from detailed investigation.
Towards the development of a standard test procedure for mouthguard assessment
Authors: Greasley A , Karet B
Published: December 2008

A simulated upper jaw, made from a rubber arch containing replaceable ceramic teeth and a renewable composite jawbone, offers promise in assessing the performance of custom made mouthguard designs. Impact tests, involving precise assessment of jaw and tooth fractures caused by projectiles of various energies and profiles, simulate conditions that approximate to common clinical observation. Such conditions offer the most sensitive indices for assessing both improved mouthguard designs and product quality and reliability. Damage caused by the dissipation of the impact energy may be transferred within this simulated oral cavity by minor changes to the impact conditions.
Energy and macronutrient intakes of professional football (soccer) players.
Authors: Maughan R J
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To examine the dietary habits of professional soccer players at two Scottish Premier League clubs during the competitive season. METHODS: A study of the dietary intake of 51 professional soccer players with two different clubs was carried out by the seven day weighed intake method. RESULTS: Physical characteristics of the two groups of players were similar, with only small differences in age and body mass but no difference in height and body fat. Mean (SD) daily energy intake for club A was 11.0 (2.6) MJ, and for club B 12.8 (2.2) MJ. The higher energy intake at club B was largely accounted for by a higher (P < 0.005) fat intake (118 v 93 g d-1): there was no difference in the absolute amounts of protein, carbohydrate, or alcohol consumed. When expressed as a fraction of total energy intake, mean protein intake was higher (P < 0.05) and fat intake lower (P < 0.01) at club A. CONCLUSIONS: The mean energy intake of these players was not high compared with athletes in endurance sports. Fractional contribution of the macronutrients to total energy intake was broadly similar to that of the general population.
Is balance impaired by recurrent sprained ankle?
Authors: Isakov E , Mizrahi J
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate uninjured and recurrent sprained ankles during single leg standing, both with and without visual input, and the contribution of related proprioceptive feedback in this event. METHODS: A force measuring system was used for monitoring reaction forces in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions during single leg standing. Differences between selected variables obtained in the uninjured and sprained ankles were analysed using two way analysis of variance. RESULTS: Foot-ground reaction forces in both anteroposterior and mediolateral directions were the same in normal and sprained ankles of each subject while standing with either open or closed eyes. However, standing with closed eyes, irrespective of the ankle status, always produced significantly higher reaction forces than those obtained with open eyes (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The amount of postural sway during single leg standing is similar in the chronically sprained and the uninjured ankle joint.
Ring avulsion injuries and the basketball player.
Authors: Pynn B R , Bartkiw T P , Clarke H M
Published: December 2008

As basketball increases in worldwide popularity, more epidemiological data on injury rate and type will be documented. A serious ring avulsion injury (Urbaniuk Class I) is here reported in an adolescent incurred while attempting a slam dunk. The management of this injury is discussed as well as safety concerns for coaches and supervisory staff.
An investigation into the relation between step height and ground reaction forces in step exercise: a pilot study.
Authors: Maybury M C , Waterfield J
Published: December 2008

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect that changing step height had on ground reaction force. Using a randomised crossover design, 12 volunteers with no previous experience of step aerobics were recruited to perform at three different step heights: 6, 8 and 10 inches. Subjects performed a basic step at a cadence of 120 beats/min and performed three one minute trials during which ground reaction force was measured. Measurement of peak impact force, time to achieve peak impact, and total time of foot contact was made, and impulse of the force was calculated. Statistically significant differences were found to exist for peak impact force between the 6 and 8 inch and 6 and 10 inch, but not between the 8 and 10 inch conditions. No significant differences were found in any other parameters. The study supports the present advice that participants should use low step heights, and possible mechanisms of injury are discussed.
Influence of players' physique on rugby football injuries.
Authors: Lee A J , Myers J L , Garraway W M
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether there is an association between a player's physique and injuries incurred while playing rugby football. METHODS: A cohort study was carried out involving all senior rugby clubs in the Scottish Borders during the 1993-1994 rugby season. Somatotype estimates were determined for 1152 (95%) of the 1216 eligible players. Body mass index (BMI), chest to waist ratio, and the ponderal index (PI) were used to classify players' physique as endomorphic (obese), mesomorphic (muscular), and ectomorphic (linear). RESULTS: A strong association was found between physique and age (chi 2 test: chi 2 = 317.2, df = 10, P < 0.0001). More younger players were ectomorphs. Older players were more often endomorphic. The physiques of forwards and backs were significantly different (chi 2 test: chi 2 = 58.6, df = 2, P < 0.0001), with forwards being of a heavier build than three-quarters, even after adjustment for age. Endomorphic players were more likely than ectomorphs to be injured in a match after adjustment for age (age-adjusted mean BMI for players who were injured in a match was 25.4 compared with 24.6 for players who were not injured in a match, P < 0.0001; adjusted chest to waist ratio means were 1.136 and 1.125 respectively, P = 0.0307; adjusted PI means were 0.414 and 0.417 respectively, P = 0.0056). Increased risk of injury may occur when players play out of position, since one fifth of all injuries occurred in this circumstance. CONCLUSIONS: Further research needs to be conducted using a more objective method of measuring somatotype on a further cohort of players so that the risk of injury for different body types can be examined more closely and related to other potential confounding factors. The level of increased risk for individuals playing out of their usual playing position needs to be established with a greater degree of certainty.
Responses of young girls to two modes of aerobic training.
Authors: Welsman J R , Armstrong N , Withers S
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the physiological effects of two different three times a week, eight week training programmes on the aerobic fitness of nine to ten year old girls. METHODS: Treadmill determined peak VO2, submaximal heart rates, and submaximal blood lactate were the criterion measures. Seventeen girls completed a programme of "aerobics" training where sessions lasted 20-25 minutes. Eighteen girls followed a cycle ergometer training programme which involved pedalling continuously for 20 minutes with the heart rate maintained between 160 and 170 beats/minute. A control group of 16 girls completed the criterion tests but did not train. In the cycle ergometer group and eight control subjects plasma total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein cholesterol were determined before and after training. RESULTS: Peak VO2 did not change significantly with training in either training group, neither were there any significant changes in submaximal heart rates. Blood lactate declined significantly at the two lowest submaximal exercise intensities in the cycle ergometer training group (from 2.3 (1.1) to 1.4 (0.06) mmol/l at stage 1 and from 2.1 (1.2) to 1.6 (0.06) mmol/l at stage 2; means (SD); P < 0.01). Total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein cholesterol remained unchanged with training. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that an eight week structured exercise programme produces minimal changes in either the aerobic fitness or blood lipids of young girls. It may be more beneficial for long term health to promote enjoyment in activity and positive attitudes to exercise rather than attempting to enhance aerobic fitness through strenuous exercise programmes.
Recovery from infectious mononucleosis after altitude training in an elite middle distance runner.
Authors: Bailey D M , Davies B , Budgett R , Gandy G
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES: This investigation was designed to monitor altitude acclimatisation in an elite cohort of distance runners and follow the subsequent recovery from infectious mononucleosis which developed in one of these athletes. METHODS: Twenty six national standard distance runners performed treadmill tests 24 days before they travelled to an altitude camp (1500 to 2000 m). One of these athletes was diagnosed as suffering from infectious mononucleosis 14 days after return to sea level. A physician prescribed an individualised training programme which was designed to maximise recovery from the condition, which was monitored on days 16 and 147 after altitude training. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that the athlete was in a state of over-reaching during the altitude sojourn. After return to sea level, the early stages of infectious mononucleosis resulted in a marked impairment in physiological response to endurance exercise, which improved over time. Longitudinal physiological monitoring in conjunction with a carefully prescribed training programme made recovery from this condition possible.
Management of groin pain in athletes.
Authors: Fricker P A
Published: December 2008

Groin pain is a difficult clinical problem because of the variety of conditions that are potentially responsible. Much of the "theory" of groin pain is just that, theory, and much needs to be done to document the pathomechanics and symptomatology of this anatomical region. Notwithstanding the above, clinicians should be comfortable in the knowledge that they can provide relief in most cases and a cure in more than a few. The recommended diagnostic approach is anatomical, supported by judicious selection of diagnostic imaging techniques. Management then comprises a considered approach to functional recovery, allowing time to heal, regain strength, and restore mobility. Patients should be reminded that there are no short cuts and precipitate return to sport is not worth the risk in most cases.
Orienteering competition injuries: injuries incurred in the Finnish Jukola and Venla relay competitions.
Authors: Linko P E , Blomberg H K , Frilander H M
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to find out the amount, type, and localisation of acute orienteering injuries in the 1995 Finnish Jukola (men's) and Venla (women's) relay competitions with 9724 participants. METHODS: Patient data were collected on a preplanned form at the first aid station. RESULTS: There were 244 acute competition injuries. The overall injury incidence was 2.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.2 to 2.8), 2.3% in the men's relay and 3.2% in the women's relay, and the difference between incidences among men and women was statistically significant (odds ratio (OR) 1.4; 95% CI 1.1 to 1.9). The injury rates were also calculated per 1000 competition hours and per 1000 km and were 15.4 and 2.6 respectively. Most of the injuries could be treated at the first aid station. Female orienteers had more blisters (OR 4.4; 95% CI 2.5 to 7.9) and fewer wounds (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.2 to 1.0) than male orienteers. Injuries occurred mostly in the lower extremities (70%), and ankle sprains accounted for 25% of all injuries. Injuries were more common during the first leg of both relays. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the heavy workload in a first aid station of a big orienteering relay competition. It indicates a difference in injuries between the sexes and in the different stages of the relay, which should be further investigated in order to prevent orienteering competition injuries.
Time course of changes in bilateral arm power of swimmers during recovery from injury using a swim bench.
Authors: Swaine I L
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES: There has been little research on the time course of recovery from injury in athletes. This is especially the case for recovery in arm power in injured swimmers. The purpose of this study was to compare the power output of the injured and non-injured arms of swimmers during recovery from injury by use of a maximal exercise test on a computer interfaced isokinetic swim bench. METHODS: Thirteen swimmers (five men and eight women; age 18.8 (3.2) years; stature 1.76 (0.05) m; body mass 61.7 (5.9) kg; mean (SD)) gave written informed consent and were recruited to this study throughout a three year period. All subjects had experienced non-aquatic soft tissue injury to their dominant-side shoulder or upper arm in the three months before participation, but had been allowed to return to swimming training. All of the subjects had injured their dominant arm and the mean time for absence from training was 3.7 (1.1) weeks. At return to training and at four, eight, and twelve weeks thereafter, subjects performed two all-out 30 second tests on the swim bench by simulating the swimming arm action. From these tests, peak power output (PPO), mean power output (MPO), and power decay (PD) for each arm during the 30 seconds of exercise could be determined by averaging the two tests. The differences between return to training and the four, eight, and twelve week periods were analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance with Tukey b post hoc test. RESULTS: The repeated testing showed 95% confidence intervals of +/- 11.4 W for PPO, +/- 9.5 W for MPO and +/- 0.5 for PD. When the swimmers returned to training the results showed that PPO was 179 (21.9) v 111 (18.1) W (P = 0.02), MPO was 122 (9.8) v 101 (8.8) W (P = 0.01), and PD was 2.5 (0.6) v 5.2 (1.9) (P = 0.001) for non-injured and injured arms respectively (all values mean (SEM)). There were similar differences at four weeks which disappeared after eight weeks, except for that of PPO which was still evident (187.3 (21.9) v 156.8 (18.1) W; P = 0.01). At 12 weeks there were no differences between the non-injured and injured arm on any of the indices of arm power (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that, using the swim bench power test, differences in bilateral arm power output after injury persist for at least eight weeks after return to swimming training. These findings support the need for prolonged rehabilitation after such injury. This would best include physiotherapy and a training programme within which special consideration is given to the recuperation process.
What is the optimal type of physical activity to enhance health?
Authors: Shephard R J
Published: December 2008

This review examines the potential of active daily living as a means of gaining the cardiovascular and health rewards previously sought through vigorous aerobic fitness programmes. Cross-sectional studies of occupational and leisure activity show encouraging associations between such activity and good health; in workers, the gross intensity of effort needed for health benefits has seemed to be 20 kJ/min. There has been less unanimity on the threshold intensity needed in leisure activities, but various recent "position statements" have decreased the recommendation to 50% of an individual's maximal oxygen intake, sustained for one hour three to five times per week. Life-style activities such as walking seem likely to reach this intensity in older individuals, but are unlikely to do so in young adults. A growing number of controlled longitudinal studies of walking programmes have demonstrated gains in aerobic fitness, modest reductions in blood pressure, improvements in lipid profile, increased bone density, and enhanced mood state, with less consistent reductions of body fat. However, gains have been greatest in the elderly, sedentary, and obese populations. The main component of active living, fast walking, seems likely to enhance health in such populations, but it is unlikely to be effective in young adults who are in good initial health.
Assessing agreement between measurements recorded on a ratio scale in sports medicine and sports science.
Authors: Nevill A M , Atkinson G
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: The consensus of opinion suggests that when assessing measurement agreement, the most appropriate statistic to report is the "95% limits of agreement". The precise form that this interval takes depends on whether a positive relation exists between the differences in measurement methods (errors) and the size of the measurements--that is, heteroscedastic errors. If a positive and significant relation exists, the recommended procedure is to report "the ratio limits of agreement" using log transformed measurements. This study assessed the prevalence of heteroscedastic errors when investigating measurement agreement of variables recorded on a ratio scale in sports medicine and sports science. METHODS: Measurement agreement (or repeatability) was assessed in 13 studies (providing 23 examples) conducted in the Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University over the past five years. RESULTS: The correlation between the absolute differences and the mean was positive in all 23 examples (median r = 0.37), eight being significant (P < 0.05). In 21 of 23 examples analysed, the correlation was greater than the equivalent correlation using log transformed measurements (median r = 0.01). Based on a simple meta-analysis, the assumption that no relation exists between the measurement differences and the size of measurement must be rejected (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: When assessing measurement agreement of variables recorded on a ratio scale in sports medicine and sports science, this study (23 examples) provides strong evidence that heteroscedastic errors are the norm. If the correlation between the absolute measurement differences and the means is positive (but not necessarily significant) and greater than the equivalent correlation using log transformed measurements, the authors recommend reporting the "ratio limits of agreement".
Playing with metal: fracture implants and contact sport.
Authors: Evans N A , Evans R O
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcome of athletes returning to contact sport with indwelling fracture implants. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of professional rugby union players competing in the South Wales premier league. RESULTS: Fifteen athletes were identified who had returned to competitive rugby union with retained fracture implants during the period 1990-97. After fracture fixation, the players resumed their preinjury level of contact sport within one to 12 months. Only two athletes suffered complications in relation to the retained implant, whereas the other 13 athletes played for up to six years without symptoms. CONCLUSION: The results from this preliminary series suggest that an early return to contact sport is feasible in selected cases. Avoiding the extended delay associated with implant removal affords not only minimal disruption to competitive participation, but also prevents prolonged financial losses for the professional player.
Effects of tennis training on lipid metabolism and lipoproteins in recreational players.
Authors: Ferrauti A , Weber K , Strüder H K
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the short term effects of tennis training on lipid metabolism and to find out if a typical tennis training programme has positive longitudinal effects on cardiovascular risk factors in recreational players. METHODS: The experimental design consisted of an exercise study and a subsequent longitudinal study. In the exercise study the short term metabolic effects of a two hour technically orientated tennis training (TT) session and a running intensive tennis training (RIT) session were investigated in 16 recreational tennis players (eight men: 46 (SD 7) years, 177 (6) cm, 81 (10) kg; and eight women: 44 (5) years, 165 (5) cm, 64 (6) kg). In the longitudinal study the long term effects of a six week RIT programme in 22 players (11 men and 11 women) of similar characteristics were compared with those in 16 control subjects (eight men and eight women). The results of the exercise study (higher lipolytic activity and cardiopulmonary demand, as well as acceptance by the players) led to the RIT method being chosen for all training sessions in the longitudinal study. RESULTS: In RIT, significantly higher values for heart rate (148 (SD 10) v 124 (11) beats/minute) and lactate (2.8 (1.1) v 1.5 (0.6) mmol/l), significantly higher post exercise concentrations of serum glycerol (0.37 (0.15) v 0.29 (0.14) mmol/l) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.31 (0.55) v 1.20 (0.50) mmol/l) and a higher acceptance than in TT (15 of the 16 players preferred RIT) were found. During the six week tennis training programme the changes in body weight (-1.41 (1.56) v 0.00 (1.50) kg) and anaerobic threshold (1.04 (0.84) v -0.08 (0.92) km/h) were significantly different between the training and control group. In the training group several parameters of the lipoprotein profile tended to change in an antiatherosclerotic direction. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that typical regular tennis training influences cardiovascular risk factors in a positive manner and can be suggested as an attractive alternative to other current health orientated sports programmes. A more frequent use of running intensive exercises during tennis training is recommended.
Exercise and heart disease: cardiac findings in fatal cycle accidents.
Authors: Kennedy A
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: Regular cyclists have been found to have a lower incidence of coronary events (CHD) than the general public. Non-invasive studies have found that competitive cyclists develop a cardiac hypertrophy that is physiological and reversible. METHODS: To obtain pathological support for these observations, the postmortem findings of 32 cyclists killed in accidents have been compared with those in a control group of 32 other road traffic accidents, which were matched with the cyclists by sex, age, and year of death. FINDINGS: Large myocardial scars and complete blockage of a coronary artery were only found in the controls; serious stenoses of coronary arteries (> 50%) were found in eight controls but in only one of the cyclists. Of the cyclists, 25 had normal coronary arteries as compared with 14 of the controls. The mean age of the cyclists with evidence of CHD was greater than that of similarly affected controls. The heart weights of the two groups were almost the same but heart weight varied with the degree of CHD. The heart weight of the healthy cyclists (389 g) was greater than that of the healthy controls (371 g) but this was not statistically significant. INTERPRETATION: The results are in keeping with the concept that regular exercise provides some protection from the development of CHD and that cycling may be a valuable form of exercise in this respect. This may be of importance as the number of physically active occupations declines.
Comparison of lung volume in Greek swimmers, land based athletes, and sedentary controls using allometric scaling.
Authors: Doherty M , Dimitriou L
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE: To compare lung volumes in a large cross sectional sample of Greek swimmers, land based athletes, and sedentary controls by means of allometric scaling. METHODS: Four hundred and fifty nine asymptomatic Greek children and young adults (age 10-21 years), including 159 swimmers, 130 land based athletes, and 170 sedentary controls, performed forced expiratory manoeuvres into a portable spirometer. Measurements included forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1.0), and peak expiratory flow. Body mass and stature were also measured using standardised anthropometric techniques. RESULTS: Logarithmic transformations showed that in FEV1.0 was highly related to in stature in males and females (r = 0.93 and 0.86 respectively, P < 0.001) and were used to determine the exponent in an allometric equation which also included age and age. Resulting power functions, FEV1.0/stature, were 0.64 (0.18) litres/m2.69 and 0.33 (0.24) litres/m2.32 for males and females respectively (mean (SE)). The male and female swimming groups had larger FEV1.0 than both land based athletes and sedentary controls (one way analysis of variance, P < 0.001). In addition, male national standard swimmers (n = 38) had superior FEV1.0 in comparison with male non-national standard swimmers (n = 24; t test, P < 0.05). However, when years of swimming training was controlled for by analysis of covariance, the difference in FEV1.0 between the two groups was no longer evident. CONCLUSIONS: Swimmers have superior FEV1.0 independent of stature and age in comparison with both land based athletes and sedentary controls. In addition, male national standard swimmers have superior FEV1.0 independent of stature and age in comparison with male non-national standard swimmers. When years of training is controlled for, the difference in FEV1.0 between the two groups is no longer evident. This suggests that the years of swimming training and/or the earlier age at which training begins may have a significant influence on subsequent FEV1.0 and swimming performance. However, because of the cross sectional nature of this study, the results do not exclude genetic endowment as a major determinant of the superior lung volume observed in swimmers.
THEORY OF CONTROL AND MODEL APPLICATION IN THE STUDY OF PHYSIOLOGY OF SPORTS AND TRAINING
Authors: Moutzithropoulos C.
Published: December 2008

Proposals are presented for a number of mathematical models of the various physiological systems which may prove useful in obtaining and integrating data about the functioning of these systems, especially the cardiovascular and locomotor ones.
Maintenance of Hydration in “Post-Coronary” Marathon Runners
Authors: Kavanagh T. , Shephard R. J.
Published: December 2008

Three post-coronary patients participated in the Hawaiian Marathon race in December 1973, covering the 26¼ miles in 250-259 minutes at an average speed of 6.1-6.3 mph. Preloading with 850 ml. of a proprietary electrolyte/glucose solution “Erg”, and further 300 ml. drinks of the same fluid every 30 min. were sufficient to maintain a state of hyperhydration, as evidenced both by calculations of water balance and objective measures of red cell count and haematocrit; it is argued that substantial dehydration need not be incurred even in younger runners with much higher sweat rates. The “Erg” preparation provided good stabilisation of plasma sodium ion concentrations, but potassium ions rose by the end of the race. Substantial increments of L.D.H. and S.G.O.T. persisted three hours after a race, making a careful exercise history important to the diagnosis of myocardial infarction. Glucose levels had reached the lower limit of normal by the end of the race, and rises of blood urea suggested some protein catabolism; however, cholesterol levels remained substantially unchanged. A small increase of blood bilirubin was noted during and after the race.
Technique and Observation of Angular Gait Patterns in Running
Authors: Sykes K.
Published: December 2008

A technique for the biomechanical analysis of running is described with specific reference to the angular displacement patterns of the lower limb. From high speed cine film recording profile views of the running gait, the Thigh, Knee and Ankle angles are measured during one complete cycle. Results are presented in the form of vector-space diagrams, namely Thigh-Knee angle and Knee-Ankle angle cyclograms. The diagrams are interpreted and some experimental observations are presented and discussed.

The technique provides a useful research tool and a very good `teaching asset' for biomechanical studies of movement.
REACHABILITY GRAPH-BASED TEST SEQUENCE GENERATION FOR CONCURRENT PROGRAMS
Authors: WONG W. ERIC , LEI YU
Published: December 2008

One common approach to test sequence generation for structurally testing concurrent programs involves constructing a reachability graph (RG) and selecting a set of paths from the graph to satisfy some coverage criterion. It is often suggested that test sequence generation methods for testing sequential programs based on a control flow graph (CFG) can also be used to select paths from an RG for testing concurrent programs. However, there is a major difference between these two, as the former suffers from a feasibility problem (i.e., some paths in a CFG may not be feasible at run-time) and the latter does not. As a result, even though test sequence generation methods for sequential programs can be applied to concurrent programs, they may not be efficient. We propose four methods — two based on hot spot prioritization and two based on topological sort — to effectively generate a small set of test sequences that covers all the nodes in an RG. The same methods are also applied to the corresponding dual graph for generating test sequences to cover all the edges. A case study was conducted to demonstrate the use of our methods.
A NEW APPROACH TO VERIFY STATECHART SPECIFICATIONS FOR REACTIVE SYSTEMS
Authors: MO YUCHANG , YANG XINMIN
Published: December 2008

The application domain, such as communication networks and embedded controllers for telephony, automobiles, trains and avionics systems, requires very high quality reactive systems, so an important phase in the development of reactive systems is the verification of their conceptual models before implementation. Normally in the requirement analysis phase, system property can be represented as an input and output labeled transition system (IOLTS), which is a transition system labeled by inputs and outputs between the system and the environment. This paper describes an attempt to propose an approach to verify Statechart specifications for reactive systems given IOLTS property specifications. We develop a suitable semantics model — observable semantics, an abstract semantics model only which describes outside observable behavior and suffers from less state explosion problem by reducing infinite or large state spaces to small ones. Then we propose two methods to verify the conformance between a given IOLTS property specification and a Statechart specification: two-phase verification and on-the-fly verification. Compared with two-phase verification, on-the-fly verification needs less storage and computation-time, especially when the target Statechart specification is very large or likely to have many errors.
FETUS IN FETU — A CASE REPORT
Authors: Ye Qibin , Pang Xiaodong , Gao Jianhua , Wang Hong , Ning Lihong
Published: December 2008

We report the case of a 12-year-old girl with an unusual "third upper extremity" developed in her back around the axis. Radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography scan, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed the development of a complex deformity comprised of long bones and fluid, largely resembling an upper limb; as well as a fluid-filled membrane sac whose contents favored a fetus in fetu.
A STUDY OF MICROPOLAR FLUID IN AN ANNULAR TUBE WITH APPLICATION TO BLOOD FLOW
Authors: MUTHU P. , RATHISH KUMAR B. V. , CHANDRA PEEYUSH
Published: December 2008

The oscillatory flow of micropolar fluid in an annular region with constriction, provided by variation of the outer tube radius, is investigated. It is assumed that the local constriction varies slowly over the cross-section of the annular region. The nonlinear governing equations of the flow are solved using a perturbation method to determine the flow characteristics. The effect of micropolar fluid parameters on mean flow and pressure variables is presented.
SEGMENTATION OF HEART SOUNDS AND HEART MURMURS
Authors: HAMZA CHERIF L. , DEBBAL S. M. , BEREKSI-REGUIG F.
Published: December 2008

Heart murmurs are often the first signs of pathological changes of the heart valves, and are usually found during auscultation in primary health care. Many pathological conditions of the cardiovascular system cause murmurs and aberrations in heart sounds. Phonocardiography provides the clinician with a complementary tool to record the heart sounds heard during auscultation. The advancement of intracardiac phonocardiography, combined with modern digital processing techniques, has strongly renewed researchers' interest in studying heart sounds and murmurs. This paper presents an algorithm for the detection of heart sounds (the first and second sounds, S1 and S2) and heart murmurs. The segmentation algorithm, which separates the heart signal (or the phonocardiogram (PCG) signal), is based on the normalized average Shannon energy of the PCG signal. This algorithm makes it possible to isolate individual sounds (S1 or S2) and murmurs to give an assessment of their average duration.