Research in Sports Medicine最新文献

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.

The purpose of the study was to describe helmet fitting characteristics and influence of prior helmet fitting, issuance and initial season in a sample of youth football athletes. Helmet fit was assessed for 69 athletes aged 8-14 years using a standardized, 9-point inspection. Associated variables for improper fit consisted of previous fitting of helmet for the season, helmet issuance [team/school issued or purchased individually] and year of helmet initial season within 3 years of current season. A series of chi-square tests for association were conducted between the overall helmet fit and the associated variables. In total, 53.6% of youth football athletes had an improperly fit helmet, with 20.3% having ≥ three inspection items not meet fitting criteria. There were no associations between proper fit and previous fitting (p = 0.52), helmet issuance (p = 0.96) and year of initial season (p = 0.23). In conclusion, there were no associations between proper helmet fit and prior fitting, helmet issuance or year of initial season.

Musculoskeletal injuries are common in both general and sporting populations and contribute to significant healthcare costs, lost workdays and compromised performance of daily activity and sport. Despite various rehabilitation models being available to health and rehabilitation practitioners, there are some inconsistencies in structure, terminology and specificity across these. The current narrative review critically evaluates existing rehabilitation models, frameworks and phased approaches, identifying limitations related to structure, content and specificity. Additionally, a novel multicomponent exercise rehabilitation model is proposed which adopts a non-linear, concurrent approach to attribute development and integration of progression guidance. Using a multicomponent approach, a structured yet adaptable progression framework is provided that could help optimize rehabilitation outcomes, minimize detraining and enhance individuals' readiness for return to sport or daily activity.

This study aimed to examine the acute effects of prolonged static stretching (SS) versus dynamic stretching (DS), followed by either tennis-specific activation or rest, on physical performance in collegiate tennis players. A randomized crossover trial was conducted with 31 collegiate tennis players. Each participant completed three interventions: (A) SS + activation, (B) DS + activation, and (C) SS + rest. Lower limb muscles were stretching for 3 minutes per group. The activation were tennis footwork drill for 6 minutes. Physical performance was assessed after stretching and after activation using sit-and-reach flexibility, standing long jump (SLJ), agility T-Test, and hand grip strength. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used. Immediately after stretching, SS significantly improved flexibility (sit-and-reach: p < 0.05) but impaired SLJ performance (p < 0.05) and agility (p < 0.05) compared to DS. Crucially, after sport-specific activation exercises, the initial performance declines observed following SS were mitigated, resulting in no significant differences between SS and DS in subsequent SLJ and T-Test performances. Prolonged SS improves flexibility, it temporarily impair agility and explosive performance, however, these drawbacks can be effectively offset through subsequent sport-specific activation exercise.

Gait retraining programs take a structured approach to altering a runner's gait, often with the goal of decreasing footstrike angle and increasing cadence, as these outcomes have been correlated to a reduced rate of injury and optimal performance. Minimalist footwear, or running barefoot entirely, has been explored as a tool for gait adjustment in runners, largely due to the increased feedback from ground forces experienced by the runner. This systematic review aims to decipher the effect of gait retraining with minimalist footwear or barefoot running on footstrike angle and cadence. The comparison group included runners that underwent gait retraining in traditional footwear. Results showed a statistically significant decrease in footstrike angle, indicating more forefoot striking, in the experimental group, but no significant changes in cadence. This demonstrates promise in utilizing minimalist footwear or barefoot running as an adjunct to gait retraining in runners.