Athletic Activity Research Articles

Perceptions of Athlete Activism and Contentious Issues: Parasocial Relationships, Involvement, and Athlete-Cause Fit as Motivation for Cause Support

ABSTRACT This study investigates the emerging context of athlete activism, social identity, and prosocial outcomes. While public relations have long held the belief in its role as a prosocial corporate conscience, little empirical work has made the connection between athlete activism in sport and potential influence for a prosocial cause. Specifically, our findings aim to shed light on how the current wave of athlete activism may impact support for the espoused cause through social identity theory. Our paper undertakes a quantitative approach to analyze this context. An online survey (N = 335) of sport fans examines how perceptions of athlete activism can motivate support for the athlete themselves (watching competition, buying merchandise, cheering for the athlete) and for their cause (donating and volunteering). Findings revealed that issue involvement, parasocial relationships, and athlete-cause fit can boost these supportive intentions. Implications for communicating and amplifying athlete activism – with a focus on cause support – are discussed.

Identification of Injuries in Amateur Boxing Athletes in Gorontalo City: Study for Developing Prevention and Treatment Strategies

Injuries in boxing athletes often occur in the upper extremities of the body, especially the head and face, which can result in concussions, cuts and bruises. This research aims to identify the types of injuries experienced by boxing athletes in Gorontalo City and explore their causes. The method applied is a survey using questionnaires as the main data collection technique. The population of this study consisted of 50 active female boxing athletes from Gorontalo City. The results showed that the most common injuries occurring in boxing were injuries to the head and face (44%), followed by injuries to the wrist (29%), shoulders (29%), knuckles (22%), knees (16%), and ankle (16%). The main factors causing injury include conditions during training or competition (36%) and the time of injury (32%). Based on the results of this research, it can be concluded that the parts of the body most frequently injured are the head and face with a percentage of 44%. These findings emphasize the importance of developing injury prevention and treatment strategies, especially to the head and face, to improve the safety and health of amateur boxing athletes in Gorontalo.

Surgical treatment of forefoot and midfoot fractures : Minimally invasive fixation of metatarsal fractures

Minimally invasive stabilization of metatarsal fractures to enable adequate fracture healing in acorrect position to restore anatomy and biomechanics of the foot. A.Dislocated diaphyseal and subcapital fractures of the second to fifth metatarsal (> 3 mm, > 10° dislocation). B.Fifth metatarsal fracture at the metadiaphyseal junction (Lawrence and Botte typeIII). High grade soft tissue damage or infection at the implant insertion site. A.Fluoroscopically assisted closed reduction and antegrade intramedullary fixation of diaphyseal and subcapital fractures of the second to fifth metatarsal. B.Fluoroscopically assisted wire-guided intramedullary screw fixation of fifth metatarsal fractures at the metadiaphyseal junction. A.Mobilization with partial weight bearing (20 kg) for 6weeks wearing astiff sole; implant removal under local anesthesia after 6-8weeks, followed by afree range of movement and weight-bearing as tolerated (WBAT). B.Early mobilization with weight-bearing as tolerated (WBAT); removal of the orthosis after 6weeks, implant removal optional. A.Antegrade nailing of subcapital and shaft fractures of metatarsalsII-V achieves good clinical results with low complication rates both when using prepared Kirschner wires or elastically stable intramedullary nails (ESIN). B.According to current literature, intramedullary screw osteosynthesis of proximal metatarsalV fractures of zoneII andIII according to Lawrence and Botte leads to faster bony healing with alower nonunion rate compared with conservative treatment. It is recommended especially, but not only, for active athletes.

Investigation of the Relationship Between Kinesiophobia, Foot and Ankle Function and Physical Activity of Athletes with Chronic Ankle Instability

Lateral ankle sprains (LAS) are common in athletes and 40% lead to chronic ankle instability (CAI). CAI is characterised by recurrent sprains and limitation of motion. Our study investigated the relationship between kinesiophobia, foot-ankle function, and physical activity in athletes with chronic ankle instability. In our study, 112 individuals with CAI who have been doing regular sports for at least 5 years were included. Tampa kinesiophobia test, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short Version) were administered to the included individuals via Google form. IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 26.0 (SPSS inc, Chicago, IL, USA) was used. Pearson's test analysis was used in the study, and statistical significance was taken as p ≤ 0.05 for all measurements in two directions. 115 participants (75 males and 40 females) were included in the study. The participants were 20.43±3.921(years) years old, 176.14±9.288(cm) tall, and 67.88±11.571(kg) weight. In addition, the subjects' International Physical Activity Score (Short Version) showed that 34 were inactive, 54 were minimally active, and 27 were very active. There was a moderate negative correlation between the Tampa Kinesiophobia score and FAAM sport and DLA subscores (p<.001). Individuals with increased kinesiophobia scores had decreased Foot and Ankle Ability Measure scores. According to the studies, studies on foot and ankle range of motion, position perception, and balance in individuals with CAI may decrease kinesiophobia.

Hallux valgus treatment by percutaneous scarf-like screwless osteotomy: surgical technique and medium-term outcomes

BackgroundHallux valgus is a common condition. There is a consensus that distal metatarsal osteotomies have positive outcomes for the correction of mild-to-moderate deformities, and that proximal osteotomies are preferable for more severe ones. The well-known scarf osteotomy technique is considered powerful enough for both types of deformation and is described without internal fixation. We aimed to describe a new surgical technique for hallux valgus percutaneous scarf like osteotomy (PSLO) without internal fixation, and to report the medium-term radiological and clinical outcomes. HypothesisA combination of a PSLO without internal fixation will lead to optimal results. Patients and methodsThis retrospective case series reports on 126 cases involving 106 patients who underwent hallux valgus surgery with the PSLO technique +/− Akin, +/− lateral release. The osteotomy was stabilized by a bandage, and immediate weight bearing was allowed. The surgeries took place in 3 clinics in France from March 2016 to July 2017. ResultsAll radiological parameters: hallux valgus angle (HVA), the 1–2 intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and the distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) showed statistically significant improvement. The mean preoperative HVA, IMA and DMAA were 27.7 °, 14.2 ° and 12.7 ° respectively. The mean postoperative HVA, IMA and DMAA were 8.23 °, 8.1 ° and 3.8 °, respectively. Clinically, 97% were satisfied or very satisfied with the results, 92% could wear “normal” shoes (45 days - 6 months), 99% returned to the same athletic activities after surgery (3–5 months), and the average time to return to work was 4 weeks (1 day - 51 days). DiscussionThe combination of scarf -like osteotomy and the percutaneous technique provide sufficient initial stabilization through the large horizontal area of contact between the fragments and the preservation of the attachment of the soft tissue. The lack of internal fixation significantly shortens the surgery time, cost, and reduces x-ray exposure without compromising the results. Level of evidenceIII, retrospective comparative study

Revving up performance: the impact of interval training with weighted resistance on speed enhancement in university students

This study examines the impact of interval training combined with weighted resistance on speed enhancement in university students. Thirty students with varied academic backgrounds took part in the study, , students at first and second semester level.. The intervention's impact was assessed using quantitative (paired-sample t-test) and qualitative (theme analysis) methods. Results show a notable increase in speed after the intervention (p < 0.001). Qualitative analysis identifies three primary themes: heightened self-confidence (70% of participants), improved endurance (80% of participants), and initial adaptation difficulties (20% of participants). The results indicate that interval training combined with weighted resistance improves speed, boosts psychological resilience, and helps university students acquire adaptive skills. Implications involve progress in athletic training techniques, interdisciplinary partnerships, and comprehensive student growth initiatives. For lecturers who provide athletic learning activities, it is important to pay attention to the level of difficulty faced by students in order to improve their abilities through appropriate stages according to the level and level of students' learning abilities. At the same time, the combination of various scientific disciplines that support the progress of students' abilities in each lecture meeting increases the level of self-confidence by providing students with repeated opportunities. Keywords: Psychological resilience, Adaptive skills, Transformative experiences.

How Humans Run Faster: The Neuromechanical Contributions of Functional Muscle Groups to Running at Different Speeds.

How the neuromechanics of the lower limb functional muscle groups change with running speed remains to be fully elucidated, with implications for our understanding of human locomotion, conditioning, and injury prevention. This study compared the neuromechanics (ground reaction and joint kinetics, kinematics and muscle activity) of middle-distance athletes running on an instrumented treadmill at six wide-ranging speeds (2.78-8.33 m·s-1). Ground reaction forces and kinematics were analyzed using inverse dynamics to calculate flexor and extensor joint torques, and positive and negative work done by these torques. Contributions of each functional muscle group to the total positive and negative work done by the limb during stance, swing, and the whole stride were quantified. During stance, the ankle plantar flexors were the major energy generator and absorber (>60%) at all speeds, but their contribution to whole stride energy generation and absorption declined with speed. Positive work by the hip extensors rose superlinearly with speed during stance (3-fold) and especially during swing (12-fold), becoming the biggest energy generator across the whole stride at >5 m·s-1. Knee flexor and extensor negative work also rose superlinearly with speed during swing, with the knee flexors becoming the greatest energy absorber over the whole stride at >7.22 m·s-1. Across speeds, plantar flexor peak moment and positive work accounted for 97% and 96% of the variance in step length, and swing hip extension peak moment and positive work accounted for 98% and 99% of the variance in step frequency. There were pronounced speed, phase (stance/swing), and work (positive/negative) dependent contributions of the different functional muscle groups during running, with extensive implications for conditioning and injury prevention.

Berry Fruits and Their Improving Potential on Skeletal Muscle Health and Performance: A Systematic Review of the Evidence in Animal and in Human Studies.

The well-established anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of red fruits leave room for a biological pathway of improved muscle health promoted by berries in the diet. Our objective was to systematically review the number of trials conducted on human and animal species around the relationship between a berry diet and muscle health outcomes. Two independent examiners conducted a search for studies that utilized keywords associated with muscle health outcomes and a berry-based diet in both human and animal trials, in accordance with the PRISMA statement guidelines. The literature was searched through six electronic databases until December 2023. Screening of 152 retrieved articles resulted in a final selection of 16 reports investigating the effect of exposure to a berry-based diet and skeletal muscle health outcomes. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023479682). Among the selected studies, nine involved humans and seven animal models (rats and mice). Overall, most of the studies reported positive effects on performance or muscle health. Specifically, five studies investigated the possible effects of blackcurrant on active human subjects or athletes; three studies focused on blueberry and presented results on running performance (human sample) and muscle health (rat models). The rest of the studies involved raspberries (two studies, rat models), aronia (one study, rat models), elderberry (one study, rat models), and a mixed compound (one study, rat models). In conclusion, there is some early evidence that a berry-rich diet may increase performance or muscle health, but more research is needed to fully understand the underlying biological trajectories, and thus, no firm conclusions can yet be drawn.

Eating habits in recreational athletes

Aim: Physical activity (PA) is an important factor in maintaining health, and combined with a balanced diet, it forms the basis of a healthy lifestyle. A diet not aligned with proper nutritional guidelines and the intensity of PA can affect the body's functioning, hinder recovery after training, and increase the risk of injury. This study examines the PA among recreational athletes and explores their eating habits. Methods: An observational study was conducted using Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET) minutes/week to determine the level of PA. Dietary data were collected using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Results: The study involved 62 respondents, categorized into groups of moderately, intensively, and very intensively active recreational athletes and despite recognizing the importance of PA recreational athletes exhibited inadequate dietary habits. Higher intake of fats, cholesterol, and saturated fatty acids was observed, as well as lower intake of carbohydrates than recommended. Most vitamins and some mineral intakes exceeded recommendations. Significant differences between groups were noted only for folate and saturated fatty acid intake. Conclusion: Nutritional education by professional nutritionists is essential for recreational athletes to correct improper eating habits. The findings of this study can be applied in similar socioeconomic-cultural regions.

COVID-19 Infection in Ultramarathon Runners: Findings of the Ultrarunners Longitudinal TRAcking Study.

Ultramarathon runners are a unique patient population who have been shown to have a lower rate of severe chronic medical conditions. This study aimed to determine the effect that COVID-19 infection has had on this population and their running behavior. The Ultrarunners Longitudinal TRAcking (ULTRA) Study is a large longitudinal study of ultramarathon runners. Questions on health status, running behavior, and COVID-19 infection were included in the most recent survey. Community survey. Seven hundred thirty-four ultramarathon runners participated in the study. None. Personal, exercise, and COVID-19 infection history. 52.7% of study participants reported having been symptomatic from a COVID-19 infection, with 6.7% testing positive multiple times. Participants required a total of 4 days of hospitalization. The most common symptoms included fever (73.6%), fatigue (68.5%), sore throat (68.2%), runny nose (67.7%), and cough (67.4%). Cardiovascular symptoms, which are of particular interest in the running population, included shortness of breath (46.3%), tachycardia (44.7%), chest pain (36.2%), and wheezing (33.3%). A total of 50 subjects (6.8%) reported long COVID (symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks). Severe COVID-19 infection has been rare in this population of ultramarathon runners, although symptomatic infection that affects running is common. To support the well-being of this group of highly active athletes, clinicians should appreciate that cardiovascular symptoms are common and the long-term significance of these symptoms in runners is unknown. Level 2 prospective study.

Effect of Forearm Supination and Pronation on Median & Ulnar Nerve Conduction Velocity Among Throwers, Archers, and Non-Athletes

ABSTRACT The distinct and specialized movements performed in different sports disciplines may significantly influence nerve performance, potentially affecting nerve responses and the overall function within the respective athletic activities. The purpose of this study is to find the effect of forearm supination and pronation across the elbow joint on ulnar and median nerve conduction velocity (NCV) in throwers, archers, and non-athletes. A total of 34 participants both male and females were recruited with a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2. Nerve conduction study (NeuroStim NS2 EMG/NCV/EP System) was used for measuring ulnar and median NCV across the elbow joint at different angles with the forearm in supination and pronation. Repeated measure analysis of variance (RMANOVA) revealed that there are statistically significant differences in mean values of forearm positions, angles, nerves and groups (p < .05). This study illuminates distinctive NCV variations across diverse athletic groups during forearm supination and pronation movements. Pronation consistently exhibited faster ulnar NCV compared to the median nerve across throwers, archers, and non-athletes, while in supination specific joint positions revealed notable differences within sports groups and nerve function.

Poster 153: Decreased Coracoid Index in Patients with Recurrent Instability after an Arthroscopic Bankart Procedure: A Retrospective Analysis with a Mean Follow-Up of 12.9 Years

Objectives: Traumatic anterior shoulder instability is a common sports medicine pathology, disproportionally affecting competitive, contact athletic and military populations. Currently, arthroscopic Bankart repair is the gold standard for managing patients with anterior instability and associated labral injury with subcritical bone loss. However, recurrent instability remains common after the index operation, with rates between 5% and 20% reported in the literature. Multiple prognostic calculators and scoring indices have been developed in attempts to proactively determine which cohorts may benefit from a bony (Latarjet or free bone graft) or soft tissue (Remplissage) augmentation procedure to further stabilize the joint and decrease the risk of recurrence. Importantly, there has been a growing appreciation for the effects of coracoid process morphology on shoulder pathology, including subcoracoid impingement and subscapularis tears. However, there is a paucity of literature exploring the effect of coracoid morphology on anterior shoulder instability. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare known osseous risk factors for recurrent instability, as well as the coracoid index, between patients with and without recurrent instability after an arthroscopic Bankart repair, and to compare long-term outcomes between the 2 cohorts. Methods: Following institutional review board approval, a retrospective cohort comparison of patients with anterior glenohumeral instability treated at a single academic military medical facility was performed. After identifying the initial cohort, patients were invited to complete Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) surveys. Inclusion criteria included symptomatic anterior shoulder instability, surgical treatment with arthroscopic Bankart repair, and survey completion. Preoperative MRIs were obtained, and glenoid bone loss, Hill-Sachs interval, and coracoid index were quantified. Patients with recurrent instability at last follow up were age-matched in a 1:2 ratio for comparison with those without recurrent instability. Subsequently, unpaired two-tailed t tests were used to compare anatomic morphologies and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) between the 2 cohorts. Finally, linear regression was used to evaluate the relationship between the anatomic measurements and PROMs. Results: At a mean of 12.9 years follow-up, 12 patients were confirmed to have recurrent shoulder instability by survey and chart review and were age-matched to 24 patients without recurrent instability (n = 36; mean age 26.0 ± 5.2 years). Patients with recurrent instability after arthroscopic Bankart repair had lower coracoid indices (by 3.28 ± 1.55 mm; p = .0412), greater glenoid bone loss (by 6.67 ± 1.62%; p = .0002), and larger Hill-Sachs Intervals (by 5.88 ± 2.30 mm; p = .0153) on preoperative MRI. The cohort with recurrent instability had lower SANE scores (by 38.0 ± 9.1; p = .0002), and higher WOSI scores (by 692 ± 174; p = .0003) at final follow-up. Coracoid index, glenoid bone loss and Hill-Sachs interval were not correlated with PROMs at latest follow-up (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess coracoid morphology in a cohort of patients with symptomatic shoulder instability. The current study findings suggest that a more laterally-projecting coracoid may be protective against recurrent shoulder instability after an arthroscopic Bankart repair. In accordance with recent literature, the recurrent instability cohort had greater glenoid bone loss and larger Hill-Sachs lesions on their index pre-operative MRI and had worse subjective outcomes at latest follow-up. As the shoulder is a complex joint with static and dynamic stabilizers, it is important to understand the effects of anatomic variation on pathoanatomy, as well as patient symptomatology. These preliminary findings highlight the need for further large cohort studies investigating the role of coracoid morphology on shoulder stability. A clearer understanding of the anatomic risk factors for recurrent instability will improve surgical planning and decision making, as well as minimizing time missed from athletic activities or military service.

Good clinical outcomes and low recurrence rate in patients undergoing arthroscopic revision Latarjet for failed arthroscopic Bankart repair

BackgroundThe role of arthroscopic Latarjet stabilization after failed arthroscopic Bankart repair has yet to be definitively established and merits further investigation. ObjectiveTo assess clinical and radiological outcomes after arthroscopic Latarjet stabilization as a revision procedure for failed Bankart repair, as well as the return to athletic activity and complication rates. MethodsBetween 2009 and 2020, patients with a previous failed arthroscopic Bankart repair who were treated with an arthroscopic Latarjet were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical outcomes at a minimum of 24 months postoperatively included Rowe score, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), Constant-Murley Shoulder Outcome score (CS), and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE). Dislocations, subluxations, complications, pre and postoperative level of activity and degree of osteoarthritis were also assessed. ResultsA total of 77 patients, mean age at revision surgery 31.2 ± 9.1 and with either one (n = 59), two (n = 13), or three (n = 4) arthroscopic previous stabilizations underwent revision surgery using arthroscopic Latarjet procedure were studied. Postoperatively, the mean ROWE and CS scores increased from 41.8 ± 16 to 90.7 ± 14.3 (p<0.001) and from 50.5 ± 13.8 to 90.5 ± 10.3 (p<0.001), respectively. WOSI decreased from 1247 ± 367.6 to 548.9 ± 363 at the final follow-up (p<0.001). After a mean follow-up of 39.6 ± 23.1 months, 64 shoulders (83.1%) were subjectively graded as good to excellent using SANE score. Grade 1, 2, and 3 osteoarthritis, according to Ogawa et al were found in 18 (23.4%), 6 (7.8%), and 3 (3.9%) shoulders, respectively. Six dislocations after revision surgery were reported (7.8%). In four failed cases an Eden-Hybinette procedure was conducted and in remaining two patients an arthroscopic extraarticular anterior capsular reinforcement was performed. Significantly decreased level of athletic activity was observed postoperatively (p= 0.01). ConclusionsArthroscopic Latarjet for revision of failed arthroscopic Bankart repair provides satisfactory patient-reported subjective outcomes with low rate of recurrences and complications. However, decreased level of athletic activity is expected.

Poster 116: When do Patients Return to Sports? Arthroscopic Anatomic Glenoid Reconstruction Versus Bankart Repair

Objectives: Participation in contact or collision sports is a known risk factor for shoulder instability. Recurrent instability is a barrier to return to same level of athletic activities following surgical intervention. Previous literature has described that approximately 50% to 90% of patients return to sports following stabilization procedures. However, it is currently unknown the rate and timing of return to sports after Arthroscopic Anatomic Glenoid Reconstruction (AAGR). This study aimed to determine the rate of return and the time to return to sports of patients’ who underwent AAGR compared to a Bankart, alone. Methods: This is a subcohort of 100 patients who consented to a randomized controlled trial and were randomized for AAGR or Bankart procedure (1:1 ratio). The subgroup consists of individuals at a minimum 2-year follow up and participate in a sport at either the recreational or competitive level. A descriptive analysis was completed on the percentage of patients that returned to their preinjury sport, as well as when they returned and compared between groups. Descriptive reporting on why patients did not return was included. Results: Age, follow up, sex, and sport level were all statistically similar between the 2 groups. The rate to return was significantly larger for patients in the AAGR group (78%) compared with the Bankart group (60%). For those who did return to sports, time to return was not significantly different between the AAGR group (9.48 ± 4.2 months) and Bankart group (10.2 ± 6.2 months). For those who did not return in the Bankart group, redislocation was the greatest factor (38%). In the AAGR group, prioritizing work and life (30%) and lack of confidence (30%) were the top reasons for not returning. Conclusions: AAGR demonstrated superior rate of return to sports compared to those who underwent a Bankart repair. Patients in the Bankart group did not return due to redislocation events, whereas individuals in AAGR did not return due to a lack of confidence or prioritizing their work and life. These results can aid in setting realistic expectations for patients undergoing AAGR and can help guide discussions around postoperative rehabilitation.

Return to sport after arthroscopic xenograft bone block associated with Bankart repair and subscapularis augmentation in competitive contact athletes with recurrent anterior shoulder instability

BackgroundOpen Bankart repair and Latarjet stabilization are two of surgical procedures used in the treatment of shoulder instability in contact athletes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of bone block arthroscopic procedure, performed with xenograft, in combination with Bankart repair and selective subscapularis augmentation (ASA) for contact athletes with recurrent anterior shoulder instability. MethodsWe retrospectively assessed contact athletes who underwent arthroscopic bone block with xenograft and Bankart repair with selective augmentation of subscapularis for recurrent anterior shoulder instability between January 2017 and December 2021. Shoulders with posterior instability or multidirectional instability were excluded. Recurrence, complications, return to sport, and functional scores (Rowe score, WOSI score, ASES score) were assessed. A CT scan at 2-year follow-up was performed to assess the status of Bone block integration, its displacement and restoration of glenoid surface. Results16 patients were included in the study with a mean age of 24. None of the patients treated with arthroscopic bone block and ASA presented new dislocation episodes. An increase in preoperative scores was observed at the last follow-up, in particular the ASES, Rowe, and WOSI scores increased from 69±7, 31±9 , 1235±46 respectively to 96.1±3.2, 94±6, 119±51. All athletes returned to sporting activity at or near the same level as pre-surgery. The glenoid bone surface increase from 83% to 116% at last follow-up. ConclusionBone block treatment with Xenograft combined with Bankart repair and ASA procedures has been shown to be effective in treating instability in contact athletes with significant glenoid deficit. All athletes returned to athletic activity at a level similar to the pre-intervention period.

Poster 382: Predictors of Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life after Sternoclavicular Joint Reconstruction with Hamstring Tendon Autograft

Objectives: Instability of the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) is a rare but potentially devastating pathologic condition, particularly when it occurs in young or active patients. SCJ reconstruction using hamstring tendon autograft is a commonly used treatment option, yet results are limited to small case series, to date. To date, studies on baseline preoperative demographic factors and their association with postoperative outcome are limited. The objective was to assess the clinical and sport specific outcomes and survivorship after SCJ reconstruction using hamstring tendon autograft in patients suffering from SCJ instability and to determine whether baseline demographic factors were associated with postoperative outcomes or patient satisfaction. Methods: Patients who underwent SCJ reconstruction with a hamstring tendon autograft for SCJ instability between October 2005 and October 2020 were enrolled in this retrospective, monocentric study. At a minimum of 2-years postoperatively, clinical outcomes were collected, including the following patient reported outcomes (PROs): the 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12) physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score, VAS pain score, VAS pain at worst and subjective postoperative satisfaction with the procedure (0 = very unsatisfied to 10 = very satisfied). Sport specific parameters were investigated via questionnaire. The predictive role of patient demographic factors, including age, sex, and injury in dominant arm, on postoperative PROs and satisfaction at short term follow-up was evaluated using bivariate analysis. According to their respective distribution, continuous variables were compared employing a parametric unpaired t test or the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test. Categorical variables were compared performing the binary Fisher’s exact test or the Chi-square test. The non-parametric Wilcoxon test for two related samples was used to compare pre- and postoperative values of each outcome parameter. Spearman rank correlations coefficients were calculated in the predictive factor analysis. Results: A total of 49 patients (age: 29.6 ± 16.2 years, range 13.8-67.1, 27 females) were included in the final analysis. Surgery was performed on the dominant shoulder in 26 (63.4%) of the cases. At a mean follow-up of 3.9 ± 2.1 years, all PROs had significantly improved. These included the SF12 PCS (40.4 ± 6.8 to 52.6 ± 6.9, p&lt;0.001), ASES (54.9 ± 20.4 to 91.0 ± 11.3, p&lt;0.001), QuickDASH (41.2 ± 18.5 to 10.2 ± 9.1, p&lt;0.001); SANE (50.2 ± 21.1 to 88.3 ± 8.8, p&lt;0.001), VAS pain (4.4 ± 2.6 to 0.8 ± 1.4, p&lt;0.001) and VAS pain at its worst (7.4 ± 2.5 to 3.3 ± 2.6, p&lt;0.001). The median postoperative satisfaction score was 9 (1-10). Revision-free survivorship was 95.9%. Of those, all patients returned to athletic activity. However only 45% of the overhead athletes returned to their preinjury level. Male patients had a significantly lower VAS pain at worst compared to female patients (2.6 ± 2.6 vs. 4.1 ± 2.4; p=0.045), higher age was significantly correlated with a worse Quick-DASH score (correlation coefficient: 0.314*; p=0.036) and overhead athletes had a significantly lower propensity to return to sports compared to non-overhead athletes (p=0.043). Conclusions: The significant improvements in clinical and sports specific outcomes and high patient satisfaction after SCJ reconstruction with a hamstring autograft demonstrate the success of this procedure in treating SCJ instability. Male sex and younger patient age are associated with superior outcomes, while overhead athletes have to be counseled about difficulties of returning to preinjury level of sport, postoperatively.

A Review on Rehabilitation and Return to Sport Criteria Post ACL Reconstruction in Athletes

Background: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are most often found in young active athletes. They range from mild (small tears or sprain) to severe (complete tear of ligament) and are mostly seen in sports like football, basketball, cricket, gymnastics, skiing, etc ACL reconstruction is a surgical knee procedure that requires intensive postoperative rehabilitation by the athlete to be able to return to sport. Methods: A systematic review was conducted considering the data sources PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane Library, PEDro, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Medscape, and Scopus databases using the keywords ACL reconstruction, rehabilitation, and return to sport criteria. The time frame ranged between 2017-2022 Results: The study selection process is presented according to PRISMA guidelines. After title and abstract screening, 50 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility 20 were excluded; the remaining 30 articles were deemed to meet the inclusion criteria and were included. The total number of RCTs included was thirty Conclusion: The thirty included RCTs offer convincing results on post-operative outcomes of muscular strength, function, patient reported symptoms and determination of return to sport criteria. There is limitation in holistic evidence that looks into the psychological as well as physical components of rehabilitation of an athlete that will also accelerate the return to sport duration. Keywords: ACL reconstruction, rehabilitation, return to sport criteria

The efficacy and safety of the training process in sumo through autogenic training for professional wrestlers

Background and purpose of the study. Considering the high demands for physical and psychological preparedness in sumo, the implementation of comprehensive approaches to training becomes relevant. Such an approach ensures the improvement of sports results and the health maintenance of athletes. The study is aimed at analyzing the effectiveness of autogenic training in the educational and training process among experienced sumo wrestlers. Materials and Methods. The analysis is based on the observation of 10 experienced sumo wrestlers from the "Adrenaline" sports club in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Methods used to assess the psycho-emotional and physical state of athletes included the SAN test, heart rate measurement, the Stange and Genchi tests, reaction time measurement, and the Romberg test. Mastery of autogenic training techniques took place in a group over 5 weeks at the end of each training session. After the first week, a visualization technique was added to the autogenic training. For the analysis and visualization of the obtained data it was used the integrated development environment PyCharm Community Edition. The programming code was written in Python. The experiment was conducted in Kharkiv (Ukraine), which has been located in a war zone since February 2022. The requirements of the military administration for ensuring the safety of the experiment participants were observed. Results. Significant improvements were observed in the psycho-emotional state of athletes, including a reduction in anxiety levels by 6.5 points (p&lt;0.01) and an improvement in reactionmetry indicators by 3.4 cm (p &lt; 0.05). Improvements were also noted in the well-being, mood, and activity of athletes. At the end of the experiment, no significant changes were observed in heart rate and the Stange and Genchi tests. A noticeable improvement was shown in the Genchi test, although these changes did not reach statistical significance. The results of the reactionmetry significantly improved, confirming the effectiveness of the training in enhancing the athletes' reaction speed. Conclusions. The study confirmed that autogenic training is an effective means of improving not only the psycho-emotional state but also the physical readiness of sumo wrestlers. The implementation of such methods can contribute to increasing the safety and effectiveness of the educational and training process, as well as achieving higher sports results while maintaining the health of athletes.

A Comparative Study on Running Gait Pattern of Sprinters and Distance Runners

Abstract: The biomechanics of running gait vary significantly between sprinters and distance runners, owing to the unique demands of their respective disciplines. Sprinting is an aggressive and intricate athletic activity that is primarily associated with power and speed, whereas distance running is concerned with efficiency and fluidity of movement. This study was formulated to determine whether sprinters and distance runners would exhibit differences in technique while running at the same speed. 20 male collegiate athletes—10 sprinters and 10 distance runners aged between 17-25 year were selected from the LNIPE. Each subject ran on treadmill at a set pace of 15 km/hr for 5 mins. Spatiotemporal variables (cadence, stride length, run cycle duration, stance phase duration, swing phase duration, propulsion speed) and pelvic kinematic variables (pelvic tilt, pelvic obliquity, and pelvic rotation) were measured using BTS G-Walk sensor. Collected data was analysed using independent t-test. The result of the study showed no significant differences (p &gt; .05) between sprinters and distance runners for both the spatiotemporal and the pelvic kinematic variables which suggests that, despite their different training focuses and race distances, sprinters and distance runners exhibit similar gait patterns when running at the same speed.

Correlation of the Score Obtained Through The “Functional Movement Screen” (FMS) Test with The Incidence of Musculoskeletal Injuries in Players of The Mexican Professional Basketball League (LNBP) During The 2023 Season

Background. The assessment of mobility is important to determine the degree of functionality inherent in the ability to move and, therefore, sports performance. Likewise, mobility is related to the development of musculoskeletal injuries, but this is little known in professional basketball players. Objective. Correlation of the FMS score with the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries in LNBP players during the 2023 season. Methodology. An observational, cross-sectional, analytical, prospective study was conducted on professional basketball players from the Mexican League who played during the 2023 season. Before the start of the 2023 season, the FMS test was performed on the players. Other useful information for the study was recorded: history of musculoskeletal injuries, presence of pain, or limitation to movement at the time of the test. After that, a follow-up was carried out throughout the 2023 season to identify if the players had any musculoskeletal injury, including fracture, muscle injury, connective tissue injury (meniscal, capsular, fascial, etc.), ligamentous injury, tendinopathy, and low back pain. A musculoskeletal injury was defined as physical damage to the body secondary to athletic activity or an event for which the athlete sought medical attention and resulted in modified training or required splitting or protective taping. The affected joint or body site (knee, ankle, elbows, shoulders, wrist, other) and the number of injuries during the season were also recorded. Finally, the information was captured in the SPSS v.26 statistical program to determine if there were significant correlations between the scores obtained from the FMS test and the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries. Results. Among the 27 players, the average age was 29.4±3.7 years (range 21-39 years). The overall incidence of musculoskeletal injuries throughout the season was 88.9%, only 3 players did not present musculoskeletal injuries (11.1%). The average was 2.7±1.4 injuries per player throughout the season. First-time injuries represented 69.2% of the cases and recurrent injuries represented 30.8%. 41.5% of the players had a minor injury, 36.9% mild, 10.8% moderate, and 10.8% severe. The mean FMS score was 14.5±1.8. The Pearson correlation between the FMS score and the number of lesions was r=0.084 (p=0.900). There were no significant differences in games lost, days out, and number of injuries, but there was a trend toward fewer games lost and days out in players with more than 14 points on the FMS scale. No significant differences were found in the FMS score by injury severity (p=0.472). The area under the curve for predicting moderate-severe musculoskeletal injuries based on the FMS score was 0.581 (0.419-0.742, p=0.359). In those over 30 years of age, a significant correlation of the FMS score with age was found (r=-0.406), but not in those under 30 years. Conclusion. The incidence of musculoskeletal injuries was high. Although the FMS score was not a determining predictor for its development, our study suggests its potential usefulness in identifying players with a higher risk of severe injuries, especially individuals over 30 years.