Rehabilitation Of Athletes Research Articles

How are hamstring strain injuries managed in elite men's football clubs? A survey with 62 Brazilian physical therapists

ObjectiveTo describe perceptions and practices of physical therapists from elite men's football clubs on the management of athletes with hamstring strain injury (HSI). DesignCross-sectional study. SettingOnline survey. ParticipantsPhysical therapists from clubs engaged in the two main divisions of Brazilian men's football. Main outcome measuresPractices for assessment and rehabilitation of athletes with HSI. ResultsThis survey had 62 physical therapists from 35 of the 40 eligible clubs (87.5% representativeness). Despite heterogeneity on assessment practices, all respondents use imaging exams, adopt injury classification scales, and evaluate aspects related to pain, range of motion, muscle strength, and functional status of athletes with HSI. Rehabilitation programs are usually divided into 3 to 4 phases. All respondents usually apply electrophysical agents and stretching in HSI rehabilitation programs, 98.4% apply strengthening exercises (93.5% include eccentrics), 96.8% manual therapy, 95.2% exercises that mimic the functional demands of football, and 93.5% lumbopelvic stabilization exercises. Muscle strength was the most reported return to play criterion (71% of respondents). ConclusionThe present study allowed the sports physical therapy community to become aware of the approaches usually adopted for management of athletes with HSI who play in the highest level of Brazilian men's football.

Stretchable Strain and Strain Rate Sensor Using Kirigami‐Cut PVDF Film

AbstractWearable sensor technology has recently received considerable interest because of the emergence of digital healthcare and its expanding markets. Wearable sensors require stretchability, biocompatibility, and high performance. In this study, stretchable strain sensors are designed and fabricated using a kirigami‐cut polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film. Further, the biocompatibility of PVDF is examined. Kirigami cutting can improve stretchability by 400% using the structural distortion of the cut parts. Compared to previously reported sensors, the developed sensor can measure the strain and strain rate simultaneously. The effect of strain and strain rate on the piezoelectric performance is analyzed. The output voltage increases exponentially with the strain, and a high strain rate results in high piezoelectric efficiency. The strain and strain rate can be detected by analyzing the sensor property, which illustrates the relationship between the voltage and voltage change rate. The sensing performance is evaluated using various kirigami patterns. Theoretical analysis reveals the dependence of output voltage on strain and strain rate. Finally, the developed sensor is successfully used as a wearable sensor for athlete rehabilitation and posture monitoring.

The coach's role during an athlete's rehabilitation following sports injury: A scoping review

Coaches play a pivotal role during an athletes’ rehabilitation, assisting them to deal with the psychological challenges linked with injury recovery and return to sport. However, coaches’ views of their roles during rehabilitation, and the extent to which their influences may facilitate psychological coping is unclear. Although athletes value input from their coaches during their injury rehabilitation, their satisfaction with the support provided is varied. To explore the current literature on the role of coaches during an athlete's rehabilitation from injury, a scoping review, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, was conducted on EBSCOhost, PubMed and Scopus databases. A total of 27 articles met the inclusion criteria after 2716 studies were excluded based on the eligibility criteria during phases of title, abstract and full-text screening. Factors to consider when exploring coaches’ roles during injury rehabilitation include athlete's and coaches’ age and gender, the type of sport and level of competition, the athletes’ role in the team, and the injury severity and type. The major role that coaches play during rehabilitation is providing social support to the injured athlete. The amount and availability of social support, as well as different forms of social support and their perceived prominence to athletes’ well-being, are key concepts worth considering when analyzing the role of coaches during injury rehabilitation. Social support provided by coaches to athletes undergoing rehabilitation aids in maintaining the coach–athlete relationship, thereby preventing any unrest between the two upon return to sport.

CONSEQUÊNCIAS DO TREINAMENTO COM ELÁSTICO NA FORÇA MUSCULAR DOS ATLETAS DE AERÓBICA

ABSTRACT Introduction: The elastic band training method has been widely used in strength training and collective rehabilitation of international athletes as a new method of strength training. Objective: Compare the research on the effect of resistance strength training for aerobics athletes, practicing the latest theories and techniques of this strength training. Methods: Evaluation tests, experimental tests, and mathematical statistics were conducted to complete the study and research. Results: Elastic band training can potentially improve the blood circulation of specialized aerobic athletes, increasing muscle strength and improving the activities of daily living of its practitioners. Conclusion: Elastic band training can improve the strength quality of aerobics athletes, increasing the diversity of training methods in its practitioners. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

EFEITOS DO TREINAMENTO DE FORÇA POR VIBRAÇÃO NAS ARTICULAÇÕES DOS MEMBROS INFERIORES DOS SALTADORES EM DISTÂNCIA

ABSTRACT Introduction As a new training method, vibration strength training has been widely used in strength training and mass rehabilitation of foreign athletes. As an auxiliary method of strength training in China, vibration strength has also attracted the attention of professionals. Studies in this area are important to keep up with the latest international theories and techniques of vibration strength training. Objective Study the effects of vibration strength training on the lower limb joints of long jump athletes. Methods A search of recent medical literature was conducted to develop an experimental test method, and mathematical statistics were implemented to analyze this research study with volunteer long jumpers. Results The relative increase in peak torque of the hip and knee joints was greater when compared to the ankle joint. Both showed considerable improvement after the experimental protocol. Conclusion After comparing the vibration force of lower limb joints with the training effect of long jump athletes, some flexor strength training methods can be added, increasing the intensity and the amount of load appropriately so that the lower limb joint extensor and flexor strength level can be coordinated proportionally, aiming to improve the level of strength and motor coordination in athletes. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

CARACTERÍSTICAS DAS PRINCIPAIS LESÕES ESPORTIVAS EM ATLETAS DE ALTO DESEMPENHO

ABSTRACT Introduction The focus of attention in high-performance athlete injuries tends to be on physical recovery, neglecting psychological factors and their practical social impacts on the rehabilitation of the injured athlete. In this phase, giving attention to the importance of athletes’ thoughts, emotions, and motivation can speed up the biopsychosocial rehabilitation process. Objective To analyze the characteristics involved in the major sports injuries of high-level athletes to provide a reference for athletes and coaches during recovery. Methods This article analyzes through bibliographic research the characteristics of the major sports injuries in high-level athletes, including physiological, psychological, and social factors. Results The physical impact of injuries requires patience and persistence for recovery, including additional muscle strengthening to compensate for the loss of residual joint proprioception, ensuring performance recovery. Mental factors such as insecurity when returning from games, reduced self-confidence, and fear of hurting the team must be worked through in parallel in multi-professional care and during long recovery periods. Conclusion Sports injuries can occur in athletes of all levels. For elite athletes, the impact of injuries, especially severe ones that need to interrupt training or even surgery, will lead to forced suspension of training or competition, preventing the improvement of sports performance, decreasing the quality of the sports career, and may even lead to physical or psychological disability in severe cases. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

IMU Shoulder Angle Estimation: Effects of Sensor-to-Segment Misalignment and Sensor Orientation Error.

Accurate shoulder joint angle estimation is crucial for analyzing joint kinematics and kinetics across a spectrum of movement applications including in athletic performance evaluation, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. However, accurate IMU-based shoulder angle estimation is challenging and the specific influence of key error factors on shoulder angle estimation is unclear. We thus propose an analytical model based on quaternions and rotation vectors that decouples and quantifies the effects of two key error factors, namely sensor-to-segment misalignment and sensor orientation estimation error, on shoulder joint rotation error. To validate this model, we conducted experiments involving twenty-five subjects who performed five activities: yoga, golf, swimming, dance, and badminton. Results showed that improving sensor-to-segment misalignment along the segment's extension/flexion dimension had the most significant impact in reducing the magnitude of shoulder joint rotation error. Specifically, a 1° improvement in thorax and upper arm calibration resulted in a reduction of 0.40° and 0.57° in error magnitude. In comparison, improving IMU heading estimation was only roughly half as effective (0.23° per 1°). This study clarifies the relationship between shoulder angle estimation error and its contributing factors, and identifies effective strategies for improving these error factors. These findings have significant implications for enhancing the accuracy of IMU-based shoulder angle estimation, thereby facilitating advancements in IMU-based upper limb rehabilitation, human-machine interaction, and athletic performance evaluation.

REABILITAÇÃO ESPORTIVA DE ATLETAS COM LESÃO MENISCAL BASEADA EM ELETROACUPUNTURA COMBINADA À TERAPIA ESPORTIVA

ABSTRACT Introduction: Meniscal injury is a common condition that can lead to disability due to pain and proprioceptive failure, requiring immediate attention. Combination therapies involve advanced approaches aiming to accelerate rehabilitation in athletes, and electroacupuncture presents therapeutic benefits, although there is still no evidence of its combination with sports therapy. Objective: This paper analyzes the performance of sports rehabilitation in athletes with meniscal lesions using electroacupuncture combined with sports therapy. Methods: The intervention in the control group was based on a traditional range of motion work, muscle strength, proprioceptive training, and other exercise therapies, while the experimental group received a 30 min electro-acupuncture protocol three times a week for four consecutive weeks. The surrogate data (gender, age, disease course, location) are the same. Before treatment, joint activity, muscle strength, total joint scale score of the LYSHOLM questionnaire, and other observational indices were measured during the 6th and 12th week of treatment. The non-parametric statistical method and T-test were used to analyze the changes of each index before and after treatment. After 12 weeks of treatment, the difference between the experimental group and the combination before treatment was significant. Results: The treatment effect of the experimental group was significantly better than the control group. Conclusion: The effect of sports rehabilitation of athletes with meniscus injury based on electroacupuncture combined with sports therapy showed high resolutive application value, indicating an alternative for non-surgical treatment in knee meniscus injuries. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

O PAPEL DO RELAXAMENTO MUSCULAR EM JOGADORES DE BADMINTON

ABSTRACT Introduction: In training, fatigue and recovery are antagonistic factors. Physical rehabilitation of athletes and elimination of sports fatigue have gradually become essential factors in improving competitiveness. Muscle relaxation exercises can reduce badminton players' physical effort, allowing them to recover quickly. Objective: Analyze muscle relaxation's effect on fatigue relief until the normalization of physical strength in badminton players. Methods: Twelve badminton players were grouped in cross-sectional tests. During the three weeks of physical training, players performed two training methods: muscle relaxation and complete rest. Laboratory analysis encompassed blood biomarkers such as urea and creatine kinase. Data were collected before and after the interventions, confronted, and studied mathematically and statistically. Results: The proportions of leukocytes and lymphocytes in the muscle relaxation group after resistance exercise were lower than before. The decrease of morning leukocytes in the muscle relaxation group on the second day was less than in the resting group. The recovery effect of the lymphocyte ratio was also better. After special strength training, the value of creatine kinase was significantly higher than before exercise in both the muscle relaxation group and the complete rest group. Conclusion: Muscle relaxation can reduce exercise fatigue in badminton players. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Non-Drug Methods of Rehabilitation of Power Sports Athletes with Arterial Hypertension: Randomized Controlled Study

Non-Drug Methods of Rehabilitation of Power Sports Athletes with Arterial Hypertension: Randomized Controlled Study

Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Rehabilitation of Athletes with Peroneal Tendinopathy: a Prospective Non-randomized Study of 60 Patients

INTRODUCTION. Peroneal tendons pathology is an underestimated cause of pain in the lateral part of the foot in athletes, which is difficult to distinguish from lateral ankle ligament injuries. As a result, the athlete's training and participation in competitions may be restricted for a long time. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have been suggested as a promising method for the treatment of peroneal tendinopathy. AIM. To evaluate the effectiveness of the use of PRP in the complex rehabilitation of athletes with peroneal tendinopathy by comparing the time to return to play (RTP) and the evaluation of pain symptoms. To develop a model for pain evaluation and physical activity dosingin athletes with this pathology, in order to objectify the transition from one rehabilitation stage to another. MATERIAL AND METHODS. This prospective, non-randomised study analyzed the treatment outcomes of 60 male patients, aged 21.0±1.4 years with peroneal tendinopathy. Depending on the treatment, two groups of patients were identified. Group I (30 athletes), in addition to complex rehabilitation (physiotherapy and physical therapy), had percutaneous PRP injections under the ultrasound guidance. Group II (30 athletes) received only physiotherapy and exercise therapy. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. A statistically significant difference in pain symptoms between the groups was observed starting from the 28th day of treatment. The average time for the athletes in group I to return to regular training activities was on average 10 days shorter than for those in group II (p<0.001). CONCLUSION. The use of PRP, in the rehabilitation of athletes with peroneal tendinopathy is more effective than a comprehensive programme. The developed model of pain evaluation makes it possible to determine the degree of physical activity at various stages of the rehabilitation process, as well as to adequately estimate readiness to RTP.

Effects of Yoga Intervention on Functional Movement Patterns and Mindfulness in Collegiate Athletes: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

High-quality movement patterns and high levels of mindfulness are thought to be beneficial in preventing sports injuries. Yoga is recommended in the field of athlete rehabilitation. This study investigated the effects of yoga intervention on functional movement patterns and mindfulness in collegiate athletes. It is a quasi-experimental study with a pre/post-test control design. The participants were divided into a yoga group and a control group. A Functional Movement Screen and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale were used to assess participants' basic movement patterns and mindfulness before and after 12 weeks of yoga intervention (two classes per week, 90 min per class). The results show that the yoga group's FMS scores improved more compared to the control group [F(1,78) = 29.08, p < 0.001, ŋp2 = 0.27], and that the scores for the deep squat (ŋp2 = 0.4), shoulder mobility (ŋp2 = 0.17), and trunk stability pushup (ŋp2 = 0.36) improved substantially. The dysfunctional score ratio for deep squats (χ2 = 18.57, p < 0.001), shoulder mobility (χ2 = 26.90, p < 0.001), trunk stability pushup (χ2 = 17.07, p < 0.001), and rotatory stability (χ2= 38.29, p <0.001) decreased significantly compared with the control group, but there was no significant improvement in asymmetric movement patterns (χ2 = 0.75, p = 0.39). The mindfulness scores in the yoga group significantly exceeded those of the control group [F(1,78) = 13.56, p < 0.001, ŋp2 = 0.15]. These results suggest that yoga intervention can improve functional movement patterns and mindfulness levels, but further evidence is needed to determine whether yoga could positively influence sports injuries.

Evaluation of indicators of goniometry of the ankle joint in the complex rehabilitation of athletes with peroneal tendinopathy

The study reflects the results of comprehensive rehabilitation of professional athletes with fibular tendinopathy. The effectiveness was evaluated based on the indicators of goniometry of the ankle joint at different stages of the rehabilitation process.Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of the developed comprehensive program of physical rehabilitation with tendinopathy of the fibular tendons.Materials and methods. The study involved 60 professional male athletes with the diagnosis of “fibular tendinopathy” established by ultrasound examination. All patients were randomly divided into two equal groups of 30 people. Group I patients, in addition to the main ones, were assigned specially designed exercises for balance, balance and proprioceptive sensitivity on the Biodex Balance System (BBS) biofeedback system (Biodex Medical Systems, Inc. New York, USA), as well as balancing disksResults. The percentage of reduction in the total amplitude of movement in the ankle joint, that is, its deficiency, statistically significantly differed between the groups. Thus, at the time of examination before the start of treatment, the total amplitude deficit in group I patients was 13.2°, and in group II – 14.0°. At week 6 after the start of treatment, this indicator improved in group I patients and amounted to 3.8°, and in group II – 12.2°.

Individualizing the Throwing Progression Following Injury in Baseball Pitchers: the Past, Present, and Future.

A critical component of any rehabilitation program following injury is a graduated exposure of pathologic or vulnerable tissue to sport-specific stressors. A foundational aspect in the return to sport process following an injury in baseball athletes is the development of an interval throwing program. A shift has occurred in recent years from generic programs to individualized progressions. The current review explores the evolution of interval throwing program construction and discusses the possibilities of the future with advancements in technology and understanding. Early interval throwing programs relied primarily on pre-determined throwing distance and volume to estimate total training load while following a fixed throwing schedule. Currently, clinicians have begun to utilize available technology in attempts to determine training prescription and obtain more accurate estimates of stresses placed upon the body. Thus, interval throwing programs have become more individualized and flexible to account for each athlete's individual differences and biological response to training. Future development may be able to predict specific internal response to stressors and proactively adjust training load to maximize positive adaptations while minimizing any maladaptive events. As with all concepts and principles within the realm of athlete rehabilitation, clinicians must continue to adapt how they conceptualize and develop individualized interval throwing programs for the overhead throwing athlete. We will continue to see a shift away from a responsive approach to a proactive one, where clinicians can utilize modern technologies to precisely prescribe a throwing dosage based upon expected tissue response within the athlete.

Retraction to: Providing a system of continuous recovery during athletes' rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: The relevance of the study is determined by the fact that the structure of an athlete’s recovery is presented as a system of continuous work, which can be implemented by using a mathematical apparatus. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the system of continuous recovery during rehabilitation. METHODS: To solve the problem of control in conditions of uncertainty, the methods of the adaptive systems theory were used. For the statistical approach, requirements were put forward for the structure of the object model, and all uncertain factors and obstacles were assumed to be random in nature. RESULTS: The authors show that the use of a mathematical apparatus can be revealed in the structure of athlete’s injury identification and recovery program. The paper reveals a model for applying calculations for continuous operation in dynamic systems. The authors note that the possibility of rehabilitation according to the proposed model can be both permanent and temporary. CONCLUSION: The process adjustment model can be used when the rehabilitation of athletes affects not only the recovery of damage but also when the process is interrupted.

Cognition and Motion: Sensory Processing and Motor Skill Performance in Athletic Training and Rehabilitation

Recently, the role of exercise in improving executive functioning skills has been highlighted by researchers and conditioning specialists [...]

Supratough and stretchable hydrogels with time-space controllability for athletic rehabilitation

There is a higher risk of injury for athletes when the intensive competition occurs. Minimally invasive surgery is still the first choice for athletes because of its small wound surface and fast recovery. In addition, knowing whether athletes recover in real time at the first time is beneficial for the athletes to return to the competition as soon as possible and maintain their peak performance. We developed a medical hydrogel to meet the dual needs of minimally invasive therapy and wearable testing. A novel ε-PL/PVP/MXene (εPM) hydrogel with spatio-temporal control and in situ enhancement was prepared by the concept of microchemical reaction cavity. MXene was introduced as the microchemical reaction center, and the dual effects of heat transport and microcatalysis were utilized to make the gel network uniform and moldability after injection in vivo, so as to realize the filling and treatment of irregular wounds. The hydrogel tissue is not only adhesive, self-healing and soft, but also super tough, keeping its shape stable under repeated stretches, intense hammering, continuous trampling, and even the extremely catastrophic impact of being run over 50 times by a car. At the same time, the hydrogel has excellent ionic conductivity (4.12 S/m) and sensing ability, which can record athletes' movement characteristics in real time and transmit them to doctors through wireless Bluetooth, so as to make accurate judgment on the recovery of health. This is the first exploration of the combination of hydrogel in the field of minimally invasive therapy and wearable devices, which opens up a new avenue for efficient minimally invasive therapy and accurate rehabilitation monitoring.

Application of CT Multimodal Images in Rehabilitation Monitoring of Long-Distance Running.

In order to monitor the rehabilitation of athletes injured in long-distance running, the author proposes a method for rehabilitation monitoring of long-distance running based on CT multimodal images. This method combines the latest multimodal image technology, integrates multimodal technology into CT images to improve the accuracy, performs image segmentation on CT multimodal images through medical segmentation methods, and analyzes the segmented images; finally, it can achieve the effect of rehabilitation treatment for athletes in long-distance running. Experimental results show that the total time taken by the authors' method is 10.9 hours, with an average time of 8 seconds, which is much shorter than the other two control methods. In conclusion, the authors' method allows for better rehabilitation monitoring of long-distance running sports injuries.

Hamstring Injury Rehabilitation and Prevention in the Female Athlete.

Hamstring injuries (HSIs) are common in female athletes and are associated with a lengthy recovery period and a high rate of reinjury. Currently, the majority of existing literature investigating HSI rehabilitation has been conducted using male participants. However, female athletes display intrinsic anatomical and biomechanical differences compared to males that influences the way this population experiences HSIs and HSI rehabilitation. HSI rehabilitation and injury prevention guidelines for female athletes must take these differences into account. Female athletes display anatomical differences such as increased anterior pelvic tilting, gluteus maximus weakness, an increased pelvic width-to-femoral length ratio, and an increased degree of femoral anteversion, all of which can predispose females to HSIs. Maneuvers designed to strengthen the gluteal musculature and transverse abdominis can overcome these risk factors. Females show increased joint laxity and a greater range of motion of hip flexion and internal rotation compared to males. Females have lower passive hamstring stiffness than males, therefore hamstring flexibility exercises may not be as necessary during rehabilitation for females as in the male athlete population. Female athletes may instead benefit from trunk stabilization exercises and agility training due to neuromuscular control deficits that arise from the maturation and growth of the female pelvis. Existing literature on hamstring injury prevention shows consistent use of the Nordic Hamstring Exercise and balance exercises may reduce the risk of sustaining an HSI in both males and females, though more studies are needed to ascertain the optimal regimen for injury prevention in the female athlete population specifically. The goal of this clinical commentary is to discuss sex-specific anatomic and biomechanical differences of the lumbar, pelvic, and hip regions with the aim of providing guidelines for rehabilitation and injury prevention of HSIs in female athletes.Level of Evidence5

EFEITOS DO TRATAMENTO NEUROMUSCULAR SOBRE O EQUILÍBRIO POSTURAL EM ATLETAS NA REABILITAÇÃO DE LESÃO DO TORNOZELO

ABSTRACT Introduction: Posture is directly related to body balance, and both have great importance in movement. Body posture is affected by several human body factors in space, and neuromuscular athletes’ rehabilitation methods should be designed for an optimal return of postural stability. Objective: Explore the effects of neuromuscular treatment on postural balance rehabilitation of athletes’ ankle injuries. Methods: 20 athletes with functional ankle instability were randomized into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received neuromuscular treatment. The control group maintained standard muscle strength and joint activity rehabilitation exercises. The effects of two rehabilitative procedures were compared by Cumberland ankle instability assessment questionnaire, T-type agility test, and Sargent vertical jump test. Results: Agility after exercise was significantly lower than those before exercise by 0.8 versus 1s; there was no significant difference between the two groups before the experiment. Agility test results of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group (2s). Sargent's vertical jump test results were significantly different from those before the exercise (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The postural balance showed good recovery with the neuromuscular treatment and the rehabilitation method of the athletes after the ankle injury. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the result.