Pub Date : 2025-10-27DOI: 10.1007/s40279-025-02335-x
Kexin Shi,Mai Xiang,Haiwang Shi,Rui Duan
BACKGROUNDBalance ability is a critical component of athletic performance and injury prevention. Neuromuscular training has been increasingly recognized as an effective intervention to enhance balance, but its overall efficacy remains unclear.OBJECTIVETo conduct a meta-analysis evaluating the effects of neuromuscular training on athletes' balance ability, providing a theoretical basis for coaches and athletes to develop innovative strategies for balance ability.METHODSThe research project adhered to the PRISMA guidelines, with the study protocol registered in PROSPERO (registration ID: CRD42023433674). We conducted a comprehensive literature search using several databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), up to 23 August 2024. EndNote software was utilized for literature management, while RevMan Manager 5.4 software performed statistical analyses using a random-effects model for outcome indicators related to balance ability. Meta-regression was conducted to evaluate results based on intervention duration, sex, and age. Funnel plots assessed publication bias alongside Egger's and Begg's tests.RESULTSAfter two rounds of screening, 13 studies were included from 7254 articles obtained from multiple databases-comprising 12 studies on dynamic balance and five studies on static balance. Each participant underwent outcome prior to and after the training intervention. The pooled analysis indicated that neuromuscular training significantly improved overall balance ability compared to traditional training (SMD 1.47, 95% CI 0.78-2.16, p < 0.0001). Neuromuscular training also demonstrated significant advantages in both static balance (SMD 1.90, 95% CI 0.24-3.57) and dynamic balance (SMD 1.30, 95% CI 0.54-2.05).CONCLUSIONNeuromuscular training effectively enhances athletes' balance abilities, which has the potential to improve athletic performance and reduce injuries.
平衡能力是运动表现和伤害预防的关键组成部分。神经肌肉训练已被越来越多地认为是一种有效的干预措施，以提高平衡，但其整体效果尚不清楚。目的通过meta分析评价神经肌肉训练对运动员平衡能力的影响，为教练员和运动员制定创新的平衡能力策略提供理论依据。方法本研究项目遵循PRISMA指南，研究方案在PROSPERO注册（注册ID: CRD42023433674）。我们使用PubMed、Web of Science、Embase、Cochrane Library、中国知网（CNKI）和中国生物医学文献数据库（CBM）等数据库进行了全面的文献检索，检索时间截止到2024年8月23日。采用EndNote软件进行文献管理，RevMan Manager 5.4软件采用随机效应模型对平衡能力相关结局指标进行统计分析。基于干预时间、性别和年龄进行meta回归评价结果。漏斗图与Egger和Begg的检验一起评估了发表偏倚。结果经过两轮筛选，从多个数据库中获得的7254篇文章中纳入13项研究，其中12项研究涉及动态平衡，5项研究涉及静态平衡。每位参与者在训练干预之前和之后都进行了结果评估。合并分析表明，与传统训练相比，神经肌肉训练显著提高了整体平衡能力（SMD为1.47,95% CI为0.78-2.16,p < 0.0001）。神经肌肉训练在静态平衡（SMD 1.90, 95% CI 0.24-3.57）和动态平衡（SMD 1.30, 95% CI 0.54-2.05）方面也显示出显著的优势。结论神经肌肉训练能有效提高运动员的平衡能力，具有提高运动成绩和减少损伤的潜力。
{"title":"Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Athletes' Balance Ability: A Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Kexin Shi,Mai Xiang,Haiwang Shi,Rui Duan","doi":"10.1007/s40279-025-02335-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-025-02335-x","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDBalance ability is a critical component of athletic performance and injury prevention. Neuromuscular training has been increasingly recognized as an effective intervention to enhance balance, but its overall efficacy remains unclear.OBJECTIVETo conduct a meta-analysis evaluating the effects of neuromuscular training on athletes' balance ability, providing a theoretical basis for coaches and athletes to develop innovative strategies for balance ability.METHODSThe research project adhered to the PRISMA guidelines, with the study protocol registered in PROSPERO (registration ID: CRD42023433674). We conducted a comprehensive literature search using several databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), up to 23 August 2024. EndNote software was utilized for literature management, while RevMan Manager 5.4 software performed statistical analyses using a random-effects model for outcome indicators related to balance ability. Meta-regression was conducted to evaluate results based on intervention duration, sex, and age. Funnel plots assessed publication bias alongside Egger's and Begg's tests.RESULTSAfter two rounds of screening, 13 studies were included from 7254 articles obtained from multiple databases-comprising 12 studies on dynamic balance and five studies on static balance. Each participant underwent outcome prior to and after the training intervention. The pooled analysis indicated that neuromuscular training significantly improved overall balance ability compared to traditional training (SMD 1.47, 95% CI 0.78-2.16, p < 0.0001). Neuromuscular training also demonstrated significant advantages in both static balance (SMD 1.90, 95% CI 0.24-3.57) and dynamic balance (SMD 1.30, 95% CI 0.54-2.05).CONCLUSIONNeuromuscular training effectively enhances athletes' balance abilities, which has the potential to improve athletic performance and reduce injuries.","PeriodicalId":21969,"journal":{"name":"Sports Medicine","volume":"148 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":9.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145373887","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-16DOI: 10.1007/s40279-025-02311-5
Francesco Bettariga,Robert U Newton,Chris Bishop,Luca Maestroni,Anita Borsati,Alice Avancini,Sara Pilotto,Dennis R Taaffe,Daniel A Galvão,G Gregory Haff
Exercise has emerged as an effective therapeutic strategy in cancer management. Long-term supervised exercise programs, including resistance training and aerobic training, can improve body composition and physical fitness, modulate circulating factors (e.g., hormones, cytokines), enhance treatment tolerance, and reduce side effects, potentially influencing cancer progression and reducing mortality risk. Despite advancements in exercise oncology, opportunities remain to refine exercise prescription through the integration of advanced methodologies such as periodization and autoregulatory programming strategies. Periodization, a systematic approach to organizing training over time, has demonstrated benefits in general fitness and clinical populations but is underexplored in cancer care. Emerging evidence suggests periodized exercise programs may enhance physical fitness (e.g., muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness) while mitigating treatment-related side effects (e.g., fatigue, loss of bone mineral density). Here, we examine the mechanisms underlying the benefits of periodization in exercise oncology and propose an updated framework for its implementation across the cancer continuum (e.g., neo-adjuvant, adjuvant, survivorship). Incorporating parallel or emphasis periodized models tailored to individual needs may optimize outcomes. These models of periodization and the use of autoregulatory programming strategies allow exercise intensity and volume to be modulated in response to patients' symptoms and fatigue, ensuring safety and adherence, while aligning with the goals established by the periodized training plan. Ultimately, future research should explore complementary strategies such as nutrition and psychological periodization. By adopting a holistic and individualized approach, clinicians can improve the effectiveness of exercise interventions and ultimately enhance the quality of life for patients with cancer.
{"title":"Periodizing Exercise Medicine Prescription for Patients with Cancer: A Narrative Opinion.","authors":"Francesco Bettariga,Robert U Newton,Chris Bishop,Luca Maestroni,Anita Borsati,Alice Avancini,Sara Pilotto,Dennis R Taaffe,Daniel A Galvão,G Gregory Haff","doi":"10.1007/s40279-025-02311-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-025-02311-5","url":null,"abstract":"Exercise has emerged as an effective therapeutic strategy in cancer management. Long-term supervised exercise programs, including resistance training and aerobic training, can improve body composition and physical fitness, modulate circulating factors (e.g., hormones, cytokines), enhance treatment tolerance, and reduce side effects, potentially influencing cancer progression and reducing mortality risk. Despite advancements in exercise oncology, opportunities remain to refine exercise prescription through the integration of advanced methodologies such as periodization and autoregulatory programming strategies. Periodization, a systematic approach to organizing training over time, has demonstrated benefits in general fitness and clinical populations but is underexplored in cancer care. Emerging evidence suggests periodized exercise programs may enhance physical fitness (e.g., muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness) while mitigating treatment-related side effects (e.g., fatigue, loss of bone mineral density). Here, we examine the mechanisms underlying the benefits of periodization in exercise oncology and propose an updated framework for its implementation across the cancer continuum (e.g., neo-adjuvant, adjuvant, survivorship). Incorporating parallel or emphasis periodized models tailored to individual needs may optimize outcomes. These models of periodization and the use of autoregulatory programming strategies allow exercise intensity and volume to be modulated in response to patients' symptoms and fatigue, ensuring safety and adherence, while aligning with the goals established by the periodized training plan. Ultimately, future research should explore complementary strategies such as nutrition and psychological periodization. By adopting a holistic and individualized approach, clinicians can improve the effectiveness of exercise interventions and ultimately enhance the quality of life for patients with cancer.","PeriodicalId":21969,"journal":{"name":"Sports Medicine","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":9.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145305515","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
BACKGROUNDDespite the strong research attention dedicated to reporting the injury incidence rate (IR) in many samples of basketball players, a dedicated review regarding the epidemiology of the injuries encountered in the sport is needed.OBJECTIVEWe aimed to meta-analyze the literature to quantify the IR of injuries according to mechanism, body location, and type while considering player sex, playing level, and exposure settings in basketball players.METHODSPubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to October 2024. Studies reporting the injury IR in basketball players calculated using the number of athletes exposures (AEs) and/or exposure hours were eligible for inclusion.RESULTSFollowing screening, 22 studies (15 reporting mechanism data, 21 reporting body location data, and 17 reporting type data) were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Player contact (42.9%) and non-contact (25.0%) were the most common injury mechanisms, with IRs of 0.156 and 0.093 per 100 AEs. Ankle injuries (25.8%, IR = 0.075 per 100 AEs) and knee injuries (15.5%, IR = 0.046 per 100 AEs) accounted for 41.3% of reported injuries. The most common injury types were ligament sprains (IR = 0.102 per 100 AEs) followed by muscle/tendon strains (IR = 0.037 per 100 AEs) and concussions (IR = 0.028 per 100 AEs). A concerning finding was the proportion of head and facial injuries (16.3%), particularly among female players. Female players displayed significantly higher IR of ball contact injuries, knee injuries, dislocations/subluxations, and concussions compared with male players. Injury IR was consistently higher in games than practice settings, as well as in collegiate compared with high-school players.CONCLUSIONSThis study provides comprehensive and contemporary analyses of one of the most investigated areas in the basketball literature, injury IR. The provided results may inform the development of preventive measures to mitigate injury risk considering the notable factors identified.
{"title":"Injury Incidence Rate According to Mechanism, Body Location, and Type in Basketball Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Emilija Stojanović,Aaron T Scanlan,Dragan Radovanović,Vladimir Jakovljević,Vladimir Živković,Oliver Faude,Jordan Fox,Katharina Raasch,Alexander Ferrauti","doi":"10.1007/s40279-025-02334-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-025-02334-y","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDDespite the strong research attention dedicated to reporting the injury incidence rate (IR) in many samples of basketball players, a dedicated review regarding the epidemiology of the injuries encountered in the sport is needed.OBJECTIVEWe aimed to meta-analyze the literature to quantify the IR of injuries according to mechanism, body location, and type while considering player sex, playing level, and exposure settings in basketball players.METHODSPubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to October 2024. Studies reporting the injury IR in basketball players calculated using the number of athletes exposures (AEs) and/or exposure hours were eligible for inclusion.RESULTSFollowing screening, 22 studies (15 reporting mechanism data, 21 reporting body location data, and 17 reporting type data) were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Player contact (42.9%) and non-contact (25.0%) were the most common injury mechanisms, with IRs of 0.156 and 0.093 per 100 AEs. Ankle injuries (25.8%, IR = 0.075 per 100 AEs) and knee injuries (15.5%, IR = 0.046 per 100 AEs) accounted for 41.3% of reported injuries. The most common injury types were ligament sprains (IR = 0.102 per 100 AEs) followed by muscle/tendon strains (IR = 0.037 per 100 AEs) and concussions (IR = 0.028 per 100 AEs). A concerning finding was the proportion of head and facial injuries (16.3%), particularly among female players. Female players displayed significantly higher IR of ball contact injuries, knee injuries, dislocations/subluxations, and concussions compared with male players. Injury IR was consistently higher in games than practice settings, as well as in collegiate compared with high-school players.CONCLUSIONSThis study provides comprehensive and contemporary analyses of one of the most investigated areas in the basketball literature, injury IR. The provided results may inform the development of preventive measures to mitigate injury risk considering the notable factors identified.","PeriodicalId":21969,"journal":{"name":"Sports Medicine","volume":"39 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":9.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145288499","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-13DOI: 10.1007/s40279-025-02331-1
Daniel D Hodgkiss,Shane J T Balthazaar,Cameron M Gee,Ian D Boardley,Thomas W J Janssen,Andrei V Krassioukov,Tom E Nightingale
Electroceuticals such as brain computer interfaces and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) represent transformative strategies for neuromodulation. Research has demonstrated that SCS can ameliorate motor and autonomic cardiovascular dysfunctions, particularly in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Notably, SCS has been shown to augment aerobic exercise performance. Owing to the nature of their injury, athletes with SCI are often predisposed to low resting blood pressure and impaired physiological responses to exercise. Therefore, some athletes intentionally induce autonomic dysreflexia ("boosting") to gain a competitive advantage - an act banned by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). However, the emergence of electroceuticals facilitates an alternative performance enhancement strategy that could be considered unfair without equal access opportunities for all athletes. Currently, the World Anti-Doping Agency and the IPC have not acknowledged the potential impact of electroceuticals in parasport. Herein, we present an argument that the use of SCS meets the criteria for it to be placed on the World Anti-Doping Code Prohibited List (or at the very least be monitored) because collectively: SCS can enhance sport performance, represents a potential health risk to the athlete if misused, and may violate the spirit of sport. Acute and chronic use of SCS may also lead to classification changes, and increased opportunities for athletes to intentionally misrepresent, thereby raising concerns for the IPC. The growing access to electroceuticals (e.g. via clinical trial participation or private healthcare implantation) more than ever increases the likelihood of an athlete using SCS to gain an unfair advantage in parasport.
{"title":"Electroceuticals for Paralympic Athletes: A Fair Play and Classification Concern?","authors":"Daniel D Hodgkiss,Shane J T Balthazaar,Cameron M Gee,Ian D Boardley,Thomas W J Janssen,Andrei V Krassioukov,Tom E Nightingale","doi":"10.1007/s40279-025-02331-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-025-02331-1","url":null,"abstract":"Electroceuticals such as brain computer interfaces and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) represent transformative strategies for neuromodulation. Research has demonstrated that SCS can ameliorate motor and autonomic cardiovascular dysfunctions, particularly in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Notably, SCS has been shown to augment aerobic exercise performance. Owing to the nature of their injury, athletes with SCI are often predisposed to low resting blood pressure and impaired physiological responses to exercise. Therefore, some athletes intentionally induce autonomic dysreflexia (\"boosting\") to gain a competitive advantage - an act banned by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). However, the emergence of electroceuticals facilitates an alternative performance enhancement strategy that could be considered unfair without equal access opportunities for all athletes. Currently, the World Anti-Doping Agency and the IPC have not acknowledged the potential impact of electroceuticals in parasport. Herein, we present an argument that the use of SCS meets the criteria for it to be placed on the World Anti-Doping Code Prohibited List (or at the very least be monitored) because collectively: SCS can enhance sport performance, represents a potential health risk to the athlete if misused, and may violate the spirit of sport. Acute and chronic use of SCS may also lead to classification changes, and increased opportunities for athletes to intentionally misrepresent, thereby raising concerns for the IPC. The growing access to electroceuticals (e.g. via clinical trial participation or private healthcare implantation) more than ever increases the likelihood of an athlete using SCS to gain an unfair advantage in parasport.","PeriodicalId":21969,"journal":{"name":"Sports Medicine","volume":"572 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":9.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145277204","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-03DOI: 10.1007/s40279-025-02303-5
Jacopo Vitale,Alan McCall,Andrea Cina, ,Dina C Janse van Rensburg,Shona Halson
BACKGROUNDWith the increasing use of artificial intelligence in healthcare and sports science, large language models (LLMs) are being explored as tools for delivering personalized, evidence-based guidance to athletes.OBJECTIVEThis study evaluated the capabilities of LLMs (ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4, and Google Bard) to deliver evidence-based advice on sleep and jet lag for athletes.METHODSConducted in two phases between January and June 2024, the study first identified ten frequently asked questions on these topics with input from experts and LLMs. In the second phase, 20 experts (mean age 43.9 ± 9.0 years; ten females, ten males) assessed LLM responses using Google Forms surveys administered at two intervals (T1 and T2). Inter-rater reliability was evaluated using Fleiss' Kappa, and intra-rater agreement using the Jaccard Similarity Index (JSI), and content validity through the content validity ratio (CVR). Differences among LLMs were analyzed using Friedman and Chi-square tests.RESULTSExperts' response rates were high (100% at T1 and 95% at T2). Inter-rater reliability was minimal (Fleiss' Kappa: 0.21-0.39), while intra-rater agreement was high, with 53% of experts achieving a JSI ≥ 0.75. ChatGPT-4 had the highest CVR for sleep (0.67) and was the only model with a valid CVR for jet lag (0.68). Google Bard showed the lowest CVR for jet lag (0%), with significant differences compared to ChatGPT-3.5 (p = 0.0073) and ChatGPT-4 (p < 0.0001). Reasons for inappropriate responses varied significantly for jet lag (p < 0.0001), with Google Bard criticized for insufficient information and frequent errors. ChatGPT-4 outperformed other models overall.CONCLUSIONSThis study highlights the potential of LLMs, particularly ChatGPT-4, to provide evidence-based advice on sleep but underscores the need for improved accuracy and validation for jet lag recommendations.
{"title":"\"Can We Trust Them?\" An Expert Evaluation of Large Language Models to Provide Sleep and Jet Lag Recommendations for Athletes.","authors":"Jacopo Vitale,Alan McCall,Andrea Cina, ,Dina C Janse van Rensburg,Shona Halson","doi":"10.1007/s40279-025-02303-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-025-02303-5","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDWith the increasing use of artificial intelligence in healthcare and sports science, large language models (LLMs) are being explored as tools for delivering personalized, evidence-based guidance to athletes.OBJECTIVEThis study evaluated the capabilities of LLMs (ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4, and Google Bard) to deliver evidence-based advice on sleep and jet lag for athletes.METHODSConducted in two phases between January and June 2024, the study first identified ten frequently asked questions on these topics with input from experts and LLMs. In the second phase, 20 experts (mean age 43.9 ± 9.0 years; ten females, ten males) assessed LLM responses using Google Forms surveys administered at two intervals (T1 and T2). Inter-rater reliability was evaluated using Fleiss' Kappa, and intra-rater agreement using the Jaccard Similarity Index (JSI), and content validity through the content validity ratio (CVR). Differences among LLMs were analyzed using Friedman and Chi-square tests.RESULTSExperts' response rates were high (100% at T1 and 95% at T2). Inter-rater reliability was minimal (Fleiss' Kappa: 0.21-0.39), while intra-rater agreement was high, with 53% of experts achieving a JSI ≥ 0.75. ChatGPT-4 had the highest CVR for sleep (0.67) and was the only model with a valid CVR for jet lag (0.68). Google Bard showed the lowest CVR for jet lag (0%), with significant differences compared to ChatGPT-3.5 (p = 0.0073) and ChatGPT-4 (p < 0.0001). Reasons for inappropriate responses varied significantly for jet lag (p < 0.0001), with Google Bard criticized for insufficient information and frequent errors. ChatGPT-4 outperformed other models overall.CONCLUSIONSThis study highlights the potential of LLMs, particularly ChatGPT-4, to provide evidence-based advice on sleep but underscores the need for improved accuracy and validation for jet lag recommendations.","PeriodicalId":21969,"journal":{"name":"Sports Medicine","volume":"126 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":9.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145209073","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-03DOI: 10.1007/s40279-025-02306-2
Eric J Shumski,Landon B Lempke,David Howell,Thomas Buckley,Jessie Oldham,William Meehan,Robert C Lynall
BACKGROUNDNormative dual-task (concurrent cognitive and motor task) tandem gait has not been developed. Currently, only individual baseline data are used for tandem gait assessment post concussion.OBJECTIVEThe object was to (1) determine factors associated with single-task and dual-task tandem gait time among collegiate athletes across multiple institutions, and (2) provide robust normative data for single-task and dual-task tandem gait time based on clinically relevant factors.METHODSData were analyzed from 2,137 unique collegiate athletes (19.0 ± 1.1 years, 48.9% female, 23.7% with concussion history) from 2015 to 2022 during pre-injury baseline concussion testing from three universities. Tandem gait was performed under single- and dual-task conditions (serial subtraction by sixes/sevens, spelling five-letter words backward, reciting the months backward). The criteria for being a clinically relevant independent variable was (a) p value < 0.05, and (b) effect estimate of ≥ 1 s. Normative data based on established percentile thresholds were derived and stratified by clinically relevant factors.RESULTSNone of the single-task tandem gait times were clinically relevant, while sex and contact level were for dual task. Mean (95% confidence interval) for overall single- and dual-task tandem gait times were 12.07 s (11.95, 12.19) and 16.51 s (16.29, 16.73), respectively.CONCLUSIONOur results provide robust normative data for single- and dual-task tandem gait stratified by relevant patient factors that can be immediately used by clinicians and future researchers. Future research should compare the use of individual baseline versus normative data for acute concussion tracking.
{"title":"Normative Data for Single- and Dual-Task Tandem Gait Performance in Collegiate Athletes.","authors":"Eric J Shumski,Landon B Lempke,David Howell,Thomas Buckley,Jessie Oldham,William Meehan,Robert C Lynall","doi":"10.1007/s40279-025-02306-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-025-02306-2","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDNormative dual-task (concurrent cognitive and motor task) tandem gait has not been developed. Currently, only individual baseline data are used for tandem gait assessment post concussion.OBJECTIVEThe object was to (1) determine factors associated with single-task and dual-task tandem gait time among collegiate athletes across multiple institutions, and (2) provide robust normative data for single-task and dual-task tandem gait time based on clinically relevant factors.METHODSData were analyzed from 2,137 unique collegiate athletes (19.0 ± 1.1 years, 48.9% female, 23.7% with concussion history) from 2015 to 2022 during pre-injury baseline concussion testing from three universities. Tandem gait was performed under single- and dual-task conditions (serial subtraction by sixes/sevens, spelling five-letter words backward, reciting the months backward). The criteria for being a clinically relevant independent variable was (a) p value < 0.05, and (b) effect estimate of ≥ 1 s. Normative data based on established percentile thresholds were derived and stratified by clinically relevant factors.RESULTSNone of the single-task tandem gait times were clinically relevant, while sex and contact level were for dual task. Mean (95% confidence interval) for overall single- and dual-task tandem gait times were 12.07 s (11.95, 12.19) and 16.51 s (16.29, 16.73), respectively.CONCLUSIONOur results provide robust normative data for single- and dual-task tandem gait stratified by relevant patient factors that can be immediately used by clinicians and future researchers. Future research should compare the use of individual baseline versus normative data for acute concussion tracking.","PeriodicalId":21969,"journal":{"name":"Sports Medicine","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":9.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145209072","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01DOI: 10.1007/s40279-025-02309-z
Jennifer Murphy, Aaron R Caldwell, Cristian Mesquida, Aera J M Ladell, Alberto Encarnación-Martínez, Alexandre Tual, Andrew Denys, Bailey Cameron, Bas Van Hooren, Ben Parr, Bianca DeLucia, Billy R J Mason, Brad Clark, Brendan Egan, Calum Brown, Carl Ade, Chiarella Sforza, Christopher B Taber, Christopher Kirk, Christopher McCrum, Cian OKeeffe Tighe, Ciara Byrne, Claudia Brunetti, Cyril Forestier, Dan Martin, Danny Taylor, David Diggin, Dearbhla Gallagher, Deborah L King, Elizabeth Rogers, Eric C Bennett, Eric T Lopatofsky, Gemma Dunn, Gérome C Gauchard, Guillaume Mornieux, Ignacio Catalá-Vilaplana, Ines Caetan, Inmaculada Aparicio-Aparicio, Jack Barnes, Jake Blaisdell, James Steele, Jared R Fletcher, Jasmin Hutchinson, Jason Au, Jason P Oliemans, Javad Bakhshinejad, Joaquin Barrios, Jose Ignacio Priego Quesada, Joseph Rager, Julia B Capone, Julie S J Walton, Kailey Stevens, Katie Heinrich, Kelly Wu, Kenneth Meijer, Laura Richards, Lauren Jutlah, Le Tong, Lee Bridgeman, Leo Banet, Leonard Mbiyu, Lucy Sefton, Margaux de Chanaleilles, Maria Charisi, Matthew Beerse, Matthew J Major, Maya Caon, Mel Bargh, Michael Rowley, Miguel Vaca Moran, Nicholas Croker, Nicolas C Hanen, Nicole Montague, Noel E Brick, Oliver R Runswick, Paul Willems, Pedro Pérez-Soriano, Rebecca Blake, Rebecca Jones, Rebecca Louise Quinn, Roberto Sanchis-Sanchis, Rodrigo Rabello, Roisin Bolger, Roy Shohat, Sadie Cotton, Samantha Chua, Samuel Norwood, Samuel Vimeau, Sandro Dias, Sissel Pedersen, Spencer S Skaper, Taylor Coyle, Terun Desai, Thomas I Gee, Tobias Edwards, Torsten Pohl, Vanessa Yingling, Vinicius Ribeiro, Youri Duchene, Zacharias Papadakis, Joe P Warne
{"title":"Correction: Estimating the Replicability of Sports and Exercise Science Research.","authors":"Jennifer Murphy, Aaron R Caldwell, Cristian Mesquida, Aera J M Ladell, Alberto Encarnación-Martínez, Alexandre Tual, Andrew Denys, Bailey Cameron, Bas Van Hooren, Ben Parr, Bianca DeLucia, Billy R J Mason, Brad Clark, Brendan Egan, Calum Brown, Carl Ade, Chiarella Sforza, Christopher B Taber, Christopher Kirk, Christopher McCrum, Cian OKeeffe Tighe, Ciara Byrne, Claudia Brunetti, Cyril Forestier, Dan Martin, Danny Taylor, David Diggin, Dearbhla Gallagher, Deborah L King, Elizabeth Rogers, Eric C Bennett, Eric T Lopatofsky, Gemma Dunn, Gérome C Gauchard, Guillaume Mornieux, Ignacio Catalá-Vilaplana, Ines Caetan, Inmaculada Aparicio-Aparicio, Jack Barnes, Jake Blaisdell, James Steele, Jared R Fletcher, Jasmin Hutchinson, Jason Au, Jason P Oliemans, Javad Bakhshinejad, Joaquin Barrios, Jose Ignacio Priego Quesada, Joseph Rager, Julia B Capone, Julie S J Walton, Kailey Stevens, Katie Heinrich, Kelly Wu, Kenneth Meijer, Laura Richards, Lauren Jutlah, Le Tong, Lee Bridgeman, Leo Banet, Leonard Mbiyu, Lucy Sefton, Margaux de Chanaleilles, Maria Charisi, Matthew Beerse, Matthew J Major, Maya Caon, Mel Bargh, Michael Rowley, Miguel Vaca Moran, Nicholas Croker, Nicolas C Hanen, Nicole Montague, Noel E Brick, Oliver R Runswick, Paul Willems, Pedro Pérez-Soriano, Rebecca Blake, Rebecca Jones, Rebecca Louise Quinn, Roberto Sanchis-Sanchis, Rodrigo Rabello, Roisin Bolger, Roy Shohat, Sadie Cotton, Samantha Chua, Samuel Norwood, Samuel Vimeau, Sandro Dias, Sissel Pedersen, Spencer S Skaper, Taylor Coyle, Terun Desai, Thomas I Gee, Tobias Edwards, Torsten Pohl, Vanessa Yingling, Vinicius Ribeiro, Youri Duchene, Zacharias Papadakis, Joe P Warne","doi":"10.1007/s40279-025-02309-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40279-025-02309-z","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21969,"journal":{"name":"Sports Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"2681-2683"},"PeriodicalIF":9.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12513940/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145034202","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-30DOI: 10.1007/s40279-025-02322-2
Wing-Chun Vincent Yeung,Vincent Kwok,Mohammed Ihsan,Olivier Girard
BACKGROUNDLoad-compromised athletes are individuals with acute or chronic injuries or disabilities that hinder their ability to perform at peak levels. Hypoxia conditioning is broadly categorized into systemic (i.e., exposure to terrestrial or normobaric hypoxia) or localized (ischemic preconditioning, blood flow restriction training) approaches and could represent a viable option to increase exercise tolerance of load-compromised athletes.PURPOSEThis review evaluates the potential of hypoxia conditioning as a training and rehabilitation tool for load-compromised athletes. It explores its applications across various rehabilitation stages and key para-athlete sub-groups including spinal cord injury, limb deficiency, and cerebral palsy.EVIDENCEPassive hypoxia conditioning strategies using external limb compression help maintain musculoskeletal function during early rehabilitation stages involving immobilization or minimal loading. As rehabilitation progresses, both systemic and localized hypoxia conditioning (i.e., blood flow restricted exercise) effectively modulates external load while maintaining adequate (internal) physiological strain to induce beneficial cardiometabolic or musculoskeletal adaptations with lower mechanical stress. Para-athletes facing challenges such as biomechanical limitations, reduced active muscle mass, or muscle weakness can benefit from hypoxia conditioning's capacity to enhance muscle aerobic function, promote muscle strength and hypertrophy, and improve cardiorespiratory performance at lower mechanical loads.CONCLUSIONHypoxia conditioning emerges as a promising intervention to potentially overcome the physical and physiological challenges faced by load-compromised athletes. By addressing their specific limitations, hypoxia conditioning can optimize rehabilitation and training outcomes. Future research is essential to refine hypoxia conditioning protocols and tailor them to maximize individual adaptability and performance across diverse load-compromised athlete populations.
{"title":"Hypoxia Conditioning for Load-Compromised Athletes: A Narrative Review Exploring Potential Applications in Injury and Disability Management.","authors":"Wing-Chun Vincent Yeung,Vincent Kwok,Mohammed Ihsan,Olivier Girard","doi":"10.1007/s40279-025-02322-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-025-02322-2","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDLoad-compromised athletes are individuals with acute or chronic injuries or disabilities that hinder their ability to perform at peak levels. Hypoxia conditioning is broadly categorized into systemic (i.e., exposure to terrestrial or normobaric hypoxia) or localized (ischemic preconditioning, blood flow restriction training) approaches and could represent a viable option to increase exercise tolerance of load-compromised athletes.PURPOSEThis review evaluates the potential of hypoxia conditioning as a training and rehabilitation tool for load-compromised athletes. It explores its applications across various rehabilitation stages and key para-athlete sub-groups including spinal cord injury, limb deficiency, and cerebral palsy.EVIDENCEPassive hypoxia conditioning strategies using external limb compression help maintain musculoskeletal function during early rehabilitation stages involving immobilization or minimal loading. As rehabilitation progresses, both systemic and localized hypoxia conditioning (i.e., blood flow restricted exercise) effectively modulates external load while maintaining adequate (internal) physiological strain to induce beneficial cardiometabolic or musculoskeletal adaptations with lower mechanical stress. Para-athletes facing challenges such as biomechanical limitations, reduced active muscle mass, or muscle weakness can benefit from hypoxia conditioning's capacity to enhance muscle aerobic function, promote muscle strength and hypertrophy, and improve cardiorespiratory performance at lower mechanical loads.CONCLUSIONHypoxia conditioning emerges as a promising intervention to potentially overcome the physical and physiological challenges faced by load-compromised athletes. By addressing their specific limitations, hypoxia conditioning can optimize rehabilitation and training outcomes. Future research is essential to refine hypoxia conditioning protocols and tailor them to maximize individual adaptability and performance across diverse load-compromised athlete populations.","PeriodicalId":21969,"journal":{"name":"Sports Medicine","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":9.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145194700","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-30DOI: 10.1007/s40279-025-02324-0
Richard A J Mercer,Jennifer L Russell,Donald S Strack,Aaron J Coutts,Blake D McLean
BACKGROUNDUnderstanding the work demands and psychobiological responses of high-performance sport practitioners is important for informing strategies that support and improve staff health, well-being, and performance. Although research in this area has grown, previous reviews have focused on specific aspects of well-being and particular practitioner populations. Currently, no comprehensive reviews summarize all research relating to high-performance sport practitioners. A broad overview could help clarify the work demands and responses of staff in this field.OBJECTIVESThis scoping review aims to provide an overview of the literature on staff working in high-performance sport with roles and responsibilities related to athlete operations and/or performance. Using theoretical frameworks to operationally define key concepts, the review maps relevant studies and summarizes findings on work demands, resources, coping strategies, and responses in high-performance sport.METHODSA scoping review was conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Searches were performed across three electronic databases, PubMed, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus, to identify relevant studies published up to 1 August 2024. The search strategy employed terms related to working in high-performance sport and was structured using the population, exposure, and outcome framework. Studies examining staff working full-time in high-performance sport and assessing work demands, responses, resources, or coping strategies were included. This review was registered with the Open Science Framework ( osf.io/br9hm/ ).RESULTSElectronic and manual searches identified 124 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. These studies spanned various levels of sport: collegiate (n = 53), professional (n = 24), national/international (n = 13), Olympic/Paralympic (n = 10), mixed levels (n = 14), and "high-performance" or "elite" sport (n = 10). The studies examined coaches (n = 79), medical and performance staff (n = 41), and mixed practitioners (n = 4). Data on countries, competitions, study designs, measurement tools, and theoretical frameworks were reported for each study. Outcomes assessed included responses (n = 24), demands (n = 12), resources and coping (n = 12), and mixed combinations (n = 76), with the most common combinations being "demands, responses, and resources and coping" (n = 23) and "demands and resources and coping" (n = 21).CONCLUSIONSPractitioners in high-performance sport encounter a diverse array of demands, including workload challenges, organizational and structural factors, athlete- and performance-related pressures, and sociocultural factors. These challenges often elicit a range of emotional, psychological, physical, and physiological responses, contributing to persistent issues such as burnout and difficulties in achieving work-life balance. To navigate these challenges, practit
{"title":"Work Demands, Responses, and Coping Strategies for Staff in High-Performance Sport: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Richard A J Mercer,Jennifer L Russell,Donald S Strack,Aaron J Coutts,Blake D McLean","doi":"10.1007/s40279-025-02324-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-025-02324-0","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDUnderstanding the work demands and psychobiological responses of high-performance sport practitioners is important for informing strategies that support and improve staff health, well-being, and performance. Although research in this area has grown, previous reviews have focused on specific aspects of well-being and particular practitioner populations. Currently, no comprehensive reviews summarize all research relating to high-performance sport practitioners. A broad overview could help clarify the work demands and responses of staff in this field.OBJECTIVESThis scoping review aims to provide an overview of the literature on staff working in high-performance sport with roles and responsibilities related to athlete operations and/or performance. Using theoretical frameworks to operationally define key concepts, the review maps relevant studies and summarizes findings on work demands, resources, coping strategies, and responses in high-performance sport.METHODSA scoping review was conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Searches were performed across three electronic databases, PubMed, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus, to identify relevant studies published up to 1 August 2024. The search strategy employed terms related to working in high-performance sport and was structured using the population, exposure, and outcome framework. Studies examining staff working full-time in high-performance sport and assessing work demands, responses, resources, or coping strategies were included. This review was registered with the Open Science Framework ( osf.io/br9hm/ ).RESULTSElectronic and manual searches identified 124 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. These studies spanned various levels of sport: collegiate (n = 53), professional (n = 24), national/international (n = 13), Olympic/Paralympic (n = 10), mixed levels (n = 14), and \"high-performance\" or \"elite\" sport (n = 10). The studies examined coaches (n = 79), medical and performance staff (n = 41), and mixed practitioners (n = 4). Data on countries, competitions, study designs, measurement tools, and theoretical frameworks were reported for each study. Outcomes assessed included responses (n = 24), demands (n = 12), resources and coping (n = 12), and mixed combinations (n = 76), with the most common combinations being \"demands, responses, and resources and coping\" (n = 23) and \"demands and resources and coping\" (n = 21).CONCLUSIONSPractitioners in high-performance sport encounter a diverse array of demands, including workload challenges, organizational and structural factors, athlete- and performance-related pressures, and sociocultural factors. These challenges often elicit a range of emotional, psychological, physical, and physiological responses, contributing to persistent issues such as burnout and difficulties in achieving work-life balance. To navigate these challenges, practit","PeriodicalId":21969,"journal":{"name":"Sports Medicine","volume":"69 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":9.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145194697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-29DOI: 10.1007/s40279-025-02326-y
Mohammad Alimoradi,Mohammad Alghosi,Mojtaba Iranmanesh,Mohammed Moinuddin,Nicola Relph
BACKGROUNDThe epidemiology of injury in soccer has traditionally focused on soccer players, rather than match officials. Although injury data on referees exist, no comprehensive review has summarized injury profiles in this population.OBJECTIVETo conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of injury epidemiology in elite and amateur soccer referees, focusing on injury rates, types, locations, severity, and causes.METHODSPubMed (Medline), Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus, covering their entire history up to 19 April 2025 were searched. This review included prospective and retrospective studies reporting injury incidence or prevalence among football match officials, with a study period of at least one season. Studies needed to specify injury definitions and include data on injury location, type, mechanism, or severity. Both male and female officials were eligible. Systematic reviews, commentaries, and letters were excluded. Study quality and risk of bias were evaluated using the STROBE-SIIS, in addition to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and funnel plots. Injury incidence rates were estimated using a random effects Poisson regression, accounting for heterogeneity and moderators. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 statistic.RESULTSA total of 17 studies were included, encompassing 3621 referees. The most frequent injuries were strains and sprains in the knee and ankle. The overall injury incidence was 2.19 injuries per 1000 h of exposure (95% CI 1.30-3.69). On-field referees experienced an incidence rate of 1.46 injuries per 1000 h of exposure (95% CI 0.76-2.81), while assistant referees had a lower rate of 0.84 per 1 h of exposure (95% CI 0.36-1.97). During matches, the injury incidence was 2.24 per 1000 h of exposure (95% CI 1.38-3.64), compared with 0.67 injuries per 1000 h of exposure during training sessions (95% CI 0.36-1.24). However, despite sensitivity analysis, there were still high levels of heterogeneity across included studies.CONCLUSIONSFindings noted higher injury incidence during matches compared with training, and on-field referees compared with assistants. The variation in injury profiles highlights the importance of implementing targeted preventive strategies tailored to the unique demands of refereeing. However, there is still a lack of research in this population, especially in female referees.PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBERCRD42024497970.
足球受伤的流行病学传统上关注的是足球运动员，而不是比赛官员。尽管存在裁判的损伤数据，但没有全面的综述总结了这一人群的损伤概况。目的对精英和业余足球裁判的损伤流行病学进行系统回顾和荟萃分析，重点关注损伤率、类型、部位、严重程度和原因。方法检索spubmed （Medline）、Web of Science、Scopus、CINAHL和SPORTDiscus截至2025年4月19日的全部历史数据库。本综述包括前瞻性和回顾性研究，报告了足球比赛官员受伤发生率或患病率，研究周期至少为一个赛季。研究需要明确损伤定义，并包括损伤部位、类型、机制或严重程度的数据。男女官员都有资格。系统评论、评论和信件被排除在外。除使用纽卡斯尔-渥太华量表和漏斗图外，还使用STROBE-SIIS评估研究质量和偏倚风险。使用随机效应泊松回归估计伤害发生率，考虑异质性和调节因子。采用I2统计量评估异质性。结果共纳入17项研究，涉及3621名评审。最常见的损伤是膝盖和脚踝的拉伤和扭伤。总损伤发生率为每1000小时暴露2.19例损伤（95% CI 1.30-3.69）。现场裁判每1000小时暴露的伤害发生率为1.46 (95% CI 0.76-2.81)，而助理裁判每1小时暴露的伤害发生率较低，为0.84 （95% CI 0.36-1.97）。在比赛期间，受伤发生率为2.24 / 1000小时（95% CI 1.38-3.64），而在训练期间，受伤发生率为0.67 / 1000小时（95% CI 0.36-1.24）。然而，尽管进行了敏感性分析，但在所纳入的研究中仍存在很高的异质性。研究结果表明，比赛期间的受伤发生率高于训练期间，而现场裁判的受伤发生率高于助理裁判。损伤概况的变化突出了针对裁判的独特要求实施有针对性的预防策略的重要性。然而，对这一人群的研究仍然缺乏，尤其是对女性裁判的研究。普洛斯彼罗注册号crd42024497970。
{"title":"Epidemiology of Injury in Elite and Amateur Soccer Referees: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.","authors":"Mohammad Alimoradi,Mohammad Alghosi,Mojtaba Iranmanesh,Mohammed Moinuddin,Nicola Relph","doi":"10.1007/s40279-025-02326-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-025-02326-y","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDThe epidemiology of injury in soccer has traditionally focused on soccer players, rather than match officials. Although injury data on referees exist, no comprehensive review has summarized injury profiles in this population.OBJECTIVETo conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of injury epidemiology in elite and amateur soccer referees, focusing on injury rates, types, locations, severity, and causes.METHODSPubMed (Medline), Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus, covering their entire history up to 19 April 2025 were searched. This review included prospective and retrospective studies reporting injury incidence or prevalence among football match officials, with a study period of at least one season. Studies needed to specify injury definitions and include data on injury location, type, mechanism, or severity. Both male and female officials were eligible. Systematic reviews, commentaries, and letters were excluded. Study quality and risk of bias were evaluated using the STROBE-SIIS, in addition to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and funnel plots. Injury incidence rates were estimated using a random effects Poisson regression, accounting for heterogeneity and moderators. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 statistic.RESULTSA total of 17 studies were included, encompassing 3621 referees. The most frequent injuries were strains and sprains in the knee and ankle. The overall injury incidence was 2.19 injuries per 1000 h of exposure (95% CI 1.30-3.69). On-field referees experienced an incidence rate of 1.46 injuries per 1000 h of exposure (95% CI 0.76-2.81), while assistant referees had a lower rate of 0.84 per 1 h of exposure (95% CI 0.36-1.97). During matches, the injury incidence was 2.24 per 1000 h of exposure (95% CI 1.38-3.64), compared with 0.67 injuries per 1000 h of exposure during training sessions (95% CI 0.36-1.24). However, despite sensitivity analysis, there were still high levels of heterogeneity across included studies.CONCLUSIONSFindings noted higher injury incidence during matches compared with training, and on-field referees compared with assistants. The variation in injury profiles highlights the importance of implementing targeted preventive strategies tailored to the unique demands of refereeing. However, there is still a lack of research in this population, especially in female referees.PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBERCRD42024497970.","PeriodicalId":21969,"journal":{"name":"Sports Medicine","volume":"96 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":9.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145182556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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