Cardiac MRI of elite junior Olympic weight lifters

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed on 14 junior elite Olympic weight lifters and 14 controls (means +/- Se, age = 18.4 +/- 0.5 and 17.8 +/- 0.4 years, weight = 76.5 +/- 3.6 and 78.8 +/- 3.3 kg, % fat = 6.5% +/- 0.8% and 11.5% +/- 1.7%, respectively). Controls were individually matched to the lifters to within 2 years of age and 2.5 kg of body weight. Systolic (S) and diastolic (D) left posterior wall thickness (LPW), left ventricular short axis (LSA), left ventricular transverse long axis (LLA), spetal wall thickness (SW), right ventricular wall thickness (RWT), and right ventricular short axis (RSA) were determined. Variables were examined in absolute (mm), relative to body surface area (BSA, mm/m2), total body weight (BW, mm/kg), and lean body mass (LBM, mm/kg) terms. In absolute terms S LPW (21.1 +/- 1.7 vs 13.3 +/- 0.5 mm), S SW (15.3 +/- 1.3 vs 11.7 +/- 0.6 mm), and D LLA (75.2 +/- 1.6 vs 69.1 +/- 2.4 mm) were significantly greater and S LSA (23.4 +/- 2.4 vs 36.7 +/- 2.3 mm) and S LLA (46.5 +/- 3.7 vs 58.2 +/- 3.8 mm) were significantly less in the lifters vs the controls. S LPW/BW, S LPW/BSA, S LPW/LBM, S SW/BW, S SW/BSA, S SW/LBM, D LSA/BSA, and D LLA/BSA were significantly greater and S LSA/BW, B LSA/BSA, S LSA/LBM, S LLA/BSA, S LLA/LBM, and D SW/LBM were significantly less in the lifters than the controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Differences in muscle cross-sectional area and strength between elite senior and college Olympic weight lifters

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the profiles of muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and strength capability in relation to lifting ability in Olympic weight lifters. METHODS: The subjects were 8 elite senior lifters (ESL, age=25.2+/-1.3 years, height=1.64+/-0.03 m, mass=68.6+/-4.2 kg, mean+/-SEM) and 9 college lifters (CL, 20.8+/-0.3 years, 1.67+/-0.03 m, 70.53.4 kg) whose predetermined weight classes were within the same range. The CSAs of elbow or knee extensor and elbow or knee flexor muscles were measured using a B-mode ultrasound apparatus. Concentric and eccentric maximal voluntary forces were determined with an isokinetic dynamometer at a constant velocity of 1.05 rad/sec. RESULTS: The best score of the total mass lifted in the snatch and the clean and jerk lifts was significantly higher in ESL than in CL even in terms of per unit of fat-free mass. There were no significant differences between the two groups in fat-free mass, muscle CSA and force values with the exception that ESL compared to CL showed significantly greater force in concentric knee flexion. However, the ratios of force to muscle CSA (F/CSAs) in concentric and eccentric elbow extensions, eccentric knee extension and concentric knee flexion were significantly higher in ESL than in CL. CONCLUSIONS: The present results indicated that the magnitude of muscular development in limbs was similar in elite senior and college lifters whose predetermined weight classes were within the same range. As compared to college lifters, however, elite senior lifters had a higher F/CSA in specific muscle action modes, which might relate to the optimal execution of the Olympic lifts.     

Limited joint mobility in power lifters

In this study we compared the flexibility of 10 power lifters with 10 age-matched nonpower lifters as controls. To do this, we used goniometric measurements, the behind the back reach test, and the sit and reach test. The sit and reach test was the only measurement that showed the flexibility of the power lifters to be greater than that of the nonpower lifters.     

Nontraumatic clavicular osteolysis in weight lifters.

In a previous study, we found an overrepresentation of weight lifters in patients who had a resection of the lateral end of the clavicle. To further investigate a possible association between competitive weight lifting and the development of nontraumatic osteolysis of the lateral end of the clavicle, we studied a group of 25 Danish weight lifters. This group was compared to an age-matched control group of 25 men who had never engaged in weight training procedures. None of the subjects had any history of trauma to the shoulder girdle. All 50 subjects underwent radiographic examination of both shoulder joints. In the weight lifter group, seven cases (28%) demonstrated classical radiographic findings of clavicular osteolysis, with loss of subchondral bone detail, translucency, and cystic changes, while four subjects (16%) had subjective symptoms but no radiographic changes. None of the individuals from the control group revealed similar symptoms or radiographic signs. Thus, based on this limited material, the prevalence of the disorder is about 27%.     

Profiles of muscularity in junior Olympic weight lifters

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the muscularity of strength-trained junior athletes. METHODS: Muscle thickness (Mt) values at 10 sites (anterior forearm, anterior upper arm, posterior upper arm, chest, abdomen, back, anterior thigh, posterior thigh, anterior lower leg, and posterior lower leg) were determined in junior Olympic weight lifters (OWL, n=7, 15.1+/-0.3 y, mean+/-SD) and non-athletes (CON, n=13, 15.1+/-0.3 y) using a brightness mode ultrasonography. Skeletal age assessed with the Tanner-Whitehouse II method (20 hand-wrist bones) was similar in OWL (16.4+/-0.7 y) and CON (16.3+/-0.6 y). RESULTS: At the 6 sites (anterior forearm, anterior upper arm, posterior upper arm, chest, back and anterior thigh), OWL showed significantly greater Mt values than CON even in terms of Mt relative to body mass(1/3) Mt x BM(-1/3). On the other hand, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups in the Mt ratios of the anterior to posterior site in the upper arm, thigh and lower leg and those of the back to either the chest or abdomen in the trunk. For OWL only, skeletal age was significantly correlated to Mt x BM(-1/3) at the abdomen (r=0.869, p<0.05) and anterior thigh (r=0.883, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings here indicate that 1) as compared to adolescent non-athletes, junior Olympic weight lifters show a greater muscularity in the upper body and anterior thigh without predominant development in either of anterior and posterior sites within the same body segment, 2) for junior Olympic weight lifters, the muscularity of abdominal and knee extensor muscles is influenced by the biological maturation.     

Scintigraphic patterns of injury in amateur weight lifters

PURPOSE: Weight lifting is now a standard part of training in most sports. An increasing number of amateur athletes are doing strength training, mostly in unsupervised situations. A series of injuries in amateur weight lifters was analyzed by bone scintigraphy, with the aim of depicting specific patterns that would accurately identify the primary lesions. METHODS: Twelve patients (10 men and 2 women) were studied whose ages ranged from 18 to 35 years. Patients were referred for bone scintigraphy with clinical diagnoses based on history, physical examination, and appropriate radiologic investigations. Diagnoses were confirmed by surgery, arthroscopy, arthrography, local steroid injection, and outcome. RESULTS: Most of the injuries were in athletes undertaking free-weight training. Most injuries were in the upper limbs, particularly around the shoulder. Scintigraphic patterns of supraspinatus and bicipital tendons and also rotator cuff lesions were identified. Clavicular osteolysis, avulsion injuries, muscle damage, and vertebral lesions were also noted. Several abnormalities revealed by scintigraphy were clinically unsuspected. CONCLUSIONS: Scintigraphic manifestations of several injuries, particularly around the shoulder, have a specific pattern. Recognition of these patterns can enhance the performance of bone scintigraphy. Scintigraphy also has the potential to detect clinically unsuspected disease.     

Injury and illness among athletes during a multi-day elite cycling road race

Objectives: Although road bicycle races have been held for more than a century, injury and illness patterns during multi-day bicycle events have not been widely studied. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of injury and illness among riders and describe the medical care interventions provided to participants of cycling road races. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on the Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey, which was held between April 26 and May 3, 2015. The race lasted 8 days and covered 1258 km of road. There were 166 elite cycling athletes representing 21 teams from various countries. Data collected pertaining to incidents involving injury or illness included the following: type of injury; anatomical location of injury; details of the medical encounter; location of the intervention; treatment provided; medication administered and disposition of the rider. An injury was defined as a physical complaint or observable damage to the body produced by the transfer of energy of the rider. An illness was defined as a physical complaint or presentation not related to injury. Results: The overall incidence (injury and illness) was 5.83 per 1000 cycling hours. (Injury incidence was 2.82 vs illness incidence of 3.01 per 1000 hours cycling). A total of 31 incidents occurred. Of these, 15 were injuries, while 16 were complaints of a non-traumatic nature. A total of 43 interventions were made in the 15 cases of injury. The most commonly injured body regions were limbs; the majority of injuries involved the skin and soft tissue. The most common medical intervention was wound care (64% of all interventions). Two riders had to withdraw from the race, and one was hospitalized due to a traumatic pneumothorax. None of the non-traumatic cases resulted in withdrawal from the race. Conclusions: A broad spectrum of illness and injury occurs during elite multi-day road races, ranging from simple skin injuries to serious injuries requiring hospital admission. Most injuries and illnesses are minor; however, medical teams must be prepared to treat life-threatening trauma.     

High prevalence of shoulder pain among elite Norwegian female handball players

Clinical experience indicates that a substantial number of handball players may suffer from shoulder pain, but they continue to play despite having shoulder pain problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and consequences of shoulder pain problems among Norwegian female elite handball players. In the preseason of the 2007–2008 season, 179 players from all 12 teams of the Norwegian elite league went through the following tests: internal and external shoulder range of motion, apprehension, relocation test, and shooting velocity. All players completed the Fahlström questionnaire and, for players with current pain, the Western Ontario shoulder instability index questionnaire. Sixty‐five (36%) players reported shoulder pain on the test day, and 40 (22%) players reported previous shoulder pain. Two thirds of the players with pain reported a gradual onset. For players with current or previous pain, 22 (36%) and 14 (36%) had missed match play, and 43 (68%) and 28 (76%) reported changing their training habits. A positive apprehension and relocation test was found among 51 (29%) of the players. In conclusion, a high proportion of female elite handball players experience shoulder pain and problems and have an unstable shoulder.     

Electromyographic and force production characteristics of leg extensor muscles of elite weight lifters during isometric, concentric, and various stretch-shortening cycle exercises

Electromyographic and force production characteristics of leg extensor muscles of elite weight lifters (n = 14) were examined during isometric, concentric, and various stretch-shortening cycle exercises. The data showed that utilization of stored elastic energy of leg extensor muscles was observable in countermovement jumping (CMJ) conditions performed at various loads. These greater (P less than 0.01-0.001) vertical jumping heights obtained in CMJ conditions in comparison to the respective squat jumps (SJ) took place at all loads examined from 0 up to 180 kg with no differences in the average IEMG activity between the concentric phases of the performances. In various dropping jumps (from 20 to 100 cm), the average jumping heights were not, however, greater than in the squat jump. The jumping heights both in SJ and CMJ correlated negatively (r = -0.56 and -0.58; P less than 0.05) with the time of isometric force production. Maximal isometric force correlated (r = 0.61; P less than 0.01) with the thigh girth but not (r = 0.22; NS) with the mean muscle fiber area of the vastus lateralis muscle. The jumping heights in SJ and CMJ performed with higher (100-140 kg) loads correlated more significantly (r = 0.76-0.79; P less than 0.01-0.001) than that of maximal isometric force (r = 0.47-0.67; P less than 0.05-0.01) with the results in the Olympic weight lifting. The present findings indicate the important role of effective recoil of the elastic energy in the muscle during the stretch-shortening cycle.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

A physiological comparison of female body builders and power lifters

Ten female body builders (FBB) (X age +/- SD = 30.40 +/- 8.22 years) and ten female power lifters (FPL) (X age +/- SD = 25.20 +/- 6.01 years) were studied to determine group differences in body composition, strength and anaerobic characteristics. All subjects had been training a minimum of two years and twelve of the subjects had competed nationally while the remainder had participated in regional or local events. Measures of body build and body composition were obtained via hydrostatic weighing, skinfolds (sum of 7), circumferences (sum of 13) and diameters (sum of 9). Flexion and extension strength of the dominant forearm and leg were measured with a Cybex II dynamometer at 60 degrees/second. Anaerobic power and capacity were determined using the Wingate Anaerobic Test. Independent t-tests indicated the FPL had significantly greater body weight (X +/- SD = 68.60 +/- 3.60 vs 56.47 +/- 0.85 kg), relative fat (21.47 +/- 1.29 vs 13.51 +/- 1.46%), sum of skinfolds (120.76 +/- 7.55 vs 71.46 +/- 7.02 mm), sum of diameters (177.57 +/- 2.97 vs 168.17 +/- 2.55 cm), and sum of circumferences (594.93 +/- 13.10 vs 551.24 +/- 3.17). No significant differences were found for fat-free weight, strength or anaerobic power and capacity. These results demonstrate subtle but specific differences between well-trained FBB and FPL reflecting the leaner physiques and smaller skeletal structures of the FBB necessary for the definition and symmetry demanded by the sport. The lack of differences in strength and anaerobic characteristics reflect the similarity of the groups in basic training techniques.     

Velocity associated characteristics of force production in college weight lifters

OBJECTIVE: To determine velocity specific isokinetic forces and cross sectional areas of reciprocal muscle groups in Olympic weight lifters. METHODS: The cross sectional area of the flexor or extensor muscles of the elbow or knee joint was determined by a B-mode ultrasonic apparatus in 34 college weight lifters and 31 untrained male subjects matched for age. Maximum voluntary force produced in the flexion and extension of the elbow and knee joints was measured on an isokinetic dynamometer at 60, 180, and 300 degrees/s. RESULTS: The average cross sectional area was 31-65% higher, and the force was 19-62% higher in weight lifters than in the untrained subjects. The ratio of force to cross sectional area was the same in both groups. The weight lifters showed a lower velocity associated decline in force than untrained subjects in the elbow and knee flexors but not in the extensors. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that for muscle contractions with velocities between 60 degrees/s and 300 degrees/s the difference in isokinetic force between weight lifters and untrained subjects can be primarily attributed to the difference in the muscle cross sectional area. However, the lower velocity associated decline in force implies that weight lifters may have a higher force per cross sectional area than untrained subjects at velocities above 300 degrees/s.     

Low back pain among retired wrestlers and heavyweight lifters

The lifetime incidence and prevalence of low back pain among 32 retired wrestlers (ages 39 to 62 years) and 13 retired heavyweight lifters (ages 40 to 61 years) were evaluated and compared to the corresponding results in a cross-sectional study of 716 men (ages 40 to 47 years). The radiologic findings and the findings upon physical examination in the athletes were compared to the findings in another study of normal, active, similarly aged men who were sampled at random. The lifetime incidence and prevalence of low back pain was higher among the wrestlers (59%) compared with both the lifters (23%) and the control group (31%). The tolerance for backache seemed to be higher among the athletes than the controls. A higher frequency of old fractures was found among the wrestlers. The athletes with fractures had a higher frequency of low back pain. A significant decrease in disk height was found among the lifters.     

The effect of weight lifting exercise on heart rate and metabolism in experienced weight lifters

Fifteen experienced weight lifters were investigated to examine the effects of weight exercise with variable intensity on heart rate and changes in arterial glucose, lactate and pyruvate, as well as serum total lipids, beta-lipoproteins, triglycerides, glycerol and free fatty acids. The highest value of heart rate were reached during repetitions (ca. 150 beats/min), during single maximal contraction only 120--130 beats/min. No important changes were found in lipid substrates or glucose, while lactate (x max: 4 mmol/l) and urivate (x max: 0.11 mmol/l) increases were moderate. This type of training may be useful in the clinical rehabilitation of the locomotor system but it lacks importance for preventive or rehabilitation therapy of the cardiovascular system.     

Injury incidence and distribution in elite football--a prospective study of the Danish and the Swedish top divisions

The Danish and Swedish male top football divisions were studied prospectively from January to June 2001. Exposure to football and injury incidence, severity and distribution were compared between the countries. Swedish players had greater exposure to training (171 vs. 123 h per season, P<0.001), whereas exposure to matches did not differ between the countries. There was a higher risk for injury during training in Denmark than in Sweden (11.8 vs. 6.0 per 1000 h, P<0.01), whereas for match play there was no difference (28.2 vs. 26.2 per 1000 h). The risk for incurring a major injury (absence from football more than 4 weeks) was greater in Denmark (1.8 vs. 0.7 per 1000 h, P = 0.002). The distribution of injuries according to type and location was similar in both countries. Of all injuries in Denmark and Sweden, overuse injury accounted for 39% and 38% (NS), and re-injury for 30% and 24% (P = 0.032), respectively. The greater training exposure and the long pre-season period in Sweden may explain some of the reported differences.     

Kinematics and kinetics of the dead lift in adolescent power lifters

This study documented characteristics of the dead lift of teenage lifters. Films of 10 "skilled" and 11 "unskilled" contestants in a Michigan Teenage Powerlifting Championship provided data for analysis. Equations of motion, force, and moments were developed for a multisegment model of the lifters' movement in the sagittal plane and applied to the film data. Analysis was limited to 1) body segment orientations, 2) vertical bar accelerations, 3) vertical joint reaction forces, 4) segmental angular accelerations, 5) horizontal moment arms of the bar to selected joints, and 6) intersegmental resultant moments. Significant differences (P less than 0.05) in body segment orientation indicated a more upright posture at lift-off in the skilled group. Maximum vertical bar acceleration and angular acceleration of the trunk tended to occur near lift-off in the skilled lifters. The unskilled subjects demonstrated greater variability and magnitude in linear and angular acceleration parameters. In all lifters, maximum vertical force was experienced at the ankle joint. Within each subject, the hip joint experienced the greatest torque because of the relatively large horizontal moment arm of the bar (dominant mass in the system) to this joint. In all subjects, the magnitude of the mass lifted, and not the technique, was the primary determinant in the intersegmental resultant moment acting at the hip and the vertical force experienced at the ankle, knee, and hip joints.     

Dermatoglyphic profile of physical strength in Brazilian Paralympic power lifters

The objective of this study was to identify dermatoglyphic characteristics and the quality of the physical strength in high-performance para-athletes in the supine power lifting category. This study included ten male athletes aged between 18 and 40 years who had qualified for the Brazilian Regional Championships. The athletes were randomly distributed into the following three groups: group 1 (n = 4) comprising athletes with the best results for relative strength, group 2 (n = 4) comprising athletes with intermediate results for relative strength, and group 3 (n = 2) comprising athletes with the lowest results for relative strength. To determine the strength potential of the athletes, the one repetition maximum test was chosen, and to identify their genetic profile their fingerprints were analyzed by the method of Cummins and Midlo using paper and ink. The data showed no homogeneity between the groups. Group 1 showed a higher genetic predisposition and better results for the quality of their physical strength. These results indicate that dermatoglyphics may be an important tool to identify and guide athletes according to their genetic potential.     

Injury incidence in a men's elite bandy league: an epidemiological study of a full regular season

Bandy is a popular European winter team-sport. The best bandy teams participate in semi-professional leagues, where the play-off games attract more than 10,000 spectators. Injury patterns in elite bandy have not been investigated previously. The aim of this study is to examine the incidence and types of injuries sustained during elite bandy games for men. Twelve of the 16 teams in the Swedish elite bandy league during the 2002 season participated in the study. In total, 36 injuries were recorded, corresponding to 7.3 injuries/1000 player game hours and 5.7 injuries/1000 athlete exposures. Collision was the most common injury cause (47%), while contusion was the most common injury type (25%), followed by fracture (22%) and ligament rupture (19%). The study showed that the injury incidence in elite bandy is low, but also that the injuries that are still sustained are relatively severe. This pattern can be explained by the fact that even though bandy rules do not allow body checks, collisions between skaters moving at high speeds still cause the majority of injuries. Further studies of the injury rehabilitation practices, and the implementation and evaluation of safety programs in elite bandy are warranted.