Injuries in professional motor car racing drivers at a racing circuit between 1996 and 2000

Background: Research on injuries in racing drivers is limited.

Objective: To gain more information about such injuries.

Methods: Injuries recorded during and after races between 1996 and 2000 were investigated using the medical charts from the circuit medical centre at Fuji Speedway, which is one of the biggest circuits in Japan. Races were in either single seat/formula cars or saloon cars.

Results: Data were obtained from 39 races in single seat cars (1030 participating cars) and 42 races in saloon cars (1577 cars). Fifty injuries were recorded during the single seat car races, and 62 during the saloon car races (injury rate 1.2 per 1000 competitors per race and 0.9 per 1000 competitors per race respectively). Thirteen injuries were recorded after the race, 12 of them in saloon car racing. Bruises were the major injury in single seat car racing (58%). Lower limb bruising was more common than upper limb bruising. Most of the injuries in saloon car racing (53.2%) were neck sprains. The incidence of concussion was high in both groups compared with other high risk sports.

Conclusions: There were some differences in injuries between the two types of car. No serious injuries occurred except for one death. However, the driver's body is subjected to large forces in a crash, hence the high incidence of concussion. The injuries recorded after the race emphasise that motor racing is a demanding sport.

     

Carbon monoxide poisoning in racing car drivers

BACKGROUND: To determine if carbon monoxide (CO) exposure during competition racing is significant enough to cause post-racing symptoms among professional racing drivers. METHODS: Closed vehicle professional racing drivers were questioned after competition regarding symptoms consistent with heat exposure, dehydration, and carbon monoxide poisoning. All drivers, regardless of symptoms, underwent expired CO monitoring using a breath analyzer both before and after competition events. CO measurements were performed prior to any post-race interviews. Driver smoking history, laps at low speed (under caution), cockpit fire or damage to the exhaust system were also noted. An association between driver symptoms, track and vehicle condition, and increases in expired CO levels during racing was sought. RESULTS: Twenty-eight drivers completed the study. Each driver was tested both before and after each competition event, and some drivers were tested at different tracks. All of the tested drivers experienced an increase in carboxyhemoglobin concentrations during the competition event. Drivers who smoked had higher baseline levels than non-smokers, but were no more likely to have symptoms. The driver with the highest post-race CO level was exposed to a fire which completely destroyed the vehicle, but he complained of no symptoms after the race. Most drivers complained of post-race symptoms or appeared symptomatic, but no correlation could be shown between post-race CO levels and symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: There is a mild increase in driver CO levels during professional road racing competition, however, no correlation with CO level and driver symptomatology can be demonstrated. Carbon monoxide does not appear to be a significant cause of post-race driver symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, headache, and weakness.     

Effect of Kinesio taping on muscle strength in athletes—A pilot study

Muscle strength is a key component of an athlete's performance and may be influenced by taping. This study examined the possible immediate and delayed effects of Kinesio taping on muscle strength in quadriceps and hamstring when taping is applied to the anterior thigh of healthy young athletes. Fourteen healthy young athletes (seven males and seven females) free of knee problems were enrolled in this study. Muscle strength of the subject was assessed by the isokinetic dynamometer under three conditions: (1) without taping; (2) immediately after taping; (3) 12h after taping with the tape remaining in situ. The result revealed no significant difference in muscle power among the three conditions. Kinesio taping on the anterior thigh neither decreased nor increased muscle strength in healthy non-injured young athletes.     

Power output during stage racing in professional road cycling

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the power output during a multistage professional road race using direct power measurements and to compare these results with the performance measurements using competition heart rate recordings. METHODS: Six professional road cyclists performed an incremental cycling test during which peak power output, power output, and heart rate at the lactate threshold (LT) and at a lactate increase of 1 mM above the LT (LT + 1) were assessed. During a six-stage road race competition, power output was measured directly (SRM crankset). To analyze the time spent at different intensities during competition, the amount of competition time spent below LT (zone 1), between the LT and LT + 1 (zone 2), and above LT + 1 (zone 3) determined during laboratory testing were calculated for power output and heart rate. RESULTS: During the five mass start stages, a mean power output of 220 +/- 22 W (3.1 +/- 0.2 W x kg(-1)) with a mean heart rate of 142 +/- 5 bpm was measured. Average power output during an uphill time trial was 392 +/- 60 W (5.5 +/- 0.4 W x kg(-1)) with a mean heart rate of 169 +/- 3 bpm. For the mass start stages, the average distribution of exercise time spent in different intensities calculated for power output and heart rate was 58 versus 38% for zone 1, 14 versus 38% for zone 2, and 28 versus 24% for zone 3. CONCLUSION: Most of the competition time during the mass start stages was spent at intensities near the LT. Compared with power output, heart rate measurement underestimated the time spent at intensity zones 1 and 3, and overestimated the time spent in zone 2.     

Changes in plasma enzyme activities in professional racing cyclists.

OBJECTIVE: To reports changes in plasma levels in professional racing cyclists. METHODS: Plasma levels of the intracellular enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase were measured resting and after exercise in professional cyclists participating in two road races: Vuelta Ciclista a Valencia (800 km, beginning of the cyclist season), and the top rank race Vuelta a España (2700 km, at the end of cyclist season). RESULTS: A significant increase in plasma aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase was observed at the end of the race over the corresponding paired start values (P < 0.05). The increase in plasma lactate dehydrogenase after the race was only statistically significant (P < 0.05) in the Vuelta a España. The longer the duration of the cycle tour race, the greater were the increases in aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels. The high levels returned to their start values during the overnight resting period. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of these enzymes in the blood is probably due to mechanically damaged muscle cells leaking their contents into the interstitial fluid.     

Hypermobility, injury rate and rehabilitation in a professional football squad – A preliminary study

ObjectivesTo determine if joint hypermobility is a risk factor for injury in a professional football squad. Primary objectives were to estimate the prevalence of hypermobility amongst a professional football squad and to undertake an audit of injuries sustained over a season. Secondary objectives were to relate the injury audit findings and hypermobility levels to time missed through injury, assessed by training days and competitive first team games missed after musculo-skeletal injury.HypothesisIncreasing levels of joint hypermobility may result in an increased risk of injury in a contact sport such as professional football.DesignA prospective observational study consisting of the Beighton joint hypermobility screen and an injury audit (season 2007/8).SettingA second tier, English professional football club.ParticipantsThirty-three male professional footballers aged 18–35 years.Main outcome measuresThe Beighton joint hypermobility screen and a seasonal injury audit.ResultsThe prevalence of joint hypermobility was found to be between 21 and 42% depending on the cut-off score used for the Beighton scale. Similar injury rates were found in both the hypermobile and non-hypermobile participants (6.2 as compared to 6.3 injuries/1000 h exposure respectively). Once injured, the hypermobile group showed a tendency towards missing more competitive first team games (12 as compared to 5/season in non-hypermobiles) and training days (71 as compared to 31 days/season in non-hypermobiles). These findings were not statistically significant.ConclusionsThe prevalence of joint hypermobility in a cohort of professional footballers is comparable to previous studies in athletic populations and is dependent upon which Beighton cut-off score is selected. It may be inferred from this preliminary study that the return to play timescales in hypermobile individuals may be extended so as to minimise the potential risk of re-injury and limit the socioeconomic costs associated with time out of competition.     

Reduction of Hb levels during the racing season in nonsideropenic professional cyclists

Hematological variables of 40 professional cyclists, all receiving intravenous iron supplementation, were followed during a 15-month period. Mean values for red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Ht) were significantly lower during the racing season (RS) than during the nonracing periods (NRP) (RBC: RS = 4.53 +/- 0.34 millions/mm3, NRP = 5.09 +/- 0.36 millions/mm3; line 7 of abstract: Hb: RS = 14.2 +/- 0.9 g/dl, MRS = 15.2 +/- 0.9 g/dl; Ht: RS = 40.7 +/- 2.7% NRP = 44.4 +/- 2.9%; P less than 0.001 for all). However, mean values for ferritin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were significantly higher during the racing season (ferritin: RS = 422 +/- 398 ng/ml, NRP = 311 +/- 321 ng/ml, P less than 0.05; MCH: RS = 31.5 +/- 1.3 pg, NRP = 30.0 +/- 1.4 pg; P less than 0.001). These results suggest that the reductions in RBC, Hb, and Ht found in professional cyclists during the racing season are not the consequence of a diminution of iron stores but rather of reduced erythropoiesis and increased RBC destruction.     

Laryngocele — A study of five cases with reference to the radiological features

Arising from the ventricle of the larynx are small saccules, usually less than 10 mm in length. Occasionally the saccules may enlarge and the term laryngocele is applied. Five symptomatic cases are described with the radiological findings, which in each case contributed to the diagnosis established at operation.     

Injury related risk behavior — a study of Australian skydivers

Risk taking behaviour has been identified as an important host-related determinant of injury in young adults. The aim of this study is to clarify the relationship between the two key elements of risk taking behaviour--ie, risk assessment and risk acceptance--in participants of a high risk sporting activity. Skydivers registered with the Australian Parachute Federation were sampled at several jump meetings held at three 'drop-zones' in North Eastern Australia. A cross sectional survey of 215 skydivers ascertained each subject's risk assessment of each of nine hypothetical sky diving scenes and whether or not they would jump in the described conditions. Variables which independently predicted an individual's risk assessment were age group (p < 0.05). gender (p < 0.05) and scene details (p < 0.001). Risk assessment was found to be a statistically significant predictor of the decision to jump, with a 22% decrease in the odds of jumping with every unit increase in risk assessment (OR = 0.78: 95% CI: 0.76, 0.80). Gender was also found to be a statistically significant predictor of the decision to jump, with males being 19% more likely to jump than females, after controlling for age, experience, currency and risk assessment (OR = 1. 19: 95% CI; 1.04, 1.38). The importance of these results is that, by quantifying the relationship between two key elements of risk taking behaviour and several important host factor determinants, they facilitate more informed discussion about the possible role of risk taking behaviour in the causation of injury.     

Effects of respiratory muscle endurance training on wheelchair racing performance in athletes with paraplegia: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Respiratory muscle endurance training (RMET) has been shown to improve both respiratory muscle and cycling exercise endurance in able-bodied subjects. Since effects of RMET on upper extremity exercise performance have not yet been investigated, we evaluated the effects of RMET on 10-km time-trial performance in wheelchair racing athletes. DESIGN: Pilot study, controlled before and after trial. SETTING: Spinal cord injury research center. PARTICIPANTS: 12 competitive wheelchair racing athletes. INTERVENTIONS: The training group performed 30 sessions of RMET for 30 min each. The control group did no respiratory muscle training. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Differences in 10-km time-trial performance pre- versus postintervention. RESULTS: In the training group, the time of the 10-km time-trial decreased significantly from before versus after intervention (27.1 +/- 9.0 vs. 24.1 +/- 6.6 min); this did not occur in the control group (23.3 +/- 2.8 vs. 23.2 +/- 2.4 min). No between groups difference was present (P = 0.150). Respiratory muscle endurance increased significantly within the training group (9.1 +/- 7.2 vs. 39.9 +/- 17.8 min) and between groups, but not within the control group (4.3 +/- 2.9 vs. 6.6 +/- 7.0 min) before versus after intervention. CONCLUSION: There was a strong trend, with a large observed effect size of d = 0.87, towards improved performance in the 10-km time-trial after 6 weeks of RMET.     

Effects of bi-axial ankle strengthening on muscle co-contraction during gait in chronic stroke patients: A randomized controlled pilot study

IntroductionAnkle dysfunction in patients with stroke is a common but serious cause of balance and gait impairments. However, comprehensive paretic ankle training seldom exists. Thus, we investigated the effects of a bi-axial ankle muscle training program using visual feedback as a means to improve ankle strength and performance of functional activities in patients with stroke.MethodsThis study was a randomized controlled pilot trial with concealed allocation and assessor blinding and intention-to-treat analysis. Twenty-five patients with stroke and difficulty in walking (e.g., foot drop) or ankle muscle weakness receiving inpatient rehabilitation were included. The experimental group underwent ankle muscle training consisting of passive stretching, control of ankle muscles, and active-resistive strengthening using visual feedback for 40 min per day, 5 times per week for 4 weeks. The control group underwent ankle-related physical therapy, including ankle range-of-motion exercises. The amount of time for training was equal between the two groups. The outcome measurements were isometric ankle contraction force to assess the strength of ankle muscles, ankle proprioception, Fugl–Meyer lower extremity score, Berg balance scale score, walking speed, and ankle co-contraction index to assess muscle efficiency during gait.ResultsThe analysis revealed significant between-group differences in the ankle muscle strength in each direction (P < 0.05), Fugl–Meyer score (P < 0.01), and stance-phase co-contraction index (P < 0.05). After training, the experimental group displayed significant within-group differences in the strength of the ankle muscles in each direction (P < 0.01), ankle proprioception (P < 0.05), and walking speed (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate the significant short-term effects of ankle muscle training on strength, walking speed, and muscle efficiency in patients with chronic stroke.     

Glomus jugulare tumours in South Wales — A twenty-year review

Fourteen patients with glomus jugulare tumours presenting over the last 20 years in South Wales are reviewed. All were treated with radiotherapy and only two died, both of whom had radiological evidence of extensive intrapetrosal spread. All the remainder had good relief of symptoms and are at present free from evidence of progressing tumour.     

An analysis of injuries resulting from professional horse racing in France during 1991-2001: a comparison with injuries resulting from professional horse racing in Great Britain during 1992-2001

Background

It has been previously shown that professional jockeys suffer high rates of fatal and non‐fatal injuries in the pursuit of their occupation. Little is known, however, about differences in injury rates between countries.

Aim

To determine the rate of fatal and non‐fatal injuries in flat and jump jockeys in France and to compare the injury rates with those in Great Britain and Ireland

Method

Prospectively collected injury data on professional jockeys were used as the basis of the analysis.

Results

Limb fractures occur four times more often in both flat and jump racing in France than in Great Britain. Similarly dislocations are diagnosed 20 times more often in flat and three times more often in jump racing. This difference is surprising given that French jockeys have fewer falls per ride than their British counterparts in flat racing, although they do have more falls than the British in jump racing. Similarly concussion rates seem to be higher in French jockeys, although there may be a difference in the diagnostic methods used in the different countries. By contrast, soft tissue injuries account for a far smaller percentage of injuries than in Great Britain.

Conclusion

There are striking differences in injury rates between countries which may be explained in part by a difference in track conditions—for example, harder tracks in France—or different styles of racing—for example, larger fields of horses per race in France.     

Dose to contralateral breast—A comparative study

Radiation, especially subtherapeutic doses, has been proven to be carcinogenic. During therapeutic irradiation, normal tissue is exposed to some dose due to internal and external scatter from the primary beam. The dose to the contralateral breast during primary irradiation may cause secondary breast malignancies. For example, studies have shown that half-beam block techniques can dramatically increase the opposite breast dose. An attempt has been made to calculate the dose delivered during primary breast irradiation. Materials used will include previously published articles in medical and science journals. Preliminary results from a study currently being done by Marilyn Stovall will also be utilized. Isodose distributions demonstrating various treatment techniques will be shown.