Research in Sports Medicine最新文献

Wheelchair rugby was created as part of the rehabilitation for patients with spinal cord injury. The biomechanical analysis of wheelchair propulsion (WP) in these athletes seems to be a key element to understand the reasons behind musculoskeletal injuries. This case reports study aimed to describe the electromyographic activity and kinematic parameters of the shoulder during the propulsion phases on the wheelchair in two Paralympic rugby players (A1 and A2) with spinal cord injury. Myoelectric activity (three portions of the deltoid, biceps and triceps brachii) and kinematics of the shoulder were assessed during the push (PP) and recovery (RP) phases. These variables were calculated considering ten propulsion cycles by each athlete. The results showed a different muscle activation between players, A1 described a high average amplitude of the anterior deltoid (PP = 58.44 ± 16.35%MVC; RP = 43.16 ± 13.48%MVC) in both propulsion phases, while A2 generated high average activity of triceps brachii (29.28 ± 10.63%MVC) and middle deltoid (46.53 ± 14.48%MVC), during PP and RP, respectively. At the same time, the player with a C7-T1 spinal cord injury (A2) showed a higher range of motion in the three plans, considering both propulsion phases.

This study analysed the effects of a training program based on Nordic hamstring and sprint exercises on physical performance and hamstring injuries in young male soccer players. Forty-nine U19 players were randomly assigned to a control (CG; n = 26) or experimental group (EG; n = 23). Linear sprint and with change of direction (COD) were assessed before and after a 14-week training period. Hamstring injuries were collected during the intervention period. Between-groups analysis revealed differences in linear sprint performance (p = 0.012-0.001) in favour of the EG. Pre-to-post performance increased significantly in the EG for 20 m (effect size [ES] = -0.56) and 30 m (ES = -0.62) sprints, but a significant reduction in some COD parameters was observed (ES = 0.45-0.57). In CG, only a significant reduction in COD with dominant leg was found (ES = 0.63). Significant differences in injury burden in favour of the EG was reported such as (27.87 [CG] vs. 3.82 [EG] absence days/1000 h of exposure, rate ratio = 7.30, 95% CI 3.34-15.99). While injury incidence was not different between the EG and CG. These findings suggest that the training program implemented can improve sprint performance and reduce injury burden.

This study evaluated the effect of Position-Specific Physiotherapy Training on Agility, Speed endurance, and Balance in Indian Football Players. Around 70 football players were approached of which 48 gave consent to participate, and further 30 players sufficing inclusion criteria were recruited. They were divided into three groups, Forwards (Group A, n = 10), Defenders (Group B, n = 10), and Control (Group C, n = 10), according to their On-field Position. These participants underwent Position Specific Physiotherapy Training for 4 weeks. Significant improvement was noted in the Agility of Group A (p ≤ 0.001) and Group B (p ≤ 0.001) as compared to Group C (p = 0.071). Speed Endurance improved for Group A (p ≤0.001) and Group B (p ≤ 0.001) as compared to Group C (p = 0.111). Fatigue Index of Group A (p ≤ 0.001) and Group B (p ≤ 0.001) improved significantly as compared to Group C (p = 0.383). The Balance of Group A (p = 0.0063) and Group B (p = 0.0019) improved significantly as compared to Group C (p = 0.0632). Position-Specific Physiotherapy Training was found to be effective in improving Agility, Speed endurance, and Balance ability of the Indian Football Players.

The dynamics of American youth football make it critical to ensure that helmets are appropriately fit to decrease the risk of injuries. Currently, there is only one researcher-developed checklist to determine helmet fit, and psychometric testing is lacking; therefore, the aim of this work was to determine the validity of the checklist. The 13-item checklist was used to measure helmet fit in 267 youth football players prior to the start of the season. Using a Principal Components Analysis to assess validity, a 5-component model was found explaining 58% of the available variance. These results suggest that a single, summative score should not be used for this checklist; rather five scores should be calculated for each component (stability, snugness, size, integrity, and accessory). A more practical and valid tool to assess fit, such as a sub-sectioned chronological American football-specific checklist, can better assist coaches/administrators responsible for helmet fit and player safety.

Introduction Lateral ankle sprain is a common musculoskeletal pathology. Functional exercise progression is vital to restore full function. Aim The aim of this study was to compare the electromyographical response to a standard balance task on one stable and four unstable surfaces. Participants Twenty subjects (5 male, 15 females; age at 23 ± 7.1 years) were recruited to participate in the study. Methods A gym-based single session cross over design was used to compare peak and mean surface EMG (sEMG) activity of the Peroneus Longus, Tibilais Anterior and medial head of the gastrocnemius muscles whilst performing a standardized balance task on one stable surface and four unstable surfaces stable surface. Results A significant main effect for surface was found. Post-hoc testing revealed that the Floor and Trampoline (Trampet) elicited similar mean sEMG response. Discussion The results of the study propose a safe and stepwise progressive rehabilitation regime following ankle injury whilst considering the healing process of the injured structure.

The effect of a 40-min nap opportunity on physiological responses and specific abilities was investigated. Twelve high-level professional basketball players (26.33±5.2 years; 193.17±7.1 m; 87.48±11.2 kg) undertook randomly 40-min nap opportunity (NAP) and control condition (CON). Wellness (Hooper Index) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were measured before and after both conditions. Defensive (DA) and offensive (OA) agility and upper body power (UBP) were assessed after both conditions. Shooting skill (SST) performance was evaluated prior and after a fatiguing task (FT). Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded during SST-test, FT and SST-retest. ESS, Hooper's stress and fatigue score were significantly lower after nap compared to those before nap (0.009 ≤ p ≤ 0.03). Better performance was obtained in NAP compared to CON condition for DA, OA and UBP (0.0005 ≤ p ≤ 0.02). SST performance was significantly higher in NAP compared to CON in the retest session (p = 0.003, Δ = 20.2%).         The improved performance was associated with significant lower HR_peak (p = 0.01, Δ = 5.25%) and RPE (p = 0.003, Δ = 15.12%). In conclusion, NAP reduced sleepiness and stress and fatigue and enhances physical outcomes of specific skills in elite basketball players.

Appropriate breast support is recommended in sport; however, what constitutes appropriate support is complex, individual and often sports specific, particularly in elite sport given the wear duration. This intervention educated, assessed and advised elite British female athletes on breasts and bras; those with unresolved issues engaged in bespoke bra interventions. Following educational workshops (n = 80), breast/bra surveys (n = 60), individual bra assessments (n = 37); a rower, shooter, and hockey player participated in the bespoke bra intervention. Eighty-three per cent of athletes rated their breast/bra knowledge as ≤average. Fifty-one per cent experienced breast pain, affecting performance for 29%; seven used medication and one surgery to relieve symptoms. In individual bra assessments most wore ill-fitting, unsupportive bras and wanted bra advice. Bespoke bra interventions eliminated breast pain: for the rower, improved breast position and spine rotation; for the shooter, repositioned tissue and improved performance; and for the hockey player, accommodated smart devices. Whilst bespoke bra development is challenging, most elite athlete breast/bra issues are resolved via education, advice and fitting.

The objective of the present study was to describe the total and fragmented external loads, at different intensities, of soccer referees in European and South American competitions during official matches through a systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies. A systematic review was conducted in April, 2020. In all, 32 studies were included, incorporating 578 referees evaluated in 3170 games through video analysis or a global positioning system. Regarding external loads, it was observed that the total average distance covered by the referees was 10,461.74 m, with running speeds predominantly below 13 km.h^-1. The total distance covered by the referees in the European competitions was higher and more intense than that of the referees in the South American tournaments, being 11,187.02 m and 9319.61 m, respectively. We suggest that referees' training can be organized according to the distances found at different intensities, in which low-intensity races can be performed below 13 km.h-¹ with distances of approximately 4500 m, while high-intensity training can be developed with speeds from 18 to 24 km.h-¹ for approximately 800 m. In addition, planning must consider the competition characteristics.

This study aimed to describe the bilateral deficit (BLD) during the countermovement jump (CMJ) in judo athletes and determine the relationship between the BLD and judo-specific performance. Fourteen male judo athletes participated. Athletes performed three specific judo tests, Maximal Sprint Speed Judo Test, Maximal Aerobic Speed Judo Test and Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT), and double- and single-leg CMJ. The following CMJ variables were used: jump height (JH), mean (MPO) and peak (PPO) power output, peak force (PF), peak velocity (PV) and impulse (IMP). The Pearson's or Spearman's test were used (p < 0.05). The results show that the BLD is found in all CMJ parameters (20 to 31%). Negative correlations between first set of SJFT_TT (total throws) and BLD in PF (r = -0.60; p= 0.022) and between the second set of SJFT_TT and BLD in MPO (r= -0.74;p = 0.002), PV (r =-0.59;p = 0.025) and IMP (r =-0.55; p = 0.040) were found. Also, negative correlations between SJFT_TT and the BLD in all CMJ parameters (r= -0.53 to -0.85; p < 0.05) were found. Higher values of BLD are related to poor SJFT_TT performance.