Agility Exercises Research Articles

Incorporating yoga into an intense physical therapy program in someone with Parkinson's disease: A case report

The purpose of this case report was to document outcomes following an intense exercise program integrating yoga with physical therapy exercise in a male with Parkinson's disease. The participant performed an intense 1½-hour program (Phase A) incorporating strengthening, balance, agility and yoga exercises twice weekly for 12 weeks. He then completed a new home exercise program developed by the researchers (Phase B) for 12 weeks. His score on the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire improved 16 points while his score on the High Level Mobility Assessment tool improved 11 points. There were also improvements in muscle length of several lower extremity muscles, in upper and lower extremity muscle strength, in dynamic balance and he continues to work full time 29 months later. There were no improvements in thoracic posture or aerobic power. This intense program was an effective dose of exercise for someone with Parkinson's disease and allowed him to continue to participate in work, leisure, and community activities.

Comparison of Integrated and Isolated Training on Performance Measures and Neuromuscular Control

Traditional weight training programs use an exercise prescription strategy that emphasizes improving muscle strength through resistance exercises. Other factors, such as stability, endurance, movement quality, power, flexibility, speed, and agility are also essential elements to improving overall functional performance. Therefore, exercises that incorporate these additional elements may be beneficial additions to traditional resistance training programs. The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of an isolated resistance training program (ISO) and an integrated training program (INT) on movement quality, vertical jump height, agility, muscle strength and endurance, and flexibility. The ISO program consisted of primarily upper and lower extremity progressive resistance exercises. The INT program involved progressive resistance exercises, and core stability, power, and agility exercises. Thirty subjects were cluster randomized to either the ISO (n = 15) or INT (n = 15) training program. Each training group performed their respective programs 2 times per week for 8 weeks. The subjects were assessed before (pretest) and after (posttest) the intervention period using the following assessments: a jump-landing task graded using the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS), vertical jump height, T-test time, push-up and sit-up performance, and the sit-and-reach test. The INT group performed better on the LESS test (pretest: 3.90 ± 1.02, posttest: 3.03 ± 1.02; p = 0.02), faster on the T-test (pretest: 10.35 ± 1.20 seconds, posttest: 9.58 ± 1.02 seconds; p = 0.01), and completed more sit-ups (pretest: 40.20 ± 15.01, posttest: 46.73 ± 14.03; p = 0.045) and push-ups (pretest: 40.67 ± 13.85, posttest: 48.93 ± 15.17; p = 0.05) at posttest compared with pretest, and compared with the ISO group at posttest. Both groups performed more push-ups (p = 0.002), jumped higher (p < 0.001), and reached further (p = 0.008) at posttest compared with that at pretest. Performance enhancement programs should use an integrated approach to exercise selection to optimize performance and movement technique benefits.

Anterior cruciate ligament- specialized post-operative return-to-sports (ACL-SPORTS) training: a randomized control trial

BackgroundAnterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is standard practice for athletes that wish to return to high-level activities; however functional outcomes after ACLR are poor. Quadriceps strength weakness, abnormal movement patterns and below normal knee function is reported in the months and years after ACLR. Second ACL injuries are common with even worse outcomes than primary ACLR. Modifiable limb-to-limb asymmetries have been identified in individuals who re-injure after primary ACLR, suggesting a neuromuscular training program is needed to improve post-operative outcomes. Pre-operative perturbation training, a neuromuscular training program, has been successful at improving limb symmetry prior to surgery, though benefits are not lasting after surgery. Implementing perturbation training after surgery may be successful in addressing post-operative deficits that contribute to poor functional outcomes and second ACL injury risk.Methods/Design80 athletes that have undergone a unilateral ACLR and wish to return to level 1 or 2 activities will be recruited for this study and randomized to one of two treatment groups. A standard care group will receive prevention exercises, quadriceps strengthening and agility exercises, while the perturbation group will receive the same exercise program with the addition of perturbation training. The primary outcomes measures will include gait biomechanics, clinical and functional measures, and knee joint loading. Return to sport rates, return to pre-injury level of activity rates, and second injury rates will be secondary measures.DiscussionThe results of this ACL-Specialized Post-Operative Return To Sports (ACL-SPORTS) Training program will help clinicians to better determine an effective post-operative treatment program that will improve modifiable impairments that influence outcomes after ACLR.Trial registrationRandomized Control Trial NIH 5R01AR048212-07. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01773317

Balance and agility training does not always decrease lower limb injury risks: a cluster-randomised controlled trial

The objective of this study was to examine the effects on lower limb injury rates of adding structured balance and agility exercises to the 80-day basic training programme of army recruits. A blocked (stratified), cluster-randomised controlled trial was employed, with one intervention group (IG) and one control group (CG), in which 732 male and 47 female army recruits from the Australian Army Recruit Training Centre participated through to analysis. The IG performed specified balance and agility exercises in addition to normal physical training. The incidence of lower limb injury during basic training was used to measure effect. Analysis, which adhered to recommendations for this type of trial, used a weighted paired t-test based on the empirical logistic transform of the crude event rates. The intervention had no statistically significant effect on lower limb injury incidence (RR = 1.25, 95% CI 0.97–1.53, 90% CI 1.04–1.47), on knee and ankle injury incidence (RR = 1.08, 95% CI 0.83–1.38), and on knee and ankle ligament injury incidence (RR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.64–1.47). We conclude that the intervention, implemented in this fashion, is possibly harmful, with our best estimate of effect being a 25% increase in lower limb injury incidence rates. This type of structured balance and agility training added to normal military recruit physical training did not significantly reduce lower limb, knee and ankle, or knee and ankle ligament injury rates. Caution needs to be used when adding elements to training programmes with the aim of reducing injury, as fatigue associated with the addition may actually raise injury risk.

The effect of agility exercise on eicosanoid excretion, oxidant status, and plasma lactate in dogs

BackgroundThe objective was to determine the effects of agility exercise on dogs of different skill levels with respect to urinary eicosanoids, urinary 15F2t-isoprostane (lipid peroxidation marker) and hematological/biochemical changes in plasma. Fifteen adult dogs had blood and urine samples obtained prior to, immediately and 4-hours following an agility exercise.ResultsHematocrit, red blood cells (RBC), albumin, and hemoglobin increased following exercise, with greatest increases correlating to increased skill group (novice, intermediate, masters); at 4-hours post-exercise, hematocrit, RBC, and hemoglobin were decreased. Phosphorus increased following exercise with the greatest increase in novice and intermediates. Plasma lactate increased 3.6-fold in masters, 3.2-fold in intermediates, and 1.2-fold in novice dogs. Urine thromboxane B2 (TXB2) more than tripled 4-hours post-exercise while 6-keto prostaglandin F1α (PGF1α, prostacyclin metabolite), prostaglandin E2 metabolites (13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin A2 and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin E2), and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin F2α were unaffected as determined by a competitive enzyme immunoassay and standardized by division with urine creatinine. Urine 15F2t-isoprostane increased insignificantly.ConclusionsAlterations in the plasma post-exercise were likely due to hemoconcentration from insensible water loss, splenic contraction and sympathetic stimulation while 4-hours later autohemodilution reduced RBC parameters. Elevations in plasma lactate and urinary TXB2 correlated with advanced skill level/speed of the dogs.

Effects of different half‐time strategies on second half soccer‐specific speed, power and dynamic strength

This study compared the effects of whole body vibration (WBV) and a field-based re-warm-up during half-time (HT) on subsequent physical performance measures during a simulated soccer game. Ten semi-professional male soccer players performed 90-min fixed-intensity soccer simulations (SAFT(90)), using a multi-directional course. During the HT period players either remained seated (CON), or performed intermittent agility exercise (IAE), or WBV. At regular intervals during SAFT(90), vastus lateralis temperature (T(m)) was recorded, and players also performed maximal counter-movement jumps (CMJ), 10-m sprints, and knee flexion and extension contractions. At the start of the second half, sprint and CMJ performance and eccentric hamstring peak torque were significantly reduced compared with the end of the first half in CON (P≤0.05). There was no significant change in these parameters over the HT period in the WBV and IAE interventions (P>0.05). The decrease in T(m) over the HT period was significantly greater for CON and WBV compared with IAE (P≤0.01). A passive HT interval reduced sprint, jump and dynamic strength performance. Alternatively, IAE and WBV at HT attenuated these performance decrements, with limited performance differences between interventions.

The Relationship Between Physical Fitness, Urine Iodine Status, and Body-Mass Index in 6- to 7-year-old Polish Children

The aim of this study was to assess physical fitness in 6- to 7-yr-old children and determine if there is any relationship between children's physical fitness, their urine iodine status, and their body-mass index (BMI). The studied population included 121 children from southern Poland. Physical fitness was measured using a physical fitness test for children age 3-7 yr. Urinary iodine concentrations were measured in the children's first urine output on waking using the modified PAMM (Program Against Micronutrient Malnutrition) method. Body height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated. The subjects were characterized by low physical fitness. Boys obtained better results in agility, power, and strength exercises (p ≤ .05). In girls, 11 correlation coefficients between the scores obtained in the physical fitness test, urinary iodine, and anthropometric measures were statistically significant, and in boys, only 2. BMI correlated positively with agility in girls and with strength in girls and boys. Our study revealed low physical fitness in Polish 6- to 7-yr-old children, which shows the need to implement programs aimed at increasing their physical activity. The relationship found between physical fitness and urine iodine status in girls indicates that future research in this area is needed.

Markers of Postmatch Fatigue in Professional Rugby League Players

The aim of the present study was to identify neuromuscular, biochemical, and endocrine markers of fatigue after Rugby League match play. Seventeen elite Rugby League players were monitored for a single match. Peak rate of force development (PRFD), peak power (PP), and peak force (PF) were measured during a countermovement jump (CMJ) on a force plate pre and postmatch play. Saliva and blood samples were collected 24 hours prematch, 30 minutes prematch, 30 minutes postmatch, and then at 24-hour intervals for a period of 120 hours to determine plasma creatine kinase concentration ([CK]) and salivary cortisol concentration ([sCort]). There were significant (p < 0.05) decreases in PRFD and PP up to 24 hours postmatch with PF significantly (p < 0.05) decreased immediately postmatch. The [sCort] significantly (p < 0.05) increased from 24 hours prematch to 30 minutes prematch and up to 24 hours postmatch compared with 24 hours prematch. Plasma [CK] significantly (p < 0.05) increased 30 minutes postmatch with a peak occurring 24 hours postmatch and remained elevated above 24 hours prematch for at least 120 hours postmatch. There were significant (p < 0.05) correlations between the increase in [CK] and reduction in PRFD 30 minutes postmatch and 24 hours postmatch. The [sCort] was significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with the reduction in PF 30 minutes postmatch. Results demonstrate that neuromuscular function is compromised for up to 48 hours after match play. Elevated [CK] despite 120-hour recovery indicate that damage to muscle tissue after Rugby League match play may persist for at least 5 days postmatch. Despite the prolonged presence of elevated [CK] postmatch, strength training 48 hours postmatch may have resulted in a compensatory increase in PRFD supporting the inclusion of strength training during the short-term postmatch recovery period.

Methodological Research on Effective Improvement of Physical Quality of Intellectuals in Institutions of Higher Learning

This article applied document literature method, questionnaire survey method, interview method, logical analysis method and mathematical statistics method to make an in-depth research on the physical quality of intellectuals in institutions of higher learning. According to the research, this group of people presents a continuous downtrend in terms of their physical quality. The concept of physical quality is more extensive than the concept of physical agility, since physical agility is a component of physical quality. Planned physical agility exercise can effectively enhance the level of physical quality. To bring the core strength exercise in physical agility training to exercise means of intellectuals in institutions of higher learning is not only a span in the thinking way, but also is more effective than the traditional exercise means. Then, the article listed exercise means for the core strength of this group of people. It is suggested that intellectuals pay attention to their physical quality and health in terms of their thinking, come to understand the importance and necessity of core strength exercise and improve their physical quality in a most effective means.

Comparison of clinic-based versus home-based balance and agility training for the symptoms of knee osteo-arthritis

Objective. To compare clinic-based (CB) and home-based (HB) deliveries of a knee osteoarthritis (OA) exercise programme. Methods. Outcomes from a CB exercise study ( N =6) utilising kinesthesia, balance and agility (KBA) exercises were compared with those from a HB KBA study ( N =6). Both conditions trained 30 minutes, 3 days per week for 8 weeks. CB sessions were conducted in a group led by an exercise physiologist (EP); HB participants received an initial 3 sessions of one-to-one training from an EP, written/pictorial instructions, telephone and e-mail follow-up, and in-person refresher sessions during weeks 4 and 6. The primary outcome was an OA-specific physical function survey. Community activity level, self-report knee stability, 15-m get up and go walk, and stair climb and descent were also measured. Results. Adherence was 94% in both conditions. KBA improved PF in both CB (59%; 18±12.5 pts; p =0.008) and HB (33%; 7.3±7.5 pts; p =0.03), with no difference between conditions. All outcome improvements were somewhat larger for CB, but these differences did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion. We found no difference in outcomes between CB and HB exercise in this preliminary comparison. Our results support that KBA is an effective intervention for symptomatic knee OA that may be delivered in CB or HB settings.

Knee Osteoarthritis and the Efficacy of Kinesthesia, Balance &amp; Agility Exercise Training: A Pilot Study

Kinesthesia, balance and agility (KBA) neuromuscular exercises are commonly used for rehabilitation of lower extremity injuries. KBA combined with strength training (ST) reportedly improves function among persons with knee osteoarthritis (OA), but independent effects of KBA are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of KBA exercises, independent of ST, to improve function among persons with knee OA. Twenty participants (69.3, SD 11.4 y) were randomized to 8 weeks, 3-days per week, instructor-lead KBA or ST groups. Self-reported physical function (difficulty with daily living activities such as walking, bending, stair climbing, etc.) was measured at baseline and every two weeks. Community physical activity level, negative and positive outcome expectancies for exercise, self-reported knee stability, and timed 10-stair climb, 10-stair descent, and ‘get up and go’ 15 m walk were measured at baseline and follow-up. Physical function improved 59% (p = 0.02) with KBA and 40% (p = 0.02) with ST at 8 weeks. Community physical activity level improved only in KBA (p = 0.04); knee stability improved in both KBA (p = 0.04) and ST (p = 0.01). There were no significant between-group differences (p &gt; 0.05). In conclusion, both interventions appear to improve function and knee stability among persons with symptomatic knee OA. As KBA has never been studied as an independent treatment program, our results indicate it is a promising stand-alone intervention worthy of further study.

Factors influencing the performance of young football players in the yo-yo intermittent endurance test (Level 2)

Factors influencing the performance of young football players in the yo-yo intermittent endurance test (Level 2) Study aim: To find out whether the ability to accelerate, decelerate and turn may contribute to the performance of young football players during the Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Test - Level 2 (YYIEL2). Material and methods: A group of 239 young male football players from three age categories: under 15 years (U15; n = 102), under 17 years (U17; n = 59) and under 19 years (U19; n = 74) were evaluated in sprint, agility, and intermittent exercise performance. Multiple regression models weighted for maturity status were applied. Results: Significant (p&lt;0.001) differences were found between the U15 and both other groups in all tests. The YYIEL2 was significantly correlated with 5-m and 30-m sprints and agility (r = 0.361, 0.499 and 0.555, respectively; p&lt;0.001) and the latter 3 variables explained 31% (p&lt;0.001) of the total variance of the YYIEL2 performance, the agility test alone being the strongest predictor (b = 0.56; p&lt;0.001). Conclusions: Despite the usefulness of the YYIEL2 test used in football to determine aerobic fitness, other factors than O2max, such as peripheral limitations and the ability to accelerate, decelerate and turn, may influence the performance during the test.

Prevention of ACL injuries: how, when and who?

In a comprehensive review presented in this issue, Alentorn-Geli et al. [1] have focused on neuromuscular training programs developed to alter risk factors associated with an ACL injury, and to reduce injury risk in soccer players. The authors conclude that neuromuscular training appears to be effective in reducing ACL injury risk and that lower extremity strength and balance exercises, in combination with core and trunk control seem to be necessary components of a successful ACL injury prevention program. Since Alentorn-Geli et al. finished their thorough review, a new study has been published which reinforces their message. In a randomized controlled study Soligard et al. [8], the objective was to examine the effect of a comprehensive warm-up program designed to reduce the risk of lower extremity injuries among female soccer players. Approximately 1,900 players participated in the study. The warm-up program, called ‘‘The 11?’’ includes exercises to improve lower extremity and core strength, awareness and neuromuscular control during static and dynamic movements. After 8 months of training, the intervention group had a significantly lower risk of injuries overall (32%), of overuse injuries (53%) and of severe injuries (45%) compared with the controls. The ‘‘11?’’ exercises, as in many of the other studies presented in the review, compose a multifaceted program and address many neuromuscular components that are thought to be related to ACL and lower extremity injury risk. From these latest investigations, we have conclusive evidence that lower extremity injuries in general [7, 8] and ACL injuries in particular [3, 4, 6] can be prevented by a combination of balance/coordination, strength, plyometric and agility exercises.

Delaying mobility disability in people with Parkinson disease using a sensorimotor agility exercise program.

This article introduces a new framework for therapists to develop an exercise program to delay mobility disability in people with Parkinson disease (PD). Mobility, or the ability to efficiently navigate and function in a variety of environments, requires balance, agility, and flexibility, all of which are affected by PD. This article summarizes recent research identifying how constraints on mobility specific to PD, such as rigidity, bradykinesia, freezing, poor sensory integration, inflexible program selection, and impaired cognitive processing, limit mobility in people with PD. Based on these constraints, a conceptual framework for exercises to maintain and improve mobility is presented. An example of a constraint-focused agility exercise program, incorporating movement principles from tai chi, kayaking, boxing, lunges, agility training, and Pilates exercises, is presented. This new constraint-focused agility exercise program is based on a strong scientific framework and includes progressive levels of sensorimotor, resistance, and coordination challenges that can be customized for each patient while maintaining fidelity. Principles for improving mobility presented here can be incorporated into an ongoing or long-term exercise program for people with PD.

High-level mobility outcomes following acquired brain injury: A preliminary evaluation

Primary objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a high-level mobility programme for people with acquired brain injury (ABI).Research design: A cohort study which evaluated the efficacy of a high-level mobility programme for people with ABI.Setting: A major rehabilitation hospital.Participants: Twenty-eight people with acquired brain injury.Experimental interventions: A 3 month high-level mobility programme conducted twice weekly consisting of strengthening exercises, pre-running and running drills and agility exercises supplemented with a gym or home exercise programme.Main outcomes and results: The primary outcome measure was the high-level mobility assessment tool (HiMAT). Participants were predominantly male and young (average age 33.2 years, range 16–72 years) with chronic ABI. HiMAT scores for the 28 participants who returned at the 3 month follow-up initially ranged from 6–44 points (mean 20.3). The 3 month follow-up scores ranged from 12–51 points (mean 29.2). The mean HiMAT score change ranged from 2–20 points (mean 8.9).Conclusions: Significant recovery in high-level mobility was achieved during a 3 month running programme. People with chronic ABI may also expect to benefit from retraining high-level mobility. Clinical trials are needed to assess the effectiveness of training programmes for high-level mobility.

Improvements in Soldier Group Norms Following Short-Term Physical Training

Physical performance norms in Soldiers are lacking. The impact of physical training on the distribution of these norms is unknown. PURPOSE: To establish physical performance norms in Infantry Soldiers and assess the effects of physical training on their distribution. METHODS: 180 Infantry Soldiers (23.6±4.6 yr, 176.9±7.2cm; 80.0±12.1kgs) were randomized into traditional (TT) or modified (MT) training groups. Groups performed calisthenics and running (TT), or resistance, speed, and agility exercises (MT). Normative data (percentiles) were created for a 1RM bench press (BP), maximal pull-ups (PU), medicine ball put (MBP), agility drill (AD), 30-m rush (Rush) and a simulated casualty drag (CD). A repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare groups over time. RESULTS: Normative quartilesTableMean group changes by quartileTableMean AD and Rush scores improved for Q1-Q3 in both groups. PU improved in both groups for Q1, Q2, and Q4. These changes were likely due to greater percentile improvements in the MT group. CONCLUSION: A modified physical training program is superior to traditional training in producing performance gains across all ability levels.

Muscle injuries: optimising recovery

Muscle injuries are one of the most common traumas occurring in sports. Despite their clinical importance, there are only a few clinical studies on the treatment of muscle injuries. Lack of clinical studies is most probably attributable to the fact that there is not only a high heterogeneity in the severity of injuries, but also the injuries take place in different muscles, making it very demanding to carry out clinical trials. Accordingly, the current treatment principles of muscle injuries have either been derived from experimental studies or been tested empirically only. Clinically, first aid for muscle injuries follows the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) principle. The objective of RICE is to stop the injury-induced bleeding into the muscle tissue and thereby minimise the extent of the injury. Clinical examination should be carried out immediately after the injury and 5-7 days after the initial trauma, at which point the severity of the injury can be assessed more reliably. At that time, a more detailed characterisation of the injury can be made using imaging diagnostic modalities (ultrasound or MRI) if desired. The treatment of injured skeletal muscle should be carried out by immediate immobilisation of the injured muscle (clinically, relative immobility/avoidance of muscle contractions). However, the duration of immobilisation should be limited to a period sufficient to produce a scar of sufficient strength to bear the forces induced by remobilisation without re-rupture and the return to activity (mobilisation) should then be started gradually within the limits of pain. Early return to activity is needed to optimise the regeneration of healing muscle and recovery of the flexibility and strength of the injured skeletal muscle to pre-injury levels. The rehabilitation programme should be built around progressive agility and trunk stabilisation exercises, as these exercises seem to yield better outcome for injured skeletal muscle than programmes based exclusively on stretching and strengthening of the injured muscle.

Rehabilitation for hamstring injuries

BACKGROUND: Hamstring injuries are a common musculoskeletal disorder, particularly among athletes. Many factors have been associated with these injuries including motor control and strength, soft tissue length and postural alignment. Well‐established rehabilitation protocols are commonly used in the treatment of this condition, but their effectiveness remains questionable.OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of all rehabilitation strategies employed to promote the return to full strength, range of movement and function of those individuals presenting with all forms of hamstring injury, regardless of site, severity, onset or level of chronicity.SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (to January 2006), CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2006, Issue 1), MEDLINE, EMBASE, PEDro – The Physiotherapy Evidence Database, CINAHL, AMED, SPORTDiscus and reference lists of articles. Date of last search: February 2006. No language restrictions were applied.SELECTION CRITERIA: Selected studies were randomized controlled trials or randomized comparative trials, investigating the effect of at least one rehabilitation strategy, in isolation or combination with another, compared with another strategy or control, performed on individuals presenting with hamstring injuries.DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors performed study selection. Three review authors performed data extraction and methodological quality assessment. Any disagreement was resolved by discussion.MAIN RESULTS: Three trials were included in the review. The main results present limited evidence over a range of techniques and patient groups. There was no trial of intervention versus rest. Only two small trials compared times to return to normal function, and definition of this outcome varied between studies. The first trial, involving 80 athletes, suggested stretching four times a day instead of just once and resulted in a statistically significant reduction in time to return to normal function (mean difference (MD) −1.8 days, 95% confidence interval (CI) −2.15 to −1.45, P&lt;0.001). The second trial, with 24 participants from a diverse sporting background, found that progressive agility and trunk stabilization exercises and icing did not achieve a statistically significant reduction in time to return to full function when compared to stretching and progressive resistance exercises and icing (MD −14.5 days, 95% CI −30.64 to 1.64, P=0.08). The third trial, conducted with 20 non‐athletes, suggests there was no evidence of effect with manual therapy on soft tissue length (MD 10.4°, 95% CI −3.19 to 23.99 in favor of manual therapy, P=0.13), on hamstring muscle peak torque (MD −0.7 foot‐pounds, 95% CI −18.45 to 17.05 in favor of control, P=0.94), or on quadriceps femoris muscle peak torque (MD −22.1 foot‐pounds, 95% CI −59.00 to 14.80 in favor of control, P=0.24) following a single treatment.AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is limited evidence to suggest that rate of recovery can be increased with an increased daily frequency of hamstring stretching exercises. Consideration should be given to the lumbar spine, sacroiliac and pelvic alignment and postural control mechanisms when managing hamstring injuries. Lumbar stability and pelvic motor control may also be factors in reducing the rate of recurrence of hamstring injury. Until further evidence is available, current practice and widely published rehabilitation protocols cannot either be supported or refuted.

Fluid and Electrolyte Shifts During and After Agility Competitions in Dogs

This research assesses the relative contribution of splenic contraction and fluid shifts out of the vascular compartment to the increases in packed cell volume associated with Agility exercises. It also aims to evaluate the changes in the concentrations of electrolytes and markers of hydration state. Fifteen dogs of both sexes were subjected to an Agility exercise of an approximate duration of 100 s. Blood samples were obtained within the first 30 s after competition and at 5, 15, and 30 min of recuperation. Resting values were established previously. The following parameters were determined: packed cell volume (PCV), plasma lactate (LA), total plasma protein (TPP), albumin (ALB), urea (BUN), creatinine (CREA), chloride (Cl), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na) and potassium (K). Changes in plasma volume (PV), total RBC volume (V(RBC)) and blood volume (BV) were calculated immediately after exercise and at 30 minutes of recovery. It was found that during Agility competition, BV, V(RBC) and PV increased 12, 21 and 4% respectively, indicating that the spleen contraction was the main determinant on the increase of BV. In comparison with resting values, BV decreased after recuperation (-5%), due to the recapture of erythrocytes by the splenic reserve (V(RBC), -12%). Additionally, Agility exercise induced increases in plasma Cl and LA, with significant reductions of ALB, Ca and P and absence of modifications in Na, K, BUN and CREA concentrations.

Relationship Between Balance Ability, Training and Sports Injury Risk

Traditionally, balance training has been used as part of the rehabilitation programme for ankle injuries. More recently, balance training has been adopted to try and prevent injuries to the ankle and knee joints during sport. The purpose of this review is to synthesise current knowledge in the area of balance ability, training and injury risk, highlight the findings and identify any future research needs. A number of studies have found that poor balance ability is significantly related to an increased risk of ankle injuries in different activities. This relationship appears to be more common in males than females. Multifaceted intervention studies that have included balance training along with jumping, landing and agility exercises have resulted in a significant decrease in ankle or knee injuries in team handball, volleyball and recreational athletes. It is unknown which component of the multifaceted intervention was most effective and whether the effects are additive. As a single intervention, balance training has been shown to significantly reduce the recurrence of ankle ligament injuries in soccer, volleyball and recreational athletes; however, it has not been clearly shown to reduce ankle injuries in athletes without a prior ankle injury. Balance training on its own has also been shown to significantly reduce anterior cruciate ligament injuries in male soccer players. Surprisingly, it was also found to be significantly associated with an increased risk of major knee injuries in female soccer players and overuse knee injuries in male and female volleyball players. The studies with the contrasting findings differed in aspects of their balance training programmes. It would appear that balance training, as a single intervention, is not as effective as when it is part of a multifaceted intervention. Research is required to determine the relative contribution of balance training to a multifaceted intervention so as to generate an effective and efficient preventative programme that can be adopted by athletes of most levels.