bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
POST-CONCUSSION STRESS IN ASYMPTOMATIC ATHLETES
Authors: Mainwaring L , Senthinathan A , Hutchison M 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundPost-concussion, the body is “stressed” as it attempts to restore metabolic and psychologic equilibrium. Elevated stress can be evaluated by disrupted cortisol cycling, perturbations in Heart Rate Variability (HRV), and reported mood disturbance and perceived stress. Assessing stress in concussed athletes may be informative for optimal recovery, safe return-to-play (RTP), and subsequent injury prevention.ObjectiveTo assess the utility of non-invasive stress measures in monitoring concussion recovery.DesignA prospective matched control group design included collection of salivary cortisol, HRV, and two self-report measures: the Profile of Mood States (POMS), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). All measures were taken at three phases of recovery (1. Symptomatic; 2. Asymptomatic; and 3. One-week following RTP). The same protocol was completed by non-injured athletes.SettingInteruniversity sports teams at a single institution.Participants11 athletes, across seven sports, diagnosed with concussion and 11 matched-athlete controls volunteered for the study.Main outcome measurementsPrimary outcome measures to test the a-priori hypotheses included: HRV, AM and PM salivary cortisol, Total Mood Disturbance, Depression, Confusion, Fatigue, Vigor, Tension, Anger, and Perceived Stress.ResultsA series of 2 (Group) × 3 (Phase) repeated measures ANOVAs revealed significant interactions for HRV and emotional disturbance. Although no emotional disturbance or perceived stress was reported in the asymptomatic phase, concussed athletes displayed altered HRV [increased Low Frequency norm (P=.041) and decreased High Frequency norm (P=.041)]. In addition, significant differences between groups were found for AM cortisol levels one week after RTP (P=.019).ConclusionsConcussed athletes displayed perturbations in HRV, indicating neuroautonomic dysfunction, despite resolution of symptom and mood disturbance. In addition, low levels of morning cortisol following RTP may be indicative of a lingering physiological stress response. These non-invasive markers may be clinically useful in post-concussive recovery assessment and prevention of subsequent injury.
EFFECTS OF A PREVENTION PROGRAM FOR HAMSTRING STRAIN INJURY ON OPTIMUM LENGTH OF THE KNEE FLEXORS
Authors: Martínez-Ruiz E , Mendiguchia J , Rubio-Arias JA , Alcaraz PE , Esparza-Ros F 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThe hamstring muscles are especially vulnerable during the late swing phase of sprinting, where the simultaneous actions of hip flexion and knee extension actively stretch the hamstrings to greater lengths.ObjectiveTo assess whether a functional strengthening program (i.e. eccentric, plyometric and acceleration exercises) increased optimum lengths of the knee flexors in soccer players.DesignLongitudinal, unblinded randomized controlled study.SettingAmateur male soccer players from nine Spanish teams of the same competitive level.Participants52 players were assigned to an exercise group (EG) or a control group (CG). Over the study, 8 athletes (6 from CG and 2 from EG) were dropped due to personal reasons, contracting by other clubs or injuries (non-hamstring strain injuries). After these exclusions, 25 players constituted the EG (22.7±4.8 years; 71.2±8.4 kg; 174.5±5.6 cm) and 19 the CG (21.8±2.5 years; 71.1±6.5 kg; 176.8±6.2 cm).InterventionsBoth groups performed their habitual soccer training throughout the study (with a similar physical load profile). Additionally, the EG performed a functional strengthening preventive program twice per week for seven weeks.Main outcome measurementsThe optimum angle of peak torque (and therefore optimum length) was calculated through of a 4th order polynomial curve. Previously, each subject performed 6 maximum concentric repetitions on an isokinetic dynamometer at angular velocity of 60°/s.ResultsAfter the seven-week period, the optimum length of the EG during knee flexion was significantly greater (i.e. the optimum angle of peak torque was smaller; 39.85±8.42 pre-test vs 35.26±7.50 pos-test). Similarly, the EG (35.26±7.50) showed a significantly great optimum length in the pos-test than the CG (40.89±8.71).ConclusionsThe prevention program proposed increases the optimum length of the knee flexors, promoting the development of strength at longer muscle lengths.
EPIDEMIOLOGIC REVIEW OF COLLEGIATE ACL INJURY RATES ACROSS 14 SPORTS: NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION INJURY SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM DATA 2004-05 THROUGH 2011–12
Authors: Agel J , Klossner D 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundExtensive effort has been put into awareness and prevention programs to decrease the overall rate of injury and the difference between sexes.ObjectiveThe objective of this review is to document the rate of ACL injury in 14 collegiate sports over an eight year period and compare it to an earlier 16 year review.DesignDescriptive Epidemiology.SettingUniversities in the U.S.ParticipantsNCAA athletes.InterventionsThere was no intervention.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome chosen apriori is injury.Results:The majority of ACL injuries to women occurred by a non-contact mechanism of injury while the majority of ACL injuries to men occurred by a contact mechanism. The highest rates of ACL injury for men were found in American football (0.17 per 1000 A-E and wrestling (0.16 per 1000 A-E). The highest rates of ACL injury for women were found in basketball and lacrosse (0.23 per 1000 A-E). Within the 8 year study period men's and women's ice hockey showed the greatest increase over time with an average annual rate of change of 105% and 136% respectively. Mens' baseball and women's lacrosse showed the greatest decrease in average annual rate of change (16.9% and 17% respectively).When comparing the current 8 years of data to previously reported 16 years of data baseball and women's basketball, showed no change, men's basketball, lacrosse, and wrestling along with field hockey showed an increase and American football, men's and women's ice hockey and soccer, women's lacrosse, softball, and volleyball showed a decrease in overall injury rate.ConclusionsDespite focused scientific efforts and prevention programs ACL injuries remain a significant injury in collegiate sports. Women continue to sustain ACL injuries at higher rates than men in the comparable sports of soccer, basketball, and lacrosse.
A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW TO INVESTIGATE THE RELIABILITY OF ULTRASOUND IMAGING IN MEASURING TENDON THICKNESS
Authors: Mc Auliffe S , O'Sullivan K , Mc Creesh K 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundPathological tendons are known to increase their AP diameter. Ultrasound is an important complementary technique to MRI for assessment of musculoskeletal disorders. Although systematic reviews have confirmed its reliability for the measurement of muscle thickness, no such reviews exist to examine the reliability of US measures of tendon dimensions.ObjectiveTo systematically review the literature on the reliability of Real-time ultrasound to assess tendon dimensions including thickness and cross sectional area in human limbs.DesignA comprehensive review of electronic databases was performed by two reviewers using agreed range of keywords. Randomised clinical trials which investigated inter or intra rater reliability of real time ultrasound was included in this review. The Quality Appraisal of Reliability Studies (QAREL) checklist was used to assess risk of bias.SettingIncluded studies performed ultrasound analysis in a range of clinical settings.Participants698 Symptomatic and asymptomatic participants, mean age range: 17.5–73 years.InterventionsTendon thickness of a range of upper and lower limb tendons was assessed using real time ultrasound in both transverse and longitudinal planes by physiotherapists, sonographers and other unspecified investigators.Main outcome measurementsInter and Intra rater reliability of tendon thickness measures using estimates of both reliability and precision using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC's) and coefficients of variation (CVs), coefficient of variation (CV%) limits of agreement (LOA), pearsons correlation coefficient (r2) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).ResultsAssessment of the risks of bias indicated 15/16 chosen studies was of high quality. ICC values for inter and intra rater reliability ranged from (0.55–0.99), LOA ranged from (0.35–3.50 mm), r2 ranged from (0.43–0.92), 95% CI ranged from (0.43–0.98), CV% ranged from (0–14.44%).ConclusionThe use of real time ultrasound method for assessing upper and lower limb tendon thickness has moderate-to-good level reliability. The findings of which may have important implications for management of tendon disorders.
THE USE OF THE ELASTIC COMPRESSION TO DECREASE THE RISK OF INJURY
Authors: Ménétrier A 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThe elastic compression was first used in sports to improve post-exercise recovery and performances. Many anecdotal reports further indicated that the elastic compression could decrease the risk of injury.ObjectiveThe aim was to determine whether the elastic compression really decreases this risk. We hypothesized that wearing the elastic compression decreases the risk of injury in trail running.DesginRetrospective study.SettingRegional sportmen.Participants203 runners recruited in regional trail races.Risk factor assessmentWe sent a questionnaire to obtain the age range of the participants and in the past three months: their level of weekly training (hours and sessions), the quantity and type of injuries and whether they used or not the elastic compression. This day, 105 runners wearing the elastic compression (during effort and post-exercise recovery) and 98 non-wearing (control group) answered this questionnaire. We used a multiplier coefficient for reported these two groups to 100.Main outcome measurementsNumber of injuries according to the wearing or not of the elastic compression.ResultsThe preliminary results indicate that the control group trained 3.11±0.86 sessions per week (i.e. 4.13±1.32 hours) and the group wearing elastic compression trained 4.00±0.93 sessions per week (i.e. 5.64±1.54 hours). We observed 24.49 injuries (per 100 tendinitis, periostitis, muscular injuries and sprains) in the control group and 18.09 in the group wearing elastic compression (i.e. -26.11%).ConclusionsThe preliminary results seem to indicate that wearing the elastic compression during and after the sports practice decreases the risk of injury of the runners. Further research is required. We are expanding this study to a more consequent population.
EFFECT OF ORAL REHYDRATION SOLUTION ON HYDRATION STATE DURING ‘SUMO’ TRAINING
Authors: Minami K , Ishikawa T , Ishida J , Nakagawa Y 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundExercise in a hot environment can cause loss of water and electrolytes, which conveys tress on homeostasis.ObjectiveTo maintain appropriate hydration status in such situation, it expects to be suitable for fluid replacement to drink oral rehydration solutions (ORS) which have higher sodium concentration and higher absorptive of water in the intestine than general purpose sports drinks (SPD).DesignRandomized crossover study.SettingUniversity SUMO League.Participants10 members of a university SUMO club voluntarily participated after providing written informed consent.InterventionsParticipants ingested SPD or ORS with an equalized exercise load in a randomized crossover manner at a wet bulb globe temperature of 27–30°C.Main outcome measurementsBody weight, water distribution with bioelectrical impedance analysis, vital signs, blood analysis and visual analogue scale (VAS) for fatigue and thirst were evaluated between the two drinks. Values are expressed as mean±SD (SPD vs. ORS).ResultsDifferences were observed 15 min after training in the changes from the baseline of serum total protein (0.6±0.3 vs. 0.3±0.2 g/dL, P=.02), serum sodium (–1.4±2.1 vs. 0.2±2.0 mEq/L, P<.01), and VAS scores of fatigue (80±13 vs. 64±24, P=.03) and thirst (49±21 vs. 31±15, P=.03). Differences 75 min after training were also observed in the changes of extracellular fluid (0.3±0.2 vs. 0.5±0.2 L, P=.02), serum osmolarity (–2.7±4.0 vs. 0.4±3.5 mOsm, P=.03).ConclusionsThe ORS rather than the SPD were shown to be more suitable to maintain hydration status in a hot environment of SUMO training. The intake of ORS should be considered upon exercise accompanied with marked perspiration.
INJURY PREVENTION PRACTICE IN FEMALE BASKETBALL PLAYERS IN THE JAPANESE TOP LEAGUE: AN INTERVENTIONAL STUDY OVER 7 SEASONS
Authors: Nagano Y , Hori M , Shimizu Y , Takahashi S , Tsuda K , Miki H , Uchiyama E 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundFemale basketball players are at a higher risk for injuries such as those of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Therefore, preventing such injuries is essential for their health and the competition.ObjectiveTo assess the effect of an injury prevention training program on the incidence of injuries in female basketball players.DesignProspective intervention study.SettingTop-level basketball league in Japan.ParticipantsA total of 1127 players from 12 top-league teams during 7 seasons.InterventionsFrom the middle of the second (2007–2008) season, a 3-step injury prevention program was initiated. The program focused on strength, balance, jump-landing techniques, and basketball skills. Subjects were instructed to perform exercises in a neutral position and to avoid lumbar lordosis, rear axial weight bearing, hip adduction, and knee valgus.Main outcome measurementsAll injuries, including ACL injury and ankle sprain, occurring during the 7 seasons that caused a player to miss a current session and/or miss a subsequent session were recorded. Injury incidences were calculated in terms of per 1000 player hours (PH). Compliance with the program was also reported.ResultsDuring 7 seasons, 8,73,084 PH and 973 injuries were reported. The injury incidence was 1.11/1000 PH, which did not significantly change after the intervention. In each season, ankle or knee injuries were most frequent. 34 non-contact ACL injuries occurred, an incidence of 0.039/1000 PH. During 5 seasons after the intervention, the incidence of non-contact ACL injuries in the team conducting the prevention program was 0.032, while the team without the program had an incidence of 0.046. A total of 235 ankle sprains occurred, an incidence of 0.269/1000 PH. After the intervention, the incidence decreased to 0.19 in the 2011–2012 season.ConclusionsThe results show that the injury prevention program may decrease the frequency of non-contact ACL injuries and ankle sprains.
THE PREVALENCE OF INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAM USE BY HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS
Authors: Norcross M , Johnson S , Hoffman M 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThe use of injury prevention programs (IPPs) during organized warm-up activities is encouraged to reduce lower extremity injury risk. However, the prevalence of structured IPP use by high school teams in Oregon is unknown.Objective1) Describe the warm-up practices of Oregon high school teams; and 2) evaluate if these behaviors are influenced by team access to a medical professional (Athletic Trainer-AT) at the school.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingHigh school.ParticipantsAthletic directors from all 287 Oregon School Activity Association schools were asked to forward survey invitations to their head girls' and boys' basketball, soccer, and volleyball coaches. Coaches reported information about 276 teams.InterventionsIndependent variable was team access to an AT.Main outcome measurementsTeam use of: 1) any organized warm-up at least three times per week; 2) a scientifically proven IPP; and 3) activities from the five categories common to efficacious IPPs.ResultsStudent-athletes on 248/276 (89.9%) teams performed an organized warm-up, but only 27/248 (10.9%) teams used a structured IPP; and just 6/248 (2.4%) used a proven IPP as designed. Teams reported using 3.7±1.2 of the five categories common to IPPs (Flexibility=96%, Balance=48%, Strengthening=79%, Plyometrics=62%, Agility=88%). Access to an AT (AT:129 teams, No AT:147 teams) did not influence organized warm-up use (X2=0.189, P=.664), the types of activities performed (X2=0.014–0.842, P=.359-.907), or the distribution of the total number of IPP categories performed (Mann-WhitneyU=0.354, P=.723).ConclusionsThe use of IPPs in Oregon high schools is extremely rare. However, irrespective of access to an AT, most teams perform an organized warm-up using activities from several categories common to IPPs. Modification of current IPPs and/or the method for IPP delivery to address factors currently limiting program adoption is likely necessary to improve implementation effectiveness.
IMPACT ATTENUATION OF PROTECTIVE BOXING AND TAEKWONDO HEADGEAR
Authors: O'Sullivan D , Fife G , Pieter W 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundTo date, only one study reported the impact attenuation of protective taekwondo headgear. Although Olympic boxing has discontinued the use of headgear, similarities in designs are thought to provide a framework for improvements of taekwondo headgear.ObjectiveTo determine differences in impact attenuation of taekwondo and boxing headgear.DesignBetween groups.SettingImpact biomechanics laboratory.ParticipantsWorld Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA) approved protective headgear.Risk factor assessmentA standardized (ASTM F-2397) martial arts headgear striker was used to impart impacts to a 50th Percentile Male Hybrid III Dummy head and neck complex. All impacts were imparted with a terminal striking velocity of 5.0 m/s (min - max=4.75 −5.15m/s). 2 AIBA-approved headgear (Adidas and Green Hills) and 2 WTF-approved headgear were selected for testing. Each headgear model was fitted to the Hybrid III and impacted a total of 5 times to the left side (temporal) of the headgear along an ASTM-specified impact region. As per ASTM standards low velocity impacts must yield head RLAs below 50g.Main outcome measurementsResultant linear acceleration (RLA).Results1-way ANOVA showed significant differences between the headgear brands (eta2=0.928). The most protection was provided by the taekwondo Adidas headgear (60.5±4.3g) followed by the boxing Adidas (75.4±9.9g), boxing Greenhill (109.4±10.11g), and taekwondo Nike headgear (129.5±8.2g). The greatest difference in RLA was observed between the two taekwondo models (d=−9.54, 95% CI=−13.91 – −5.18), whereas the smallest clinically meaningful difference was observed between the two Adidas models (d=−1.94, 95% CI=−3.20 – −0.29).ConclusionsEach of the headgear brands performed differently under the testing conditions. All models need to be redesigned to mitigate low velocity impacts. Future testing must include impacts at high impact velocities.
THE EFFECTS OF ECCENTRIC TRAINING ON LOWER LIMB FLEXIBILITY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: O'Sullivan K , McAulliffe S , DeBurca N 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundReduced flexibility has been documented in athletes with lower limb injury, however stretching has limited evidence of effectiveness in preventing injury or reducing the risk of recurrence. In contrast, it has been proposed that eccentric training can not only improve strength and reduce the risk of injury, but also facilitate increased muscle flexibility via sarcomerogenesis.ObjectiveThis systematic review was undertaken to examine the evidence that eccentric training has demonstrated effectiveness as a means of improving lower limb flexibility.DesignSystematic Review. 6 electronic databases were systematically searched by two independent reviewers to identify randomised clinical trials comparing the effectiveness of eccentric training to either a different intervention, or a no-intervention control group. Studies evaluating flexibility using both joint range of motion (ROM) and muscle fascicle length (FL) were included. 6 studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, and were appraised using the PEDro scale. Differences in the muscles studied, and the outcome measures used, did not allow for pooled data analysis.ResultsThere was consistent, strong evidence from all six trials in three different muscle groups that eccentric training can improve lower limb flexibility, as assessed using either joint ROM or muscle FL.ConclusionsThe results support the hypothesis that eccentric training is an effective method of increasing lower limb flexibility. Therefore eccentric training is associated with improved flexibility, and not only with gains in strength, performance and injury reduction. Further research is required to compare the increased flexibility obtained after eccentric training to that obtained with static stretching and other exercise interventions.
EFFECT OF INJURY PREVENTION TRAINING ON KNEE MECHANICS IN FEMALE ADOLESCENTS DURING PUBERTY
Authors: Otsuki R , Kuramochi R , Fukubayashi T 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundFemale adolescents change their landing mechanics during puberty. It is unknown whether implementation of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention training reduces the loss of knee control in female athletes during puberty.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of injury prevention training on knee mechanics in female athletes during puberty.DesignControlled before-and-after study.SettingYouth sports.Participants60 female junior high school basketball players participated and were divided into 2 groups: training group (n=32) and control group (n=28).InterventionsThe training group underwent an injury prevention program three times per week for 6 months. The focus of the program was to ensure proper movement patterns, particularly avoiding knee valgus motion and encouraging knee flexion. The program was 20 min long and was implemented as a warm-up routine. The control group maintained a regular training routine.Main outcome measurementsThe knee valgus motion and knee flexion range of motion during a drop vertical jump were measured before and after the training period. The probability of a high knee abduction moment (pKAM) was also evaluated using an ACL injury prediction algorithm.ResultsThe knee valgus motion was significantly increased in the control group (P<.001), whereas it did not change in the training group (P=.64). Similarly, the knee flexion range of motion was significantly decreased in the control group (P<.001), whereas it was not changed in the training group (P=.55). The pKAM was significantly increased in the control group (P<.001), but not in the training group (P=.06).ConclusionsImplementation of injury prevention training was effective in limiting the loss of knee control in female athletes during puberty. Although a significant improvement in landing mechanics might not be possible, implementation of injury prevention training should be initiated during puberty to reduce the risk of ACL injury.