Potential Risk Factors For Injury Research Articles

The risk factors and predictors of injury among collegiate rugby players under the age of 20.

The risk of injury in rugby is high, due to the contact nature of the game. Players are constantly exposed to impact and collision during training and match-play. Rugby union consists of various risk factors that predispose players to injury. The aim of the study was to determine the risk factors of injury and to predict the risk of injury per playing position during match-play. The study followed a quantitative, non-experimental, and cross-sectional research design. A total of 252 male rugby players, aged 18 to 20 years, who played in a collegiate rugby competition in South Africa (SA) for the 2022 season were conveniently sampled for the study. The playing position, time of injury (whether during a match or training), use of protective equipment, and phase of play in which the injury occurred were recorded. Injury data was captured by qualified healthcare professionals using an adapted injury surveillance questionnaire. The study found that potential risk factors for injury included illegal or dangerous play, playing in the second half of the match (more specifically the third quarter of the match), and playing in the offensive part of the field (more specifically between the opposition-22 and halfway line). Contact events were the most common cause of match injury (91.1%). The half of the match in which an injury was sustained was significantly different between forwards and backs (P=0.011). A statistically significant association was found between playing position and the phase of play in which injury was sustained (P=0.021). Regression analysis showed that playing between the opposition-22 m line and the halfway line was a significant predictor of injury for both forwards and backs (P=0.035). In conclusion, potential risk factors for injury were related to dangerous play, time during the match (specifically the third quarter of the match), and location of play (specifically between the opposition-22 m line and halfway line). The area of play was a significant predictor of injury for all players. It is recommended that greater efforts in collecting epidemiological data need to be made to broaden the knowledge base on injuries and provide strategies to coaches and players to reduce the risk of injury in rugby.

Comparison of Inter-Rater and Intra-Rater Reliability of Raters with Different Levels of Experience When Using Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) in Field-Based Screening of Professional Football Players.

It is essential for physical sports therapists to use reliable field-based tests to identify potential injury risk factors in athletes. The purpose of this study was to compare the inter- and intra-rater reliability of experienced and novice raters during use of the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) in a field-based examination of professional football athletes. Thirty-seven male football athletes underwent pre-season LESS assessment. Two raters independently evaluated the recorded landing techniques at two separate intervals, two months apart, following the LESS standard protocol. Inter-and intra-rater values were calculated for the LESS total scores and individual scoring items. The overall LESS scores had excellent intra-rater reliability values for both the experienced (interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.95, 95% CI, 0.89-0.97; p < 0.001) and novice rater (ICC = 0.95, 95% CI, 0.90-0.97; p < 0.001), and very good to excellent inter-rater values for the first (ICC = 0.90, 95% CI, 0.77-0.95; p < 0.001) and second (ICC = 0.86, 95% CI, 0.71-0.93; p < 0.001) evaluation. Most of the individual scoring items ranged from moderate to perfect agreement. In conclusion, sports physical therapists, regardless of experience, can reliably use the LESS's total score, through video analysis of the regime. Individual scoring items can inform clinicians about impairments in the landing mechanism but data should be interpreted cautiously.

Identification of Potential Injury Risk Factors and Prediction Model Construction of Athletes using Data Mining Algorithm

Identification of potential injury risk factors and construction of prediction models for athletes using data mining algorithms involve analyzing various factors such as biomechanical, physiological, and environmental variables to determine their correlation with injury occurrences. Data mining techniques, such as decision trees, logistic regression, or neural networks, are then applied to identify patterns and relationships within the data. By integrating this information, predictive models can be developed to forecast the likelihood of athletes sustaining injuries based on their individual characteristics and training conditions. This paper introduces a novel approach for athlete injury risk prediction using the Noninvasive Data Mining Model with Multi-relational and Multi-dimensional Clustering (Ni-DMMMC) algorithm. By leveraging advanced data mining techniques, Ni-DMMMC aims to identify hidden relationships between various athlete characteristics, including biomechanical risk, training load, physiological markers, and environmental factors, to predict injury susceptibility accurately. Through multi-relational and multi-dimensional clustering, the algorithm effectively categorizes athletes into distinct clusters based on their unique risk profiles. These clusters provide valuable insights into the diverse injury risk profiles present within athlete populations, enabling targeted intervention strategies and personalized athlete management approaches. The proposed approach holds significant promise for enhancing injury prevention efforts, optimizing athlete performance, and improving overall well-being in sports medicine practice. athletes in Cluster 1 exhibit high biomechanical risk (0.85), moderate training load (0.60), low physiological markers (0.25), and moderate environmental risk (0.45), while athletes in Cluster 2 display moderate biomechanical risk (0.70), high training load (0.90), high physiological markers (0.80), and low environmental risk (0.30). These numerical values serve as indicators for assessing an athlete's injury risk profile comprehensively.

‘Considering the reality, I am very lucky’: how professional players and staff perceive injury prevention and performance protection in women’s football

ObjectiveTo explore the beliefs and perceptions of professional female footballers and staff regarding injury prevention and performance protection in professional women’s football.MethodsThis qualitative study applied semistructured interviews with 18 participants...

Injuries in French High-Level and National-Level Women Artistic Gymnastics: One-Year Prevalence and Associated Factors

Objective: The aims of this study were (1) to determine the one-year prevalence of injuries and their characteristics and (2) to analyze potential injury risk factors in high-level/national-level women artistic gymnasts. Methods: Competitive women artistic gymnasts training more than 10 h per week in a national training center and a TOP 12 club in France were invited to participate in a retrospective study through an online questionnaire about their self-reported injuries and potential injury risk factors (e.g., previous injuries, diseases, weight modification) during the 2020/2021 season. Results: A total of 88 gymnasts between 9 and 23 years old, who trained on average 22.0 ± 6.2 h per week, answered the questionnaire. Ninety-five injuries were reported by 62 (70.5%) of the 88 gymnasts. The one-year injury prevalence was 70.5% (95% CI 60.9 to 80.0%). Gymnasts had, on average, 1.1 ± 1.0 injuries per year. The most common reported injury location was the knee (25.3%), and the most common reported injury type was the ligament (26.3%). Having an injury during the previous season (OR = 9.06; CI 95% 2.66 to 36.73; p = 0.0007) and using a prevention program (OR = 3.97; CI 95% 1.46 to 11.15; p = 0.007) were associated with a higher risk of injury in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: More than 70% of French high-level/national-level gymnasts had at least one injury during the 2020/2021 season. This high injury rate supports the need to promote injury prevention. However, in the present study, using a prevention program was associated with a higher risk of injury. There is thus a need to improve injury prevention strategies to counter the high injury risk and its potential consequences.

Previous Injury and Lower Well-being Increase Injury Risk in Female Adolescent Athletes.

Several risk factors for injury have been suggested in female elite athletes. However, there is a lack of prospective studies in young female athletes where multiple risk factors have been studied. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for injury in female adolescent elite athletes. Substantial injuries were monitored in 222 athletes using the validated Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Questionnaire over 20 weeks. Over 20 potential risk factors were explored. Based on a binomial generalized linear mixed model, two significant (p<0.05) risk factors for injury were identified; previous injury within the last 12 months (OR 2.55) and well-being (OR 0.97). An athlete with a previous injury had twice as high a risk of injury (13% vs. 6%) compared to an athlete with no previous injury. Higher perceived well-being was associated with a decreased risk of injury. Based on a prospective design with a large sample of female adolescent elite athletes, investigating over 20 potential risk factors for injury, our results suggest that a previous injury and well-being are risk factors for injury.

Injuries and Health Issues Occurring During Offshore Transoceanic Sailing: A Survey of Recreational Sailors and Cruisers.

Most of the literature on sailing injuries is centered on competitive sailing, often involving a single regatta. The aims of this study were to provide a description of the types of injuries and illnesses sustained during amateur offshore cruising events, estimate their incidence, and investigate potential risk factors for injuries. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of self-reported sailing-related injuries and health issues during 4 different events organized by the World Cruising Club between 2014 and 2015. Prior to departure, sailors received an injury or health issue report form to complete during their sailing event. Questionnaires were then collected at the end of each event. Bivariable (Student's t tests and χ2 tests) and mutilvariable logistic regression were used to study the associations among injuries, health issues, and the characteristics of sailors or sailboats. The incidence of injuries and health issues among the respondents was 1.08 and 1.01 per 10,000 nautical miles, respectively. Smaller boats (P<0.001) and crews with less experience with the current boat (P<0.001) were associated with reporting of more injuries. Most of the injuries were reported during favorable weather conditions. Health issues were more frequent on smaller boats and with women (P=0.008), who reported significantly more seasickness (P<0.001), anxiety (P=0.037), and skin rash/fungal infection (P=0.021). Injuries and health issues are relatively common among amateur offshore recreational sailors, but severe injuries are rare. Smaller boats and having less experience in sailing with the current boat were associated with more injuries. Preventive strategies should include a sailing experience requirement on the boat being sailed for all crew members, increasing the minimum boat size requirement for sailing events, and mandatory first-aid training prior to a cruising event for all crew members.

Influence of the sport specific training background on the symmetry of the single legged vertical counter movement jump among female ballet dancers and volleyball players

IntroductionVertical jumps are the key components of performance in the classical ballet and volleyball. Asymmetry of performance between the lower extremities is a potential risk factor for injury. PurposeThe purpose of this study was to analyse the symmetry of the unilateral vertical countermovement jump (CMJ) in a group of female ballet dancers and in a group of female college volleyball players. MethodsWe tested the CMJ with the dominant and nondominant leg and the bilateral CMJ among 15 female ballet dancers and 15 female volleyball players aged 18–24 years. Ground reaction forces were recorded with the force plate and five variables were analysed - jump height, power, energy, and time to flight and time to maximum force during landing. Results2 × 2 repeated measures of ANOVA indicates that type of sport is influencing some of the single leg CMJ variables (energy used and time to maximal force in landing), there was a significant asymmetry between dominant and non-dominant leg in some of the vertical CMJ variables (CMJ height, energy used and the average power was marginally significant). The interaction between the type of sport and leg dominance however was not significant for all of the analysed CMJ variables indicating no difference in asymmetry between the dominant and non-dominant leg in the two investigated sports. The results expressed in the percentage differences between both legs that is widely used in the scientific literature showed that ballet dancers exhibited more symmetrical CMJ height, power, and energy compared to volleyball players. The average percent difference in CMJ height between the dominant and non-dominant leg was 4.26 (10.60) % and 13.36 (14.72) %, respectively. On average, volleyball players jumped slightly higher at the bilateral CMJ (p < 0.001). ConclusionSport-specific training background could explain the observed contralateral deficit differences between two sport groups. The elements of ballet training could be introduced into the volleyball training to overcome observed this contralateral deficit.

Injury And Illness During A Four-day High School Netball Tournament: A Cross-sectional Study Of 1357 Players

BACKGROUND: Literature on the epidemiology of injury and illness in youth netballers is limited. PURPOSE: To determine incidence, types and severity of injuries and illness in netballers during a 4-day tournament. Association between severity of injury/illness and potential risk factors (RFs) was also determined. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study at the 2019 Waterkloof High School netball tournament, South Africa. Injury data: body region, body area, specific diagnosis, tissue type, mechanism of injury and severity. Illness data: body system, presenting symptoms, specific diagnosis and severity. RF analyses included age, position played, match stage, previous injury, sleep, use of protective gear and recovery method. We report incidence of injury (encounters/1000 player-hours; 95% CI) and illness (encounters/1000 player-days; 95% CI). Days lost, i.e., severity (% time-loss) were categorised as slight (0-1d), minimal (2-3d), mild (4-7d), moderate (8-28d), and severe (29-84d). RESULTS: In total 1357 females (13-19 yrs) from 49 schools participated. Injury incidence per 6552 player-hours was 20.91 (17.41-24.41). The u/16 group had the highest number of injuries (29%). Most injuries occurred to ankle (29%) and foot (15%). Most frequent specific diagnosis was lateral ankle ligament sprain (26%). Commonly injured tissue types were ligament/joint capsule (48%) and skin/superficial tissue (19%). Mechanism of injury was primarily incorrect landing (23%). Injury severity was mainly slight (46%), with the moderate-severe category contributing 13%. RFs associated with injury severity were not significant. Illness incidence per 8232 player-days was 0.55 (0.25-0.85). Most frequently reported body systems were digestive (39%) and respiratory (15%) and symptoms were pain (31%) and vomiting (23%). Most players had <1-day illness time-loss (39%). Due to low number of illnesses, RF analyses could not be performed. CONCLUSIONS: Almost 1/3 of diagnosed injuries was lateral ankle ligament sprains. The digestive and respiratory systems contributed >50% of illness. Most players presenting with a medical encounter lost 0-1 days. No potential injury RFs had a significant relationship to severity. An urgent need exists to develop targeted injury and illness prevention strategies in youth netballers.

Effects Of Fatigue On Lower Extremity Kinetics And Kinematics In Jump-stop Tasks

Non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is common among athletes. Sudden deceleration in basketball competitions is closely related to non-contact ACL injury. Fatigue has also been considered one of potential injury risk factors according to epidemiological statistics. PURPOSE:To simulate the actual fatigue in basketball competitions and investigate the changes of injury-related lower extremity biomechanical characteristics. METHODS:Twelve male basketball players (age: 20.1 ± 0.6 years old; height: 1.8 ± 0.1 m; weight: 71.4 ± 13.5 kg) were recruited to executive a basketball-specific fatigue protocol. The fatigue protocol consists of a sequence including sprinting, cutting and consecutive vertical jumps. Participants repeated this sequence until they were unable to reach 80% of the maximal height. Participants were required to perform 6 trials of jump-stop tasks before and immediately after the fatigue protocol. Eight high-speed cameras (Motion Analysis Raptor- 4, USA) sampling at 200 Hz were used to collect joint angles. Two force plates (Kistler 9281CA, Switzerland) sampling at 1000 Hz were used to collect ground reaction forces. Joint net moment was calculated by inverse dynamics. All data was smoothed by 13.3 Hz Butterworth low-pass filter with Cortex 2.6. Paired t-test was performed (α =0.05) with SPSS 24.0. RESULTS:Knee flexion angle (73.52 ± 12.21, P = 0.034, Cohen’s d = 1.243) significantly increased post-fatigue at peak stance, so was the approach speed at initial contact (2.78 ± 0.51, P = 0.003, Cohen’s d = 1.333). A decreased hip abduction angle (-7.67 ± 8.57, P = 0.010, Cohen’s d = 0.577) was significantly observed post-fatigue at initial contact. Participants landed with increased vertical ground reaction force (0.245 ± 0.063(BW), P = 0.031, Cohen’s d = 0.667) in kinetics, but the posterior ground reaction force significantly decreased (0.005 ± 0.012(BW), P = 0.014, Cohen’s d = -0.6) at peak vertical ground reaction force. No fatigue-induced difference of lower extremity moment was found in this study. CONCLUSIONS:The influence of fatigue on both kinematics and kinetics of lower extremity during jump-stop tasks indicates an increased ACL injury risk. Research supported by the Education Social Science Foundation Project of the 13th Five-Year Plan of Education in China (BLA180218).

Concussion vs. resignation by submission: Technical-tactical behavior analysis considering injury in mixed martial arts.

This research study verified the technical–tactical actions during the mixed martial arts (MMA) fights to generate serious enough injury to stop the MMA round, determining technical-tactical potential risk factors for injury in official MMA combats, according to Concussion or Resignation per Submission. A total of 990 rounds with concussions and 627 resignations per submission were considered with severe injury (i.e., a fight ended by a doctor or referee). All injuries were diagnosed and managed by attending ringside physicians during the MMA fights and rounds and had a continuous technical–tactical behavior analysis, p ≤ 0.05. The leading cause of concussion was due to head trauma (~90%), with higher dependence on head strikes scored actions. Comparisons between Concussion and Resignation per Submission combats demonstrated differences between distance head strikes actions [13(6,25) vs. 9(4,18) frequencies], clinch head strikes actions [1(0;4) vs. 1(0;3) frequencies], ground head strikes actions [1(0;8) vs. 2(0;10) frequencies] and takedowns actions [0(0;1) vs. 1(0;2) frequencies]. This information may provide significant evidence regarding the doctor stoppage in concussion combats and when it could be called by officials supervising MMA.

An Investigation of Bilateral Symmetry in Softball Pitchers According to Body Composition

IntroductionHigh body fat percentage (bf%) is considered a potential injury risk factor for softball pitchers amidst the already high rates of pitching-related injury. Similarly, research points out that large bilateral asymmetries are another risk factor for softball pitchers. As softball pitching is a highly asymmetric sport and the repetitive nature of the windmill pitch places high stress on the body while pitchers are in unbalanced and asymmetric positions, research examining body composition and asymmetry is necessary.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare functional characteristics of softball pitchers with a healthy and a high bf%. Bilateral symmetry was assessed for pitchers' hip and shoulder isometric strength (ISO) and range of motion (ROM) between the following two groups of softball pitchers: (1) those with a high bf% (≥32%) and (2) those with a healthy bf% (<32%).MethodsA total of 41 high school female softball pitchers from the southern United States agreed to participate (1.69 ± 0.07 m, 76.14 ± 17.08 kg, 15.1 ± 1.1 years). Pitchers completed a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan and were grouped into one of the following two categories based on their bf%: healthy (<32 bf%) and high (≥32 bf%). Bilateral symmetry was assessed for pitchers' hip and shoulder ISO and ROM using a handheld dynamometer and inclinometer, respectively. Bilateral arm bone and lean mass was also measured via the DEXA.ResultsMixed analyses of variance revealed a significant interaction between bf% groups and side dominance for internal rotation shoulder ROM, F(1, 39) = 14.383, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.269. Main effects for side dominance were also observed for shoulder external rotation ISO, F(1, 39) = 8.133, p = 0.007, η2p = 0.173, hip internal rotation ISO, F(1, 39) = 4.635, p = 0.038, η2p = 0.106, arm bone mass, F(1, 39) = 38.620, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.498, and arm lean mass, F(1, 39) = 101.869, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.723.ConclusionAsymmetries and slight differences in functional characteristics exist between bf% groups. Altered functional characteristics may influence pitchers' windmill pitch movement and should be acknowledged by support staff to improve softball pitchers' health and longevity.ImplicationsInsight into asymmetries can help researchers and clinicians understand the implication of excess body fat and further theorize mechanisms of injury among this athlete population.

Concussions and Injuries in Sledge Hockey: Grassroots to Elite Participation.

To examine injury (including concussion) rates, location, type, mechanisms, and risk factors in sledge hockey players. Cross-sectional survey. Sledge hockey players, worldwide, across all levels of play. Sledge hockey players (ages ≥14 years) who played in the 2019 to 2020 season were recruited through email, social media, and word of mouth communication. Participant characteristics (eg, age, sex, disability) were examined as potential injury risk factors. Injury rates (IR) and incidence rate ratios (IRR) examining potential risk factors were reported based on univariate Poisson regression analyses. Injury proportions by type, location, and mechanism were described. Ninety-two players initiated the survey, and 77 (83.7%) provided some injury information. Forty-seven injuries included 16 concussions in 9 of 77 players (11.7%) and 31 non-concussion injuries in 20 of 77 players (26.0%) were reported. The overall IR was 13.2 injuries/1000 athlete-exposures [95% confidence interval (CI); 9.6-17.6]. The game IR (28.4 injuries/1000 game-exposures, 95% CI; 18.6-41.7) was higher than practice IR (4.4 injuries/1000 practice-exposures, 95% CI; 2.2-7.9) (IRR = 6.5, 95% CI; 3.1-14.5). The most common injury locations were the head (34.0%), wrist/hand (14.8%), and shoulder (10.6%). The most common significant injury types were concussion (36.2%) and bone fracture (8.5%). Body checking was the primary mechanism for injuries caused by contact with another player (42.1%) Age, sex, disability, and level of play were not found as injury risk factors. Concussions and upper extremity injuries were the most common sledge hockey injuries reported, with body checking being the most common mechanism. This research will inform development of prevention strategies in sledge hockey.

3D virtual fit assessment and modeling: liquid cooling and ventilation garment

PurposeThe suboptimal fit of a spacesuit can interfere with a crewmember's performance and is regarded as a potential risk factor for injury. To quantify suit fit, a virtual fit assessment model was previously developed to identify suit-to-body contact and interference using 3D human body scans and suit CAD models. However, ancillary suit components and garments worn inside of the suit have not been incorporated.Design/methodology/approachThis study was conducted to predict a 3D model of the liquid cooling and ventilation garment (LCVG) from an arbitrary person's body scan. A total of 14 subjects were scanned in a scan wear and LCVG condition. A statistical model was generated using principal component analysis and random forest regression technique.FindingsThe model was able to predict the geometry of the LCVG layer at the accuracy of 5.3 cm maximum error and 1.7 cm root mean square error. The errors were more pronounced for the arms and lower torso, while the thighs and upper torso regions, which are critical for suit fit assessments, show more accurate predictions. A case study of suit fit with and without the LCVG model demonstrated that the new model can enhance the scope and accuracy of future spacesuit assessments.Originality/valueThe capabilities resulting from these modeling techniques would greatly expand the assessments of fit of the garment on various anthropometries. The results from this study can significantly improve the design process modeling and initial suit sizing efforts to optimize crew performance during extravehicular activity training and missions.

Increased Upper Arm Length and Loading Rate Identified as Potential Risk Factors for Injury in Youth Baseball Pitchers

Background: In the throwing elbow, increased elbow torque has been correlated with increased injury risk. Additional insight into the relationships between anthropometric factors and elbow joint loading is warranted. Purpose: To investigate the relationship among physical limb length characteristics, elbow kinetics, and elbow kinematics in youth baseball pitchers and to examine the relationship between elbow varus loading rate and elbow kinetics. Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: A total of 27 male youth baseball pitchers participated (mean ± SD: age, 15.8 ± 2.7 years; height, 176.3 ± 13.0 cm; weight, 71.7 ± 16.4 kg). Upper arm (UA) and forearm (FA) lengths were measured using a moveable sensor to digitize bony landmarks. Kinematic data were collected at 240 Hz using an electromagnetic tracking system. Participants threw 3 fastballs to a catcher at a regulation distance (60 ft 6 in), and the fastest velocity trial was used for analysis. Linear regression was used to determine the relationship among limb length characteristics, elbow kinetics, and elbow kinematics after accounting for the effects of body weight and height. Results: Pitchers with longer UA length experienced increased maximum elbow varus torque (P = .005) and maximum net elbow force (P = .001). Pitchers with an increased forearm to UA ratio had decreased elbow compression force (P < .001) and exhibited a more flexed elbow at foot contact (P = .001). Pitchers with greater maximum loading rates experienced greater elbow varus torque (P = .002). Conclusion: In youth baseball pitchers, longer UA length and greater loading rate increase varus torque about the elbow during a fastball pitch. Clinical Relevance: Longer UA length and greater loading rate may place pitchers at risk of injury because of their relationship with kinetic values.

Sport Specialization Behaviors Are Associated With History of Reported Injury in Youth Basketball.

There is significant emerging evidence that early sport specialization is a potential risk factor for injury in youth sports. Despite basketball being the most popular youth team sport in the United States, sport specialization research, specifically in youth basketball players, has been limited. The purpose of this paper was to examine the association of sport specialization behaviors with injury history by surveying a nationally representative sample of parents of youth basketball athletes. We hypothesized that athletes who specialized in basketball, participated on multiple teams at the same time, and traveled regularly for basketball competitions would be more likely to report a basketball-related injury in the previous year. A nationally representative sample of 805 parents of 805 youth basketball players (female N=241, 29.9%; age: 12.9±2.5 y old) completed an online questionnaire that had 3 sections: (1) parent/child demographics, (2) child basketball participation information for the previous year, and (3) child basketball injury history in the previous year. Multivariate logistic regression examined the associations between variables of interest and injury history, adjusting for covariates. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated for the variables of interest from the logistic regression model. Highly specialized athletes were more likely than low specialization athletes to report history of basketball injury in the previous year [OR (95% CI): 2.47 (1.25-4.88), P=0.009]. The odds of reporting an injury in the previous year were twice as great among athletes who played on a basketball team at the same time as another sport team compared with those who played basketball only [OR (95% CI): 1.98 (1.30-3.01), P=0.001]. The odds of reporting an injury in the previous year were 3 times greater among athletes who received private coaching compared with those who did not receive private coaching [OR (95% CI): 2.91 (1.97-4.31), P<0.001]. Specialization in basketball, along with several other behaviors that have become typical of modern youth sport participation, were associated with reported injury history. Further prospective research is necessary to determine whether sport specialization behaviors increase the risk of injury in youth basketball. Level III-cross-sectional study.

Change in Force-based Metrics during Outdoor 2- and 4-Mile Runs.

The purpose of this study was to determine if peak ground reaction force (GRF), loading rate (LR), and impulse metrics change across an outdoor run using force sensing insoles. We hypothesize that over the course of the run there would be a decline in limb symmetry for all measures and a decrease in LR and GRF values. Thirty healthy participants (15 male, 15 female) were recruited for a two-visit study during which a 2- or 4-mile run was completed on the first visit and the other run distance was completed on the second visit (order was randomized). Force data were collected at 100 Hz for the duration of the run. Peak GRF, impulse, LR, and limb symmetry indices (LSI) of these variables were calculated at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the run. GRF decreased over the course of the runs, but the GRF LSI remained unchanged. No changes in LR were detected over the 2- or 4-mile run for either limb. The impulse LSI during the 2-mile run did indicate decreased symmetry from 25% of the run to 50% of the run, the LR LSI improved, and there was no difference in GRF LSI or any of the LSI metrics during the 4-mile run. We posit that the lack in change in LSI was due to the courses/distance not inducing fatigue in our population. Future studies should investigate the effect of outdoor fatigue protocols and various types of terrain on force metrics and potential injury risk factors.

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.

Joint and muscle injuries in men and women CrossFit® training participants

ABSTRACT Objective Verify the incidence and rate of joint and muscle injuries with the practice of CrossFit® and the potential risk factors for injuries in men and women. Methods A total of 184 CrossFit® participants (97 men and 87 women). A questionnaire was conducted based on characterization, training routine, injuries, and additional information. The incidence refers to the number of new cases of injury in the sample during the CrossFit® training. The injury rate was calculated by estimating the number of weekly training hours and converted into the number of injuries per 1000 training hours. Results Among the participants, 38.6% reported some type of injury, being joint injuries (83.1%) and/or muscle injuries (45.1%). The injury rate was 3.4/1000 h, with men having a higher rate. The location of the joint injuries was shoulders, wrists, and elbows, in addition to the lumbar spine in women. As for muscle injuries, the deltoid, upper back muscles, and quadriceps femoris were the most reported in men and deltoid, trapezius, upper back muscles, and gastrocnemius in women. Conclusions A better understanding of the anatomical distribution of the injuries may help coaches prescribe the most adequate workout that may reduce the likelihood of injuries occurring in CrossFit® training participants. It was demonstrated that gender, experience, weekly frequency, and previous injuries are important factors, and professionals must be concerned with the assessment of the participants and with an individualized progression in order to avoid risks.

Injury rate among CrossFit participants and its associated risk factors in Riyadh: A cross-sectional study

Background: CrossFit is a form of exercise that incorporates rapid and successive high-intensity movements. This study assesses the rate and risk factors of CrossFit injuries. Materials and Methods: This is an analytical, cross-sectional study that was conducted in four CrossFit affiliates (two for males and two for females) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A validated questionnaire was used to collect the data from CrossFit athletes between January and April 2018. Data collected were incidence, severity, number of injuries, and potential risk factors for injury in the preceding 6 months. Using the SPSS software, data were analyzed using the t-test, Chi-square test, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Among the 255 participants, 31.37% had an injury during the last 6 months' period. The incidence rate of injury was 3.33/1000 athlete hours. Participants who did not include cool down in their CrossFit workout were significantly more likely to be injured (41.58% vs. 24.68%, P = 0.004). Injured participants reported higher weekly athlete training hours (5.73 ± 3.89 vs. 4.55 ± 2.94, P = 0.008). Most of the participants' injuries were acute and required medical attention (51%). Conclusion: Injury rate among CrossFit athletes in Saudi Arabia is relatively high, especially among those who train regularly and those who do not incorporate cool-down in their CrossFit regimen. Cooling-down after CrossFit activities might help in reducing the rate of injury.