Research in Sports Medicine最新文献

Ultra-endurance running imposes extreme physical demands often resulting in exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), pain, and inflammation. Many athletes use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) despite safety concerns, questionable efficacy, and recent bans in some events. However, the prevalence, patterns, and cultural drivers of NSAID use across performance levels remain underexplored. This mixed-methods, cross-sectional survey included 167 ultra-endurance runners across five self-reported performance tiers. The survey, developed iteratively with expert input, captured NSAID usage during training and competition, motivations, perceived risks/benefits, information sources, and openness to alternatives. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively; qualitative responses underwent inductive thematic analysis. Over half (53%) reported NSAID use, with ibuprofen most common. Usage patterns varied by calibre; Tier 5 (World-class) athletes described strategic use, while lower tiers reported more reactive use. Despite 77% being aware of potential harms, most often renal and gastrointestinal (GI), usage remained high due to perceived benefits. Female participants reported use often linked to menstrual or menopause-related discomfort. Information sources were largely informal, reflecting entrenched norms around pain management. Findings highlight the need for targeted behaviour change strategies, sex-informed approaches, and development of safer, evidence-based pain management alternatives in ultra-endurance sport.

Exercise-based injury prevention programmes for runners often show inconsistent results, potentially due to inadequate targeting of modifiable intrinsic risk factors. This randomized controlled trial assessed the effectiveness of an online, multi-component exercise programme in reducing running-related injuries (RRIs) among recreational runners over nine months. A total of 264 runners (mean age 35.9 ± 13.1 years) were randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 135) or control group (n = 129). The intervention included 11 exercises focusing on core strength, flexibility, and neuromuscular control, performed 2-4 times weekly for 15-30 minutes. The control group maintained their usual running routine. Injuries were self-reported every two weeks. During the study, 30.3% of participants reported at least one new injury, with an overall incidence rate of 6.52 injuries per 1000 running hours. The intervention group had significantly lower rates of overall RRIs (4.62 vs. 8.71 per 1000 hours; IRR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.37-0.77, p = 0.004) and overuse injuries (4.04 vs. 7.61; p = 0.001), representing 47% and 54% risk reductions, respectively. No significant difference was observed for acute injuries. These findings indicate that a structured, online, multi-component programme targeting key intrinsic risk factors can significantly reduce the incidence of running-related and overuse injuries. This scalable approach supports safer and more sustainable running practices among recreational athletes.

We wish to comment on the recent case report by Quintana-Cepedal et al. which highlights successful conservative management of a complete adductor longus rupture in a football player. In our retrospective cohort of 111 athletes with MRI-confirmed adductor lesions, we similarly observed high return-to-sport rates following structured exercise therapy, comparable to injection-based interventions. Taken together, these reports reinforce the role of exercise-based rehabilitation as a cornerstone in the management of both acute and chronic adductor injuries. We also emphasize the potential importance of supervised exercise programs and the need for further studies to clarify long-term outcomes.

The purpose of this study is to examine Achilles Tendon (AT) rupture and prior injury in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Publicly available data was sourced via two online databases and filtered to identify those reported as having sustained AT rupture. A full injury history was then generated for those players. A total of 51 AT ruptures were identified. Thirty-five per cent (18) had previously missed at least one game for "Achilles tendinitis" or "Achilles tendon injury" on the side of the affected limb. A further 18% were noted to have suffered plantar fasciitis or foot inflammation (9) or previous ankle injury (9). Seven previous injuries were knee related, and five were described as calf muscle injuries. The remaining three had prior soft tissue injuries to the quadriceps, hamstring or groin. Understanding any potential association between previous small time-loss injuries and large time-loss injuries such Achilles tendon ruptures is an important step in advancing injury risk mitigation strategies in professional basketball.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the elbow is common in adolescent athletes, causing functional impairment. This study examined the clinical, imaging, and intraoperative characteristics of OCD lesions, evaluating MRI's diagnostic and prognostic value, and identifying factors affecting recovery. The study included 119 athletes, 22 with confirmed OCD. Data on demographics, clinical features, and MRI findings were collected, along with preoperative assessments and outcomes (time to return to sport and QuickDASH scores). MRI lesion size correlated with intraoperative measurements (r = 0.81, p < 0.001) but was poor at assessing stability (r = -0.088, p = 0.696). Larger lesions and lateral wall involvement were associated with instability and prolonged recovery. Factors like lesion size, Tanner Stage III, and left-handed dominance were linked to OCD risk. Larger lesions predicted delayed recovery. MRI is useful for lesion characterization but limited in predicting stability and outcomes. Early detection and management are crucial for optimal recovery.

Previous work has conjectured that visually impaired athletes may face barriers when attempting concussion assessments because they can present with signs of concussion as part of their condition. The present study aimed to explore the qualitative experiences of visually impaired players undertaking the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5). Four visually impaired Physical Disability Rugby League players completed the SCAT5 neurological assessment (i.e. read aloud and visual tracking sections) prior to attending an online focus group discussion. Thematic analysis was performed, revealing numerous barriers and consequent additional needs experienced by the athletes. The present results support the removal of the read aloud section from the SCAT5 and suggest that the SCAT6 may thus be a more appropriate assessment tool for visually impaired athletes. Clinicians using the SCAT6 may want to make adjustments to meet the additional needs of visually impaired athletes when completing the visual tracking section.

We aimed to determine whether pain, symptoms and/or physical function are associated with perceived recovery in people with current or resolved Achilles tendinopathy. We performed a cross-sectional cohort study, including people who reported having either "current" or "resolved" Achilles tendinopathy. Participants completed an online survey, including the Tendinopathy Severity Assessment- Achilles (TENDINS-A). We used multivariable binary logistic regression and reported odds ratio (OR) to quantify the strength of the association. We included 100 cases (n = 63 current, n = 37 resolved). There were no associations of age, sex, BMI, TENDINS-A (Pain) or TENDINS-A (Physical Function) with whether participants reported having current or resolved Achilles tendinopathy. However, for every 1% greater the TENDINS-A (Symptoms) there was 0.28 lower odds of a participant reporting their tendinopathy has resolved (OR = 0.972, 95% CI = 0.953 to 0.992, p = 0.007). We demonstrated a lower "symptom" severity but not "pain" severity was associated with greater patient-reported resolution of Achilles tendinopathy.

To investigate the risk factor for stress fractures and the characteristics of the laboratory data in eumenorrheic female track and field athletes competing at an elite level. Elite eumenorrheic sprinters and jumpers were recruited. Bone mineral density, bone metabolism markers, 25-OH Vitamin D, and hormones, including prolactin and free testosterone were measured. Total of 84 high school and collegiate athletes were enrolled in the study and among them, 33 athletes had a history of stress fractures during or after high school. Their personal background, bone mineral density, bone metabolism markers, 25-OH Vitamin D, and free testosterone were not different between the group with a history of stress fracture and without a history of stress fracture. Prolactin levels were higher in athletes with stress fractures compared to those without (15.70 ± 10.59 ng/mL vs. 11.59 ± 5.06 ng/mL, p = 0.081), although this difference was not statistically significant. Logistic regression analysis revealed that prolactin was a significant predictive factor for stress fractures (odds ratio: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01-1.20; p = 0.023). Prolactin may be linked to stress fractures in eumenorrheic sprinters and jumpers, and further research is needed to confirm its role as a predictive factor.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the Unilateral Seated Shot-Put Test (USSPT) in patients with subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS). Twenty three patients were included in the study. The participants were assessed using the USSPT for functional power; Visual analog scale (VAS) for pain at activity; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) for disability, hand-held dynamometer for shoulder flexion and shoulder abduction muscle strength, and grip strength. Test-retest reliability of the USSPT was found excellent with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC_2,1) score of 0.976, a standard error of measurement (SEM) of 12.47, and a minimum detectable change (MDC₉₅) score of 34.54. There was high to excellent correlations between the USSPT and the SPADI (r = -0.756, p = <0.001), shoulder flexion muscle strength (r = 0.834, p = <0.001), and shoulder abduction muscle strength (r = 0.711, p = <0.001). SPADI score and shoulder flexion muscle strength were the most important factors influencing USSPT performance, accounting for 73.3% of the variance. The USSPT is a reliable and valid test for assessing upper extremity functional power.

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different physical rehabilitation strategies for young volleyball players after meniscectomy, focusing on tailored protocols that enhance return-to-sport (RTS) outcomes. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar from January 2010 to January 2025. The quality assessment of the studies was analysed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) tool. Furthermore, data extraction and synthesis were performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. This review revealed the importance of structured, personalized rehabilitation protocols that address the unique demands of volleyball. High-quality rehabilitation significantly improves physical recovery, mental fitness, and overall athletic performance. Evidence suggests that early RTS is achievable, with approximately 77% of athletes returning to sport within two months of surgery. A phased approach to rehabilitation, addressing both immediate recovery and long-term health, was shown to be essential in preventing reinjury. This systematic review supported an evidence-based, multimodal rehabilitation approach tailored to the specific needs of young volleyball players after meniscectomy. By focusing on the athlete's immediate recovery and long-term health, clinicians can improve functional outcomes and minimize the risk of re-injury.