Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Research Articles

Prevalence and Burden of Physical Problems in Female College Basketball Athletes: A 135-Day Prospective Cohort Study.

IntroductionThe purpose of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the prevalence and burden of “any physical complaint” in college female basketball athletes using a daily questionnaire.MethodsFifty-four female college basketball players were recruited and followed up for 135 days using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre questionnaire.ResultsThe questionnaire response rate was 96.4% (95% confidence interval: 95.7–97.1). The average daily prevalence of any problem was 44.4%, whereas that of substantial problems was 16.0%. The anatomical areas found to be most frequently affected by physical problems were the ankle (average daily prevalence: 14.5%, 95% confidence interval: 13.4–15.7), lower back (14.4%, 95% confidence interval: 13.7–15.2), and knee (9.6%, 95% confidence interval: 9.0–10.2). The cumulative severity score, calculated by summing severity scores and dividing by number of respondents, showed that ankle, knee, and lower back problems exhibited greater relative burden.DiscussionInjuries common in basketball athletes, such as ankle sprain, anterior cruciate ligament injury, overuse knee pain, and low-back pain, are reflected in the present data.

Minimally important change and smallest detectable change of the OSTRC questionnaire in half- and full-marathon runners.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the smallest detectable change (SDC), minimally important change (MIC), and factor structure of the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center (OSTRC) questionnaire severity score in half‐ and full‐marathon runners. Data came from a prospective cohort study, the SUcces Measurement and Monitoring Utrecht Marathon (SUMMUM) 2017 study. Two external anchors, the global rating of change (GRC) and global rating of limitations (GRL), were used to classify the running‐related injuries (RRI) as truly improved, unchanged, or truly worsened. SDC values were calculated at individual and group levels. MIC values were calculated using the visual anchor‐based MIC distribution and mean change methods. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to study the a priori hypothesized factor structure. A total of 132 runners who reported the same RRI on two occasions 2 weeks apart were included in the analysis. SDC values at individual and group levels were ≤35.06 and ≤9.30, respectively. With the visual anchor‐based MIC distribution method, the MIC values for RRIs that truly improved according to the GRC and GRL anchors were 13.50 and 18.50, respectively. With the mean change method, the MIC values for RRIs that truly improved according to the GRC and GRL anchors were 15.49 and 45.38, respectively. The CFA confirmed that the OSTRC was a unidimensional questionnaire. The change score of the OSTRC severity score can be used to distinguish between important change and measurement error at a group level using the MIC value 18.50. Because the SDC of the OSTRC severity score was larger than the MIC, it is not advised to use the MIC at an individual level.

An Examination of Training Load, Match Activities, and Health Problems in Norwegian Youth Elite Handball Players Over One Competitive Season

Talent development is integral to the policy and organizational practice of competitive sport, but has also been associated with excessive amounts of training and competition, and athlete injuries and illnesses. The lack of available prospective data on the training and match activities of youth athletes and their health problems is therefore of concern. The aim of this study was two-fold: (a) to examine the amount and frequency of training load, match activities, injury and illness incidence, and prevalence among Norwegian youth elite handball players over the course of the 2018–2019 competitive season; and (b) to explore whether the injury rates are related to the sex or competition level of players, or their membership of the youth international team. We recruited 205 handball players (64% female, 36% male), aged 15–18 years (17.2 years ± 0.9) from five different sport school programs in southeast Norway. Data were collected daily from September 2018 to May 2019, during the competitive handball season. The variables included types of athlete activities, the number of activities, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and the duration of training and matches. Injury and illness data were collected weekly using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center (OSTRC) questionnaire. The mean number of matches per week per player was 0.9 ± 1.29; the number of weekly training events was 6.1 ± 4.4; and the mean weekly session RPE was 986 ± 1 412 arbitrary units. The players reported a total of 472 injuries, and the mean number of injuries per player was 2.3 ± 2.9. The results demonstrated a 53% weekly injury prevalence, of which 38% were categorized as substantial injuries. Male players and players who participated at the highest level of senior competition and/or the youth international team reported significantly lower weekly incidences of health problems, compared to other players. Our findings showed that players enrolled in sport school programs are exposed to high training and competition loads, and that both general and substantial health problems are common. The potential implications for talent development and future research are discussed.

Generalized Joint Hypermobility and Injuries: A Prospective Cohort Study of 185 Pre-Professional Contemporary Dancers.

Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) has been mentioned as one of the factors associated with dance injuries, but the findings are inconclusive. This study aims to investigate whether GJH, based on different Beighton score cut-off points, is a potential risk factor for injuries in pre-professional dancers. Four cohorts of first-year pre-professional dancers (N = 185), mean age 19.1 ± 1.3 years, were screened on musculoskeletal functioning at the start of their academic year. The Beighton score was used to measure GJH. During the academic year, the dancers completed monthly questionnaires about their physical and mental health. Based on the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Questionnaire on Health Problems (OSTRC), three injury definitions were used (i.e., all complaints, substantial injury, and time-loss injury). To examine potential risk factors for injuries, univariate and multivariate regression models were applied. The response rate of monthly completed questionnaires was 90%. The overall mean (SD) Beighton score was 2.8. The 1-year injury incidence proportion was 67.6% (n = 125), 43.2% (n = 80), and 54.6% (n = 101) for all complaint injuries, substantial injuries, and time-loss injuries, respectively. The multivariate analyses showed a significant association between a previous long lasting injury in the past year and the three injury definitions (p < 0.05). Pre-professional contemporary dancers are at high risk for injuries and hypermobility. However, these two variables are not associated with each other. Health professionals should take injury history into account when assessing dance students, because this variable is associated with increased injury risk.

Implementation of Calf Endurance Training in a Touring Group of Professional Circus Performers: A Feasibility Study.

Demanding performance schedules in modern professional circus can result in less time for injury rehabilitation and strength and conditioning for injury prevention. Lower limb injuries are a common injury presentation in Cirque du Soleil touring show performers. To examine the feasibility of introducing a calf raise exercise program in an established professional touring circus show over a 9-week period. Twenty-nine professional Cirque du Soleil circus performers were recruited (mean age 31.28 [SD 4.99] yrs). Performers completed the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Overuse (OSTRC) questionnaire each week for 18 weeks. In the second 9-week period, performers completed one set of single-leg calf raises to fatigue on each limb, once per day, every workday. Health problems between each 9-week period were compared. Feasibility was measured via program adherence and an end-of-study survey. Calf endurance was assessed by measuring the number of single leg calf raises to fatigue. Adherence was high throughout the program, with 93.5% of all exercise sessions completed. Endurance increased by a mean of 22.62 (SD 27.99) calf raises. No significant changes in the prevalence of self-reported soreness and injury were found: 51.9 (95%CI 44.4, 57.5) of the population reported lower limb injuries during the pre-intervention period and 52.5 (95%CI 49.2, 55.8) during the intervention. Similarly, no significant changes were found in severity scores: 20.7 (95%CI 17.7, 23.7) pre-intervention and 20.9 (95%CI 19.4, 22.4) during intervention. A single-leg calf raise exercise program can be feasibly introduced into a touring, performing professional circus show without increasing injury numbers or self-reported soreness. Furthermore, gains in calf raise endurance can be obtained during a 9-week intervention period.

Personalized machine learning approach to injury monitoring in elite volleyball players

ABSTRACT We implemented a machine learning approach to investigate individual indicators of training load and wellness that may predict the emergence or development of overuse injuries in professional volleyball. In this retrospective study, we collected data of 14 elite volleyball players (mean ± SD age: 27 ± 3 years, weight: 90.5 ± 6.3 kg, height: 1.97 ± 0.07 m) during 24 weeks of the 2018 international season. Physical load was tracked by manually logging the performed physical activities and by capturing the jump load using wearable devices. On a daily basis, the athletes answered questions about their wellness, and overuse complaints were monitored via the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center (OSTRC) questionnaire. Based on training load and wellness indicators, we identified subgroups of days with increased injury risk for each volleyball player using the machine learning technique Subgroup Discovery. For most players and facets of overuse injuries (such as reduced sports participation), we have identified personalized training load and wellness variables that are significantly related to overuse issues. We demonstrate that the emergence and development of overuse injuries can be better understood using daily monitoring, taking into account interactions between training load and wellness indicators, and by applying a personalized approach. Highlights With detailed, athlete-specific monitoring of overuse complaints and training load, practical insights in the development of overuse injuries can be obtained in a player-specific fashion contributing to injury prevention in sports. A multi-dimensional and personalized approach that includes interactions between training load variables significantly increases the understanding of overuse issues on a personal basis. Jump load is an important predictor for overuse injuries in volleyball.

The relationship between flourishing, injury status, and resilience in collegiate athletes

Background Flourishing is a multi-dimensional construct that encompasses physical, psychological and social well-being. A proposed positive attribute of flourishing is resilience, which is the ability to bounce back despite the presence of stressors. A common stressor among athletes is overuse injuries, which may negatively affect well-being. Objective To examine the relationships of resilience and overuse injury with flourishing in collegiate athletes. Materials and methods 253 college athletes participated. The Flourishing Scale, Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionnaire (OSTRC), and Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) were administered via online questionnaire. For OSTRC scores, athletes were classified into injury and participation status groups. For BRS scores, athletes were classified into low resilience (LR), normal resilience (NR), and high resilience (HR) groups. Results Median flourishing score was 50.0 (46.5–53.5); mean BRS score was 21.6 (SD 4.3). Overuse injury and substantial overuse injury incidence proportion (IP) were 25.4 (95% CI: 20.3, 30.5) and 9.1 (95% CI: 7.0, 11.2). The IP for participants unable to play was 15.1 (95% CI: 12.9, 17.2). Significant differences were found in flourishing among resilience groups (p = 0.002) but not among overuse injury groups (p = 0.140) or participation variables (p = 0.205). Conclusion College athletes demonstrated high flourishing scores. Flourishing demonstrated a significant relationship with resilience across all groups but not among overuse injury or participation status. This finding indicates that college athlete well-being is strongly associated with resilience. Future longitudinal studies are needed to determine if resilience can be modified to positively influence athlete well-being.

Quantifying the Burden of Shoulder and Hip Pain In Water Polo Players Across Different Playing Levels

BackgroundWater polo is characterised by unique skills and movements with high demands of both the upper and lower limb. There is growing recognition of the problems of shoulder and hip/groin symptoms in this population.PurposeTo quantify the prevalence of shoulder and hip/groin pain in water polo players, and to describe how performance and participation were impacted. Secondary aims investigated whether demographic or training variables were associated with levels of symptoms.DesignIn-season, cross-sectional questionnaire studyMethodsAn online questionnaire was distributed to all adult levels of the Australian water polo community. Participants were asked about demographic and playing history, and then specific injury history at both the shoulder and hip/groin. Each respondent completed an Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre (OSTRC) overuse injury questionnaire for the shoulder and hip/groin. Point prevalence and past history were calculated, as well as a morbidity score from OSTRC responses. Risk ratios were used to determine differences between playing levels and sex.ResultsOne hundred, fifty-three respondents completed the questionnaire (57% female). High rates of shoulder pain were reported (38.1% current, 81.2% past history), as well as hip/groin pain (33.1% current, 60.4% past history). Current shoulder pain was a risk factor for hip/groin pain (RR 1.99 (95%CI 1.27-3.12), and hip/groin pain was a risk factor for shoulder pain (RR 1.70 (95%CI 1.23-2.35). Elite-level athletes had higher prevalence (RR 1.87 [95%CI 1.01-3.46]) and past history of hip/groin pain (RR 1.76 [95%CI 1.32-2.36]).ConclusionsThis is the first study to quantify high self-reported levels of hip/groin pain in water polo athletes. Such high levels may be explained by high amounts of eggbeater kick, especially during skeletal development in adolescence. Shoulder pain continues to be the most common source of injury burden in water polo. Future research should determine whether any modifiable risk factors exist that may reduce the burden of injury in this population.Level of Evidence2b

Prevalence and burden of health problems in competitive adolescent distance runners: A 6-month prospective cohort study

ABSTRACT To describe all health problems (injuries and illnesses) in relation to type, location, incidence, prevalence, time loss, severity, and burden, in competitive adolescent distance runners in England. Prospective observational study: 136 competitive adolescent distance runners (73 female athletes) self-reported all health problems for 24-weeks between May and October 2019. Athletes self-reported health problems using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Questionnaire on Health Problems. The incidence of running-related injury per 1,000 hours of exposure was markedly higher, compared to previous research. At any time, 24% [95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 21–26%] of athletes reported a health problem, with 11% [95% CI: 9–12%] having experienced a health problem that had substantial negative impact on training and performance. Female athletes reported noticeably more illnesses, compared to male athletes, including higher prevalence, incidence, time loss, and severity. The most burdensome health problems, irrespective of sex, included lower leg, knee, and foot/toes injuries, alongside upper respiratory illnesses. The mean weekly prevalence of time loss was relatively low, regardless of health problem type or sex. Competitive adolescent distance runners are likely to be training and competing whilst concurrently experiencing health problems. These findings will support the development of injury and illness prevention measures.

Validity and Reliability of the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center (OSTRC) Questionnaire on Overuse Injury and Health Problem in Thai Version

Background: The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center (OSTRC) questionnaires on overuse injury and health problem were developed to register overuse injury and health problems. However, this questionnaire has not been translated or validated in Thai. Objective: To develop the original edition of the OSTRC Questionnaire on overuse injuries and health problems into Thai language and to examine the validity and reliability of the adapted scale. Materials and Methods: The development of the questionnaire followed the steps of translation, which included forward translation, translation merging, backward translation, and critique by the researcher, health professionals, speech professionals, athletes, and the translators for semantic and conceptual equivalence. A cohort of 65 Thai athletes were recruited. Cross-sectional surveillance data were used to record overuse injury and health problem. Throughout the 12-week surveillance period, all participants were assigned to complete the questionnaire within three days after receiving a questionnaire by e-mail. Robustness and reliability process was seen in the 57 athletes who completed their 12 weeks of surveillance period. Results: The OSTRC on overuse injuries and health problems Thai version (OSTRC-OT and HT) showed a high internal consistency. Cronbach’s α of the OSTRC-OT for ankle, knee, and hip regions was 0.919, 0.973, and 0.976, respectively, and the OSTRC-HT was 0.959 and an excellent test-retest reliability with intraclass correlation coefficient of the OSTRC-OT for ankle, knee, and hip regions at 0.994, 0.970, and 0.991, respectively, and the OSTRC-HT at 0.970; all p-values&lt;0.001. Known-groups validity, the severity scores of the OSTRC-OT for ankle, knee, and hip regions, and the OSTRC-HT scores were statistically significant different between injury and non-injury groups. Conclusion: The validity and reliability of both questionnaires, the OSTRC-OT and the OSTRC-HT were at an excellent level. Moreover, the OSTRC-OT and OSTRC HT have an excellent ability to separate athletes who have an injury and health problem for those who do not. Keywords: Questionnaire, Sport, Overuse injury, Health problem

The current implementation of Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center cycling injury prevention exercises among male elite cyclists in the Gulf Cooperation Council

Background/purpose Cyclists are expected to present with sport-related injuries. The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center provided exercises for preventing the most common injuries in cycling. We aimed to survey the compliance with Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center exercises among cyclists in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. It is expected that most cyclists in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries are implementing these exercises as part of their warm-up sessions. Methods This cross-sectional online survey collected the participants’ demographic characteristics (country, age, and sex) and assessed their compliance with the programme. Results Four-hundred and twenty-three cyclists responded, of which 52% were aged 20–29 years. The pelvic control exercise was the most implemented (56%), followed by the elephant and isolated pelvic rotation exercises (54%); the single-leg pelvic rotation exercise was the least implemented (46%). The implementation rate did not differ significantly according to age or country. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait reported the highest mean implementation scores, while the United Arab Emirates reported the lowest Conclusions The implementation rate of Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center exercises was low among cyclists in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. There is a need to increase awareness between players, programme deliverers, and policymakers and educate them about the importance of implementing such programmes in injury reduction.

Predicting Injury Status in Adolescent Dancers Involved in Different Dance Styles: A Prospective Study.

The positive effects of dance on health indices in youth are widely recognized, but participation in dance is accompanied with a certain risk of injury. This prospective study aimed to investigate injury occurrence and to evaluate the possible influences of specific predictors on the occurrence of musculoskeletal problems and injuries in adolescent dancers. Participants were 126 dancers (21 males; 11–18 years), who were competitors in the urban dance, rock and roll, and standard/Latin dance genres. Predictors included sociodemographic factors, anthropometric/body build indices, sport (dance) factors, and dynamic balance. The outcome variable was injury status, and this was evaluated by the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Overuse Injury Questionnaire (OSTRC). Predictors were evaluated at baseline, and outcomes were continuously monitored during the study period of 3 months. During the study course, 53% of dancers reported the occurrence of a musculoskeletal problem/injury, and dancers suffered from an average of 0.72 injuries over the study period (95% CI: 0.28–1.41), giving a yearly injury rate of 280%. Gender and dance styles were not significantly related to the occurrence of injury. Higher risk for injury was evidenced in older and more experienced dancers. Dynamic balance, as measured by the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), was a significant protective factor of injury occurrence, irrespective of age/experience in dance. Knowing the simplicity and applicability of the SEBT, continuous monitoring of dynamic balance in adolescent dancers is encouraged. In order to prevent the occurrence of musculoskeletal problems/injuries in youth dancers, we suggest the incorporation of specific interventions aimed at improving dynamic balance.

Japanese translation and validation of web-based questionnaires on overuse injuries and health problems

This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionnaire (OSTRC-O) and the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on Health Problems (OSTRC-H) into the Japanese context. The validity and reliability of these translated questionnaires examining overuse injuries and health problems among Japanese university athletes were also examined. The translation was performed following an internationally recognized methodology. A total of 145 athletes were tracked over 10 consecutive weeks and four questions were added in the 10th week to examine the questionnaires’ content validity. Test-retest analysis for reliability was performed 24–72 hours after the 10th week of registration. Internal consistency was determined by calculating Cronbach’s a during the cohort study. No major disagreements were found in the translation process. The translated questionnaires had high acceptance and compliance, with an average response rate of over 80% throughout the 10-week cohort study. Most participants reported that the questionnaires were not difficult to complete, there were no items they wanted to change or add, and that the web-based technique worked effectively. Good test-retest reliability and high internal consistency was observed in the translated questionnaires. The translated questionnaires were found to be valid, reliable, and acceptable for medically monitoring Japanese athletes.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaires on Overuse Injury and Health Problems (2nd Version) in Spanish Youth Sports.

Background:The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaires on Health Problems (OSTRC-H) and Overuse Injury (OSTRC-O) have shown a greater ability to identify athletes with health problems and to estimate the severity of those problems compared with traditional surveillance methods. Despite the numerous language adaptations of these questionnaires and their extended use, some of their measurement properties remain unknown. Moreover, these questionnaires are not available for Spanish-speaking athletes, and the validity and reliability of these questionnaires in youth athletes are unknown.Purpose:To cross-culturally adapt and investigate the measurement properties of the second version of the OSTRC-H (OSTRC-H2) and OSTRC-O (OSTRC-O2) questionnaires in Spanish youth athletes.Study Design:Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.Methods:Following international guidelines, we developed Spanish cross-cultural adaptations of the questionnaires, including a comprehensibility analysis with 30 participants from the target population. In the second phase, 73 athletes (age range, 12-18 years) were invited to participate in an 11-week prospective study. The reliability (internal consistency and test-retest reliability) of both questionnaires was assessed through use of Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments recommendations. The construct validity and responsiveness of the OSTRC-H2 were evaluated using the convergence of the OSTRC-H2 severity score and the number of days of time loss. The response rate after 11 weeks was calculated as a feasibility indicator.Results:Equivalent Spanish versions were developed. A total of 63 athletes (age range, 12-17 years) participated in the prospective study. The Cronbach alpha was 0.93 (95% CI, 0.92-0.94) for OSTRC-H2 and 0.88 (95% CI, 0.86-0.90) for OSTRC-O2. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.79-0.92) and 0.85 (95% CI, 0.81-0.89), and the Cohen kappa was 0.80 (95% CI, 0.71-0.89) and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.78-0.96), respectively, for OSTRC-H2 and OSTRC-02. Correlations between the severity score and time loss (Spearman rho = 0.61) and between the changes in both scores over time (Spearman rho = 0.78) were within our expected range. The response rate was 95.5% for the OSTRC-O2 and 99.6% for the OSTRC-H2.Conclusion:These results present equivalent, reliable, and feasible Spanish versions of both questionnaires as well as evidence of the validity and responsiveness of the OSTRC-H2.

Does load management using the acute:chronic workload ratio prevent health problems? A cluster randomised trial of 482 elite youth footballers of both sexes

BackgroundThe acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) is commonly used to manage training load in sports, particularly to reduce injury risk. However, despite its extensive application as a prevention intervention, the effectiveness...

Epidemiology of Traumatic and Overuse Injuries in Swiss Professional Male Ice Hockey Players.

Background:Ice hockey injury patterns in Europe were last evaluated in the 1990s.Purpose:The aim of this study was to assess the frequency, type, location, and incidence of traumatic injuries, as well as the prevalence and relative effect of overuse injuries in professional male ice hockey players.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiology study.Methods:Traumatic injuries were assessed using a standardized injury report form over a 1-year period (including the preparatory phase and season). The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Overuse Injury Questionnaire was used to determine overall and substantial overuse injuries and their relative effect on ice hockey players.Results:Five Swiss National League teams participated in the study. From a total of 321 recorded injuries, 179 led to time loss from sport. The game-related time-loss injury incidence during the season was 88.6/1000 player-game hours.Time-loss injuries affected mainly the hip/groin/thigh region (23%), followed by the head (17%). Most time-loss injuries were classified as muscle strains (24%), followed by concussions (18%). The most common injury mechanism involved collision with an opponent’s body (31%), and right forward players (23%) were most likely to report a game-related injury. Most injuries (27%) occurred within the defending zone along the boards. The average prevalence rates of all overuse and substantial overuse injuries were 49% and 13%, respectively. The hip/groin displayed the highest average prevalence for all overuse problems (16%), translating to the highest relative effect.Conclusion:Muscle strains and concussions were the most frequent time-loss injuries in Swiss professional ice hockey players. The hip/groin was the most affected region for both traumatic and overuse injuries.

Managing Load to Optimize Well-Being and Recovery During Short-Term Match Congestion in Elite Basketball

First, to compare load during short-term match congestion (ie,≥2-match weeks) with regular competition (ie,1-match weeks) in elite male professional basketball players. Second, to determine changes in well-being, recovery, neuromuscular performance, and injuries and illnesses between short-term match congestion and regular competition. Sixteen basketball players (age 24.8 [2.0]y, height 195.8 [7.5]cm, weight 94.8 [14.0]kg, body fat 11.9% [5.0%], VO2max 51.9 [5.3]mL·kg-1·min-1) were monitored during a full season. Session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) was obtained, and load was calculated (s-RPE × duration) for each training session or match. Perceived well-being (fatigue, sleep quality, general muscle soreness, stress levels, and mood) and total quality of recovery were assessed each training day. Countermovement jump height was measured, and a list of injuries and illnesses was collected weekly using the adapted Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on Health Problems. Total load (training sessions and matches; P < .001) and training load (P < .001) were significantly lower for ≥2-match weeks. Significantly higher well-being (P = .01) and less fatigue (P = .001) were found during ≥2-match weeks compared with 1-match weeks. Total load and training load were lower during short-term match congestion compared with regular competition. Furthermore, better well-being and less fatigue were demonstrated within short-term match congestion. This might indicate that coaches tend to overcompensate training load in intensified competition.

Injuries and illnesses among competitive Norwegian rhythmic gymnasts during preseason: a prospective cohort study of prevalence, incidence and risk factors

ObjectivesRhythmic gymnastics is an Olympic sport that demands high training volume from early age. We investigated the extent of, and risk factors for, injuries among competitive Norwegian rhythmic gymnasts.MethodsOne hundred...

Limited Coping Skills, Young Age, and High BMI Are Risk Factors for Injuries in Contemporary Dance: A 1-Year Prospective Study.

This study investigated potential risk factors (coping, perfectionism, and self-regulation) for substantial injuries in contemporary dance students using a prospective cohort design, as high-quality studies focusing on mental risk factors for dance injuries are lacking. Student characteristics (age, sex, BMI, educational program, and history of injury) and psychological constructs (coping, perfectionism, and self-regulation) were assessed using the Performing artist and Athlete Health Monitor (PAHM), a web-based system. Substantial injuries were measured with the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center (OSTRC) Questionnaire on Health Problems and recorded on a monthly basis as part of the PAHM system. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to test the associations between potential risk factors (i.e., student characteristics and psychological constructs) and substantial injuries. Ninety-nine students were included in the analyses. During the academic year 2016/2017, 48 students (48.5%) reported at least one substantial injury. Of all factors included, coping skills (OR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.84–0.98), age (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.46–0.98), and BMI (OR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.05–1.80) were identified as significant risk factors in the multivariate analysis. The model explained 24% of the variance in the substantial injury group. Further prospective research into mental risk factors for dance injuries with larger sample sizes is needed to develop preventive strategies. Yet, dance schools could consider including coping skills training as part of injury prevention programs and, perhaps, providing special attention to younger dancers and those with a higher BMI through transitional programs to assist them in managing the stress they experience throughout their (academic) career.

Injuries And Injury-related Pain Relationships To NSAID Use And Abuse In Collegiate Athletes

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used by athletes to treat musculoskeletal pain and injuries. The relationship between NSAID use and current pain and injuries in collegiate athletes in unknown. Understanding this relationship is important due to the potential for athletes to improperly obtain and abuse NSAIDs. PURPOSE: To investigate how pain and injury effects current collegiate athlete NSAID use during both in and out of season. METHODS: Athletes from all 3 NCAA Divisions self-reported data on in and out of season NSAID use, purchase, and dosage. The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionnaire (OSTRC) was used to evaluate current level of participation and pain. Logistic regressions were used to assess the relationship between current NSAID use and OSTRC total score. Models were adjusted for age, gender, NCAA division, history of orthopaedic surgery, and history of major injury, with unadjusted and adjusted Odds Ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). χ2 and Kruskall Wallis tests assessed the relationship between NSAID use and OSTRC overuse and substantial overuse injuries in and out of season. RESULTS: 252 athletes (age of 19.43 ± 1.2 years; Male: 28%; D1: 101, D2: 74, D3: 77) completed the survey. 33% currently used NSAIDs, 48% self-purchased, and 53% took two pills per dose. 36% did not answer where NSAIDs were obtained and 34% did not answer what dosage was taken. The OSTRC median score was 0 (IQR: 0-22). 53% had overuse injuries, while 20% had substantial overuse injuries. Current NSAID users had greater odds of having increased OSTRC scores (1.03 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.04), p<0.001). OSTRC overuse and substantial overuse injured athletes were more likely to use NSAIDs (over use: χ2 = 34.0, p<0.001; substantial overuse: χ2 = 28.2, p<0.001) and use them out of season (over use: χ2 =24.4, p<0.001; substantial overuse: χ2 = 21.4, p<0.001) as compared to non-overuse and non-substantial overuse injured athletes. CONCLUSION: NSAID use is high and the majority of athletes purchase their own NSAIDs, instead of receiving them from a medical professional. Injured athletes are more likely to use NSAIDs both in and out of season. Sports medicine professionals needs to monitor NSAID use and abuse in order to mitigate potential NSAID-related negative health impacts.