Sports Injury Prevention Research Articles

Moving Beyond the Checklist—An Enhanced Approach to Context-Driven Overuse Injury Prevention in Overhead Youth Athletes

The increasing discussions regarding the research-to-practice gap in sport injury prevention have led to a growing focus on the significance of context in injury prevention programs. A context-driven injury prevention program is advantageous to address and enhance injury prevention efforts in specific populations. Considering the prevalent concern for overuse injuries among overhead youth athletes, and the developmental and contextual factors unique to this population, this review introduces the OverHead Youth Athlete (OH-YA) overuse injury prevention process. Tailored to address the challenges of working with overhead youth athletes, the context-specific four-step framework includes the following: (1) development of a context-specific instrument with strong sample representation, (2) determination of the context-specific injury burden magnitude and associated factors, (3) development of a context-specific intervention with end-users, and (4) evaluation of the context-specific intervention. This framework would likely help maximize the use of typically limited resources in youth sports. Using shoulder overuse injuries among overhead youth athletes as a case study, the OH-YA overuse injury prevention process provides an enhanced approach to context-driven overuse injury prevention while illustrating the importance and integration of context to minimize the “research-to-practice” gap.

Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Performance and Injury Prevention in Youth Team Sports: Development of an Evidence-Based Educational Program

Introduction Team sports have become increasingly fast-paced and athletic, particularly at the elite international level. Over the past 15 years, a widening performance gap in explosiveness and speed has been observed between Swiss youth and elite athletes in team sports. Promising talents with deficits in these areas face growing difficulties in establishing themselves at the elite level. Concurrently, there has been a rapid increase in scientific publications demonstrating the positive effects of neuromuscular training on explosiveness, speed, and in addition on injury prevention. Objective: To develop an evidence-based educational program for coaches to optimize neuromuscular training in youth team sports, addressing the challenges of complex knowledge transfer, diverse stakeholders, and heterogeneous training approaches. Methods The "Power to Win" project was initiated by the Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen in collaboration with Swiss national sports federations and Swiss Olympic. A multi-step approach was employed: Formation of a project group comprising scientists, practitioners, and stakeholders Development of an impact model focusing on optimizing athlete training through improved coach knowledge, awareness, and motivation. Analysis of training content, coach knowledge, and educational courses. Creation of a roadmap based on scientific evidence and expert knowledge. Definition of key concepts and models (e.g., performance model, long-term athlete development model). Structuring of knowledge according to educational levels (Jugend+Sport, national federations, coach education) and along the talent pathway (FTEM model, F1 to T4). Stage-specific adaptation of knowledge transfer considering available time for education and existing knowledge. Results The project resulted in the development of five digital learning courses for self-study and for integration into existing training programs. These courses are freely accessible online and designed to facilitate blended learning approaches, allowing for increased practical training time during in-person courses. The online content covers Bloom's taxonomy levels 1-3, while levels 4-6 are addressed in face-to-face training sessions. Discussion/Conclusion Translating scientific evidence into practical applications presents significant challenges due to various external influences. This project demonstrates a systematic approach to developing an evidence-based educational program for neuromuscular training in youth team sports. By addressing the complexities of knowledge transfer and considering the needs of diverse stakeholders, this program aims to bridge the gap between research and practice in enhancing performance and preventing injuries among young athletes in team sports. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of this educational program in improving coach knowledge and behavior, as well as its impact on athlete performance and injury rates in youth team sports.

Awareness and Implementation of Sports Injury Prevention Programs Among Physical Therapists in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: Sports injury prevention programs (SIPPs) are crucial for mitigating sports injuries and enhancing athletes' performance. In Saudi Arabia, the sports sector is growing, and the awareness and implementation of sports injury prevention programs (SIPPs) among physical therapists require examination. This study aims to evaluate physiotherapists' awareness of and the implementation of sports injury prevention programs (SIPPs) in the Saudi Arabian region with findings that could enhance rehabilitation and sports injury prevention practices. Materials and Methods: A self-administered online questionnaire was distributed to licensed physiotherapists in Saudi Arabia. Three hundred sixty-six participants responded to the questionnaire, of whom 55.5% were male and 44.5% were female physiotherapists. Results: Licensed physical therapists show a high awareness of sports injury prevention, with 83.9% agreeing or strongly agreeing. However, only 53.8% were aware of sports injury prevention programs, and 37.7% reported actively implementing them. Sports physical therapists scored significantly higher in awareness and implementation than other specialties (p < 0.001) with no significant regional differences. Educational qualification was also significant, with those holding a master's degree or higher reporting greater awareness and implementation than those with a bachelor's degree (p = 0.007). There was a strong positive correlation between awareness and implementation (r = 0.723, p < 0.01), along with weak correlations between awareness and perceived barriers (r = 0.270, p < 0.01) and implementation and barriers (r = 0.280, p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study finds that physical therapists in Saudi Arabia have moderate-to-low awareness and implementation of sports injury prevention programs (SIPPs), especially outside of sports-specific fields. Sports physical therapists and those with higher education have significant awareness. There are minimal regional differences but a strong positive correlation between awareness and implementation. Enhanced training, resources, and institutional support are needed to improve SIPP implementation in rehabilitation.

ACE I/D Genotype and Risk of Non-Contact Injury in Moroccan Elite Athletes: A Pilot Study.

Background and Objectives: The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in ACE, the gene encoding the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), has been suggested as a genetic variation that can influence exercise performance and risk of injury in elite athletes. The I allele has been associated with enhanced endurance performance and with reduced inflammation, while the D allele has been associated with improved performance in strength and power activities. However, the role of this genetic variant in the incidence of non-contact injury is underexplored. This study investigated the possible association of ACE I/D genotypes with the risk of non-contact injury in elite Moroccan athletes. Materials and Methods: Forty-three elite male athletes (19 cyclists and 24 field hockey players) from the Moroccan national team participated voluntarily. Non-contact injuries were recorded for all athletes and classified according to the IOC consensus statement by the medical staff of the teams. ACE I/D polymorphism genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using genomic DNA from blood samples. Results: There were four cyclists (21.05%) and eight field hockey players (33.33%) with a non-contact injury during the season. The distribution of the ACE I/D genotypes was similar in the athletes with vs. without non-contact injury for cyclists (DD/ID/II 25.00/50.00/25.00% vs. 46.67/40.00/13.33% non-injured, respectively; X2 = 0.69, p = 0.70), field hockey players (DD/ID/II 50.00/50.00/0.00% vs. 50.00/43.75/6.25%; X2 = 0.54, p = 0.76) and for the whole group of athletes (DD/ID/II 41.67/50.00/8.33% vs. 48.39/41.94/9.68%; X2 = 0.22, p = 0.89). In the whole group of athletes, neither the dominant (DD + ID vs. II = OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.15-16.56, p = 0.89) nor the recessive (DD vs. ID + II = OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.31-4.89, p = 0.69) models showed an increased risk of non-contact injury. Conclusions: The distribution of the ACE I/D genotypes was similar in elite cycling and field hockey athletes with or without non-contact injury during the season. These results indicate that there is no significant association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and the susceptibility to non-contact injury in these athletes. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and to investigate their broader implications for advancing knowledge in sports injury prevention and optimizing athlete management strategies.

The use of deep learning in intelligent athlete motion recognition: Integrating biological mechanisms

This work explores the effective application of deep learning for recognizing athletes’ movements, aiming to enhance precision in competitive sports. Traditional motion analysis methods primarily rely on manual observation, which can introduce subjective bias and limit accuracy. To address these limitations, we propose an automated method based on deep learning for recognizing and classifying athletes’ technical movements while evaluating their performance. A hybrid model, combining Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, is utilized to extract key frames from video data. The CNN is responsible for feature extraction, capturing the intricate details of movement, while the LSTM captures the temporal sequence characteristics, providing context to the actions. To further strengthen our approach, we delve into the biological mechanisms underlying athletic movements. Understanding the biomechanics of motion—such as joint angles, muscle activation patterns, and energy expenditure—can enhance the accuracy of deep learning models. By integrating these biological insights into our model, we improve the recognition process, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of how movements impact performance. Through experiments, we demonstrate that the model achieves high accuracy across multiple benchmark datasets (UCF-101, HMDB-51, Kinetics-400, and Sports-1M), with a particularly high accuracy of 93.5% on the UCF-101 dataset. These results indicate that the proposed method is both accurate and reliable, making it suitable for athlete training and competition analysis. The findings of this research have significant implications for sports science, training evaluation, and injury prevention. By providing coaches and athletes with precise feedback based on deep learning analysis, we can facilitate targeted training interventions that enhance performance while reducing injury risks. This work aims to offer a powerful tool for athletes, coaches, and researchers, contributing to the advancement of competitive sports through a deeper understanding of movement dynamics and their biological underpinnings.

Infrared thermal image monitoring based on artificial intelligence application in the prevention of sports injuries in aerobics: Computational thermal modeling

Infrared thermal image monitoring based on artificial intelligence application in the prevention of sports injuries in aerobics: Computational thermal modeling

Immediate effects of electronic stimulation to the plantar foot on foot function and postural stability during landing.

Sports injuries often occur during landing, necessitating postural stability for injury prevention. Electrical stimulation of the plantar foot induces activities of the intrinsic foot muscles and improves somatosensory and postural stability during landing. However, this effect remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of electrical stimulation on the activities of the intrinsic foot muscles, plantar somatosensory system, and postural stability during landing. Twenty-two college athletes were divided into an electrical stimulation group and a control group. Electrical stimulation was applied to the plantar foot using a commercial device. The toe function and plantar tactile sensations were evaluated. The activities of the intrinsic muscles and the parameters of the ground reaction force were measured and calculated. We compared pre- and postintervention outcomes. In the electrical stimulation group, two subjects showed improvement in toe function, and plantar tactile sensation improved significantly postintervention. The control group exhibited no significant change in plantar tactile sensation. A significant interaction was observed in anteroposterior postural stability during landing, notably improving in the electrical stimulation group. Electrical stimulation of the plantar foot immediately improved toe function, plantar tactile sensation, and postural stability during landing. Such stimulation would be beneficial in preventing sports injuries.

Predicting Multijoint Maximal Eccentric and Concentric Strength With Force-Velocity Jump Mechanics in Collegiate Athletes.

Maximal muscle strength is often assessed with single-joint or repetition-maximum testing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of countermovement-jump (CMJ) velocity-load testing and assess the relationship between CMJ velocity-load kinetics and concentric-isometric-eccentric multijoint leg-extension strength tested on a robotic servomotor leg press in trained athletes. University athletes (N = 203; 52% female) completed 3 concentric, isometric, and eccentric maximum voluntary leg-extension contractions on the robotic leg press, followed by CMJ velocity-load testing with an additional external load of 0% (CMJBW), 30% (CMJ30), and 60% (CMJ60) of body mass. A linear model was fit for the CMJ takeoff velocity-load relationship to obtain the load intercept. Force-velocity parameters were obtained for the CMJ eccentric deceleration and concentric phases. Linear mixed-effects models were constructed to predict concentric, isometric, and eccentric leg-press force using the CMJ takeoff velocity-load relationship and CMJ kinetics. Isometric leg-press strength was predicted by load intercept and sex (P < .001, R2 = .565, prediction error = 14%). Concentric leg-press strength was predicted by load intercept, CMJ60 concentric impulse, and sex (P < .001, R2 = .657, prediction error = 10%). Eccentric leg-press strength was predicted by minimum downward velocity, CMJ60 eccentric deceleration impulse, and sex (P < .001, R2 = .359, prediction error = 14%). Given the relevance of muscle-strength testing for sport performance and injury prevention, assessing force-velocity mechanics with loaded CMJ testing is a reliable and viable approach to predict maximal concentric, isometric, and eccentric leg-press strength in competitive athletes.

The Impact of Science and Technology Innovation on the Training Management of Athletes

With the rapid development of modern science and technology, innovative technical means are becoming more and more widely used in sports training. This article describes the current development trend of sports science and technology innovation at home and abroad, and systematically investigate the application of biomechanical testing, physiological and biochemical monitoring, artificial intelligence algorithms, virtual reality simulation and other cutting-edge technologies in the field of sports training. It analyzes the role of science and technology innovation in improving the scientific level of sports training, innovating training means and methods, preventing sports injuries, and assisting in training decision-making through the method of case study. The study concludes that scientific and technological innovation has become a key variable in promoting the leapfrog development of competitive sports, and a modernized training system of “scientific training, intelligent training, and data training” should be accelerated in the future, so as to help China's competitive sports achieve a qualitative leap with the advancement of science and technology.

Functional fitness training for the prevention of acute foot and ankle sports injuries

The development of competitive sports makes the development of school sports more scientific. However, as the development progresses, the incidence of sports injuries increases each year. In all kinds of sports, the risk of ankle injury is greatest due to the lack of venue and preparation. If the sports injury is not handled properly, it is easy to lead to complications such as traumatic arthritis. This article is a research analysis on the prevention of acute foot and ankle sports injuries, using machine learning algorithms to use functional gait detection to study foot sports injuries. Studies have shown that after 12 weeks of functional physical training, cadence increases by 10% from the initial period and by 2% after 6 weeks of functional physical training. The total of both sides increased by 6% compared with the initial period and increased by 3% compared with that after 6 weeks of functional physical training. Distance traveled per minute increased by 17% compared to the initial period and increased by 6% compared to 6 weeks of functional physical training. Experiments have shown that functional training can identify human body function defects and asymmetric behaviors by observing human movement patterns, and can achieve body tissue remodeling through targeted functional exercise.

The Effects of Plyometric Training on the Performance of Three Types of Jumps and Jump Shots in College-Level Male Basketball Athletes

Recent studies have shown that lower-limb plyometric training can effectively enhance muscle strength and explosiveness, which are particularly important for improving jumping ability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of plyometric training on vertical, lateral, and horizontal jumping abilities, and their subsequent impact on basketball shooting performance and sports injury prevention. A quasi-experimental design was used, recruiting 30 male college-level basketball players from Taiwan, who were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). Both groups participated in 2 h of basketball training daily, while the experimental group additionally engaged in plyometric training twice a week. The results revealed significant improvements in the experimental group in several key areas, including rate of force development (RFD), ground reaction force (GRF), jump height, jump distance, and both horizontal and vertical forces, across vertical, lateral, and horizontal jumps. Specifically, vertical jumps required the highest ground reaction force, followed by lateral jumps, with horizontal (step-back) jumps requiring the least. The optimal angles for the resultant force during take-off were found to be between 66.1° and 66.8° for lateral jumps, and between 56.2° and 57.2° for step-back jumps, while vertical jumps did not show significant variation in take-off angle. In terms of basketball performance, the experimental group demonstrated significantly better post-test results in all three types of jump shots, with the highest accuracy observed in the vertical jump shot, followed by the lateral jump shot, and the lowest in the step-back jump shot. Furthermore, the experimental group experienced a substantial reduction in sports injury rates, with the injury rate decreasing to 6%. These findings indicate that plyometric training not only enhances jumping performance, but also contributes to injury prevention by strengthening lower-limb muscles. This study provides a theoretical basis for coaches to develop comprehensive training programs that improve athletic performance and reduce injury risk.

An In-Depth Analysis of Youth Sport Coaches’ Perceptions of Sport Culture, Safety, and Injury Prevention

Coaches are key stakeholders in the world of youth-organized sports. As key stakeholders, they are influential to the “culture of sport” and how it pertains to safety and injury in sport. However, little data exists to inform injury prevention intervention in youth sport. There is a critical need to understand the perceptions and norms that contribute to youth sport culture and coaches’ perceptions of this culture. The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of youth sport coaches’ attitudes, perceptions, and norms regarding sport culture and injury. Thirty coaches were divided into five recorded focus groups. Following transcription, researchers utilized a consensual qualitative research framework. The research team individually coded data into themes and categories, meeting to attain a consensus on findings. An auditor controlled for bias. Participants highlighted three key areas related to the purpose of the study: (1) influences and expectations, (2) sport safety, and (3) education and development. Findings suggest that youth sport coaches view themselves as an integral component of sports culture, safety, and injury prevention. As such, coaches must build relationships with the community to provide a foundation for optimal sport and health outcomes.

Biopsychosocial approach to sports injury: a systematic review and exploration of knowledge structure

BackgroundSports injuries are influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Therefore, an integrated approach to address these factors is essential. This study aimed to analyze the research trends and biopsychosocial factors influencing sports injuries. It also explored the knowledge structure of the biopsychosocial approach to sports injuries.MethodsA literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and RISS databases with the keywords ‘Biopsychosocial’ and ‘Sports injury’ for studies published between January 1, 2014, and August 31, 2024. Studies in which the abstract content did not match the purpose of this study were excluded. Two independent reviewers conducted a qualitative content analysis of the selected literature. Data on the study design, year of publication, biopsychosocial factors, and main findings were extracted. To explore the knowledge structure, a keyword-network analysis was performed using Python NetworkX.ResultFive studies were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All selected studies were published after 2021, reflecting recent research trends. Biopsychosocial factors influencing the occurrence of sports injuries include sex, team sports, neuroticism, previous injury, postpartum-related factors, mental health, and sleep status. Biopsychosocial factors influencing return to play after sports injury include self-reported knee function and psychological readiness to return to sport. The five most frequently occurring keywords were ‘injury’, ‘factors’, ‘sports’, ‘pain’ and ‘runners’. ‘Factors-injury’ had the highest co-occurrence frequency, and the ‘injury’, ‘factors’, and ‘sports’ showed high scores in the centrality analysis.ConclusionA biopsychosocial approach to sports injuries represents a recent research trend. Identifying the biopsychosocial factors of sports injuries can help prevent injuries and promote rehabilitation. Therefore, the development of a biopsychosocial model to prevent sports injuries and promote rehabilitation has been proposed.

Biomechanical and Injury Tolerance Analysis of Tibial Movement Under Different Postures and Impact Loads

The lower limbs play an important role in daily human activities. Therefore, a 3D tibial model is constructed, and finite element analysis is performed to investigate the biomechanical characteristics and injury tolerance of lower limb flexion movement. The maximum equivalent stress at 30° flexion was 19.1 MPa and 31.2 MPa in the normal and dynamic eversion positions, respectively, of the knee joint, 1.4 MPa and 1.1 MPa in the medial tibial plateau, and 1.8 MPa and 1.2 MPa in the lateral tibial plateau. The peak contact force was generally approximately 4000 N when different positions of the tibia were impacted. The maximum contact force of the frontal impact was larger than that of the external impact at 4109 N and 3927 N, respectively. The dynamic knee valgus posture and lateral impacts are more likely to cause tibial injury. The findings of this study provide information for the prevention of sports injuries and rehabilitation treatment.

Critical Fluctuations as an Early Warning Signal of Sports Injuries? A Proof of Concept Using Football Monitoring Data.

There has been an increasing interest in the development and prevention of sports injuries from a complex dynamic systems perspective. From this perspective, injuries may occur following critical fluctuations in the psychophysiological state of an athlete. Our objective was to quantify these so-called Early Warning Signals (EWS) as a proof of concept to determine their explanatory performance for injuries. The sample consisted of 23 professional youth football (soccer) players. Self-reports of psychological and physiological factors as well as data from heart rate and GPS sensors were gathered on every training and match day over two competitive seasons, which resulted in an average of 339 observations per player (range = 155-430). We calculated the Dynamic Complexity (DC) index of these data, representing a metric of critical fluctuations. Next, we used this EWS to predict injuries (traumatic and overuse). Results showed a significant peak of DC in 30% of the incurred injuries, in the six data points (roughly one and a half weeks) before the injury. The warning signal exhibited a specificity of 95%, that is, correctly classifying non-injury instances. We followed up on this promising result with additional calculations to account for the naturally imbalanced data (fewer injuries than non-injuries). The relatively low F1 we obtained (0.08) suggests that the model's overall ability to discriminate between injuries and non-injuries is rather poor, due to the high false positive rate. By detecting critical fluctuations preceding one-third of the injuries, this study provided support for the complex systems theory of injuries. Furthermore, it suggests that increasing critical fluctuations may be seen as an EWS on which practitioners can intervene. Yet, the relatively high false positive rate on the entire data set, including periods without injuries, suggests critical fluctuations may also precede transitions to other (e.g., stronger) states. Future research should therefore dig deeper into the meaning of critical fluctuations in the psychophysiological states of athletes. Complex Systems Theory suggests that sports injuries may be preceded by a warning signal characterized by a short window of increased critical fluctuations. Results of the current study showed such increased critical fluctuations before 30% of the injuries. Across the entire data set, we also found a considerable number of critical fluctuations that were not followed by an injury, suggesting that the warning signal may also precede transitions to other (e.g., healthier) states. Increased critical fluctuations may be interpreted as a window of opportunity for the practitioner to launch timely and targeted interventions, and researchers should dig deeper into the meaning of such fluctuations.

Applied Biomechanics in Sports Performance, Injury Prevention, and Rehabilitation

Applied Biomechanics in Sports Performance, Injury Prevention, and Rehabilitation

A Study of the Role of Physical Functioning and Physical Conditioning on the Influence of Competitive Sports Programmes

With the continuous progress of science and technology, the field of competitive sports has also witnessed revolutionary changes. Modern technology is playing an increasingly important role in improving athletes' performance, optimising training methods and preventing sports injuries. The aim of this study is to delve into the role of body functions and form states in competitive sports and how they affect athletes' competitive performance. By analysing the physical characteristics and training needs of athletes in different sports, it reveals the state effects of body function and form state on competitive sports. The study further proposes the enhancement of athletes' physical functioning and shape shape through scientific training methods. The application of these strategies will help athletes achieve optimal performance in training and competition, reduce the risk of injury, and improve athletic performance. With the continuous development and application of science and technology, we have reason to believe that competitive sports will become more scientific, efficient and humane.

Thermal Imaging Health Passport for a Child Engaged in Sports as the Basis for Dynamic Monitoring of Their Success in a Chosen Sport

The narrative review is dedicated to justifying the feasibility of using infrared thermal imaging in children’s sports. It examines the possibilities of thermal imaging in sports physiology and medicine, the concept of a ‘Athlete’s Thermal Passport,’ and various applications of the method during training and competitive periods, as well as its effectiveness in preventing sports injuries. The practical value of thermal imaging is demonstrated within a comprehensive approach for monitoring health, assessing performance, and identifying potential issues throughout a child’s sporting career.

Experience of Orofacial Injuries and Use of Mouthguards - A Survey in German Elite Sport.

This study aimed to assess the experience of orofacial injuries and sports mouthguard use in German elite athletes. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted. The data were collected at the Institute of Applied Training Science (IAT, Leipzig, Germany) that provides regular primary care for elite athletes. German elite athletes (18-35 years) from different disciplines with completed questionnaire on oral health in sports between May 2020 and April 2021 were included. N/A. Number of dental, oral, and facial injuries during sports career and mouthguard use (received information, ownership, frequency) were assessed and compared between disciplines with different risks for orofacial trauma. In total, questionnaires of 337 athletes (23 ± 4 years, 50% female) were included. Disciplines were classified into high (HT, n = 20), medium (MT, n = 48), and low (LT, n = 269) risk for orofacial trauma. Substantial rates of injuries were identified; especially a lot of HT athletes reported orofacial injuries (HT: 55%, MT: 31%, LT: 17%; P ≤ 0.076) and dental injuries (HT: 30%, MT: 10%, LT: 7%; P ≤ 0.028). Mouthguards were rare (HT: 25%, MT: 0%, LT: 3%). There is a need for more prevention of orofacial injuries in German elite sports for both HT and MT.

The effectiveness of neuromuscular training in preventing sports injuries of different genders, body parts, and types in adolescents: a systematic review of meta-analysis

The effectiveness of neuromuscular training in preventing sports injuries of different genders, body parts, and types in adolescents: a systematic review of meta-analysis