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Context: The Hip Stability Isometric Test (HipSIT) is commonly employed in clinical settings for evaluating the hip posterolateral muscle strength. In this study, we introduced the "Field Hip Stability Isometric Test" (F-HipSIT) and assessed the intrarater and interrater reliability of this strength assessment specifically designed for sports settings. Design: Reliability study. Methods: Two independent raters (A and B) went to athletes' training facilities to conduct 2 sessions of F-HipSIT spaced at least 1 week apart. The average peak force value from 3 valid attempts of each leg was recorded and normalized by the participant's body mass for statistical analysis. Results: Thirty male and 30 female amateur athletes took part in this study. Rater A obtained similar values in the first (0.39 [0.05] and 0.44 [0.07] kg·f/kg) and second (0.39 [0.06] and 0.45 [0.07] kg·f/kg) testing days for men and women, respectively. Rater B also found similar values in the first (0.35 [0.06] and 0.42 [0.08] kg·f/kg) and second (0.36 [0.06] and 0.45 [0.08] kg·f/kg) testing days for men and women, respectively. Excellent intrarater intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values were found for men (ICC =.922) and women (ICC =.930), with coefficient of variation of 6% to 8% and minimal detectable change of 0.06 to 0.10 kg·f/kg. The F-HipSIT presented good interrater reliability for men (ICC =.857) and women (ICC =.868), with coefficient of variation of 5% and minimal detectable change of 0.05 to 0.06 kg·f/kg. Conclusion: The F-HipSIT intrarater and interrater reliability among male and female recreational athletes supports this field test as a quick and convenient screening tool to monitor hip posterolateral muscle strength in sports settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the optimal functional movement screen (FMS) cut score for assessing the risk of sports injuries and to explore the correlations between functional movement quality and sports performance among elite figure skaters. A total of 22 elite figure pairs skaters in China underwent FMS, sports performance, and clinical examinations for sports injuries. The FMS cut score was determined using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Pearson's rank correlation analysis was used to quantify associations between the variables. (a) The optimal FMS cut score for assessing the risk of sports injuries was 13 (p50.008), with an area under curve of 0.838. The sensitivity and specificity were 0.889 and 0.692, respectively. (b) The trunk stability push-up (TSPU), an individual FMS test, predicted injuries in figure skaters (p50.015). (c) Moderate correlations were found between shoulder mobility and bench strength (r520.453, p 5 0.034), counter movement jump (r520.582, p 5 0.007), and 30-m sprint (r 5 0.567, p 5 0.009). A strong correlation was observed with squat jump (r520.774, p50.001). In addition, TSPU scores moderately correlated with 30-m sprint times (r520.511, p 5 0.021) and 30-s average anaerobic power (r 5 0.503, p 5 0.024). These findings indicate that both the FMS total score#13 and the FMS individual score serve as indicators of injury risk in figure skaters. However, only the FMS individual score reflected the sports performance. This likely results from the similarity in kinetic chain systems and movement patterns involved in both the FMS individual test and sports performance, suggesting a promising assessment strategy for sports performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pickleball's surging popularity has driven an increase in injuries presenting to medical providers. This study seeks to describe the epidemiology of pickleball foot and ankle injuries including patient demographics, diagnoses, and mechanism of injury. Methods: A retrospective review from our institutional database identified patients treated in the foot and ankle clinic whose medical records included the search terms "pickleball" and "pickle ball." Only injuries sustained while playing pickleball were included. Patient demographics, diagnosis, mechanism of injury, and treatment were collected. Injury incidence and descriptive analyses were calculated. Results: A total of 198 patients with pickleball foot and ankle injuries were identified. The incidence of injuries increased 6.5-fold from 2019 to 2023. The mean age of patients was 58.3 years (SD = 12.2). Most patients were male (58.6%) and reported a traumatic injury (77.8%). The most common diagnosis was Achilles tendon rupture (39.4%). The most common mechanisms of injury were running or lunging forward (30.9%), planting the foot (16.5%), and inverting the foot and ankle (15.5%). Most injuries were treated nonoperatively (71.2%); however, 62.8% of Achilles tendon ruptures were treated surgically. Conclusion: The incidence of pickleball foot and ankle injuries increased dramatically from 2015 to 2023. Injuries occurred more frequently in older, male patients, with Achilles tendon rupture being the most common diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to investigate the effects of ankle taping on lower extremity biomechanics related to injury development and how these effects change after sports-specific use. Randomized, repeated measures design with three conditions: Barefoot, tape applied fresh, and tape after sports-specific use (between-subject factor: sex). Twenty-five healthy participants (ten female) performed sports-specific movements, including running, drop jumping, and 180° change of direction, under the three conditions. Kinetic and kinematic data were collected using 3D motion capturing and force platforms. Tape applied fresh and tape after sports-specific use significantly reduced peak ankle inversion. Biomechanical risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament or running overuse injuries were either unchanged or decreased with tape applied fresh, except for the peak loading rate of the resultant ground reaction force, which increased between 4% and 18% between movement types. After 15 minutes of sports-specific use of the tape, the alterations induced by tape applied fresh remained for some biomechanical risk factors while they became closer to barefoot again for others, indicating a differential response to prolonged use of taping for different biomechanical variables. Ankle taping protects the ankle joint by reducing biomechanical risk factors associated with ankle sprains, and most biomechanical risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament or running overuse injuries are not increased. Further research is needed to explore the duration of protective effects, variations across sports, and its impact on patients with chronic ankle instability, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of ankle taping's influence on lower extremity biomechanics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sport-related concussion (SRC) is a complex brain injury. By applying graph-theoretical analysis to networks derived from neuroimaging techniques, studies have shown that despite an overall retention of small-world topology, changes in small-world properties occur after brain injury. Less is known about how exercise during athletes' return to sport (RTS) influences these brain network properties. Therefore, in the present study dense electroencephalography (EEG) datasets were collected pre- and post-moderate aerobic exercise. Small-world properties of whole brain (WB) and the default mode network (DMN) were extracted from the EEG datasets of 21 concussed athletes and 21 healthy matched controls. More specifically, path length (LP), clustering coefficient (CP), and small-world index (SWI) in binary and weighted graphs were calculated in the alpha frequency band (7–13 Hz). Pre-exercise, SRC athletes had higher DMN-CP values compared to controls, while post-exercise SRC athletes had higher WB-LP compared to controls. Weighted WB analysis revealed a significant association between SRC and the absence of small-world topology (SWI ≤ 1) post-exercise. This explorative study provides preliminary evidence that moderate aerobic exercise during athletes' RTS induces an altered network response. Furthermore, this altered response may be related to the clinical characteristics of the SRC athlete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Up to 1.9 million youth in the USA sustain a concussion each year, and up to 30% experience persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS) lasting 1 month or more. PPCS can substantially interfere with social, emotional, and academic functioning. Despite these concerns, few evidence-based treatments are available for youth with PPCS. We previously found effectiveness in treating youth with concussion using a collaborative care intervention that integrates mental health care into a medical model, with improvements in concussive symptoms and quality of life at 1 year. Using the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) framework, we now aim to assess the contribution of each of the three components that were part of collaborative care: concussion-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (cf-CBT), parenting skills training (PST), and care management (CM). Methods: The MOST factorial design examines all three intervention components with two levels of each (present or absent), resulting in 8 possible treatment combinations. We will recruit 368 youth with PPCS from 2 geographic locations (Seattle and Dallas), randomizing them to 1 of 8 treatment groups. Youth and/or parents will attend treatment sessions via video conferencing software over 3 months, and complete surveys regarding primary outcomes (concussive symptoms and health-related quality of life) and secondary outcomes (sleep, pain, mood, and parental distress) at 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months. We will also assess potential mediators and moderators to allow for future tailoring and refinement. Discussion: The overarching goal of this investigation is to determine which collaborative care components (delivered individually or in combination) are most effective in treating PPCS in concussion-exposed youth. The investigation will inform mental health screening, intervention, and referral procedures for youth and families following concussion. At the completion of this study, we will have an optimized and refined intervention for youth with PPCS ready for large-scale implementation and dissemination. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06036147. Registered on September 13, 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine gender differences in Australian football (AF)‐related concussion presentations to EDs in regional Australia. Methods: A prospective observational study of patients presenting to 1 of the 10 EDs in Western Victoria, Australia, with an AF‐related concussion was conducted. Patients were part of a larger study investigating AF injuries over a complete AF season, including pre‐season training and practice matches. Information regarding concussion injuries was extracted from patient medical records, including clinical features, concurrent injuries, mechanism and context of injury. Female and male data were compared with chi‐squared and Fisher's exact tests. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: From the original cohort of 1635 patients with AF‐related injuries (242 female and 1393 male), 231 (14.1%) patients were diagnosed with concussion. Thirty‐eight (15.7%) females had concussions versus 193 (13.9%) males (P > 0.05). Females over the age of 16 were more likely to be concussed than males in the same age range (females n = 26, 68.4% vs males n = 94, 48.7%; P = 0.026). Neurosurgically significant head injury was rare (one case). Similar rates of concurrent injury were found between females 15 (39.5%) and males 64 (33.2%), with neck injury the single most common in 24 (10.3%) concussions. Sixty‐nine patients (29%) were admitted for observation or to await the results of scans. The majority of concussions occurred in match play (87.9%). Females were more likely injured in contested ball situations (63.2% vs 37.3%; P < 0.05). Conclusion: Concussion rates for community‐level AF presentations to regional EDs were similar between genders. Serious head injury was rare, although hospital admission for observation was common. Concurrent injuries were common, with associated neck injury most often identified. Match play accounted for the majority of head injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the relationship between high-impact sports like football and basketball and the development of knee osteoarthritis is well established, the effect of martial arts on the knee joint remains unclear. To compare the imaging abnormalities of knee joints and T2 relaxation times of cartilage in professional martial arts athletes and healthy controls. Cross-sectional study. Hospital imaging center. Nine asymptomatic professional martial arts athletes and 18 healthy volunteers. We performed 3T magnetic resonance imaging of the knee on both legs of athletes and the dominant leg of controls. The magnetic resonance imaging protocol included conventional sequences used for morphological assessment (cartilage, meniscus, ligaments, joint effusion, and bone marrow edema) and T2 mapping used for quantitatively evaluating the cartilage. Knee cartilage was manually divided into 8 regions, and T2 relaxation times of the corresponding subregions were measured. Fisher exact test and t test were used to compare the frequency of lesions and cartilage T2 values both between groups and between the athletes' limbs. P <.05 was considered significant. Professional martial arts athletes exhibited significantly higher frequencies of cartilage (55.6% vs 11.1%, P =.023) and ligament lesions (66.7% vs 16.7%, P =.026) compared with the control group. Athletes showed higher T2 values in 3 distinct cartilage segments: the central weight-bearing segment of the medial femoral condyle (P =.006), the medial tibial plateau (P =.012), and the trochlea (P =.032), when compared with the controls. Additionally, the dominant leg of athletes showed significantly higher T2 values compared with the nondominant leg. The findings demonstrated the impact of martial arts on the knee joint, characterized by higher prevalence of lesions and elevated cartilage T2 values, particularly in the medial compartment. The dominant legs of martial arts athletes seem to have higher risk of cartilage degeneration due to the observed interlimb differences in T2 values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: When you perform an exercise to only one joint of your body, a change in the axis line can have significant effects on the extent that agonist muscle is activated. In this review, the authors critically present an analysis of potential injury risks by certain triceps brachii exercises. Hand positioning (pronation/supination) was suggested to influence activation of the long, medial and lateral heads of the Triceps Brachii. Yet, assessing the medial head activation with surface electromyography is still impossible as it cannot be recorded because of its anatomical situation. Secondly, some exercises can strain or damage passive tissues that are hard to be felt and thus will not alarm the exception but may deteriorate as time goes by until an injury is generated. Materials and Methods: The aim of this review to illustrate beneficial and contrary hand position changes, during different triceps brachii exercises with appropirate health aspects. This type of analysis aims to maximize congruence and coaxial alignment across joints, taking into account any overloading effects on certain ligaments which could potentially increase injury risk. Results: There is currently limited evidence in the literature supporting that one grip hand (pronated or supinated) target certain heads of the triceps brachii either more than other heads. However, a neutral hand grip might reduce injury risk and provide the most stability. As a result this positioning might additionally have advantage Conclusions: The single-joint triceps brachii strengthening exercises were categorized into three levels (good, moderate to good and poor) according joint safety and efficacy in this review. Nevertheless, the analysis did not account for stretch placement through exercises which may have stronger potential to increase hypertrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of review: Adolescent wrestlers undergo intense physical combat. While guidelines are effective in keeping the sport safer, concerns specific to the adolescent wrestler may be missed at primary care visits without knowledge of the unique challenges faced by these athletes. The following review highlights important characteristics of the adolescent wrestler which are of interest to primary care providers. Recent findings: Recommendations for concussion management are evolving to gradual return-to-sport after physician clearance rather than total sport removal. Prolonged skin-to-skin contact also places athletes at greater risk of dermatologic infections, which often require removal from competition, treatment, and/or coverage. Finally, adolescent nutritional literature recommends limiting pre-match weight loss to 3–5% body weight due to noted kidney damage that may result from larger deficits. Summary: Adolescent wrestlers are more prone to acute injuries than chronic overuse injuries, with most injuries occurring above the trunk. Primary care providers should consider obtaining imaging to rule out severe injuries or referring to specialist providers. Current guidelines for skin infections require frequent pre-match skin checks and mandatory waiting periods when certain infections are identified. However, the primary care provider is well-equipped for more in-depth skin examination, discussion of skin hygiene, and appropriate treatment of skin infections. Athletes attempting to meet lower weight classes may put themselves at risk of acute kidney damage, under-fueling, and eating disorders. Current guidelines attempt to mitigate excessive weight changes in the adolescent wrestler during competition season, but primary care providers should emphasize healthier methods of weight fluctuation and look for indicators of physiological or psychological effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Fractures of the hook of the hamate are traditionally thought to be caused by direct trauma. A review of the anatomy and function of the hamate hook suggests that fracture is more likely as a result of a fatigue response that develops in the hook from repetitive load applied by the adjacent deep flexor tendons. Additional vascular compromise, from direct pressure of the tendons on critical local vessels, reduces blood flow leading to both mechanical and vascular effects that create pathological osseous change and weakening. These changes are likely to predispose to stress fracture and nonunion in repetitive gripping activities and are consistent with radiological findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between training load and injury risk in basketball is an important area in sports injury prevention and performance enhancement; however, there is limited conclusive evidence of their associations. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the evidence of the relationship between training load and injury risk in basketball, which is one of the most common sports worldwide. This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on the PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases up until March 2024. The search aimed to identify studies that prospectively and/or retrospectively examined the relationship between training load and injury risk in basketball. Inclusion criteria were limited to studies published before February 2024. The quality of each study was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale and Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine levels of evidence. A narrative synthesis of the findings was performed. A total of 14 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Of these, 11 studies reported at least partially statistically significant results, providing evidence of a relationship between training load and injury risk. In conclusion, the findings of this review suggest a clear relationship between training load and injury risk in basketball. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Arachnoid cysts (AC) are associated with a risk of rupture or haemorrhage following head impact and pose a potential predisposing factor for significant complications of sport-related concussion. Despite a recognised association between ACs and intracranial haemorrhage/cyst rupture, the risk profile of participating in contact sports with AC is not well defined. We report a retrospective case series of players presenting to the Birmingham Sports Concussion Clinic between 2017 and 2023 and underwent MRI head, with a comprehensive review of the prior literature. Results: 432 athletes underwent MRI of which 11 were identified to have AC (middle fossa n = 8; posterior fossa n = 2, intraventricular n = 1). Average maximal diameter was 4.1 ± 1.2 cm. 64% had a protracted recovery (≥ 3 months). 9% experienced an AC specific complication (cyst rupture, complete neurological recovery, maximal diameter 6.5 cm, Galassi II, 4 previous concussions). 91% of patients (mean maximal diameter 3.9 ± 1.0 cm) experienced no complications despite multiple previous accumulated sports-related concussions (mean 3.3, range 1–9). Case studies from the literature are summarised (n = 63), with 98% reporting complications, none of which resulted in adverse or unfavourable neurological outcomes. Across prospective and retrospective cohort studies, 1.5% had a structural injury, and (where outcome was reported) all had a favourable outcome. Conclusions: AC is an incidental finding in athletes, with the majority in our cohort having sustained serial concussions without AC complication. The single complication within this cohort occurred in the largest AC, and AC size is proposed as a tentative factor associated with increased risk of contact sports participation. Complications of AC appear to be a rare occurrence. This case series and review has not identified evidence to suggest that participation in sports with AC is of significant risk, though individualised assessment and discussion of the potential risks of contact sports participation should be offered. Key Points: Incidental arachnoid cysts were found to occur in 2.5% of athletes presenting after sports-related concussion. Of 11 athletes with AC and a history of concussion, one (9%) had experienced a prior complication of AC (cyst rupture) and made a full recovery. A comprehensive review of the prior literature suggests an overall risk of complications of 1.5%, with all reported outcomes from cases describing a full neurological recovery. Overall, complications of AC in athletes after sport-related concussion appear to be rare, with no recorded cases of significant neurological consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the discontinuation of soccer activities at all levels of play. Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are still one of the most severe injuries in soccer. The aim of this investigation was to analyze the changes in the incidence and mechanism of ACL injuries in professional and amateur soccer before and after the lockdown period. Injury data were prospectively collected using the database 'ACL registry in German soccer'. Between 2019 and 2021, 10 matches in professional, semi-professional, and amateur leagues before and after the lockdown were analyzed for the incidence and mechanism of ACL injuries. Data were collected using standardized and recently published study methods. Mean incidence of the 84 ACL injuries recorded during the study period was 0.083 injuries per 1000 h of exposure before and 0.079 injuries per 1000 h of exposure after the lockdown period (p = 0.699). In amateur soccer, the incidence of ACL injuries increased significantly from 0.058 injuries per 1000 h of exposure before to 0.128 injuries per 1000 h of exposure after the lockdown period (p = 0.026), in contrast to professional (p = 0.436) and semi-professional (p = 0.802) soccer. The predominant mechanisms of ACL injuries were non-contact injuries (pre-COVID: 59.1%; post-COVID: 57.7%) and indirect contact injuries (pre-COVID: 31.8%; post-COVID: 30.8%). The absence from training and match practice in German soccer during the COVID-19 lockdown led to a significantly increased ACL injury rate in amateur leagues, while in professional and semi-professional soccer no differences were reported. The mechanism of ACL injuries did not change after the lockdown period. Level of evidence: II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osgood Schlatter's disease (OSD) is characterized by pain at the tibial tuberosity provoked during knee‐loading activities, and is common in adolescent athletes. The aim of this study was to characterize clinical, pain and ultrasound imaging characteristics in participants with OSD compared to controls. This cross‐sectional study included adolescents diagnosed with OSD and matched controls. Following baseline evaluation including ultrasound, participants completed the following aggravating activities in a randomized order: single‐leg isometric knee hold, single‐leg squat, single‐leg vertical jump, hopping, running, cutting, lunges, and walking. Participants rated pain intensity on a numeric rating scale (0–10; no pain to worst pain imaginable) and localization during activities. We included 35 participants with OSD (48.5% females, age 13.0 [SD 1.5]) and 21 controls (47.6% females, age 13.4 [SD1.4]). Doppler signal was more prevalent in OSD participants at the tendon (77% vs. 30%) and tuberosity (29% vs. 10%). Tendon thickness was greater in OSD at distal (mean difference = 4.5 mm 95% CI 1.5–7.5) and proximal sites (mean difference = 4.2 95% CI 0.1–8.3). Aggravating activities induced higher pain in OSD. The greatest differences between OSD and control were the dynamic single‐leg squat (mean difference = 4.2 (95% CI 3.22–5.1)). Pain was localized at the tibial tuberosity and patellar tendon during activities. Sex, sports participation, bilateral pain, and Doppler were associated with greater pain during aggravating activities. Single‐leg activities loading the tibial tuberosity through the tendon appear to provoke OSD‐related pain more than other sports specific movements. This may be useful to guide adolescents on which activities are likely to aggravate pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are prevalent and can have debilitating consequences, with various factors potentially influencing their occurrence. This multicentric study aimed to comprehensively analyze the epidemiological characteristics of ACL injuries. We hypothesized that specific patient characteristics, such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and sports involvement, would be associated with distinct injury patterns and risk profiles. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed the medical records of 712 patients aged 15–60 diagnosed with ACL rupture. Data on demographics, injury mechanisms, associated injuries, graft type, and sports involvement were collected. Results: The majority of patients were male (93.1%), aged 15–30 years (80.2%), and overweight (66.7%). Autografts were the predominant graft choice (96.07%). Associated injuries were present in 79.5% of cases, with medial meniscus ruptures being the most common (37.36%). Sports-related (49.3%) and non-sports-related (50.7%) injuries were nearly equal, with non-contact injuries more prevalent (71.1%). In the sports-related subgroup, associated injuries emerged as a significant risk factor for ACL rupture (p = 0.014, OR = 1.596, 95% CI: 1.101–2.314), whereas non-contact mechanisms showed borderline significance (OR = 0.75, p = 0.09). Moreover, younger athletes were more susceptible to sports-related injuries (p = 0.024), with football being the primary sport involved. Conclusions: This study identified a high prevalence of concomitant injuries with ACL injury, which increased the risk of ACL injury, particularly in sports-related cases. Age-related differences in injury patterns highlight the need for age-appropriate preventive measures, especially for younger athletes participating in high-risk sports. This underscores the need for comprehensive injury assessment, targeted prevention strategies, and optimized clinical management approaches tailored to different populations' specific characteristics and risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Sport-related concussion (SRC) is a complex brain injury. By applying graph-theoretical analysis to networks derived from neuroimaging techniques, studies have shown that despite an overall retention of small-world topology, changes in small-world properties occur after brain injury. Less is known about how exercise during athletes’ return to sport (RTS) influences these brain network properties. Therefore, in the present study dense electroencephalography (EEG) datasets were collected pre- and post-moderate aerobic exercise. Small-world properties of whole brain (WB) and the default mode network (DMN) were extracted from the EEG datasets of 21 concussed athletes and 21 healthy matched controls. More specifically, path length (LP), clustering coefficient (CP), and small-world index (SWI) in binary and weighted graphs were calculated in the alpha frequency band (7–13 Hz). Pre-exercise, SRC athletes had higher DMN-CP values compared to controls, while post-exercise SRC athletes had higher WB-LP compared to controls. Weighted WB analysis revealed a significant association between SRC and the absence of small-world topology (SWI ≤ 1) post-exercise. This explorative study provides preliminary evidence that moderate aerobic exercise during athletes’ RTS induces an altered network response. Furthermore, this altered response may be related to the clinical characteristics of the SRC athlete.

BACKGROUND: The sports medicine community has widely called for the use of machine learning technology to efficiently process the huge and complicated sports data resources, and construct intelligent sports injury prediction models, enabling accurate early warning of sports injuries. It is of great significance to comprehensively summarize and review such research results so as to grasp the direction of early warning model improvement and to guide the construction of sports injury prediction models in China. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and analyze relevant research on sports injury prediction models based on machine learning technology, thereby providing references for the development of sports injury prediction models in China. METHODS: Literature search was conducted on CNKI, Web of Science and EBSCO databases, which mainly searched for literature related to machine learning techniques and sports injuries. Finally, 61 articles related to sports injury prediction models were included for analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) In terms of external risk feature indicators, there is a lack of competition scenario indicators, and the inclusion of related feature indicators needs to be further improved to further enrich the dimensions of the dataset for model training. In addition, the inclusion feature weighting methods of the sports injury prediction model are mainly based on filtering methods and the use of embedding and wrapping weighting methods needs to be strengthened in order to enhance the analysis of the interaction effects of multiple risk factors. (2) In terms of model body training, supervised learning algorithms become the mainstream choice. Such algorithms have higher requirements for the completeness of sample labeling information, and the application scenarios are easily limited. Therefore, the application of unsupervised and semi-supervised algorithms can be increased in the later stage. (3) In terms of model performance evaluation and optimization, the current studies mainly adopt two verification methods: HoldOut crossover and k-crossover. The range of AUC values is (0.76±0.12), the range of sensitivity is (75.92±11.03)%, the range of specificity is (0.03±4.54)%, the range of F1 score is (80.60±10.63)%, the range of accuracy is (69.96±13.10)%, and the range of precision is (70±14.71)%. Data augmentation and feature optimization are the most common model optimization operations. The accuracy and precision of the current sports injury prediction model are about 70%, and the early warning effect is good. However, the model optimization operation is relatively single, and data augmentation methods are often used to improve model performance. Further adjustments to the model algorithm and hyperparameters are needed to further improve model performance. (4) In terms of model feature extraction, most of the internal risk profile indicators included are mainly based on anthropometrics, training load, years of training, and injury history, but there is a lack of sports recovery and physical function indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Hydrogen, as an antioxidant, can reduce oxidative stress induced by strenuous exercise and achieve the effect of improving fatigue. Several studies have been reported on the potential effects of hydrogen-rich water or hydrogen-rich gas on improving exercise fatigue and athletic performance. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of hydrogen-rich gas inhalation prior to high-intensity exercise on proprioception and muscular endurance performance after exercise fatigue. METHODS: Through a randomized, double-blind, crossover, and repeated measurement experimental design, 24 healthy men were randomly divided into group A and group B, with 12 in each group. In the first phase of the crossover experiment, group A inhaled hydrogen-rich gas (hydrogen group) for 20 minutes and group B inhaled placebo gas (air; placebo group) for 20 minutes. Then, cycle ergometers were used to establish the fatigue model. Visual analog fatigue scale, heart rate variability, knee joint proprioception (passive position perception, joint motion perception, and muscle force perception) and isometric knee extension muscle endurance were tested before and after intervention. After a 7-day washout period, two groups exchanged intervention methods and the above tests were performed again in the second phase of the experiment. Differences between the results of groups A and B in the two phases were compared, and finally the results of the two phases were integrated to compare the overall differences between hydrogen intervention and placebo intervention. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In the first phase of the crossover experiment, the visual analog fatigue scale score of the hydrogen group after intervention was significantly lower than that of the placebo group (P < 0.01). The root mean square of the difference between the adjacent R-R, mean low-frequency output power, mean high-frequency output power, and isometric muscle endurance after intervention in the hydrogen group were significantly higher than those in the placebo group (P < 0.05). Passive position perception and joint motion perception after intervention in the hydrogen group were significantly better than those in the placebo group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in muscle force perception between the two groups (P > 0.05), but muscle force perception in the placebo group after intervention was significantly worse than that before intervention (P < 0.01). The difference trend of all test results after intervention in the two groups in the first phase of the experiment showed the same results in the second phase of the experiment. The integrated results also showed that the hydrogen group had better test values for the above indicators than the placebo group (P < 0.05). Linear regression analysis showed a positive correlation between post-intervention visual analog fatigue scale scores and passive position perception results (r=0.327, P=0.023), i.e., the higher subjective fatigue level after high-intensity exercise indicated the worse passive position perception results. To conclude, inhaling hydrogen-rich gas before high-intensity exercise can reduce the degree of fatigue after exercise, thereby improving proprioception and muscle endurance performance, which may be a new strategy to reduce the occurrence of injury. And its effectiveness can be achieved repeatedly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention should focus primarily on reduction of the knee abduction moment (KAM) in landing tasks. Gluteus medius and hamstring forces are considered to decrease KAM during landing. The effects of different muscle stimulations on KAM reduction were compared using 2 electrode sizes (standard 38 cm2 and half size 19 cm2) during a landing task. Twelve young healthy female adults (22.3 [3.6] y, 1.62 [0.02] m, 50.2 [4.7] kg) were recruited. KAM was calculated under 3 conditions of muscle stimulation (gluteus medius, biceps femoris, and both gluteus medius, and biceps femoris) using 2 electrode sizes, respectively versus no stimulation during a landing task. A repeated-measures analysis of variance determined that KAM differed significantly among stimulation conditions and post hoc analysis revealed that KAM was significantly decreased in conditions of stimulating either the gluteus medius (P <.001) or the biceps femoris (P <.001) with the standard electrode size, and condition of stimulating both gluteus medius and biceps femoris with half-size electrode (P =.012) when compared with the control condition. Therefore, stimulation on the gluteus medius, the biceps femoris, or both muscles could be implemented for the examination of anterior cruciate ligament injury potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adherence to exercise rehabilitation has been shown to be an important factor that may influence successful treatment. In professional athletes, a significant reduction in exercise adherence delays recovery. The aim of this study was to explore barriers to and facilitators of exercise rehabilitation adherence in injured volleyball athletes. Eight professional volleyball athletes were recruited, and qualitative data were collected using semistructured interviews. All athletes had completed their rehabilitation program after they had suffered a musculoskeletal injury. All data were analyzed using thematic analysis after the investigators ensured that saturation had been reached. Pain was identified as a significant barrier to exercise adherence by all athletes. The provision of social support, including mental, practical, and task related, also had a significant positive impact. The athletes' ability to develop the necessary coping strategies and confidence on performing exercises at home was also mentioned as a factor that affected exercise adherence, although less often. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dental trauma sustained while participating in sports is the main element that connects dentistry and sports. Sports involving frequent physical contact with other athletes increase the risk of dentofacial injuries. This association underscores the importance of preventive measures, with well-fitted athletic mouthguards identified as a key intervention to mitigate the risk of dentofacial injuries. Aim: To assess awareness about sports-related dental injuries and mouthguard use among young trainees in three contact sports-khokho, kabaddi, and football. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2023 to July 2023, which included 226 young trainees from the Government College of Physical Education, Bhubaneswar, engaged in football, kabaddi, and khokho. Data was collected using a self-structured questionnaire and were subjected to analysis employing the Chi-square test. Sports-related dental injury was assessed using the Traumatic Dental Injury codes of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Oral Health Assessment Form for Adults, 2013. Results: Eight (8.3%) football players had the highest incidence of upper left central incisor enamel fracture, as determined by the dental injury codes. The majority of the trainees, 206 (91.2%), were aware of what a mouthguard is. However, 135 (59.7%) agreed that mouthguard use should be mandatory during sports practice. A p-value

Women's wrestling is actively practiced in many countries. While severe spinal injuries pose a threat to an athlete's career and health, research on severe spinal injuries in female wrestlers remains limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of severe spinal injuries and post-injury management in Korean female wrestlers. We enrolled 54 female wrestlers participating in the national team selection competition. Interviews were conducted to examine the characteristics of spinal injuries that resulted in a time loss of more than three weeks from training throughout their athletic careers and their post-injury management practices. Approximately 46% of participants experienced severe spinal injuries, and 52% faced re-injuries during their wrestling careers. These injuries predominantly occurred during technical training due to overuse during tackling and standing attacks. The most frequent injuries were lumbosacral disc injuries (72%) and cervical disc injuries (20%), with 36% requiring surgery. Nearly half of the injured athletes received specialized rehabilitation, yet roughly 76% resumed training without medical clearance. Athletes injured during their student years were notably less likely to receive specialized rehabilitation compared with those injured during their professional careers (p = 0.011). On average, athletes returned to play within 2.7 to 3.0 months. Spinal injury characteristics and post-injury management were not significantly different between the light- and heavyweight classes. While Korean female wrestlers are at a high risk of experiencing severe spinal injuries and re-injuries during their careers, appropriate post-injury management is often lacking, highlighting the need for proactive intervention by healthcare professionals to prevent recurrent spinal injuries in female wrestlers and to ensure safe return to training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background and objectives: Running-related injuries (RRIs) are commonly attributed to improper running posture and overuse. This study aims to analyze the running motions of individuals with and without RRIs using a sensor-free method, which offers a user-friendly and straightforward approach. (2) Materials and Methods: A total of 155 runners were divided into two groups: the normal runner group (runners who had never been injured, n = 50) and the RRI group (runners who had experience at least one injury while running, n = 105). The forward head posture (FHP), trunk lean, hip rotation, horizontal movement of the center of gravity (COG), vertical movement of the COG, pelvic rotation, hip hike, and type of strike were measured for posture analysis. (3) Results: We found that the left–right balance of the pelvis and the spinal posture during running were associated with RRIs. The difference in hip hike and FHP emerged as key predictors of running-related musculoskeletal injury occurrence from our logistic regression analysis. (4) Conclusions: Identifying pathological movements in runners through running motion analysis without the use of sensors can be instrumental in the prevention and treatment of RRIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While several clinical factors have independently been linked to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk factors, their collective impact on knee loading during the sidestep maneuver is unknown. To better understand these factors, we assessed the relationship between strength, balance, and sprint kinetics and external knee abduction moments during sidestepping on each leg. Methods: Sixteen male academy-level rugby union athletes (age, 20 ± 3 years; body-height, 186 ± 9 cm; body-mass, 99 ± 14 kg) were bilaterally assessed in single-leg: isokinetic concentric and eccentric knee and concentric hip strength, balance at 2 difficulty levels, vertical and horizontal force production during maximal sprinting, and 3-dimensional motion capture while sidestepping on the preferred and non-preferred leg. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis based on this theoretical approach of the mechanics of ACL injury risk was performed. Results: When sidestepping on the preferred leg, larger abduction moments were explained by less concentric hip extension strength and vertical force production during maximal sprinting (R 2 = 41%; ES = 0.64); when sidestepping on the non-preferred leg, larger abduction moments were explained by more concentric hip flexion strength (R 2 = 8%; ES = 0.29). Larger symmetry scores between the legs (representing greater abduction moments) were explained by more horizontal force production during maximal sprinting and less eccentric knee flexion strength (R 2 = 32%; ES = 0.56). Conclusions: Independently, the preferred and non-preferred legs contribute to increased knee abduction moments via unique distributions of strength and/or sprint kinetics. The allocations of strength and sprint kinetics appear interrelated through weaker posterior muscular strength and may be modifiable through a targeted strength training approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a gap in the literature regarding the complex interrelationships among hamstring injury (HI) risk factors. System dynamics (SD) modeling is considered an appropriate approach for understanding the complex etiology of HI for effective injury prevention. This study adopted the SD method and developed a causal loop model (CLD) to elucidate the intricate relationships among HI risk factors. This is performed by combining literature evidence and insights from expert stakeholders through a group model building (GMB) approach. The GMB methodology facilitated the identification of sixty-five critical factors influencing the HI risk, revealing the dynamic interplay between factors. Stakeholder engagement underscored the importance of previous injury characteristics (level of influence of previous injury, severity of previous injury, quality and size of scar tissue) and the quality of rehabilitation. HI-CLD revealed that many factors had indirect effects on HI risk. The HI-causal loop model establishes a foundation for a future stock and flow quantitative SD model aiming to advance HI prevention strategies through an interdisciplinary collaborative effort. These findings underscore the complexity of HI prevention, necessitating a holistic approach that integrates the views of diverse professional expertise. Appropriate inter-professional collaboration and continuous athlete screening are important for effective injury prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: For martial artists, the ability to manage reactions in the face of adversity and bounce back after a stressful event can have major impact on performance. The scope of the research is to investigate martial artists' level of resilience and aggression (Go-ahead, Foul play, and Assertiveness factors), what is specific to athletes and who have suffered from moderate and/or severe injuries (in terms of resilience and three factors of aggression examined), and test the possibility that a psychological variable under investigation can predict athletes' injury severity. Materials and methods: A total sample of 154 athletes from striking combat sports--SC (karate, taekwondo, kickboxing, and boxing), grappling combat sports--GC (judo and BJJ), and mixed martial artists (MMA) participated in the research. For assessing resilience, the Romanian adaptation of the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) was used, and for aggression, the Romanian adaptation of Makarowski's Sports Aggression Questionnaire was used. An injury report form was also created and applied to athletes. Results: The post-hoc tests (after running a single-factor multivariate analysis of variance) revealed significant differences for resilience and Foul (violent) play between the sports disciplines analyzed. A significant positive correlation was found between athletes' injury severity and assertiveness in SC and between injury severity and resilience in GC. Through the t-test for independent samples, it was highlighted that the average value for Foul (violent) play is significantly higher in athletes who have suffered mild, moderate, and/or severe injuries compared with martial arts athletes who have suffered from only mild/minor injuries. A binomial logistic regression was also performed to verify to what extent Foul play predicts athletes' injury severity. Conclusion: A low level of Foul (violent) play is linked with a decreased likelihood of moderate and/or severe injuries in martial arts athletes. The study findings suggest that resilience, foul play, and assertiveness have an important role in injury prevention among martial artists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this review is to synthesise qualitative studies examining adolescents' experience with pain and injury arising from sports participation. This review was registered on Open Science Framework prior to data extraction. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and SPORTDiscus was conducted. Studies were appraised using the CASP (critical appraisal skills programme) checklist. Data was synthesised using a meta aggregation. Inclusion criteria included studies related to adolescents aged 14–19yrs with sports related pain/injury, employed a qualitative design, full text publications in English. Sixteen studies of 216 participants were included. Studies investigated severe knee injuries, concussion, or other musculoskeletal injuries. Synthesised findings show that, regardless of injury type, adolescents experience a mix of positive (motivation to rehab and return to sport, optimism) and negative emotions (fear of re-injury, isolation, depressive responses) throughout recovery. Common coping strategies were to ignore symptoms, modify activity levels, or seek support. Sports-related pain and injury has a multifaceted effect on the adolescent athlete. There is a pervasive fear of re-injury and social isolation, but the desire to return to sports is facilitated through motivation and support. Peer motivation effects the willingness of the adolescent to persist with rehabilitation. • The effects of injuries amongst adolescents is multi-faceted. • Sports injuries can bring about a wide range of emotional and physical symptoms. • Appropriate support is important when returning to sport post injury. • Fear of re-injury is common for adolescents when returning to sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the level of participation in the training of the athlete who applied to the clinic with pain by infrared thermography. Symptoms of sartorius muscle (SM) injury are like rectus femoris injuries. Grade I SM injury of a 23-year-old male football player was determined by thermographic diagnosis. Taking a resting thermal image before the training of the player reported a pain in the upper thigh region. Since both legs were equally loaded, in accordance with the method we developed, the thermal image was taken again after a 10-min cycling program with 30–40% resistance. The heat maps of legs seen in the pre- and post-training images were analyzed. There was no asymmetrical finding indicating injury in the resting thermographic evaluation, but asymmetric findings showing the injury in the region of SM were obtained in the repeated thermographic imaging after the 10-min cycling program. Grade I SM injury was detected by MRI afterwards. Even if there is no sign of asymmetry in the resting thermography of football players having signs of pain, the injured muscle should be provoked with a safe exercise program and the thermal image should be retaken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: Globally, from the age of 14, the dropout rate of young athletes is high in all sports games in Hungary. The reasons for dropping out are complex, however parental support is critical to succeed or continue, especially after failure or injury. The present study explored the main effects of sports injury and sport participation stage on parental involvement in sports. Methods: 1,174 parents and 690 athletes completed our questionnaire, which contains questions on young players’ sport participation, injury background and Parental Involvement in Sport Questionnaire. Results: Parents’ self-perceived level of involvement differed from the parental involvement perceived by their children. The significant predictors were the person who completed, the parent/athlete, the athlete’s previous sports injury and the child’s current stage of sport participation. In Directive Behavior, the main effect of stages is only seen in parents whose child has been injured. In the sample of injured athletes, the rate of perceived parental Praise and Understanding tends to be lower in the specializing stage. Discussion: Our findings suggest that these two behaviors could be part of the same parenting style, which requires further investigation. The results expand the existing knowledge of the complexity of parents’ involvement in children’s sports careers. These findings have implications beyond parental psychoeducation impacting the work of coaches, sports physicians and rehabilitation experts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cartilage injuries can present in a diverse setting of anatomic locations, with varying severity, and can impact athletes of all ages and competition levels. Moreover, the timing of when an injury presents introduces an additional dimension to treatment decisionmaking. Frequently, the level of competition, in conjunction with career trajectory and short-term and long-term athlete goals, will dictate whether a temporary or definitive treatment strategy is ideal. Although indicating the correct therapeutic regimen may prove challenging, understanding the athlete-specific considerations can be essential to meeting the goals of the athlete and other stakeholders involved in the athlete's career. The purpose of this review is to comprehensively present the deliberations a treating physician must consider in managing cartilage injuries within a spectrum of athletic levels ranging from youth to professional levels, with a secondary focus on the presentation of temporizing treatment strategies and associated outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dental trauma sustained while participating in sports is the main element that connects dentistry and sports. Sports involving frequent physical contact with other athletes increase the risk of dentofacial injuries. This association underscores the importance of preventive measures, with wellfitted athletic mouthguards identified as a key intervention to mitigate the risk of dentofacial injuries. Aim: To assess awareness about sports-related dental injuries and mouthguard use among young trainees in three contact sports-khokho, kabaddi, and football. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2023 to July 2023, which included 226 young trainees from the Government College of Physical Education, Bhubaneswar, engaged in football, kabaddi, and khokho. Data was collected using a self-structured questionnaire and were subjected to analysis employing the Chi-square test. Sportsrelated dental injury was assessed using the Traumatic Dental Injury codes of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Oral Health Assessment Form for Adults, 2013. Results: Eight (8.3%) football players had the highest incidence of upper left central incisor enamel fracture, as determined by the dental injury codes. The majority of the trainees, 206 (91.2%), were aware of what a mouthguard is. However, 135 (59.7%) agreed that mouthguard use should be mandatory during sports practice. A p-value <0.0001 was considered statistically significant. Conclusion: While most trainees displayed awareness of sports-related dental injuries, familiarity with mouthguards was lacking. Football players exhibited the highest prevalence of sports-related dental injuries, followed by kabaddi players, with the lowest incidence observed among khokho players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adequate conditioning results from various physical, environmental, and psychological factors in sports activities. In this study, we aimed to clarify the concurrence and relevance of injuries, psychological problems, and sleep disturbance in university football (soccer) players. Biomechanical characteristics and risk factors for those injuries were also investigated. Overall, 1,084 university football players participated in this cross-sectional study using a web-based health history questionnaire. Assessments were made via the presence of injuries for physical problems, the Athlete Psychological Strain Questionnaire (APSQ) for psychological problems, and the Athlete Sleep Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) for sleep difficulties. There were 200 (19%) athletes with injuries; 413 (38%) of these were APSQ-positive, 246 (23%) were ASSQ-positive, and 468 (43%) athletes had no physical, psychological, or sleep problems. APSQ-positive respondents were significantly more likely to have a current injury than those who were APSQ-negative. No significant difference was observed between the number of ASSQ-positive and -negative respondents and current injuries. Those with sleep problems were significantly more likely to have psychological problems. More than 60% of university football players had one or more physical, psychological, or sleep problems. Players may have co-occurring problems, and it is important to address them for these athletes to reach peak performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sports concussion (SC) management guidelines have recently been updated. A key focus is the emphasis on rest (immediately postinjury) followed by gradual resumption of activity (active recovery). This study aimed to explore community views on SC management and compared these with the guidelines. Methods: A total of 157 volunteers completed an online SC survey, including listing three pieces of advice for a concussed person immediately postinjury, and after 2 weeks (subacute). Quantitative data were statistically compared, and qualitative data underwent content analysis. Results: Almost all participants offered different immediate versus subacute advice; however, rest featured highly at both timepoints. Commonly expressed themes, consistent with guidelines were immediate rest; safety and reinjury prevention; and symptom monitoring. Two themes were identified in the community advice with limited emphasis in the guidelines: general health advice and psychological and social support. Expert clinical assessment was not always identified in community advice. Conclusion: Community members hold some views that align with expert advice for SC, particularly the importance of immediate postinjury rest. However, there is scope to grow public awareness of some recommended practices, including expert clinical assessment following injury and when to engage in active recovery. Sports concussion is a common injury that is concerning to the community. This study examined community awareness of current sports concussion management, finding that community members are aware of the importance of immediate postinjury rest but may underestimate the need for formal injury assessment and the importance of active recovery. Growing community awareness of these issues may improve injury outcomes and build confidence in the community about what to do for sports concussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is challenging to detect knee injuries precisely. Many criteria include edema, patient guarding, physician experience, and the manual evaluation degree of the wound. These elements may contribute to an inadequate or incorrect diagnosis, which may lead to poor care and healing. Athletes frequently sustain knee injuries, which can happen during daily activities and frequently result in tears to one or more of the four ligaments. A doctor performs several routine tests while manually manipulating the knee for assessment. Despite being regarded as best practices, these manual tests are known to have some errors, with up to 1 in 8 patients receiving the incorrect diagnosis as a result of testing flaws. Where available, MRI imaging is used to confirm the diagnosis; however, due to time and financial constraints, this is not the case for all individuals. Creating and testing a wearable diagnostic system housed in a knee sleeve was the aim of this research. To derive quantitative measurements toward a diagnosis, integrated sensors were utilized to track movement and electromyographic activity. A replica of the lower leg and knee that had been manufactured was used to test the movement and displacement monitoring subsystems. According to preliminary findings, the range of motion tests produced reliable readings with an average percentage error of 1%, while the laxity test produced values with an average percent error of 3% (0.1 to 0.2 mm). A doctor could utilize the measurement produced by this technology to inform their decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of knee injuries during firefighter training is high, but there is a lack of research on predictive factors and risk assessment for such injuries. Biomechanical assessments can provide a better understanding of how the body's load changes during exercise, which may alter the risk of injury. Ten firefighters were recruited for our study. Each participant completed the FMS test and the single- and double-leg jump tasks. Motion information was collected and musculoskeletal models of the participants were constructed using OpenSim 4.4 to obtain the joint angle and joint moment. The peak GRF and CoM-CoP angle were also calculated. The findings showed a significantly larger PKFM (p = 0.0195), VAFM (p = 0.0039), and peak AP GRF (p = 0.0039) during the single-leg jump. The opposite performance was observed for KFA (p = 0.0098) and MPA (p = 0.0273). A stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between these parameters and both the FMS score and the times of injuries. The risk of injury is higher in the single-leg jump compared to the double-leg jump. The biomechanical parameters of these two jumps can be used to assess sports injuries and to provide methods and references for injury risk monitoring during firefighter occupational training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The consensus on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention involves the suppression of dynamic knee valgus (DKV). The gold standard for evaluating the DKV includes three-dimensional motion analysis systems; however, these are expensive and cannot be used to evaluate all athletes. Markerless motion-capture systems and joint angle calculations using posture estimation have been reported. However, there have been no reports on the reliability and validity of DKV calculations using posture estimation. Research question: This study aimed to clarify the reliability and validity of DKV calculation using posture estimation. Methods: Fifteen participants performed 10 single-leg jump landings from a height of 20 cm, and the knee joint angle was calculated using joint points measured using machine learning (MediaPipe Pose) and motion-capture systems (VICON MX). Two types of angle calculation methods were used: absolute value and change from the initial ground contact (IC). Intra- and inter-rater reliabilities were examined using intraclass correlation coefficients, and concurrent validity was examined using Pearson's correlation coefficients. To examine intra-examiner reliability, we performed single-leg jump landings at intervals of ≥3 days. Results: The calculation by MediaPipe Pose was significantly higher than that by the 3-D motion analysis systems (p 0.05). No significant concurrent validity was found in the absolute value, which was significantly correlated with the change in IC. Although the inter-rater reliability of the absolute value was low, the change in IC showed good reliability and concurrent validity. Significance: The results of this research suggest that the DKV calculation by pose estimation using machine learning is practical, with normalization by the angle at IC.

ObjectiveUltimate frisbee can lead to severe sports injuries, especially joint injuries in the lower limbs, such as knee meniscus injuries. This study examines the impact of personalized exercise therapy on knee meniscus injuries in ultimate frisbee players in the Lingnan region of China.MethodsSeventy-six patients with confirmed meniscal injuries participated in the study, divided into an intervention group (n = 38) and a control group (n = 38). The control group received standard treatment, including drug therapy and physical therapy. The intervention group received standard treatment plus a personalized exercise regimen based on FITT-VP (frequency, intensity, time, type, volume, and progression) principles, incorporating strength training, aerobic exercise, flexibility training, neuromuscular training, and aquatic exercise. This program was monitored and adjusted over a six-month period through both online and offline methods. The primary outcomes were joint range of motion (ROM), thigh circumference atrophy index (TCAI), Lysholm Rating Scale (LRS) scores, and visual analog scores (VAS). The secondary outcome was the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score. Data were collected before the intervention, and at 1 month and 6 months after the intervention. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 24.0 and GraphPad 10.0, with a significance level set at α = 0.05.ResultsAfter 1 month, the intervention group showed significantly better results in ROM (116.67 ± 9.063), LRS score (86.316 ± 3.750), and IKDC score (80.473 ± 5.421) compared to the control group (111.784 ± 4.778, 82.579 ± 3.818, and 77.684 ± 4.430, respectively) (p

Bouldering is a distinctive discipline within the broader realm of climbing sports, characterized by its dynamic nature and the absence of ropes, which leads to a higher frequency of falls. This climbing style has seen a surge in global popularity, with an increasing number of indoor bouldering facilities emerging worldwide. Bouldering, regarded by some authors as parkour adapted to vertical terrain, involves more dynamic movements than other climbing disciplines. This contributes to a considerable risk of overuse injuries in specific areas of the upper limbs and traumatic injuries in the lower limbs. Furthermore, bouldering, like other climbing disciplines, presents a risk of nail damage and subsequent fungal infections. In addition to examining injury risks, this review also touches on the issue of airborne chalk dust exposure, a well-documented concern in enclosed spaces during indoor bouldering. Our study aims to consolidate the available information, highlighting the potential health hazards of indoor bouldering, raising awareness of these risks, and underscoring the need for further research to better understand and mitigate these dangers.

Introduction Pectoralis major muscle ruptures, once considered rare, are now more common, especially in young male athletes and weightlifters involved in high-intensity sports. This injury can significantly impair upper limb function, leading to pain, weakness, and potential disability. Exploring and understanding available treatment options, particularly the promising role of orthobiologic therapies like PRP, is essential for optimizing recovery and achieving the best outcomes. Purpose The purpose of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness and the role of orthobiologic treatments such as PRP in enhancing healing and functional recovery for pectoralis major muscle ruptures. Conslusions The treatment of pectoralis major muscle ruptures requires a tailored approach that considers the injury's severity, the patient's activity level, and their goals. Nonoperative treatment can be effective for partial tendinous tears, muscle belly tears, muscle origin tears, and complete tendinous tears in sedentary individuals or when surgery is not feasible. Surgical intervention generally provides superior functional outcomes, particularly for athletes and those with complete ruptures. Orthobiologic treatments, such as ultrasound-guided PRP injections, provide a promising complement to conservative management, with potential benefits in pain reduction and accelerated functional recovery. Studies indicate that PRP-treated patients report higher satisfaction and better outcomes compared to those without PRP treatment. Nevertheless, many questions remain regarding the optimal formulation, dosage, and rehabilitation protocols for PRP. To fully understand PRP's effectiveness and refine its applications in sports medicine, more rigorous and long-term studies are needed. Additionally, further research is required to improve nonoperative treatment and rehabilitation protocols, ensuring optimal outcomes for all patients.

Competitive diving is a popular sport that attracts numerous participants worldwide; unfortunately, competitive divers experience a notable frequency of injuries during training and competition. Despite this, injuries in diving often received less attention compared to those in other aquatic sports. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review to update the scientific evidence on injury incidence in competitive divers to offer insights into the prevalent injury patterns and help develop injury prevention strategies. This involved analyzing injury data collected from the Injury Surveillance Programme (ISP) across various levels of competition events and assessing case reports involving a wide spectrum of diving injuries. Four online bibliographical databases were consulted: Google Scholar, PubMed, Scops, and Web of Science from their inception until December 6, 2023.819 studies were initially identified, and 15 studies were finally included in this review. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISM) guidelines and PRISMA in Exercise, Rehabilitation, Sport Medicine, and Sport Science (PERSiST) were followed. Two independent reviewers evaluated the methodological quality of the studies. The majority of diving injuries are concentrated on the upper body/trunk, including the shoulder, spine, hand/wrist, head/face, and neck, with overuse injury being a main contribution. Regarding diving incidence, the actual injury rate in competitive athletes could be even higher than currently reported, primarily due to limitations in implementing injury surveillance protocol for diving athletes. The latest injury data for diving in big competition events is absent, and there is a strong expectation for more new injury surveillance data to be published in the future. Additionally, the specific injury pattern, prevention strategy, and rehabilitation training plan for diving injury are severely deficient in the current literature.

PURPOSE This study aimed to establish a contemporary, standardized Korean version of the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 6th edition, characterized by superior face validity and reliability. METHODS Translation and cultural adaptation involved seven stages, namely initial translation, integration of translation, back translation, validation with five expert committees, pre-testing with 12 rugby athletes, finalization, and a test-retest with 30 rugby and American-football athletes. Alternative tests were conducted for the Months In Reverse Order Test due to the naming differences between English and Korean. RESULTS The English Months In Reverse Order Test took 11.00±2.69 seconds with a difficulty of 2.27±0.98 points, while the Korean Months In Reverse Order Test took 5.69±1.35 seconds with a difficulty of 1.50±0.73 points (p.05). The face validity was adequate and reliability was mostly high (Cronbach alpha=0.79). CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that The Korean Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 6th edition was well translated and exhibited adequate face validity and reliability.

Injury risk analysis is critical to preventing injuries' physical and psychological impact. The purpose of this study was to develop a new tool to evaluate the risk of injury particular to the Turkish get up (TGU) exercise. According to expert opinions, the Turkish Get Up Injury Risk Tool (TUGIR) is a biomechanical assessment tool developed based on the Turkish Get Up (TGU) movement. It evaluates the alignment and quality of movement during the exercise to assess the risk of injury. The upper and lower quarter Y balance tests (YBTs) and Functional Movement Screening (FMS) were performed to determine construct validity. A total of thirty- three wrestlers performed all the tests. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency determined with Cronbach's alpha coefficients and inter-rater reliability determined with Kendall's coefficient of concordance. The injury risk cut-off value was calculated according to the Angoff method. The internal consistency of the TUGIR was found to be 0.77 and 0.76, respectively, quite reliable for the right and left sides. Kendall's concordance coefficient of the total score was determined to be 0.998 for both sides. The injury risk cut-off value was found to be %72 for the overall TUGIR score. A low to moderate association was observed between TUGIR and YBTs—FMS. The TUGIR is a novel, reliable, and valid tool for assessing injury risk in sports. This tool offers several advantages, including being an easy-to-use, low- cost, and comprehensive method that can reflect sports-specific biomechanical characteristics. This research could lead to the use of this tool to assess the risk of injury in other sports branches.

Objective Despite consensus on the positive relationships between social support, psychological readiness for returning to sport, and athletic identity, debate persists regarding the specific impact of these factors on athletes’ athletic identity and psychological readiness. This study investigated athletic identity as a mediator between social support and psychological readiness for returning to sport.Method The research involved two phases. In Phase 1, four bilingual translators translated the Athletic Identity Scale and the Injury-Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport scale into Chinese using the forward-backward translation. A pilot study assessed the scales’ face validity with 30 athletes who had experienced injuries. In Phase 2, 234 injured athletes (age: M = 19.28, SD = 1.98) completed the translated measurements from Phase I and the existing Chinese version of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support.Results Findings showed a positive correlation between social support and both athletic identity and psychological readiness. However, athletic identity did not mediate the relationship between social support and psychological readiness.Conclusions We recommend using various measurement tools to capture psychological readiness, particularly in the later return-to-sport stages and suggest that coaches and teammates hold welcome ceremonies to enhance psychological readiness and athletic identity through social support.

Privilege and marginalization associated with racial background have been posited as contributors to why Black athletes face disparities within their care, treatment, and recovery from sport-related concussion (SRC). However, empirical findings have limited exploration on how disparate outcomes have emerged, and the interaction with systems of biases, power and disenfranchisement. To understand concussion care disparities, a qualitative content analysis was conducted in three phases: [I] identifying salient literature on racial differences for Black athletes with SRC (N = 29), [II] qualitative analysis of literature to determine salient topics, themes and patterns within the literature, and [III] constructing a novel ecological-systems framework that encapsulates the 'why' and 'how' related to psychosocial and sociocultural experiences of power, access, and biases for Black athletes. The content analysis yielded two patterns, where concussion care decisions are influenced by (1) biased, unconscious beliefs that posit Black athletes as uniquely invincible to injury and pain, and (2) inadequate access to concussion knowledge and resources, which both moderate SRC injury risk, diagnosis, recovery and outcomes. Ultimately, our novel framework provides a clear thread on how historical, macro-level policy and perceptions can impact micro-level clinical care and decision-making for Black athletes with SRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a large-scale survey of sports injuries in college athletes. This study aimed to investigate trends in sports injuries and disabilities among college athletes by gender, discipline, individual and team competition, contact and noncontact competition, and other competition characteristics. A total of 1,137 college athletes (786 men and 351 women) were surveyed. A questionnaire survey was conducted to determine the club, regularity, and history of sports injuries and disorders (presence/absence, severity, time of injury, site of injury, diagnosis, and recurrence). The prevalence of sports injuries among college athletes was 59.7%. The prevalence was 74.7% in team and contact sports, with ankle and knee ligament injuries accounting for most injuries. The second highest prevalence rate was 66.7% for individual/ contact sports, where martial arts-type sports are common. Elbow injuries were common due to the characteristics of martial arts-type sports. Chronic sports injuries of the ankle were common in noncontact/individual sports, and shoulder joint disorders were common in noncontact/team sports. Different trends in sports injuries and disabilities were found depending on the sport characteristics. Considering the characteristics of the sports is necessary to prevent sports injuries and disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]