Men's lacrosse protective equipment increases strain during exercise in the heat

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine thermoregulatory and cardiovascular effects of wearing men's lacrosse protective equipment during simulated lacrosse activities in the heat.DesignWe conducted a randomized, controlled, crossover study.MethodsThirteen healthy men (22 ± 3 y, 76.2 ± 8.9 kg, 181 ± 6 cm, 16.06 ± 6.16% body fat) completed two matched exercise trials in the heat (WBGT: 25.5 ± 0.8 °C). In randomized order, participants donned full men's lacrosse equipment (helmet, shoulder/elbow pads, and gloves) in one trial while the other included no equipment. Participants completed a topography body scan to determine specific body surface area covered with equipment. Rectal temperature (T_re), heart rate (HR), and mean weighted skin temperature (T_sk) were measured throughout trials. Whole body sweat rate was assessed for trial comparisons.ResultsThe equipment covered 32.62 ± 2.53% body surface area in our participants. Post-exercise T_re was significantly greater with equipment (39.36 ± 0.04 °C) compared to control (38.98 ± 0.49 °C; p = .007). The overall rate of rise of T_re was significantly greater with equipment (0.043 ± 0.015 °C·min⁻¹) compared to control (0.031 ± 0.008 °Cmin⁻¹; p = .041). Regardless of time point, HR and T_sk were significantly elevated with equipment compared to control trial (p ≤ .026). Sweat rates were elevated with equipment (1.76 ± 0.74 L·h⁻¹) compared to shorts and t-shirt (1.13 ± 0.26 L·h⁻¹), but this difference was not significant (p = .058).ConclusionsOur data indicate impairments in heat dissipation and increased cardiovascular strain imposed by men's lacrosse equipment.     

Changes in the cervical spine in Association Football players

Forty-three former players for the National Football Team of Norway were examined clinically and radiologically for degenerative changes in the cervical spine. Compared with men of the same age groups the onset of degeneration was 10-20 years earlier and the frequency of degeneration was significantly higher. Degenerative changes were not especially high in “headers”, but this group had a higher frequency of subjective complaints and clinical findings such as reduced cervical movements.     

Use of protective equipment in a cohort of rugby players.

PURPOSE: To describe the level of usage of protective devices and equipment in a cohort of New Zealand rugby players. METHODS: Male and female players (N = 327) from a range of competitive grades were followed over the course of the season. Participants were interviewed weekly about their participation in rugby and use of protective equipment. The main outcome measure was percentage of all player-weeks of follow-up for which each equipment item was used. RESULTS: Mouthguards, the most commonly used equipment item, were worn for 64.9% of player-weeks. Mouthguard usage ranged from 55.0% of player-weeks in Schoolgirls grade to 72.9% of player-weeks in Senior A competition. The next most common item was taping of body joints (23.7% of player-weeks). The sites most commonly taped were the ankle, knee, and hand. Overall usage for the other protective equipment items studied (shin guards, padded headgear, head tape, support sleeves, and grease) was below 15%. In general, forwards had higher usage of protective equipment than backs, and male players had higher usage than female players. The most common self-reported reasons for using protective equipment were to prevent injury and because of a past injury. Players exhibited considerable week-to-week variation in their usage of protective equipment. CONCLUSIONS: In general, equipment usage was highest in those at greatest risk of injury, namely, forwards, male players, and the senior grades. The high voluntary use of mouthguards is encouraging and indicative of a base of player support for their role in this sport.     

Descriptive characteristics of NCAA Division I women lacrosse players

The purpose of this investigation was to describe anthropometric and physical performance characteristics of Division I college female lacrosse players. An additional aim of the study was to examine positional differences in this sample of athletes. Eighty-four university lacrosse players (age=19.8+/-1.1 years; height=168.3+/-5.9 cm; body mass=64.7+/-6.9 kg) volunteered to participate and were evaluated at the end of their off-season. Test items included standing height, body mass, linear sprint speed (9.14-36.58 m), agility (pro-agility and Illinois), countermovement jump height and the 20 Meter Shuttle Run Test (MSRT). Standing height was different between positions, pairwise comparisons indicating that attackers were taller than defenders (p=0.029). No other dependent variable differed between positions. Homogeneity between positions for women's lacrosse players indicates that the tests used do not have a high discriminatory value or could reflect the lack of development of positional specificity due to relatively minimal playing experience by participants. Although positional distinctions were not observed in this study, quartiles and ranges provide evidence that performance in female lacrosse players varies markedly.     

Physical demands of female collegiate lacrosse competition: whole-match and peak periods analysis

Sport Sciences for Health - The use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) has provided Sports Scientists with the ability to investigate locomotive behavior in sport. With Lacrosse being the fastest...     

Comparing the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injury in collegiate lacrosse, soccer, and basketball players: implications for anterior cruciate ligament mechanism and prevention

BACKGROUND: Female college basketball and soccer athletes have higher rates of anterior cruciate ligament injury than do their male counterparts. Rates of anterior cruciate ligament injuries for women and men in collegiate lacrosse have not been examined. Understanding anterior cruciate ligament injury patterns in lacrosse, a full-contact sport for men and noncontact sport for women, could further injury prevention efforts. HYPOTHESES: Female anterior cruciate ligament injury rates will decrease over time owing to longer participation in sports. Lacrosse anterior cruciate ligament injury rates will be lower than rates in basketball and soccer possibly owing to beneficial biomechanics of carrying a lacrosse stick. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (Prevalence); Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Data from the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance System were analyzed to compare men's and women's anterior cruciate ligament injuries in basketball, lacrosse, and soccer over 15 years. RESULTS: Anterior cruciate ligament injury rates in women's basketball and soccer were 0.28 and 0.32 injuries per 1000 athlete exposures, respectively, and did not decline over the study period. In men's basketball, injury rate fluctuated between 0.03 and 0.13 athlete exposures. Rates of anterior cruciate ligament injury did not significantly change in men's soccer over the study period. The rate of anterior cruciate ligament injury in men's lacrosse (0.17 athlete exposures, P < .05) was significantly higher than in men's basketball (0.08 athlete exposures) and soccer (0.12 athlete exposures). Injury rate in women's lacrosse (0.18 athlete exposures, P < .05) was significantly lower than in women's basketball and soccer. CONCLUSION: There was no discernable change in rate of anterior cruciate ligament injury in men or women during the study period. Men's lacrosse is a high-risk sport for anterior cruciate ligament injury. Unlike basketball and soccer, the rates of anterior cruciate ligament injury are essentially the same in men's and women's lacrosse. The level of allowed contact in pivoting sports may be a factor in determining sport-specific anterior cruciate ligament risk.     

Use and perception of breast protective equipment by female contact football players

ObjectivesFemale contact football players sustain contact breast injuries that can negatively affect their sporting performance. This study investigated what female contact football players wear on their breasts during training and competition, and their perceptions on the protection provided by these garments against contact breast injury.DesignA custom-designed survey about breast injuries and prevention strategies was distributed via an online link to coaches and team staff of contact football teams throughout Australia. The fit and features of breast support and/or protection that players wore during training and competition were also directly assessed.Methods207 female Australian Football League (AFL), Rugby League, Rugby Union (XVs) and Rugby 7 s players completed the survey. The breast support of 112 of these players was also assessed.ResultsOnly 17% (n = 35) of players reported using breast protective equipment, of which 66% (n = 23) perceived it provided protection against contact breast injuries. Reasons reported for not using protective equipment included not knowing it existed (n = 79, 53%), it was too uncomfortable/hot (n = 50, 24%) and that it did not fit or was restrictive (n = 33, 22%). Although most players (n = 97, 87%) reported to wear a sports bra, 52% (n = 58) wore an ill-fitted bra and only 31% (n = 63) perceived it provided any protection against contact breast injuries.ConclusionsBreast protective equipment is not commonly worn by female contact football players reportedly due to a lack of awareness of its existence, discomfort or poor fit. Although most female contact football players usually wore a sports bra, most players perceived these bras did not provide breast protection.     

Lower preseason reactive strength index scores are associated with injury in female collegiate volleyball players but not male collegiate basketball players

ObjectivesFunctional tests are used by sports medicine professionals to discriminate injury risk in athletes. One test that has shown promise is the drop vertical jump (DVJ); however, it is primarily used to evaluate measures associated with anterior cruciate ligament injury. The DVJ test can also be used to calculate the reactive strength index (RSI); a measure used to assess an athlete’s power. The ability of the RSI to discriminate injury risk is unknown. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the ability of preseason RSI scores to identify athletes at risk for a noncontact time-loss injury to the low back or lower extremities.DesignProspective cohort.MethodsOne hundred and fifty-five male collegiate basketball (BB) players and 117 female collegiate volleyball (VB) players were recruited for this study. DVJ tests were performed in a motion capture lab.ResultsFemale VB players with a RSI 0.9125 m/s or less (30.48 cm box) were 4 times (relative risk = 4.2 [95% CI: 1.0, 17.7]; p-value = 0.024) more likely to be injured. There was no association between preseason scores and injury in the male BB athletes.ConclusionRSI scores should be collected for female collegiate VB players as part of a preseason screen.     

Analysis of real-time head accelerations in collegiate football players.

OBJECTIVE: To measure and analyze head accelerations during American collegiate football practices and games. METHODS: A newly developed in-helmet 6-accelerometer system that transmits data via radio frequency to a sideline receiver and laptop computer system was implemented. From the data transfer of these accelerometer traces, the sideline staff has real-time data including the head acceleration, the head injury criteria value, the severity index value, and the impact location. Data are presented for instrumented players for the entire 2003 football season, including practices and games. SETTING: American collegiate football. SUBJECTS: Thirty-eight players from Virginia Tech's varsity football team. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Accelerations and pathomechanics of head impacts. RESULTS:: A total of 3312 impacts were recorded over 35 practices and 10 games for 38 players. The average peak head acceleration, Gadd Severity Index, and Head Injury Criteria were 32 g +/- 25 g, 36 g +/- 91 g, and 26 g +/- 64 g, respectively. One concussive event was observed with a peak acceleration of 81 g, a 267 Gadd Severity Index, and 200 Head Injury Criteria. Because the concussion was not reported until the day after of the event, a retrospective diagnosis based on his history and clinical evaluation suggested a mild concussion. CONCLUSIONS: The primary finding of this study is that the helmet-mounted accelerometer system proved effective at collecting thousands of head impact events and providing contemporaneous head impact parameters that can be integrated with existing clinical evaluation techniques.     

Shoulder range of motion characteristics in collegiate baseball players.

BACKGROUND: To determine range of motion and capsular characteristics of dominant and nondominant shoulders in baseball players. Our hypothesis was that there is a significant difference between dominant and nondominant range of motion in collegiate baseball players with unoperated and without shoulder pain. METHODS: Design: prospective, range of motion measurements during regular season. Setting: two collegiate baseball teams in Houston. Participants: 15 pitchers and 23 position players. Main outcome measures: shoulder range of motion was evaluated by goniometric technique in all baseball players. Horizontal adduction (cross body reach test) and active internal rotation (reach behind back) in standing position and external rotation and internal rotation in supine lying position were measured for each player. RESULTS: Average external rotation with the arm in 90 degrees of abduction was significantly greater and average internal rotation was less in the dominant shoulder than in the nondominant shoulders, both in pitchers and position players. There was no statistical difference in shoulder horizontal adduction. Both dominant and nondominant shoulders of pitchers had greater average range of motion in horizontal adduction and external rotation at 90 degrees of abduction and less average internal rotation than those of position players. Although there was a significant difference in active internal rotation as cm between dominant and nondominant shoulders both in both groups, no difference was found between pitchers and position players. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in the range of motion in the throwing shoulder of baseball players exist involved in overhead throwing motions and should be considered in rehabilitation of the upper extremity after injury and in the prevention of injury for pitchers and position players.     

Epidemiology of concussion in collegiate and high school football players

Despite evolutionary changes in protective equipment, head injury remains common in football. We investigated concussion in football and associated epidemiologic issues such as 1) incidence of injury, 2) common signs and symptoms, and 3) patterns in making return-to-play decisions. We received 242 of 392 surveys (62%) that were sent to high school and collegiate certified athletic trainers at the beginning of three football seasons. Of the 17,549 football players represented, 888 (5.1%) sustained at least one concussion, and 131 (14.7% of the 888) sustained a second injury during the same season. The greatest incidence of concussion was found at the high school (5.6%) and collegiate division III (5.5%) levels, suggesting that there is an association between level of play and the proportion of players injured. Players who sustained one concussion in a season were three times more likely to sustain a second concussion in the same season compared with uninjured players. Contact with artificial turf appears to be associated with a more serious concussion than contact with natural grass. Only 8.9% of all injuries involved loss of consciousness, while 86% involved a headache. Overall, 30.8% of all players sustaining a concussion returned to participation on the same day of injury.     

No evidence of impaired neurocognitive performance in collegiate soccer players

A high incidence of cerebral concussion has been reported among soccer players. We studied whether long-term or chronic neuropsychological dysfunction was present in collegiate soccer players. Two hundred forty subjects from a National Collegiate Athletic Association division I institution were stratified into three groups: soccer athletes (91), nonsoccer athletes (96 women's field hockey, women's lacrosse, and baseball players), and controls (53 college students). Subjects completed a concussion history questionnaire and underwent preseason baseline neuropsychological testing before the start of either the freshman or sophomore year. Data were collected on the results of six neuropsychological tests and from a concussion history questionnaire for number of previous concussions, Scholastic Aptitude Test results, and exposure to soccer and heading. Despite an average of 15.3 seasons of soccer exposure and a higher prevalence of previous concussions, the soccer athletes did not demonstrate impaired neurocognitive function or scholastic aptitude when compared with the nonsoccer athletes or the student nonathletes. Additionally, there was no significant relationship between a history of soccer-related concussion and either neurocognitive performance or scholastic aptitude. Neither participation in soccer nor a history of soccer-related concussions was associated with impaired performance of neurocognitive function in high-level United States soccer players.     

Use of SSFSE sequence for cine-MRI of the cervical spine in professional front-line rugby players

A SSFSE sequence is proposed in the sagittal plane for a cine-MRI of the cervical spine in front-line rugby players. Thus one can complete the static study and improve the detection of canal stenosis and the prevention of spinal cord injuries.     

Prevalence and variance of shoulder injuries in elite collegiate football players

BACKGROUND: Shoulder injuries are the fourth most common musculoskeletal injury encountered in American football players. There is little information in the literature on the role of playing position in the type of shoulder injuries seen. HYPOTHESIS: There is a high prevalence of shoulder injuries in elite collegiate American football players, with type of injury varying by playing position. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (prevalence); Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A total of 336 elite collegiate American football players were invited to the National Football League Combine for physical testing and medical evaluation. Current and historical data were evaluated for the purpose of this study, and all players underwent radiographic examinations, including plain radiographs and/or magnetic resonance imaging when necessary. All shoulder pathological conditions and shoulder surgical procedures were recorded. Players were categorized by position for the analysis of position-specific trends. RESULTS: Of the players, 50% had a history of shoulder injuries, with a total of 226 shoulder injuries (1.3 injuries per player injured); 56 players (34%) had a total of 73 surgeries. The most common injuries were acromioclavicular separation (41%), anterior instability (20%), rotator cuff injury (12%), clavicle fracture (4%), and posterior instability (4%). The most common surgeries performed were anterior instability reconstruction (48%), Mumford/Weaver-Dunn surgery (15%), posterior instability surgery (10%), and rotator cuff surgery (10%). Shoulder injuries were more common in quarterbacks and defensive backs. Surgery was more common in linebackers or linemen. A history of anterior instability was more common in defensive players, with surgery required 76% of the time. Linemen had more rotator cuff injuries and posterior instability than players in other positions. CONCLUSION: Shoulder injuries are common injuries in elite collegiate football players, with one-third undergoing surgical procedures. There are definitive trends in the types of injuries per player position.