Level Of Sport Research Articles

Talonavicular Osteochondral Lesions: Surgical Technique and Clinical Outcomes from the Boston and Amsterdam Perspectives.

The primary purpose of the present study was to assess the patient-reported outcomes, complications, and reoperation rate of patient who underwent surgical treatment for symptomatic osteochondral lesions of the talonavicular joint (TNJ). Patients undergoing surgical treatment for symptomatic osteochondral lesions of the TNJ with a minimum of 12-month follow-up were included. Outcomes included clinical patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), return to sports and work outcomes, and postoperative complications or reoperations. Medical records were screened by 2 independent reviewers. Patients were contacted by phone and underwent an in-depth interview. Additionally, operative techniques for both arthroscopic and open surgical approaches for treating TNJ osteochondral lesions were described. Retrospective Case Series (Level IV) and Surgical Technique. A total of 7 patients were included with a final follow-up time of 25.4 (SD: 15.2) months follow-up. PROMs were considered satisfactory for 5 out of 7 patients, 6 out of 7 patients returned to any level of sports at a mean of 3.7 (SD: 4.2) months, and 5 out of 6 patients returned to preinjury level of sports at a mean of 14 (SD: 7.5) months. All patients returned to work at an average of 5.4 (SD: 3.6) weeks. No complications or reoperations after index surgery were reported. Surgical treatment of TNJ osteochondral lesions is a feasible procedure that may offer successful clinical, sport, and work outcomes in the majority of patients. Both open and arthroscopic surgical treatments are available and can be considered in a patient-specific treatment plan.

Back in Action: High Return to Pre-Injury Level of Sports after Arthroscopic Bone Marrow Stimulation for Osteochondral Lesions of the First Metatarsophalangeal (MTP-1) Joint.

The primary aim was to assess the return to sports outcomes of patients with symptomatic osteochondral lesions (OCLs) to the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP-1) joint treated by arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation (BMS). Secondary aims were to present patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) on pain scores as well as surgery-related complications or reoperations to the MTP-1 joint. All patients with MTP-1 OCLs treated by arthroscopic BMS with a minimum follow-up of 12 months were included. Outcomes included return to sports and work outcomes, satisfaction outcomes with the performed treatment, PROMs, as well as postoperative complications and reoperations. Medical records were screened by 2 independent reviewers and patients were contacted by phone to partake in an in-depth interview. Complications, reoperations, and revision surgeries were additionally assessed. Nine patients (median age: 22 years with interquartile range (IQR) 20-29 years) were included with a median follow-up time of 47 (IQR: 23-92) months. Six (86%) out of 7 patients who participated in sports preoperatively returned to sports at any level at a median of 4 (IQR: 2.6-5.8) months. Five patients (71%) returned to pre-injury level of sport and eventually returned to performance at a median of 4 (IQR 2.8-7.5) and 8 (IQR: 4.0-10.5) months, respectively. The median Numeric Rating Scale for pain during walking was 1 (IQR 0-2.5) and all (100%) patients were able to return to work at a median of 4 (IQR: 2-17) weeks. Eighty-nine percent of the patients were very or fairly satisfied with the result of their treatment. No complications, reoperations, or revision surgeries were reported. Arthroscopic BMS for patients with symptomatic OCLs to the MTP-1 joint can be considered safe and yields an 86% return to sport at any level and a 71% return to pre-injury and performance level, with good clinical, return to work, as well as satisfaction outcomes.

Cervical Total Disc Replacement in Athletes: A Systematic Review.

Systematic review. To perform a systematic review to describe clinical characteristics, outcomes, and return to play after cervical total disc replacement (cTDR) in athletes. The role of cTDR in treating athletes with symptomatic cervical degenerative disc disease is undefined. A systematic search using MEDLINE through PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library was conducted to identify all relevant literature. Data regarding study type, country in which the study was conducted, sample size, mean age, sex, type of sport, level of patient participation in sports, surgical indication, levels operated, type of implant, duration of follow-up, reoperations, surgical complications, extent of postoperative return to sports (RTSs), time to RTSs, and outcome notes were extracted from the included studies and analyzed. Seven studies, including 4 case series and 3 case reports, and a total of 57 cTDR cases, were included. There was significant heterogeneity among the cTDR cases in terms of chosen sport and level of participation. Prestige LP was utilized in 51 out of 57 (89.5%) cases and 53 out of 57 (93%) cases were single-level. No reoperations were noted at a mean follow-up of 51.6 months. All patients returned to sports postoperatively. Return to training and competition occurred at a mean of 10.1 weeks and 30.7 weeks postoperatively, respectively. The available evidence regarding cTDR in athletes indicates that these patients RTSs at high rates, with return to training occurring around 10 weeks and return to competition occurring around 30 weeks. Clinical outcomes in these patients are like those reported for the general population. Low-level evidence, small numbers of cases, heterogeneity in chosen sport and participation level, and predominance of a single implant type limit the conclusions that can be drawn from the current literature on this patient population.

Prospective study of functional outcomes and return to sports after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in the knee

PurposeIndividual factors of low rates of return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction were unclear. We evaluated the impact of various individual factors after ACL reconstruction for return to sport in athletes.MethodsA prospective study was performed in 1274 athletes, who had undergone ACL autograft reconstruction. Individual factors survey about return to sport was performed during the second year after surgery. Athlete responses were analyzed with a multivariate logistic model adjusted for baseline patient characteristics and an adjusted Cox model.ResultsYounger age and involvement in higher-level sporting activities were associated with a significantly higher frequency and a significantly shorter time to return to sport (running, training, competition; p = 0.001 to 0.028). Men returned to sport more rapidly than women, for both training (p = 0.007) and competition (p = 0.042). Although there was no difference to return to sport between hamstring (HT) and patellar tendon (PT) autograft. We note that MacFL surgery (Mac Intosh modified with intra- and extra-articular autografts used the tensor fasciae latae muscle) was associated with a higher frequency (p = 0.03) and rapidity (p = 0.025) of return to training than HT. Sports people practicing no weight-bearing sports returned to training (p < 0.001) and competition (p < 0.001) more rapidly than other sports people. By contrast, the practicing pivoting sports with contact started running again sooner (p < 0.001).ConclusionYounger age, male sex, higher level of sports, sportspeople practicing no weight-bearing sports, and MacFL surgery reduce time to return to sport after ACL reconstruction.

Limits and Adjustment of " Three-grade Training Network " in the Development of Competitive Sports: A Case study of Fencing in X Province

Through the investigation and analysis of the research, there is a lot of relevant research and application of the competitive sports policy of the "three-grade training network"; however, this policy no longer can meet the development of competitive sports at the current stage. So far, the official still has no clear direction for reform of the current three-grade training network policy, which is the purpose of this research. This research will use the method of the questionnaire survey, case analysis, and literary analysis to summarize, analyze and improve this policy based on the exploration of this policy at home and abroad nations. It is hoped that it can be used in the future development of China's competitive sports to make Chinese competitive sports management more scientific and efficient. At the inaugural meeting of the Tokyo Olympic delegation, Sports Director Gou Zhongwen expressed the downward trend in competitive sports. In recent years, the overall direction of the development of competitive sports in China is mainly manifested in the continuous decline of the level. In particular, the downward trend of collective projects represented by football is more pronounced. This paper primarily aims at the problem of the decline of the domestic competitive sports level and analyzes the successful cases and management models of other countries in the world, which are represented in recent years, and seeks reference.

Long-term cardiac follow-up of athletes infected with SARS-CoV-2 after resumption of elite-level sports

ObjectiveLongitudinal consequences and potential interactions of COVID-19 and elite-level sports and exercise are unclear. Therefore, we determined the long-term detrimental cardiac effects of the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the...

Sport level and sex differences in sport-related concussion among Japanese collegiate athletes: Epidemiology, knowledge, reporting behaviors, and reported symptoms.

This study investigated the incidence of sport-related concussion (SRC) in sports, effect of athlete knowledge on reporting behavior differences between collegiate and non-collegiate athletes, and differences in SRC symptoms between sexes and level of participation. In this cross-sectional survey, 1 344 Japanese collegiate and non-collegiate athletes from a single institute were analyzed. Using a web-based survey, demographics, general SRC, knowledge of SRC, the most recent SRC reporting behaviors, and symptom presentation were examined. The prevalence of SRC during the academic year 2016-2017 was 2.68 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.88-3.69) across all sports. The prevalence of SRC was 33.3 (95% CI: 17.96-51.83) in rugby union and 8.33 (95% CI: 1.03-27.00) in women's soccer. The prevalence of SRC in males (3.47 [95% CI: 2.38-4.86] was 3.65 times higher than that in females (0.95 [95% CI: 0.26-2.41]). In total, the mean total score of knowledge was 5.30 (4.2) across 25 questions; dizziness was the most well-known symptom (867/1 344, 64.5%), followed by headache (59.3%). Being more emotional (44/1 345, 3.3%) was the least frequently known symptom. Level of participation did not affect scores (5.16 [3.96] vs. 5.52 [4.54]; p​=​0.131). All 87 disclosing participants experienced drowsiness and irritability and felt more emotional. In terms of sex and participant level, no significant differences were found in any symptoms. This study found very low rates of concussion education in Japan. Dissemination of concussion education is essential in the future to recognize concussion earlier and prevent severe concussive injury.

Assessing Laparoscopic Surgical Skills of Trainees with Scene Independent and Dependent Eye Gaze Metrics

Eye metrics have been used to objectively evaluate proficiency levels in psychomotor tasks, including aviation, driving, sports, and surgery. Despite extensive research devoted to developing and utilizing eye metrics, the literature does not contain any explicit comparison between scene independent and dependent eye metrics for understanding skill acquisition or characterizing expertise. This study collected eye tracking data from medical students practicing the peg transfer task and computed both scene independent and dependent eye metrics to indicate proficiency. K-means clustering analysis on the eye metrics yielded three clusters corresponding to three proficiency levels which showed significantly different trial completion time. The box plots of the eye-gaze metrics illustrated different patterns of scene independent and dependent eye metrics with respect to proficiency levels, highlighting the need for further examination of these metrics for accurate and useful applications.

Lower rates of return to sport in patients with generalised joint hypermobility two years after ACL reconstruction: a prospective cohort study

Objectives: Generalised joint hypermobility (GJH) is associated with an increased risk of suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Patients with GJH exhibit lower muscle strength and poorer scores for patient-reported outcomes after ACL reconstruction, compared with patients without GJH. The aim of this study was to examine differences in the percentages of patients who return to sport (RTS) or pre-injury level of activity (RTP), muscle function and patient-reported outcomes at the time of RTS or RTP, as well as the time of RTS or RTP in patients with GJH compared with patients without GJH in the first two years after ACL reconstruction. Methods: This prospective study used data from an ACL- and rehabilitation-specific register located in Gothenburg, Sweden. Patients aged between 16 and 50, who had a primary ACL injury treated with reconstruction, were included. Data up to two years after ACL reconstruction were used and consisted of achieving RTS and RTP, results in isokinetic muscle function tests for knee extension and flexion and patient-reported outcomes (Knee Self-Efficacy Scale, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and ACL-Return to Sport after Injury scale) at the time of RTS, as well as the time of RTP. A Beighton Score of ≥ 5/9 was used to define GJH. A Tegner Activity Scale of ≥ 6 was used to define RTS, while a Tegner equal to or above pre-injury level was used to define RTP. Results: A total of 1,198 patients (54.7% women) with a mean age of 28.5 ± 8.6 years were included. A smaller proportion of patients with GJH achieved RTS compared with patients without GJH (49.2% vs 57.3%, Odds ratio: 0.720, p=0.041). Furthermore, patients with GJH were marginally less symmetrical on the knee extension strength test, expressed as a Limb Symmetry Index, at the time of RTP compared with patients without GJH (87.3 ± 13.5 vs 91.7 ± 14.3, Cohen’s d= 0.142, p=0.022). No further differences were found between groups regarding any muscle function tests or patient-reported outcomes. Conclusion: A smaller proportion of patients with GJH achieved RTS compared with patients without GJH. Patients with GJH display less symmetrical knee extension strength at the time of RTP compared with patients without GJH.

ALL Repair and Reconstruction: Techniques From the SANTI Study Group

Background: Combining an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with an anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction results in significant advantages including reduced graft rupture rates, a lower risk of reoperation for secondary meniscectomy, improved knee stability, and higher rates of return to preinjury levels of sport. Indications: The previously reported indications for combined ACL and ALL reconstruction are as follows: ACL reconstruction revision; high-grade pivot shift test; long-term ACL rupture; young patients; pivoting activities; concomitant medial meniscus repair, and, specifically, regarding the ALL repair, it must be an acute surgery (within 15 days from injury). Technique Description: Several modern techniques have been described to repair and reconstruct the ALL. This technical note details a number of these techniques performed by the Scientific Anterior Cruciate Ligament Network International (SANTI) Study Group. Results: First, we describe a combined ACL reconstruction and double-bundle ALL reconstruction using hamstring autograft. Secondly, we describe a single-bundle ALL reconstruction using gracilis autograft. Thirdly, we describe an ALL reconstruction technique using a knotless soft anchor, which provides shallow fixation and prevents tunnel convergence. Finally, we describe a technique for ALL repair. Conclusion: Several techniques have been described to repair and reconstruct the ALL, all offering significant advantages over an isolated ACL reconstruction. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Patients With Segond Fracture Demonstrate Similar Rates of Return to Sport and Psychological Readiness After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Matched Cohort Study at Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up

To compare clinical outcomes, rate of return to sports, and psychological readiness among patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with and without concomitant Segond fracture. We retrospectively identified patients who underwent primary ACLR from January 2012 to December 2020 with minimum 2-year follow-up. Exclusion criteria were additional ligamentous injury, age <16 years, or a concomitant lateral augmentation procedure. Preoperative knee radiographs were reviewed to identify Segond fractures. Identified patients were matched 1:2 to controls by age/sex/body mass index/graft type. Charts were reviewed for pre- and postoperative knee stability. Surveys administered included preinjury sport participation and return status, Lysholm score, Tegner activity scale, and ACL-Return to Sport Index (ACL-RSI), a metric of psychological sport readiness. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify predictors of return to sport. There were 120 patients who were included in the final analysis (40 Segond, 80 controls) at a mean follow-up of 5.7 ± 2.4 years. A total of 52.5% of patients received bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft. The overall rate of return to sport was 79.5% in the Segond group compared with an 83.8% rate of return in the control group (P= .569). In total, 48.7% of the Segond group and 56.8% of the control group returned to their preinjury level of sport (P= .415). Lysholm (89.6 ± 10.3 vs 85.4 ± 16.7, P= .296), Tegner (5.7 ± 1.8 vs 6.1 ± 2.2, P= .723), and ACL-RSI (62.2 ± 25.4 vs 56.6 ± 25.4, P= .578) scores were similar between Segond and control groups. There was a single graft failure in the Segond group 5 years' postoperatively. Increasing ACL-RSI score was significantly predictive of return to sport (P < .001). Patients who had an ACL tear and a concomitant Segond fracture who underwent isolated ACLR without lateral augmentation procedures had similar clinical outcomes and rates of return sport compared with a matched isolated ACLR control group at minimum 2-year follow-up. There was no significant difference in psychological readiness between groups as measured by the ACL-RSI. Level III, retrospective cohort study.

The Seeping Surveillance of Sex in Sports

Abstract: The US faces a legislative wave of state-level restrictions on transgender athlete participation, while at the elite level of sport there are ongoing exclusions of trans women and women with sex variations, with confusing, inconsistent policies from national sports governing bodies on just what constitutes "female eligibility." In the midst of debates about "fairness" and advocacy for great inclusion, an attention to the surveillance systems at work in sports can shift the terms of debate away from the imperative of a level playing field and toward a discussion of bodily autonomy, privacy, and self-determination for athletes. In doing so, I take a critical surveillance studies lens to illuminate connections between surveillance in sports and other societal institutions. In offering a broad view of the surveillance of sex in sports, I utilize Zygmunt Bauman and David Lyon's concept of liquid surveillance to describe the ways that surveillance mechanisms, logics, and rhetoric seeps through, and out of, sports.

Comparison of ACL and Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction With Isolated ACL Reconstruction Using Hamstring Autograft: Outcomes in Young Female Patients With High-Grade Pivot Shift.

Inferior return to sports (RTS) and functional outcomes have been reported in women after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The purpose was to evaluate the results of combined ACLR and anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) in young women with a high-grade pivot shift (grade ≥2). It was hypothesized that combined ACLR and ALLR would result in better RTS and rotational stability than isolated ACLR. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Two groups were retrospectively evaluated and compared. Group I (n = 39; mean age, 31.1 ± 5.7 years) underwent isolated ACLR using hamstring autografts; group C (n = 39; mean age, 30.4 ± 6.1 years) underwent combined ACLR and ALLR. Subjective outcome measures included the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective form, Lysholm, Tegner, and ACL-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI). Objective tests included a KT-2000 arthrometer stress test, a pivot-shift test, an isokinetic strength test, a Y-balance test, and a single-leg hop test. A postoperative questionnaire was administered to determine the rates and types of RTS, quality of sports performance, and reinjury and satisfaction rates. Subjective scores and clinical tests were performed at 2 years. Magnetic resonance imaging and second-look arthroscopy were conducted during the 1- and 2-year follow-ups, respectively. The mean follow-up for groups I and C were 30.4 ± 3.9 and 29.3 ± 3.5 months, respectively (P = .194). Patients in group C had better anteroposterior (P = .001) and rotational (P = .005) stability and higher ACL-RSI scores (P = .025) than those in group I. Group C had higher composite and posteromedial reach scores on the Y-balance test than group I (P = .014 and P = .010, respectively). A total of 26 (66.7%) patients in group C and 17 (43.6%) in group I returned to their prior level of sports (P = .040). Rerupture of the ACL graft and contralateral ACL rupture occurred in 2 (5.1%) and 2 (5.1%) patients in group I, respectively, compared with no rerupture or contralateral ACL rupture in group C. Combined ACLR and ALLR in young women with a high-grade pivot shift was associated with better knee stability parameters, dynamic postural stability, and psychological readiness to RTS than isolated ACLR.

Knee stiffness post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction- factors to worry about

Background: Knee stability is affected by integrity of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Knee stiffness is a worrying postoperative complication, preventing patients from returning back to pre-injury sport level. In this study, we analyzed incidence of knee stiffness post ACL reconstruction and possible associated risk factors. Methods: This is retrospective study, was held in Royal Medical Services/Jordan–Queen Alia Military hospital/Arthroscopic and Sport injuries division. We analyzed 250 patients’ data using computerized patients record system (CPRS) called Hakeem complaining of knee stiffness post ACL reconstruction between July 2022 and July 2023, whom ACL reconstructive surgeries were performed between March and September 2022. Results: Incidence of knee stiffness post ACL reconstruction is about 1.5% (4 out of 250). All of those 4 patients were males,3 of them had limited flexion (75%), while 1 of them had limited extension (25%). All of the 3 patients having extension contracture had an associated medial meniscus tear, repaired at time of ACL reconstruction, while flexion contracture patient had an isolated ACL tear. Conclusions: Incidence of knee stiffness post ACL reconstruction is about 1.5%. 75% of patients were associated with medial meniscus tear, who underwent meniscus repair and hinged knee brace was applied. We conclude that ACL patients having an associated meniscus tear managed by meniscus repair and hinge knee brace are at higher risk to develop knee stiffness. Therefore, we recommend limiting the usage of knee brace for ACL reconstruction with meniscus repair only.

Examination of Attitudes towards Sport and Life Satisfaction of University Students Studying Sport Education

The aim of this study is to examine the attitudes towards sports and life satisfaction of university students who study sports education. In the study, questionnaire and scale forms consisting of three parts were used as data collection tools. In the first part, "Personal Information Form" determined by the researchers, in the second part "Life Satisfaction Scale" and in the third part "Attitude towards Sport Scale for University Students" were used. The population of the study consisted of 397 senior year students studying at Ondokuz Mayis University Faculty of Sport Sciences. The sample of the study consisted of 244 students, 184 males and 60 females. As a result of the statistical analyses, it was seen that there was no significant difference between attitude towards sport and life satisfaction levels according to age variable (p0.05). It was concluded that there was a significant difference in the physical development sub-dimension in the gender variable, in the total score of the life satisfaction scale in the nationality variable, in the total scores of the attitude towards sport scale and life satisfaction scale in the active sportsmanship variable, in the total scores of the attitude towards sport scale and life satisfaction scale and in the psychosocial development and mental development sub-dimensions, and in the total score of the attitude towards sport scale and psychosocial development sub-dimension according to income status (p0.05). It can be said that demographic variables have an effect on attitude towards sport and life satisfaction

The construction of innovation system of college physical education reform based on Bp neural network

Abstract The substance here is to workshop the current problems of physical education in higher learning institutions and construct a reform and innovation machinery of sports learning style in institutions of higher learning. This paper researches the teaching system of college sports learning style based on BP nervous enlist the services, proposes a majorization network foundation hereditary compute mode for the shortcoming that BP nervous enlist the services to be prone to land oneself in the optimal regional solution, and takes 10 influence element the results of academy sports learning style as the sample features of the data set, uses the optimized GA-BP nervous enlist the services for discipline and compares the test results with the practice price and the dispatch of other algorithms. The average error of the detection of GA-BP nervous enlist the services was 1.23, and the average error rate was 1.85%, which performed better compared with other neural networks. In terms of the poundage of the influencing factors in the export multiple, the diversity of curriculum, the advancement of teaching philosophy and the science of sports skill instruction have significant effects on the amount of sports learning style in institutions of higher learning, with the weights reaching 0.1212, 0.1387 and 0.1453, respectively. The reform and innovation of sports learning style in institutions of higher learning should develop diversified physical education courses according to students’ constitution bases and sports levels and impart scientific methods of the constitution and sports values of enjoying sports.

Concussion: Beyond the Cascade.

Sport concussion affects millions of athletes each year at all levels of sport. Increasing evidence demonstrates clinical and physiological recovery are becoming more divergent definitions, as evidenced by several studies examining blood-based biomarkers of inflammation and imaging studies of the central nervous system (CNS). Recent studies have shown elevated microglial activation in the CNS in active and retired American football players, as well as in active collegiate athletes who were diagnosed with a concussion and returned to sport. These data are supportive of discordance in clinical symptomology and the inflammatory response in the CNS upon symptom resolution. In this review, we will summarize recent advances in the understanding of the inflammatory response associated with sport concussion and broader mild traumatic brain injury, as well as provide an outlook for important research questions to better align clinical and physiological recovery.

Lower rates of return to sport in patients with generalised joint hypermobility two years after ACL reconstruction: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundGeneralised joint hypermobility (GJH) has been associated with an increased risk of suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Patients with GJH exhibit lower muscle strength and poorer scores for patient-reported outcomes after ACL reconstruction, compared with patients without GJH. The aim of this study was to examine differences in the percentages of patients who return to sport (RTS) or pre-injury level of activity (RTP), muscle function and patient-reported outcomes at the time of RTS or RTP, as well as the time of RTS or RTP in patients with GJH compared with patients without GJH in the first two years after ACL reconstruction.MethodsThis prospective study used data from an ACL- and rehabilitation-specific register located in Gothenburg, Sweden. Patients aged between 16 and 50, who had a primary ACL injury treated with reconstruction, were included. Data up to two years after ACL reconstruction were used and consisted of achieving RTS and RTP, results from isokinetic muscle function tests for knee extension and flexion and patient-reported outcomes (Knee Self-Efficacy Scale, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and ACL-Return to Sport after Injury scale) at the time of RTS, as well as the time of RTP. A Beighton Score of ≥ 5/9 was used to define GJH. A Tegner Activity Scale of ≥ 6 was used to define RTS, while a Tegner equal to or above pre-injury level was used to define RTP.ResultsA total of 1,198 patients (54.7% women) with a mean age of 28.5 ± 8.6 years were included. A smaller proportion of patients with GJH achieved RTS compared with patients without GJH (49.2% vs. 57.3%, Odds ratio: 0.720, p = 0.041). Furthermore, patients with GJH were marginally less symmetrical on the knee extension strength test, expressed as a Limb Symmetry Index, at the time of RTP compared with patients without GJH (87.3 ± 13.5 vs. 91.7 ± 14.3, Cohen’s d = 0.142, p = 0.022). No further differences were found between groups regarding any muscle function tests or patient-reported outcomes.ConclusionA smaller proportion of patients with GJH achieved RTS compared with patients without GJH. Patients with GJH displayed less symmetrical knee extension strength at the time of RTP compared with patients without GJH.

APA Foundation partners with nonprofit Athletes for Hope

The American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APA Foundation) last month announced a new strategic partnership with Athletes for Hope (AFH), a leading U.S. sports nonprofit that educates, encourages and empowers profes‐sional, Olympic, Paralympic and college athletes to find their charitable passions and use their platforms to positively impact their communities, a news release stated. The partnership shines a light on the varied demands of professional and amateur athletic life and how these demands, when left unchecked, can contribute to poor mental health outcomes among athletes in the U.S. and beyond, APA Foundation officials stated. Founded in 2006 by legendary athletes such as Muhammad Ali, Mia Hamm and Andre Agassi, AFH has grown to become the largest U.S. sports nonprofit, with more than 12,000 athletes who volunteer in programs that focus on improving physical and mental health out‐comes in underserved communities. Although many assume that athletes do not struggle with their mental health, the opposite is true. More than one out of every three elite athletes experience mental health challenges and are at an elevated risk of developing life‐threatening mental health conditions. The APA Foundation and AFH have partnered to improve outcomes through social me‐dia campaigns, virtual and in‐person panel webinars, and a new National Mental Health Advocacy Bill of Rights. The bill of rights will detail best practices for supporting athlete mental wellness and provide a roadmap for equal access to mental health resources at all levels of sport. Recently, many Olympic athletes, like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka, have spoken out about the difficulty of maintaining mental wellness under extreme pressure, and the bill of rights will open this conversation to include the collegiate and amateur athletic communities.

FACTORS AFFECTING RETURN TO SPORT IN ELITE ATHLETES AFTER MICROFRACTURE FOR CHONDRAL LESIONS IN THE KNEE

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to determine the factors affecting return to sport (RTS) and career longevity of elite athletes after microfracture of the knee.MethodsA retrospective review of a consecutive series of elite athletes with chondral injuries in the knee treated with microfracture was undertaken. RTS was defined as competing in at least one event at professional level or national/ international level in amateur sport. Demographic, pre, intra and post operative factors affecting RTS were analysed.ResultsFifty six athletes, including 35 (62.5%) footballers and 14 (25.0 %) rugby players, with a mean age 24.8 (+/− 3.9) years, were included. 18 (32.1 %) of chondral injuries were secondary to trauma, 20 (35.7 %) post meniscectomy, 9 (16.1%) post anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and 9 (16.1%) idiopathic.Fifty (89.3%) of athletes RTS at a mean time of 10.0 (+/−5.8) months. 43 (86.0%) athletes were still playing at 2 years. At 5 years 25 (59.5%) of the players who had RTS and had surgery more than 5 years ago were still playing professional sport.Factors associated with not playing at 5 years were cartilage lesions &gt;1.5cm2(52.4% vs 66.7%), more than 1 lesion (35.7% vs74.1%), lateral meniscal surgery (42.1% vs 73.7%) and effusion on RTS (47.7% vs 72.2%).ConclusionOver 89 % of elite athletes returned to professional sport after microfracture in the knee. However, the ability to continue playing is affected by several factors such as the extent of the chondral damage and recurrent effusions.