High-level Athletes Research Articles

The Shape of Success: A Scoping Review of Somatotype in Modern Elite Athletes Across Various Sports

This scoping review aimed to determine the somatotype of modern elite athletes across various sports. The literature search followed the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews. Four databases were consulted, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Clarivate InCites, as well as platforms such as Google Scholar, Taylor & Francis Online, Books Ovid, CAB eBooks, MyiLibrary, and Core Collection. Eligibility criteria included articles published between 1995 and 2024 involving athletes at the elite level, such as junior, senior, Olympic, first-division professionals, world-class competitors, national competitors, black belts, master athletes, non-professional athletes with at least 10 years of experience, those ranked in the national or international top 10, and high-level collegiate athletes. A total of 66 studies were included. Modern male elite athletes predominantly exhibited an endomorphic mesomorphic somatotype, whereas female athletes were classified as central. The present study was the first to synthesize data from 66 articles, encompassing athletes of varying elite levels, both males and females, while providing detailed information on age, weight, height, BMI, somatotype and its classification, and complemented by somatoplot references. Future research is recommended to include a greater diversity of sports and a more significant number of elite female athletes to enhance the representativeness of elite athletes.

Quantifying Muscle Volume Deficits Among 38 Lower Extremity Muscles in Collegiate Football Athletes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Quadriceps dysfunction is ubiquitous after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR). Addressing quadriceps dysfunction is crucial to improve function, reduce the reinjury risk, and maintain long-term knee health. While deficits specific to the quadriceps are well documented, less is known about the effect of an ACL injury on other lower extremity muscle groups. The purpose of this exploratory analysis was to quantify and rank lower extremity muscle volume deficits using magnetic resonance imaging in collegiate football athletes after ACLR. It was hypothesized that the quadriceps muscles would present with the greatest deficits and that compensatory hypertrophy of muscles at adjacent joints such as the hip and ankle would be observed. Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. This study is a secondary analysis from an ongoing multicenter prospective cohort study involving Division I collegiate football athletes. Athletes who underwent primary unilateral ACLR (1 [3%] allograft, 2 [7%] quadriceps tendon autograft, 22 [73%] bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft, 5 [17%] hamstring tendon autograft) and magnetic resonance imaging were included. Muscle volumes (mL·kg-1·m-1) were quantified bilaterally from 38 lower extremity muscles using machine learning technology. Paired-samples t tests were performed between limbs for each muscle, which were then ranked and visualized in a forest plot based on standardized mean differences (surgical - nonsurgical limb). A total of 30 athletes (mean time from surgery, 27.9 ± 19.0 months) were included. The largest muscle volume deficits in the surgical limb were seen in the 3 uniarticular quadriceps muscles, followed by the biarticular triceps surae muscles. The rectus femoris and soleus did not show significant differences between limbs. Conversely, the fibularis muscle group had a greater muscle volume in the surgical limb compared with the nonsurgical limb. Most other muscle groups did not present significant differences between limbs. Persistent quadriceps atrophy in a cohort of high-level athletes over 2 years after ACLR was highlighted in this study. Deficits in the gastrocnemius muscles, but not in the soleus, were also identified. This comprehensive approach examining various lower extremity muscles revealed latent muscle volume deficits present after ACLR.

Isometric maximal voluntary contraction test: a proposal of a specific protocol for high-level H3 handcyclists athletes

Isometric maximal voluntary contraction test: a proposal of a specific protocol for high-level H3 handcyclists athletes

Outcomes of operative and nonoperative management of myotendinous Achilles tendon ruptures: a systematic review

BackgroundAchilles tendon ruptures are the most common lower extremity tendinous rupture. While there has been extensive research into the management of mid-substance Achilles tendon ruptures, there is a paucity of literature on the management of myotendinous Achilles tendon ruptures.MethodsThe aim of this systematic review is to compile all available literature on the treatment of myotendinous Achilles tendon tears. A systematic search of Web of Science, Embase, and Medline databases was performed for all studies published from database inception to April 13, 2024. All publications addressing the treatment of myotendinous Achilles ruptures of all levels of evidence were included. The PRISMA Checklist guided the reporting and data abstraction. Descriptive statistics are presented.ResultsA total of five studies with 70 patients were included for analysis. Sixty-seven patients underwent non-operative management with an average age ranging from 40.8 to 51.0 years. Three patients underwent operative management with ages of 16, 36, and 39. The majority of patients tore their Achilles tendon during sports. For nonoperatively treated patients, one group underwent immobilization for a total of 6 weeks and one study treated patients with functional rehabilitation. All patients were able to perform a single heel-raise, had good reported strength, and returned to work or sport. Nonoperative patients reported statistically significant improvements in subjective outcomes and high rates of satisfaction.ConclusionBoth nonoperative and operative management of myotendinous Achilles tendon ruptures demonstrated good outcomes after injury, although there is a limited amount of literature on this topic. Given that nonoperative treatment appears to yield good strength and return to activity, it may be preferred for the majority of patients. Operative management may be indicated in high level athletes. Imaging to determine the exact location of injury, quality of remaining tendon, and gap distance may further aid when considering treatment options. Higher level evidence studies are required to determine the optimal treatment of myotendinous Achilles tendon ruptures.Level of evidenceIV; Systematic review of Level IV-V studies.

Development of a Badminton Teaching Program Based on Visual Searching Feedback

Background and Aims: Creating a teaching program for badminton is essential to improving players' abilities and guaranteeing a strong base in fitness, technique, and strategy. Additionally, it encourages interest and participation in the sport at all skill levels, from novices to experts, which furthers its growth. Thus, this research investigates the impact of visual search feedback on the performance of a badminton clear stroke teaching program. Methodology: The study involves 30 university students enrolled in a specialized badminton program, divided into an experimental group. By analyzing eye-tracking data, the training aims to enhance students' visual search capabilities and integrates these into the teaching program for badminton clear stroke technique. The specific steps are as follows: 1) Study relevant knowledge on visual search capabilities and badminton clear stroke technique. 2) Collect data on visual search capabilities and badminton clear stroke technique from high-level athletes. 3) Consult experts and gather opinions on eye-tracking data to develop a training program integrating visual search capabilities into the badminton clear stroke technique teaching curriculum. 4) Validate and experiment with the teaching program with 42 students. 5) Implement an 8-week experiment with 30 students, comprising 4 sessions with testing every two weeks, to assess the feasibility of the teaching program. The evaluation criterion is set at E1/E2 = 80/80. Data analysis involves descriptive statistical methods including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and paired t-test. Results: The major findings show that: 1) The efficiency of adding visual search ability exercises to the badminton clear strokes teaching program was 85.17/88.05, meeting the criteria of E1/E2 = 70/70. 2) The post-test scores in badminton clear stroke technique were significantly higher than the pre-test scores at the 0.05 significance level. Conclusion: The results show that players' technique is significantly improved when visual search ability exercises are added to badminton clear stroke training. The program's effectiveness exceeded expectations, as evidenced by the post-test scores which demonstrated a significant increase over the pre-test findings.

The value of blood lactate and lactate clearance rate in evaluating the prognosis of athletes with heat illness of varying degrees after high-intensity exercise

BackgroundHeat stroke, a severe heat illness with organ damage, is a major cause of cause irreparable organ damage and higher death rates among military persons and athletes.ObjectivesTo study the changes in blood lactate (Lac) levels and lactate clearance rate (LCR) in athletes with heat illness of varying degrees after high-intensity exercise and to evaluate their prognostic value.Material and methodsIn present study, acute care unit admitted 36 heat sickness patients following high-intensity exercise from December 2019 to July 2024, with comprehensive medical records, for retrospective study. The study population consisted of two groups of high level athletes: the favourable Prognosis Group (< 7 days, 22 cases), comprising 21 males and 1 female with a mean age of 21.8 ± 2.7 years, and the bad Prognosis Group (≥ 7 days, 14cases), consisting of 14 males with a mean age of 22.6 ± 3.2 years. Lac levels were assessed at admission (0 h) and early in therapy (2 h, 6 h), and the LCR was computed. Lac and LCR values at each time point were compared between the two groups to see how they affected patient prognosis.ResultsAfter 2 and 6 h of therapy, lactate levels decreased significantly in the good prognosis group (1.2 ± 0.5 mmol/L at 2 h and 0.8 ± 0.3 mmol/L at 6 h), but remained elevated in the poor prognosis group (4.2 ± 1.2 mmol/L at 2 h and 3.5 ± 1.5 mmol/L at 6 h). Core body temperature normalized in both groups, but the good prognosis group showed a more rapid decline, with temperatures of 37.4 ± 0.6 °C at 2 h and 36.8 ± 0.4 °C at 6 h in the good prognosis group, and 38.8 ± 0.8 °C at 2 h and 38.2 ± 0.9 °C at 6 h in the poor prognosis group. Notably, a significant positive correlation existed between lactate levels and APACHE II scores at admission (P < 0.01). Furthermore, logistic regression analysis revealed that the 2-hour lactate clearance rate (LCR) (R2 = 0.83) was an independent predictor of outcomes.ConclusionsThe study suggests that athletes with elevated lactate levels after heat illness may be at higher risk of adverse outcomes. The 2-hour lactate clearance rate (LCR) appears to be a valuable prognostic indicator, with potential applications in evaluating the severity of heat illness and guiding treatment decisions. Furthermore, dynamic monitoring of lactate levels in conjunction with LCR may provide valuable insights into the clinical management and prognosis of athletes with heat-related illnesses.

Sleep-wake patterns of fencing athletes: a long-term wearable device study.

Sleep is the most efficient means of recovery for athletes, guaranteeing optimal athletic performance. However, many athletes frequently experience sleep problems. Our study aims to describe the sleep-wake patterns of fencing athletes and determine whether factors, such as sex, competitive level and training schedules, could affect the sleep-wake rhythm. Sleep data from 23 fencing athletes were collected using the Huawei Band 6, monitoring key sleep parameters such as bedtime, wake time, duration of deep and light sleep, wake periods, REM sleep duration, and nap duration. During this period, athletes were required to wear the band continuously for 24 hours daily, except bathing, charging, and competition times. Athletes averaged 7.97 hours of sleep per night, with significant differences observed in wake time (p=0.015) and midpoint of sleep (p=0.048) between high-level and low-level athletes, as well as a higher frequency of naps among high-level (χ2=11.97, p=0.001) and female (χ2=3.88, p=0.049) athletes. Nap duration was negatively correlated with night sleep duration (r=-0.270, p<0.001). Athletes were observed for changes in sleep-wake patterns from Monday to Sunday. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, when there was no morning training, the athletes' wake-up time and the midpoint of sleep were shifted significantly backward, and there were significant differences in sleep parameters between training days and rest days. The sleep patterns of athletes differ according to level and gender. The sleep-wake patterns of athletes are influenced by training schedules, indicating the presence of sleep rhythm disruption.

Impact of Tabata Training Under Digital Monitoring on Physical Fitness in High-Level University Tennis Athletes

Background: The increasing demand for improved physical conditioning in university tennis athletes has highlighted the need for training methods that effectively enhance endurance, explosiveness, and agility. Chinese university tennis players often face constraints such as limited training time and insufficient focus on physical conditioning, which adversely affect their competitive performance. This study investigates the impact of Tabata training under digital monitoring on the physical fitness of high-level university tennis athletes, offering novel insights into optimizing training efficacy. Methods: This experimental study involved 20 university tennis athletes who participated in an 8-week training intervention. The experimental group underwent Tabata training, while the control group adhered to traditional training methods. Both groups were assessed before and after the intervention on 11 physical fitness parameters, including strength, speed, agility, and endurance. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with paired t-tests conducted to examine changes in performance. Results: a. Speed: The experimental group exhibited significant improvements in the 20-meter sprint (P &lt; 0.05), with no significant differences in the 5-meter and 10-meter sprints (P &gt; 0.05). b. Strength: Significant improvements were observed across all strength parameters except for half-squat at half-body weight (P &lt; 0.05). c. Agility: The experimental group showed highly significant improvements in agility (P &lt; 0.001). d. Endurance: The experimental group demonstrated a highly significant increase in endurance (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: An 8-week regimen of Tabata training significantly enhanced the physical performance of high-level university tennis athletes, particularly in agility and endurance. These findings affirm the effectiveness of Tabata training in improving athletic fitness.

Stroke in Athletes with Atrial Fibrillation: A Narrative Review.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia, linked with a significantly heightened risk of stroke. While moderate exercise reduces AF risk, high-level endurance athletes paradoxically exhibit a higher incidence. However, their stroke risk remains uncertain due to their younger age, higher cardiovascular fitness, and lower rate of comorbidities. Several key studies highlight that AF may increase the risk of stroke in endurance athletes, particularly those over 65. However, the overall risk within this population remains relatively low. Notably, older male athletes show a higher AF incidence but experience lower stroke risk than their non-athletic counterparts. Regular physical activity prior to a first stroke appears to reduce mortality, though recurrent stroke risk in athletes with AF mirrors that of non-athletes, despite an elevated AF incidence. Management of AF in athletes is complex, with limited evidence guiding anti-thrombotic strategies. In this setting, specific recommendations are sparse, particularly in sports where bleeding risk is heightened. Individualized management, emphasizing shared decision-making, is critical to balance stroke prevention with athletic performance. Rhythm control strategies, such as catheter ablation, may be a reasonable first-line treatment option for athletes, particularly in those desiring to avoid long-term medication. This review synthesizes the current literature on the incidence, predictors, and management of stroke in athletes with AF.

Sportsman's Hernia repair using Nesovic procedure, a 13-year single-center experience.

Sportsman's hernia is very frequent in some sports, particularly in football. This painful syndrome is reported by high-level athletes as well as amateurs. There is no consensus about the management of sportsman's hernia, because of the heterogeneity in anatomoclinic forms. In case of surgical indication, the Nesovic procedure, also named "fasciomyoplasty", is one of the recommended procedures for the abdomino-parietal forms. Our objective was to report our experience with this procedure in terms of short- and mid-term results. All the patients who underwent Nesovic procedure between January 2009 and December 2022 in our center were retrospectively reviewed. 43 patients (98% men; mean age: 29.5 ± 9.2years) were included. 37% of patients were professional athletes. The median time from symptoms' onset to diagnosis was 3months (range = 1-72months). The median time from diagnosis to surgery was 7months (range = 1-58months). Postoperative overall morbidity occurred in six patients (14%), including scrotum swelling (n = 2), hematoma (n = 1), serous collection (n = 1) and acute urinary retention (n = 2). No major complication occurred. At the end of follow-up (median: 1year; range = 1month-11years), 84% of patients recovered their previous sports activity, after a mean delay of 2months. Nesovic procedure is efficient in more than 80% of sports patients without any major morbidity.

Nationwide incidence of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in higher-level athletes in Sweden: a cohort study from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry linked to six sports organisations

ObjectiveTo determine and compare the incidence rate (IR) of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) among higher-level athletes across six sports in the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry (SNKLR).MethodsPatient data from...

Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy as a Tool to Characterize Exercise and Physical Activity: A Systematic Review.

Over the past few decades, the scientific community has recognized the impact of physical activity on health and performance. In parallel, researchers have been actively exploring novel methodologies to analyze the physiological and metabolic responses to exercise. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful tool in this effort, offering the potential to provide unique insights into exercise-related changes at the molecular level. The primary goal of this systematic review is to confirm the viability of utilizing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for the analysis of the biochemical changes associated with physical exercise and its potential applications. This systematic review adhered to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and examined studies employing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to analyze exercise and physical activity, focusing on a biological sample collection and spectral analysis. Four databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Scopus) were searched, and inclusion criteria encompassed original English-language studies involving human participants aged 18-50years, a biological sample collection (urine, saliva, and blood), and the use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The studies were analyzed considering the type of exercise or sport that was investigated, and also the type of spectral analysis conducted. The review encompassed 15 studies that demonstrated the versatility of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in assessing various aspects of exercise, including metabolism, cardiovascular responses, and muscular fatigue. The largest study evaluated 57 athletes from several different sports. On average, almost all the studies were performed with around 20 athletes. Notably, the technique's holistic approach allows for a comprehensive analysis of the complex network of metabolites and proteins within the human body. Data analysis methodologies, particularly when coupled with machine learning, show great potential for advancing the field of sports science. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy emerges as a promising tool for monitoring and enhancing the performance of high-level athletes, preventing overtraining or even over-reaching, and assessing metabolism. Its accuracy, efficiency, and affordability also make it a candidate for broader applications in assessing the health and fitness of the general population. Future research should explore its applicability across diverse exercise modalities and demographic groups, aiming to prescribe exercise plans that consider a multitude of parameters for larger, more intricate exercise cohorts. The study protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under the ID number CRD42023441965.

Reduced visual and middle temporal gyrus activity correlates with years of exercise in athletes using resting-state fMRI.

Different types of physical training can lead to changes in brain activity and function, and these changes can vary depending on the type of training. However, it remains unclear whether there are commonalities in how different types of training affect brain activity and function. The purpose of this study is to compare the brain activity states of professional athletes with those of ordinary university students and to explore the relationship between training and differences in brain activity states. This study primarily utilizes resting-state MRI and the degree centrality metric to investigate spontaneous brain activity in 86 high-level athletes with extensive training and 74 age- and gender-matched nonathletes. Additionally, a correlation analysis between brain activity in relevant regions and years of training was conducted. The analysis revealed that, compared to nonathletes, high-level athletes exhibited reduced activity in the Calcarine (a visual area) and Middle Temporal Gyrus. Furthermore, changes in the activity of the Calcarine and Middle Temporal Gyrus were significantly correlated with the number of years of professional training. The study results indicate that long-term physical training is associated with changes in brain activity in athletes, providing insights into the neural mechanisms underlying behavioral performance in professional athletes.

Research on the application of scientific training methods in the prevention of muscle injuries in young taekwondo athletes

The Taekwondo project originated in the Korean Peninsula. Since it was introduced to my country in the 1990s, it has attracted the attention of many people because of its high degree of appreciation. Taekwondo, characterized by its combative nature and technical demands, poses inherent sports risks, with research indicating that a significant percentage of athletes’ experience sports injuries during their careers. Therefore, this study selected high-level Taekwondo athletes of S University as the survey object, and analyzed the collected data by using literature data method, questionnaire survey method, interview method and other research methods. Aiming at the injury factors of boxing practitioners’ sports injuries, this research proposes the following related countermeasures: (1) The countermeasures against the practitioners themselves and the physical injury factors are: strengthen the protection or exercise of vulnerable parts; the coaches check the physical condition of the students before class; strengthen physical fitness exercises; improve self-protection awareness and ability. (2) The countermeasures against the factors that cause the practitioner’s emotional and rational emotions include: exert the influence of social relations on the practitioner; eliminate fear, cultivate self-confidence; strengthen the cultivation of will quality and self-will! Relaxation and concentration training. (3) The countermeasures for coaches to prevent exercises from sports injuries include: coaches improve their own technical level and teaching skills; reasonable grouping and training methods; leading students to prepare for activities; controlling sports negatives, and technical exercises step by step. (4) Improve the problems of venue facilities that easily cause sports injuries.

Sports Development Management in the Republic of Armenia: The Structure and Statistics

Sports is one of the many branches of the national economic complex and represents a complex and unique socio-economic system, the activity of which is characterized by multifaceted social and state relations. It should be considered that the management structure of any socio-economic sector of the state is largely determined first by the state policy, the very structure of the state. It should be organically integrated into the sports movement management system. The state body responsible for the development of sports in Republic of Armenia (RA) is the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports (MESCS), which is entrusted with the functions of implementing state policy and legal regulation, as well as providing support to sports organizations and sports federations. The main goal of its activity is the formation of a positive attitude of society, the state and the entire nation towards sports as an effective means of maintaining and strengthening human health, an integral part of universal culture, and as a factor, especially in the physical and moral education of children and young people. The Ministry carries out the functions of state policy and legal regulation in physical culture, sports and youth issues and the processes of developing and implementing them. Along with that, public sports organizations in the form of NAOC of Armenia and national sports federations and units play an important role in the development of sports in the republic. Funding for mass sports and high-performance sports is increasing year by year in Armenia, which is aimed at increasing the number of events, as well as increasing the number of incentives for the achievements of people who do sports and high-level athletes.

Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome in High-Level Athletes: A 10-Year Follow-up.

Arthroscopic treatment for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) has previously been reported to have favorable short-term results in high-level athletes. Less is known about long-term outcomes. To report outcomes 10 years after hip arthroscopy for FAIS in high-level athletes using validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Patients who underwent hip arthroscopy between November 2011 and January 2013 were included in a local hip arthroscopy registry and completed preoperative PROMs. At 10-year follow-up, the same PROMs were completed. Inclusion criteria were age <40 years at time of surgery, no prior hip surgeries, and a pre-symptomatic Hip Sports Activity Scale (HSAS) level of 7 or 8. The exclusion criterion was total hip arthroplasty at follow-up. The PROMs included the international Hip Outcome Tool-12 items (iHOT-12), the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS), visual analog scale (VAS) for overall hip function, European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D) and European Quality of Life-visual analog scale (EQ-VAS), HSAS, and a single question on patient satisfaction. The rates of patients achieving minimal important change and reporting Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) were reported for HAGOS and iHOT-12. For iHOT-12, preoperative results were compared with 1, 5, and 10-year follow-ups. A total of 45 patients (34 men, 11 women; 70 hips; mean age 24.4 years at time of surgery) were included, with 77 patients eligible for inclusion. Significant improvements (P < .001) were seen at 10-year follow-up in all HAGOS subscales: Symptoms, Pain, Daily Activity, Sports, Physical Activity, Quality of Life (50.3 vs 78.6, 59.2 vs 86.8, 65.9 vs 88.8, 37.1 vs 81.1, 24.4 vs 81.1, 32.1 vs 79.3), iHOT-12 (40.1 vs 81.6), EQ-5D (0.59 vs 0.89), EQ-VAS (65.6 vs 80.4), and VAS for overall hip function (48 vs 79). For iHOT-12, the largest change was seen between preoperative and 1-year follow-up values, with consistent results over time. There was no statistically significant difference between HSAS levels preoperatively and at 10-year follow-up (HSAS level 4), with 24% of patients reporting a HSAS level 7 or 8 at the follow-up. Of the patients, 93% reported satisfaction with the surgery. PASS was achieved in 82% for iHOT-12, with a range of 76% to 91% for HAGOS subscales. Furthermore, 93% exceeded the minimal important change for iHOT-12, and a range of 67% to 84% for HAGOS. In a high-level athletic population, significant improvements in long-term outcomes are reported after hip arthroscopy for FAIS, with patients reporting a high satisfaction rate. The results also show that the largest improvement occurs within the first postoperative year, with results being maintained for 10 years.

Arthroscopic ankle lateral ligament instabilities repair

Lateral ankle sprain is one of the most common sports injuries both in high level and recreational athletes. The frequency of injuries increases in recent years as more sports participations grow. Untreated ankle sprain can lead to deteriorated chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI/LAI), thus understanding the management is of most important. Surgery for ankle instability can varied from a simple non augmented repair, augmented repair using autograft/allograft/or other choices of internal bracing, and revision cases of failed primary repair. The decision of what surgery is of the surgeon learning curves. However, with a proper diagnosis, a simple non augmented repair is acceptable with high success rate. In certain population and narrow indication, surgeon need other armamentarium such as augmented reconstruction using graft or other technique to avoid failure of primary case that leads to revision. Anterior arthroscopic for anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) repair is widely performed for CLAI. Many studies have reported excellent outcomes, however recurrent instabilities still become a common concern for many. Selected individuals with good indication will prevent the surgeon from revision surgeries. Surgeon need to add the risk factors such as poor ATFL remnants, involvement of calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and preoperative activity level to their decision making. At last, the success of lateral ankle instability surgery is also dependent on proper phases of rehabilitation period. Understanding all matter that involves in the recovery of lateral ankle ligament repair is of most important for the best outcome of the patients.

Is isometric mid-thigh pull associated with the competitive performance of striking high-level athletes?

Background: The isometric mid-thigh pull test (IMTP) is commonly used in sports performance assessment, but it remains underutilized among combat sports athletes. Aims: to evaluate whether Pan-American medalists (PM) showed differences when compared with other athletes (NM) when performing the IMTP. Methods: a total of 72 Karate [n=35 (♀12)] and Taekwondo [n=37 (♀15)] athletes were measured (22.4±3.7 yrs.; 67.4±11.5 Kg; 1.7±0.1 m; 22.1±2.8 kg/m2). From the total, 32 athletes were PM of their specific combat sport (♀11). All participants performed the IMTP 60-90 days before the competition. The following variables were measured: a) Impulse Net at 50; 100; 150 and 200 ms (N*s); b) absolute (N) and relative peak force (PF; N/Kg) and; c) Rating of force development (RFD) at 50; 100; 150 and 200 ms (N/s). Results: PM showed a better performance on absolute (2,398.5±623.1 vs. 2,096.2±559.3 N; p=0.034) and relative PF (34.6±5.0 vs. 31.2±5.1 N/Kg; p=0.006); RFD at 150 (5,273.4±2,670.8 vs. 3,963.4±1,904.2 N/s; p=0.0018) and 200ms (4,870.3±2,184.6 vs. 4,022.1±1,574.8 N/s; p=0.05). Relative PF (Τ=0.249; p=0.011) and RDF at 150 ms (Τ=0.208; p=0.033) showed a positive and significative correlation with the competition result. Conclusion: PM showed a high PF and RFD at 150 and 200 ms. Furthermore, the competition result was correlated with relative PF and RDF at 150 ms. Based on our findings, we recommend that coaches incorporate the IMTP into their evaluation routine for striking athletes. Keywords: martial arts, athletic performance, elite athlete, task performance and analysis.

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Ultrasonic Tenotomy for Refractory Patellar Tendinopathy in High-Level Athletes: A Case Series.

To elucidate the clinical outcomes and return-to-sport status of high-level athletes with refractory patellar tendinopathy treated with ultrasound-guided percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy (PUT). Case series study. Single orthopaedic clinic. Five cases involving 8 knees from athletes (average age: 22 years, range: 17-30 years) who presented with refractory patellar tendinopathy and underwent PUT between 2022 and 2024. Conservative treatments had previously been attempted without sufficient pain relief or return to sports. All patients underwent ultrasound-guided PUT using the TX-2 device from Tenex Health. Jogging was resumed 1 month after surgery, and a return to competitive sports was permitted as early as 3 months postsurgery. Preoperative and postoperative Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment (VISA) scores and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores for pain. Time to return to full training and competitive sports, and presence of postoperative infection signs. The VISA score significantly improved from a preoperative average of 43.1 to a postoperative average of 77.1 (P = 0.0004). The NRS significantly decreased from a preoperative average of 6.4 to a postoperative average of 2.8 (P = 0.0005). Four cases involving 6 knees fully returned to sports, with an average return time of 3 months and 19 days (range: 3 months to 4 months and 13 days). One case involving 2 knees did not show sufficient pain improvement and the patient could not return to sports. No signs of infection were observed in any case. PUT for refractory patellar tendinopathy in high-level athletes generally results in favorable treatment outcomes and successful return to sports. This study provides novel insights into the effectiveness of PUT for patellar tendinopathy in athletes, highlighting the need for future studies with larger sample sizes to validate these findings and explore factors associated with poor outcomes.

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Fasciotomies for Patients With Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome is a well-described potential cause of leg pain in high-level athletes and soldiers. Surgical treatment of chronic exertional compartment syndrome usually involves fasciotomy, with a reported rate of complications of up to 16%, including failure of complete compartmental release and delayed return to normal daily activity, which can take up to 6 to 12 weeks. The use of a minimally invasive approach under ultrasound guidance seems to improve clinical outcomes in young active patients. We recommend the following steps for effective execution of ultrasound-guided percutaneous fasciotomy: (1) location of the compartmental fascia and identification of the superficial peroneal nerve, (2) skin incision, (3) insertion of a hook under the compartmental fascia, and (4) sectioning of the fascia.