bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF ELASTICITY CHANGES OF THE CANCELLOUS PART OF VERTEBRAL BODIES OF THE LUMBAR SPINE IN SPORTSMEN PROFESSIONALLY TRAINING STRENGTH AND STAMINA DISCIPLINES
Authors: Ogurkowska M , Lewandowski J 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundUnfavorable biomechanical situations, usually related to the performance of a profession and competitive sports practice, promote formation of overloads. This problem may be particularly perceptible among sportsmen that practice strength and stamina sports. The present study deals with rowing.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the degree of changes of elasticity in the vertebral bodies of the lumbosacral spine in competitive rowers.DesignThe lesions of the intervertebral discs of the lumbosacral spine and the modification of bone structure aiming towards higher density, which were discovered in the tested rowers, resulted in the undertaking of further research in the area of contingent changes in their elasticity.SettingThis research used a previously created original method, which due to the existence of relation between the structure of the bone tissue and its mechanical properties as well as radio-density, uses the possibilities of a computer tomograph.ParticipantsThe research was conducted over 20 athletes from the national team aged 21 to 33, practicing competitive rowing with symmetrical sculling oars.Main outcome measurementsOverload lesions in the athletes (rowers) have a direct relation to the formation of morphological changes (degenerative changes) in the area of tissue structures of the lumbar spine;.ResultsWithin the group of the tested rowers, in the cancellous part of the vertebral bodies of the lumbar spine (especially in vertebrae L3 to L5), an increase in the longitudinal elasticity modulus occurs, which aims towards values corresponding to those of a compact bone.ConclusionsBiomechanical analysis of spine loads and new techniques and methods for the testing of the condition of spine tissue structure let us prove that competitive rowing practice, in its present form, leads to permanent overload lesions of the lumbar spine.
ASSOCIATION OF HIP RANGE OF MOTION AND UPPER EXTREMITY KINETICS IN YOUTH BASEBALL PITCHING
Authors: Oliver G , Plummer H , Johnson R , Holt T , Henning L , Weimar W 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThe overhead throwing motion requires the coordination of efficient segmental actions between the lower and upper extremity. The complexity of the overhead throwing motion, especially in pitching, may be affected by restriction in lower extremity range of motion [ROM].ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between lower extremity ROM and upper extremity kinetics during baseball pitching.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingControlled laboratory setting. Youth sports.Participants12 baseball pitchers 811.1±1.2 yrs.; 44.0±6.7 kg; 152.3±6.4 cm), free from injury, with 2.4±1.2 years of pitching experience volunteered.InterventionsIndependent variables were hip internal (IR) and external (ER) ROMs. Dependent variables were shoulder and elbow kinetics.Main outcome measurementsOutcome measurements consisted of hip IR and ER ROM, and shoulder and elbow kinetics. Shoulder and elbow kinetics were assessed at maximum shoulder external rotation (MER) and maximum shoulder internal rotation (MIR) of the pitching motion. The relationship between hip ROMs and kinetics were assessed with Person Product Correlation Coefficients (P≤.05).ResultsA significant negative relationship was evident between left hip IR (r=−0.82, P=.02), right hip ER (r=−0.76, P=.04) and elbow valgus forces at the point of MER. A negative relationship between right hip ER and shoulder distraction forces (r=−0.82, P=.02) at MIR was evident as well.ConclusionsThese data suggest that there was a complex relationship between hip ROM and upper extremity kinetics during baseball pitching. This may be the first documentation establishing an association between lower extremity ROM and upper extremity kinetics during youth pitching. With elbow and shoulder injuries on the rise in youth baseball, identifying pathomechanics that result in increased joint forces is paramount. Further research is necessary to identify specific mechanisms of injury to the upper extremity associated with lower extremity function.
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF INJURY AND ILLNESS IN GREAT BRITAIN SHORT-TRACK SPEED SKATING
Authors: Palmer-Green D , Brownlow M , Hopkins J , Eley J , Jaques R , Hunter G 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundPrevention of injury and illness in elite sport can have not only athlete health benefits but also potential positive performance gains. As the first step towards prevention, valid injury/illness surveillance data is needed.ObjectiveProvide injury/illness epidemiology information on the Great Britain (GB) short-track speed skating squad.DesignLongitudinal prospective surveillance study, recording injury/illness, and training/competition exposure data. Definitions for injury/illness, time-loss and performance-restriction were used to identify the rate and severity of athlete injuries/illnesses.SettingGB short-track speed skating National training centre, including domestic and international training/competition venues during the 2009/2010 season.Participants11 (7 male; 4 female) National team athletes.InterventionsStandardised report forms for injuries/illnesses were completed by medical, and competition/training exposure by coaching, support staff.Main outcome measureInjury/illness rate, severity and causes.ResultsThere were 14 training (2.7/1000 athlete training hrs) and 2 competition (13/100 competition starts) injuries, and 12 illnesses. Equating 64% and 73% of the squad suffering at least one injury/illness, with 29 days and 5 days lost per injury/illness, respectively. Injuries to the thigh (38%), lumbar spine and knee (19% each) were most common, with 8, 19, and 43 days lost per injury, respectively. Overuse (gradual/sudden-onset: 38%), non-contact trauma (31%) and contact – static object (25%) were the most common causes of injury, with contact – static object (59d) and overuse (33d) most severe. Upper respiratory tract infection was the most common illness (75%), occurring more frequently around periods of competition and long haul travel.ConclusionsInjury and illness seasonal prevalence was similar, but severity greater for injuries. Prevention initiatives targeting common and severe injuries/illnesses may be beneficial in reducing the number of athlete days lost to training/competition.
PREVIOUS HAMSTRING INJURY REDUCES PRE-SEASON IMPROVEMENTS IN ECCENTRIC STRENGTH IN ELITE AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL PLAYERS
Authors: Shield A 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundEccentric strength training can reduce hamstring strain injuries (HSIs), although a persistent neuromuscular inhibition after injury may reduce the trainability of this muscle group.ObjectiveTo test thea priorihypothesis that previous HSI results in a reduced increase in eccentric strength during pre-season training in elite AFL players.DesignCase controlled observational study. Players with unilateral HSI, confirmed by MRI within the previous 12 months were compared with players who had no HSI.Setting5 elite Australian football teams from the AFL.Participants103 players were recruited, 28 of whom had sustained unilateral HSI in the previous 12 months. Others were free of lower limb injuries that may have influenced knee flexor strength.Risk factor assessmentThe categorical independent variable was the existence of HSI in the 12 months prior to the study (yes or no).Main outcome measurementsEccentric knee flexor strength gain in the preseason training period. Eccentric strength was measured as knee flexion forces at the ankles during the performance of the Nordic hamstring exercise.ResultsANCOVA on changes in strength indicated that players with recent HSI made less progress in eccentric hamstring strength (–30 N; CI=-57 to –4 N; P=.0266) than those without HSI. This muted strength gain was observed in both the previously injured (13±61 N) and uninjured limbs (10±64 N) of players who had sustained unilateral injury.ConclusionsPlayers with recent unilateral HSI exhibited reduced eccentric knee flexor strength gains in both limbs. The mechanism for this is unknown. Additional research should focus on both the reason for this diminished progress and on how to improve eccentric strength in footballers who have suffered hamstring strains.
COMPARISONS OF 3D- AND 2D-MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES AND OBSERVATIONAL REAL-TIME ASSESSMENT OF FRONTAL PLANE KNEE CONTROL IN A VERTICAL DROP JUMP LANDING
Authors: Steffen K , Kroken T , Krosshaug T 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundPoor frontal plane knee control is suggested to be a risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Both 3D motion analysis and less complex methods, such as 2D video analysis and subjective assessments, have been used to assess frontal plane knee motion. However, the agreement between all three methods has not been investigated.ObjectiveTo determine the agreement between 3D and 2D motion analysis and real-time observational assessment of frontal plane knee control in a vertical drop jump (VDJ) landing.DesignObservational study.SettingResearch laboratory.Participants119 Norwegian female elite handball players.Risk factor assessmentPlayers performed a VDJ during which movement was recorded with a 3D motion analysis system, a digital video camera, and real-time observational screening in frontal plane.Main outcome measurements3D and 2D knee-to-ankle separation ratios were calculated to assess frontal plane knee control. A physiotherapist independently scored the knee control as “good”, “reduced” or “poor”. All variables were assessed at peak knee flexion.ResultsCorrelations between 3D and 2D knee-to-ankle-separation ratios and 2D and 3D versus real-time observation ranged from 0.63 to 0.75. Mean 3D and 2D knee-to-ankle-separation ratios were significantly lower for players being scored with “poor” compared to those with “reduced” or “good” frontal knee control.ConclusionCompared with the “gold standard” (3D analysis), both 2D motion analysis and real-time observations seem to be feasible tests to assess frontal knee control. The injury predictive value of the VDJ screening test remains to be answered.
EFFECTIVENESS OF CARDIAC SCREENING INCLUSIVE OF ECG IN YOUNG ATHLETES
Authors: Toresdahl B , Pelto H , Fudge J , Harmon K , Rao A , Asif I , Owens D , Prutkin J , Salerno J , Drezner J 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThe primary objective of pre-participation screening in athletes is the detection of potentially lethal cardiac conditions. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends a directed history and physical examination. The added value of electrocardiogram (ECG) screening is debated.   % of Abnormalities DetectedFalse Positive RatePositive Predictive ValueHistory47.8%22.3%1.0%Physical30.4%14.9%1.0%ECG69.6%3.6%8.6%ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of different cardiac screening strategies in young competitive athletes.SettingHeart screening events in U.S. high schools from October 2010 through June 2013.PatientsCompetitive athletes ages 13-19.InterventionsHeart health questionnaire and physical examination based on AHA recommendations, resting 12-lead ECG, and echocardiogram if indicated.Main outcome measurementsPrevalence of potentially lethal cardiac conditions, false-positive results, and positive predictive value for testing procedures.Results4,812 athletes underwent cardiac screening (54% male, 46% female; 65% Caucasian, 10% Asian, 6% African-American, and 19% other). 23 athletes (0.5%, 1 in 209) were identified with a potentially lethal cardiac condition including 9 Wolff-Parkinson-White, 4 coronary artery anomaly, 3 dilated aortic root/aneurysm, 3 long QT syndrome, 2 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 1 ventricular arrhythmia, and 1 short QT syndrome. Abnormal history or physical findings led to the diagnosis in 14/23 (61%) disorders and an abnormal ECG led to the diagnosis in 16/23 (70%). The addition of ECG led to detection of 7/23 (30%) athletes not otherwise identified by the AHA protocol. One case was identified by echocardiography without a relevant abnormality on history, physical, or ECG.ConclusionsStandardized history and physical examination has a high false-positive rate in cardiac screening of young athletes. ECG screening using modern interpretation criteria provides a low false-positive rate and increases the likelihood of detecting disorders associated with sudden cardiac death. An integrated screening protocol using history, physical examination, and ECG is recommended for pre-participation screening in young athletes.
BIKE POSITION-AN INSIGHT INTO ATHLETIC ABILITY TO ADAPT TO CHANGE?
Authors: Burt P 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThe ergonomic interaction between a cyclist and their bike (bike fit) is a potential source of injury and under performance.ObjectiveExpose the potential link between those riders who continually adjust their position (micro adjusters) and those do not (macro absorbers), and injury.DesignDescriptive narrative of the longitudinal injury data and bike positional changes.SettingNational Cycling Centre GB Cycling team. Clinical and technical rider input?-clinical, technical. All training and competition venues.ParticipantsPodium and Podium Potential National Team athletes (16 female, 45 male).InterventionsInjury/Illness Performance Project (IPP) injury audit, monitoring of bike set up and alterations made.Main outcome measureReduce injury; improve performance by optimizing bike set up.ResultsOver the course of 2 years injury data audit collection a subjective correlation was noted between those riders who became injured and those who were sensitive to changes in bike set up. Riders who did not get injured observationally were less sensitive to positional changes. Changes to other equipment set up-pedals, cycling shoes elicited the same trend.ConclusionsDoes bike set up and a bike rider's sensitivity to it reflect their ability to adapt to and absorb change? This could be a useful parameter in identifying those individuals at risk from sudden bike set up changes, not only in position but also equipment and training i.e. the micro adjuster'svs.the macro absorbers of the world. More research is needed to establish the strength of the observed correlation. Ongoing injury audit has been adapted to capture this data.
ANGLE-SPECIFIC CHANGES IN ECCENTRIC HAMSTRING TORQUE AND HAMSTRING TO QUAD RATIO FOLLOWING SIMULATED SOCCER
Authors: Cohen D , Zhao B , Okwera B , Martyn M , Delextrat A 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundSoccer-specific fatigue decreases eccentric peak torque and the functional peak hamstring to quadriceps torque ratio (fHecc:Qcon), changes thought to increase the risk of hamstring strain (HS). Inadequate eccentric muscle strength specifically at long length may also be a risk factor for HS. The effect of simulated soccer on the hamstring eccentric torque-angle profile, or the hamstring:quad torque ratio at specific joint angles has not been reported.ObjectiveTo determine the effect of a simulated soccer on angle-specific eccentric hamstring torque and angle-specific.Hecc:Qcon(AS.Hecc:Qcon) across the range of motion.DesignAcute intervention.SettingSemi-professional soccer.Participants9 male players.Risk factor assessmentIsokinetic concentric and eccentric knee flexion and concentric knee extension was evaluated in the dominant limb at 120°·s−1pre and post the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST).Main outcome measurementsChanges in eccentric hamstrings torque, concentric quadriceps torque and hamstring:quadriceps torque ratios at 9 joint angles (AS.Hecc:Qcon), angle of peak torque (APT), andfHecc:Qcon.ResultsThe LIST resulted in significant decreases in eccentric hamstring torque at 60˚, 50˚ and 10˚ and a significant (21.8%) decrease in AS.Hecc:Qconat 10˚ (P<.05). Eccentric hamstring APT increased significantly (P<.05) from 7.1˚to 18.8˚.ConclusionsSimulated soccer produces angle-specific changes in hamstring eccentric torque and in AS.Hecc:Qconand a shift in the eccentric hamstring APT. Our findings suggest that a prevention programs should both increase fatigue resistance in the hamstrings and include exercises that specifically develop long-length eccentric hamstring strength. Further research is also needed to determine if the evaluation of angle-specific.Hecc:Qconimproves the predictive power of injury risk screening over assessment of the peak torquefHecc:Qconalone.
MEASURING THE ECCENTRIC EXTERNAL ROTATOR STRENGTH IN THE OVERHEAD ATHLETE, USING A HAND HELD DYNAMOMETER: NORMATIVE DATA IN HEALTHY OVERHEAD ATHLETES
Authors: Cools A , Johansson F , Cagnie B 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundRecently, a novel reliable and valid protocol has been described for the measurement of eccentric strength of the external rotators of the shoulder, using a Hand Held Dynamometer (HHD). These muscles are prone to weakness in healthy as well as in injured overhead athletes. Objective assessment of muscle strength is imperative in the prevention and rehabilitation of shoulder injuries in the overhead athlete.ObjectiveTo provide a normative database of eccentric muscle strength in overhead athletes from several disciplines (tennis, volleyball, swimming, and gymnastics).DesignDescriptive laboratory study.Participants200 healthy overhead athletes, active in different sport disciplines participated in the study.Risk factor assessmentEccentric rotator cuff strength of the external rotators was assessed from a position of 90°–90° abduction/external rotation to 90° abduction in neutral rotation at a speed of 30°/sec, and correlated to isometric rotator cuff muscle strength values in several positions.ResultsThe study will be executed sept-jan 2013, results are to be presented from March 2014.ConclusionThis study provides a normative database of eccentric muscle strength data, measured with a HHD. This device is easy to use in a field or training center environment, and therefore valuable in the prevention and rehabilitation of shoulder injuries in the overhead athlete.
DESCRIPTIVE PROFILE OF SHOULDER AND SCAPULAR ROM AND STRENGTH MEASUREMENTS IN JUNIOR RECREATIONAL AND ELITE GYMNASTS
Authors: Cools A , van De Lanotte L 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundGymnastic sports requires repetitive high load overhead movements that can lead to upper extremity injury. The scapula and the shoulder play a vital role in injury-free performance. Scapular dysfunction and glenohumeral changes in strength and range of motion (ROM) have been associated with shoulder injury in the overhead athlete.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to describe scapular position and strength, and shoulder ROM and strength variables in a population of junior and adolescent recreational and elite gymnastics in the age categories 6–18 years.DesignDescriptive study, cross-sectional design.SettingTraining sports facilities.ParticipantsJunior and adolescent gymnastics from different disciplines.Risk factor assessmentA clinical screening protocol, using a digital inclinometer and a hand held dynamometer, to measure strength and mobility of the shoulder girdle.Main outcome measures(1) scapular upward rotation (UR) at several angles of arm elevation, (2) isometric scapular muscle strength (3) glenohumeral ROM, and (4) isometric rotator cuff strength.ResultsData will be collected sept-dec 2013, and will be presented at the conference.ConclusionThis study provides a descriptive profile of shoulder and scapular measurements in a population of elite and recreational gymnasts. These data may help the clinician to screen healthy gymnasts in their injury prevention program.
EFFECT OF AN INTERNALLY VERSUS EXTERNALLY FOCUSED ACL INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAM ON INJURY RISK
Authors: Dallinga J , Benjaminse A , Gokeler A , Otten E , Lemmink K 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundAnterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention programs have shown mixed results, which may be in part due to suboptimal training components.ObjectiveDetermine effects of a prevention program with external and internal focus of attention on (potential) biomechanical risk factors for ACL injury.DesignPretest-posttest control group.SettingLaboratory and field.Participants31 elite female soccer players participated. Exclusion criteria included previous ACL injury or current lower extremity injury.InterventionTwo teams performed warm-up programs, including strength, agility, balance, plyometric, core and speed exercises twice a week for 12 weeks. One team received instructions to focus attention internally toward movements of the body (INT); another team received instructions to focus attention externally near the body (EXT). The control group (CON) performed their regular warming-up without specific instructions.Main outcome measurementsNormalized external knee and ankle joint moments and joint angles on a two-legged jump-landing-rebound task.ResultsResults of 3x2 repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant group x time interaction for peak knee extension moment (F (2,23)=4.09, P=.03), the EXT group decreased more (–0.90±0.16 to −0.73±0.15 Nm/kg*m) than the CON group (P<.05). Regarding knee flexion angle at peak varus-valgus, a significant interaction was observed (F (2,26)=3.95, P=.03), the INT group increased more (61.58±11.14 to 69.07±1.53°) than the EXT group (P=.08). Differences between groups were found for peak varus-valgus moment (F (2,26)=4.81, P=.02) and ankle flexion-extension moment (F (2,26)=6.40, P<.01). No significant main effects for time were displayed.ConclusionsExternal or internal focused instructions could be beneficial in improving landing technique, which is promising as an external focus of attention requires less time from coaches and has therefore great potential in ACL injury prevention.
EFFECT OF BALANCE TRAINING ON DYNAMIC POSTURAL CONTROL IN SUBJECTS WITH CHRONIC ANKLE INSTABILITY
Authors: De Ridder R , Willems T , Vanrenterghem J , Roosen P 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundChronic ankle instability (CAI) is a frequently reported residual outcome after an acute ankle sprain. Balance training is common daily practice in treatment of CAI, but its effect on CAI associated mechanisms as postural control remains unclear.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to establish the presence of postural deficits in subjects with CAI and assess the effect of an 8-week balance training program on dynamic postural control.DesignCase-control baseline group characteristics were determined and intervention effects were evaluated.SettingAll subjects were tested in a laboratory setting and the intervention group performed a home-based balance protocol.ParticipantsData were collected for 74 recreationally active subjects (43 subjects with CAI and 31 controls).InterventionsSubjects with CAI performed an 8-week progressive, home-based balance protocol. Subjects had to perform these balance exercises 3 times a week. Eighteen subjects with CAI first served as control group without intervention, before entering the balance program.Main outcome measurementsPostural control was quantified by means of the dynamic postural stability index (DPSI) and its separate directional stability indices (mediolateral, anterior/posterior and vertical). Perceptual outcomes were documented using the FADI and FADI-Sport.ResultsAt baseline, subjects with CAI displayed higher anterior/posterior (P=.002) and vertical postural instability (P=.001), a poorer DPSI (P<.001), and lower subjective stability scores (FADI and FADI-Sport, P<.001) compared to the control group. After balance training, stability scores improved significantly (FADI p=0.001, FADI-Sport P=.005), although no changes were noted for the stability indices.ConclusionSubjects with CAI have an impaired postural control. As a treatment modality, balance training exhibits its capability of improving the subjective feeling of instability in subjects with CAI. However, there was no effect on dynamic postural control measured by DPSI.