Men's Lacrosse Players Research Articles

The relation between physical qualities and activity profiles in men's lacrosse players

article: The relation between physical qualities and activity profiles in men’s lacrosse players - Gazzetta Medica Italiana - Archivio per le Scienze Mediche 2022 January-February;181(1-2):8-14 - Minerva Medica - Journals

Body Composition Values Of Division 1 Men's Lacrosse Players Derived From Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry

Total and regional body compositions are key components of sport performance. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) allows for precise measurements of body composition parameters between athletes who experience different competitive demands. Yet, accurate interpretation of DXA data is dependent on the availability of reference values. Despite the widespread use of DXA to measure body composition in collegiate athletes, positional reference values for men’s lacrosse do not exist. PURPOSE: To generate descriptive data for total and regional body composition in men’s collegiate lacrosse players using DXA, and examine differences between positions. METHODS: Members of an NCAA Division 1 Men’s Lacrosse team underwent DXA scanning and were categorized according to position. Descriptive statistics were calculated for total and regional body composition measures and differences between positions were examined using a one-way ANOVA or a Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: A total of 98 players (age: 19.2±1.0yrs; height: 181.1±7.0cm; total mass: 82.4±9.2kg) completed the study (Attack; n=24, Midfield; n=44, Defense; n=25, Goalkeeper; n=6). The mean total body fat percentage (BF%) was 18.9±3.4% (range: 11.0-27.6). No differences in BF% between positions were identified (Attack=18.9±3.9%, Midfield=18.8±4.2%, Defense=18.9±3.7%, GK=20.5±2.9%; p=0.79). For the android region, no differences between positions were identified for fat mass (Attack=1.0±0.5kg, Midfield=1.0±0.5kg, Defense=0.9±0.4kg, GK=1.1±0.5kg; p=0.9), or lean mass (Attack=4.3±0.5kg, Midfield=4.3±0.4kg, Defense=4.4±0.3kg, GK=4.4±0.8kg; p=0.7). For the gynoid region, no differences between positions were noted for fat mass (Attack=2.6±0.8kg, Midfield=2.5±0.9kg, Defense=2.7±0.8kg, GK=03.1±1.1kg; p=0.48), or lean mass (Attack=10.3±1.6kg, Midfield=10.4±1.0kg, Defense=10.5±0.7kg, GK=10.4±1.4 kg; p=0.79). CONCLUSION: Total and regional body composition measures did not vary across positions in a group of men’s collegiate lacrosse players. These data suggest that the athletic demands across positions of men’s collegiate lacrosse are not related to differences in body composition. Therefore, training programs tailored to specific positions may not be needed in order to achieve athletic success.

The First Decade of Web-Based Sports Injury Surveillance: Descriptive Epidemiology of Injuries in US High School Boys' Lacrosse (2008-2009 Through 2013-2014) and National Collegiate Athletic Association Men's Lacrosse (2004-2005 Through 2013-2014).

The advent of Web-based sports injury surveillance via programs such as the High School Reporting Information Online system and the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Program has aided the acquisition of boys' and men's lacrosse injury data. To describe the epidemiology of injuries sustained in high school boys' lacrosse in the 2008-2009 through 2013-2014 academic years and collegiate men's lacrosse in the 2004-2005 through 2013-2014 academic years using Web-based sports injury surveillance. Descriptive epidemiology study. Online injury surveillance from lacrosse teams of high school boys (annual average = 55) and collegiate men (annual average = 14). Boys' and men's lacrosse players who participated in practices and competitions during the 2008-2009 through 2013-2014 academic years in high school or the 2004-2005 through 2013-2014 academic years in college. Athletic trainers collected time-loss (≥24 hours) injury and exposure data. Injury rates per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs), injury rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and injury proportions by body site and diagnosis were calculated. High School Reporting Information Online documented 1407 time-loss injuries during 662 960 AEs. The National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Program documented 1882 time-loss injuries during 390 029 AEs. The total injury rate from 2008-2009 through 2013-2014 was higher in college than in high school (3.77 versus 2.12/1000 AEs; IRR = 1.78; 95% CI = 1.63, 1.94). Most injuries occurred during competitions in high school (61.4%) and practices in college (61.4%). Injury rates were higher in competitions compared with practices in high school (IRR = 3.59; 95% CI = 3.23, 4.00) and college (IRR = 3.38; 95% CI = 3.08, 3.71). Lower limb injuries, muscle strains, and ligament sprains were common at both levels. Concussion was the most frequent competition diagnosis for all high school player positions. Rates of time-loss injury were higher in college versus high school and in competitions versus practices. Attention to preventing common lower leg injuries and concussions, especially at the high school level, is essential to decrease their incidence and severity.

Cross-sectional evaluation of visuomotor tracking performance following subconcussive head impacts.

Repeated mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) has been associated with increased risk of degenerative neurological disorders. While the effects of mTBI and repeated injury are known, studies have only recently started examining repeated subconcussive impacts, impacts that do not result in a clinically diagnosed mTBI. In these studies, repeated subconcussive impacts have been connected to cognitive performance and brain imaging changes. Recent research suggests that performance on a visuomotor tracking (VMT) task may help improve the identification of mTBI. The goal of this study was to investigate if VMT performance is sensitive to the cumulative effect of repeated subconcussive head impacts in collegiate men's lacrosse players. A cross-sectional, prospective study was completed with eleven collegiate men's lacrosse players. Participants wore helmet-mounted sensors and completed VMT and reaction time assessments. The relationship between cumulative impact metrics and VMT metrics were investigated. In this study, VMT performance correlated with repeated subconcussive head impacts; individuals approached clinically diagnosed mTBI-like performance as the cumulative rotational velocity they experienced increased. This suggests that repeated subconcussive impacts can result in measurable impairments and indicates that visuomotor tracking performance may be a useful tool for monitoring the effects of repeated subconcussive impacts.

Comparison of head impact location during games and practices in Division III men's lacrosse players

BackgroundHead impacts have been studied extensively in football, but little similar research has been conducted in men's lacrosse. It is important to understand the location and magnitude of head impacts during men's lacrosse to recognize the risk of head injury. MethodsDescriptive epidemiology study set on collegiate lacrosse fields. Eleven men's lacrosse players (age=20.9±1.13years, mass=83.91±9.04kg, height=179.88±5.99cm) volunteered to participate. We applied X2 sensors behind the right ear of participants for games and practices. Sensors recorded data on linear and rotational accelerations and the location of head impacts. We calculated incidence rates per 1000 exposures with 95% confidence intervals for impact locations and compared the effect of impact location on linear and rotational accelerations with Kruskal-Wallis tests. FindingsWe verified 167 head impacts (games=112; practices=55). During games, the incidence rate was 651.16 (95% confidence interval=530.57–771.76). The high and low incidence rates for head impact locations during games were: side=410.7 (95% confidence interval=292.02–529.41) and top=26.79 (95% confidence interval=3.53–57.10). For games and practices combined, the impact locations did not significantly affect linear (χ23=6.69, P=0.08) or rotational acceleration (χ23=6.34, P=0.10). InterpretationWe suggest further research into the location of head impacts during games and practices. We also suggest player and coach education on head impacts as well as behavior modification in men's lacrosse athletes to reduce the incidence of impacts to the side of the head in an effort to reduce potential injury.

Correlation of Head Impacts to Change in Balance Error Scoring System Scores in Division I Men's Lacrosse Players.

Background:Investigation into the effect of cumulative subconcussive head impacts has yielded various results in the literature, with many supporting a link to neurological deficits. Little research has been conducted on men’s lacrosse and associated balance deficits from head impacts.Hypotheses:(1) Athletes will commit more errors on the postseason Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) test. (2) There will be a positive correlation to change in BESS scores and head impact exposure data.Study Design:Prospective longitudinal study.Level of Evidence:Level 3.Methods:Thirty-four Division I men’s lacrosse players (age, 19.59 ± 1.42 years) wore helmets instrumented with a sensor to collect head impact exposure data over the course of a competitive season. Players completed a BESS test at the start and end of the competitive season.Results:The number of errors from pre- to postseason increased during the double-leg stance on foam (P < 0.001), tandem stance on foam (P = 0.009), total number of errors on a firm surface (P = 0.042), and total number of errors on a foam surface (P = 0.007). There were significant correlations only between the total errors on a foam surface and linear acceleration (P = 0.038, r = 0.36), head injury criteria (P = 0.024, r = 0.39), and Gadd Severity Index scores (P = 0.031, r = 0.37).Conclusion:Changes in the total number of errors on a foam surface may be considered a sensitive measure to detect balance deficits associated with cumulative subconcussive head impacts sustained over the course of 1 lacrosse season, as measured by average linear acceleration, head injury criteria, and Gadd Severity Index scores. If there is microtrauma to the vestibular system due to repetitive subconcussive impacts, only an assessment that highly stresses the vestibular system may be able to detect these changes.Clinical Relevance:Cumulative subconcussive impacts may result in neurocognitive dysfunction, including balance deficits, which are associated with an increased risk for injury. The development of a strategy to reduce total number of head impacts may curb the associated sequelae. Incorporation of a modified BESS test, firm surface only, may not be recommended as it may not detect changes due to repetitive impacts over the course of a competitive season.

Frequency and Location of Head Impacts in Division I Men's Lacrosse Players

Frequency and Location of Head Impacts in Division I Men's Lacrosse Players

Isokinetic strength and anaerobic/intermittent capacity of Japanese lacrosse players

We investigated and compared isokinetic strength, anaerobic and intermittent capacity of men's lacrosse players at various playing positions. The subjects were 33 men's lacrosse players (attacker; AT n = 11, defender; DF n = 10, midfielder; MF n = 12). Measurements contained physical characteristics, isokinetic strength, anaerobic capacity (maximal anaerobic power; Pmax, Wingate anaerobic power; WAnP), and 10-s (R10IC) and 20-s (R20IC) rest intervals of intermittent capacity. Knee flexor strength at angular velocities of 60 ◦ /s and 180 ◦ /s was significantly greater in DF players than in AT players ( p< 0.05), 300 ◦ /s was significantly higher in MF players than in AT players ( p< 0.05). With regard to Pmax, MF players showed significantly higher values compared with AT players ( p< 0.05), and WAnP of MF players showed significantly higher values compared with that of AT and DF players (AT; p< 0.01, DF; p< 0.05). R10IC was significantly higher in MF players than in both AT and DF players (AT: p< 0.05, DF: p< 0.05), whereas R20IC was significantly higher in MF players than in AT players ( p< 0.05). These results indicate that knee flexor strength, anaerobic capacity, and intermittent capacity are greater in µ Ft han the other positions in men's lacrosse.

The Relationship between Body Composition and Preseason Performance Tests of Division III Male Lacrosse Players

Body composition has been considered a major component of overall fitness. A multitude of studies have examined the effect that body composition has on aerobic and anaerobic performance variables in football, soccer, and ice hockey yet there are significantly less examining the same relationships in men's lacrosse. Lacrosse possess a unique combination of aerobic and anaerobic conditioning for optimal performance that may be affected by body composition similar to those effects that have been reported in football, soccer, and ice hockey athletes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between body composition and performance in preseason aerobic and anaerobic tests of Division III men's lacrosse players. METHODS: Fifty-four (age 19.63 ± 1.21 years, height 178.53 ± 6.17 cm, and body mass 81.66 ± 14.96 kg) Division III intercollegiate lacrosse players participated. Coaching staff determined exercise tests were performed, including a 1RM power clean (PC), 10 reps x body weight (lbs) bench press (BR), parallel bar triceps dips to fatigue (DR), two 300-yrd shuttles, and a timed 1 mi run (MT). Testing was performed following the completion of fall preseason practices. Body composition was estimated using air displacement plethysmography (Bod Pod). Pearson bivariate correlation coefficients were used to determine relationships between percent body fat (%BF) and the testing variables with a significance level set at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: %BF was moderately negatively correlated to DR (r = -0.36; p = 0.01) while %BF was positively correlated to each 300-yrd shuttle time (T1 and T2), total 300-yrd shuttle time (TT), and MT (r = 0.64; p = 0.00, r = 0.68; p = 0.00, r = 0.69; p = 0.00, and r = 0.44; p = 0.00, respectively). No significant correlation was found between %BF and BR (r = -0.16; p = 0.28) nor PC (r = 0.01; p =0.95). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that %BF may be detrimental to singular and multiple anaerobic performances, which require propulsion of an athlete's own body weight, that may hinder on-field performance. This information can be used to expand targeted strength and conditioning programs geared to improving body composition in conjunction with strength and power development. In addition, preseason and in-season aerobic conditioning could also be beneficial if focused on reduced %BF in athletes.

Helmet Fit and Cervical Spine Motion in Collegiate Men's Lacrosse Athletes Secured to a Spine Board

Proper management of cervical spine injuries in men's lacrosse players depends in part upon the ability of the helmet to immobilize the head. To determine if properly and improperly fitted lacrosse helmets provide adequate stabilization of the head in the spine-boarded athlete. Crossover study. Sports medicine research laboratory. Eighteen healthy collegiate men's lacrosse players. Participants were asked to move their heads through 3 planes of motion after being secured to a spine board under 3 helmet conditions. Change in range of motion in the cervical spine was calculated for the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes for both head-to-thorax and helmet-to-thorax range of motion in all 3 helmet conditions (properly fitted, improperly fitted, and no helmet). Head-to-thorax range of motion with the properly fitted and improperly fitted helmets was greater than in the no-helmet condition (P < .0001). In the sagittal plane, range of motion was greater with the improperly fitted helmet than with the properly fitted helmet. No difference was observed in helmet-to-thorax range of motion between properly and improperly fitted helmet conditions. Head-to-thorax range of motion was greater than helmet-to-thorax range of motion in all 3 planes (P < .0001). Cervical spine motion was minimized the most in the no-helmet condition, indicating that in lacrosse players, unlike football players, the helmet may need to be removed before stabilization.