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Background: Choose to Move is one of few scaled-up health-promoting interventions for older adults. The authors evaluated whether Choose to Move participants maintained their intervention-related gains in physical activity (PA), mobility, and social connectedness 12 months after the intervention ended. Methods: The authors assessed PA, mobility, loneliness, social isolation, and muscle strength via questionnaire and objective measures in 235 older adults at 0 months (baseline), 6 months (end of intervention), and 18 months (12-months postintervention). The authors fitted linear mixed models to examine the change in each outcome from 6 to 18 months (primary objective) and 0 to 18 months (secondary objective) and reported by age group (60–74 and ≥75 y). Results: In younger participants, PA decreased between 6 and 18 months, but remained significantly higher than at baseline. Intervention-related benefits in loneliness, social isolation, mobility, and muscle strength were maintained between 6 and 18 months in the younger participants. Older participants maintained their intervention benefits in loneliness, mobility, and muscle strength. When compared with baseline values, PA levels in older participants were unchanged, whereas social isolation increased. Conclusions: Older adults maintained some, but not all, health benefits of Choose to Move 12 months after the intervention ended. Long-term commitments are needed to deliver effective health-promoting interventions for older adults if benefits are to be maintained.

Introduction: Strength and balance exercises prevent falls. Yet, exercise adherence is often low. To maximize the benefit of exercise on falls prevention, we aimed to identify baseline cognitive and mobility factors that predict adherence to the Otago Exercise Program (OEP) – a home-based exercise program proven to prevent falls. Methods: We conducted a secondary longitudinal analysis of data from a randomized clinical trial (RCT) (OEP compared with usual care) among 172 participants who were assigned to the OEP intervention of the RCT. Adherence to the OEP was calculated as a percent score (i.e., [frequency of strength and balance retraining session per week/3 strength and balance retraining sessions per week] × 100). Executive function (i.e., mental flexibility) was measured using the Trail Making Tests (Part A and B: TMT B – TMT A) and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Short-term memory and encoding was measured using the Verbal Digits Forward test. Executive function (i.e., inhibition and working memory) was measured using the Stroop Color-Word Test and the Verbal Digits Forward minus Verbal Digits Backward test. Mobility was assessed using the Short Performance Physical Battery and the Timed Up and Go test. We used general estimation equations analysis to determine the predictors of adherence to the OEP. Results: Better set shifting (β = −0.06, z = −2.43, [SE = 0.02] p = 0.018] predicted greater OEP adherence. Greater attention and short-term memory (β = −6.99, z = −2.37 [SE = 2.95]) predicted poorer OEP adherence. Response inhibition, processing speed, working memory, and mobility assessed by the SPPB were not associated with adherence. Poorer baseline Timed Up and Go (β = 1.48 z = 1.94, [SE = 0.76]; p < 0.001), predicted better OEP adherence. Conclusion: Specific cognitive processes (i.e., executive function of set shifting, attention, and short-term memory) and functional mobility predicted exercise adherence. Further research needs to explore the pathways that explain why better attention and short-term memory predicted lower adherence and why poorer functional mobility led to better OEP adherence.

Background Strength and balance retraining exercises reduce the rate of subsequent falls in community-dwelling older adults who have previously fallen. Exercise can also improve cognitive function, including processing speed. Given processing speed predicts subsequent falls, we aimed to determine whether improved processing speed mediated the effects of the Otago Exercise Program on the rate of subsequent: (i) total falls, (ii) non-injurious falls, (iii) moderate injurious falls, and (iv) serious injurious falls. Method A secondary complete case analysis of a 12-month, single-blind, randomized clinical trial among 256 of 344 adults aged at least 70 years who fell in the previous 12 months. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive usual care plus the Otago Exercise Program (n = 123) or usual care (n = 133), consisting of fall prevention care provided by a geriatrician. The primary outcome was self-reported number of falls over 12 months (ie, rate of falls). Processing speed was assessed at baseline and at 12 months by the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Causal mediation analyses were conducted using quasi-Bayesian estimates and 95% confidence intervals. Results Exercise significantly reduced the rate of subsequent moderate injurious falls (IRR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.31, 0.77; p = .002) and improved processing speed (estimated mean difference: 1.16 points; 95% CI: 0.11, 2.21). Improved DSST mediated the effect of exercise on the rate of subsequent moderate injurious falls (estimate: −0.06; 95% CI: −0.15, −0.001; p = .036). Conclusion Improved processing speed may be a mechanism by which exercise reduces subsequent moderate injurious falls in older adults who fell previously. Clinical Trials Registration Number ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration System: NCT01029171: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01029171 NCT00323596: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00323596

Background The Otago Exercise Program (OEP) has demonstrated cost-effectiveness for the primary prevention of falls in a general community setting. The cost-effectiveness of exercise as a secondary falls prevention (ie, preventing falls among those who have already fallen) strategy remains unknown. The primary objective was to estimate the cost-effectiveness (incremental cost-effectiveness/utility ratio) of the OEP from a healthcare system perspective. Design A concurrent 12-month prospective economic evaluation conducted alongside the Action Seniors! randomized critical trial (OEP compared with usual care). Setting Vancouver Falls Prevention Clinic (Vancouver, BC, Canada; http://www.fallsclinic.ca). Participants A total of 344 community-dwelling older adults, aged 70 years and older, who attended a geriatrician-led Falls Prevention Clinic in Vancouver, after sustaining a fall in the previous 12 months. Measurements Main outcome measures included: incidence rate ratio for falls, healthcare costs, incremental cost per fall prevented, and incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Results The OEP costs $393 CAD per participant to implement. The incremental cost per fall prevented resulted in a savings of $2 CAD. The incremental cost per QALY gained (where QALYs were estimated using the Euro-Qol 5D three-level version [EQ-5D-3L]) indicated the OEP was less effective than usual care. The incremental cost per QALY gained (where QALYs were estimated using the Short Form 6D [SF-6D]) indicated the OEP was more effective and less costly than usual care. The incremental QALYs estimated using the EQ-5D-3L and the SF-6D were not clinically significant and close to zero, indicating no change in quality of life. Conclusion Compared with usual care, healthcare system costs are saved and falls are prevented when older fallers who attend a geriatrician-led falls clinic are allocated to, and provided, the physiotherapist-guided exercise-based falls prevention program (the OEP).

Poor reporting of medical and healthcare systematic reviews is a problem from which the sports and exercise medicine, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, and sports science fields are not immune. Transparent, accurate and comprehensive systematic review reporting helps researchers replicate methods, readers understand what was done and why, and clinicians and policy-makers implement results in practice. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement and its accompanying Explanation and Elaboration document provide general reporting examples for systematic reviews of healthcare interventions. However, implementation guidance for sport and exercise medicine, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, and sports science does not exist. The Prisma in Exercise, Rehabilitation, Sport medicine and SporTs science (PERSiST) guidance attempts to address this problem. Nineteen content experts collaborated with three methods experts to identify examples of exemplary reporting in systematic reviews in sport and exercise medicine (including physical activity), musculoskeletal rehabilitation (including physiotherapy), and sports science, for each of the PRISMA 2020 Statement items. PERSiST aims to help: (1) systematic reviewers improve the transparency and reporting of systematic reviews and (2) journal editors and peer reviewers make informed decisions about systematic review reporting quality.

Background: Preseason training develops players’ physical capacities and prepares them for the demands of the competitive season. In rugby, Australian football, and American football, preseason training may protect elite players against in-season injury. However, no study has evaluated this relationship at the team level in elite soccer. Purpose/Hypothesis: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the number of preseason training sessions completed by elite soccer teams was associated with team injury rates and player availability during the competitive season. It was hypothesized that elite soccer teams who participate in more preseason training will sustain fewer injuries during the competitive season. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: We used the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) injury dataset to analyze 44 teams for up to 15 seasons (total, 244 team-seasons). Separate linear regression models examined the association between the number of team preseason training sessions and 5 in-season injury measures. Injury-related problems per team were quantified by totals of the following: (1) injury burden, (2) severe injury incidence, (3) training attendance, (4) match availability, and (5) injury incidence. Results: Teams averaged 30 preseason training sessions (range, 10-51). A greater number of preseason training sessions was associated with less injury load during the competitive season in 4 out of 5 injury-related measures. Our linear regression models revealed that for every 10 additional preseason training sessions that the team performed, the in-season injury burden was 22 layoff days lower per 1000 hours ( P = .002), the severe injury incidence was 0.18 severe injuries lower per 1000 hours ( P = .015), the training attendance was 1.4 percentage points greater ( P = .014), and the match availability was 1.0 percentage points greater ( P = .042). As model fits were relatively low (adjusted R2 = 1.3%-3.2%), several factors that contribute to in-season injury outcomes were unaccounted for. Conclusion: Teams that performed a greater number of preseason training sessions had “healthier” in-season periods. Many other factors also contribute to in-season injury rates. Understanding the benefit of preseason training on in-season injury patterns may inform sport teams’ planning and preparation.

Background: Comprehensive geriatric care (CGC) for older adults during hospitalization for hip fracture can improve mobility, but it is unclear whether CGC delivered after a return to community living improves mobility compared with usual post-discharge care. Objective: To determine if an outpatient clinic-based CGC regime in the first year after hip fracture improved mobility performance at 12 months. Methods: A two-arm, 1:1 parallel group, pragmatic, single-blind, single-center, randomized controlled trial at 3 hospitals in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Participants were community-dwelling adults, aged ≥65 years, with a hip fracture in the previous 3–12 months, who had no dementia and walked ≥10 m before the fracture occurred. Target enrollment was 130 participants. Clinic-based CGC was delivered by a geriatrician, physiotherapist, and occupational therapist. Primary outcome was the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB; 0–12) at 12 months. Results: We randomized 53/313 eligible participants with a mean (SD) age of 79.7 (7.9) years to intervention (n = 26) and usual care (UC, n = 27), and 49/53 (92%) completed the study. Mean 12-month (SD) SPPB scores in the intervention and UC groups were 9.08 (3.03) and 8.24 (2.44). The between-group difference was 0.9 (95% CI –0.3 to 2.0, p = 0.13). Adverse events were similar in the 2 groups. Conclusion: The small sample size of less than half our recruitment target precludes definitive conclusions about the effect of our intervention. However, our results are consistent with similar studies on this population and intervention.

The International Olympic Committee has published 27 ‘consensus statements’ since 2004.1 Many of them are heavily downloaded and highly cited. Several have influenced health policy and societal behaviour. Some consensus statements are so well-known they go by just one name in context: ‘Berlin’ means concussion, ‘Doha’ is synonymous with groin pain, and ‘Bern’ evokes return to play guidelines. Despite their eminence, even the most respected consensus statements have limitations: relevant stakeholders are absent from the consensus process; authors inadequately report the method of evidence synthesis; consensus group members may be ‘coerced’ to agree; and the reports often fail to capture the rich discussion that occurs during a panel meeting. We critically examine methods that underpin sport and exercise medicine consensus statements. Specifically, we: (1) question whether consensus statements deserve their prestige; (2) highlight bias in the current methods of developing consensus and (3) propose future steps to improve the quality of consensus statements by using reporting guidelines. Expert opinion sits at the base of the evidence pyramid but when those experts gather, and take recent systematic reviews into account, their output—consensus statements—are given great weight. Consensus statements are some of the most downloaded and cited publications. …

© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. Hip-related pain can significantly impact quality of life, function, work capacity, physical activity and family life. Standardised measurement methods of physical capacity of relevance to young and middle-aged active adults with hip-related pain are currently not established. The aim of this consensus paper was to provide recommendations for clinical practice and research on standardised measurement methods of physical capacity in young and middle-aged active adults with hip-related pain. Four areas of importance were identified: (1) clinical measures (range of motion, muscle strength, functional impairments), (2) laboratory-based measures (biomechanics and muscle function (muscle activity, size and adiposity)), (3) physical activity, and (4) return to sport/performance. The literature was reviewed, and a summary circulated to the working group to inform discussion at the consensus meeting. The working group developed clinical and research recommendations from the literature review, which were further discussed and modified within the working group at the consensus meeting. These recommendations were then presented to all 38 International Hip-related Pain Research Network (IHiPRN) participants for further discussion, refinement and consensus voting. Therefore, the recommendations voted on were based on a combination of current evidence and expert opinion. The consensus meeting voted on 13 recommendations, six of which were clinically orientated, and seven more research specific. We recommended that clinicians working with young and middle-aged active adults with hip-related pain assess strength using objective methods of measurement, and clinically assess performance of functional tasks, including walking and running. Physical activity should be quantified using both self-reported and objective measures, and patient expectations of recovery should be quantified prior to treatment. It was recommended that return to physical activity (including sport and occupation) be quantified, and sport-specific activities should be assessed prior to return to sport. The IHiPRN participants were uncertain regarding recommendations for range of motion assessment. Research recommendations were that the measurement properties of range of motion, strength and functional performance tests be investigated, reported and improved in both clinical and research settings. Reporting of movement-related parameters (biomechanics and muscle function) should be standardised and the relationship among movement-related parameters, symptoms, function, quality of life, and intra-articular and imaging findings should be investigated. Quantification of return to physical activity (including sport and occupational demands) is required in future research, and the return to sport continuum should be used. Future research is required to determine the best criteria for rehabilitation progression and return to physical activity following hip-related pain management.

Background and purpose Prolonged sedentary time and limited physical activity can result in deleterious effects on health and mobility, especially for older adults with fall-related hip fracture. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a multidisciplinary clinic on sedentary behavior and physical activity (prespecified secondary outcomes) and provide descriptions of activity patterns over 1 year for men and women. Methods We conducted a parallel-group, single-blinded randomized controlled trial comparing a multidisciplinary clinic and usual care (intervention) with usual care (control). We recruited 53 community-dwelling older adults aged 65+ years who were 3 to 12 months postfracture and collected data at baseline, 6, and 12 months; study staff were blinded to group allocation. The clinic included a geriatric assessment by the geriatrician, physiotherapist, and occupational therapist. Referrals were made to other professionals, when indicated. We collected the accelerometer-measured sedentary behavior and physical activity at 3 time points. We used linear mixed-effects models to compare groups at 6 and 12 months and mixed models to compare outcomes between men and women. Results Participants were sedentary for more than 10 hours of a 13-hour day, and there were no significant differences between the study groups at 6 months (2.4 [95% confidence interval: -22.4 to 27.2] minutes) or 12 months (-3.7 [95% confidence interval: -33.6 to 26.1] minutes). Compared with women, men spent 47.2 min/d more in sedentary time (P = .052) and 43.8 min/d less in light physical activity (P = .047). Discussion Older adults after hip fracture spend prolonged periods of waking hours sedentary with very little activity.

Physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and early mortality. Family physicians have an important role in providing physical activity counselling to patients to help prevent and treat NCDs. Lack of training on physical activity counselling is a barrier in undergraduate medical education, yet little is known regarding physical activity teaching in postgraduate family medicine residency. We assessed the provision, content and future direction of physical activity teaching in Canadian postgraduate family medicine residency programs to address this data gap. Fewer than half of Canadian Family Medicine Residency Programme directors reported providing structured physical activity counselling education to residents. Most directors reported no imminent plans to change the content or amount of teaching. These results reflect significant gaps between the recommendations of WHO, which calls on doctors to prescribe physical activity, and the current curricular content and needs of family medicine residents. Almost all directors agreed that online educational resources developed to assist residents in physical activity prescription would be beneficial. By describing the provision, content and future direction of physical activity training in family medicine, physicians and medical educators can develop competencies and resources to meet this need. When we equip our future physicians with the necessary tools, we can improve patient outcomes and do our part to reduce the global epidemic of physical inactivity and chronic disease.

Importance Extenuating circumstances can trigger unplanned changes to randomized trials and introduce methodological, ethical, feasibility, and analytical challenges that can potentially compromise the validity of findings. Numerous randomized trials have required changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but guidance for reporting such modifications is incomplete. Objective As a joint extension for the CONSORT and SPIRIT reporting guidelines, CONSERVE (CONSORT and SPIRIT Extension for RCTs Revised in Extenuating Circumstances) aims to improve reporting of trial protocols and completed trials that undergo important modifications in response to extenuating circumstances. Evidence A panel of 37 international trial investigators, patient representatives, methodologists and statisticians, ethicists, funders, regulators, and journal editors convened to develop the guideline. The panel developed CONSERVE following an accelerated, iterative process between June 2020 and February 2021 involving (1) a rapid literature review of multiple databases (OVID Medline, OVID EMBASE, and EBSCO CINAHL) and gray literature sources from 2003 to March 2021; (2) consensus-based panelist meetings using a modified Delphi process and surveys; and (3) a global survey of trial stakeholders. Findings The rapid review yielded 41 673 citations, of which 38 titles were relevant, including emerging guidance from regulatory and funding agencies for managing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on trials. However, no generalizable guidance for all circumstances in which trials and trial protocols might face unanticipated modifications were identified. The CONSERVE panel used these findings to develop a consensus reporting guidelines following 4 rounds of meetings and surveys. Responses were received from 198 professionals from 34 countries, of whom 90% (n = 178) indicated that they understood the concept definitions and 85.4% (n = 169) indicated that they understood and could use the implementation tool. Feedback from survey respondents was used to finalize the guideline and confirm that the guideline’s core concepts were applicable and had utility for the trial community. CONSERVE incorporates an implementation tool and checklists tailored to trial reports and trial protocols for which extenuating circumstances have resulted in important modifications to the intended study procedures. The checklists include 4 sections capturing extenuating circumstances, important modifications, responsible parties, and interim data analyses. Conclusions and Relevance CONSERVE offers an extension to CONSORT and SPIRIT that could improve the transparency, quality, and completeness of reporting important modifications to trials in extenuating circumstances such as COVID-19.

Background: Poor sleep is common among older adults at risk for dementia and may be due to circadian dysregulation. Light is the most important external stimulus to the circadian clock and bright light therapy (BLT) has been used for >20 years to help realign circadian rhythms. However, the ability of field methods (e.g., actigraphy) to accurately determine the type and intensity of light is unknown. Objective: We examined the ability of the MotionWatch8 (MW8) light sensor to determine: 1) light versus dark, 2) electrical light versus daylight, and 3) device-based BLT versus light which was not BLT. Methods: We tested the MW8 under 17 daily light scenarios. Light exposure data was collected for 5 minutes during each scenario. Concurrently, we measured light exposure using the LT40 Light Meter, a sensitive measure of light intensity. We then developed individual cut-points using receiver operator characteristics analyses to determine optimal MW8 cut-points for 1) light versus dark; 2) electrical light versus daylight; and 3) light from a BLT box versus light which was not BLT. Bland-Altman plots tested the precision of the MW8 compared to the LT40. Results: The MW8 accurately discriminated light versus dark (>32 lux), and electrical light versus daylight (

BackgroundCam morphology, a distinct bony morphology of the hip, is prevalent in many athletes, and a risk factor for hip-related pain and osteoarthritis. Secondary cam morphology, due to existing or previous hip disease (eg, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease), is well-described. Cam morphology not clearly associated with a disease is a challenging concept for clinicians, scientists and patients. We propose this morphology, which likely develops during skeletal maturation as a physiological response to load, should be referred to as primary cam morphology. The aim of this study was to introduce and clarify the concept of primary cam morphology.DesignWe conducted a concept analysis of primary cam morphology using articles that reported risk factors associated with primary cam morphology; we excluded articles on secondary cam morphology. The concept analysis method is a rigorous eight-step process designed to clarify complex ‘concepts’; the end product is a precise definition that supports the theoretical basis of the chosen concept.ResultsWe propose five defining attributes of primary cam morphology—tissue type, size, site, shape and ownership—in a new conceptual and operational definition. Primary cam morphology is a cartilage or bony prominence (bump) of varying size at the femoral head-neck junction, which changes the shape of the femoral head from spherical to aspherical. It often occurs in asymptomatic male athletes in both hips. The cartilage or bone alpha angle (calculated from radiographs, CT or MRI) is the most common method to measure cam morphology. We found inconsistent reporting of primary cam morphology taxonomy, terminology, and how the morphology is operationalised.ConclusionWe introduce and clarify primary cam morphology, and propose a new conceptual and operational definition. Several elements of the concept of primary cam morphology remain unclear and contested. Experts need to agree on the new taxonomy, terminology and definition that better reflect the primary cam morphology landscape—a bog-standard bump in most athletic hips, and a possible hip disease burden in a selected few.

More than one million scientists publish peer-reviewed research each year.1 Health research strives to generate new discoveries or consolidate existing knowledge to benefit the lives of humans. But does published health research impact patients, policy, the economy, or society? Common metrics that are purported to capture scientists’ contributions to their field include citations generated by peer-reviewed publications, journal impact factor, and indices that combine stand-alone metrics such as publication and citation count (eg, H-index).2 These metrics are frequently used by academic scientists and administrators to (1) inform faculty hiring and promotion, (2) rank grant funding applications, and (3) compare researchers’ perceived productivity.3 However, measures of academic output do not appear to capture the socioeconomic impact of health research, and fixating on academic metrics can lead scientists to neglect other important areas. As federal and international health research funding agencies increasingly demand that research should have impact beyond academia, researchers and academic institutions must adapt. We aim to draw the sport and exercise medicine community’s attention to the concept of research impact, highlight existing ways of assessing research impact, and outline the challenges of measuring research impact. Research impact is considered the positive effect, influence, or benefit that …

Objective We identified adherence-based case-mixes from participants’ longitudinal adherence to falls prevention exercise interventions over 12 months. Second, we identified modifiable baseline predictors (cognition, mobility and functional status) based on participants' case-mix adherence trajectories. Study design and outcome measures This study was a 12-month longitudinal secondary analysis of data from 172 participants who received the Otago Exercise Program (OEP) in a randomized controlled trial. Adherence to the OEP was ascertained monthly via self-report. Case-mixes, groups of individuals who followed similar adherence trajectories, were visually defined using 12-month longitudinal trajectories; we used latent class growth modeling. Baseline predictors of adherence were examined for the following categories: 1) cognition, 2) mobility and 3) functional status. Results Four distinct case-mixes were identified. The “non-adherent” case-mix (18 %) was distinguished by a non-adherent and decreasing adherence trajectory over time. The “low adherence” case-mix (45 %) did not have complete adherence or consistent adherence over the 12-month follow-up. The “moderate adherence” case-mix (27 %) was characterized by a stable (i.e., non-variable) adherence trajectory with a slightly increasing pattern at midpoint. The “high adherence” case-mix (10 %) demonstrated consistent and high adherence over the 12-month follow-up. For individuals with “moderate adherence”, the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) significantly predicted adherence (relative risk ratio (RRR) = 1.12 (0.95 CI: 1.0–1.26); p = 0.049). For individuals with “high adherence”, the Digits Forward minus Digits Backward (RRR = 0.43 (0.95 CI: 0.23−0.79); p = 0.002) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (RRR = 0.36 (0.95 CI: 0.16−0.81); p = 0.01) significantly predicted adherence. Conclusions Cognitive profile and activities of daily living at baseline may predict the longitudinal pattern of adherence.

There is no agreement on how to classify, define or diagnose hip-related pain—a common cause of hip and groin pain in young and middle-aged active adults. This complicates the work of clinicians and researchers. The International Hip-related Pain Research Network consensus group met in November 2018 in Zurich aiming to make recommendations on how to classify, define and diagnose hip disease in young and middle-aged active adults with hip-related pain as the main symptom. Prior to the meeting we performed a scoping review of electronic databases in June 2018 to determine the definition, epidemiology and diagnosis of hip conditions in young and middle-aged active adults presenting with hip-related pain. We developed and presented evidence-based statements for these to a panel of 37 experts for discussion and consensus agreement. Both non-musculoskeletal and serious hip pathological conditions (eg, tumours, infections, stress fractures, slipped capital femoral epiphysis), as well as competing musculoskeletal conditions (eg, lumbar spine) should be excluded when diagnosing hip-related pain in young and middle-aged active adults. The most common hip conditions in young and middle-aged active adults presenting with hip-related pain are: (1) femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome, (2) acetabular dysplasia and/or hip instability and (3) other conditions without a distinct osseous morphology (labral, chondral and/or ligamentum teres conditions), and that these terms are used in research and clinical practice. Clinical examination and diagnostic imaging have limited diagnostic utility; a comprehensive approach is therefore essential. A negative flexion–adduction–internal rotation test helps rule out hip-related pain although its clinical utility is limited. Anteroposterior pelvis and lateral femoral head–neck radiographs are the initial diagnostic imaging of choice—advanced imaging should be performed only when requiring additional detail of bony or soft-tissue morphology (eg, for definitive diagnosis, research setting or when planning surgery). We recommend clear, detailed and consistent methodology of bony morphology outcome measures (definition, measurement and statistical reporting) in research. Future research on conditions with hip-related pain as the main symptom should include high-quality prospective studies on aetiology and prognosis. The most common hip conditions in active adults presenting with hip-related pain are: (1) FAI syndrome, (2) acetabular dysplasia and/or hip instability and (3) other conditions without distinct osseous morphology including labral, chondral and/or ligamentum teres conditions. The last category should not be confused with the incidental imaging findings of labral, chondral and/or ligamentum teres pathology in asymptomatic people. Future research should refine our current recommendations by determining the clinical utility of clinical examination and diagnostic imaging in prospective studies.

SYNOPSIS: High-quality sports injury research can facilitate sports injury prevention and treatment. There is scope to improve how our field applies best-practice methods-methods matter (greatly!). The first METHODS MATTER meeting, held in January 2019 in Copenhagen, Denmark, was the forum for an international group of researchers with expertise in research methods to discuss sports injury methods. We discussed important epidemiological and statistical topics within the field of sports injury research. With this opinion document, we provide the main take-home messages that emerged from the meeting. Meeting participants agreed that the definition of sport injury depends on the research question and context. It was considered essential to be explicit about the goal of the research effort and to use frameworks to illustrate the assumptions that underpin measurement and the analytical strategy. Complex systems were discussed to illustrate how potential risk factors can interact in a nonlinear way. This approach is often a useful alternative to identifying single risk factors. Investigating changes in exposure status over time is important when analyzing sport injury etiology, and analyzing recurrent injury, subsequent injury, or injury exacerbation remains challenging. The choice of statistical model should consider the research question, injury measure (eg, prevalence, incidence), type and granularity of injury data (categorical or continuous), and study design. Multidisciplinary collaboration will be a cornerstone for future high-quality sport injury research. Working outside professional silos in a diverse, multidisciplinary team benefits the research process, from the formulation of research questions and designs to the statistical analyses and dissemination of study results in implementation contexts. This article has been copublished in the British Journal of Sports Medicine and the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy.

Purpose We described patellofemoral alignment and trochlear morphology at one and five years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), and evaluated the associations between alignment and trochlear morphology (at one year) and worsening patellofemoral osteoarthritis (OA) features by five years. We also evaluated the associations between alignment and morphology to self-reported pain and function (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, KOOS) at five years. Materials and methods In this longitudinal observational study, we followed 73 participants (mean age 29[9] years, 40% women) from one- to five-years after ACLR. Using MRI, we measured alignment and morphology, and scored cartilage and bone marrow lesions at both time points. We used mixed effects and linear regression models to achieve our stated aims. Results Greater lateral patella displacement increased risk of cartilage worsening (Odds Ratio [95% CI]: 1.09 [1.01, 1.16]); while less lateral tilt (0.91 [0.83, 0.99]) and greater trochlear angle (0.88 [0.77, 1.00]) were protective. Greater medial trochlear inclination increased risk of bone marrow lesion worsening (1.12 [1.04, 1.19]); while greater trochlear angle was protective (0.80 [0.67, 0.96]). Greater lateral displacement was associated with worse self-reported KOOS sport and recreation scores (β [95% CI]: −11.0 [−20.9, −1.2]) and quality of life scores (−10.5 [−20.4, −0.7]). Conclusions Lateral displacement, lateral tilt, and morphology at 1 year post-ACLR altered the risk of worsening patellofemoral OA features four years later. Lateral displacement was the only measure associated with worse self-reported symptoms at five years. These findings may lead to novel treatment strategies for secondary prevention after ACLR.

Do I really need this test, treatment or procedure? What are the downsides? What happens if I do nothing? And are there simpler, safer options? These four questions, promoted by Choosing Wisely Canada, featured prominently at the two 2018 conferences, Too Much Medicine in Helsinki, Finland (figure 1), and the sixth annual Preventing Overdiagnosis conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. Over 600 of the world’s leading researchers and thinkers in preventing overdiagnosis came together for two weeks in August 2018 to highlight the problems caused by medical excess and to identify evidence-informed practices to wind back the harms of too much medicine. Figure 1 You can review highlights from the Too Much Medicine symposium on Twitter @TooMuchMed. This education review aims to bring the sport and exercise medicine reader up to date on this topic. An expanded version with additional references and resources is provided in the online supplementary file. ### Supplementary data [bjsports-2018-100039supp001.docx] Too many people are being overdiagnosed, leading to overtreatment and wasted resources that could be better spent preventing or treating genuine illness. While debates about its definition continue, narrowly defined, overdiagnosis refers to deviations, abnormalities, risk factors and pathologies that would never cause symptoms or early death. It relates to problems of overmedicalisation and disease mongering, resulting in what one keynote speaker described as a ‘tsunami of overtreatment’. As a review in BMJ discovered1 (figure 2), many factors drive overdiagnosis and cause harm, including cultural beliefs that ‘more is better’, financial incentives, expanding disease definitions and lowering treatment thresholds. While clinicians have been, and will forever be, challenged to balance Hippocratic notions of beneficence and non-maleficence, the scales are heavily tipped by the underlying influence of industry—such as Big Pharma, divisions of the media more interested in promotion than journalism, and medical journals serving professional rather than public interest. Attempting to summarise discussions …

Purpose: Patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) occurs in approximately half of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-injured knees within 10–15 years of trauma. Risk factors for post-traumatic PFOA are poorly understood. Patellofemoral alignment and trochlear morphology may be associated with PFOA following ACL reconstruction (ACLR), and understanding these relationships, particularly early in the post-surgical time period, may guide effective early intervention strategies. In this study, patellofemoral alignment and trochlear morphology were investigated in relation to radiographic features of early PFOA 1-year post-ACLR. Methods: Participants (aged 18–50 years) had undergone ACLR approximately 1 year prior to being assessed. Early PFOA was defined as presence of a definite patellofemoral osteophyte on lateral or skyline radiograph. Sagittal and axial plane alignment and trochlear morphology were estimated using MRI. Using logistic regression, the relationship between alignment or morphology and presence of osteophytes was evaluated. Results: Of 111 participants [age 30 ± 8.5; 41 (37%) women], 19 (17%) had definite osteophytes, only two of whom had had patellofemoral chondral lesions noted intra-operatively. One measure of patellar alignment (bisect offset OR 1.1 [95% confidence interval 1.0, 1.2]) and two measures of trochlear morphology (sulcus angle OR 1.1 [1.0, 1.2], trochlear angle OR 1.2 [1.0, 1.5]) were associated with patellofemoral osteophytes. Conclusions: Patellofemoral malalignment and/or altered trochlear morphology were associated with PFOA 1 year following ACLR compared to individuals post-ACLR without these features. Clarifying the role of alignment and morphology in post-traumatic PFOA may contribute to improving early intervention strategies aimed at secondary prevention. Level of evidence: IV.

Overdiagnosis in healthcare is a problem. A big one. Clinicians are skilled at labelling people in ways that do not necessarily benefit them. Too often we create harms from unnecessary labels and subsequent treatments that waste healthcare resources. Learning from Preventing Overdiagnosis conferences, Choosing Wisely1, the BMJ’s Too Much Medicine2 and JAMA’s Less is More3 campaigns, we opine that sport and exercise medicine is not exempt from overlabelling. For clinicians and researchers, a single label captures a textbook chapter’s worth of information. It helps characterise and organise peoples’ conditions within definable boundaries. Just as a patient wants to find a cause for their woes, we clinicians pride ourselves on identifying it. If a label can legitimise an individual’s experience, provide identity, and enable external support through access to services and insurance, what's not to love? Why don't we clinicians quickly and indelibly punch the label into a patient’s electronic medical record? There is a dark side to the face of the diagnostic label. A label implies that the clinician knows the specific tissue pathology that is causing pain or dysfunction. In sport and exercise medicine, accurate tissue or pathoanatomical (‘structural’) diagnosis is often impossible; when a person presents with low back or knee pain, special …

The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging, if not overwhelming, for many patients and healthcare providers in our field. Consultants-turned-frontline healthcare workers, athletes losing access to their raison-d’etre and even livelihood, researchers losing access to their labs. Competitive sport was hit hard, while physical activity levels soared for some as it provided escape from the land of lockdown. For people facing pre-existing socioeconomic and health inequities like women, Indigenous People, marginalised and racialised groups, patients in long-term care facilities and those with disabilities, the pandemic revealed the true magnitude of the physical inactivity crisis. As sport and exercise clinicians and researchers, our advocacy on public health issues and unequal access to physical activity highlighted by the pandemic is critical. We have new opportunities to speak out and act on important policy issues as they arise. For example, we can champion for more walkable cities, broadcast the value of time being active outdoors, and remind the world of the positive effects of exercise on the immune system. We must also ensure proper screening and rehabilitation for our SARS-CoV-2 positive patients. What have we learnt this year? This CASEM issue (see cover image) highlights three major …

BackgroundThe 9+ screening battery test consists of 11 tests to assess limitations in functional movement.AimTo examine the association of the 9+ with lower extremity injuries and to identify a cut-off point to predict injury risk.MethodsProfessional male football players in Qatar from 14 teams completed the 9+ at the beginning of the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 seasons. Time-loss injuries and exposure in training and matches were registered prospectively by club medical staff during these seasons. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to calculate HR and 95% CI. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated to determine sensitivity and specificity and identify the optimal cut-off point for risk assessment.Results362 players completed the 9+ and had injury and exposure registration. There were 526 injuries among 203 players (56.1%) during the two seasons; injuries to the thigh were the most frequent. There was no association between 9+ total score and the risk of lower extremity injuries (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.05, p=0.13), even after adjusting for other risk factors in a multivariate analysis (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.04, p=0.37). ROC curve analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.48, and there was no cut-off point that distinguished injured from non-injured players.ConclusionThe 9+ was not associated with lower extremity injury, and it was no better than chance for distinguishing between injured and uninjured players. Therefore, the 9+ test cannot be recommended as an injury prediction tool in this population.

PURPOSE To develop methods for evaluating 3D patellofemoral and tibiofemoral alignment in vertical open-bore magnetic resonance (MR) scanners, with participants upright and fully weight-bearing; and to evaluate the repeatability of these methods in individuals with patellofemoral osteoarthritis (OA) and in asymptomatic knees. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our methods extend previously validated, reliable methods for evaluating alignment into an upright MR environment. In 10 participants with early patellofemoral OA and 10 with asymptomatic knees, we acquired sagittal T1 -weighted turbo spin echo images in a 3T scanner to create accurate participant-specific 3D anatomical surface models. In a vertical open-bore 0.5T MR scanner, we obtained lower-resolution sagittal gradient echo images to capture bony position and orientation data. Participants were scanned in a position of squatting with the knees flexed 30°, three separate times to evaluate repeatability. Bone segmentation was performed manually, surface models were registered to data from the 0.5T scanner, and 3D patellofemoral and tibiofemoral alignment was calculated in all six degrees of freedom (three rotations and three translations). RESULTS Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were ≥0.94, with the exception of patellar spin (0.79). Standard errors of measure (SEM) were

Background: There is a physical inactivity pandemic around the world despite the known benefits of engaging in physical activity. This is true for individuals who would receive notable benefits from physical activity, in particular those with mood disorders. In this study, we explored the factors that facilitate and impede engagement in physical activity for individuals with a mood disorder. The intent was to understand the key features of a community based physical activity program for these individuals. Methods: We recruited and interviewed 24 participants older than 18 with Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar II. The interviews were conducted by peer researchers. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using NVivo 10™. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: The facilitators to physical activity include being socially connected with family and friends, building a routine in daily life, and exposure to nature. The barriers to physical activity include the inability to build a routine owing to a mood disorder, and high cost. The ideal exercise program comprises a variety of light-to-moderate activities, offers the opportunity to connect with other participants with a mood disorder, and brings participants to nature. The average age of our participants was 52 which could have influenced the preferred level of intensity. Conclusion: The individuals in this study felt that the key features of a physical activity program for individuals with a mood disorder must utilize a social network approach, take into account the preferences of potential participants, and incorporate nature (both green and blue spaces) as a health promotion resource.

A decade ago, Blair1 pondered the future of physical activity research, much of which has since come to pass. More recently, a BJSM Blog2 invited readers to consider how their future research would look. Given the increased international focus on reducing injury/illness in athletes, it is timely to consider what research needs to be undertaken and acted on to achieve feasible reductions over the next 10 years. ‘Future Studies’3 or ‘Thought Leadership’ happens when a defined group of experts calls attention to what they think will be important for their field in the future. This is common in social science disciplines (eg, finance) and in scientific areas with major implications for policy development (eg, in climate control/environmental science). It has been less commonly applied in medicine, though it has underpinned discussion in areas like cancer research4 and academic medicine.5 Thought leadership involves big picture thinking and can lead to new ideas for major developments over time. There is evidence that such exercises can significantly shape research agenda and priority setting. This novel approach was applied to Sports and Exercise Medicine through asking a select group of international experts to contribute their priority research directions for the next 10 years. This is intended as a starting point only, to stimulate discussion with, and elicit responses from, the broader community interested in the prevention of injury and illness in athletes. International experts were invited to participate if they had delivered ≥1 keynote addresses at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) World Conferences of Prevention of Injury and Illness in Sport in 2011, 2014 or their precursor conferences organised by the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre in 2005 and 2008. Of 21 keynote speakers, 12 contributed their views to this paper. The experts covered a range of disciplines, including clinical sports …

Background/Objectives A previous fall is a strong predictor of future falls. Recent epidemiologic data suggest that deficits in processing speed predict future injurious falls. Our primary objective was to determine a parsimonious predictive model of future falls among older adults who experienced ≥1 fall in the past 12 months based on the following categories: counts of (1) total, (2) indoor, (3) outdoor or (4) non-injurious falls; (5) one mild or severe injury fall (yes vs no); (6) an injurious instead of a non-injurious fall; and (7) an outdoor instead of an indoor fall. Design 12-month prospective cohort study. Setting Vancouver Falls Prevention Clinic, Canada (www.fallsclinic.ca). Participants Two-hundred and eighty-eight community-dwelling older adults aged ≥70 years with a history of ≥1 fall resulting in medical attention in the previous 12 months. Measurements We employed principal component analysis to reduce the baseline predictor variables to a smaller set of five factors (i.e., processing speed, working memory, emotional functioning, physical functioning and body composition/fall risk profile). Second, we used the extracted five factors as predictors in regression models predicting the incidence of falls over a 12-month prospective observation period. We conducted regression analyses for the seven falls-related categories (defined above). Results Among older adults with a falls history, processing speed was the most consistent predictor of future falls; poorer processing speed predicted a greater number of total, indoor, outdoor, and non-injurious falls, and a greater likelihood of experiencing at least one mild or severe injurious fall (all P values

As we say on the British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM) podcast—thanks for choosing to engage with BJSM. Your worldwide author team brings you the full spectrum sport and exercise medicine, sports physiotherapy, as well as sports science in this 22nd of our 24 annual issues. Three articles relate to arthroscopy: the Finnish Degenerative Meniscal Lesion Study (FIDELITY) knee surgery randomised controlled trial (RCT) (see page 1332) was a landmark because it: (i) included a sham surgery control group and, (ii) patients had an MRI-proven meniscal tear along with their symptoms and signs. These were classic patients for arthroscopy—classic in the sense that they very typically were slam-dunks for surgery. In the FIDELITY trial, sham surgery produced great results at 1 year (reported in the New England Journal of Medicine 1) and that sham group continues to do well at 5 years as you can read here. They are doing just as well as the patients who underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Read two leading orthopaedic surgeons’ take home messages—thank you Drs Lars Engebretsen (Norway) and …

What is in this issue of BJSM for you? We usually highlight one or two papers on a cover but we had to include six this time, as the quality was just too high to overlook any! (figure 1). While on the cover … a shout out to medical artist Vicky Earle (Canada, @EarleArt) on her 12th anniversary as BJSM cover artist. Thank you! Figure 1 Cam lesion as described in the femoroacetabular impingement—one element of the femoroacetabular (FAI) syndrome . The best and brightest share their consensus with clinicians who treat hip pain and tendon pain. Hip-related pain—emanating from conditions such as femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (cam lesion in figure 1), acetabular dysplasia or labral tears—carries a very large burden of disease. Over 40 physiotherapists, sport and exercise medicine physicians and other hip-pain experts spent a year preparing for a November (2018) weekend of vigorous discussion in Zurich at the world-famous Schultess Clinic. Check out one of the four Consensus Statements in this issue …

Systematic reviews are a valuable tool to inform healthcare decision-making.1 2 While a single randomised controlled trial (RCT) is insufficient to definitively guide healthcare decisions, a systematic review synthesising multiple RCTs can overcome this limitation. The results of rigorous systematic reviews possess wide-ranging applicability to numerous stakeholders within the evidence-based medicine ‘ecosystem’. Clinicians consult systematic reviews to inform their clinical decisions.3 Researchers rely on systematic reviews to identify knowledge gaps in existing literature.4 Health policymakers use systematic review evidence to inform practice guidelines and legislation.5 6 Journal editors often prioritise systematic reviews for their impact on readership attention and journal metrics.7 Finally, patients are empowered by systematic reviews that assess the beneficial and harmful patient-important outcomes of available management strategies.8 Evidently, systematic review authors have an important responsibility to ensure their findings provide the most accurate results possible. The biomedical literature expands by 22 systematic reviews daily,9 with no evidence that production is waning. More systematic reviews are desirable if they identify and inform important research questions that improve patient care.10 However, production of this magnitude is problematic when systematic reviews offer ‘extensive redundancy, little value, misleading claims and/or vested interests’.11 As we outlined in part 1, bias is a systematic deviation from the truth in the results of a research study due to limitations in study design, conduct, or analysis.2 Deviations may either overestimate or underestimate a study’s true findings depending of the type and magnitude of bias. As the results of a systematic review are only as valid as the studies it includes, pooling biased results from different studies can compromise the credibility of systematic review findings when no assessment, or a poor assessment, of risk of bias is performed.3 12 Inadequate study design, conduct, or analysis …

The 1st International Hip-related Pain Research Network meeting discussed four prioritised themes concerning hip-related pain in young to middle-aged adults: (1) diagnosis and classification of hip-related pain; (2) patient-reported outcome measures for hip-related pain; (3) measurement of physical capacity for hip-related pain; (4) physiotherapist-led treatment for hip-related pain. Thirty-eight expert researchers and clinicians working in the field of hip-related pain attended the meeting. This manuscript relates to the theme of physiotherapist-led treatments for hip-related pain. A systematic review on the efficacy of physiotherapist-led interventions for hip-related pain (published separately) was conducted and found that strong evidence for physiotherapist-led treatments was lacking. Prior to the meeting, draft consensus recommendations for consideration in the meeting were also developed based on the systematic review. The draft consensus recommendations were presented to all of the meeting participants via email, at least 1 week prior to the meeting. At the meeting, these recommendations were discussed, revised and voted on. Six recommendations for clinical practice and five recommendations for research were included and all gained consensus. Recommendations for clinical practice were that (i) Exercise-based treatments are recommended for people with hip-related pain. (ii) Exercise-based treatment should be at least 3 months duration. (iii) Physiotherapist-led rehabilitation after hip surgery should be undertaken. (iv) Patient-reported outcome measures, measures of physical impairment and measures of psychosocial factors should be used to monitor response to treatment. (v) Physical activity (that may include sport) is recommended for people with hip-related pain. (vi) Clinicians should discuss patient expectations, use shared-decision making and provide education. Recommendations for research were (i) Reporting of exercise programmes: Exercise descriptors such as load magnitude, number of repetitions and sets, duration of whole programme, duration of contractile element of exercise, duration of one repetition, time under tension, rest between repetitions, range of motion through which the exercise is performed, and rest between exercise sessions should be reported. (ii) Research should investigate the optimal frequency, intensity, time, type, volume and progression of exercise therapy. (iii) Research should examine the effect of patient education in people with hip-related pain. (iv) Research should investigate the effect of other treatments used in people with hip-related pain (for example: manual therapy, medications, injections). (v) Research should examine the impact of comorbidities and social determinants on treatment effectiveness in people with hip-related pain. Clinicians and researchers working with young to middle-aged active adults with hip-related pain may use these consensus recommendations to guide, develop, test and implement individualised, evidence-based physiotherapist-led rehabilitation programmes.

ObjectiveThe aim of this systematic review was to investigate the methods used for estimating the population attributable fraction (PAF) to leisure-time physical inactivity (PI) of coronary artery diseases, hypertension and stroke in order to provide the best available estimate for PAF.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesFour electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) were searched from inception to August 2018.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesThis review included prospective cohort studies, with men and women aged ≥18 years old, investigating the PAF attributable to leisure-time PI related to coronary artery diseases, hypertension and stroke.ResultsThe PAF estimates of the three studies included were 13% (3%–22%) for ‘stage-1 hypertension’ subtype incidence due to ‘non-regular exercise’; 25% (10.4%–35.8%) for ‘stage-2 hypertension’ subtype incidence due to ‘activity of daily living’ and ‘vigorous-intensity sports’; and 8.5% (1.7%–16.7%) for ‘total: fatal and non-fatal’ cardiovascular events of ‘incidence and mortality’ endpoints due to non-accumulation of 550 kcal/week (subsets not specified).ConclusionsThe PAF estimate exhibited a protective dose–response relationship between hypertension and an increased amount of energy expenditure of leisure-time PI. In order to enhance accuracy of PAF estimates, the following steps are recommended: (1) to clearly define and state the working definition of leisure-time PI and dose using a reliable and valid objective measurement tool; (2) use a clear definition of outcome subtypes and endpoints using reliable and valid objective measures; and (3) estimate PAF using modelling techniques based on prospective data and ensuring to report 95% CI.

ObjectiveThe prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing globally and there is critical need develop interventions to improve health outcomes among older people. The Group Appointments in Primary Care (GAP) study was a randomised controlled trial designed to test the efficacy of a group and team-based medical visit programme to lower haemoglobin A1c among patients with T2DM. We aimed to understand the barriers and facilitators to implement the GAP intervention within a primary care setting, with an emphasis on patient experience.Research design and methodsThis was a qualitative exploratory study. Data were gathered from semistructured interviews conducted with the first cohort of GAP study participants (n=15) at baseline and intervention completion. GAP participants were aged >65, diagnosed with T2DM and from one primary care clinic. The interview questions identified the patient perspectives and factors relating to their attendance at seven group medical visits that were part of the intervention programme. Data were analysed using framework analysis.ResultsWe identified four themes that captured participants’ experiences: (1) Education: learning with professionals, learning with one another; (2) Social Support: common interests, common problems; (3) Setting: ease of location, ease of conversation and (4) Impact: expectations met, empowerment gained. The GAP intervention increased participants’ self-reported diabetes literacy and self-management skills.ConclusionsWe learnt that: accessible community centres, not primary care offices, were the ideal location for GAP; the consistent leadership of the primary care physician was valued by participants; and, the content related to exercise and healthy diet were viewed as impactful. Also, learning was achieved through content delivered by clinical experts, and by T2DM experts with lived experience—the GAP peers. Our findings highlight the important role of group learning.Trial registration numberNCT02002143

Background The Nine Plus screening battery test (9+) is a functional movement test intended to identify limitations in fundamental movement patterns predisposing athletes to injury. However, the interseason variability is unknown. Aim To examine the variability of the 9+ test between 2 consecutive seasons in professional male football players. Methods Asymptomatic Qatar Star League players (n= 220) completed the 9+ at the beginning of the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Time-loss injuries in training and matches were obtained from the Aspetar Injury and Illness Surveillance Program. No intervention was initiated between test occasions. Results A significant increase in the mean total score of 1.6 points (95% CI 1.0 to 2.2, p

Non-communicable disease is a leading threat to global health. Physical inactivity is a large contributor to this problem; in fact, the WHO ranks it as the fourth leading risk factor for overall morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Canada, at least 4 of 5 adults do not meet the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines of 150 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week. Physicians play an important role in the dissemination of physical activity (PA) recommendations to a broad segment of the population, as over 80% of Canadians visit their doctors every year and prefer to get health information directly from them. Unfortunately, most physicians do not regularly assess or prescribe PA as part of routine care, and even when discussed, few provide specific recommendations. PA prescription has the potential to be an important therapeutic agent for all ages in primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of chronic disease. Sport and exercise medicine (SEM) physicians are particularly well suited for this role and should collaborate with their primary care colleagues for optimal patient care. The purpose of this Canadian Academy and Sport and Exercise Medicine position statement is to provide an evidence-based, best practices summary to better equip SEM and primary care physicians to prescribe PA and exercise, specifically for the prevention and management of non-communicable disease. This will be achieved by addressing common questions and perceived barriers in the field. Author note This position statement has been endorsed by the following nine sport medicine societies: Australasian College of Sports and Exercise Physicians (ACSEP), American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM), British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine (BASEM), European College of Sport & Exercise Physicians (ECOSEP), Norsk forening for idrettsmedisin og fysisk aktivite (NIMF), South African Sports Medicine Association (SASMA), Schweizerische Gesellschaft fur Sportmedizin/Swiss Society of Sports Medicine (SGSM/SSSM), Sport Doctors Australia (SDrA), Swedish Society of Exercise and Sports Medicine (SFAIM), and CASEM.

Deciding when to return to sport after injury is complex and multifactorial—an exercise in risk management. Return to sport decisions are made every day by clinicians, athletes and coaches, ideally in a collaborative way. The purpose of this consensus statement was to present and synthesise current evidence to make recommendations for return to sport decision-making, clinical practice and future research directions related to returning athletes to sport. A half day meeting was held in Bern, Switzerland, after the First World Congress in Sports Physical Therapy. 17 expert clinicians participated. 4 main sections were initially agreed upon, then participants elected to join 1 of the 4 groups—each group focused on 1 section of the consensus statement. Participants in each group discussed and summarised the key issues for their section before the 17-member group met again for discussion to reach consensus on the content of the 4 sections. Return to sport is not a decision taken in isolation at the end of the recovery and rehabilitation process. Instead, return to sport should be viewed as a continuum, paralleled with recovery and rehabilitation. Biopsychosocial models may help the clinician make sense of individual factors that may influence the athlete's return to sport, and the Strategic Assessment of Risk and Risk Tolerance framework may help decision-makers synthesise information to make an optimal return to sport decision. Research evidence to support return to sport decisions in clinical practice is scarce. Future research should focus on a standardised approach to defining, measuring and reporting return to sport outcomes, and identifying valuable prognostic factors for returning to sport.

BACKGROUND Guidelines on physical activity or exercise and pregnancy encourage pregnant women to continue or adopt an active lifestyle during and following pregnancy.1-3 Two systematic reviews of pregnancy-related guidelines on physical activity found similarities between recommendations from different countries, but noted that the guidelines differed in focus.4 5 The guidelines provided variable guidance on prenatal exercise, or on how pregnant women might approach continuing or adopting sport activities.6 However, most guidelines did not include important topics such as prevalence and known risk factors for common pregnancy-related diseases and complaints, and the role of exercise in preventing and treating them. Importantly, the focus of most previous guidelines has been on healthy pregnant women in the general population, in whom there is almost always a decline in physical activity during pregnancy.7 8 Indeed, a high proportion of pregnant women follow neither physical activity nor exercise guidelines, 9 putting them at increased risk of obesity, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and other pregnancy-related diseases and complaints.1 On the other hand, there are enthusiastic exercisers and elite athletes who often meet and exceed general exercise recommendations for pregnant women, but there are no exercise guidelines specifically for these women. Important questions for such women are unanswered in current guidelines: Which activities, exercises and sports can they perform, for how long and at what intensity, without risking their own health and the health of the fetus? How soon can they return to highintensity training and competition after childbirth? The IOC and most National Sports Federations encourage women to participate in all Olympic sport disciplines. The IOC promotes high-level performance, and it is also strongly committed to promoting lifelong health among athletes10-not just during their competitive sporting careers. With an increasing number of elite female athletes competing well into their thirties, many may wish to become pregnant, and some also want to continue to compete after childbirth. With this background, the IOC assembled an international expert committee to review the literature on physical activity and exercise (1) during pregnancy and (2) after childbirth, using rigorous systematic review and search criteria.11 For efficiency, where sex is not specified, the reader should assume that this manuscript about pregnancy and childbirth refers to females (ie, 'the elite athlete who wishes to train at altitude' is used in preference to 'the elite female athlete...'). AIMS The September 2015 IOC meeting of 16 experts in Lausanne had three aims. They were to: 1. Summarise common conditions, illnesses and complaints that may interfere with strenuous exercise and competition, during pregnancy and after childbirth; 2. Provide recommendations for exercise training during pregnancy and after childbirth, for highlevel regular exercisers and elite athletes; and 3. Identify major gaps in the literature that limit the confidence with which recommendations can be made. METHODS For each section of the document, a search strategy was performed using search terms such as 'pregnancy' OR 'pregnant' OR 'postpartum' AND 'exercise' OR 'physical activity' OR'leisure activity' OR'leisure' OR 'recreation' OR 'recreational activity' or 'physical fitness' OR 'occupational activity' AND terms related to the condition under study (eg, 'gestational diabetes'). Available databases were searched, with an emphasis on PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, PEDro, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus. In addition, existing guidelines with reference lists were scanned. The review of each topic followed the general order: prevalence of the condition in the general pregnant or postpartum population, prevalence in high-level exercisers or elite athletes, risk factors in the general population and in relation to exercise and sport, and effect of preventive and treatment interventions. Level of evidence and grade of recommendations are according to the Cochrane handbook (table 1) for prevention and treatment interventions only. Each member of the working group was assigned to be the lead author of one or more topics and 1-3 others were assigned to review each topic. A first full consensus draft was reviewed before and during the 3-day IOC meeting (27-29 September 2015), and a new version of each topic was submitted to the meeting chairs (KB and KMK) shortly after the meeting. Each topic leader made amendments before sending a new version for comments to the working group.

Exercise and pregnancy in recreational and elite athletes : 2016/17 evidence summary from the IOC expert group meeting, Lausanne. Part 4-Recommendations for future research.

ObjectiveTo explore clinical characteristics in individuals with patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) compared to individually-matched asymptomatic controls. We also explored associations between functional performance and patient-reported symptoms with patellofemoral alignment.MethodsWe assessed 15 individuals with PFOA and 15 individually-matched asymptomatic controls. In addition to physical examination and patient-reported questionnaires, we evaluated functional performance, lower extremity strength and range of motion, and patellar alignment (using MRI). We analysed group differences with Wilcoxon’s matched-pairs signed rank tests, and within-group associations with Spearman’s rank correlations.ResultsWe included 24 (80%) women with median (IQR) age of 56 (9) years and BMI of 22.8 (5.9) kg/m2. Individuals with PFOA reported lower quality of life (8/100 points lower EQ-5D-5L, p=0.02), and performed worse on two functional tests: repeated one-leg rises (median 16 fewer rises, p=0.04) and timed stair climb (1.2 s slower, p=0.03). There were no differences in strength tests performed or range of motion. Patellar proximal translation correlated with worse functional performance and worse patient-reported pain, function and self-efficacy, while lateral translation and lateral tilt correlated with worse knee-related quality of life (Spearman’s r ranging from 0.5 to 0.7).ConclusionFunctional performance was worse in individuals with PFOA, despite those individuals having no significant differences on lower extremity strength testing. Patellofemoral alignment was associated with worse functional performance as well as worse patient-reported outcomes, and it may represent one mechanism underpinning PFOA-related symptoms.

ObjectivesTo systematically identify and qualitatively review the statistical approaches used in prospective cohort studies of team sports that reported intensive longitudinal data (ILD) (>20 observations per athlete) and examined the relationship between athletic workloads and injuries. Since longitudinal research can be improved by aligning the (1) theoretical model, (2) temporal design and (3) statistical approach, we reviewed the statistical approaches used in these studies to evaluate how closely they aligned these three components.DesignMethodological review.MethodsAfter finding 6 systematic reviews and 1 consensus statement in our systematic search, we extracted 34 original prospective cohort studies of team sports that reported ILD (>20 observations per athlete) and examined the relationship between athletic workloads and injuries. Using Professor Linda Collins’ three-part framework of aligning the theoretical model, temporal design and statistical approach, we qualitatively assessed how well the statistical approaches aligned with the intensive longitudinal nature of the data, and with the underlying theoretical model. Finally, we discussed the implications of each statistical approach and provide recommendations for future research.ResultsStatistical methods such as correlations, t-tests and simple linear/logistic regression were commonly used. However, these methods did not adequately address the (1) themes of theoretical models underlying workloads and injury, nor the (2) temporal design challenges (ILD). Although time-to-event analyses (eg, Cox proportional hazards and frailty models) and multilevel modelling are better-suited for ILD, these were used in fewer than a 10% of the studies (n=3).ConclusionsRapidly accelerating availability of ILD is the norm in many fields of healthcare delivery and thus health research. These data present an opportunity to better address research questions, especially when appropriate statistical analyses are chosen.

We assessed the efficacy of the home-based Otago Exercise Program (OEP) as a secondary falls prevention strategy in seniors referred to a falls prevention clinic after an index fall. We conducted a 12-month randomized controlled trial of 344 adults, aged 70 years and older, with = or > 1 fall resulting in medical attention in the prior 12 months. Participants were randomized to OEP or standard of care (CON). The OEP is a home-based strength and balance training program delivered by a physical therapist. All participants received AGS Guideline Care for falls prevention from a geriatrician. Differences in falls rate was tested with a negative binomial regression model. The rate of falls was lower in the OEP group vs the CON group (incident rate ratio [IRR] = 0.64, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.90). The estimated incidence rate of falls per person-year was 1.4 (95% CI 0.1 to 2.0) in the OEP group and 2.1 (95% CI 0.1 to 3.2) in the CON group, with an absolute incidence rate difference of 0.74 (95% CI 0.04 to 1.78) falls per person-year. DSST performance also increased in the OEP group by a mean change of 1.1 points (95% CI 0.02 to 2.1) vs the CON group. Improved DSST was associated with fewer falls (IRR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.95). These findings support the use of the OEP for secondary falls prevention.

Background Injury and illness surveillance in the aquatic disciplines has been conducted during the FINA World Championships and Olympic Games. The development of an aquatic-specific injury and illness surveillance system will improve the quality of the data collected and the development of preventive measures. Our ultimate objective is to enhance aquatic athlete health and performance. Objective The objective was to refine the injury and illness surveillance protocols to develop aquatic-specific definitions of injury and illness; define aquatic-specific injury location and causation; better describe overuse injuries; regard pre-existing and recurrent injuries; more accurately define aquatic athlete exposures and develop a protocol to capture out-of-competition aquatic athlete health parameters. Methods FINA compiled an Injury and Illness Surveillance Expert Working Group comprised of international experts to review the scientific literature in the field. A consensus meeting was convened to provide an opportunity for debate, following which recommendations were collated. Results Aquatic-specific injury and illness surveillance protocols covering both the in-competition and out-of-competition time periods were developed. Definitions for all relevant variables were outlined, and documentation forms for athletes and for clinicians were proposed. Recommendations for the implementation of an injury and illness surveillance system for FINA are presented. Conclusion The FINA consensus authors recommend ongoing in-competition and out-of-competition surveillance to determine injury and illness trends over time. The implementation of the definitions and methodology outlined in this paper will improve the accuracy and value of injury and illness surveillance, and provide important information for injury prevention.

Falls are a costly public health problem worldwide. The literature is devoid of prospective data that identifies factors among fallers that significantly drive health care resource utilization. We found that cognitive function--specifically, executive functions--and cognitive status are significant determinants of health resource utilization among older fallers.Although falls are costly, there are no prospective data examining factors among fallers that drive health care resource utilization. We identified key determinants of health resource utilization (HRU) at 6 and 12 months among older adults with a history of falls. Specifically, with the increasing recognition that cognitive impairment is associated with increased falls risk, we investigated cognition as a potential driver of health resource utilization.This 12-month prospective cohort study at the Vancouver Falls Prevention Clinic (n = 319) included participants with a history of at least one fall in the previous 12 months. Based on their cognitive status, participants were divided into two groups: (1) no mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and (2) MCI. We constructed two linear regression models with HRU at 6 and 12 months as the dependent variables for each model, respectively. Predictors relating to mobility, global cognition, executive functions, and cognitive status (MCI versus no MCI) were examined. Age, sex, comorbidities, depression status, and activities of daily living were included regardless of statistical significance.Global cognition, comorbidities, working memory, and cognitive status (MCI versus no MCI ascertained using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)) were significant determinants of total HRU at 6 months. The number of medical comorbidities and global cognition were significant determinants of total HRU at 12 months.MCI status was a determinant of HRU at 6 months among older adults with a history of falls. As such, efforts to minimize health care resource use related to falls, it is important to tailor future interventions to be effective for people with MCI who fall.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01022866.

Groin pain in athletes is a priority area for sports physiotherapy and sports medicine research. Heterogeneous studies with low methodological quality dominate research related to groin pain in athletes. Low-quality studies undermine the external validity of research findings and limit the ability to generalise findings to the target patient population. Minimum reporting standards for research on groin pain in athletes are overdue. We propose a set of minimum reporting standards based on best available evidence to be utilised in future research on groin pain in athletes. Minimum reporting standards are provided in relation to: (1) study methodology, (2) study participants and injury history, (3) clinical examination, (4) clinical assessment and (5) radiology. Adherence to these minimum reporting standards will strengthen the quality and transparency of research conducted on groin pain in athletes. This will allow an easier comparison of outcomes across studies in the future.

Objective. To determine the prevalence and factors associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA) defined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and specific OA features on MRI 1 year after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Patellofemoral (PF) osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent and clinically important knee OA subgroup. Malalignment may be an important risk factor for PF OA. However, little is known about alignment in PF OA, particularly in an upright, weightbearing environment. Using a vertically‐oriented open‐bore MR scanner, we evaluated 3D knee alignment in 15 PF OA cases and 15 individually matched asymptomatic controls. We imaged one knee per participant while they stood two‐legged at four flexion angles (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°), and also while they stood one‐legged at 30° knee flexion. We calculated 3D patellofemoral and tibiofemoral alignment. Using mixed effects models, four of the five patellofemoral measures differed by group. For key measures, PF OA patellae were 6.6° [95%CI 5.0, 8.2] more laterally tilted, 2.4 mm [1.3, 3.5] more laterally translated, and at least 3.7 mm [0.2, 7.2] more proximally translated compared to controls (more with knees flexed). Alignment did not differ between two‐legged stance and one‐legged stance in either group. Statement of Clinical Significance: Our study demonstrated significant and clinically relevant differences in alignment between PF OA cases and controls in upright standing and squatting positions. Our findings were similar to those in previous studies of PF OA using traditional MR scanners in supine positions, supporting the clinical usefulness of existing methods aimed at identifying individuals who may benefit from interventions designed to correct malalignment. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the Orthopaedic Research Society. 9999:1–9, 2019.

Background: Lower extremity muscle strength tests are commonly used to screen for injury risk in professional soccer. However, there is limited evidence on the ability of such tests in predicting future injuries. Purpose: To examine the association between hip and thigh muscle strength and the risk of lower extremity injuries in professional male soccer players. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Professional male soccer players from 14 teams in Qatar underwent a comprehensive strength assessment at the beginning of the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 seasons. Testing consisted of concentric and eccentric quadriceps and hamstring isokinetic peak torques, eccentric hip adduction and abduction forces, and bilateral isometric adductor force (squeeze test at 45°). Time-loss injuries and exposure in training and matches were registered prospectively by club medical staff throughout each season. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs. Results: In total, 369 players completed all strength tests and had registered injury and exposure data. Of these, 206 players (55.8%) suffered 538 lower extremity injuries during the 2 seasons; acute muscle injuries were the most frequent. Of the 20 strength measures examined, greater quadriceps concentric peak torque at 300 deg/s (HR, 1.005 [95% CI, 1.00-1.01]; P = .037) was the only strength measure identified as significantly associated with a risk of lower extremity injuries in multivariate analysis. Greater quadriceps concentric peak torque at 60 deg/s (HR, 1.004 [95% CI, 1.00-1.01]; P = .026) was associated with the risk of overuse injuries, and greater bilateral adductor strength adjusted for body weight (HR, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.57-0.97; P = .032) was associated with a lower risk for any knee injury. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses indicated poor predictive ability of the significant strength variables (area under the curve, 0.45-0.56). Conclusion: There was a weak association with the risk of lower extremity injuries for 2 strength variables: greater quadriceps concentric muscle strength at (1) high and (2) low speeds. These associations were too small to identify an “at-risk” player. Therefore, strength testing, as performed in the present study, cannot be recommended as a screening test to predict injuries in professional male soccer.