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AimTo explore whether high-level endurance training in early age has an influence on the arterial wall properties in young women. MethodsForty-seven athletes (ATH) and 52 controls (CTR), all 17-25 years of age, were further divided into runners (RUN), whole-body endurance athletes (WBA), sedentary controls (SC) and normally active controls (AC). Two-dimensional ultrasound scanning of the carotid arteries was conducted to determine local common carotid artery (CCA) geometry and wall distensibility. Pulse waves were recorded with a tonometer to determine regional pulse wave velocity (PWV) and pulse pressure waveform. ResultsCarotid-radial PWV was lower in WBA than in RUN (P amp;lt; .05), indicating higher arterial distensibility along the arm. Mean arterial pressure was lower in ATH than in CTR and in RUN than in WBA (P amp;lt; .05). Synthesized aortic augmentation index (AI@75) was lower among ATH than among CTR (-12.8 1.6 vs -2.6 +/- 1.2%, P amp;lt; .001) and in WBA than in RUN (-16.4 +/- 2.5 vs -10.7 +/- 2.0%, P amp;lt; .05), suggesting a diminished return of reflection waves to the aorta during systole. Carotid-femoral PWV and intima-media thickness (IMT), lumen diameter and radial distensibility of the CCA were similar in ATH and CTR. ConclusionElastic artery distensibility and carotid artery IMT are not different in young women with extensive endurance training over several years and in those with sedentary lifestyle. On the other hand, our data suggest that long-term endurance training is associated with potentially favourable peripheral artery adaptation, especially in sports where upper body work is added. This adaptation, if persisting later in life, could contribute to lower cardiovascular risk., Funding Agencies|Lansforsakringsbolagen Research Foundation, Sweden; Academy for Health and Care, Region Jonkoping County, Sweden; FORSS-the Research Council of South-East Sweden; Swedish Research Council [12161]; Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation

The objective was to investigate the incidence, type and distribution of stress fractures in professional male football players. Fifty-four football teams, comprising 2379 players, were followed prospectively for 189 team seasons during the years 2001–2009. Team medical staff recorded individual player exposure and time-loss injuries. The first team squads of 24 clubs selected by UEFA as belonging to the 50 best European teams, 15 teams of the Swedish Super League and 15 teams playing their home matches on artificial turf pitches were included. In total, 51 stress fractures occurred during 1 180 000 h of exposure, giving an injury incidence of 0.04 injuries/1000 h. A team of 25 players can therefore expect one stress fracture every third season. All fractures affected the lower extremities and 78% the fifth metatarsal bone. Stress fractures to the fifth metatarsal bone, tibia or pelvis caused absences of 3–5 months. Twenty-nine percent of the stress fractures were re-injuries. Players that sustained stress fractures were significantly younger than those that did not. Stress fractures are rare in men's professional football but cause long absences. Younger age and intensive pre-season training appear to be risk factors., funding agencies|UEFA||Swedish Centre for Research in Sports||Praktikertjanst AB