Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation

Context: No studies report injury incidence for an elite rugby union team in Japan during the entire season. Also, no studies examine how athlete availability is affected because of injuries. Objective: This investigation reported the injury incidence and athlete availability of the elite rugby union team in Japan and identified the injury characteristics. Design: Descriptive Epidemiology Study. Setting: Elite rugby union team in Japan. Patients or Other Participants: Fifty-seven players from one elite rugby union team participated in this study. The team participated in Japan’s first elite rugby union league division. These consisted of 41 Japanese players, 8 South African players, 5 Tongan players, 2 New Zealand players, and 1 Australian player. Data Collection and Analysis: Injuries were recorded prospectively over 1 season. Athlete-exposure (AE), athlete-hour (AH), injury burden, and availability was analyzed. Results: As a result of this study, 72 time-loss injuries were identified throughout the single-season. Injury incidence in Japan’s elite rugby union team is indicated as high in the field training and low during the official match compared to foreign leagues. Type of injury, muscle strain injuries in the lower leg and thigh, and concussion occurred most frequently. Athlete availability during the in-season phase was high throughout but tended to decline toward the latter half of the season. Conclusions: This investigation revealed the characteristics and incidence of injury and athlete availability of Japan’s elite rugby union team. These data reveal focus points for injury prevention and provide beneficial information for strength and conditioning coaches and athletic trainers.

Purpose: to detect the mechanisms for shoulder pain and injury during forehand overhead stroke using the questionnaire and 2D video analysis. Methods and Materials: Participants were 48 university badminton players (aged 18-22) with national tournament level who had no current shoulder injuries. A questionnaire investigation and a forehand overhead clear test were performed. The angle of arm slot at the moment of hit was calculated from 2D videos analysis using Image J software. Data were compared between badminton players with shoulder problems and those without. Results: There were 6 badminton players reported a history of shoulder injury that all of them were offensive players. 11 badminton players (8 offensive players and 3 defensive players) reported present shoulder pain that offensive players showed 7.33 times more likely to sustain present shoulder pain than defensive players (OR = 7.33, 95%CI: 1.55-34.70, p = 0.007; Fisher’s Exact test: p = 0.012). Moreover, offensive players with present shoulder pain had significantly greater score of VAS (visual analog scale) than defensive players (74.0 mm ± 14.2 mm vs 44.6 mm ± 24.4 mm, p = 0.04). Significant differences of arm slot angle were found among badminton players with shoulder pain free, history of shoulder injury and present shoulder pain (35.74o ± 4.85o vs 42.90o ± 11.89 o vs 37.81o ± 6.40o, F = 3.27, p = 0.047). Conclusion: Offensive badminton players are more likely to suffer from shoulder injury and strong intensity of shoulder pain. Greater arm slot angle of hit phase might be the mechanism leading to shoulder problems in badminton players. For improving shoulder re-injury prevention and rehabilitation protocols, our findings should be taken into consideration by physiotherapists, physicians and coaches.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of monitoring professional female dancer health with a variety of subjective and objective monitoring methods, including application of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to modelling menstrual cycle hormones and delivering swift personalised clinical advice. Methods: Female dancers from a ballet company completed a published online dance-specific health questionnaire. Over the study period, dancers recorded wellbeing and training metrics, with menstrual cycle tracking and blood tests. For menstrual cycle hormones AI-based techniques modelled hormone variation over a cycle, based on capillary blood samples taken at two time points. At regular, virtual, clinical interviews with each dancer, findings were discussed, and personalised advice given. Results: 14 female dancers (mean age 25.5 years, SD 3.7) participated in the study. 10 dancers recorded positive scores on the dance health questionnaire, suggesting a low risk of relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S). 2 dancers were taking hormonal contraception. Apart from 1 dancer, those not on hormonal contraception reported current eumenorrhoeic status. The initiative of monitoring menstrual cycles and application of AI to model menstrual cycle hormones found that subclinical hormone disruption was occurring in 6 of the 10 dancers reporting regular cycles. 4 of the 6 dancers who received personalised advice, showed improved menstrual hormone function, including one dancer who had a planned pregnancy. Conclusions: Multimodal monitoring facilitated delivery of prompt personalised clinical medical feedback specific for dance. This strategy enabled the early identification and swift management of emergent clinical issues. These innovations received positive feedback from the dancers.

Background: This clinical study sought to understand the knee range of motion (KROM) in an amputated stump during repeat voluntary knee extension with or without a 0.5 kg weight in the acute/early phase after amputation can vary between different target knee extension rhythm frequency (KER) levels in the amputated lower leg of a patient with severe diabetic sensory disorder and leg ischemia. Case Presentation: A 51-year-old male patient with severe diabetic neuropathy had a right lower leg amputation due to necrosis and ulcer lesion following a burn injury to the first toes and severe ischemic peripheral vascular disease. In a sitting position with the base of the foot of the non-amputated left leg on the ground, he performed repeat knee extension of the resected stump (knee active extension and passive flexion without a target KROM) for 1 min with both self-controlled free KER and different target KERs (30, 40, 50, 60, and 80 contractions per minute [cpm] using a metronome), with or without a 0.5 kg weight placed on the resected stump over 8 consecutive days. The KROM was measured using a goniometer placed between the resected stump and the thigh muscle with a continuous data acquisition system. The mean values achieved for KER, KROM, and angle rate during a 1 min session was determined during each daily session, and consecutively average values over sessions on 8 consecutive days was also evaluated. The achieved mean KER at all target KERs corresponded closely with the target KER. The average KROM was approximately 60 degrees over a range of targets between 30 and 60 cpm, but the value was lower at approximately 50 degrees at 80 cpm. The angle rate increased consistently with the increase from a target of 30 to 60 cpm, but it was reduced at 80 cpm. The mean…

Balance is a functional activity that must be implemented in every type of rehabilitation for the back and lower extremities’ injury and pathology. With issues in these regions, balance is lessened, requiring exercises that enhance the patient’s stability. Purpose: To determine the impact of activities on a rotating balance platform with tracking tasks for lower limb muscle activation. Method: Twenty-five participants performed seven tasks on a balance board with a fixed middle fulcrum. For each trial, activation of the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles was recorded using surface electromyography. Upon examination of the EMG data, the following variables were quantified: time to peak muscle activation, time to decay of muscle contraction, and time of muscle contraction duration. Results: A repeated measures ANOVA revealed that TA exhibited significant modifications (P

Purpose: To observe the effects of progressive resistance training on performance and body composition in participants with cerebral palsy. Methods: Four quadriplegic (3 male, 1 female) and two hemiplegic (2 female) participants (22 ± 5 yr, mean ± SD) completed moderate to high intensity resistance training 2-3 days a week for 8-weeks. Strength training programs were developed for each participant based on their physical ability. Measurements of exercise performance and body composition (InBody 270 & S10) were collected prior to and following training. Data from all participants was pooled, and samples with 5-6 subjects were analyzed using a paired t-test with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Measurements of muscular fitness improved, including plank performance (pre: 64 ± 40, post: 95 ± 61 s, n = 6), supine sled leg press 1RM (pre: 225 ± 69, post: 378 ± 124 lb, n = 6) and bench/sled press 1RM (pre: 92 ± 54, post: 115 ± 58 lb, n = 5). There was no change in peak sprint capacity (pre: 89 ± 32, post: 96 ± 29 W, n = 5) or peak aerobic capacity (pre: 303 ± 136, post: 370 ± 246 s, n = 4). Measurements of body weight (pre: 151 ± 40, post: 151 ± 42 lb, n = 6) and skeletal muscle mass (pre: 53 ± 8, post: 54 ± 9 lb, n = 6) were unchanged following training. Conclusion: Preliminary data is encouraging that the unique and challenging strength training program employed with these participants can be utilized to gain meaningful improvements in muscular fitness. However, a larger sample size and longer training period may be necessary to significantly increase muscle mass.

HIV can cause numerous health-related complications that can lead to disabilities and affect the quality of life. Some problems added with HIV, like peripheral neuropathy (PN), may develop additional impediments in this population. Purpose: This study investigated PN’s impact on the cardio-motor profile of Hispanic Latino living with HIV. Methods: A submaximal cardiovascular test (Ross test) was conducted to obtain the study’s cardiomotor results. Cardiomotor data were compiled from records of members enrolled at La Perla de Gran Precio Community Centre on HIV in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Results: The motor profile included the speed and inclination of the treadmill. The cardiovascular data had blood pressure and heart rate at the time Ross’s test was terminated. Two hundred and ninety-one participants were further designated as 225 in the non-PN and 66 in the PN group. Both groups average comparable amounts of CD4 counts. An ANOVA was used to determine variations in the PN group with a considerable (P < 0.05) increase in the time of HIV diagnosis and a reduction in gait velocity and treadmill inclination distinguished to counterpart. Conclusion: Hispanic Latino living with HIV and PN displayed distinctive motor gait deficiencies. Gait parameters, such as gait speed, were further impaired in those suffering from both conditions. We encourage healthcare providers to incorporate the specific cardio-motor items alluded to in this investigation to identify the process influencing gait that further alters the quality of life in those with HIV.

Background: Avulsion fracture of the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) is a rare form of apophyseal avulsion fracture of the pelvis, and there is a lack of evidence-based guidelines for the selection of treatment options. There are various surgical procedures, but there is the risk of secondary removal of internal fixator and growth disturbance caused by epiphyseal fixation. Methods: We treated 5 patients with avulsion fracture of the anterior superior iliac spine by knotless suture bridge technique who visited our hospital from 2015 to 2020.The surgical treatment results were retrospectively analyzed. Results: 5 patients with fractures were healed after the surgery, no associated complications, the mean postoperative follow-up was 29.2 months (6-60months), all patients were not reported pain symptoms (visual analogue score of 0), they don’t have the limitation of daily activities, and the hip joint function recovered well, and very pleased with the results (Harris score 100 points) at the final follow-up. Conclusion: Knotless suture bridge technique is simple and effective in the repair of the avulsion fracture of anterior superior iliac spine. For such patients, this surgical technique can provide stable and reliable fixation, allow early recovery, and provide a feasible scheme for clinical practice.

Background: Various pathologies require physiotherapists to adjust therapy interventions, some of which are to reducing joint loads while strengthening the lower extremity musculature. Tools such as a sled can be used to accomplish a small load with high-repetition-resistance exercises. Purpose: This study examined the impact of pushing a sled with regulated resistance on lower limb muscle activation and fatigue while walking and running. Methods: The neuromuscular activity of the tibialis anterior (TA) and gastrocnemius (GA) muscles of thirty-six young adults were recorded using surface electromyography (EMG) and lactate data from a Nova Biomedical Lactate Plus meter. The sled used was the XPO Trainer, which maintains a steady resistance proportional to the user regardless of the forces applied to accelerate the sled. Baseline lactate was collected and followed by one of three protocols: run, run-push (RP), or walk-push (WP). Each included three trials over a 40 ft distance, during which EMG data were collected per trial, whereas lactate was collected following the completion of the appointed task. Results: Repeated measures ANOVAs were performed, showing a considerable increase (P

These two case studies aimed to investigate the effect and acceptance of progressive strength training in patients with muscular dystrophy. Case 1 completed a progressive resistance exercise over 12 weeks. The results showed increases in leg extensor strength, hand strength and balance. Furthermore, the anaerobic test showed an increase in the maximum glycolysis rate. Creatine kinase levels were reduced while maintaining low muscle soreness. Case 2 conducted seven weeks of electronically assisted strength training and electromyostimulation. In the course of the training, an increase in the self-contribution of the performance in the execution of movement was observed in the assisted strength training. Furthermore, an increase in the intensity of external stimuli was observed. The creatine kinase showed a reduction with physiological behavior of muscle soreness. The results demonstrate the acceptance and feasibility of progressive exercise protocols used to increase performance in two cases of muscular dystrophy.