Applied Sciences

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17 pages, 2316 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stress Levels and Hormonal Coupling and Their Relationship with Sports Performance in an Elite Women’s Volleyball Team

by Álvaro Miguel-Ortega, Julen Fernández-Landa, Julio Calleja-González and Juan Mielgo-Ayuso

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(20), 11126; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132011126 - 10 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1529

The testosterone–cortisol ratio is a concept in human biology that refers to the balance between testosterone, the main anabolic steroid, and cortisol, another steroid hormone. The two hormones are said to be habitually positively “coupled”. Increases or decreases in testosterone tend to be [...] Read more.

The testosterone–cortisol ratio is a concept in human biology that refers to the balance between testosterone, the main anabolic steroid, and cortisol, another steroid hormone. The two hormones are said to be habitually positively “coupled”. Increases or decreases in testosterone tend to be associated with corresponding increases or decreases in cortisol, and vice versa. The present study explored hormone coupling and its relationship to stress levels in the sport performances of an elite women’s volleyball team. (1) Aim: to assess the testosterone–cortisol concentration dynamic over 16 weeks and its link to sport performance in elite female volleyball players (height: 1.8 ± 0.1 m; 24.2 ± 2.7 years; playing experience 15 ± 2.8 years; years played at elite level 4.2 ± 2.2; testosterone–cortisol index time 1: 3.9 vs. time 2: 4.3) (n = 11). (2) Methods: blood samples (hormones among other biochemical parameters) and sports performance measurements (aerobic and anaerobic power among other tests) were taken from members of an elite women’s volleyball team over 16 weeks of competition. (3) Results: female volleyball players showed patterns of hormonal change and adaptation to stress. (4) Conclusions: the current investigation demonstrated that elite female volleyball players have higher basal levels of testosterone and cortisol than normal healthy women. The impact of training and competition is clearly reflected in the levels of T. Cortisol levels increase at the beginning of training and remain elevated throughout the season, but without significant changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sport Injury Prevention)

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18 pages, 2099 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Cranio-Cervical Position on Core Muscle Activation during the Prone Plank Exercise

by Miguel García-Jaén, Jan M. Konarski, Sergio Hernández-Sánchez and Juan Manuel Cortell-Tormo

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(19), 10970; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131910970 - 5 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1584

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the influence of head position on the electromyographical activity of the core muscles during the prone plank exercise. Twenty healthy participants were enrolled in this study. Muscle activation was registered using surface electromyography in the rectus abdominis, external [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of head position on the electromyographical activity of the core muscles during the prone plank exercise. Twenty healthy participants were enrolled in this study. Muscle activation was registered using surface electromyography in the rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and the lumbar portion of erector spinae. Three plank conditions were randomly evaluated, varying the position of the cranio-cervical segment during the plank performance (neutral, flexion and extension). The activation of each individual examined muscle and the overall core muscle activity (Total Intensity), as well as the ratings of perceived exertion were analysed with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Flexion revealed significantly higher Total Intensity values compared to neutral and extension (p < 0.001; effect size (ES) > 0.90). The rectus abdominis presented larger activation in flexion compared to the other variations (p < 0.05; ES > 0.70). Flexion elicited a greater response for both sides of external oblique when compared to neutral and extension, and also for both sides of internal oblique compared to the other conditions (p < 0.05; ES > 0.70). Both flexion and extension reported higher exertion rating values compared to neutral (p < 0.05; ES > 0.90). Head position influenced the electromyographical activation of core musculature, showing highest values when performing the plank in a head flexion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sport Injury Prevention)

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14 pages, 1225 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Epidemiology and Time-Loss Shoulder Injuries in Professional South African Rugby Players: A Prospective Study That Focuses on Real-Time Collision Data during a Tackle

by Jan Gerhardus Louwrens, Audrey Jansen van Rensburg, Carel T. Viljoen, Sharief Hendricks, Tanita Botha and Dina C. (Christa) Janse van Rensburg

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(19), 10944; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131910944 - 3 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1721

Abstract

Background: In rugby, the shoulder contributes to attack/defence during collisions, tackling, falling, scrummaging, and mauling. We investigated the frequency, tissue, and pathology type of shoulder injuries per player position among professional South African rugby players, and compared injury severity in the context of [...] Read more.

Background: In rugby, the shoulder contributes to attack/defence during collisions, tackling, falling, scrummaging, and mauling. We investigated the frequency, tissue, and pathology type of shoulder injuries per player position among professional South African rugby players, and compared injury severity in the context of momentum, intensity, and collision variables. Methods: A prospective study collecting shoulder injury data of 80 male Super Rugby players (>18 years) over 4 seasons (2018–2021). Players wore a Catapult Evo GPS unit during training and match-play, recording performance variables and collision forces during injury. We collected tissue and pathology types of injury from players’ medical files, clinical examinations, and special investigations. Results: Shoulder injuries contributed to 17% of all injuries, ranging from 2 to 34% per year. Forwards (63%) sustained most shoulder injuries, specifically locks (30%). Acromioclavicular (AC) joint (47%) was mostly involved, and ligament/joint capsule (65%) was the most common tissue type injured. Injuries with the highest average momentum resulted in players suffering minimal to mild severity injuries (1–7 days time-loss). Backs (631.15 kg·m/s) required less momentum than forwards (816.00 kg·m/s) to suffer injuries resulting in >28 days time-loss (p = 0.008). Backs encountered higher match intensity (67.76 m/min, p = 0.031) and highest average collisions (0.28/min) without suffering more severe (>28 days time-loss) injuries. Match intensity of >60 m/min resulted in more than 55% of shoulder injuries. Conclusion: One in six injuries in this cohort was shoulder-related. Forwards, specifically locks, sustained most shoulder injuries. The AC joint was the tissue type that mainly contributed. Backline players were involved in higher velocity contact, game intensity, and collision frequency but suffered fewer injuries. However, they required less momentum to sustain more severe injuries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sport Injury Prevention)

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16 pages, 1395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Injuries in French High-Level and National-Level Women Artistic Gymnastics: One-Year Prevalence and Associated Factors

by Séréna Charpy, Pierre Billard, Pierre-Eddy Dandrieux, Joris Chapon, Jeanne Tondut and Pascal Edouard

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(19), 10600; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131910600 - 22 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1237

Abstract

Objective: The aims of this study were (1) to determine the one-year prevalence of injuries and their characteristics and (2) to analyze potential injury risk factors in high-level/national-level women artistic gymnasts. Methods: Competitive women artistic gymnasts training more than 10 h per week [...] Read more.

Objective: The aims of this study were (1) to determine the one-year prevalence of injuries and their characteristics and (2) to analyze potential injury risk factors in high-level/national-level women artistic gymnasts. Methods: Competitive women artistic gymnasts training more than 10 h per week in a national training center and a TOP 12 club in France were invited to participate in a retrospective study through an online questionnaire about their self-reported injuries and potential injury risk factors (e.g., previous injuries, diseases, weight modification) during the 2020/2021 season. Results: A total of 88 gymnasts between 9 and 23 years old, who trained on average 22.0 ± 6.2 h per week, answered the questionnaire. Ninety-five injuries were reported by 62 (70.5%) of the 88 gymnasts. The one-year injury prevalence was 70.5% (95% CI 60.9 to 80.0%). Gymnasts had, on average, 1.1 ± 1.0 injuries per year. The most common reported injury location was the knee (25.3%), and the most common reported injury type was the ligament (26.3%). Having an injury during the previous season (OR = 9.06; CI 95% 2.66 to 36.73; p = 0.0007) and using a prevention program (OR = 3.97; CI 95% 1.46 to 11.15; p = 0.007) were associated with a higher risk of injury in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: More than 70% of French high-level/national-level gymnasts had at least one injury during the 2020/2021 season. This high injury rate supports the need to promote injury prevention. However, in the present study, using a prevention program was associated with a higher risk of injury. There is thus a need to improve injury prevention strategies to counter the high injury risk and its potential consequences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sport Injury Prevention)

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12 pages, 680 KiB

Open AccessArticle

One in Five Trail Running Race Entrants Sustained an Injury in the 12 Months Training Period before the 2021 Mac Mac Ultra Race

by Mignette Jooste, Dina C. Janse van Rensburg, Volker Scheer, Audrey Jansen van Rensburg, Dimakatso Ramagole, Tanita Botha and Carel Viljoen

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(17), 9586; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13179586 - 24 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1597

Abstract

Background: Trail running is characterised by large elevation gains/losses and varying uneven running surfaces. Limited literature is available to help guide injury prevention strategies among trail runners. The purpose of this study was to determine the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and related risk factors [...] Read more.

Background: Trail running is characterised by large elevation gains/losses and varying uneven running surfaces. Limited literature is available to help guide injury prevention strategies among trail runners. The purpose of this study was to determine the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and related risk factors for running-related injuries (RRIs) amid trail runners who entered the 2021 Mac Mac Ultra races. Methods: Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting: 2021 Mac Mac Ultra Race. Participants: Consent for data analysis was given by 251 of 330 (76%) race entrants. Main outcome measures: Point prevalence (%), frequency (n, %), retrospective annual incidence (RRIs/100 athlete-years), characteristics (pathology type, tissue type, body area, anatomical region), and associated injury risk factors (training and demographic variables) of RRIs. Results: In the sample, the retrospective annual incidence was 19.92/100 athlete-years. The point prevalence was 4%. Injuries mostly appeared in the lower limb (95%), with the lower leg (26%), thigh (22%), ankle and foot (13%) described as the highest injured body areas. Of tissue type injuries, muscle/tendon comprised 60%. Muscle injury (36%), tendinopathy (24%), and joint sprain (9%) were the most reported pathology types. No related injury risk factors were discovered in this study. Conclusions: One in five trail runners reported one or more RRI during the 12 months before a competitive event. RRIs commonly involved the lower limb, especially the lower leg, thigh, foot, and ankle. More studies are needed to establish injury risk factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sport Injury Prevention)

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12 pages, 952 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Epidemiology of Injury Complaints in Elite Sprinting Athletes in Athletics (Track and Field)

by Pascal Edouard, Benjamin Caumeil, Caroline Giroux, Antoine Bruneau, Jeanne Tondut, Laurent Navarro, Christine Hanon, Gaël Guilhem and Alexis Ruffault

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(14), 8105; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13148105 - 11 Jul 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2902

Abstract

Objective: To describe the epidemiology of injury complaints related to the athletics activity in elite athletics (track and field) athletes practicing disciplines with sprints (i.e., sprints, hurdles, combined events, long jump, and triple jump). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on elite sprinting [...] Read more.

Objective: To describe the epidemiology of injury complaints related to the athletics activity in elite athletics (track and field) athletes practicing disciplines with sprints (i.e., sprints, hurdles, combined events, long jump, and triple jump). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on elite sprinting athletes licensed with the French Federation of Athletics with retrospective data collection of injury complaints related to the athletics activity that occurred during their lifetime athletics activity, allowing the reporting of the injury complaints during the one-year period before the survey and at the time of the survey, using a self-reported online survey system. We calculated the (i) lifetime, (ii) 1 year, and (iii) point (at the time of the survey) prevalence proportion, and we descriptively analyzed the injury complaint characteristics. Results: A total of 302 injury complaints related to the athletics activity were reported by 64 athletes of the 68 included athletes. The lifetime prevalence proportion was 95.6% (95% CI: 90.7 to 100.5%). The 1-year prevalence proportion was 61.8% (95% CI: 50.2 to 73.3%). The point prevalence proportion (at the time of the survey) was 16.2% (95% CI: 7.4 to 24.9%). Almost all injury complaints were located in the lower limb (92.7%) and especially involved the hamstrings (33.4%); the main type involved was the muscle (49.0%), and injury complaints mainly occurred during training and with a sudden mode of onset. The most frequent diagnosis was hamstring muscle injury (31.1%). Conclusions: This study provides new insights specifically in elite sprinting athletes, confirming the injury risk in this population and that the main injury diagnosis was the hamstring muscle injury. Efforts should thus continue to monitor injuries in this population and to develop athletics- and sprinting-specific injury risk reduction strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sport Injury Prevention)

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12 pages, 912 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with a Hamstring Tendon Autograft Predispose to a Knee Valgus Alignment on Initial Contact during Landing? A Drop Vertical Jump Movement Analysis

by Daniel Andrade, Pedro Fonseca, Filipa Sousa and Manuel Gutierres

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(13), 7363; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13137363 - 21 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1780

Abstract

The mechanism most correlated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears is the simultaneous valgus and external rotation of the knee. This study investigated if ACL reconstruction with a hamstring tendon autograft predisposes to “knee-in & toe-out” compared to ACL reconstruction with a patellar [...] Read more.

The mechanism most correlated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears is the simultaneous valgus and external rotation of the knee. This study investigated if ACL reconstruction with a hamstring tendon autograft predisposes to “knee-in & toe-out” compared to ACL reconstruction with a patellar tendon autograft and to healthy individuals during a drop vertical jump. A three-dimensional markerless motion capture was used to conduct a case control study, collecting data from 11 healthy participants and 14 participants who underwent ACL reconstruction, 8 with a hamstring tendon autograft and 6 with a patellar tendon autograft, while performing a bilateral drop vertical jump. Joint kinematic variables such as angular positions, moments and velocities were obtained by processing video recordings with the Theia Markerless system and Visual3D. Differences between groups were calculated using the independent Sample T-test and One-Way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc adjustments. No significant differences were found at the peak knee valgus for the maximum valgus (mean difference (md): −2.14 ± 1.57 deg, t (23): 0.171, p = 0.187, d = 0.548), rotation (md: 1.04 ± 1.97°, t (23): 0.001, p = 0.601, d = 0.214) and flexion (md: −10.29 ± 11.82°, t (23): 0.917, p = 0.393, d = 0.351) of the knee, when comparing healthy participants with those who underwent ACL reconstruction. Vertical ground reaction forces were significantly higher in the healthy group when compared to the ACL reconstruction group (md: 20.11 ± 6.29 N/kg, t (23): 1.264, p = 0.049, d = 0.836). The knee extension angular moment and angular velocity were significantly higher for the healthy participants, when compared to participants who underwent ACL reconstruction with a patellar tendon autograft (md: 0.65 ± 0.18 Nm/kg, F (2.22): 7.090, p = 0.004, d = 0.804; md: −111.51 ± 38.31°/s, F (2.22): 4.431, p = 0.024, d = 1.000, respectively). ACL reconstruction with a hamstring tendon autograft does not increase the risk of a valgus knee alignment movement on initial contact during landing. Differences found in various parameters may justify the evaluation of the quality movement with a motion capture system while performing the drop vertical jump for the creation of specialized rehabilitation programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sport Injury Prevention)

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13 pages, 1702 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hamstring vs. All-Soft-Tissue Quadriceps Tendon Autograft for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Adolescent Athletes: Early Follow-Up Results of a Prospective Study

by Ritauras Rakauskas, Laimonas Šiupšinskas, Vytautas Streckis, Justė Balevičiūtė, Laurynas Galinskas, Dalius Malcius and Emilis Čekanauskas

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(11), 6715; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13116715 - 31 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2624

Abstract

Background: The quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft has recently drawn attention for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Finding the best autograft option for adolescents after an ACL injury is essential to ensure them a high-quality active lifestyle. There are no studies comparing the all-soft-tissue [...] Read more.

Background: The quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft has recently drawn attention for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Finding the best autograft option for adolescents after an ACL injury is essential to ensure them a high-quality active lifestyle. There are no studies comparing the all-soft-tissue QT autograft with the hamstring tendon (HT) autograft in such population. Methods: In this study, 68 patients younger than 18 years of age were assigned to the HT (38 patients) or the QT (30 patients) ACLR group. The groups were similar, allowing their comparison. The instrumented knee laxity was evaluated with a Genourob arthrometer. In total, 48 patients (27 HT and 21 QT) were tested 3 months post-op, and 45 patients (26 HT and 19 QT) were tested 6 months post-op. Results: We found that 3 months post-op, the side-to-side anterior tibial translation measurements (GNRB1) were worse in the HT than in the QT group (1.4 (0.2–5.2; 1.715) vs. 0.6 (0.1–2.1; 0.905) mm, p = 0.02). There was no difference in side-to-side anterior tibial translation at 6 months post-op (GNRB2) between the HT and the QT group (1 (0.2–5.3; 1.519) vs. 1.1 (0.3–3.4; 1.279) mm, p = 0.927). At 3 months post-op, the side-to-side anterior tibial translation (GNRB1) was worse in males than in females. irrespective of the graft choice (1.45 (0.1–5.2; 1.696) vs. 0.4 (0.1–3.4; 0.89) mm, p = 0.016). The displacement curve slopes 6 months post-op were better for females (3 (0–13.1; 3.335) vs. 5.3 (0–26.1; 7.848), p = 0.014). At 3 months post-op, the GNRB measurements showed that the side-to-side anterior tibial translation (GNRB1) was better for females when the HT autograft had been used (0.45 (0.2–3.4; 0.942) vs. 2.4 (0.3–5.2; 2.333) mm, p = 0.003). In general, both autografts provided excellent objective outcomes at early follow-up. Conclusions: The all-soft-tissue QT autograft should be considered as a reliable alternative for ACLR in adolescents. This autograft has at least the same properties as the HT autograft in the early stages after ACL reconstruction in adolescent athletes and, in some respects, seems superior to the HT autograft. Research should continue to find the best possible graft choice for the most active and willing-to-return-to-sport population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sport Injury Prevention)

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11 pages, 454 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Protective Headgear on the Peripheral Vision Reaction Time of Recreational-Level Skiers

by Mateja Očić, Ivan Bon, Lana Ružić, Vjekoslav Cigrovski and Tomislav Rupčić

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 5459; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13095459 - 27 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1180

Abstract

Alpine skiing is characterized by specific and dynamic conditions and demands constant processing of visual information and fast decision-making. A fast response time is necessary for protective movements which reduce the number and severity of additional head impacts. The apparent detriments to visual [...] Read more.

Alpine skiing is characterized by specific and dynamic conditions and demands constant processing of visual information and fast decision-making. A fast response time is necessary for protective movements which reduce the number and severity of additional head impacts. The apparent detriments to visual performance caused by protective headgear are concerning and should be considered moving forward in recreational alpine skiing. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of wearing the three most common combinations of protective headgear in skiing on the timing of visual stimuli perception and adequate response when simulating on-the-slope situations. The sample consisted of 45 recreational-level skiers (27 M, 18 F; age 30.6 ± 8.19 years) who had finished basic alpine skiing school, had been skiing 6–10 years continuously, and were students of Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb. They did not report any serious medical conditions regarding vision. The overall testing was conducted in the winter season during January and February of 2022. Reaction time on perceived visual stimuli was observed in a way that a skier was approaching behind a participant’s back from both the left and right side. A 2 × 3 (helmet*condition) mixed-model repeated-measures ANOVA was used to determine differences between helmet users and non-users in each tested condition. When observing the results, it was confirmed that the response time of the participants was the slowest when wearing a ski helmet and goggles combined. Furthermore, one of the most important findings was the determined differences in reaction time between helmet users and non-users, i.e., prior helmet users tended to react faster to the upcoming visual stimuli when wearing combined ski helmet and goggles. In the design and construction of the goggles, it is also necessary to pay attention to reducing the thickness of the frame in order to reduce the distance between the eye and the lens, which consequently reduces interference in the peripheral parts of the field of vision. In future studies, the same testing protocol with all the possible combinations of wearing a ski cap, a helmet, sunglasses, and goggles is necessary to gain a clearer insight into the effect of each item of headgear separately and in various combinations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sport Injury Prevention)

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11 pages, 2538 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reliability of a Field-Based Test for Hamstrings and Quadriceps Strength Assessment in Football Players

by Aarón Miralles-Iborra, Víctor Moreno-Pérez, Juan Del Coso, Javier Courel-Ibáñez and Jose L. L. Elvira

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(8), 4918; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13084918 - 14 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3112

Abstract

Background: Field-based tests using portable devices are extremely helpful to assist physicians and coaches in the assessment of athletes’ muscle strength and for injury risk screening. The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of a field-based test to assess unilateral [...] Read more.

Background: Field-based tests using portable devices are extremely helpful to assist physicians and coaches in the assessment of athletes’ muscle strength and for injury risk screening. The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of a field-based test to assess unilateral hamstring and quadriceps isometric muscle strength in a nearly extended position (30° knee flexion) in football players. Methods: Nineteen male football players completed the field-based test on two separate occasions, one week apart, to produce a test–retest design. To complete the test, participants performed maximal isometric efforts on a custom-built bench with 30° of knee flexion and 90° of hip flexion while the force applied was measured with a portable load cell at 80 Hz. On each occasion, participants performed two 2 s maximal isometric repetitions intending to flex and extend the knee to assess hamstring and quadriceps strength, respectively. In each repetition, the force developed during the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and rate of force development (RFD) metrics for hamstring (H) and quadriceps (Q) were collected, and the H:Q ratio was calculated afterwards. Results: MVIC showed the highest reliability for the measurement of both hamstring and quadriceps strength (ICC > 0.80, [95% CI: 0.55, 0.96]; CV < 14%, [95% CI: 6.6, 20]) and for H:Q (ICC > 0.75, [95% CI: 0.48, 0.95]; CV < 15%, [95% CI: 8.9, 22.4]). RFD_0–150 and RFD_0–250 yielded moderate reliability values for hamstring strength (ICC = 0.78–0.86, [95% CI: 0.52, 0.94]; CV = 20–27%, [95% CI: 15, 39.7]). RFD_0–50 presented the largest variability (ICC < 0.80, [95% CI: 0.62, 0.95]; CV > 25%, [95% CI: 19.2, 45.3]). Conclusions: The field-based test presented here provided reliable results for the measurement of maximal isometric hamstring and quadriceps strength and for the calculation of the H:Q ratio. However, the measurement of RFD with this test is less reliable. This test allows reliable field-based assessments of hamstring and quadriceps maximal isometric strength which can be helpful to identify muscle strength deficits and imbalances during injury prevention and management processes in football players. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sport Injury Prevention)

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12 pages, 825 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pathological Findings in Male and Female Semi-Professional Football Players from 11 to 14 Years—A Report of the Bavarian Football Association’s Pre-Participation Screening Program

by Clemens Memmel, Lisa Lehner, Oliver Loose, Christian Gündisch, Volker Krutsch, Lorenz Huber, Volker Alt, Werner Krutsch and Stephan Gerling

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(7), 4375; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13074375 - 30 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1368

Abstract

Pre-participation screening (PPS) in professional junior football is common practice. However, football players (FP) from non-professional football clubs may also be exposed to health risks, both internal and musculoskeletal. Therefore, the Bavarian Football Association (BFV) implemented a cardiological and orthopedic screening program for [...] Read more.

Pre-participation screening (PPS) in professional junior football is common practice. However, football players (FP) from non-professional football clubs may also be exposed to health risks, both internal and musculoskeletal. Therefore, the Bavarian Football Association (BFV) implemented a cardiological and orthopedic screening program for semi-professional FP in 2014. The purpose of this study was to obtain and present epidemiological data of pre-adolescent and adolescent semi-professional FP, including cardiac pathologies, past injuries, and orthopedic disorders. This study represents a retrospective analysis of semi-professional FP aged 11 to 14 years participating in the PPS program from 2014 to 2018, including their medical history, cardiac risk profiles, and the results of undergoing orthopedic and sports cardiology examinations. Overall, 362 male and 162 female FP could be included. More than 20% of the FP indicated suffering from one or more medical conditions. Cardiac abnormalities were reported in 30 (5.7%) FP. Further cardiological diagnostics were recommended for 3% of the FP due to findings while undergoing the PPS. Orthopedic disorders could be detected in 51 (9.7%) FP. Of the reported injuries, 44.3% could be categorized as overuse injuries. In order to guarantee extensive preventive sports medical care for semi-professional junior FP, a PPS concept should include a basic orthopedic examination in addition to cardiological screening due to a high rate of overuse injuries and cardiac abnormalities among pre-adolescent and adolescent FP. Further studies are needed in junior football to gain epidemiological data on injury occurrence and cardiac abnormalities on an amateur level to evaluate possible PPS programs, even on an amateur level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sport Injury Prevention)

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21 pages, 1445 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trait Energy and Fatigue Influence Inter-Individual Mood and Neurocognitive Responses during Work Done While Sitting, Standing, and Intermittent Walking: A Randomized-Controlled Crossover Design

by Hannah M. Gigliotti, Cody Hodgson, Mary Riley, Brittany Marshall, Christie L. Ward-Ritacco, Joel Martin and Ali Boolani

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(7), 4241; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13074241 - 27 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1638

Abstract

College students can be sedentary for a majority of the day, which may exacerbate mental health issues or lead to declines in cognitive task performance; however, interventions to address sedentary behaviors may not positively influence everyone. Therefore, the present study sought to identify [...] Read more.

College students can be sedentary for a majority of the day, which may exacerbate mental health issues or lead to declines in cognitive task performance; however, interventions to address sedentary behaviors may not positively influence everyone. Therefore, the present study sought to identify inter-individual cognitive performance and mood changes of college students during the performance of a cognitive task battery, while seated, standing and with intermittent bouts of walking. Participants (n = 31, age = 25.80 ± 3.61 yrs, 7 male) completed a series of baseline questionnaires including the Trait Mental and Physical Energy and Fatigue survey. Using a randomized controlled cross-over design, participants completed 3 separate testing sessions. At each session, they performed a series of three rounds of cognitive tasks for 27 min and self-reporting mood states for 1 min in the seated position. Each round of cognitive testing was followed by a 2 min break. Each testing day had participants spend the 2 min break in a different condition: sitting, standing, or walking. A series of mixed ANOVAs were used for the primary analysis and a combination of machine learning regressors and classifiers were used for the secondary analysis. Our results suggest that there are unique inter-individual responses to each of the interventions used during the 2 min break. Participants who were low-trait mental and low-trait physical energy benefited the most from the standing desk intervention, while also reporting significant benefits of intermittent walking. However, participants who were low-trait mental fatigue had significant negative consequences of using both standing desks and walking intermittently, while those who were high-trait mental fatigue saw no change in cognitive responses or moods in those conditions. Post hoc machine learning analyses had modest accuracy rates (MAEs < 0.7 for regressors and accuracy rates >60% for classifiers), suggesting that trait mental and physical energy and fatigue may predict inter-individual responses to these interventions. Incorporating standing desks into college classroom settings may result in some students receiving cognitive benefits when inter-individual variability in mood and cognitive responses are accounted for. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sport Injury Prevention)

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21 pages, 4515 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermographic Assessment of Skin Temperature Changes following Partial Body Cryostimulation (PBC) in Football Players

by Anna Lubkowska and Anna Knyszyńska

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(7), 4123; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13074123 - 24 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3206

Abstract

Infrared thermography has been widely used to visualize skin temperature in human science. One of the important areas of its application is the analysis of changes in body surface temperature as a result of the use of physical medicine treatments in post-exercise regeneration [...] Read more.

Infrared thermography has been widely used to visualize skin temperature in human science. One of the important areas of its application is the analysis of changes in body surface temperature as a result of the use of physical medicine treatments in post-exercise regeneration in sports. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cutaneous temperature response in selected body areas and the range of chosen markers of skeletal muscle damage to partial body cryostimulation (PBC) as a method of post-match regeneration. Fourteen football players underwent PBC after a match. Thermographic analyses of anterior and posterior surfaces of the body were performed before and immediately after the treatment. Before, directly after, and 24, 48, and 72 h after the match serum creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were evaluated. After PBC, a significant (p ≤ 0.001) decrease in skin temperature (Tsk) in all analyzed areas occurred. The greatest drop was observed in the areas of the thighs (∆ = 9.96–11.02 °C); the smallest temperature drop occurred in the areas of the upper and lower part of the back (∆ = 6.18−6.70 °C) and in the area of the chest (∆ = 6.80 °C). The most significant positive relationships between the magnitude of change in Tsk of the anterior and posterior surfaces of the thighs, body fat, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure have been shown. There were no significant differences between temperatures in selected areas in relation to the sides of the body, both before and after PBC. The range of temperature changes confirms the stimulating effect of PBC. The course of changes in the concentration of CK and AST indicates a potentially beneficial effect of PBC on the course of post-workout regeneration, without side effects. Maintaining a constant body temperature during PBC comes at the expense of thermoregulatory mechanisms leading to a lower body surface temperature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sport Injury Prevention)

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