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Objectives: The restorative properties of platelets, through the local release of growth factors, are used in various medical areas. This article reviews fundamental and clinical research relating to platelet-rich plasma applied to tendinous lesions. Materials and method: Articles in French and English, published between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2014. dealing with PRP and tendons were searched for using the Medline and Scopus data bases. Results: Forty-seven articles were identified which addressed pre-clinical and clinical studies: 27 relating to in vitro and in vivo animal studies and 20 relating to human studies. Of these, five addressed lateral epicondylitis, two addressed rotator cuff tendinopathies, ten dealt with patellar tendinopathies and three looked at Achilles tendinopathies. Conclusions: The majority of pre-clinical studies show that PRP stimulates the tendon's healing process. However, clinical series remain more controversial and level 1, controlled, randomised studies are still needed.

Published data related to javelin throwers remain poorly documented. The objectives of this study were therefore to compare isokinetic strength profile of the shoulder rotator muscles between javelin throwers and sedentary persons and to correlate isokinetic data with different field performance parameters. Eleven male javelin throwers and ten sedentary subjects participated in the study. Shoulder internal (IRs) and external rotators (ERs) were isokinetically assessed at 60, 240 and 400°/s in concentric and 60°/s in eccentric exertions. Subjects also performed throwing tests successively using a javelin and a ball (both of 800 g mass). Side to side comparison in the throwers group revealed a dominance effect in the concentric mode for the IRs at all speeds, and for the ERs at 240°/s. Sedentary subjects showed a dominance effect for the IRs at 60°/s and 240°/s. Simple isokinetic concentric-concentric ratios and mixed velocity DCRs (eccentric60/concentric240) of the dominant shoulder were significantly lower in comparison to the non-dominant side values, in the throwers population. Only the simple ratio at 400°/s and the mixed ratio were significantly lower in the sedentary subjects (dominant versus non dominant side). With respect to the dominant shoulder, no significant difference was noted between the groups the peak torque was bodyweight normalized. However, throwers showed a significant reduction of the DCR when compared to the control group. In addition, throwers exhibited moderate to strong correlations (0.61

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (ES) and passive recovery (PR) were compared in ten healthy men after a provocation exercise inducing delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS). The exercise consisted of 3 sets of 30 maximal eccentric contractions performed by the knee flexor muscles of the dominant leg on an isokinetic dynamometer at 60'/s angular velocity. There was an interval of 8 weeks between both bouts and the order of the recovery mode (ES or PR) was block-randomly assigned. ES recovery consisted of a 25-min continuous and non-tetanic (5 Hz) stimulation of the hamstring muscles. Concentric and eccentric hamstrings peak torques were evaluated before and immediately after the provocation exercise, after the recovery period, as well as 24 h (dl), 48 h (d2), 72 h (d3) and 168 h (d7) after the bout. Subjective perception of muscle soreness (VAS, 0-10 a.u.) was evaluated before exercise and at dl, d2, d3 and d7. To assess the CK activity, five blood samples were drawn before exercise and at dl, d2, d3 and d7. For both recovery modes, the greatest reductions in isokinetic muscle performances were measured on d2 (66.3 ± 24.1% of initial values (ES) vs. 57.4 ± 26.5% (PR) for the concentric mode and 55.6 + 16% (ES) vs. 53.1 + 19.3% (PR) for the eccentric mode). d2 also corresponded to the highest painful sensations (5.4 + 2.14 a.u. (ES) vs. 6.15 + 2.55 a.u. (PR)). Peak activities of CK were reached on d3 (47507 + 19973 IU/l (ES) vs. 75887 + 41962 IU/l (PR)). Serum CK was lower with ES than PR at d3 (p < 0.05) but all other parameters changed in a manner that was not statistically different between the two recovery protocols (p > 0.05). This strong trend could be explained by an electro-induced hyperperfusion that may efficiently wash out the muscle from the cellular debris resulting from the initial injury, and hence diminish the inflammatory response and the delayed amplification of tissue damages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reproducibility of findings derived from a new iso-inertial dynamometer during bench press (BP) and squat (SQ) and to provide descriptive data for recreational athletes. A position transducer and accelerometer were combined to assess velocity and power during free weight lifting exercises. Simulated movement with a pulley system revealed the excellent technical consistency of the dynamometer. Sixteen male subjects participated in the study. Iso-inertial tests consisted of lifting as fast as possible four different relative loads (35, 50, 70, 90% 1RM in BP and 45, 60, 75, 90% 1RM in SQ). The test was repeated one week later. Analysis of variance revealed no significant variation between sessions or trials. Reproducibility was better in velocity than in power, although it remained fairly good in both exercises (coefficients of variation [CV] never exceeding 10%) except for the time to peak power parameter. Descriptive data confirmed the classical force-velocity and force-power relationships for BP and SQ. In conclusion, this study demonstrated reliable measurements in BP and SQ iso-inertial exercises. Monitoring force-velocity and force-power relationships offers an original functional approach in strength training supervision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following procedures were performed on 23 patients (15 of them males): a shoulder strength isokinetic evaluation of the internal (IR) and external (ER) rotators (with the shoulder 45 degrees and 90 degrees abducted in the frontal plane), a passive range of motion measurement, a Rowe score and a scanner exam. These patients had previously undergone open coracoid transposition using Latarjet's technique according to two different surgical procedures: a tenotomy (n = 6) or a splitting (n = 17) of the subscapularis muscle approach. In our retrospective study, the period of time between surgery and assessment was an average of 30 months.The average Rowe score was 89 on a scale of 100, with a good pattern of passive mobility. The isokinetic data showed an external rotator weakness (in all testing conditions), most notably at 60 degrees/s in 45 degrees of abduction position (p < 0.001 -12.2% ). By contrast, the internal rotators were only significantly (p < 0.05) impaired (8.2%) at 60 degrees/s in the 90 degrees of abduction position. Consequently, the external/internal rotator ratio (ER/IR) was reduced in the 45 degrees of abduction installation only, highlighting the influence of testing position on the isokinetic results and therefore on the shoulder muscle profile.Surgical technique comparison revealed that only the tenotomy procedure entailed an IR deficit (17%) measured at 45 degrees of abduction installation. Shoulders (n = 5) presenting a fatty degeneration of the subscapularis muscle stage II (corresponding exclusively to the tenotomy surgical approach) showed an internal rotator weakness (19%) measured in 45 degrees of abduction. Patients (n = 13) without subscapularis fatty degradation (corresponding solely to the horizontal splitting approach) did not develop any impairment of strength in internal rotators. Furthermore, no correlation between mobility pattern and strength impairment was observed in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To establish the inter-session reproducibility of isokinetic concentric strength and fatigue profile of the elbow flexors and extensors in sedentary women.Methods. Forty healthy women who were physically inactive or engaged in recreational sports were included in the study. Strength was evaluated at 60 and 180 degrees/s. The fatigue protocol consisted of 30 maximal-intensity elbow flexion and extension at 180 degrees/s.Results. The extensors were stronger than flexors while no dominance effect was apparent. In addition the work output of the extensors during the fatigue protocol was larger than the flexors', the previous being more fatigue resistant. A dominance effect was observed for the extensors in the fatiguing protocol. Reproducibility expressed by the coefficient of variation was less or equal to 11%.Conclusions. This study highlights satisfactory reproducibility of isokinetic strength and fatigue parameters. The values derived may be useful for interpretation of clinical tests or characterization of pathological states in women with similar characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) follows unaccustomed muscular exercise, most notably in the eccentric mode. That concept refers to a dull ache combined with tenderness, stiffness and weakness of the previously active muscles. Isokinetic device constitutes a specific model in generating and investigating DOMS. Respective effects of concentric and eccentric actions have been compared, emphasizing on the variability in the response (serum activity of CK for instance). The particular sensitivity of the hamstrings was underlined although causes remained unexplained. Some treatment have been proposed in the management of DOMS. Several studies reported that anti-inflammatory agents fail to alleviate pain and discomfort even if other authors indicated a relative effectiveness. Based on the repeated-bout effect, submaximal eccentric exercise currently represent the most useful preventive strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of the study were to measure the isokinetic strength of the hip flexor-extensor and adductor-abductor muscle groups in unilateral lower limb amputees and to evaluate abnormalities in order to improve the usual rehabilitation programs.Thirty-three patients with unilateral lower limb amputation were included in this study; they served as their own controls, the amputated side being compared to the intact side. Using an isokinetic device, the relative peak torques (N.m by body weight), bilateral asymmetries and agonist/antagonist torque ratios were calculated for the hip flexor, extensor, adductor and abductor muscle groups.A significant reduction of mean concentric relative peak torque measured on the amputated limbs was generally observed when compared to the intact contralateral limb (p < 0.05). The mean percentage of relative peak torque decrease was greater for the extensors than for the flexors (33 +/- 20% and 22 +/- 23%, respectively, at 30 degrees/s angular velocity), and for the abductors than for the adductors (23 +/- 22% and 11 +/- 19%, respectively, at 30 degrees/s angular velocity). Furthermore, the flexor/extensor torque ratio was significantly increased for the amputated limb (for instance, 1.25 +/- 0.33 versus 1.09 +/- 0.25 for the intact limb at 30 degrees/s). The reduction of the abductor/adductor ratio of the operated limb reached the level of statistical significance at 60 degrees/s only (1.25 +/- 0.46 versus 1.07 +/- 0.36 for the intact limb).In conclusion, isokinetic testing revealed a significant reduction of the hip stabilizing muscle strength as a consequence of lower limb amputation. The more marked decrease of the strength of the abductor and extensor muscle groups, resulting in imbalances of the agonist/antagonist strength ratios should be taken into account to adapt the conventional rehabilitation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of scapular dyskinesis as a risk factor of shoulder injury has been largely discussed. However, most studies have focused on symptomatic patients and less is known on the asymptomatic dyskinetic scapula. Removing the confounding effects of the pathologies could contribute to better characterize the scapula dyskinesis. As muscle properties (strength, fatigue, nerve injury …) have been identified as causative factors of scapular dyskinesis, this study focuses specifically on characterizing the protractor and retractor muscles of the dyskinetic scapula. Thirteen asymptomatic dyskinetic volunteers were compared to eleven asymptomatic non-dyskinetic control volunteers. Muscle characteristics were evaluated in terms of maximal strength, fatigue resistance and electromyographic activity during a functional closed-chained task. The results did not identify kinematic or muscle activity significant differences between the dyskinetic and the control group even in fatigue conditions. However, the results demonstrated that protractors vs. retractors fatigue resistance ratios were imbalanced (<0.8) in the dyskinetic group and significantly lower than in the non-dyskinetic one. Our study suggests that that strength imbalances are not necessarily related to the presence of pain at the shoulder joint. These results demonstrated the importance to complete the clinical assessments of the scapula with strength evaluations even for asymptomatic sport practitioners., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Context: Scapular dyskinesis is a shoulder dysfunction that can be asymptomatic or associated with pain or weakness. Reduced strength and fatigue resistance of the scapular protractor and retractor muscles that stabilize the scapula might contribute to dyskinesis., Objectives: To determine the strength and fatigue resistance profiles of participants with symptomatic or asymptomatic scapular dyskinesis and compare them with healthy control (HC) individuals using isokinetic assessment., Design: Cross-sectional study., Setting: University hospital., Patients or Other Participants: Twenty HC individuals and 21 overhead athletes with symptomatic (n = 10) or asymptomatic (n = 11) scapular dyskinesis., Main Outcome Measure(s): Strength (peak torque, maximum work), fatigue resistance (total work), and protraction:retraction ratios measured during a closed chain isokinetic protocol (40 repetitions in concentric mode at 24.4 cm/s)., Results: The scapular protractors' strength and fatigue resistance were higher (P < .01) in HC individuals (peak torque = 5.0 ± 0.9 N/kg, maximum work = 2.4 ± 0.5 J/kg, total work = 72.4 ± 0.6 J/kg) than in asymptomatic (peak torque = 3.4 ± 0.7 N/kg, maximum work = 1.7 ± 0.4 J/kg, total work = 50.0 ± 13.7 J/kg) or symptomatic (peak torque = 3.8 ± 0.6 N/kg, maximum work = 1.8 ± 0.3 J/kg, total work = 58.1 ± 12.9 J/kg) dyskinetic participants. The symptomatic dyskinetic group presented the highest retractor strength and fatigue resistance (P < .01) values (peak torque = 5.2 ± 0.6 N/kg, maximum work = 2.9 ± 0.8 J/kg, total work = 87.7 ± 22.7 J/kg), followed by the HC individuals (peak torque = 4.7 ± 1.0 N/kg, maximum work = 2.1 ± 0.5 J/kg, total work = 65.3 ± 17.9 J/kg) and the asymptomatic dyskinetic participants (peak torque = 3.9 ± 1.0 N/kg, maximum work = 1.9 ± 0.6 J/kg, total work = 58.6 ± 18.5 J/kg). The protraction:retraction ratios showed a gradual decrease (P < .001) from the HC individuals (1.1) to the asymptomatic (0.9) and symptomatic (0.7) dyskinetic participants., Conclusions: Scapular dyskinesis is characterized by weaker scapular protractors and reduced agonist:antagonist ratios, especially when patients are symptomatic. Targeting the scapular protractors to achieve a better balance of scapular musculature in rehabilitation and strengthening programs may improve shoulder symptoms and function, but more interventional studies are required., (© by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, Inc.)

The aim of this study was to compare the foot-ankle joint mechanics of running drills and running. Seventeen long-distance runners performed five popular running drills (A-skip, B-skip, Bounding, Heel flicks, Straight leg running) and a run at 3.88 m/s. Kinematics, kinetics and power values were calculated for the ankle, midtarsal (MT) and metatarsophalangeal (MP) joints. Electromyographic activity was recorded for the soleus, gastrocnemius medialis, lateralis and abductor hallucis muscle. The A-skip, the B-skip and the Heel flicks induced a smaller ankle ( p  < 0.001, ŋ 2  = 0.41), MT ( p  < 0.001, ŋ 2  = 0.43) and MP ( p  < 0.001, ŋ 2  = 0.47) dorsiflexion peak than running. No difference was found between the running drills and running for ankle, MT and MP moment. The Bounding induces a higher positive ankle power than running (diff: 5.5 ± 7.5 J/kg, p  = 0.014, d  = 1.05). The A-skip (diff: 2.8 ± 2.9 J/kg, p  < 0.001, d  = 1.5) and the B-skip (diff: 2.7 ± 2.1 J/kg, p < 0.001, d  = 1.4) induce a smaller MT positive power than running. This study offers an analysis of the mechanical behaviour of the foot-ankle complex to help track and field coaches select their running drills in an evidence-based manner.

The Askling's H-test is considered a useful return to play criterion after a hamstring muscle injury (HMI). However, it assesses only the active and passive flexibility of posterior thigh muscles. This may lead the practitioner to underestimate a compensation or abnormal movement pattern. The aim of this study was to analyze these kinematic aspects and their reliability, and evaluate the hamstring (HM) and gluteus maximus (GM) muscles' activities. Twelve healthy male volunteers were tested during two session of three trials for passive and active tests. Dynamic flexibility (97.2 ± 6.0°) was significantly greater than the passive one (70.5 ± 14.7°) (p < 0.001), and good intra-individual reproductibility for most kinematic characteristics was observed. Biceps Femoris long head, semitendinosus and GM mean activities (20.1 ± 11.2%; 14.3 ± 7.3% and 25.2 ± 22.1%, respectively) were found to be low to moderate, indicating that only a moderate level of activity occurred during the active H-test, in comparison to other movements such as sprinting itself. In addition, the activity of the posterior thigh muscles during the active H-test appeared to be variable among the volunteers. These findings suggest that the H-test should be interpreted on an individual basis rather than relying on general characteristics, and be considered as an intermediate tool before more strenuous activities such as returning to sprint. With this comprehensive approach, clinicians can gain a more accurate understanding of their patients' progress and make more informed decisions about their readiness to return to play., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have no conflicts of interest that are relevant to findings of this manuscript., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Functional testing has recently become more and more popular to assess athletes, both for injury prevention, as well as in an objective of performance. However, the relationship between the results of these tests and performances (or injuries) or their interpretation remains unclear., Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the usefulness, the characteristics, and the interpretation of the most frequently used upper-limb functional test., Methods: Twenty-two experts with an excellent knowledge of upper limb functional tests and an expertise in sports medicine and/or sports training of at least 5 years were recruited. They answered to qualitative and quantitative questions about functional testing trough structured questionnaires (online)., Results: Four rounds were needed to reach a consensus about the usefulness as well as the characteristics of each test. Different sports-specific batteries of tests were also suggested by the experts and reached consensus. However, concerning the interpretation of the test, a consensus was only found for half of the tests considered., Conclusion: The current study summarizes the characteristics and the usefulness of the most popular upper-limb functional tests. However, the interpretation of some tests will have to be further explored since no consensus was found for them., Competing Interests: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2022.)

Background: The return to field is a critical moment for an athlete who has dislocated his shoulder as there is a significant risk of recurrence. The decision to return to field made by the doctor will therefore be crucial for the smooth continuation of the athlete's career., Hypothesis: This objective is to compare the criteria most used by specialists in clearing an overhead athlete to return to competition after a first episode of antero-internal dislocation of the glenohumeral joint with or without surgery and those mentioned in the literature., Patients and Methods: The target population consisted of French-speaking physicians in orthopedic surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation or sports medicine. This study was conducted by the means of a questionnaire. The questionnaire was validated by three experts in sports medicine and published on an online survey website., Results: Sixty-three medical specialists responded to the questionnaire. On average, they use more than nine criteria to decide if an athlete is fit to return to competition. Over the 12 criteria proposed, four are used by more than 90% of respondents: laxity/instability, pain, range of motion and patient's subjective feeling. The methods used to evaluate certain criteria such as pain, joint range or muscular strength are often subjective and very often not validated by the literature., Conclusion: Doctors use a set of criteria to allow an overhead athlete to return to competition. This study highlights that the techniques employed to evaluate these criteria are not always thoroughly validated by literature reviews., Level of Evidence: III; observational study., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the efficiency of a warm-up routine focused on shoulder injury prevention in volleyball players., Design: Prospective study., Setting: University., Participants: Eight recreational volleyball teams (44 males, 49 females) were included in the study and assigned to two different groups (prevention or control) in a blinded way. In the prevention group, the players had to perform specific exercises at the beginning of each training session twice a week., Main Outcome Measures: Injuries were recorded monthly in both groups with an online questionnaire., Results: A significant decrease in the total number of injuries as well as in the severity of the injuries was observed in the prevention group in comparison to the control group (p = 0.0001-0.013). For the shoulder, a decrease in injury incidence was also observed in the prevention group. This decrease reached significance in male players (p = 0.045)., Conclusions: The program appears to be efficient to reduce the risk of shoulder injuries in recreational volleyball players. Adjustments in the duration and in the contents of the program will have to be made to further improve compliance and better meet the requirements of both players and trainers., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Transitioning to a forefoot strike pattern can be used to manage running-related knee injuries. However, adopting a nonrearfoot strike induces a higher load on foot and ankle structures than rearfoot strike. Sufficient foot muscle strength is also necessary to prevent excessive longitudinal arch (LA) deformation when running with nonrearfoot strike. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential differences in foot-ankle muscle strength between RF and NRF runners., Methods: A cross-sectional study including 40 RF and 40 NRF runners was conducted. The foot posture and the maximal voluntary isometric strength (MVIS) of 6 foot-ankle muscles were measured. The footstrike pattern was determined using a 2-D camera during a self-paced run on a treadmill., Results: NRF had higher MVIS for ankle plantar flexor (+12.5%, P  = .015), ankle dorsiflexor (+17.7%, P  = .01), hallux flexor (+11%, P  = .04), and lesser toe flexor (+20.8%, P  = .0031). We found a small positive correlation between MVIS of ankle plantar flexor with MVIS of hallux flexor ( r  = 0.26; P  = .01) and lesser toe flexor ( r  = 0.28; P  = .01)., Conclusion: In this cross-sectional study, we found that NRF runners on average have a higher MVIS of hallux and lesser toe flexor compared with RF runners. NRF runners also have a higher MVIS of ankle plantar flexor and dorsiflexor than RF runners. We found only a small correlation between ankle plantar flexor and foot muscle strength., Level of Evidence: Level III, case-control study., Competing Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. ICMJE forms for all authors are available online., (© The Author(s) 2023.)

Background: The level of quadriceps strength (QS) generated in the supine or seated position is not similar. For QS follow-up from intensive care unit (ICU) stay to recovery, getting comparable measures is essential. This study aimed to develop and validate new equations for estimating QS in a given position based on the measurement taken in another one., Methods and Results: Isometric QS was measured using a handheld dynamometer and a standardized protocol in a supine and in a seated position. In a first cohort of 77 healthy adults, two QS conversion equations were developed using a multivariate model integrating independent parameters such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and baseline QS. These equations were tested in two cohorts for external validation, using the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman graphical method. Only one was validated in the second cohort (62 different healthy adults): the ICC was 0.87 (95% CI 0.59-0.94) and the bias was - 0.49 N/Kg (limits of agreement: - 1.76-0.78 N/kg). However, this equation did not perform well in the third cohort (50 ICU survivors): the ICC was 0.60 (95% CI 0.24-0.78), and the bias was - 0.53 N/Kg (limits of agreement: - 1.01-2.07 N/kg)., Conclusions: As no conversion equation has been validated in the present study, repeated QS measurements should be performed strictly in the same standardized and documented position., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Purpose: Evaluate the current state of sports injury prevention perception, knowledge and practice among sports medicine professionals located in Western Europe and involved in injury prevention., Methods: Members of two different sports medicine organizations (GOTS and ReFORM) were invited to complete a web-based questionnaire (in German and in French, respectively) addressing perception, knowledge and implementation of sports injury prevention through 22 questions., Results: 766 participants from a dozen of countries completed the survey. Among them, 43% were surgeons, 23% sport physicians and 18% physiotherapists working mainly in France (38%), Germany (23%) and Belgium (10%). The sample rated the importance of injury prevention as "high" or "very high" in a majority of cases (91%), but only 54% reported to be aware of specific injury prevention programmes. The French-speaking world was characterized by lower levels of reported knowledge, unfamiliarity with existing prevention programmes and less weekly time spent on prevention as compared to their German-speaking counterparts. Injury prevention barriers reported by the respondents included mainly insufficient expertise, absence of staff support from sports organizations and lack of time., Conclusion: There is a lack of awareness regarding injury prevention concepts among sports medicine professionals of the European French- and German-speaking world. This gap varied according to the professional occupation and working country. Relevant future paths for improvement include specific efforts to build awareness around sports injury prevention., Level of Evidence: Level IV., (© 2023. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery, Arthroscopy (ESSKA).)

Background: Volleyball players sollicit their shoulder with high velocity and high ranges of motion. Musculoskeletal adaptations have been described after some years of practice but have not been explored after some months of practice. The objective of this study was to analyze the short-term evolution of shoulder clinical measures and functional performance in youth competitive volleyball players., Methods: Sixty-one volleyball players were assessed twice, at preseason and at midseason. Shoulder internal and external rotation range of motion as well as forward shoulder posture and scapular upward rotation were measured in all players. Two functional tests were also performed: the upper quarter Y-balance test and the Single-arm medicine ball throw. The results obtained at midseason were compared to those measured at preseason., Results: Compared to preseason, an increase in absolute value of shoulder external rotation, total rotation range of motion and forward shoulder posture were observed at midseason ( P  < .001). An increase in side-to-side difference for shoulder internal rotation range of motion was also observed during the season. As for scapular kinematics, scapular upward rotation was significantly decreased at 45° and increased at 120° of abduction at midseason. Concerning functional tests, an increase in throwing distance in the single-arm medicine ball throw was observed at midseason while no change was noted for the upper quarter Y-balance test., Conclusion: Significant changes in clinical measures and functional performance were observed after some months of practice. Since some variables have been suggested to be correlated to a higher risk of shoulder injuries, the current study emphasizes the importance of regular screening in order to highlight injury risk profiles throughout the season., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

Isokinetic and functional jump tests are frequently performed for assessing the physical qualities of soccer players during preseason. The purpose of this investigation was to explore, in an elite soccer players population, the relationships between isokinetic strength and functional jump performances. Thirty-eight professional soccer players were evaluated as follows: isokinetic knee assessment in concentric (CON) mode (60, 240°/s) for quadriceps and hamstrings, and in eccentric (ECC) mode for the hamstrings only (30°/s); one-leg hop tests for distance (single hop (SH), triple hop (TH) and triple crossover hop (TCH)); one-leg vertical jump tests (countermovement jump, drop jump). Players with a low bodyweight normalised (BWN) quadriceps (Q) strength (<2.71 Nm/kg) performed, for a majority of the measured variables, significantly reduced jump performances compared to the players with high BWN Q strength (>3.14 Nm/kg; p < 0.05). Greater bilateral differences between uninjured and past injured lower limbs were found with isokinetics (Q CON 60°/s (mean bilateral difference (MBD): 10.3%; p < 0.01), Q CON 240°/s (MBD: 9.9%; p < 0.05), H ECC 30°/s (MBD: 16.1%; p < 0.001) than with functional tests (MBD: 2 to 9%; p > 0.05. In conclusion, due to their complementary role and implications for performance, functional and isokinetic tests should be associated in a preseason soccer players assessment.

Background and Purpose: Ankle muscle strength is an important criterion to consider and assess for return to play (RTP) after lateral ankle sprain (LAS). This study therefore focuses on the reported ankle muscle strength consideration for RTP by physicians and physiotherapists, both clinicians involved in RTP decisions, and how they assess it in daily practice. The primary aim is to compare reported clinical practice on ankle muscle strength evaluation between physicians and physiotherapists. Our secondary aims are: to assess the prevalence of use of qualitative versus quantitative assessment and; to determine if there are any differences in how clinicians with or without a Sports Medicine or Physiotherapy Education approach this assessment., Methods: A survey on RTP criteria after LAS was completed by 109 physicians in a previous study. A number of 103 physiotherapists completed the same survey. A comparison between clinicians' answers was realized and additional questions on ankle muscle strength were analysed., Results: Physiotherapists consider ankle strength for RTP more than physicians (p < 0.001). A large majority of physicians (93%) and physiotherapists (92%) reported assessing ankle strength manually and less than 10% use a dynamometer. Physicians and physiotherapists with Sports Medicine or Physiotherapy Education selected more quantitative assessment than those without (p < 0.001)., Discussion: Despite being recognized as an important criterion, ankle muscle strength is not always part of the RTP criteria after LAS in daily practice. The dynamometers are scarcely used by physicians and physiotherapists, whereas it could accurately quantify ankle strength deficits. Sports Medicine or Physiotherapy Education increases the use of quantitative ankle strength assessments by clinicians., (© 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)