bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The reliability of team-based primary data collectors for the collection of exposure and protective equipment use data in community sport: Table 1
Authors: Braham R A , Finch C F 
Published: July 2004

Objective:Reliable data allows for the generalisation of study findings to the wider population. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of using community team based primary data collectors for the collection of exposure and protective equipment use data.Methods:Nine clubs (23 teams) from a metropolitan Australian Football league in Victoria each provided one primary data collector to monitor exposure and protective equipment use over a regular playing season. Four random audits of this data collection for each team were conducted throughout the regular playing season. The audits were compared with data collected by the club data collectors and the level of agreement assessed.Results:Although exposure data agreement was higher during competition and protective equipment use agreement higher during training, there was no significant difference in data collected by the primary data collectors and the random audits.Conclusions:The use of trained data collectors associated with Australian Football teams provides reliable information about player exposure and protective equipment use in community intervention studies.
Community football players’ attitudes towards protective equipment—a pre-season measure
Authors: Braham R A , Finch C F , McIntosh A , McCrory P 
Published: July 2004

Background:The Australian football injury prevention project (AFIPP) was a randomised controlled trial examining the effects of protective equipment on injury rates in Australian Football.Objective:To present the results of the AFIPP baseline survey of community football players’ attitudes towards protective equipment.Methods:Teams of players were recruited from the largest community football league in Victoria, Australia, during the 2001 playing season; 301 players were enrolled in the study and all were surveyed before the season began about their attitudes towards protective headgear and mouthguards.Results:Almost three quarters of the players (73.6%) reported wearing mouthguards during the previous playing season (year 2000) compared with only 2.1% wearing headgear. The most common reasons for not wearing headgear and mouthguards (in non-users) were: “I don’t like wearing it” (headgear: 44.8%; mouthguards: 30.6%), and “It is too uncomfortable” (headgear: 40.7%; mouthguards: 45.8%).Conclusions:The higher mouthguard usage reflects the favourable attitudes towards mouthguards by Australian football players generally. Similarly, the low headgear usage reflects the low acceptance of this form of protection in this sport. Further research should be directed towards establishing the reasons why players seem to believe that headgear plays a role in injury prevention yet few wear it.
A double blind, randomised, parallel group study on the efficacy and safety of treating acute lateral ankle sprain with oral hydrolytic enzymes
Authors: Kerkhoffs G M M J , Struijs P A A , de Wit C , Rahlfs V W , Zwipp H , van Dijk C N 
Published: July 2004

Objective:To compare the effectiveness and safety of the triple combination Phlogenzym (rutoside, bromelain, and trypsin) with double combinations, the single substances, and placebo.Design:Multinational, multicentre, double blind, randomised, parallel group design with eight groups structured according to a factorial design.Setting:Orthopaedic surgery and emergency departments in 27 European hospitals.Participants:A total of 721 patients aged 16–53 years presenting with acute unilateral sprain of the lateral ankle joint.Primary efficacy criteria:(a) Pain on walking one or two steps, as defined by the patient on a visual analogue scale. (b) The range of motion, as measured by the investigator and expressed as a sum of flexion and extension. (c) The volume of the injured ankle measured with a volometer.Results:At the primary end point at seven days, the greatest reduction in pain was in the bromelain/trypsin group (73.7%). The Phlogenzym group showed a median reduction of 60.3%, and the placebo group showed a median reduction of 73.3%. The largest increase in range of motion (median) was in the placebo group (60% change from baseline). The Phlogenzym group showed a median increase of 42.9%. The biggest decrease in swelling was in the trypsin group (3.9% change from baseline). The Phlogenzym group showed a −2.30% change from baseline and the placebo group a −2.90% change. In the subgroup analysis of patients who did not use a Caligamed brace, Phlogenzym was superior to placebo for the summarising directional test of the primary efficacy criteria (MW  =  0.621; LB-CI 0.496; p  =  0.029; one sided Wei-Lachin procedure). The vast majority of doctors and patients rated the tolerability of all treatments tested as very good or at least good.Conclusions:Phlogenzym was not found to be superior to the three two-drug combinations, the three single substances, or placebo for treatment of patients with acute unilateral sprain of the lateral ankle joint. The small subgroup of patients treated without the support of a Caligamed brace showed evidence of superiority of Phlogenzym over placebo. Further research is warranted to study this effect of Phlogenzym in patients treated without ankle support.
Effect of incorporating low intensity exercise into the recovery period after a rugby match
Authors: Suzuki M , Umeda T , Nakaji S , Shimoyama T , Mashiko T , Sugawara K 
Published: July 2004

Background:The psychological and physiological condition of athletes affect both their performance in competitions and their health. Rugby is an intense sport which appears to impose psychological and physiological stress on players. However, there have been few studies of the most appropriate resting techniques to deliver effective recovery from a match.Objectives:To compare the difference in recovery after a match using resting techniques with or without exercise.Methods:Fifteen Japanese college rugby football players were studied. Seven performed only normal daily activities and eight performed additional low intensity exercise during the post-match rest period. Players were examined just before and immediately after the match and one and two days after the match. Blood biochemistry and two neutrophil functions, phagocytic activity and oxidative burst, were measured to assess physiological condition, and the profile of mood states (POMS) scores were examined to evaluate psychological condition.Results:Immediately after the match, muscle damage, decreases in neutrophil functions, and mental fatigue were observed in both groups. Muscle damage and neutrophil functions recovered with time almost equally in the two groups, but the POMS scores were significantly decreased only in subjects in the low intensity exercise group.Conclusions:Rugby matches impose both physiological and psychological stress on players. The addition of low intensity exercise to the rest period did not adversely affect physiological recovery and had a significantly beneficial effect on psychological recovery by enhancing relaxation.
Risk factors associated with exertional medial tibial pain: a 12 month prospective clinical study
Authors: Burne S G , Khan K M , Boudville P B , Mallet R J , Newman P M , Steinman L J , Thornton E 
Published: July 2004

Objective:To investigate in a military setting the potential role of intrinsic biomechanical and anthropometric risk factors for, and the incidence of, exertional medial tibial pain (EMTP).Methods:A prospective clinical outcome study in a cohort of 122 men and 36 women at the Australian Defence Force Academy. Each cadet underwent measurements of seven intrinsic variables: hip range of motion, leg length discrepancy, lean calf girth, maximum ankle dorsiflexion range, foot type, rear foot alignment, and tibial alignment. Test–retest reliability was undertaken on each variable. A physician recorded any cadet presenting with diagnostic criteria of EMTP. Records were analysed at 12 months for EMTP presentation and for military fitness test results.Results:23 cadets (12 men, 11 women) met the criteria for EMTP after 12 months, with a cross gender (F/M) odds ratio of 3.1. In men, both internal and external range of hip motion was greater in those with EMTP: left internal (12°, p = 0.000), right internal (8°, p = 0.014), left external (8°, p = 0.042), right external (9°, p = 0.026). Lean calf girth was lower by 4.2% for the right leg (p = 0.040) but by only 2.9% for the left leg (p = 0.141). No intrinsic risk factor was associated with EMTP in women. EMTP was the major cause for non-completion of the run component of the ADFA fitness test in both men and women.Conclusions:Greater internal and external hip range of motion and lower lean calf girth were associated with EMTP in male military cadets. Women had high rates of injury, although no intrinsic factor was identified. Reasons for this sex difference need to be identified.
Clinical examination of athletes with groin pain: an intraobserver and interobserver reliability study
Authors: Hölmich P , Hölmich L R , Bjerg A M 
Published: July 2004

Background:Groin pain is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to sports medicine. The literature provides no consensus on definitions of or diagnostic criteria for groin pain in athletes. To compare the results of research and treatments, the methods used to diagnose and evaluate the degree of groin pain must be clearly defined and reproducible.Objectives:To describe clinical examination techniques for groin pain in athletes and evaluate the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of these.Methods:Eighteen athletes, nine with sports related groin pain and nine without groin pain, were examined by two doctors and two physiotherapists. The examiners were trained in the examination techniques before the study. The examiners were blinded to the symptoms and identity of the subjects. The subjects were examined twice by each examiner in random order. The examinations included evaluation of adductor muscle related pain and strength, iliopsoas muscle related pain, strength, and flexibility, abdominal muscle related pain, and strength and pain at the symphysis joint. Kappa statistics and percentage of agreement were used to evaluate the data.Results:Overall, the κ values and percentage of agreement were in accordance and showed good reliability of the examinations. The κ values for the intraobserver agreement were above 0.60 in 11 of 14 tests, and those for the interobserver agreement of the pain tests were above 0.60 in eight of 10 tests. The only test without acceptable interobserver reliability was the strength test for iliopsoas muscle.Conclusion:All but one of the tests investigated were reproducible and subject only to limited intraobserver and interobserver variation.
Left ventricular systolic function and diastolic filling after intermittent high intensity team sports
Authors: George K P , Dawson E , Shave R E , Whyte G , Jones M , Hare E , Gaze D , Collinson P 
Published: July 2004

Background:Prolonged steady state exercise can lead to a decrease in left ventricular (LV) function as well as promote the release of cardiac troponin T (cTnT). There is limited information on the effect of intermittent high intensity exercise of moderate duration.Objectives:To determine the effect of intermittent high intensity exercise of moderate duration on LV function.Methods:Nineteen male rugby and football players (mean (SD) age 21 (2) years) volunteered. Assessments, before, immediately after, and 24 hours after competitive games, included body mass, heart rate (HR), and systolic blood pressure (sBP) as well as echocardiography to assess stroke volume (SV), ejection fraction (EF), systolic blood pressure/end systolic volume ratio (sBP/ESV), and global diastolic filling (E:A) as well as to indirectly quantify preload (LV internal dimension at end diastole (LVIDd)). Serum cTnT was analysed using a 3rd generation assay. Changes in LV function were analysed by repeated measures analysis of variance. cTnT data are presented descriptively.Results:SV (91 (26)v91 (36)v90 (35) ml before, after, and 24 hours after the game respectively), EF (71 (8)v70 (9)v71 (7)%), and sBP/ESV (4.2 (1.8)v3.8 (1.9)v4.1 (1.6) mm Hg/ml) were not significantly altered (p>0.05). Interestingly, whereas LVIDd was maintained after the game (50 (5)v50 (6) mm), sBP was transiently but significantly reduced (131 (3)v122 (3) mm Hg; p<0.05). E:A was moderately (p<0.05) reduced after the game (2.0 (0.4)v1.5 (0.4)) but returned to baseline within 24 hours. No blood sample contained detectable levels of cTnT.Conclusions:In this cohort, LV systolic function was not significantly altered after intermittent activity. A transient depression in global diastolic filling was partially attributable to a raised HR and could not be explained by myocyte disruption as represented by cTnT release.
Higher tibial quantitative ultrasound in young female swimmers
Authors: Falk B , Bronshtein Z , Zigel L , Constantini N , Eliakim A 
Published: July 2004

Background:It has been found that swimming, a non-impact sport, generally has no effect on bone mineral density.Objectives:To examine bone properties, as measured by quantitative ultrasound, among female swimmers in comparison with control girls and women.Methods:Subjects included 61 swimmers and 71 controls aged 8.5 to 26.5 years. None of the swimmers was at the elite level and none had included resistance training in her schedule. Bone speed of sound (SOS) was measured bilaterally at the distal radius and the mid-tibia.Results:No differences were observed between swimmers and controls in body mass (mean (SD): 49.7 (12.3)v50.7 (12.4) kg, respectively), although swimmers were taller (159 (12)v155 (12) cm) and had lower body fat (18.3 (4.2)%v22.3 (5.4)%). No difference was found in time since menarche (5.2 (4.0) and 4.5 (2.9) years in swimmers and controls, respectively; 21 swimmers and 25 control were premenarcheal). Radial speed of sound (SOS) increased with age but did not differ between swimmers and controls (non-dominant: 3904 (172) and 3889 (165) m/s for swimmers and controls, respectively). Tibial SOS also increased with age and was significantly higher in swimmers than in controls (non-dominant: 3774 (155)v3712 (171) m/s). No differences were found between dominant and non-dominant sides.Conclusions:Swimming appears to be associated with higher bone SOS in the lower but not in the upper extremities. Further studies are needed to assess whether this difference reflects higher habitual activity among the swimmers or swimming specific mechanisms.
The Football Association medical research programme: an audit of injuries in academy youth football
Authors: Price R J , Hawkins R D , Hulse M A , Hodson A 
Published: July 2004

Objectives:To undertake a prospective epidemiological study of the injuries sustained in English youth academy football over two competitive seasons.Methods:Player injuries were annotated by medical staff at 38 English football club youth academies. A specific injury audit questionnaire was used together with a weekly return form that documented each club’s current injury status.Results:A total of 3805 injuries were reported over two complete seasons (June to May) with an average injury rate of 0.40 per player per season. The mean (SD) number of days absent for each injury was 21.9 (33.63), with an average of 2.31 (3.66) games missed per injury. The total amount of time absent through injury equated to about 6% of the player’s development time. Players in the higher age groups (17–19 years) were more likely to receive an injury than those in the younger age groups (9–16 years). Injury incidence varied throughout the season, with training injuries peaking in January (p<0.05) and competition injuries peaking in October (p<0.05). Competition injuries accounted for 50.4% of the total, with 36% of these occurring in the last third of each half. Strains (31%) and sprains (20%) were the main injury types, predominantly affecting the lower limb, with a similar proportion of injuries affecting the thigh (19%), ankle (19%), and knee (18%). Growth related conditions, including Sever’s disease and Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, accounted for 5% of total injuries, peaking in the under 13 age group for Osgood-Schlatter’s disease and the under 11 age group for Sever’s disease. The rate of re-injury of exactly the same anatomical structure was 3%.Conclusions:Footballers are at high risk of injury and there is a need to investigate ways of reducing this risk. Injury incidence at academy level is approximately half that of the professional game. Academy players probably have much less exposure to injury than their full time counterparts. Areas that warrant further attention include the link between musculoskeletal development and the onset of youth related conditions such as Sever’s disease and Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, the significant number of non-contact injuries that occur in academy football, and the increased rates of injury during preseason training and after the mid season break. This study has highlighted the nature and severity of injuries that occur at academy level, and the third part of the audit process now needs to be undertaken: the implementation of strategies to reduce the number of injuries encountered at this level.
Validation of fan beam dual energyxray absorptiometry for body composition assessment in adults aged 18–45 years
Authors: Norcross J , Van Loan M D 
Published: July 2004

Background:Pencil beam dual energyxray absorptiometry (DXA) has been shown to provide valid estimates of body fat (%BF), but DXA fan beam technology has not been adequately tested to determine its validity.Objective:To compare %BF estimated from fan beam DXA with %BF determined using two and three compartment (2C, 3C) models.Methods:Men (n  =  25) and women (n  =  31), aged 18–41 years, participated in the study. Body density, from hydrostatic weighing, was used in the 2C estimate of %BF; DXA was used to determine bone mineral content (BMC) for the 3C estimate of %BF calculated using body density and BMC (3CBMC). DXA was also used to determine %BF. Analysis of variance was used to test for significant differences in %BF between sexes and among methods.Results:Women were significantly shorter, weighed less, had less fat free mass, and a higher %BF than men. No significant differences were found among methods (2C, 3CBMC, DXA) for determination of %BF in either sex. Although not significant, Bland-Altman plots showed that DXA gave higher values for %BF than the 2C and 3CBMCmethods.Conclusion:DXA determination of %BF was not different from that of the 2C and 3CBMCmodels in this group of young adults. However, to validate fan beam DXA fully as a method for body composition assessment in a wide range of individuals and populations, comparisons are needed that use a 4C model with a measure of total body water and BMC.
Objective evaluation of small bowel and colonic transit time using pH telemetry in athletes with gastrointestinal symptoms
Authors: Rao K A , Yazaki E , Evans D F , Carbon R 
Published: July 2004

Background:Gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances are often reported by long distance runners and are more common in women, particularly after prolonged high intensity exercise.Objectives:To determine whether these symptoms could be associated with alterations in GI motility.Methods:Small bowel and colonic transit were measured using pH telemetry in a group of 11 female athletes (age 22 to 53 years), six of whom experienced lower GI symptoms during exercise. Subjects participated in two experimental sessions: a control measurement, where small bowel transit was estimated during a rest period (R) of six hours; and an exercise session (E), where small bowel transit was measured during a one hour period of high intensity exercise (cross country running) at >70% V˙O2max. Colonic transit was estimated indirectly from determinations of whole gut transit time by radio-opaque marker.Results:Small bowel transit time was 3.5 to 10.6 h (R) and 3.0 to 8.7 h (E) in asymptomatic athletes, versus 4.0 to 6.6 h (R) and 4.6 to 7.3 h (E) in symptomatic athletes (NS). Colonic transit time was 35.0 to 62.5 h (R) and 30.5 to 70.9 h (E) in asymptomatic athletes versus 20.4 to 42.9 h (R) and 21.5 to 67.2 h (E) in symptomatic athletes (NS).Conclusions:Small bowel and colonic transit times were similar in the two groups in the rest and exercise sessions. The diarrhoea seen in this study did not result from accelerated colonic transit. Other mechanisms must be sought.
Serum electrolyte concentrations and hydration status are not associated with exercise associated muscle cramping (EAMC) in distance runners
Authors: Schwellnus M P , Nicol J , Laubscher R , Noakes T D 
Published: July 2004

Objectives:To determine whether acute exercise associated muscle cramping (EAMC) in distance runners is related to changes in serum electrolyte concentrations and hydration status.Methods:A cohort of 72 runners participating in an ultra-distance road race was followed up for the development of EAMC. All subjects were weighed before and immediately after the race. Blood samples were taken before the race, immediately after the race, and 60 minutes after the race. Blood samples were analysed for glucose, protein, sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium concentrations, as well as serum osmolality, haemoglobin, and packed cell volume. Runners who suffered from acute EAMC during the race formed the cramp group (cramp, n = 21), while runners with no history of EAMC during the race formed the control group (control, n = 22).Results:There were no significant differences between the two groups for pre-race or post-race body weight, per cent change in body weight, blood volume, plasma volume, or red cell volume. The immediate post-race serum sodium concentration was significantly lower (p = 0.004) in the cramp group (mean (SD), 139.8 (3.1) mmol/l) than in the control group (142.3 (2.1) mmol/l). The immediate post-race serum magnesium concentration was significantly higher (p = 0.03) in the cramp group (0.73 (0.06) mmol/l) than in the control group (0.67 (0.08) mmol/l).Conclusions:There are no clinically significant alterations in serum electrolyte concentrations and there is no alteration in hydration status in runners with EAMC participating in an ultra-distance race.