bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Injury and safety in junior rugby union football
Authors: McIntosh A , Dutfied R , Grimison M 
Published: March 2011

BackgroundLittle is known about the injury incidence and risk factors in junior rugby union football. In particular, the timing of the introduction of the tackle, the skill associated with the highest incidence of injury, must be considered in the development pathway.ObjectiveTo measure the incidence of injury in junior rugby and assess risk factors.DesignA prospective cohort study.SettingCommunity level junior male rugby union football.Participants312 rugby players aged between 6 and 14 years were recruited over two seasons.Assessment of risk factorsAge, number of players, and introduction of the tackle were assessed.Main outcome measurementsGame and training participations, as well as injury, were measured. Injury was defined as occurring when a player missed a game or training due to an injury in a rugby game or training and calculated as the injury incidence rate (eg, per 1000 h of game participation).ResultsThere were 24 injuries over two seasons. Season one game injury incidence was, for example, 7.5 injuries per 1000 h. No injuries were recorded in the youngest age groups and there was a gradual increase in injury rates with age. In this cohort age and number of players on the field is correlated due to the game structure. Forearm/hand and knee injuries were most common. The tackle and accidental falls were the most common cause of injury. An unusual injury occurred to one player at training – a vertebral artery tear that may have resulted from a fall.ConclusionInjuries were typical childhood injuries that occur in sport and recreational activities. Injury rates were much lower than observed in adult rugby (community and professional). Accidental falls appear to be more common in this study than in older age groups. This may be related to gross motor control and developing team and individual rugby skills.
Prevention of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in female basketball players in japan: an intervention study over four seasons
Authors: Nagano Y , Miki H , Tsuda K , Shimizu Y , Fukubayashi T 
Published: March 2011

BackgroundFemale basketball players are at a higher risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury than male players. Therefore, prevention of ACL injury in the former group is essential.ObjectiveTo assess the effect of an injury prevention training program on the incidence of ACL injuries in female basketball players.DesignProspective intervention study.SettingTop-level league in Japan.ParticipantsPlayers from 12 top-league teams. The control season (2006–2007) included 158 players; the first intervention season (2007–2008), 168 players; the second intervention season (2008–2009), 174 players; and the third intervention season (2009–2010), 162 players.InterventionsFrom the middle of the 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 measurementsNumber and rate of ACL injuries during the four seasons and compliance with the program. Injury incidences were given in terms of per 1000 player-hours (PH).ResultsSeven non-contact ACL injuries were noted during the control season (0.059/1000 PH); 4, during the first intervention season (0.031/1000 PH); 10, during the second intervention season (0.073/1000 PH); and 2, during the third intervention season (0.016/1000 PH). During the second intervention season, the rate of ACL injuries in the teams that complied with the program was 0.053/1000 PH, while the rate in the teams that did not comply was 0.099/1000 PH. During the third intervention season, the rate of ACL injuries in the teams that complied was 0.011/1000 PH, while the rate in the teams that did not comply was 0.032/1000 PH.ConclusionThe results show that the injury prevention program tended to decrease the frequency of ACL injuries.
Methods for epidemiological study of injury and illness in great britain olympic sport: the injury/illness performance project (IIPP)
Authors: Palmer-Green D , Hunter G , Jaques R , Fuller C , Price C 
Published: March 2011

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.ObjectiveDevelop and implement a valid and sensitive multisport surveillance model for elite sport in Great Britain, to identify incidence, severity, nature, and risk factors for injury/illness in both individual and team sports.DesignA longitudinal prospective surveillance study, with definitions for injury/illness, time loss and restriction severity, and implementation practices, was developed by the research group, and methodology framework modified from recent injury surveillance consensus statements to be applicable for individual and team sports.SettingNational training centres for elite sport in Great Britain, including domestic and international competition venues.ParticipantsNational team lottery funded athletes from identified sport national governing bodies.InterventionsReport forms recording all athlete injuries/illnesses causing complete time loss or restricted participation in competition or training are completed by medical support staff, and competition and training exposure by coaching support staff. Data collection commenced pre season 2009/2010 and is ongoing.Main outcome measureSport specific injury incidence and illness prevalence, time loss and restriction severity, and risk factors for the most common and severe injuries/illnesses.Results14 Olympic sports are involved in the surveillance study. Sport specific results reports on injury incidence, illness prevalence, and associated risk factors are being produced, with targeted sport specific recommendations for prevention strategies.ConclusionThe injury/illness performance project provides objective information to medical and coaching support staff, and elite sports are starting to implement prevention interventions for key risk factors. The long term aim is to reduce the number and severity athlete injuries/illnesses, the detrimental effects of time loss and restriction in competition and training, and ultimately through this enhance athlete performance.
Gynecological pre participation examination–a new proposal for female athletes care
Authors: Parmigiano T , Zucchi E , Araujo M , Negra L , Guindalini C , Castro R , Moreno C , Girão M , Cohen M , Sartori M 
Published: March 2011

BackgroundFemale athletes are unaware of the influence of sports practice on health and usually do not report sexual or gynecological complaints during a regular Pre Participation Examination (PPE).ObjectiveTo propose a gynecological PPE for female athletes, assessing questions regarding unsupervised sports practice, sexual transmitted diseases, as well as consciousness of the coaches regarding their gynecological health.DesignObservational cross-sectional study.Settings/PatientsA total of 148 athletes participating in regular and competitive sports at the ‘Olympic Center of Training and Research for youth athletes’ in São Paulo – Brazil, during the first semester of 2010. Parents/guardians signed the informed consent form.InterventionThe athletes participated in an informative lecture about relevant gynecological questions related to their health and sports practice. Subsequently, the subjects responded to a questionnaire evaluating gynecological features, together with the Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26).ResultsThe study assessed 148 athletes, mean age of 15.4 ± 2.0 years, reporting 10.9 ± 4.0 h of practice/week. 50% of the participants described irregular menstrual interval, 23.0% ignored the meaning of sexual transmitted diseases and 72.4% had never been to a gynecological appointment. A total of 23.1% of the athletes complained of urine loss and 14.5% should be evaluated by a nutritionist regarding alimentary disturbance or use of diuretics or laxative for weight loss. Moreover, 89.0% ignored the occurrence of urinary incontinence in athletes and the definition of female athlete triad, and 81.9% affirmed that would not mention these questions to their coaches even if this would improve their health or performance.ConclusionThe gynecological issues are usually underestimated in the follow up of female athletes. The PPE could be an excellent opportunity to provide a special care to young competitors, improving their knowledge about their body and health and most likely, their goals.
Sports and exercise safety in finland (LiVE): a nationwide implementation case
Authors: Pasanen K , Jussila A-M , Kannus P , Hiilloskorpi H , Parkkari J 
Published: March 2011

BackgroundSports injuries are the most common injury type in Finland. The Sports and Exercise Safety in Finland (LiVE) program started in 2006, and is financially supported by the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.ObjectivesThe aim of the program is to increase safety of sports and exercise in a nationwide setting.MethodsLiVE research projects are carried out in Tampere Research Centre of Sports Medicine. Epidemiology and prevention of sports injuries are in focus on the studies. Results are spread to the field by two campaigns, Healthy Athlete (TU) and Safety in School Sports (TEKO). The target group of the TU is young athletes, their coaches and parents. The target group of the TEKO is secondary school students, their teachers and parents. LiVE program educates annually LiVE-instructors who work in different operational environments. The 1-year education is directed for coaches, physical therapists, PE teachers and PE instructors. Educated LiVE-instructors uses a four-step-approach to prevent injuries: 1) Survey in a target group, 2) Analyses and planning, 3) Implementation, and 4) Evaluation.ResultsTwo large randomised controlled trials have been carried through. Also, numerous original studies of sports injury epidemiology have been published. Results have been spread to the field by education and communication. Today, overall 55 LiVE-instructors work in different organisations (eg, sports federations, sports clubs, schools). In addition, the program has appeared annually in about 30 different sports and school events. LiVE website has attracted 4000–6000 visitors and 40,000–60,000 hits per month.ConclusionImplementation of preventive strategies against sports injuries will result in a reduction of the number of health problems and work or school absenteeism, as well as a clear decrease in the medical costs. Essential results of the LiVE program will be expressed within five to 10 years.
The polygenic profiles in participants with achilles tendinopathy and controls
Authors: Posthumus M , Saunders C , September A V , Collins M 
Published: March 2011

IntroductionAchilles tendinopathy (AT) is a multifactorial condition for which various genetic risk factors have been identified. More specifically, five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with and/or suggested to be implicated in AT. These SNPs are (1) the COL5A1 rs12722, (2) the MMP3 rs679620, (3) the GDF5 rs143383, (4) the IL1B −511, and (5) the IL6 −172 polymorphisms.ObjectiveThis study determines the validity of a polygenic profile, as proposed by Williams and Folland, as a discriminating ‘tool’ for identifying individuals at risk of developing AT.MethodsAll five polymorphisms was previously genotyped in 69 South African (SA) Caucasian participants with AT and 93 SA Caucasian control participants (CON) with no previous history of AT. Using the model developed by Williams and Folland (Journal of Physiology, 586.1, 113–21:2008), the ‘total genotype score’ (TGS) was calculated from the combination of each of the five SNPs. Individual genotypes were each given a ‘score’ of 2, 1 or 0. The homozygote genotype most closely associated with an increased risk of AT was given the score ‘2’, heterozygote's were scored 1 and the homozygote most closely associated with reduced risk of AT were scored 0. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the ability of the TGS to correctly distinguish participants at high and low risk of AT. Significance was accepted when p<0.05.ResultsThe TGS of the AT participants (TGS=63.6±15.3) was significantly greater (p<0.001) than the CON participants (TGS=54.3±16.3). ROC analysis showed a significant discriminating accuracy of TGS to identify risk of AT in the SA population (AUC=0.64; 95% CI 0.56 to 0.73; p=0.002).ConclusionThe method of using TGSs to discriminate between individuals at risk of AT and not, seems valid. This method may be used in future multifactorial models developed to identify ‘at-risk’ individuals.
Functional asymmetry in the lower limb professional soccer players
Authors: Sannicandro I , Piccinno A , Rosa R A , De Pascalis S 
Published: March 2011

BackgroundSoccer, sports asymmetric, requiring different loads to the lower limbs as the player uses separately one leg to kick and the other one to jump and landing; in literature are studies that have described this asymmetry in terms of strength (Samadiet al., 2009; Rahnamaet al., 2005) or ground reaction force in the landing (Sannicandro, 2008).ObjectiveAnalyzing the relationship between asymmetry of the strength of the lower capacity and ability to manage tasks in one-leg-standing balance in professional players.DesignDescriptive research (correlation study which investigates the relationship between variables).SettingSoccer elite division in the off season.Participants29 soccer players (25.3±2.7 year, 180.1±2.6 cm, 78.5±2.2 kg).Assessment of risk factorsThe maximal strength, the explosive strength and the balance test can be considered as indicators for to determine both the functional asymmetry of lower limbs both potential risk factors for soccer player.Main outcome measurementsFor each leg was assessed maximal strength (1RM) using a leg press (Technogym, Italy), explosive strength through hop test, the ability to balance by tilting platform electronics (DEB, Delos Italy). This instrument has provided the percentage of time that the player has complied with the assigned range of motion of ±2°.ResultsThe assessment of maximal strength, explosive power and the balance returned respectively asymmetry averaged 9.9±7.2% to 6.6±5.3% and 11.4±3.2%. There was a correlation between 1RM and leg hop test for left and right respectively equal to r=0.55 and r=0.53 (p<0.01), a correlation between test and hop balance equal respectively to r=0.49 and r=0.47 (p<0.01).ConclusionThe study describes the functional asymmetries of the lower limb in soccer players in relation to 1RM, the explosive strength and balance tasks in one-leg-standing. The correlation between values of explosive strength and balance tasks would suggest a functional relationship between two ability, as already hypothesised in literature (Gstöttneret al., 2009).
Relationship between leg and foot alignment and dynamic knee valgus during single-leg squat, single-leg drop landing and cutting tasks
Authors: Sanomura M , Irie K 
Published: March 2011

BackgroundBiomechanical studies have shown that female athletes have significantly increased dynamic knee valgus during drop landing and cutting tasks. However, the relationship between static leg and foot alignment and dynamic knee valgus is not well understood.ObjectiveTo determine the relationship between leg and foot alignment and dynamic knee valgus during single-leg squat, single-leg drop landing and cutting tasks.DesignControlled study.SettingUniversity laboratory.Participants50 female collegiate athletes (mean age 20.0 ± 1.3 years; height 159.6 ± 5.8 cm; weight 55.1 ± 6.3 kg).InterventionsParticipants performed single-leg squat, single-leg drop landing and cutting tasks, and kinematic data regarding knee valgus alignment were collected using a high-speed video camera.Main outcome measurementLeg and foot alignment including thigh-transmalleolar angle (an indicator of tibial torsion), leg-heel angle and navicular drop test scores were measured, and correlation coefficients between these parameters and knee valgus alignment were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation and an unpaired t-test.ResultsThe thigh-transmalleolar angle was significantly and positively correlated with knee valgus rate in single-leg squat and drop landing tasks (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient=0.360, p=0.012 and 0.414, p=0.004, respectively). The navicular drop test score and leg-heel angle were not significantly correlated with knee valgus rate in each task.ConclusionTibial torsion is related to dynamic knee valgus alignment during squatting and landing tasks and its measurement and evaluation through the thigh-transmalleolar angle might be useful as a pre-participation screening test to prevent injury among female athletes.
The correlation between whole body reaction time and the onset timing of lower extremity muscles during landing
Authors: Sasaki R , Urabe Y , Yamanaka Y , Fujii E , Matsubayashi Y 
Published: March 2011

BackgroundQuickness can be shown as whole body reaction time (WBRT) by measuring how quickly they can react for a stimulus. In addition, it is said that the onset timing of muscles contribute to stabilise joints and to prevent injury during the movement.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to clarify the correlation between WBRT and the onset timing of muscles during landing.DesignRandomisation study.SettingYouth sports.Participants15 healthy female college students volunteered in this study.InterventionWBRT was defined as the duration from light stimulus to the both feet apart from the floor. The onset timing of muscles were measured by bilateral landing from the 40 cm height box with the electromyography (EMG). EMG data were collected from vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), semimembranosus (SM) and biceps femoris (BF). The onset timing of the muscle was visually identified as the first point, which was the EMG amplitude of 100 ms after the start of landing movement that exceeded the mean baseline activity by three SD. The definition of the baseline was set as the EMG amplitude of the 100 ms after the toe-off from the box.Main outcome measurementsThe hypothesis was that there were the correlation between WBRT and the onset timing of muscles.ResultsThe mean±SD of WBRT was 331.8±45.6 ms. VM onset timing during landing was 243.7±78.3 ms, VL was 259.6±75.5 ms, SM was 191.7±86.2 ms, BF was 237.5±73.8 ms. There were correlations between WBRT and SM and BF onset timings (p<0.05).ConclusionThis study identified the correlation between WBRT and SM and BF onset timing. It might be possible to make SM and BF onset timing occur faster by reacting to certain stimulus faster.
Interrater reliability assessment of a qualitative video analysis protocol to assess injury mechanisms and risks
Authors: Savage T , McIntosh A , Fréchède B 
Published: March 2011

BackgroundUnderstanding injury aetiology is vital to the development of preventative programs. However, evaluating causation in multifactorial events is difficult. Qualitative analysis may present an effective method to understanding injury situations.ObjectiveTo develop a reliable qualitative analysis method to assess injury risk, using tackling in rugby union as a target activity.DesignAn analysis protocol was developed following consultation of epidemiological, coaching, and biomechanics literature. An inter-rater reliability (IRR) study was conducted to assess the protocols reliability. The results of the IRR study were reviewed and the results used to inform modifications which were tested in a second IRR study.SettingVideo analysis of sports skills.Participants10 volunteers with a knowledge of the target sport.InterventionsA standard instruction manual and video clips were provided to each participant. Participants were asked to code all events in the clips and a 5 min passage of play to test the protocol and the event definition used in the study.Main outcome measurementsIRR was assessed with percent agreement and Kappa.ResultsGood or high agreement (>70%) was obtained in eight fields. Agreement among participants for ‘potential injury events’ was high (91%). Agreement in identifying events according to the definition, and the overall agreement in the selected fields was good (61%). In general, agreement in fields using scientific or rugby specific terms were low. Higher agreement was identified for dichotomous fields. The results of the second IRR study showed that a more specific definition of the point in time during a tackle at which observations were made improved the agreement in some fields.ConclusionThe results suggest general agreement between raters using the protocol was good, but care needs to be taken in explaining and defining the variables used. Following modifications, the protocol was used in a broader study examining technique and injury risk.
Elevated blood pressure in norwegian elite football players is associated with both increased sympathetic activity and LV mass
Authors: Berge H , Gjerdalen G , Andersen T E , Steine K , Solberg E 
Published: March 2011

BackgroundUEFA requires that all male players of the elite teams undergo cardiovascular screening, which was conducted as a research project in Norway.ObjectiveTo study the prevalence of elevated blood pressure (BP), and test if there were any relation to consequences of hypertension as increased left ventricle (LV) mass or diastolic dysfunction.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingTraining-camp, La Manga, Spain, 2008.ParticipantsAll football players in the two elite-divisions in Norway were invited, 28 of 30 teams participated. 594 of 636 players finished the study.Assessment of risk factorsStandard BP measurements, high BP is defined >=140/90 mm Hg according to ESC standards. Height and weight were self reported, body mass index (BMI), body surface area and pulse pressure (PP) were calculated.Main outcome measurementsThe echocardiographic parameters were indexed LV mass, relative wall thickness (RWT), heart rate (HR), and peak early (E) and late (A) diastolic transmitral velocities. The E/A ratio was calculated as an index for LV diastolic function.ResultsMean age: 25 years (range 18–38), mean BMI: 23.7 kg/m2 (20–29) and mean BP: 122/69 mm Hg. 38 players (6.4%) had hypertension grade 1, and two had hypertension grade 2. There was a significant linear relationship between mean arterial pressure (MAP) and indexed LV mass, HR and PP with regression coefficient 0.26 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.44), 0.20 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.29), and 0.18 (95% CI 0.07 to 0.29), p<0.01. No such correlation was found between RWT, E/A ratio and MAP.ConclusionElevated BP was associated with increased PP and HR, indicating increased sympathetic activity. Those with elevated BP had significantly increased indexed LV mass, indicating an early start of end organ damage. Considering that detection of elevated BP at one single occasion in young age may predict manifest hypertension later in life, our data support BP screening of athletes.