Research in Sports Medicine最新文献

The objective of this study was to ascertain the incidence and most prevalent types of injuries sustained by runners over the preceding 12 months and to examine how injury rates vary according to sex, running experience, running distance, and running type. The study included 303 runners. Data were collected through a questionnaire completed face-to-face before/after running events. Independent t-tests compared demographic data, chi-square tests evaluated injury rates based on running-related factors, and binary logistic regression assessed the combined effects of these factors. Fifty-three percent of runners reported an injury in the past year, with patellofemoral pain syndrome the most common (15%). The incidence of injury was higher among professional runners, and the specific types of injury varied by type of running and running distance. These results clarify common running injuries and how experience influences risk, which can guide tailored training and prevention strategies.

Lumbar spine injuries are a frequent overuse injury among competitive swimmers, yet prevention strategies have not been well studied. This retrospective study evaluated 285 swimmers (mean age 18.7 ± 3.1 years) to identify risk factors. Demographics, stroke specialities, training characteristics, and injury history were collected. Group comparisons were conducted with t-tests and chi-square analyses, and logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Twenty-nine swimmers (10.2%) reported lumbar spine injuries, including spondylolysis, lumbar strain, disc pathology, and facet joint pain. Injured athletes were older, trained more hours in the pool, competed at a higher level, were hypermobile, and used kickboards less often. Adjusted regression demonstrated that higher pool training volume (OR = 2.28, 95% CI [1.20, 4.35]) and hypermobility significantly increased the risk (OR = 4.25, 95% CI [1.19, 15.24]), whereas greater kickboard use reduced risk (OR = 0.62, 95% CI [0.40, 0.96]). These findings suggest that training load and equipment use are important modifiable factors and should be considered in developing strategies to prevent lumbar spine injuries in swimmers.

The aim of this study was to explore criteria for return to sport (RTS) across physical, psychological, social, and contextual domains from the perspectives of key decision-makers. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 clinicians [9 physiotherapists, 6 Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) doctors] working in elite-level clubs across Europe and Asia, averaging 70 minutes per interview. Data were transcribed, thematically analysed using the framework method, and triangulated with participants. Three core themes were identified: 1) definitions of RTS, 2) actors and processes, and 3) criteria for RTS. SEM doctors and physiotherapists were viewed as pivotal decision-makers, with athletes' preferences central. Findings support defining RTS as a continuum of phases and adopting a biopsychosocial, criteria-based, and shared decision-making approach. Consensus on relevant factors and athlete preferences is needed to guide future research, including trials and longitudinal studies assessing the efficacy of RTS protocols for musculoskeletal injuries.

The purpose of the current study is to determine the relationship between the Myosin Light Chain Kinase (MLCK) gene and muscle injuries and to reveal athletes' injury status both molecularly and psychologically using the Sports Injury Anxiety Scale. The participants of the study are 23 female and 39 male athletes who have been previously engaged in sports or are currently active in sports. The participants are aged 18-65 and participated in the study on a volunteer basis. In the current study, when the relationship between injury anxiety, genetics and injury frequency in athletes was examined, a significant correlation was found between the MLCK C49T gene region and anxiety of causing disappointment (D total) as follows: the C/C genotype 12.4 ± 2.69 p < 0.05). In the current study, the anxiety of being perceived as weak was found to be higher in the A/A genotype. A significant correlation was found between MLCK 37885a_Gene_Region and the anxiety of being perceived as weak (B_Total) as follows: A/A genotype: 6.25 ± 3.7 >C/C genotype: 4.17 ± 2.04 = 0.032(m) (p < 0.05). These results suggest that there may be a relationship between injury and some psychological and environmental factors.

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.