Sports Health [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Association of Preoperative Walking Speed With 1-Year Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome.
Jan K, Alvero AB, Vogel MJ … +3 more , Wright-Chisem J, Zhu D, Nho SJ
Sports Health · 2025 Nov · PMID 39819138 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have identified demographic, radiographic, and intraoperative predictors of outcomes after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, yet few studies have identified whether p...
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have identified demographic, radiographic, and intraoperative predictors of outcomes after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, yet few studies have identified whether preoperative gait metrics can predict outcomes. HYPOTHESIS: Increased preoperative step count, walking speed, step length, and gait symmetry will be associated with better outcomes after surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. METHODS: Patients who underwent hip arthroscopy between 2019 and 2022 and downloaded the smartphone app rHip, allowing for retroactive access of gait metric data, were identified. Preoperative gait metrics, age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and exercise participation were analyzed via multivariate stepwise linear regression for a relationship with 1-year postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs), including Hip Outcome Scale-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL); HOS-Sports Subscale (HOS-SS), and 12-item international Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12). Thresholds for preoperative gait metrics were analyzed via receiver operator characteristic curve. A subgroup analysis was performed to compare those who did and did not reach this threshold. RESULTS: A total of 43 patients (86% female; age, 33.1 ± 13.7 years; BMI, 23.9 ± 4.4 kg/m) met inclusion criteria. Multivariate regression found that preoperative walking speed was significantly associated with postoperative HOS-ADL, HOS-SS, and iHOT-12 ( ≤ .01). A preoperative walking speed threshold of 1.065 m/s was predictive of outcome achievement. Those who failed to achieve this threshold were significantly older, of greater BMI, and less active ( ≤ .04). They also showed significantly worse 1-year postoperative scores ( ≤ .02) and lower PASS achievement for HOS-ADL, HOS-SS, and iHOT-12 ( ≤ .04). CONCLUSION: Preoperative walking speed is significantly associated with 1-year outcomes after hip arthroscopy. Patients who averaged <1.065 m/s show significantly worse outcomes after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Assessment of preoperative walking speed may allow physicians to better counsel patients regarding expected outcomes after hip arthroscopy.
Differential Effects of the Type of Physical Exercise on Blood Pressure in Independent Older Adults.
Cancela-Carral JM, Bezerra P, Lopez-Rodriguez A … +1 more , Silva B
Sports Health · 2025 · PMID 39754304 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Exercise and its effect on cardiovascular diseases have been extensively studied in the elderly population. The difference in blood pressure (BP) between fit and unfit subjects can be >5 mmHg. It is not well...
BACKGROUND: Exercise and its effect on cardiovascular diseases have been extensively studied in the elderly population. The difference in blood pressure (BP) between fit and unfit subjects can be >5 mmHg. It is not well established whether the positive effects of exercising on BP are associated with exercise type, be it aerobic or anaerobic (maximal muscle strength). HYPOTHESIS: Anaerobic training (maximal muscle strength) causes greater improvements than aerobic training on BP in active older adults. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical trial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. METHODS: This clinical trial was carried out with 202 participants (n = 116 aerobic program [ABPG], n = 86 strength program [SBPG]; 58.05% female; age 67.61 ± 5.01 years). The training program was carried out between 2018 and 2021. Periodic evaluations of BP (systolic BP [SBP] and diastolic BP [DBP]) were conducted with a frequency of twice per year. BP comparisons were made by using 2 × 2 analysis of variance with repeated measurements over the course of the 4 years of the project. RESULTS: Throughout the training program, SBPG showed significant and consistent improvements in both SBP and DBP ( < 0.01). On the other hand, the ABPG reported a significant initial improvement ( < 0.01), which was not repeated in subsequent years. BP monitoring carried out over the 4 years showed a decrease in DBP and SBP, with this decrease being more pronounced in SBPG. However, the differences between the groups were not significant (2021; DBP, = 1.227; = 0.27; SBP, = 0.826, = 0.36). CONCLUSION: Among persons aged ≥65 years, muscle strength training programs appear to be more effective in inducing exercise-related positive changes in BP and cardiovascular risk factors compared with aerobic exercise programs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Muscle strength training programs result in favorable changes in BP and cardiovascular risk factors.
Change in Grip and Pinch Strength Over the Course of a Game in Professional Baseball Pitchers.
Erickson BJ, Buchheit P, Rauch J … +3 more , Ciccotti MG, Paul R, Cohen SB
Sports Health · 2025 Nov · PMID 39711178 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Baseball pitching injuries can be related to fatigue. Changes in grip and pinch strength over the course of professional baseball games are unknown. HYPOTHESIS: Grip and pinch strength will decrease as the nu...
BACKGROUND: Baseball pitching injuries can be related to fatigue. Changes in grip and pinch strength over the course of professional baseball games are unknown. HYPOTHESIS: Grip and pinch strength will decrease as the number of innings pitched increases; injured pitchers will have a lower grip strength than uninjured pitchers. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: Minor league pitchers for 1 affiliate of a single organization were included. Changes in dominant and nondominant grip, and middle and index finger pincer strength were recorded pregame and after each inning, and compared between players who sustained a shoulder/elbow injury and those who did not. RESULTS: Of 41 pitchers included, 6 sustained a shoulder (n = 2) or elbow (n = 4) injury during the study period. Average grip strength for all pitchers was 124.5 ± 17 lb pregame and increased slightly after the first inning (125.2 ± 17 lb), then declined slowly after the second (120.7 ± 18.5 lb), third (119.2 ± 24 lb), and fourth (113.1 ± 19.6 lb) innings. There was a slight uptick in grip strength in the fifth (118.5 ± 23.6 lb) and sixth (121.3 ± 21.8 lb) innings, but pregame levels were not reached. Evaluating uninjured and injured pitchers, the grip strength of injured pitchers was lower at all timepoints. As a percentage of uninjured pitchers grip strength, injured pitcher grip strength was 94.8% pregame, and 97.9%, 95.4%, 81.8%, 87.7%, 82.3%, and 74.5% after the first to sixth innings, respectively. CONCLUSION: Dominant arm grip strength generally declined over the course of a game in professional baseball pitchers. Injured pitchers generally had weaker grip strength and a steeper decline in grip strength during games compared with uninjured pitchers. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Incremental loss of grip strength may increase injury risk in professional baseball pitchers.
Is Strength the Main Risk Factor of Overuse Shoulder Injuries? A Cohort Study of 296 Amateur Overhead Athletes.
Intelangelo L, Lassaga I, Gonzalo E … +5 more , Mendoza C, Manuel Ormazabal J, Roulet I, Bevacqua N, Jerez-Mayorga D
Sports Health · 2025 · PMID 39711152 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in overhead athletes. This study investigated the prevalence of the main risk factors and sex differences related to the development of shoul...
BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in overhead athletes. This study investigated the prevalence of the main risk factors and sex differences related to the development of shoulder pain in a cohort of amateur overhead athletes. HYPOTHESIS: The external rotation/internal rotation (ER/IR) isometric strength ratio <0.75% is the most prevalent risk factor associated to overuse shoulder injuries in both sexes. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: A total of 296 (147 male and 149 female) amateur overhead athletes from handball, volleyball, and water polo participated in this cross-sectional study. Isometric strength, rotational range of motion, and scapular control were analyzed bilaterally. The measurements and motions were randomized between sides. RESULTS: The ER/IR isometric strength ratio deficit among the disciplines was presented in 264 and 229 out of 296 athletes in the dominant and nondominant sides, respectively. Normalized isometric strength showed significant differences for dominant ( < 0.01; ε² = 0.47) and nondominant IR ( < 0.01; ε² = 0.60). No significant differences were observed between dominant ( = 0.44; ε² = 0.05) and nondominant ER ( = -0.24; ε² = 0.07). The prevalence of glenohumeral IR deficit (GIRD) ( = 0.81) and total arc of motion differences (TAMD) ( = 0.39) was low, with no difference between sexes. Male (16.3%) and female (12.1%) athletes had low rate of obvious scapular dyskinesis in their dominant shoulders. CONCLUSION: Muscle strength was the most prevalent risk factor. The ER/IR ratio imbalance was present in both sides, without sex differences. Risk factors such as scapular dyskinesis, GIRD, and TAMD were present in low percentages, without sex differences. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It is advisable to implement shoulder exercises to strengthen ER muscles to decrease differences between internal and external rotators and prevent injuries in overhead athletes.
Evaluating the Association Between Vastus Medialis Oblique Characteristics and Patellar Instability: A Comprehensive Case-Control Study.
Beit Ner E, Rabau O, Essa A … +4 more , Vinograd O, Asaaf R, Gilat R, Anekstein Y
Sports Health · 2025 · PMID 39692237 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The contribution of vastus medialis oblique muscle (VMO) weakness or dysfunction to patellofemoral pain syndrome is well recognized, yet its role in lateral patellar instability and recurrent patellar disloca...
BACKGROUND: The contribution of vastus medialis oblique muscle (VMO) weakness or dysfunction to patellofemoral pain syndrome is well recognized, yet its role in lateral patellar instability and recurrent patellar dislocations remains unclear. This study investigates the association between VMO characteristics and patellar instability. HYPOTHESIS: Altered VMO structure, characterized by differences in muscle elevation and cross-sectional area (CSA), is associated with patellar instability. STUDY DESIGN: A case-control study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: The study included 204 participants, matched on a 1:1 ratio by age and sex, from a local hospital registry from 2005 to 2020. VMO measurements were taken via magnetic resonance imaging, and included muscle elevation, CSA, fiber angulation, and CSA-to-thigh circumference ratio. Univariate analysis, and multivariable regression model with adjustment for potential confounders were constructed. In addition, a secondary analysis was performed to evaluate the variations in VMO characteristics and mass across primary and recurrent patellar instability groups. RESULTS: Patients with patellar instability demonstrated significant differences in VMO characteristics compared with controls, including increased muscle elevation (13 mm vs 5.9 mm; < 0.01), increased muscle fiber angulation (42.5° vs 35.3°; < 0.01), reduced CSA (716 mm vs 902 mm; < 0.01), and a lower CSA-to-thigh circumference ratio (0.05 vs 0.07; < 0.01). These findings remained significant in the multivariable adjusted model. Moreover, the secondary analysis revealed that both primary and recurrent instability patients had similar VMO characteristics alterations compared with controls, with slightly more pronounced reductions in VMO CSA in those sustaining recurrent instability episodes. CONCLUSION: This study confirms a statistically significant association between altered VMO characteristics and patellar instability, emphasizing the importance of considering VMO characteristics in the evaluation and management of patients with patellar instability.
Minimal Detectable Change Scores and Factors Associated With Dynamic Exertion Test (EXiT) Performance After Sport-Related Concussion.
Gomes D, Sinnott A, Zynda AJ … +6 more , Kochick VL, Ostop S, Trbovich AM, Feder A, Collins MW, Kontos AP
Sports Health · 2025 Jul · PMID 39692232 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Factors associated with performance outside of a normative range on dynamic exertion test (EXiT) after sport-related concussion (SRC) remain unknown. This study examined the role of demographic and medical hi...
BACKGROUND: Factors associated with performance outside of a normative range on dynamic exertion test (EXiT) after sport-related concussion (SRC) remain unknown. This study examined the role of demographic and medical history factors on performance using minimal detectable change (MDC) cutoff scores in athletes being cleared to return to sport (RTS) from SRC. HYPOTHESIS: Older age, being female, and body mass index (BMI) ≥50th percentile would be associated with worse EXiT performance and with increased likelihood of falling outside the normative MDC score range. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: Demographic factors, physiological metrics, performance metrics, symptoms, and ratings of perceived exertion were collected from 55 participants (age, 16.5 ± 2.3 years, 31.5% female) initially evaluated within 14 days of SRC who completed EXiT at medical clearance for RTS. Chi-square analyses, logistic and ordinal regressions, and 1-way analyses of variance examined factors associated with EXiT performance. RESULTS: Most participants fell within the MDC score range on aerobic (71.2-100%), dynamic (75.8-100%), and change-of-direction (36.5-98.0%) tasks, and symptoms (96.2-100%). Older age was associated with better performance on Box Drill Shuffle ( < 0.01) and lower heart rate (HR) outcomes after Ball Toss ( = 0.04), Box Drill Shuffle ( < 0.01), Box Drill Carioca ( = 0.04), and Pro Agility ( < 0.01). Greater BMI was associated with higher HR after Ball Toss ( < 0.01) and worse posttreadmill aerobic performance ( < 0.01). Motion sickness history was associated with longer Zig Zag completion time ( = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Most athletes presenting for clearance from concussion performed within MDC score ranges on EXiT metrics. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: EXiT is accurate and effective in assessing response to dynamic exertion after SRC, and MDC scores can inform RTS decisions. Clinicians should consider age, BMI, and history of motion sickness when assessing EXiT performance.
Preoperative Physical Therapy Is Protective From Construct Failure in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.
Peterman NJ, Hansen BK, Sandefur EP … +4 more , Hackley DT, Burks G, Pekas DR, Tuttle JR
Sports Health · 2025 · PMID 39688207 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) construct failure have been studied extensively. However, while some studies account for variables such as activity level, construct types, pr...
BACKGROUND: Risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) construct failure have been studied extensively. However, while some studies account for variables such as activity level, construct types, preoperative physical therapy, or patient demographics individually, comprehensive studies that control for all these factors simultaneously are scarce. HYPOTHESIS: By utilizing a robust multivariable analysis, the factors associated with an increased risk of ACLR construct failure can be determined. STUDY DESIGN: A single-center, retrospective cohort study was conducted, encompassing patients who underwent primary ACLR between January 2015 and December 2021. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: Eligible patients were identified using the current procedural terminology code 29888. Datapoints collected included demographics, body mass index, injury setting, graft type, graft size, fixation type, concomitant ligamentous injuries, notchplasty, operating surgeon, preoperative physical therapy, and instances of construct failure. The prevalence of construct failure was analyzed using chi-square tests, comparing across all graft and fixation type combinations in ACLR procedures. A mixed-effects logistic regression model was utilized to account for the potential influence of all relevant variables on construct failure. RESULTS: Out of 1245 patients, the construct failure rate was 5.62% (n = 70), with >95% of patients having >2 years of retrospective follow-up (95% CI [4.34-6.90]), with a median failure time of 502.5 days (interquartile range [265.5-1033.8]). The mixed-effect logistic model identified preoperative physical therapy (odds ratio, 0.404, 95% CI [0.193-0.844]) as the only significant factor in possibly preventing construct failure. CONCLUSION: Contrary to conventional focus on graft and fixation types, this study emphasizes the protective role of preoperative physical therapy in reducing ACLR construct failure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our findings suggest the integration of preoperative physical therapy in clinical practices to mitigate ACLR construct failure risk, warranting further exploration in future studies.
Fatal Exertional Heat Stroke Trends in Secondary School Sports From 1982 Through 2022.
Stearns RL, Kucera KL, Hosokawa Y … +5 more , Filep EM, Grace A, DeLong R, Cantu R, Casa DJ
Sports Health · 2025 · PMID 39663688 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is a leading cause of secondary school sport-related death; however, a longitudinal analysis on observed trends is lacking. Our purpose was to describe EHS deaths in United States...
BACKGROUND: Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is a leading cause of secondary school sport-related death; however, a longitudinal analysis on observed trends is lacking. Our purpose was to describe EHS deaths in United States secondary school athletes since the 1982/1983 academic year. HYPOTHESIS: EHS deaths will be primarily represented by football athletes and have a stable or increasing trend across a decade-by-decade analysis. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. METHODS: EHS deaths in secondary school sports from July 1, 1982 through June 30, 2022 captured in the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research database were included (n = 67). Chi-square test of goodness of fit (alpha = 0.05), incidence rate ratios, and 95% CIs of differences in number of deaths between the 4 decades are reported. RESULTS: Of 67 deaths, 66 (98.5%) were male. Ages ranged from 13 to 18 years. Football accounted for 63 (94%) of deaths, with basketball (n = 2), soccer (n = 1), and track and field (n = 1) accounting for the remainder. The southern region had the largest number of deaths, n = 50 (74.6%). Most deaths occurred in August (n = 38), followed by July (n = 15) and September (n = 9). Stratified into 4 separate 10-year periods, the proportion of EHS deaths differed significantly across time ((3, n = 67) = 8.72; = 0.03). The period 2002-2011 had the highest number of EHS deaths (n = 26), 1982-1991 had 9, while both 1992-2011 and 2012-2021 had 16 deaths. CONCLUSION: The most recent decade shows a 38% reduction from the peak decade (2002-2011, n = 26), but remains similar to 1982-1991. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Continued efforts are required to prevent catastrophic sport-related death due to EHS. Secondary school EHS deaths are overwhelmingly represented by football, most commonly in August, and in the south. This emphasizes the need for secondary schools to be equipped with basic tools and policies to saves lives.
Tips for Transitioning To and From International Soccer Camps.
Oliva-Lozano JM, Norman D, Sherlock N … +4 more , Vidal M, Webb J, Cost R, Gabbett TJ
Sports Health · 2025 · PMID 39655897 · Full text
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Strengthening Applied Training Load Research.
Gabbett TJ
Sports Health · 2025 · PMID 39655896 · Full text
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Sex Differences in Youth and Young Adult Sport Training Patterns, Specialization, and Return to Sport Durations.
Buser A, Schley S, Render A … +5 more , Ramirez ME, Truong C, Easley KA, Shenvi N, Jayanthi N
Sports Health · 2025 · PMID 39589100 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Young female athletes may have higher rates of overuse injuries and sport specialization than male athletes. The association of sports specialization and return to sport (RTS) timeframe is also unknown. HYPOT...
BACKGROUND: Young female athletes may have higher rates of overuse injuries and sport specialization than male athletes. The association of sports specialization and return to sport (RTS) timeframe is also unknown. HYPOTHESIS: Specialized female athletes will have more intense, year-round training patterns, more overuse injuries, and longer RTS times than male athletes. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: Injured athletes aged 10 to 23 years presenting to a sports medicine clinic reported their degree of sport specialization and training patterns. Skeletal maturity was estimated using the Khamis-Roche method. Injury type and RTS timeframes were categorized from electronic medical records. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis assessed associations between variables. RESULTS: A total of 485 athletes (40.2% female) were enrolled. Higher degrees of sport specialization were associated strongly with overuse injuries ( < 0.01). After adjusting for specialization, female athletes were more likely to sustain an overuse injury (adjusted odds ratio, 1.49; = 0.04). Female athletes participated in fewer total physical activity hours per week ( < 0.01), fewer free play hours per week ( < 0.01), and participated in their main sport for more months of the year than their male counterparts ( = 0.02). Female athletes were more likely to be at a higher developmental stage than male athletes ( < 0.01). RTS timeframes were increased in athletes with serious overuse injury; however, no association was found between degree of specialization and RTS time regardless of sex. CONCLUSION: Female athletes are more likely to sustain overuse injuries with more organized, year-round, training and less free play compared with their male counterparts. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Female sex may be an independent risk factor of overuse injury. Future strategies to mitigate these risks may include increased free play hours and limiting year-round training through seasonal rest.
A Narrative Review of Softball Pitching Workload and Pitch Counts in Relationship to Injury.
Zaremski JL, A Holtz K, L Downs Talmage J … +2 more , Ulman S, Oliver GD
Sports Health · 2025 · PMID 39584797 · Full text
CONTEXT: Fastpitch softball is a popular women's sport in the United States, and participation rates are increasing. There is growing concern about the prevalence of overuse injuries in softball pitchers at all competiti...
CONTEXT: Fastpitch softball is a popular women's sport in the United States, and participation rates are increasing. There is growing concern about the prevalence of overuse injuries in softball pitchers at all competitive levels. Pitching workload in softball may be a modifiable risk factor and will be discussed in this narrative review. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A review of softball injury research related to workload available in electronic databases, including PubMed, Medline, and EBSCO. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. RESULTS: There is a paucity of research evaluating workload (inclusive of internal and external risk factors) including pitch counts in women's softball. In particular, research has shown that pitchers report increasing fatigue and pain over a game and weekend tournament, and that the number of pitches thrown by pitchers varies widely. One study showed that pitchers throwing >85 pitches per game had an increased risk of injury over the season. As of 2023, no established pitch count restrictions exist in the United States or Canada. Further research, particularly at high school and collegiate levels, is needed. CONCLUSION: Softball pitchers are at an increased risk of overuse injury and further research is needed to recommend specific workload interventions such as pitch counts.Strength-of-Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT): B.
A Novel Approach for Monitoring Training Load and Wellness in Women's College Gymnastics.
Leupold O, Cheng J, Wimberly A … +4 more , Nguyen J, Tilley D, Gabbett TJ, Casey E
Sports Health · 2025 · PMID 39584796 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Monitoring training load has the potential to improve sport performance and reduce injuries in athletes. This study examined training load and its association with wellness in artistic gymnastics. HYPOTHESES:...
BACKGROUND: Monitoring training load has the potential to improve sport performance and reduce injuries in athletes. This study examined training load and its association with wellness in artistic gymnastics. HYPOTHESES: Training load and changes in training load (acute:chronic workload ratio [ACWR]) vary throughout 1 season; wellness is inversely correlated with training load and ACWR. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: A total of 30 female collegiate gymnasts from 4 Division I National Collegiate Athletic Association teams participated (mean age, 20 ± 2 years). During 4 months, before daily training, wellness surveys assessed sleep, energy, soreness, and mood (1-10; higher = better). After daily training, training load surveys assessed training duration per event (warm-up, vault, bars, beam, floor, strength and conditioning) and session rating of perceived exertion (RPE; 1-10; 10 = hardest) per event. Coaches reported technical complexity of training per event (1-4; 4 = hardest). Training load was calculated as [duration] × [RPE] × [technical complexity]. ACWR represented a ratio between acute [1-week] and chronic [4-week rolling average] training loads. RESULTS: ACWR and weekly training load fluctuated throughout the season (ACWR mean weekly range: 0.68-1.11; training load mean weekly range: 2073-6193 arbitrary units). ACWR and weekly training loads were trichotomized into low, medium, and high groups; positive correlations were observed between each wellness variable and ACWR ( < 0.01) and between each wellness variable and weekly training load ( < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our novel training load monitoring framework for women's college gymnastics enabled us to characterize training load and its relationship with wellness throughout 1 season. This method should be explored in gymnasts across various ages and competitive levels. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study proposes a framework and the initial findings of monitoring training load and wellness in collegiate women's gymnastics.
Could Motor Imagery Training Provide a Novel Load Management Solution for Athletes? Recommendations for Sport Medicine and Performance Practitioners.
McNeil DG, Lindsay RS, Worn R … +2 more , Spittle M, Gabbett TJ
Sports Health · 2025 · PMID 39576172 · Full text
CONTEXT: Athletes often face the dual challenge of high training loads with insufficient time to recover. Equally, in any team, sports medicine and performance staff are required to progress training loads in healthy ath...
CONTEXT: Athletes often face the dual challenge of high training loads with insufficient time to recover. Equally, in any team, sports medicine and performance staff are required to progress training loads in healthy athletes and avoid prolonged reductions in training load in injured athletes. In both cases, the implementation of a well-established psychological technique known as motor imagery (MI) can be used to counteract adverse training adaptations such as excessive fatigue, reduced capacity, diminished performance, and heightened injury susceptibility. STUDY DESIGN: Narrative overview. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5. RESULTS: MI has been shown to enhance performance outcomes in a range of contexts including rehabilitation, skill acquisition, return-to-sport protocols, and strength and conditioning. Specific performance outcomes include reduction of strength loss and muscular atrophy, improved training engagement of injured and/or rehabilitating athletes, promotion of recovery, and development of sport-specific skills/game tactics. To achieve improvements in such outcomes, it is recommended that practitioners consider the following factors when implementing MI: individual skill level (ie, more time may be required for novices to obtain benefits), MI ability (ie, athletes with greater capacity to create vivid and controllable mental images of their performance will likely benefit more from MI training), and the perspective employed (ie, an internal perspective may be more beneficial for increasing neurophysiological activity whereas an external perspective may be better for practicing technique-focused movements). CONCLUSION: We provide practical recommendations grounded in established frameworks on how MI can be used to reduce strength loss and fear of reinjury in athletes with acute injury, improve physical qualities in rehabilitating athletes, reduce physical loads in overtrained athletes, and to develop tactical and technical skills in healthy athletes.
Small-Sided-Game-Induced Mechanical Load in Adolescent Soccer: The Need for Care and Consideration for Athlete Preservation.
Salter J
Sports Health · 2025 · PMID 39576154 · Full text
CONTEXT: The logistical efficiency and flexibility of small-sided games (SSG) to develop various soccer-specific attributes simultaneously make them a staple component of contemporary training programs in youth soccer. T...
CONTEXT: The logistical efficiency and flexibility of small-sided games (SSG) to develop various soccer-specific attributes simultaneously make them a staple component of contemporary training programs in youth soccer. Their high ecological validity and consequential high utilization mean that if not considerately prescribed, players may be exposed to frequent repetitive mechanical stress that may induce maladaptation in skeletally and/or load-naïve or sensitive athletes. The purpose of this clinical review is to summarize mechanical load adaptations associated with the manipulation of area per player in SSG to outline the mechanistic pathway of load-related injuries in skeletally maturing athletes and to offer practical guidelines for coaches for the preservation of athlete health. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A nonsystematic search of computerized databases of peer-reviewed articles in English between 2010 and the present was used, and a critical appraisal of existing literature was subsequently conducted. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. RESULTS: The temporary relative strength deficit and inefficiency of the musculotendinous system associated with accelerated growth increase the mechanical cost of activity. As a result, the load tolerance (ie, tolerant, naïve, or sensitive) of athletes is transiently reduced as the musculoskeletal system struggles to attenuate force absorption adequately. Repeated exposure to submaximal mechanical loads that stimulate the accumulation of "microdamage" in structural tissue may lead to aggravation and/or tissue failure at connective sites in skeletally fragile athletes. CONCLUSION: Coaches and practitioners need to individualize exposure to mechanical load for load-tolerant, naïve, and sensitive athletes during adolescence. Subtle changes to SSG prescription including modifying the area per player, inclusion of goalkeepers, constrained floaters, and management of work; rest ratios can offer practical and efficient methods to mitigate risk without derailing the development process. This, in turn, should contribute to reducing injury burden in this population and enhance developmental opportunities for young players. STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: A. Recommendation based on consistent and good-quality evidence published from 2010 onwards.
Corrigendum to "Differences in Abdominal Muscle Thickness, Strength, and Endurance in Persons Who Are Runners, Active, and Inactive".
Sports Health · 2025 · PMID 39560361 · Full text
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Training Load and Injuries in Volleyball: An Approach Based on Different Methods of Calculating Acute to Chronic Workload Ratio.
Timoteo TF, Debien PB, Fonseca DS … +2 more , Felício DC, Bara Filho MG
Sports Health · 2025 · PMID 39535079 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Many questions persist regarding the relationship between training load and injuries in volleyball, as well as the best method for calculating acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR). This study aimed to investig...
BACKGROUND: Many questions persist regarding the relationship between training load and injuries in volleyball, as well as the best method for calculating acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between different metrics of training load and risk of injury in male professional volleyball players. HYPOTHESIS: ACWR, as a training load measure, is useful for identifying injury risk in volleyball players, regardless of calculation method. STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal, prospective, and observational design conducted over 3 seasons of professional male volleyball. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: The study included 43 male volleyball players. Internal training load was quantified using the Session Rating of Perceived Exertion. From daily training load values, absolute measures and relative measures were computed. For relative measures, 7 days were employed for acute training load, and 21 and 28 days for chronic training load. A distinction was made between coupled calculation and uncoupled calculation. Injuries were documented using the Injury Surveillance Form proposed by the International Volleyball Federation. RESULTS: ACWR calculated in a coupled manner and by a rolling average demonstrated higher injury risks when analyzing the complete periods (odds ratio [OR] ACWR 7:28 = 2.040; ACWR 7:21 = 1.980) and competitive period (OR ACWR 7:28 = 2.044; ACWR 7:21 = 2.087). In contrast, during the preseason, the coupled exponential averages were more sensitive to the risk of injury (OR ACWR 7:28 = 4.370; ACWR 7.504). CONCLUSION: Both measures using rolling averages and those calculated from exponential averages can be employed to identify the risk of injuries in volleyball athletes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The findings of this study can be useful to coaching staff, fitness trainers, and healthcare professionals involved in the challenge of reducing the risk of injury in volleyball athletes. The need for continuous monitoring and real-time adjustments of training load is emphasized.
Marketing of Unproven and Unapproved Regenerative Medicine Therapy From the Perspective of Developing Countries: Response.
Rodeo SA
Sports Health · 2024 · PMID 39485305 · Full text
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Marketing of Unproven and Unapproved Regenerative Medicine Therapy From the Perspective of Developing Countries.
Boshnjaku A, Krasniqi E
Sports Health · 2024 · PMID 39485304 · Full text
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A Call to Action for Team Physicians.
Wojtys EM
Sports Health · 2024 · PMID 39485303 · Full text
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