Sports Medicine: The Momentum Continues

In brief: This study related physiological characteristics of 30 Olympic-class sailors to their class of vessel and their coach's ranking of performance to see if there is an optimal body type. Successful competitors in general have above-average height and body mass, well-developed abdominal and wrist muscles, 18% ± 4% body fat, and a predicted aerobic power of only 45 ± 8 ml· kg ¹· min^?1 However, optimal requirements differ between categories of vessel and between skipper and crew. The authors suggest that the emphasis on heavy and moderately fat crew members with a low aerobic capacity may have adverse long-term consequences on health. They say height may provide a competitive advantage (particularly if linked to a high center of gravity), whereas mass increases frictional resistance of the vessel. But there is no strong evidence that individuals who match a perfect profile are being selected for national teams.     

The Abuses of Orthotics in Sports Medicine

In brief: This study documents the types and frequency of injuries sustained in the 1984 Norway Cup—the largest soccer tournament in the world. During a total of 35,154 player-hours, 411 injuries and hyperventilatory conditions were recorded for the 1,016 boys' teams and 332 girls' teams participating. The injury rate was 8.9 and 17.6 per 1,000 player-hours for boys and girls, respectively. The overall injury rate for both sexes was 11.7 per 1,000 player-hours. Of total injuries 47% were contusions, 22% sprains, 18% lacerations, and 6% fractures. More than 60% of the injuries involved the lower extremities, 17% the head and neck, and 14% the upper extremities. The authors conclude that youth soccer, even on this highly competitive level, is a sport with few and mainly minor injuries.     

Sports Medicine Meets Minority Medicine

The sports medicine community is beginning to address the fitness and exercise needs of the black community—and to encourage more blacks to join its ranks.     

Sports Sciences Research: Olympic Opportunity

Today's sports scientists must accept the responsibilities to athletes and coaches that come with new research opportunities. Communication and cooperation should be as important as results.