Sports-related Activities Research Articles

The effects of gluteal stretching vs. Lightback® on hip rotation range of motion and posterior chain flexibility in healthy subjects: a cross-over clinical trial

Introduction Hip range of motion (ROM) across various planes is necessary in sport-related activities. Static stretching was commonly used to improve hip ROM. The Lightback system, a novel compression device, has been developed to enhance hip mobility by applying controlled axial forces on the femur. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Lightback system in improving hip ROM and posterior chain flexibility compared to conventional static stretching. Methods A randomized cross-over trial was carried out in 31 physically active participants (62 lower limbs; n = 31 Lightback group (LBG) and n = 31 stretching group (SG)). Hip rotation at two positions of hip flexion (active and passive external (ER) and internal rotation (IR) at 0–90° hip flexion), total rotation ROM (TRROM), and the flexibility of the posterior chain (active knee extension test (AKE) and active straight leg raise (ASLR)) were measured before and after the stretching session. Results LBG demonstrated significantly greater improvements in hip ER and IR compared to the SG. Specifically, the LBG showed significant increases in active ER at 0° (p = 0.002) and 90° (p < 0.001) of hip flexion, as well as IR at 0° (p = 0.007) and 90° (p < 0.001). TRROM in neutral and at 90° of hip flexion also improved significantly in the LBG (p < 0.001). In passive ROM, the LBG exhibited significant increases in ER at 0° (p < 0.001), IR at 90° (p = 0.001), and TRROM at both positions (p < 0.001), compared to the SG. Regarding posterior chain flexibility, both groups improved in AKE and ASLR (p < 0.001), but the LBG showed a significantly larger effect in ASLR (p < 0.001), with no significant difference between groups in AKE. Conclusion This study demonstrated that both the Lightback system and static gluteal stretching improved passive hip ROM. However, the Lightback system showed greater improvements in active ROM, particularly in external and internal rotation at various degrees of hip flexion, as well as in posterior chain flexibility. Notably, the Lightback system significantly enhanced large improvement in the ASLR test.

Return to Work, Sport, and Sport- Related Activity After Distal Triceps Tendon Repair: A Systematic Review.

Distal triceps tendon injuries are relatively rare injuries, often occurring in highly active patients with physically demanding jobs or lifestyles. Information on return to work, sport, and activity is essential for patient education and counseling after a distal triceps tendon rupture. To determine the rates of return to work, sport, and sport-related activity after distal triceps tendon repair. Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus were queried from the earliest record through January 12, 2024. Articles were included if they examined return to various activities (exercise, sport, work, or military duty) after distal triceps tendon repair. Data on return to sport/work/activity were collected as well as information on patient satisfaction, pre-existing medical history or medication use (ie, anabolic steroids or corticosteroids), and complications. Article quality was assessed via the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) scale. Of 164 articles initially retrieved, 10 retrospective studies were included. Patients (n = 318; 74.2% male, 25.8% female) who underwent distal triceps tendon repair had a mean age of 44.7 ± 5.5 years with a mean follow-up time of 52.6 ± 21.4 months. After distal triceps tendon repair, 93.3% of patients (112/120) returned to sport, 95.3% (81/85) returned to military duty, and 92.6% (100/108) returned to work. Of the studies that evaluated satisfaction, the majority of patients reported high satisfaction after surgery. The overall complication rate (ranging from persistent pain and wound complications to nerve injuries and reruptures) after distal triceps tendon repair was 18.0%, the rerupture rate (complete and partial) was 7.2%, and the reoperation rate was 3.9%, with all partial reruptures undergoing nonoperative care. A distal triceps tendon rupture is a rare but potentially challenging injury, traditionally occurring in an active population, and often requires surgical repair. Importantly, >90% of an active-duty military population, athletes, and the general workforce was able to return to sport or their respective activity after surgery. Furthermore, there was high patient satisfaction and low rates of complications and reoperations after distal triceps tendon repair.

Correlation between the medial longitudinal arch and foot-related quality of life in recreational runners: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: The foot's anatomical structure, specifically the medial longitudinal arch (MLA), is critical in running biomechanics, as it absorbs impact forces and facilitates movement. Alterations in MLA structure can lead to abnormal foot kinematics, increasing susceptibility to injuries and negatively impacting foot functionality. AIM: This study aims to explore the potential impact of MLA height on recreational runners' quality of life (QoL) and determine the correlation between MLA height and foot-related QoL. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 38 recreational runners aged 18-30, classified into three MLA groups (low, normal, high) using the Arch Height Index (AHI). Foot functionality and QoL were assessed using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) questionnaire, including 22 items for Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and 8 for sports-related activities. RESULTS: Low MLA was positively correlated with higher FAAM scores in both ADL (AHI-Right = 0.79, AHI-Left = 0.71) and sports subscales (AHI-Right = 0.67, AHI-Left = 0.53; p<0.01). Conversely, high MLA showed a negative correlation with ADL (AHI-Right = -0.44, AHI-Left = -0.44) and sports subscales (AHI-Right = -0.60, AHI-Left = -0.70; p>0.05). CONCLUSION: MLA height is inversely correlated with QoL in recreational runners, suggesting that both high and low MLA heights may impact functional quality of life.

Arthroscopic Anatomic Reconstruction of the Interosseous Talocalcaneal Ligament Using a Gracilis Autograft for Subtalar Instability: 6- to 12-Year Retrospective Follow-up.

Several surgical techniques have been reported of subtalar instability (STI), but it remains a controversial topic without long-term clinical evidence. This study aimed to report the all-inside arthroscopic anatomic interosseous talocalcaneal ligament (ITCL) reconstruction technique and its long-term outcomes in STI patients with confirmed ITCL rupture. A retrospective study was conducted on consecutive series of STI patients who underwent all-inside arthroscopic anatomic reconstruction of the ITCL using a gracilis autograft between January 2010 and December 2016. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot scale, Karlsson-Peterson score, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, and Tegner activity scale were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. Furthermore, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure activities of daily living (FAAM-ADL) and sports (FAAM-Sports) scores, and whether patients returned to daily work, recreational activities, and preinjury sports were recorded at follow-up. Complications including postoperative sprain recurrence, range of motion (ROM) restriction, and incision numbness were evaluated at the final follow-up. A total of 25 patients, with a mean age of 33.3 ± 8.8 years, were included in the follow-up analysis at a mean duration of 110.7 ± 20.4 months. The mean Karlsson-Peterson and AOFAS scores significantly increased from 61.8 ± 9.9 preoperatively to 93.8 ± 7.2 (P < .001) at the final follow-up and from 68.8 ± 7.4 to 95.1 ± 6.7 (P < .001), respectively. Additionally, the mean VAS pain score significantly decreased from 4.5 ± 1.1 to 0.6 ± 1.0 (P < .001). Regarding normal daily activities (FAAM-ADL), 22 patients (88%) obtained good to excellent (≥80) results; for sports-related activities, 18 patients (72%) had good to excellent FAAM-Sports scores and 19 patients (76%) returned to preinjury sports activities. Four patients (16%) reported mild to moderate ROM restrictions. All-inside arthroscopic anatomic reconstruction of the ITCL demonstrated with gracilis autograft was associated with satisfactory long-term outcomes in restoring function and facilitating a return to sports for STI patients with ITCL injury.

Research on optimization and design of sports teaching actions based on biomechanics

The design of sports teaching approaches is an important part of improving athletic performance and skill development among players. As sports grow more competitive, the demand for new and effective teaching methods has never been higher. The limitations of conventional coaching techniques sometimes depend on anecdotal evidence and subjective assessments, which provide inconsistent outcomes for training. The purpose of this study is to enhance athletic performance and reduce injury risks by developing sports teaching actions based on biomechanics. The proposed novel chaos sparrow search fine-tuned efficient random forest (CSS-ERF) employed the relationship between biomechanical parameters and performance outcomes. Biomechanical data was gathered from athletes utilizing wearable sensors and motion capture technologies as they performed several sports-related activities. The data preprocessing will be cleaned to remove noise and outliers from the dataset. Ground Reaction Forces (GRF) are used to extract key features relevant to performance and injury risk from the preprocessed data. Findings show that training strategies and athlete performance have significantly improved, and the CSS-ERF model has demonstrated a high degree of accuracy in forecasting the best biomechanical configurations with an F1 value of 0.984, accuracy of 0.989, recall of 0.985, and precision of 0.986. By offering an innovative approach to enhancing sports actions through biomechanical insights and promoting a greater comprehension of movement mechanics and their impact on athletic performance, this research advances the area of sports science.

Mid-Term outcomes of osgood-schlatter patients undergoing arthroscopic excision

Aim:If surgical intervention is necessary for Os-Good-Schlatter patients ,a number of surgical techniques including open surgical,arthroscopic and bursoscopic procedures are available.The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid-term clinical results of patients who underwent arthroscopic excision with the diagnosis of OSD. Materials and Methods:This study was modeled with a retrospective design.16 patients who underwent arthroscopic ossicle excision were included in this study.The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Score,Tegner Activity Scale and Lysholm Knee Score forms were administered to the patients in order to compare their pre-operative and post-operative condition.In addition,complications such as infection,residual bone fragments,re-hospitalization or recurrence were evaluated and recorded. Results:A total of 16 patients were included in the study, and of these patients, 11 (68.75%) were male and 5 (31.25%) were female. The mean age of the patients is 28.8 (20–41 ± 7) years. The mean follow-up period was 82.9 (61–108 ± 15) months. The mean time for return to sports-related training activities for all of the patients was 9.2 (8–11) weeks. The mean VAS decreased from 6.8 ± 1.1 points preoperatively, to 5.7 ± 1.3 at the final follow-up (P &amp;lt; 0.001). In addition, the mean Tegner Activity Level score improved from 5.7 ± 0.6 preoperatively to 7.8 ± 0.9 at the final follow-up (P &amp;lt; 0.001). The mean Lysholm Knee Scale score was 77.4 ± 4.6 points in the preoperative period, increasing to 97.7 ± 5.8 points at the final follow-up (P &amp;lt; 0.001). In one patient, recurrence occurred at the 105th postoperative month and revision surgery was performed. Conclusion:Arthroscopic ossicle excision for OSD can be considered an adequate technique when the mid-term results are evaluated.Although rare, recurrence may occur after arthroscopic surgery.In order to demonstrate the superiority of the arthroscopic method over open surgical procedures, comparative studies containing long-term results are required.

Sport, exercise, and recreation participation in Malaysia 2023: The engagement pattern according to demographics, participant characteristics and social groups

Malaysian Sports Culture Index 2023 (MSCI’23) measures Malaysians' participation level in sports, exercise and recreation activities based on two domains, namely the participation domain and the sporting spirit domain. There is one indicator under the participation domain: activeness, and four indicators under the sporting spirit domain: volunteering, dedication, expenditure, and contribution. This study uses quantitative methods through a self-designed questionnaire. Quantitative data was collected among 7,015 people aged 13 and above through a face-to-face approach. A multi-cluster random sampling selection across Malaysia was facilitated by employing the block calculation (BP) and residence area (TK) methods, aided by the iGREAT Survey Management System (IYRES) for online recording of respondent feedback. Descriptive analyses were conducted on quantitative data. The analysis shows that 52% of Malaysians engage in sports, exercise, and recreational activities at least once a month. A total of 48% are not involved in any sports-related activities. The level of activity among the people involved shows that 11.8% are at an active level, 68.8% are moderately active and 19.4% are less active (WHO, 2020). Involvement in sports and exercise are the two main choices of Malaysians over recreational activities. The sporting spirit is measured based on indicators of volunteering, dedication, spending and contributions. Voluntary activities are a catalyst for sporting spirit and the main indirect contributor to the MSCI'23 score compared to the other three indicators. The findings of this study also show that gender, ethnicity, marital status, and age influence the index. In terms of age for example, the younger the more active they are. While urban and rural locations do not show a real difference. This study identified and outlined five main themes that influence the participation of Malaysians in sports, namely, individual intrinsic motivation, proper and holistic education, facility condition and management, individual goal priorities and dynamic creative media use. These themes could help stakeholders to determine the types of programs to cultivate sports in Malaysia. Many positive signs show Malaysia's sports culture will continue to improve in the coming years. The completion of the sports program is recommended to focus equally on the domains of participation and sporting spirit.

Growth, maturity status, motor proficiency and fitness of participants and non-participants in organised sports 7–10 years

Background Lifestyles of contemporary children are largely organised with relatively little time for free play. Aim To compare the growth, maturity status, motor proficiency and physical fitness of non-participants and participants in organised sports 7–10 years. Subjects and methods Height, weight, skeletal age (SA), physical activity, fundamental motor skills, motor coordination and fitness were assessed in 234 boys and 235 girls. Sex-specific comparisons of the characteristics of sport participants and non-participants 7–8 and 9–10 years were evaluated with Student’s t and Mann–Whitney U tests. Results Boys and girls in each age group active in sport had significantly higher levels of sport-related physical activity. At 7–8 years, boys active in sport were significantly taller and heavier than peers not active in sport, while girls not active in sport performed significantly better in ball rolling and balance. At 9–10 years, boys active in sport were more proficient in catching, while girls active in sport were more proficient in hopping and side-to-side jumping. Conclusion SA and performances among children 7–10 years active and not active in sport were largely non-significant statistically, while those active in sport were physically more active.

Paediatric Hand Fractures - A Review.

Paediatric hand fractures account for approximately 25% of hand-related emergency department visits, making them the second most common childhood fractures after distal forearm fractures. These injuries are more prevalent in boys and peak ages between 9 and 14 years. Hand fractures in children are primarily caused by crushing injuries and, increasingly in older children, by sports-related activities. The little finger (52%) and thumb (23%) are the most frequently fractured digits, with phalangeal fractures, especially of the proximal phalanx, being common. Metacarpal fractures are more prevalent in adolescents (13-16 years) compared to younger children. Accurate diagnosis in the paediatric population is complicated by difficult clinical examinations and the presence of growth plates, leading to an 8% misdiagnosis rate, mainly due to misinterpretation of the ossification centres and physes. High-quality radiographic evaluation combined with a thorough clinical assessment is critical for correct diagnosis and appropriate management. The robust periosteum and high remodelling potential of paediatric bones allow most hand fractures to be managed non-operatively with splinting or casting. However, fractures with significant angulation, rotation, intra-articular involvement or open wounds may require surgical intervention, such as closed or open reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner wires. Most paediatric hand fractures heal well with excellent functional outcomes due to the high remodelling capacity of paediatric bones. Early mobilisation and appropriate immobilisation are key to preventing stiffness. Despite the generally favourable prognosis, certain fractures remain challenging to diagnose and treat, highlighting the need for specialised care. The aim of this review article is to discuss the epidemiology, fracture patterns, diagnostic challenges and management strategies essential for optimising functional outcomes and minimising long-term complications in treating paediatric hand fractures. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Outcomes According to Remnant Ligament Tissue Quality after Arthroscopic All-Inside Anterior Talofibular Ligament Repair for Chronic Ankle Instability

Category: Sports; Arthroscopy Introduction/Purpose: Arthroscopic all-inside techniques have gained prominence in the treatment of chronic ankle instability (CAI), offering effective solutions. However, arthroscopic treatment of CAI with poor remnant ligament-tissue quality is still controversy. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of the arthroscopic all-inside anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) repair, according to the quality of remnant ligament. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on consecutive CAI patients who underwent arthroscopic ATFL repair, with a follow-up period of at least two years. Patients were categorized into two groups based on arthroscopic ATFL grade: Group G, characterized by good to moderate tissue quality with distension or discontinuity of the ATFL; and Group P, characterized by poor tissue quality with a hypoplastic ATFL. Patients with irreparable absent ATFL were excluded. Subjective outcomes were assessed using the visual analogue scale score, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), and the Karlsson ankle functional score. Objective outcomes included posturographic analysis and radiological evaluations, such as stress radiographs and axial view magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: Among 163 patients, 22 were excluded based on predefined criteria, leaving 141 patients for analysis (Group G, n = 77; Group P, n = 64). Patients had a mean age of 32.1 years, and the average follow-up duration was 31.6 months. Both groups exhibited postoperative improvements in subjective and objective clinical outcomes (all p &lt; 0.05). Significantly, Group P demonstrated lower FAOS scores in the sports unit (p = 0.016), an increased fall risk as determined by posturography at the final follow-up (p = 0.019), and a higher retear rate on axial view MRI (10.9%, 7/64) compared to Group G (2.6%, 2/77) (p = 0.044). Conclusion: Arthroscopic all-inside ATFL repair is an effective treatment for CAI, regardless of the quality of the remnant ligament. However, patients with poor ligament quality showed inferior clinical outcomes, especially in sports-related activities and proprioception. Additionally, they experienced a higher retear rate. These findings highlight the significance of performing arthroscopic all-inside ATFL repair selectively for CAI, considering the patient's activity level and the quality of the remaining ligament tissue.

A Big Data Intelligent Evaluation System for Sports Knowledge

The rapid evolution of computer technology has significantly impacted the field of medicine, particularly in the utilization of information and image evidence. In the realm of sports medicine, this technological advancement plays a crucial role in ensuring sports safety, especially in the context of injury recovery following sports-related activities. The necessity to interpret and utilize a vast amount of sports medical data effectively has emerged as a pivotal research avenue. This paper delves into the challenges associated with extracting, studying, and the accuracy training of complex algorithms essential for analyzing critical sporting medical data.Central to this discussion is introducing an Optimized Convolutional Neural Network (OCNN) model, which is based on deep learning principles. This model is designed to enhance the detection and risk assessment of diseases related to sport medicine. It incorporates a novel Self-Adjustment Resizing algorithm (SAR), augmented by a self-coding method of convolution (SCM). The proposed OCNN model comprises two convolutional layers, two pooling layers, a fully connected layer, and a SoftMax structure. This architecture is tailored for the classification and analysis of sport-related medical data.

Risk Factors for Graft Rupture following ACL Reconstruction Surgery: A Systematic Review

Introduction &amp; Objectives: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are common in sports-related activities and often require reconstruction surgery to restore knee stability. Graft rupture, the failure of the reconstructed ACL graft, remains a significant concern post-surgery. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to identify risk factors associated with graft rupture, including age, graft type, and meniscal injuries, to enhance clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. Materials &amp; Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in multiple electronic databases. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed for age distribution, graft type impact, and the association between meniscal injuries and graft rupture. Data were extracted, and the risk of bias was assessed using standardized criteria. Results: Five studies met the inclusion criteria, providing insights into risk factors for graft rupture. Younger age consistently emerged as a significant risk factor for graft failure due to increased activity levels, biomechanical demands, and physiological factors. Graft type, specifically hamstring tendon grafts, showed a slightly elevated risk of failure compared to quadriceps tendon grafts. Meniscal injuries were associated with increased graft failure risk, potentially due to altered biomechanics and impaired graft integration. These risk factors interact and contribute to the overall outcome of ACL reconstruction. Conclusion: The interplay of age, graft type, and meniscal injuries significantly influences graft rupture risk in ACL reconstruction. Addressing each risk factor within the context of the patient's profile is essential for successful treatment. Individualized treatment plans should be developed, accounting for patient demographics, lifestyle, and injury characteristics. Further research into the underlying mechanisms connecting these risk factors could lead to targeted preventive strategies and improved patient outcomes.

High Tibial Osteotomy in Sport-Related Cases

High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO) is a surgical procedure increasingly employed in sport-related cases with the aim of preserving knee joint function and delaying or altogether avoiding knee compromise. This technique involves the realignment of the tibial plateau through controlled bone cuts, resulting in an optimized distribution of forces on the knee joint. Sport-related activities often lead to unique knee joint stresses, particularly in cases of chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency, varus malalignment, or early-stage osteoarthritis. HTO offers an alternative treatment option for athletes and active individuals seeking to maintain their performance levels while simultaneously addressing their knee joint issues. This procedure offers an effective approach to alleviate symptoms, correct alignment, improving stability, preserve meniscal tissue and cartilage, The HTO procedure can be a procedure offered along with ligament reconstruction procedures and other soft tissue repairs in the knee in mal-aligned knee conditions. Studies show that there is a relationship between failure of ACL reconstruction and others soft tissue procedurs and mal alignment of the knee Although HTO offers many advantages, careful patient selection and evaluation is essential to maximize the likelihood of a successful outcome. A comprehensive preoperative assessment, including physical examination, radiographic evaluation, and review of detailed medical history, type of exercise, and patient expectations will help identify eligible patients and reduce the potential for complications.

Lifetime cumulative activity burden is associated with symptomatic heart failure and arrhythmic risk in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy: a retrospective cohort study.

Sports-related physical activity is associated with an increased risk of ventricular dysfunction and arrhythmias in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). However, there are currently no standardized strategies for activity assessment. Thresholds for harmful levels of physical activity suggested by previous studies vary substantially and neither lifetime activity burden nor continuous modelling approaches were considered. For this single-centre retrospective study, ARVC patients were interviewed to assess sports-related and non-sports-related physical activity between the age of 10 years and the last follow-up. Activity data were aggregated to the median metabolic equivalent of task-hours (METh) per week for each year. The association between cumulative physical activity burden and clinical study endpoints was investigated using Cox regression models. A total of 124 patients (median age: 39.5 years, 48% male) were included in the analysis, of whom 93 had been diagnosed with definite ARVC. Study participants reported a median overall activity of 202.3 METh/week, with 38.7 METh/week attributed to sports-related activity. In the continuous model, cumulative overall activity burden was associated with the occurrence of symptomatic heart failure [hazard ratio (HR) per 100 METh/week: 1.017, 95% CI (1.003, 1.032), P = 0.015], sustained ventricular tachycardia [HR: 1.021, 95% CI (1.006, 1.037), P = 0.007], and implantable cardioverter defibrillator interventions [HR: 1.017, 95%CI (1.000, 1.034), P = 0.048]. This finding was consistent when considering sports-related activity separately as a predictor variable, whereas the resulting hazard ratios did not show a significant association for non-sports-related physical activity. This study demonstrates for the first time that cumulative physical activity as a continuous predictor variable is associated with symptomatic heart failure and arrhythmic risk in ARVC patients. Collaborative research is required in larger cohorts to investigate the influence of potential confounders on event occurrence and to develop threshold recommendations for clinical practice.

211 From Motion by Emotion to Well-Being: How Regular Physical Activity Enhances Life Satisfaction through Self–Control and Emotion Regulation

Abstract Purpose Physical activity is crucial for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases. Regular participation in sports-related activities contributes to psychophysiological and social well-being. Researchers are investigating the psychological factors that may be responsible for this mechanism. Current research is one of the first to explore the mediating effects of self-control and emotion regulation on the relationship between exercise and life satisfaction. The main objective of this study was to examine the possible intermediate impact of self–control and two common forms of emotion regulation: cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression on the relationship between involvement in regular physical activity and satisfaction with life. Methods A total of 186 adults participated in the online survey, providing information about their regular participation in physical activity or training and completing questionnaires assessing life satisfaction, self-control, and two aspects of emotion regulation. Based on self-reported average minutes spent exercising per week over the past year, participants were classified into four levels of physical activity according to the World Health Organization guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behavior. Results The results of the mediation analysis showed that dispositional self-control and cognitive reappraisal fully mediated the relationship between the levels of physical activity and life satisfaction. Expressive suppression, a second strategy of emotion regulation, did not mediate this relationship. This suggests that regular physical activity may increase levels of self-control and cognitive reappraisal, which in turn leads to greater life satisfaction. Conclusions Regular physical activity and time spent on training support such forms of regulating one’s own emotions and actions which consequently may lead to greater life satisfaction. These findings underscore the importance of regular exercise in promoting psychological well-being through its beneficial effects on self-control and emotional regulation.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Physical Therapy in Patients Post-Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy for Traumatic Meniscal Tears.

ABSTRACT Background: Meniscal tears are among the most common knee injuries, often resulting from sports-related activities or trauma. The menisci are vital for maintaining knee health and function, and a tear can lead to pain, swelling, and impaired mobility. Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) is a common surgical intervention aimed at alleviating symptoms by removing the damaged portion of the meniscus. Despite the benefits, postoperative challenges such as pain, reduced knee function, and prolonged recovery times are common, making rehabilitation a critical component of recovery. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of physical therapy in patients who have undergone APM for traumatic meniscal tears. The objective is to determine the impact of structured rehabilitation on pain levels, knee function, and overall quality of life compared to standard postoperative care without intensive physical therapy. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample size of under 50 participants from various private and public orthopedic clinics in Karachi. The study involved patients who had undergone APM and were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Lysholm scoring scale. The exclusion criteria included patients with meniscal tears less than 10mm, non-traumatic meniscal tears, other knee surgeries, and pre-existing conditions that might interfere with physical therapy outcomes. Results: The average age of participants was approximately 36 years, with a mean body weight of 69 kg. Sports-related trauma was the leading cause of meniscal tears (41.9%), followed by accidents (34.9%) and age-related degeneration (23.3%). Physical therapy led to significant improvements in knee function, with 76.7% of participants reporting good functionality and 93% noting reduced pain and swelling. However, challenges such as difficulty with stair climbing (51.2%) and muscle soreness (27.9%) were also reported. Conclusion: Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the postoperative rehabilitation of patients following APM. The findings indicate that structured rehabilitation significantly improves functional outcomes, reduces pain, and enhances the quality of life. However, variability in patient outcomes suggests the need for further research to optimize rehabilitation protocols, considering individual factors such as the extent of the injury, pre-existing conditions, and patient adherence.

A race against time: A critical analysis of elite student-athletes’ accelerated temporality through story completion

Numerous elite student-athletes (ESA) engaged in a dual career, balancing athletic pursuits with education, find themselves grappling with the perception of insufficient time to fulfil their demands. Existing research advocates for the implementation of programs promoting academic flexibility, alongside measures aimed at achieving balance between academic and sport-related activities. Other studies underscore the significance of equipping ESA with skills such as time management. Nonetheless, challenges persist in balancing the escalating demands of sports and education. Drawing upon Hartmut Rosa's theory of social acceleration, this study aims to analyse how ESA perceive and respond to time pressure. Employing the story completion method, data was gathered from seven ESA who crafted narratives in response to three story stems. Through reflexive thematic analysis, two overarching themes were identified: (1) no time to waste; and (2) it is what it is. ESA faced incessant pressure to optimise their time and performance and resorted to instrumentalising personal relationships, using them as a tool for career development. Nevertheless, this pressure was not universally perceived as oppressive; rather, it was often accepted as an inherent aspect of their reality. Our conclusion is that as long as capitalist societies and their accelerating impositions persist, any assistance that can be provided to ESA will inherently be limited.

Perception on health and exercise among indonesian older adults: a sequential exploratory study in javanese rural communities

This study aims to investigate the perceptions of health and exercise among older adults in rural Javanese communities in Indonesia. Through a sequential exploratory approach, the research uncovers diverse levels of knowledge regarding health and exercise among the rural population. There are 40 older adults from three different regency in Central Java Province participated in filling out the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Further qualitative analysis used 25 samples out of 40 through convenient method. Semi-structured interview is conducted to confirm results of questionnaire and explore their perception on health and exercise. Despite variations, a predominant belief emerges among participants regarding the significant health benefits associated with exercise. Analysis reveals that a considerable majority (87.5%) of participants meet the World Health Organization's recommended standards of &gt;600 METs/week, primarily through work-related physical activities. However, there remains a notable disparity in the prevalence of physical activity during leisure time, particularly in engaging in sport-related physical activities. The accumulated METs score dominantly comes from work and travel-related activities. Qualitative study reveals that there are still few initiatives among older adults to adopt a healthy living through sports and exercise. Some believe that sports were never part of their culture. To address these findings, we urge for strategic interventions from stakeholders to enhance awareness among rural older adults about the importance of sports and exercise to enhance the overall well-being. This entails the implementation of health education programs and the facilitation of collective exercise activities at the village level. Keywords: health, exercise, older adults, rural communities, GPAQ

Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Injection of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Treatment of Sports-Related Meniscal Injuries

Abstract Purpose Meniscal injuries are a common occurrence in sports-related activities, often leading to pain, reduced joint function, and impaired athletic performance. This study aimed to evaluate the role of ultrasound-guided intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP)-rich fluid injection which was obtained through serial centrifugation in the treatment of meniscal injuries resulting from sports activities. Materials and Methods A prospective study was conducted involving 54 cases with grade I, II, and III meniscal injuries, aged 18 and 43 years. PRP-rich fluid was prepared by subjecting autologous blood samples to a two-step centrifugation process. Patients were assessed pretreatment and at regular intervals posttreatment. Results Patients reported reduced pain and improved joint functionality following treatment. Average age of the patients was 34.4 years, and average follow-up period was 275.1 days. It is noteworthy that no cases of bilateral meniscal injuries were identified; indicating that the focus was primarily on single knee injuries. Predominance of grade II injuries suggests that the PRP intervention might be particularly effective in addressing more severe meniscal tears. Conclusion The results of our study provide compelling evidence for the positive impact of PRP augmentation in meniscus repair. Our findings indicate that PRP therapy has the potential to bring about substantial benefits for individuals with meniscus tears of the knee, particularly in terms of pain relief and enhanced functional capabilities.

Pediatric thoracic outlet syndrome: a systematic review with metadata.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) typically considered a condition of the adult population; it is often disregarded in children and adolescents due to its limited recognition within the pediatrics. The current study aims to systematically review and provide insights into TOS among pediatric patients. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were thoroughly searched for English language studies published until March 15th, 2024. The study included those articles focusing on pediatric or adolescent individuals diagnosed with TOS. Data collected from studies encompassed date of publication, number of participants or reported cases, age (years), gender of participants, type of TOS, affected side, type of treatment, surgical approach, bony abnormality, duration of symptoms (months), outcome, and follow-up time duration (months). The current study comprised 33 articles, 21 of which were case reports, 10 of which were case series, and the remaining were cohort studies. In this study, 356 patients were included. Females constituted 234 (65.73%) of the patient population. Among TOS types, neurogenic TOS was found among 201 (56.5%) patients. Sporting-related activity or physical activity was present in 193 (54%) patients, followed by a history of trauma in 27 (7%) patients. Pediatric patients exhibited a higher percentage of vascular TOS than their adult counterparts, with the supraclavicular approach emerging as the preferred treatment method. Sports-related activities were identified as the primary risk factor associated with pediatric TOS.