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This study determined the impact of swearing on aerobic endurance and psychological responses to exercise. In a randomized crossover design, 14 males (n = 5) and females (n = 9) completed 2 exercise sessions under the following counterbalanced conditions: (a) Neutral word (NW; Control); and (b) Swear word (SW). Participants self-selected a swear word that they would use if they “accidentally hit their head or stubbed their toe.” For the NW condition, a non-offensive neutral word with a similar sound and syllables was chosen by researchers. For each condition, the participants completed a maximal aerobic endurance test (Bruce protocol) on a treadmill. During exercise, participants were instructed to vocalize either their NW or SW every 3 seconds for 10 repetitions at the onset of each stage during the Bruce protocol, and to progress as far as possible until volitional fatigue. As a psychological measure, mood was assessed pre- and post-exercise via Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire. All visits were separated by a minimum of 48 hours. Findings revealed no differences in time to exhaustion (P = 0.747). NW resulted in a worsened total mood disturbance score (TMDS) (P = 0.041) while comparatively, SW attenuated changes in TDMS from pre- to post-exercise. Overall, SW improved depression ratings post-exercise (P = 0.016) while NW caused no change. The NW resulted in worse post-exercise fatigue (P = 0.049) while the SW attenuated these changes. No other differences were noted between the conditions (P > 0.050). These findings indicate that the SW does not improve aerobic performance, but it may prevent decrements in mood due to intense exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swearing, or the use of taboo language, has been repeatedly shown to induce hypoalgesia. While reliable hypoalgesic effects have been observed across studies, the mechanisms by which swearing influences pain and the optimal dosage of swearing remain poorly understood. Plausible mechanistic rationale for swearing's impact on pain include sympathetic response, emotion, humor, distraction, aggression, state disinhibition, psychological flow, risky behavior, and self-confidence. It remains unknown how the intensity of the swear word, speech volume, frequency, or timing influences pain modulation. While the majority of evidence demonstrates the efficacy of swearing at attenuating acute pain responses, these studies have utilized healthy populations with controlled experiments in laboratory settings. Comparatively, less is known about how laboratory findings translate practically/clinically to diverse populations, various dosages, and different pain chronicities. A greater understanding of mechanistic underpinnings and practical implications are necessary to feasibly implement swearing as a therapeutic modality to combat pain. The purpose of the following mini-review is to provide an overview of the current evidence on swearing for the reduction of pain, speculate on plausible underlying mechanisms, and discuss the potential for optimization of swearing for real-world translation. Lastly, identifying knowledge gaps to aid in directing future research will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the growing popularity of bouldering, little is known about the degree and variability of muscle activation that occurs while solving bouldering problems. The purpose of this study was to explore the electromyography of eight upper extremity and trunk muscles during a session of indoor bouldering while completing four different problems. Methods: Eleven climbers with self-reported ability to climb a V-scale V4 problem grade or higher and regularly boulder at least two days/week for at least six months participated in this study. Electromyography was used to record muscle activity of the flexor digitorum superficialis, extensor carpi radialis longus, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, anterior deltoid, middle deltoid, posterior deltoid, and latissimus dorsi. Conclusion: The highest average EMG across all four climbs occurred in the flexor digitorum superficialis, latissimus dorsi, and extensor carpi radialis brevis. Significant differences in muscle activity were noted between the anterior deltoid and latissimus dorsi, flexor digitorum superficialis and biceps brachii, triceps brachii and flexor digitorum superficialis, posterior deltoid and latissimus dorsi, and triceps brachii and latissimus dorsi. This information may be useful in developing a strength and conditioning program for climber and to help guide rehabilitation and return to climbing decisions for climbers who have been injured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Ankle joint injuries account for up to 34% of all athletic related injuries, with lateral ankle sprains comprising up to 85% of these ankle injuries. Clinical practice guidelines for ankle sprains are wellestablished and should be utilized in the management of lateral ankle sprains; however, it is unknown how lower extremity joint manipulation may add to the management of lateral ankle sprains. The purpose of this case report is to describe the outcomes of a 14-year-old male basketball player with a lateral ankle sprain who responded favorably to a Tarsal Twist manipulation. Case Description: A 14-year-old male basketball player was seen in physical therapy for the management of a lateral ankle sprain. The patient experienced localized pain and swelling at the lateral ankle, pain with activity, decreased range of motion, weakness, and decreased balance. Treatment included standard of care, with the inclusion of a Tarsal Twist manipulation. Outcomes: A test-retest method was utilized to determine the outcomes of the Tarsal Twist manipulation. Immediate improvements in the Star Excursion Balance Test and a decrease in pain with activity occurred after the Tarsal Twist manipulation. Following seven visits of physical therapy utilizing standard of care with the addition of the Tarsal Twist manipulation, the patient was able to return to basketball. Discussion: A meaningful change in the Star Excursion Balance Test and pain during activity occurred immediately after the Tarsal Twist manipulation, suggesting that this manipulation was helpful for this patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of a 25-year-old male who reported bilateral clavicular pain and swelling that began after a weightlifting workout consisting of repetitive power clean lifts about three years prior. Topics discussed include soft masses over bilateral midclavicle regions revealed in initial evaluation, treatment given to the patient, and treatment outcomes.