bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SMALL MULTIFIDUS MUSCLE SIZE PREDICTS FOOTBALL INJURIES
Authors: Hides J , Stanton W , Smith M , Mendis D , Sexton M 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundIn Australian Football, hip, groin and thigh (HGT) muscle injuries have had the highest incidence and prevalence. A previous study showed that football players with relatively more severe pre-season ‘HGT’ injuries had a significantly smaller size of the multifidus muscle.ObjectiveThis study was designed to examine the robustness of multifidus muscle measurements as a predictor of lower limb injuries incurred by Australian Football League players.DesignThis was a prospective quasi-experimental research design. Muscle measurements were conducted at the start of the pre-season to predict pre-season injuries, and at the start of the playing season to predict injuries in the playing season.SettingPlayers from 6 clubs of the Australian National football league were eligible for inclusion (n=275). Players were assessed on club premises.ParticipantsAssessments were conducted on 259 elite football players for the pre-season (94.2% of eligible players), and 261 players at the start the playing season (94.9%).Risk factor assessmentMorphology of the multifidus muscle was assessed using ultrasound imaging. Injury data were obtained from records collected by the AFL club staff during the pre-season and the playing season.Main outcome measurementsThe dependent variable in the binomial logistic regression was occurrence of lower limb injuries in the pre-season and the playing season.ResultsA lower limb injury was incurred by 38.2% of the players in the pre-season and 69.5% of the players in the playing season. A new model using cross-sectional area of the multifidus muscle reliably and consistently predicted lower limb injury in both the pre-season and playing season. In the season, ‘kicking leg’ was related to injury.ConclusionsThe results of this study have established the predictive power of multifidus muscle size to predict injury in elite football players. These results provide a strong direction for clinicians who screen and treat athletes.
RECURRENT MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AMONGST A COHORT OF RUGBY UNION PLAYERS
Authors: Hollis S , Heller G , Stevenson M , Schofield P 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundCommunity, or non-professional, rugby has a high incidence of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Risk of further mTBI, or long term consequences of repeat mTBI, is an emerging public health issue.ObjectiveTo identify the time to recurrent mTBI and key predictors for time to recurrent mTBI among community rugby players.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingRugby union players from Sydney, Australia playing in grade, suburban and school-level community competitions.ParticipantsA cohort of 3 207 male players was recruited pre-season and followed between one and three playing seasons. Demographic information, player characteristics and concussion history was collected. Players sustaining an mTBI were recorded and information pertaining to the injury, recovery and return-to-play was collected over three months.Risk factor assessmentLoss of consciousness and post-traumatic amnesia.Main outcome measurementsTime to mTBI, namely, the number of hours of game exposure played up to the time the player sustained a first and repeat mTBI.ResultsPlayers were more likely to sustain a second mTBI if they experienced loss of consciousness (LOC) or post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) with their first mTBI. Players who experienced LOC with their first mTBI were three times more likely to sustain a second mTBI compared to those who did not experience LOC (P=.037). Players who experienced PTA with their first mTBI were 2.5 times more likely to sustain a second mTBI compared to those who did not experience PTA (P=.059).ConclusionsCommunity rugby players are three times more likely to sustain a subsequent mTBI if they experienced a LOC with their first mTBI, and 2.5 times more likely if they experienced PTA. It is recommended that coaches and support staff identify players who experience LOC or PTA with their mTBI in order to prevent or delay subsequent mTBIs from being sustained by the player.
SUBSEQUENT INJURY DURING INJURY RECOVERY IN ELITE ATHLETICS: COHORT STUDY IN SWEDISH MALE AND FEMALE ATHLETES
Authors: Jacobsson J , Timpka T , Kowalski J , Ekberg J , Nilsson S , Dahlström Ö , Renström P 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundIn elite athletics, epidemiological studies covering cross-discipline populations of athletes have reported a heavy burden of injuries related to overuse. Many athletes continue to expose themselves to extensive training and competition loads while suffering from partial time loss injuries (forcing them to change their practice schedules).ObjectiveTo examine risk indicators associated with sustaining a secondary (subsequent) injury while recovering from a primary (index) injury.DesignProspective epidemiological study using web-based data collection.SettingSwedish elite youth (U17) and adult athletics athletes. Data were collected between March 2009 and March 2010.Participants292 youth and adult athletes (91%) responded regularly to web-based questionnaires from an eligible study population of 321 athletes.Risk factor assessmentAthlete's sex, age, event group and training load.Main outcome measuresSecondary new injury during recovery from a primary (index) injury.ResultsA total of 122 (42 %) of the athletes reported more than one injury during the study period. Multiple Cox proportional hazards regression analyses revealed risk differences with regard to event group (P=.006) and training load (P=.047) for athletes who sustained a secondary new injury during recovery from a first injury; athletes in the combined events group (hazard ratio (HR) 4.14; 95% CI 1.82–9.40) had almost a fourfold increased risk compared to jumpers and throwers and athletes in the third TLRI quartile (HR=2.02; 95% CI 1.29–3.63) a twofold risk for sustaining a secondary injury compared with their peers.ConclusionsThe risk for sustaining a new secondary injury while recovering from a primary injury is high among athletics athletes. Competing in combined events and a high score in the training load index (combining hours and intensity) are associated with particularly increased risk. Further studies measuring training content during the rehabilitation period and development of protocols for safe return to athletics are warranted.
RISKS OF INTENSE, SPECIALIZED TRAINING AND GROWTH FOR INJURY IN YOUNG ATHLETES: A CLINICAL EVALUATION
Authors: Jayanthi N , Dugas L , Fischer D , Pasulka J , LaBella C 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThere is little data evaluating the risk for serious overuse injury in young athletes focusing on a single-sport or during growth spurts, in a clinical-based population.ObjectiveTo determine whether sports specialization, weekly training volumes, and growth rates are associated with increased risk for injury and serious overuse injury in young athletes.DesignCase-control study.SettingInjured young athletes ages (7–18yr) were recruited from sports medicine clinics and compared to healthy controls from primary care clinics presenting for sports physicals in 2 medical centers.ParticipantsThere were 1206 participants (50.7% male) who were evaluated at baseline while longitudinal follow up data collection for up to 3 years is ongoing at time of submission.Risk factor assessmentIndependent variables included hours/week of organized sports, free play, gym, sports specialization, and growth rate.Main outcome measurementsDependent variables included total injuries, acute injuries, overuse injuries, and serious overuse injuries.ResultsInjured athletes were older than uninjured athletes (14.1 +/−2.1 vs. 12.9 y/o +/−2.6, P<.001) and reported a higher avg. hrs/wk playing organized sports (11.3+/−6.9 vs. 9.4 +/−8.2 hr, P<.001). Picking a main sport to focus on one sport was an independent risk factor for injury even after adjusting for hrs/week in total sports activity and age (OR 1.48 P<.05). Young athletes participating in more sports hrs/wk than their age (P<.05) and participating in>2 times organized sports:free play were more likely to have a serious overuse injury (P=.001). Annual calculated growth rates did not impact injury status (4.76 vs 4.79 cm/yr,injured vs. uninjured respectively).ConclusionsInjured young athletes are older, spend more time in organized sports, and specialize. Our data support the need for counseling young specialized athletes as to the risks for overuse injury.
INJURIES CAN BE PREVENTED IN CONTACT FLAG FOOTBALL!
Authors: Kaplan Y , Witvrouw E , Myklebust G , Nyska M , Plamanovich E , Victor J 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundEpidemiological studies in American Flag Football have revealed a high incidence of injuries. No previous study has attempted to prevent injuries.ObjectiveTo significantly reduce the incidence and the severity of injuries in an intervention cohort as compared to a two-season historical cohort, and to provide recommendations to the International Federation of Football (IFAF) pertaining to prevention measures to make the game safer.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingKraft Stadium, Jerusalem, Israel.ParticipantsA total of 1 260 amateur male (mean age: 20.4±3.9 yrs) and 244 female (mean age: 18.5±1.7 yrs) players participated in the study.InterventionsFour prevention measures were implemented: The no-pocket rule, self-fitting mouth guards, ankle braces (for those players with recurrent ankle sprains) and an injury treatment information brochure.Main outcome measuresAll time-loss injuries sustained in game sessions were recorded by the off-the-field medical personnel and followed up by a more detailed phone injury surveillance questionnaire.ResultsThere was an 88% reduction in the total number of injuries, and a significant reduction in the incidence rate and incidence proportion between the intervention cohort as compared to the historical cohort (P<.001). There was a trend towards a reduction in the number of injuries in all body parts, reaching statistical significance in hand/wrist injuries related to the use of pockets (P<.001), as well as the severity of mild-moderate injuries (P<.05).ConclusionsThis study provided evidence that hand/wrist injuries can be significantly reduced in flag football. Recommendations to the IFAF include strict enforcement of the no-pocket rule, the use of soft headgear, comfortable-fitting ankle braces and mouth guards and additionally, to change game rules concerning blocking.
IS OVERWEIGHT A RISK FACTOR FOR SPORTS INJURIES IN SPORTS PARTICIPANTS AGED 4–24 YEARS?
Authors: Kemler E 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundPhysical activity and sports participation are promoted to counteract the increased prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and young adults. Both high BMI and physical activity level have been associated with an increased risk of sports injuries.ObjectiveTo determine the relationship between sports injuries and overweight in sports participants (4–24 years), taking physical activity into account.DesignData were obtained from the 2006–11 ‘Injuries and Physical Activity in the Netherlands’ (OBiN) retrospective survey.SettingOBiN is a continuously executed national survey among Dutch households on accidents, sports injuries and physical activity.ParticipantsAnalyses were based on a representative sample of 3 846 sports participants.Risk factor assessmentA sports activity is a physical activity that, according to the respondent, is associated with the term ‘sports’. Respondents who confirmed that they had participated in any kind of sports activity at least once in the previous 12 months were regarded as sports participants. BMI (weight status) was based on self-reported individual weight and height and was calculated as weight (kg)/height (m)2.Main outcome measurementsSports injuries, the main outcome measurement, were included if they were in accordance with the following definition: 'Physical damage of a musculoskeletal nature, sustained in the recall period as a result of a sudden event during sports activities or as a result of a gradual process related to sports activities.'.ResultsOf all sports participants, 14.7% were overweight. Compared to normal-weight sports participants, the odds of sustaining a sports injury was 0.73 (CI:0.53–1.00, P=.050) for overweight sports participants; the odds for underweight sports participants was 0.80 (CI:0.56–1.15, P=.226).ConclusionsThere is some evidence that overweight sports participants (4–24 years) do not have an increased injury risk compared to normal-weight sports participants, even when the level of physical activity is accounted for.
KEY ISSUES INFLUENCING THE MANAGEMENT OF RISKS IN THE AUSTRALIAN FITNESS INDUSTRY – COMBINING LEGAL PERSPECTIVES WITH INJURY PREVENTION APPROACHES
Authors: Keyzer P , Finch CF , Norton KI , Dietrich J , Sekendiz B. , Coyle I 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThe Australian Fitness Industry Risk Management Project considers 1) How does Australian regulation currently control risk management in the fitness industry and thereby prevent adverse health outcomes and injury, and the legal liability associated with those risks? 2) What sustainable changes could be made to Australian regulation for more effective risk management in the health and fitness industry in order to prevent the risk of adverse health outcomes and injury, and the legal liability associated with those risks?.ObjectiveDevelop new best practice benchmarks to improve safety in the fitness industry and reduce the risk of adverse health and injury outcomes.SettingAustralia-wide fitness facilities.Participants1178 respondents from Australian fitness facilities. 62% female. Mean age, 40 years. 46% self-employed or sole traders. 2% were part-time employees of a fitness facility.InterventionsObservational, ecological study. Based on nominal group technique applied within focus groups in four States of Australia, we developed a national survey that included 45×6-point Likert scale items that were factor analysed. The survey was administered online during May-June 2013 and promoted mainly through social media and direct e-marketing.ResultsFocus group respondents reported (lack of) education and supervision, (poor) technique, (defective) equipment, (unsuitable) environment and overcrowding as principal issues, while also raising issues of scope of practice, defective pre-exercise screening, medical risks associated with de-conditioned clients, inappropriate nutritional advice, inadequacy of qualifications and unrealistic client expectations. The survey designed around these themes identified three key challenges for the fitness industry: management implementation & monitoring of safety policy; client training/education in exercise programmes; and maintenance, design & operation of the facility/equipment.ConclusionThe key challenges require legal and fitness setting specific solutions to address key risks. Ongoing management within the fitness industry will ensure these are appropriate and can be implemented.
MOTION ANALYSIS OF A SINGLE-LIMB SQUAT WITH ISOKINETIC RESISTANCE
Authors: Kimura Y , Koyanagi M , Koyanagi K , Mukai K , Naruhiko N , Sakai T , Tada S , Satoda Y , Inoue Y , Inoue A 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundResistive lateral leg reach exercise (RLLR), a single-limb squat with resistance, increases load on the gluteal muscles and is effective for preventing knee valgus moment, a major factor in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. To enhance the load during RLLR, we devised a novel isokinetic exercise machine.ObjectiveTo investigate the biomechanical and electromyographic (EMG) characteristics of the support leg during RLLR with isokinetic resistance (RLLR-I).DesignQuasi-experimental.SettingControlled laboratory setting.Participants8 asymptomatic recreational-level female college athletes.InterventionParticipants performed RLLR-I and lateral leg reach without resistance (LLR). The resistance device was set to 25 cm/s during RLLR-I. A three-dimensional motion capture system and force plate were used for motion analysis. Surface electrodes recorded the EMG at each muscle site: gluteus maximus (GMa), gluteus medius (GMe), rectus femoris, vastus medialis (VM), biceps femoris, adductor longus, soleus, and gastrocnemius.Main outcome measurementsThe external knee valgus/varus moment and the internal joint moment of the support leg were calculated using software. EMG root mean squared amplitude was normalized as a percentage of maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC).ResultsRLLR-I was characterized by a significantly larger internal hip abduction moment (2.2±1.0 Nm/kg) and significantly larger VM (152±54 %MVC), GMa (92±47 %MVC), and GMe (97±33 %MVC) activity compared with LLR (hip abduction moment: 1.5±0.7 Nm/kg; VM: 102±40 %MVC; GMa: 35±25 %MVC; and GMe: 38±13 %MVC). No significant external knee valgus moment occurred during RLLR-I.ConclusionRLLR-I serves to increase the load on the VM and gluteal muscles and is effective for preventing external knee valgus moment. These findings suggest that this novel isokinetic exercise will be useful for preventing ACL injury and in rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF KEY SPORTS SAFETY AGENCIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND DISSEMINATION OF SPORT SAFETY POLICIES FOR COMMUNITY SPORT SETTINGS?
Authors: Bekker S , White P , Donaldson A , Cook J , Gabbe B , Lloyd D , Finch CF 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundAlthough sports clubs have a responsibility to protect their players with a safe training and playing environment, little is known about actual safety policies and procedures adopted by community sports clubs. Currently, there is no definitive macro-level sport safety policy available for clubs to implement in Australia. Community sports clubs use micro-policies around issues deemed relevant to their club, which are sourced from various agencies.ObjectiveThis presentation will describe the full range of safety resources (policy documents, guidelines, action plans, research papers, fact sheets, posters, and procedures) as developed and disseminated online by key sports safety agencies in Australia. The gaps and duplications in the set of safety resources will also be identified. Finally, a recommendation around the safety needs of community sports clubs with regards to a macro sports safety policy that covers all relevant aspects which can easily be implemented and adopted will be made.DesignDocument analysis as a qualitative research method.SourcesOnline sport safety documents from key sport safety agencies in Australia.Main outcome measurementsTo determine the relevant sport safety resources available online to community sport clubs through key sport safety agencies.ResultsA collated list of recommended sport safety policies and procedures as developed and disseminated online by key sport safety agencies in Australia, for use by community sports clubs. An analysis of the gaps in current sports safety policy is also discussed.ConclusionsSport safety policies and procedures are currently provided in the form of micro-polices that cover single issues (SunSmart, blood rule, concussion policy etc). It is recommended that key sport safety agencies collaborate to develop a macro-level policy around sport safety that comprehensively covers the full spectrum of safety under one plan that can be easily accessed, adapted and implemented in a variety of community sports club settings.
TIME LOSS AND INJURY CHANGES WITH MULTIDISCIPLINARY PREVENTIVE APPROACH IN FEMALE VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS
Authors: Mendes de Almeida Gomide Leite M , Bolling C , Reis D , Bittencourt N , Gonçalves G 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundYouth volleyball players have high injury rates in shoulder, knee and ankle. Specific preventive programs could reduce time loss and injury severity reflecting in athlete's performance.ObjectiveTo describe the difference in time loss and injuries occurrence after a multidisciplinary prevention approach in youth volleyball athletes.DesignThis is longitudinal and prospective study.SettingThe data colection and interventions were conducted with volleyball players competing in a national level in a Brazilian sports club.Participants42 female youth volleyball athletes with a mean age of 13.8 years (±1.4), body mass of 59.2 (±8.6) kg and height of 171.2 (±5.5 cm ).InterventionA multidisciplinary preventive approach (MPA) was characterized by CORE, knee and ankle stabilization exercises during warm up. Shoulder rotators, gluteus maximus and hamstrings muscles were trained in strengthening sessions.Main outcome measurementsThe MPA was conducted by team's physiotherapist and coach, performed twice a week, with 20 minutes duration. Injuries and time loss was reported by the team's physiotherapist.ResultsThere was a 60% reduction of days out of training and 10% reduction in the number of injuries.ConclusionsMPA reduces the time loss and injuries occurrence in youth volleyball athletes. It is important to design preventive interventions by the injury profile, focusing in most predisposed injured areas. Time loss and lower injury occurrence reflect in athletes' performance.
APPLICATION OF SURVIVAL MODELS IN SPORTS INJURY PREVENTION RESEARCH: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Mahmood A , Ullah S , Finch CF 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundUse of survival models for the analysis of sports injury data has grown rapidly potentially enabling better understanding of time to sports injury events. Choosing an appropriate model is a key consideration for survival analysis of sports injuries.ObjectiveTo identify the application of appropriate survival modelling strategies in sports injury prevention research.DesignSystematic review.SettingStudies were identified by searching six databases and the table of contents of three journals, and evaluated using the PRISMA statement. Reference lists of selected papers were examined to identify additional relevant articles.The search was limited to: original sports injury studies in humans; English-language; published between Jan 1993 and July 2013, inclusive.Main outcome measurementsFeatures of survival models, estimators and graphical approaches.ResultsA total of 2147 articles were identified, of which 103 met the inclusion criteria. There has been an increasing trend in use of survival analysis of sports injury data, with 88.0% of the reviewed articles published since 2005. Models identified were: Univariate Cox regression in 62 studies (60.2%); Multivariate Cox regression in 12 studies (11.7%); both univariate and multivariate cox regression in 12 studies (11.7%), frailty model with Univariate Cox regression, Andersen Gill model, WLW-TT model and PWP-GT model in two studies (1.9%); frailty model only in three studies (2.9 %); and Hurdle regression was used in one study (1.0%). Kaplan Meier only was applied in 11 studies (10.7%). Time to first event was considered in 48 studies (46.6%), and recurrent events in 14 studies (13.6%). Five studies used survival models specific for recurrent events.ConclusionsUse of survival analysis is currently largely limited to modelling of the time to first injury. Even though sports injuries are often recurrent, only in a small number of studies was the correlation structure of recurrent events considered. Future studies should consider recurrent injuries and apply the appropriate survival model.