A conceptual model and detailed framework for stress-related,strain-related,and overuse athletic injury

A multitude of athletic injuries occur when the various tissues that make up the human body experience stresses and strains that exceed their material strength. The precise amount of stress and strain that any given tissue can withstand is determined by the mechanical properties and resultant strength of that particular tissue. These mechanical properties are directly determined by an individual’s physiology and acute regulation of these properties. A number of theoretical frameworks for athletic injury occurrence have been proposed, however, a detailed conceptual framework for injury aetiology that considers the interplay between the physiological and mechanical factors and outlines the causal pathways to tissue damage and injury is needed. This will guide injury research towards a more thorough investigation of causal mechanisms and understanding of risk factors. Further, it is important to take into account the considerable differences in loading patterns which can result in varying injury outcomes such as acute stress-related, strain-related, or overuse injury. Within this article a simplified conceptual model of athletic injury is proposed along with a detailed, evidence-informed, conceptual framework for athletic injury aetiology that focuses on stress-related, strain-related, and overuse injury.     

Apport d’une évaluation biomécanique dans la prise en charge des tendinopathies proximales des ischiojambiers : discussion à partir de deux cas cliniques

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to illustrate the benefits of static and dynamic biomechanical assessment, in addition to the conventional diagnostic approach in the management of patients with proximal hamstring tendinopathy.MethodTwo women, 30 years old, practicing intensive running (8–10 hours per week), presenting a proximal hamstring tendinopathy, were seen in consultation of biomechanical assessment. This multidisciplinary consultation includes a global static and dynamic assessment of the patient; dynamic assessment including video analysis and plantar pressure during walking and running on platform pressure plate.Cases reportEither 2 patients had pain in the buttock radiating to the posterior thigh, occurring during running and acceleration phases of sprint. Clinical examination showed just a pain in the ischium. Biomechanical assessment showed deficiency of the hip abductors and external rotators only for involved side for the 2 patients, responsible of a “sag” of the lower limb. Each of the 2 patients received a “conventional” rehabilitation, including stretching and eccentric exercises of the hamstring, associated with a specific care, according to the weaknesses identified in the biomechanical assessment, including hip external rotators. Full recovery of running was obtained at 4–6 weeks without subsequent recurrence.ConclusionProximal hamstring tendinopathy could be favoured by a deficiency of hip external rotators during walking or running only. It therefore seems appropriate to propose a static and dynamic biomechanical assessment in patients with proximal hamstring tendinopathy, looking for possible contributing/risks factors, such as dynamic hip internal rotation. Biomechanical assessment helps to target and adapt rehabilitation and could prevent the use of more invasive treatments.     

Reducing the probability of falsely elevated HbA1c results in diabetic patients by applying automated and educative HbA1c re-testing intervals

IntroductionToo frequent HbA1c measurements may lead to unnecessary treatment modifications of diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to estimate the percentage of falsely elevated HbA1c results in two hospitals, Landeskrankenhaus/Uniklinikum Salzburg (LKH) and Landesklinik St. Veit (STV), as well as to retrospectively investigate the effect of an automated and an educative 60-day re-testing interval (RTI).MethodsThe amount of estimated falsely elevated results (eFER), based on odds calculated using the baseline and the follow-up values and the time between these measurements, the number of HbA1c re-testings within 60 days as well as the overall number of ordered and performed HbA1c analyses were calculated. In LKH, an automated algorithm cancelling inappropriate HbA1c testing was applied, and in STV, educational actions were taken.ResultsBefore RTI-implementation, eFER were 0.9% and 2.1% and within-60-days-re-testing were 15.0% and 7.4% of cases in LKH and STV, respectively. After RTI-implementation, these numbers decreased to 0.2% (p < .001) and 1.8% (p = .869) and within-60-days-re-testing decreased to 1.1% (p < .001) and 3.6% (p = .003) in LKH and STV, respectively. Median monthly HbA1c measurements decreased by 15.8% (p < .001) and 21.1% (p = .002) in LKH and STV, respectively.ConclusionBoth the educational and the automated 60-day-RTI were proven to be efficient in reducing overall HbA1c measurements, re-testing within 60 days and eFER.     

Design and fabrication of the radial and ulnar wrist articulating control orthoses

Study DesignCase series.IntroductionPain and injury at the radial and ulnar aspects of the wrist due to overuse or trauma are commonly treated in hand therapy clinics.Purpose of StudyDescribe two orthoses that allow targeted rest and recovery of involved anatomical structure(s) while preserving function of surrounding uninvolved structures in patients who have sustained overuse or traumatic injury at the radial or ulnar aspect of the wrist.MethodsOutline the fabrication of the Ulnar-Wrist Articulating Control Orthosis (U-WACO) and Radial-Wrist Articulating Control Orthosis (R-WACO) as well as presents case examples for each orthosis.ResultsThe U-WACO and R-WACO designs may improve comfort, compliance, and functional ability to complete daily tasks while allowing targeted rest and recovery of involved anatomical structure(s) at the radial and ulnar aspects of the wrist due to overuse or trauma.ConclusionDynamic orthoses that allow for movement in one plane while restricting movement in another may overcome the shortcomings of some static orthotic designs.     

Prevalence of sport specialisation and association with injury history in youth football

ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of sport specialisation in youth football, and to investigate the associations of sport specialisation and volume of sport participation with injury history.DesignCross-sectional questionnaire.SettingNew Zealand youth football teams.Participants414 youth football players aged 10–15 years.Main outcome measuresThe level of specialisation, average weekly sport participation and free-play volume were recorded. 12-month injury history was captured and grouped by injury type. Associations between level of specialisation and demographic variables were analysed using chi square tests. Logistic regression was used to investigate associations between injury history, level of specialisation, and volume of participation.ResultsParticipants were classified as high (43%), moderate (38%), or low (19%) specialised (n = 399 complete). High specialisation was more likely in boys, older participants, and those from large schools. Highly specialised participants were more likely to report a history of gradual onset injury than those who were low specialised (n = 340 with complete injury data). Odds of reporting a gradual onset injury also increased with greater weekly and annual sport participation volume.ConclusionsThere is a high prevalence of sport specialisation in youth football, and it is associated with increased incidence of gradual onset injury.     

Preventive effect of tailored exercises on patellar tendinopathy in elite youth athletes: A cohort study

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of an intervention with tailored exercises on the incidence of patellar tendinopathy (PT) in elite youth jumping athletes.DesignProspective crossover cohort.SettingOne sport club facility.Participants271 elite youth basketball and volleyball player were followed in the first year of the study (Observation year) and 270 athletes were followed in the second year (intervention year).Main outcome measureIncidence rates of PT per 1,000h of exposure. Cox survival analysis was used to verify the effects of the intervention (exercises implemented according to the findings of a preseason assessment) on PT incidence.ResultsThe exercise prevention program significantly reduced the number of cases of PT, with athletes submitted to the intervention showing 51% less risk of developing PT. The overall PT incidence in the Observation year (5.9 per 1,000h of exposure) was significantly higher than that in the intervention year (2.8 per 1,000h of exposure) (P = .037). Twenty-six athletes developed PT in the observation year, whereas 13 athletes developed PT in the intervention year.ConclusionsA tailored preventive program may be able to reduce the incidence of patellar tendinopathy, especially in male youth volleyball athletes. Randomized controlled trials are encouraged to confirm these findings.     

Effects of Phonophoresis and Gold Nanoparticles in Experimental Model of Muscle Overuse: Role of Oxidative Stress

The aim of the study described here was to investigate the effects of pulsed ultrasound and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on behavioral, inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters in an experimental model of overuse. Wistar rats performed 21 d of exercise on a treadmill at different intensities and were exposed to ultrasound in the presence or absence of AuNPs. The overuse model promoted behavioral changes and increased creatine kinase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity, as well as the levels of superoxide, nitrotyrosine, nitric oxide, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, carbonyl, tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-6. These values were significantly decreased by AuNPs and by AuNPs plus ultrasound. Catalase activity remained unchanged and the glutathione level increased significantly after exposure to AuNPs plus ultrasound. These results suggest a susceptibility to anxiety as well as elevated levels of oxidative stress. However, therapeutic interventions with AuNPs plus ultrasound reduced the production of oxidants and oxidative damage and improved the anti-oxidant defense system.