bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DID “ZERO TOLERANCE FOR HEAD CONTACT” RULE ENFORCEMENT CHANGE THE RISK OF GAME RELATED CONCUSSIONS IN YOUTH ICE HOCKEY PLAYERS?
Authors: Krolikowski M , Black A , Kang J , Emery C 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundIce hockey is a popular winter sport in Canada. Concussion accounts for the greatest proportion of all injuries in youth ice hockey. Research has informed policy change enforcing the no head contact rule in all leagues in Canada in 2011.ObjectiveTo determine if the risk of game-related concussion and other injury differ for Pee Wee (ages 11–12) and Bantam (ages 13–14) players following a 2011 rule enforcement policy change compared to players in similar divisions prior to the rule change.DesignHistorical cohort study.SettingIce hockey rinks.ParticipantsHistorical cohort included Pee Wee (most elite 70%, 2007/08) (n=891) and Bantam (most elite 30%, 2008/09) (n=378) players before the rule change and Pee Wee (2011/12) (n=589) and Bantam (2011/12) (n=244) players in the same levels of play after the policy change.Risk factor assessmentExposure of ice hockey teams before and after a “zero tolerance for head contact” rule enforcement policy change. Risk factors include position, and previous injury/concussion.Main outcome measurementsSuspected concussions were identified by a team designate (Pee Wee) or team therapist (Bantam) and referred to a sport medicine physician. Hockey injuries included those requiring medical attention and/or time loss.ResultsBased on multivariate Poisson Regression (adjusted for cluster, exposure hours, position and previous injury/concussion) the risk of game-related concussion increased following the head contact rule enforcement change in Pee Wee (IRR=1.83 [95% CI; 1.18–2.86]) and Bantam (IRR=2.74 [95% CI; 1.41–5.32]). The risk of injury (excluding concussion) did not change in Bantam (IRR=1.03 [95% CI; 0.59–1.81]).ConclusionsThe “zero tolerance for head contact or head checks” rule change did not reduce game-related concussion risk in Pee Wee or Bantam ice hockey players. This study will inform future research examining mechanism of injury leading to concussions in youth ice hockey.
A NOVEL MOBILE DEVICE BASED HAMSTRING STRENGTH TEST RESULT CAN PREDICT ISOKINETIC HAMSTRING STRENGTH IN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYERS: A STUDY OF RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY
Authors: Lee JWY , Yan SJ , Chan HCK , Yau QKC , SHYung P , Chan KM 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundIsokinetic hamstring strength test is considered as a golden standard for identifying players with increased risk of hamstring strain injuries. However, those testing protocols were time consuming and inconvenient.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to examine the reliability and validity of a novel mobile device based hamstring strength test in soccer players. It is hypothesized that a greater forward flexion angle is associated a greater isokinetic hamstring strength.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingA physical test of hamstring strength in clinical setting.Participants30 first team players were recruited from professional football clubs.Main Outcome MeasurementsIn the CUHK hamstring strength test (CUHK test), a smartphone was attached on subject's lower back. Subjects were instructed to lower the upper body from a kneeling position until the point he cannot sustain. Trunk forward flexion angle and angular velocity were recorded by the device. In the isokinetic hamstring strength test, it examined subjects' concentric and eccentric hamstring peak torque. Pearson Correlation, linear regression and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to examine the validity and reliability.ResultsResult shown that the reliability was good, R=0.845. The CUHK strength test result was highly correlated with isokinetic hamstring peak torque at ecc. 30 degree/second, con. 60 degree/second, con. 240 degree/second respectively, i.e. R=0.81, 0.73 and 0.66. Linear regression analysis shown that the CUHK test was the best to predict isokinetic eccentric hamstring performance at 30 degree/second, R2=0.81, P<.001).ConclusionsCUHK hamstring strength test is a reliable and valid tool to examine athletes' hamstring muscle performance. Clinician and sports coaches may adopt this test for screening and monitoring athletes or patients during rehabilitation or preseason period. Individualized rehabilitation or strength training recommendation could be made based on the test result.
TWO BIOMARKERS FOR THE SCREENING OF CARDIAC RISK AMONG RUNNERS?
Authors: Le Goff C , Kaux JF , Fillet M , Mélon P , Cavalier E 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundHeart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) is a low molecular weight protein involved in the intracellular uptake and buffering of long chain fatty in the myocardium. Troponin T is a component of the contractile apparatus of the striated musculature. Both are early markers for acute coronary syndrome.ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to compare the results obtained with the H-FABP and the highly sensitive cardiac troponins (hsTnT) and to test their cardiospecificity in healthy runners.DesignProspective, cohort study.SettingAmateur marathon runners.Patients23 runners (marathon) were enrolled.InterventionsWe drowned blood samples at three times: just before (T0), just after (T1), and three hours after the end of the race (T3).Main outcome measurementsH-FABP and hs-TnT were performed according to the manufacturer's instructions. A linear regression was calculated to observe if there is any correlation between the two biomarkers. Values above the 95th percentile for H-FABP (2.5 ng/mL) and the 99th percentile for hsTnT (14 ng/L) were considered as positive.ResultsAt T0, none of the subjects were positive for hsTnT but 35% were positive for H-FABP; at T1, 83% for hsTnT and 100% for H-FABP; at T3, 83% for hsTnT and 96% for H-FABP. At T0, the regression equation was H-FABP T0=3.9454–0.1001×hsTnT T0; at T1: H-FABP T1=51.838–1.7026×hsTnT T1; at T3: H-FABP T3=47.977–1.6193×hsTnT T3. No correlation was observed between the 2 biomarkers.ConclusionWe observed a significant increase of H-FABP and hsTnT in runners. These markers are independent to each other. These values could biologically correspond to a heart ischemia. These biomarkers could be helpful for the screening of cardiac risk among runners.
THE INFLUENCE OF HIP JOINT CONTROL ON KNEE JOINT VALGUS MOMENT IN YOUNG FEMALE ELITE ATHLETES
Authors: Bencke J , Lauridsen HB , Thorborg K , Hölmich P , Andersen LL , Aagaard P , Zebis MK 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundBiomechanical investigations of sports-specific movements may yield information on which measures could be most efficient for prevention of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries. High knee valgus moments have been related to increased risk of ACL injury, but further knowledge is needed on how hip strength and hip joint control may influence valgus moments during sidecutting.ObjectiveTo investigate the relation between isolated hip muscle strength, hip kinematics and knee valgus moments.DesignCross-sectional.SettingBiomechanical laboratory. Youth elite level.Participants97 female handball and football players aged 15–19 yrs selected for the youth national teams were recruited.Assessment of risk factorsMaximal isometric hip strength was measured during hip abduction, hip extension and hip external rotation [N/kg BM]) by a handheld dynamometer. A standardized sidecutting was performed by each player and hip joint kinematics were measured at initial contact (IC) along with identification of the peak knee joint valgus moment in the contact phase.Main outcome measurementsRegression analysis was used to determine which of the measured parameters would affect knee valgus moment, and as such represent potential risk factors that should be targeted in future prophylactic training regimes.ResultsNo relation between maximal isometric hip muscle strength and knee valgus moment was found. Regression analysis showed weak but significant effect of hip internal rotation at IC and hip abduction at IC on knee valgus moment (r2=.33, P<.001, β-coefficients=0.49 and 0.35 for hip internal rotation and hip abduction, respectively).ConclusionsThe study shows that isometric hip muscle strength did not relate to peak knee valgus moment in young female elite handball and football players. However, increased hip internal rotation and increased hip abduction appeared to negatively influence the magnitude of knee valgus moment during sidecutting, and thus potentially increase the risk of ACL-injury.
INJURY RATE AND INJURY PATTERN AMONG ELITE WORLD CUP SNOWBOARDERS: A 6-YEAR COHORT STUDY
Authors: Major D , Steenstrup SE , Bere T , Bahr R , Nordsletten L 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThere is limited knowledge on the injury rate and injury pattern in the different disciplines among elite snowboarders.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to describe and compare the injury rate and injury pattern among the different International Ski Federation (Fédération Internationale de Ski, FIS) World Cup (WC) snowboard disciplines.MethodsWe conducted retrospective interviews with FIS WC snowboard athletes at the end of each season in the period 2007–2012, to register all acute injuries sustained during training or competition during the competitive season requiring attention by medical personnel. To calculate the exposure, we obtained information from result lists from the FIS competition database for all WC competitions for each of the interviewed athletes.ResultsWe registered a total of 574 injuries among 1432 athletes, accounting for an overall injury rate of 40.1 injuries/100 athlete/season. A total of 171 injuries occurred during the FIS WC competitions, corresponding to 6.4 injuries/1000 runs. During competition, injury risk was highest in snowboard cross with 11.9/1000 runs, followed by 6.3 in halfpipe, 3.6 in big air and 2.8 in parallel giant slalom/parallel slalom (PGS/PSL). Snowboard cross also had the highest risk of severe injuries (>28 days absence). No differences in injury risk were detected between male and female snowboarders. The most commonly injured body part was the knee (17.8%), followed by the shoulder/clavicle (13.4%) and head/face (13.2%). The risk of knee injury (the most common injury type) and head injury was significantly higher in snowboard cross and halfpipe compared to PGS/PSL.ConclusionsThe risk of injuries was higher in snowboard cross than in halfpipe, big air and PGS/PSL. The most commonly injured body part was the knee. Prevention of snowboard injuries among elite snowboarders should focus on knee injuries, severe injuries and snowboard cross athletes.
DIFFERENCES IN NEUROMUSCULAR ACTIVITY OF QUADRICEPS AND HAMSTRINGS WITH RESPECT TO DIFFERENT LANDING PATTERNS IN FEMALE ATHLETES
Authors: Malfait B , Dingenen B , Staes F , Vanrenterghem J , Verschueren S 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundA high knee abduction moment (KAM) and an erect movement pattern during landing have been suggested as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk factors. Previous research focused mainly on determination of parameters with a predictive value for ACL injuries. However, few studies have investigated neuromuscular activity patterns.ObjectiveTo investigate muscular activity of quadriceps and hamstrings with respect to a flexed or erect landing pattern during drop vertical jumps (DVJ) and its association with the KAM.DesignCross-sectional exploratory study.SettingControlled laboratory study.Participants48 uninjured female elite athletes were recruited. Based on “peak knee flexion angle” (pKFA) and “peak hip flexion angle” during landing, subjects were subdivided in a “high flexion group” (hip and knee flexion>mean; n=17) or “low flexion group” (hip and knee flexion<mean; n=15).Risk factor assessement3D movement analysis was used during DVJ.Main Outcome MeasurementsThe root mean square of normalized EMG amplitude was calculated for medial vastus (VM), lateral vastus (VL), medial hamstrings (HM) and lateral hamstrings (HL) from touchdown until pKFA during the first landing of the DVJ. Muscular activity, co-contraction ratios and KAM were compared between groups with independent t-tests.ResultsSubjects that performed landing with low hip and knee flexion (low flexion group), showed a significantly higher activity of the VL (P=.007), a significantly lower VM/VL activity ratio (P=.01) and a significantly higher absolute and normalized (to bodyweight * height) peak KAM compared to the ones with a high flexion landing pattern (respectively P=.03; P=.02). No significant results were found for hamstrings activity.ConclusionsA more erect landing pattern is associated with higher VL activity, a more disproportional medial/lateral activation pattern, and a higher KAM. These associations provide new support to proposed mechanisms of increased ACL injury risk.
IMPACT OF TRAINING CHARACTERISTICS ON RUNNING-RELATED INJURIES IN RECREATIONAL RUNNERS
Authors: Malisoux L , Urhausen A , Theisen D 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundMost running-related injuries (RRI) are attributed to training errors.ObjectiveThis study investigated which running training characteristics are potential risk factors for RRI.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingRecreational distance runners.ParticipantsA total of 267 participants accepted to upload weekly all information about running training characteristics, other sport participation and injuries on a dedicated internet platform.Risk factor assessmentThis 9-month follow-up investigated if the risk for RRI was influenced by some of the following running training characteristics: weekly volume (hours/week), weekly frequency (session/week), self-reported session intensity (CR10-Borg Scale), week-to-week absolute change in distance (km/week) and the concomitant use of different pairs of shoes (parallel use of a minimum of 2 different pairs of running shoes).Main outcome measurementsThe primary outcome measure was total volume (hours) of running training and competitions (exposure) until the first RRI (Cox regression analyses). A RRI was defined as any physical complaint located at the lower limbs or lower back region, sustained during or as a result of running practice and impeding planned running activity for at least 1 day.ResultsOverall, 89 participants (33%) recorded an RRI. The total incidence was 6.05 injuries per 1000h of exposure. The adjusted Cox regression analysis revealed that participants who practiced more than 2 hours/week were at a lower risk of RRI (Hazard ratio (HR): 0.539; 95% Confident interval (CI): 0.295-0.986) even when controlling for running experience and training regularity during the previous 12 months. The parallel use of more than one pair of running shoes (HR=0.600; 95% CI=0.369–0.975) and the week-to-week absolute change in distance (HR: 0.882; 68% CI: 0.836–0.931) were also protective factors, while previous injury was a risk factor (HR=1.841; 95% CI=1.185–2.860).ConclusionsThis study identified training characteristics which are related to RRI risk.
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC STUDY OF RIGHT VENTRICULAR REMODELING IN TOP-LEVEL GEORGIAN ATHLETES
Authors: Maskhuliva L , Akhalkatsi V , Chelidze K , Kakhabrishvili Z , Matiashvili M , Chabashvili N , Chutkerashvili T 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThere are a large number of studies which have focused on left ventricular (LV) structural and functional characteristics, however insufficient data exist concerning right heart response to exercise in elite athletes of different sporting disciplines.ObjectiveTo investigate right ventricular (RV) dimensions and function in top-level athletes.DesignRetrospective study.SettingSports Medicine Clinical Centre.Participants124 top-level male athletes (18 cyclists, 62 football and 21 basketball players, 23 wrestlers) and 57 age-matched healthy sedentary controls were studied.All subjects were evaluated with 2D, spectral conventional, and tissue Doppler echocardiography. According to the guidelines of American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), RV subcostal wall thickness, RV diameters (RVD1, RVD2, RVD3, RVOT-Prox, RVOT-Distal) indexed by BSA, and functional parameters (TAPSE, FAC, TD MPI, E/A, E/E') were evaluated.Main outcome measurementsAthletes of various sport disciplines with respect to RV remodeling.ResultsMorphologic parameters in most of the athletes and in all controls were within normal limits. Increased RV dimensions were found in 43(35%) athletes. RV wall thickness (3,82±0,71 vs. 3,51±0,32 mm) and RV diameters were significantly greater in athletes than in controls (P<.001). Most of the RV parameters in athletes were within the range of Mean and Upper Reference Values (URV), however RVD1 in 34 (27%) and RVD2 in 22 (18%) athletes exceeded URV by ASE criteria. By sporting disciplines RVD1 exceeded URV in 39% cyclists, 25% basketball players, 23% football players, 22% wrestlers. Interestingly, less than half of these athletes (47%) exhibited concomitant LV enlargement. RV functional parameters were in normal limits in athletes as in controls and did not differ (P>.20).ConclusionsIn elite athletes long-term intensive training was associated with RV remodeling, particularly of RV base. RV function was not altered despite significant chamber dilatation. The extent of changes in RV morphology varied between sports: cyclists were more prone to exercise-induced RV structural remodeling.
THE RELATION BETWEEN SELF-EFFICACY, INJURY AND FEAR OF INJURY AMONG ELITE ATHLETES
Authors: McCaffrey A , Mrazik M , Klassen R 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundA growing body of research recognizes the significance of the psychological response to injury among athletes. Yet, to date there is paucity of research that conceptualizes the role which self-efficacy plays in an athlete's response to injury (Wiese-Bjornstal, 2010; Feltzet al., 2008).ObjectiveTo analysis the hypothetical relation between the types of injuries and the level of self-efficacy and fear to avoid future injuries.DesignQuantitative retrospective survey style for correlational and regression analysis.SettingElite male athletes in the Canadian Football League (CFL) at preseason training.Participants365 pre-season survey reports from CFL players, convenience sampling.Risk factor assessmentMeasures included a self-report measure of self-efficacy (measuring fears around injuries, perceptual control of injuries, and self-efficacy to avoid injuries) and a structured report of the frequency, severity and location of injuries sustained by the athlete in a playing season.Main outcome measurementsTwo main hypotheses were set out before the analysis. First was that injuries would relate to an athlete's level of self-efficacy to avoid injuries in a negative direction. Second was that fears of injuries and perceptual control of injuries could predict an athlete's level of self-efficacy.ResultsOur results demonstrated significant correlations between self-efficacy to injury frequency, severity, and fears of re-injury. Regression analysis revealed variables (injuries, fear of injuries and perceptual control) significantly predict self-efficacy. Results also demonstrate that the location of injury also significantly impact levels of self-efficacy.ConclusionsThis study builds on the research of understanding how athletes are affected by injuries psychologically and how they can deal with the fears and anxieties due to injuries. Practically these results, with the amounting research, can help medical and psychological treatments in dealing with an athlete's self-efficacy and fears.
AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF INJURY AND ILLNESS IN THE BRITISH SKELETON SQUAD – 2009–2013
Authors: Palmer-Green D , Thomas H , Danny H , Chris P , Kay R , Rod J , Glenn H 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundInjury and illness prevention can have not only athlete health benefits but also potential positive performance gains in elite sport. Valid injury/illness surveillance data is needed in the first step towards prevention.ObjectiveProvide injury/illness epidemiology information on the British Skeleton 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.SettingBritish skeleton national training centre, including domestic and international training/competition venues between 2009–2013 (4 seasons).Participants21 (14 male; 7 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 49 training (4.3/1000 athlete training hrs) and 10 competition (14/100 competition starts) injuries, with 10 days and 3 days lost per injury, respectively. Injuries to the thigh (41%), followed by knee and lumbar spine (20% each) were most common, with 4, 13, and 14 days lost per injury, respectively. Muscle strain was the most common type of injury (36%), and lesion of meniscus/disc the most severe (36d), the latter also causing the greatest burden. The most common cause of injury was push start strides and upright sprinting, all resulting in thigh (posterior) muscle strain injuries. There were 16 illnesses (40% squad seasonal prevalence; severity 4d) and respiratory was the most common illness type (80%), occurring most frequently around periods of high training volume, competition and travel.ConclusionsPrevention initiatives focussed on thigh and lumbar spine injuries, and also illnesses around competitive periods in the season may be beneficial in reducing the number of athlete days lost to training/competition.
FUNCTIONAL AND RTD H/Q RATIO IN 11-16-YEAR OLD MALE FOOTBALL PLAYERS
Authors: Schuth G , Péter A , Hegyi A , Tihanyi J 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThe strength profile of the hamstrings is reported to be important to prevent strain and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. There is little information about the functional state of muscles around the knee in young soccer players.ObjectiveTo determine the differences in the characteristics of knee extensors and flexors in 11–16-year old, male soccer players.DesignRandomized cross-sectional study.SettingLaboratory, youth sports.Participants60 randomly selected young male soccer players (11–16 years) – without lower extremity injury history – were assigned into 6 age groups: under 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and U16 (10 players/group).Main outcome measurementsThe peak torque of isometric hamstring (ICH) and quadriceps (ICQ) (70° of knee flexion), eccentric hamstring (ECH) and concentric quadriceps (CCQ) (60°/s, 10–90° knee flexion range of movement) for both lower extremities were measured on an isokinetic dynamometer (Multicont II). Hecc/Qcc and rate of torque development (RTD) H/Q ratio were calculated 50 ms after the onset of the contraction (RTD H/Q50).ResultsICH and ICQ significantly differed (P<.05) between U11 and U14 for both legs. There were no significant differences in ICH and in ECH between U13-U16 in the dominant leg, similarly between U14-U16 in the non-dominant leg (P>.05). Hecc/Qcc was significantly higher in the U11 group than in the U16 group (P<.05) in the dominant leg. There were no differences in RTD H/Q50 across age groups for both legs (P>.05).ConclusionsAs eccentric and isometric hamstring peak torques did not differ between U14-U16, hamstring-emphasized strength training is advisable. RTD H/Q50 may have clinical relevance, as most ACL injuries occur 17–50 ms after initial contact. It did not differ between age groups, so the effects of intervention programs should be tested aiming to increase the RTD of the hamstrings.