Sports Health [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Comparison of Injuries in the First 3 Years of Premier Rugby Sevens Between Male and Female Players.
Sachs R, Gibson M, Henry K … +1 more , Birrell M
Sports Health · 2025 Nov · PMID 40082798 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Premier Rugby Sevens (PR7S) is a new professional rugby league. Our study aims to examine injury data from PR7S over the last 3 years to clarify the incidence of injury per event and determine any trends with...
BACKGROUND: Premier Rugby Sevens (PR7S) is a new professional rugby league. Our study aims to examine injury data from PR7S over the last 3 years to clarify the incidence of injury per event and determine any trends within injuries to specific body regions related to both sex and year of competition. Understanding these injury patterns will assure relevant player education campaigns related to injury awareness, inform sex-specific injury prevention strategies, and help medical professionals care for athletes more effectively in future competitions. HYPOTHESIS: There will be a difference in injury patterns and data between men and women throughout the last 3 years of data. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: This is a cohort study including the whole population of athletes from PR7S from 2021 to 2023. After each of the 9 events, athletes filled out a postevent injury form in Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliant electronic health record with their team athletic trainer which included name, date of birth, event, injury type, and location of injury. RESULTS: When comparing injury rates year to year, there was a statistically significant increase from 7 to 62 injuries among female athletes ( = 0.004). The number of injuries in male athletes stayed relatively the same. Despite having 432 athletes for both sexes, lower extremity injuries in female athletes have increased each year, whereas male athlete lower extremity injuries have stayed roughly the same throughout the study. CONCLUSION: There were statistically more injuries in female athletes compared with male athletes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results are similar to other studies including other sports showing increased lower extremity injuries among female athletes compared with male athletes. More research needs to be done to evaluate the causes of increased injuries into to develop prevention strategies in rugby and in other sports.
Sex Hormone Profiles and ACL Injury - It's Time for Study Designs to Match the Complexity of the Problem.
Shultz SJ, Wideman L
Sports Health · 2025 Mar · PMID 40022567 · Full text
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Are There Differences Between Sexes in Performance-Related Variables During a Maximal Intermittent Flywheel Test?
Salse-Batán J, Torrado P, Marina M
Sports Health · 2025 Nov · PMID 39994496 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Isometric and dynamic tasks of low-to-moderate intensities have been used to study sex differences in fatigability; however, maximal exertions with flywheel devices (FDs) have not been used. This study aimed...
BACKGROUND: Isometric and dynamic tasks of low-to-moderate intensities have been used to study sex differences in fatigability; however, maximal exertions with flywheel devices (FDs) have not been used. This study aimed to (1) detect sex differences in fatigue-related performance in a maximal intermittent fatiguing protocol on a FD, and (2) investigate the most sensitive dynamometric and mechanical variables for assessing fatigue in both sexes. HYPOTHESIS: No sex differences should exist when performing this protocol on a FD. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort observational study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: A total of 34 young adults (17 female/17 male) performed 10 sets of 10 repetitions with 3 minutes of passive recovery of a half-squat exercise on a FD. Inter- and intraset analysis of force, power, velocity, work, and impulse, together with their relative change and slope, were calculated during concentric and eccentric phases. Raw data were also normalized to body mass in the interset analysis. The relative changes in each variable were compared. RESULTS: Men showed greater and earlier decreases in performance throughout sets ( < .05; η ≥ 0.08), but these differences were not consistent after normalization for body mass ( > .05; η ≤ 0.05). Irrespective of sex and phase, the intraset analysis revealed that relative change was higher in the last set ( ≤ .03; η ≥ 0.14), with power being the most sensitive variable for detecting performance decline ( ≤ .04; η = 0.49). CONCLUSION: Women experienced slower and delayed fatigue kinetics than men during a maximal intermittent fatiguing protocol with FD if body dimensionality is not considered. For training purposes, power seems to be the most sensitive and discriminative variable for detecting decreases in performance. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Body dimensionality is a key factor that must be considered when comparing both sexes in FDs.
Reference Values and Construct Validity for 4 Upper Limb Physical Performance Tests in Junior Tennis Players.
Cools AM, Stubbe J, Vanden Bosch D … +3 more , Carlier L, Notable C, Borms D
Sports Health · 2026 · PMID 39972277 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Upper extremity physical-performance-tests are gaining interest for screening overhead athletes in view of injury prevention, individual performance, and return to play after injury. However, at present, no r...
BACKGROUND: Upper extremity physical-performance-tests are gaining interest for screening overhead athletes in view of injury prevention, individual performance, and return to play after injury. However, at present, no reference data are available for these tests in a junior tennis population. In addition, the construct validity of these tests with respect to shoulder strength is still unclear. HYPOTHESIS: Junior tennis players will exhibit differences in test performance based on age, sex, and side. Shoulder strength will be moderately to highly correlated with the seated medicine ball throw (SMBT) and the modified-closed-kinetic-chain-upper-extremity test (M-CKCUEST), but not with shoulder endurance test (SET) and the Y-balance-test-upper-quadrant (YBT-UQ). STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study, cross-sectional design. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: Four commonly used physical performance tests (PPTs) (YBT-UQ, M-CKCUEST, SMBT, and SET) were executed by 99 junior tennis players aged 9 to 18 years. In addition, isometric external and internal rotation strength was measured, using a hand-held dynamometer. Descriptive reference values were reported, and correlations between the PPTs and strength values were calculated. RESULTS: A linear regression model with backwards stepwise regression was used to identify possible age, sex, and side differences regarding PPTs and strength. Some, but not all reached statistical significance. Moderate-to-high correlations (Pearson correlation coefficients) were found between the M-CKCUEST, SMBT, and SET and strength measurements, establishing acceptable construct validity with respect to strength. No significant correlation was found between the YBT-UQ and strength. CONCLUSION: Junior tennis players exhibit differences in test performance based on age, sex, and side. The MCKCUEST, SMBT, and SET may be valuable alternatives for strength testing in the clinical setting. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These tests may provide a valuable, user-friendly alternative for strength measurements in junior tennis players.
Effect of Taurine Combined With Creatine on Repeated Sprinting Ability After Exhaustive Exercise Under Hot and Humid Conditions.
Yu P, Fan Y, Wang X … +1 more , Wu H
Sports Health · 2025 · PMID 39972259 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Taurine (TAU) and creatine (Cr) are common ergogenic aids used by athletes to enhance performance; however, the effect of their combined supplementation, and on recovery in high temperature and humidity envir...
BACKGROUND: Taurine (TAU) and creatine (Cr) are common ergogenic aids used by athletes to enhance performance; however, the effect of their combined supplementation, and on recovery in high temperature and humidity environments, has not been studied. HYPOTHESIS: Combined TUA and Cr will have greater effect on physiological indicators and repetitive sprint performance recovery after exhaustive exercise under hot and humid conditions than single supplementation or placebo. STUDY DESIGN: Single-blind crossover randomized controlled study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2. METHODS: Participants (12 sports students) were assigned randomly to 1 of 4 supplementation intervention groups: placebo (P), taurine (T), creatine (C), or taurine + creatine (T+C). Exercise protocol included exhaustion tests and repeated sprinting exercises were conducted in a laboratory environment at 35 °C/65% relative humidity. Heartrate, blood lactate (BLa), tympanic temperature, thermal sensation, and rating of perceived exertion were monitored throughout. Heartrate variability, time to exhaustion (TTE), reaction time, and countermovement jump (CMJ) height were tracked before and after exhaustion exercise and before sprint exercise. RESULTS: TTE was significantly higher in the T+C group than in the P group ( = 0.04). BLa and tympanic temperature increased rapidly in all 4 conditions, then decreased gradually, and T group peak values were higher than those of P group ( = 0.04; < 0.01). CMJ decreased in the C and T+C groups ( = 0.04; = 0.04) after exhaustive exercise, unlike other groups ( > 0.05). Indicators of repeated sprint exercise, peak power, mean power, and power decrement showed a decreasing trend within groups but no difference between groups ( > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this small student group, under hot and humid conditions, T+C supplementation significantly enhanced TTE. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: TAU, Cr, and their combined supplementation do not significantly improve repeated sprint performance after exhaustive exercise under hot and humid conditions.
Delineating the Role of Inter-Repetition Interval in the Relationship between Maximum Repetitions to Failure or Repetitions in Reserve and Movement Velocity.
Martínez-Rubio C, Baena-Raya A, Quidel-Catrilelbún MEL … +2 more , Rodríguez-Pérez MA, Pérez-Castilla A
Sports Health · 2025 Nov · PMID 39962333 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Maximum repetitions to failure (RTF) and repetitions in reserve (RIR) can be estimated through fastest mean velocity (MV) and mean velocity (MV), respectively. However, the impact of inter-repetition interval...
BACKGROUND: Maximum repetitions to failure (RTF) and repetitions in reserve (RIR) can be estimated through fastest mean velocity (MV) and mean velocity (MV), respectively. However, the impact of inter-repetition intervals (IRI) on these relationships in free-weight back squat and bench press exercises is unclear. HYPOTHESIS: The IRI would affect RTF-MV and RIR-MV relationships, with a higher goodness-of-fit using self-selected IRI (SSIRI) compared with 0 seconds (IRI0) and 3 seconds (IRI3). STUDY DESIGN: Crossover study design. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: Eighteen male participants completed 1 session per IRI configuration, consisting of 3 single sets of RTF (65%-75%-85% of the 1-repetition maximum) during the free-weight back squat and bench press exercises. RESULTS: Individualized RTF-MV and RIR-MV relationships were stronger than generalized (median = 0.98 vs 0.65 and 0.84 vs 0.40, respectively). The goodness-of-fit of the relationships was stronger for SSIRI than for IRI0 during back squat ( < .01) and comparable between IRIs during bench press ( ≥ .28). During back squat, MV values were higher for IRI0 than for IRI3 and SSIRI (eighth-fifteenth repetitions; ≤ .07), whereas during the bench press, they were higher for IRI0 than for IRI3 (eleventh-fifteenth repetitions; ≥ .28). Overall, MV values associated with each RIR were higher for IRI0 than for SSIRI (10 out of 18 comparisons) during back squat, and for IRI0 than for IRI3 and SSIRI (16 and 14 out of 18 comparisons) during bench press. CONCLUSION: These results highlight the importance of standardizing the IRI during set-to-failure to establish RTF-MV and RIR-MV relationships, with SSIRI recommended as a more accurate and effective procedure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This information may provide practitioners with a valuable tool to objectively quantify the level of effort being exerted during resistance training sets by measuring movement velocity in free-weight exercises.
Sex-Based Comparisons of Hamstrings-to-Quadriceps Ratio Across the Velocity Spectrum.
Searles S, Hood J, Wood M … +3 more , Bello M, Smith J, Gillen Z
Sports Health · 2025 Nov · PMID 39953723 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Women are typically more prone to knee injuries than men, possibly due to poorer hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio (HTQ), particularly during fast velocity movements. HYPOTHESIS: Men would have greater HTQ acros...
BACKGROUND: Women are typically more prone to knee injuries than men, possibly due to poorer hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio (HTQ), particularly during fast velocity movements. HYPOTHESIS: Men would have greater HTQ across velocity than women. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2. METHODS: Ultrasound images quantified quadriceps and hamstrings muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) in 27 study participants (14 women, age, 24 ± 4 years; 13 men, age, 25 ± 6 years). Peak torque (PT) was taken from maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) and isokinetic leg extension and flexion contractions from 60° to 300° s. Independent samples -tests examined differences in CSA and HTQ from CSA. Mixed-factorial ANOVAs examined differences in PT and HTQ from PT. RESULTS: Men had larger CSA and PT than women for leg extension and flexion across velocity ( < .01). There were no sex-based differences in the HTQ from CSA or PT across velocity ( ≥ .11). For both groups, leg extension PT decreased from MVIC to 300° s ( ≤ .04). For women, leg flexion PT was the same from MVIC to 60° s ( > .98), decreased from 60° to 180° s ( < .01), and plateaued from 180° to 300° s ( ≥ .07). For men, leg flexion PT decreased from MVIC to 300° s ( ≤ .03). For both groups, HTQ increased from MVIC to 60° s ( < .01), then plateaued from 60° to 300° s ( > .98). CONCLUSION: Both groups had similar patterns of response for leg extension PT and HTQ across velocity, with no sex-based differences for HTQ. Factors other than HTQ may account for the potential sex-based difference in knee injury risk. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Increased knee injury predisposition for women compared with men may be due to neuromuscular control or anatomy rather than HTQ.
Operant Upconditioning of the Quadriceps Motor Evoked Torque as a Means to Improve Quadriceps Function After ACL Reconstruction.
Rodriguez KM, Palmieri-Smith RM, Krishnan C
Sports Health · 2025 Nov · PMID 39930348 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Diminished corticospinal excitability is theorized to contribute to poor quadriceps function after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Operant conditioning of the motor evoked torque (MEP) is a p...
BACKGROUND: Diminished corticospinal excitability is theorized to contribute to poor quadriceps function after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Operant conditioning of the motor evoked torque (MEP) is a promising approach capable of improving corticospinal excitability. However, it is unknown whether increasing corticospinal excitability can improve quadriceps function after a short-term operant conditioning intervention in patients with reconstructed ACL. HYPOTHESIS: After ACL reconstruction, patients would demonstrate increases in quadriceps strength, voluntary activation, and corticospinal excitability after a 2-week operant conditioning intervention. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1. METHODS: A total of 22 patients with reconstructed ACL were randomized into 1 of 2 groups: group 1 received 2 weeks of operant conditioning training on the reconstructed leg to improve their transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-elicited MEP responses (COND); group 2 received 2 weeks of TMS only (SHAM-COND). Quadriceps strength, voluntary activation, and corticospinal excitability on the reconstructed leg were evaluated before and after the 2-week intervention. Within-session changes in corticospinal excitability were also evaluated during the training sessions. RESULTS: The COND group demonstrated a significantly higher within-session percent increase in MEP during training compared with the SHAM-COND group, paralleled by a significant increase in corticospinal excitability after the 2-week intervention. In addition, quadriceps strength and voluntary activation improved on the reconstructed leg after the 2-week intervention, regardless of group. CONCLUSION: Operant conditioning training can elicit improvements in corticospinal excitability after ACL reconstruction; however, improvements in quadriceps strength and voluntary activation seem not to be attributed solely to operant upconditioning training. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Operant conditioning is a promising approach to improve corticospinal excitability after ACL reconstruction. However, optimizing the delivery of operant conditioning protocols by potentially increasing the dosage of operant conditioning and intervening earlier after surgery may be needed to translate these changes to improvements in quadriceps function.
Impact of Augmented Feedback and Music During the Bench Press Resistance Exercise: Does Their Combination Compromise Mechanical Performance?
Miras-Moreno S, Weakley J, Martínez-Zafra LM … +1 more , Pérez-Castilla A
Sports Health · 2025 · PMID 39924649 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Verbal feedback (knowledge of results [KR]) and listening to music are common ergogenic strategies used to boost athlete performance during resistance exercise. No previous research has explored their effects...
BACKGROUND: Verbal feedback (knowledge of results [KR]) and listening to music are common ergogenic strategies used to boost athlete performance during resistance exercise. No previous research has explored their effects when both strategies are combined in the same exercise session (KR+music). This study aimed to examine the impact of providing KR, listening to music, and their combined effects on: (1) mechanical responses (number of repetitions, fastest velocity, and average velocity in a set), and (2) perceptual responses (feeling scale [FS], rating of perceived exertion [RPE], and rate of perceived discomfort [RPD]) when a determined percentage of velocity loss (%VL) is prescribed. HYPOTHESIS: Providing KR or listening to music would provide an ergogenic effect on these outcomes whereas KR+music can compromise mechanical performance. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: Fifteen recreational resistance-trained men were tested on 5 occasions separated by a 48 to 72 hour washout period. The first session was used to determine the bench press 1-repetition maximum (1RM) strength. The 4 experimental sessions were identical (4 sets at 70% 1RM with a 20%VL during bench press exercise) except for the intervention (ie, control, KR, music, and KR+music) used randomly on each session. RESULTS: The findings revealed that: (1) mechanical performance was significantly greater for the music condition (from 5.7% to 20.4%), followed by the KR+music (from 4.9% to 15.4%) and KR (from -0.4% to 8.1%) condition, and (2) greater FS values were found for music compared with control condition, while no significant differences were reported for RPE or RPD. CONCLUSION: Listening to music enhances bench press performance and mood; adding KR does not compromise these benefits. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Recreational athlete performance may benefit from listening to music, and KR+music does not compromise this effect. However, athlete preference should take priority when implementing these ergogenic strategies.
Impact of High-Intensity Interval Exercise With Elastic Bands Versus Continuous Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Exercise on Glycemic Control in People With Type 1 Diabetes.
Martín-San Agustín R, Cuerda Del Pino A, Laguna Sanz AJ … +5 more , Palanca A, Rossetti P, Marco Romero C, Bondia J, Ampudia-Blasco FJ
Sports Health · 2025 Nov · PMID 39905638 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Engaging in physical exercise is recommended to enhance cardiovascular health and manage blood sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). HYPOTHESIS: The impact of high-intensity interval exercise wit...
BACKGROUND: Engaging in physical exercise is recommended to enhance cardiovascular health and manage blood sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). HYPOTHESIS: The impact of high-intensity interval exercise with elastic bands (EB-HIIE) versus continuous moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (CONT) on glycemic control is different in men with T1D. STUDY DESIGN: Crossover study design. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: Participants (39 men with T1D) underwent either an EB-HIIE or a CONT session in randomized order, with a separation of ≥72 hours to avoid carry-over effects. Changes in glucose values during exercise were measured simultaneously from venous blood (YSI) and interstitial fluid (Dexcom G6 glucose sensor). Subsequent 24-hour glucose was monitored using the glucose sensor. RESULTS: Blood glucose was lower in CONT vs EB-HIIE ( < .01). Post hoc analysis revealed clinically relevant differences during exercise (-35.1 mg/dl; = .02), at its end (-49.5 mg/dl; < .01), and at 10 and 20 minutes after completion (-51.2 mg/dl; < .01 and -45.9 mg/dl; < .01, respectively). Time-in-range 24 hours after exercise completion was significantly higher with EB-HIIE than with CONT (66.5% vs 59.3%), although both were significantly better than the previous 24 hours before exercise (50%). CONCLUSION: Results suggest that EB-HIIE is a safe training method for male adults with diabetes, resulting in euglycemia during and immediately after exercise and improving glucose outcomes in the subsequent 24 hours. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides new evidence and practical information on how to implement safe physical activity in daily life of patients with diabetes. EB-HIIT exhibited lower hypoglycemia risk during exercise and better glycemic control in the subsequent 24 hours. In contrast, practicing CONT exercise is associated with higher risk of hypoglycemia. Healthcare providers should take this information into account when prescribing exercise.
Head, Hands, Knees and Ankles, Knees and Ankles: Injury Profiles of Women and Girls Playing Community Australian Football.
Cowan SM, Patterson BE, King MG … +16 more , Girdwood MA, Mosler AB, Donaldson A, Culvenor AG, Bruder AM, Haberfield MJ, Makdissi M, Barton CJ, Roughead E, Lampard S, Chilman K, Bonello C, Birch E, Frost J, McGhee DE, Crossley KM
Sports Health · 2025 · PMID 39905633 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Women's participation in all football codes (including Australian Football [AF]) is increasing rapidly. To guide injury prevention strategies, the authors aimed to describe the current and lifetime prevalence...
BACKGROUND: Women's participation in all football codes (including Australian Football [AF]) is increasing rapidly. To guide injury prevention strategies, the authors aimed to describe the current and lifetime prevalence of significant musculoskeletal injuries and concussions for women and girls playing community AF. HYPOTHESIS: Women will have high rates of injury associated with playing AF. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: Participants were Victorian community AF players from 165 participating teams (<16 years, <18 years, senior women's). Demographics, injury prevalence, and health outcomes are reported descriptively. To explore relationships between sociodemographic factors and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury history, the authors fitted univariate logistic regression models. Independent variables were age, body mass index, number of career AF games, sport experience, location (metropolitan/regional), and socio-economic index. RESULTS: A total of 2435 players (95% of players enrolled in the trial), aged 24 ± 7 years completed the survey. One-quarter (n = 619, 25%) reported a current injury, and half (n = 1238, 51%) reported a previous significant injury. The most common injury sites were knee (n = 160 26% current, n = 403 33% previous), ankle (n = 130 21% current, n = 427 35% previous), and hand/fingers (n = 100 16% current, n = 317 26% previous). Self-reported previous ACL injury (n = 139, 6%) and concussion (n = 1335, 55%) were also prevalent. Increasing age (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; 95% CI, 1.05-1.09) and more career games (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.24-3.97) were associated with ACL injury history. CONCLUSION: Women and girls playing community AF reported high rates of significant injury. Injury prevention programs should target the most prevalent injury sites: head (concussion), ankle, knee, and hand/fingers. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings highlight high injury rates for women playing AF and will be invaluable in shaping injury prevention strategies.
Habitual Caffeine Consumption and Training Status Affect the Ergogenicity of Acute Caffeine Intake on Exercise Performance.
Khodadadi D, Azimi F, Eghbal Moghanlou A … +5 more , Gursoy R, Demirli A, Jalali P, Behdari R, Seyedheydari M
Sports Health · 2025 · PMID 39905628 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Acute caffeine ingestion can improve exercise performance. Interplay between caffeine habituation and training status on the performance-enhancing effect of caffeine is unknown. HYPOTHESIS: Habitual caffeine...
BACKGROUND: Acute caffeine ingestion can improve exercise performance. Interplay between caffeine habituation and training status on the performance-enhancing effect of caffeine is unknown. HYPOTHESIS: Habitual caffeine consumption and training status affect the ergogenicity of pre-exercise caffeine intake on exercise performance. STUDY DESIGN: Double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced experimental design. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: Eighty physically inactive men were randomized into 1 of 4 groups: caffeine supplementation (CAF), caffeine supplementation + exercise training (CAFEXE), placebo (PLA), and placebo + exercise training (PLAEXE); high-intensity interval training and caffeine were administered for 9 and 8 weeks, respectively. Data were collected pre-test, mid-test, post-test, and delayed post-test, each including 2 experiment sessions (3 mg/kg caffeine or placebo), with an additional experiment session post-test (6 mg/kg caffeine). In each experiment session, 45-min after consuming a placebo or caffeine, a 3-km running test and a Wingate power test were performed. RESULTS: Pre-exercise ingestion of 3 mg/kg caffeine improved 3-km running time and mean power output (MPO) in all groups at all stages ( < 0.05); this effect was higher in trained than in untrained volunteers ( < 0.05). Habitual caffeine consumption reduced the ergogenic effect of caffeine in both aerobic and anaerobic trials ( < 0.05); 6 mg/kg caffeine enhanced this decrease only in CAFEXE ( < 0.05). Short-term caffeine withdrawal augmented the reduced ergogenic effect of caffeine on 3-km running performance and MPO in CAF and CAFEXE ( < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Habituation to caffeine and training status could partially influence the ergogenic effects of caffeine on exercise performance. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Regular caffeine consumption leads to some degree of tolerance and decreases its ergogenicity. A pre-exercise increase in caffeine dosage in trained people and short-term caffeine withdrawal in both trained and untrained people could compensate for the reduced caffeine ergogenicity in young men.
Effects of Supramaximal Intensity Interval Training on Resistin and Cardiometabolic Health Indices in Overweight Nonpostmenopausal Women.
Mohammadnia Ahmadi M, Najarian E, Nezamdoost Z … +2 more , Sadeghi-Tabas S, Abtahi Eivary SH
Sports Health · 2025 Nov · PMID 39905617 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Adipose tissue is an endocrine organ that produces various bioactive molecules known as adipokines, including resistin, which is be highly expressed in people with obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Th...
BACKGROUND: Adipose tissue is an endocrine organ that produces various bioactive molecules known as adipokines, including resistin, which is be highly expressed in people with obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The effects of supramaximal high intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT) on serum levels of resistin and various cardiometabolic health indices, were investigated. HYPOTHESIS: Supramaximal and moderate interval training induce comparable effects on serum resistin levels and cardiometabolic health indices. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. METHODS: Thirty overweight adult women were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: HIIT (2 sets of 8 intervals, each with 30 seconds exercise at 100%-110% maximal aerobic speed [MAS] followed by 30 seconds rest at 50% MAS; for 6 weeks with 3 sessions per week), MIIT (2 sets of 8 intervals, each with 30 seconds exercise at 70%-80% MAS followed by 30 seconds rest at 50% MAS; for 6 weeks with 3 sessions per week), or a control group. RESULTS: Triglyceride levels were significantly higher in the control group compared with both the HIIT and MIIT groups ( = .02 and .01, respectively). High-density lipoprotein levels were also elevated significantly in the experimental groups compared with the control group ( = .04 and .03, respectively). Serum resistin increased significantly from pretest levels in the control group ( < .01). Between-group comparisons showed that resistin levels were significantly higher in the control group than in the experimental groups ( < .01 and .01, respectively). CONCLUSION: Six weeks of HIIT can reduce resistin levels and improve cardiometabolic health indicators in nonpostmenopausal women. Although 6 weeks of MIIT does not reduce resistin, it does decrease systolic blood pressure and obesity-related factors in nonmenopausal women. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Supramaximal interval training may be recommended to control bioactive molecules produced from adipose tissue that are linked to CVD.
Absolute and Relative Agreement Between Radiographic and Sonographic Calcaneal Ossification Staging: A Pilot Study.
DeJong Lempke AF, Whitney KE, Jackson SS … +2 more , Le HM, Hanlon SL
Sports Health · 2025 Nov · PMID 39905616 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Radiographic evaluations are commonly used to determine calcaneal ossification staging throughout pediatric development. Sonographic imaging may offer a less expensive, noninvasive, clinically feasible option...
BACKGROUND: Radiographic evaluations are commonly used to determine calcaneal ossification staging throughout pediatric development. Sonographic imaging may offer a less expensive, noninvasive, clinically feasible option for calcaneal developmental assessments. Here, we assessed (1) inter-rater agreement of radiographic and sonographic calcaneal ossification staging of children and adolescent patients with Sever's disease and (2) agreement between radiographic and sonographic calcaneal ossification staging scores. HYPOTHESIS: There would be substantial agreement of radiographic and sonographic calcaneal ossification staging across raters, and between imaging measures. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: Adolescent patients (<18 years of age) with physician-diagnosed Sever's disease who had complete calcaneal sonographic and radiographic imaging available on a retrospective chart review were included. Three independent reviewers with advanced training in musculoskeletal ultrasound each separately assessed radiographic and sonographic imaging data and assigned calcaneal calcification stages (0-5) to blinded images based on established criteria. Fleiss' Kappa analyses were used to determine inter-rater staging agreement for both imaging approaches. Cohen's Kappa analyses were used to determine the agreement between radiographic and sonographic staging. Absolute agreement, and relative agreement within each stage were assessed for both analyses. RESULTS: Data from 19 patients (13 female, 6 male; 12.2 ± 2.3 years) were included. Absolute inter-rater agreement for radiographic and sonographic calcaneal ossification staging was comparable across the 3 raters (radiographs, κ = 0.692, z = 9.02; < .01; sonographs, κ = 0.713, z = 7.95; < .01), and perfect relative agreement (κ = 1.0, z = 10.6; < .01). Consensus scores for radiographic and sonographic staging had moderate (κ = 0.535, z = 4.2; < .01, and perfect relative (100% relative agreement, z = 6.22; < .01) agreement. CONCLUSION: Sonographic evaluations of calcaneal ossification staging was comparable across assessors, and similar to radiographic staging. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinicians may consider incorporating ultrasound imaging for calcaneal ossification staging for young patients.
Physiological Characteristics of Young (9-12 Years) and Adolescent (≥13 Years) Rhythmic, Acrobatic, and Artistic Female Gymnasts.
Steinberg N, Elbaz L, Dar G … +2 more , Nemet D, Eliakim A
Sports Health · 2025 Nov · PMID 39905597 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Elite gymnasts are exposed to high levels of physical stress, during both childhood and adolescence, with significantly late maturation and high injury prevalence. Here, we compare the physiological character...
BACKGROUND: Elite gymnasts are exposed to high levels of physical stress, during both childhood and adolescence, with significantly late maturation and high injury prevalence. Here, we compare the physiological characteristics of female gymnasts in 2 age groups: young (9-12 years) and adolescent (≥13 years) in 3 disciplines of competitive gymnastics. HYPOTHESIS: Participants' physiological characteristics will differ by age group and by gymnastic discipline. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2. METHODS: The study included 274 gymnasts, aged 11.8 ± 1.9 years. Data collection included anthropometric measures, Tanner stage, and menarche age; ultrasound assessments were used to assess bone properties, including bone strength, skeletal age, and final-height prediction. RESULTS: Univariate analysis of variance showed age × discipline interactions for body mass index (BMI) percentiles ( = 4.379; = 0.01), skeletal age ( = 3.808; = 0.02), and final-height prediction ( = 3.377, = 0.04). Moreover, in both age groups, artistic gymnasts exhibited significantly higher BMI percentiles than rhythmic gymnasts ( < 0.05). In the adolescent group, final-height prediction for rhythmic gymnasts was significantly greater than that of artistic gymnasts ( < 0.05). Finally, in adolescent gymnasts, regression lines showed that skeletal age was lower than chronological age ( < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Artistic gymnasts were shorter than rhythmic and acrobatic gymnasts. Despite similar BMI and body fat, maturity patterns, and training-volume history, artistic gymnasts had lower bone-strength than rhythmic and acrobatic gymnasts. Combined with their high-impact and intensive training, this could increase their risk of musculoskeletal injuries. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The current study may help athletic trainers and medical teams define "norms" for different age groups and gymnastic disciplines, based on what may be expected during the athletes' early and late maturation. This knowledge can be used to modify, individualize, and optimize training programs.
Catastrophic Severe Injuries and Medical Conditions in Girls' and Women's Softball: An 8-Year Epidemiologic Study.
Martin C, Osterhout K, Shore E … +3 more , Delong R, Mihalik J, Kucera K
Sports Health · 2025 Nov · PMID 39894969 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Research on catastrophic injuries and medical conditions among majority girls' and women's sports are underrepresented. In this study, we describe the incidence, characteristics, and mechanisms of severe soft...
BACKGROUND: Research on catastrophic injuries and medical conditions among majority girls' and women's sports are underrepresented. In this study, we describe the incidence, characteristics, and mechanisms of severe softball injuries/medical conditions between 2014 and 2021. HYPOTHESIS: Catastrophic injury and illness patterns will be observed with a higher incidence rate at the collegiate level. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiologic study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: Events from the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research (NCCSIR) and National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) were included. NCCSIR included catastrophic injuries during participation in high school (HS) or college sponsored girls'/women's softball resulting in death, temporary or permanent disability, or life-threatening injury. NEISS included severe girls'/women's softball injuries (product code 5034) among 13- to 17- and 18- to 24-year-olds among severe dispositions. National estimates were derived using a weighted sample for NEISS. Counts (%) and incidence rates (IR) per 100,000 participants overall and by age level, injury/medical event, and outcome were reported. RESULTS: NCCSIR captured 0.3 events per 100,000 participants (95% confidence interval, 0.1-0.5), and incidence was higher in college (IR, 2.5; 0.9-6.6) compared with HS (IR, 0.1; 0.1-0.4). Sudden cardiac arrest was the most common event (5, 63%), and 2 (25%) fatalities were reported. NEISS captured 10.2 events per 100,000 participants (9.7-10.8). Incidence was higher in 18- to 24-year-olds (IR, 8.9; 8.3-9.6) compared with 13- to 17-year-olds (IR, 4.2; 3.8-4.6), and no fatalities were captured. CONCLUSION: Collegiate and 18- to 24-year-old athletes demonstrated a higher incidence of severe injuries than HS and 13- to 17-year-old athletes across both surveillance systems. NEISS captured a higher incidence of catastrophic events than NCCSIR. NCCSIR observed more cardiac events, whereas NEISS observed more head/face injuries. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Continued monitoring of severe injuries and medical events in softball is necessary to support response and prevention measures.
Variations in Neuromuscular Functions After Platelet-Rich Plasma and Dextrose Injections in Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis: A Randomized Controlled Study.
Chen Y, Hong CK, Hsu KL … +4 more , Kuan FC, Su WR, Chen YC, Hwang IS
Sports Health · 2025 Nov · PMID 39885826 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Lateral epicondylitis is caused by overuse and manifests as pain, weakness, and difficulty with object manipulation. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and dextrose injections have shown promise in reducing pain and...
BACKGROUND: Lateral epicondylitis is caused by overuse and manifests as pain, weakness, and difficulty with object manipulation. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and dextrose injections have shown promise in reducing pain and improving function. HYPOTHESIS: PRP is more effective for force precision control of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle than dextrose injection for patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis (CLE). STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, double-blinded clinical trial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1. METHODS: A total of 62 participants (25 healthy subjects and 37 CLE patients) were assigned randomly to either PRP (19) or dextrose (18) groups. Assessments included maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), wrist extension force, questionnaires, sonography, and electromyography assessments. RESULTS: PRP and dextrose had similar effects on clinical questionnaire scores. Compared with pre-test values, only PRP demonstrated a significant increase in MVC (PRP, 75.3 ± 107.7%; < 0.01; dextrose, 34.0 ± 66.1%; = 0.08), and greater reduction in force fluctuations (PRP, -27.4 ± 13.3%; < 0.01; dextrose, -5.4 ± 33.2%; = 0.22) during post-test wrist extension. After treatment, the PRP group experienced a roughly 41.7% increase in motor units (MUs) with recruitment thresholds (Rec_TH) (pre-test, 3.67 ± 6.15% MVC; post-test, 5.20 ± 8.02% MVC; < 0.01). The dextrose group showed no significant change (-3.74%) in MU Rec_THs (pre-test, 3.48 ± 6.80% MVC; post-test, 3.35 ± 6.62% MVC; = 0.75). PRP increased the MU discharge rate with Rec_THs at <30% MVC, whereas dextrose administration elevated MU discharge rate with Rec_THs >20% MVC. CONCLUSION: PRP may be more effective than dextrose in improving neuromuscular control of the ECRB muscle, particularly for enhancing the scaling of force during wrist extension, attributed to distinct MU activation strategies. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Detailed comparison and head-to-head analysis of PRP and dextrose injections offers more options for patients considering injections.
Orthopaedic Sports Injuries in an Aging Population: Current Trends and Future Projections.
Zaifman JM, Megalla M, Grace Z … +4 more , Imam N, Koerner JD, Kohan E, Alberta FG
Sports Health · 2025 Nov · PMID 39881434 · Full text
BackgroundThe elderly US population is growing quickly and staying active longer. However, there is limited information on sports-related injuries in older adults.Hypotheses(1) National estimate and incidence of sports-r...
BackgroundThe elderly US population is growing quickly and staying active longer. However, there is limited information on sports-related injuries in older adults.Hypotheses(1) National estimate and incidence of sports-related orthopaedic injuries in the US elderly population have increased over the last 10 years, (2) types and causes of sports-related injuries in the elderly have changed, and (3) elderly sports-related injuries will increase more than the number of treating physicians by 2040.Study DesignDescriptive epidemiology study.Level of EvidenceLevel 4.Methods:The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database was used to identify all patients aged ≥65 years with sports-related orthopaedic injuries in US emergency departments from 2012 to 2021. Surgeon and physician estimates were calculated using the Physician Compare database. Population data were obtained from US Census estimates and used to calculate annual incidence rates of injuries and to project total injuries through 2040. Injury characteristics were analyzed using Wilcoxon Rank-Sum tests and Chi-square or Fisher exact tests.ResultsAn estimated 444,078 sports-related orthopaedic injuries occurred in the elderly from 2012 to 2021. There were significant increases in injuries (from 32,573 in 2012 to 50,909 in 2021; < 0.01) and in the national incidence of injuries (from 78 per 100,000 in 2012 to 91 per 100,000 in 2021; = 0.01). The number of sports-related injuries in the elderly is projected to reach 111,245 by 2040, an increase of 119% from 2021. The number of orthopaedic surgeons and sports medicine physicians is projected to increase by only 19.7% over the same timeperiod.Conclusion:Sports-related orthopaedic injuries in the elderly are increasing in both number and incidence.Clinical RelevanceOrthopaedic surgeons and other practitioners should be prepared to treat an increasing number of active elderly patients.
Know the Score: Empowering Sport Choices With a Straightforward Solution.
Walker D, Jukes JL
Sports Health · 2025 Nov · PMID 39881431 · Full text
Risk factors associated with depression in athletes include biological sex, physical pain, and history of sport-related concussion (SRC). However, although there are well-documented benefits of sport and physical activit...
Risk factors associated with depression in athletes include biological sex, physical pain, and history of sport-related concussion (SRC). However, although there are well-documented benefits of sport and physical activity on mental health, many sportspeople still take the risk of competing in contact sports. Therefore, this infographic, supported by scientific evidence, aims to provide sportspeople with an informed decision on their participation. This infographic can be used by sports clubs or governing bodies to illustrate the risk that SRC has on the mental health of sportspeople. Likewise, it highlights the elevated risk of being in physical pain and being a female sportsperson. Therefore, this infographic provides a simple message to enhance the decision-making process of sportspeople, ensuring they are making a better-informed choice of their sporting participation and making their own cost/reward judgment.
Correlation of King-Devick Test and Helmet Impact Exposures Over a Youth Football Season.
Maynard JR, Nadwodny JP, Haak IS … +4 more , DeMatas KF, Rosario-Concepcion RA, Seemann L, Pujalte GGA
Sports Health · 2025 Jul · PMID 39834109 · Full text
BACKGROUND: The cumulative effect of repetitive subconcussive head impacts on neurocognitive function during youth contact sports remains largely unknown. There is a paucity of literature evaluating cumulative helmet for...
BACKGROUND: The cumulative effect of repetitive subconcussive head impacts on neurocognitive function during youth contact sports remains largely unknown. There is a paucity of literature evaluating cumulative helmet forces over a season and their correlation with preseason and postseason cognitive performance tasks such as the King-Devick test (KDT). HYPOTHESIS: Higher helmet forces recorded throughout a 10-week, 10-game youth football season would correlate with slower performance on postseason KDT. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: A cohort of 58 youth football players (ages 9-13 years) underwent pre- and postseason KDT. Players wore SpeedFlex helmets (Riddell) fitted with InSite Impact Response System helmet accelerometers (Riddell) which recorded impacts of ≥15. Head impacts were tallied over a season and assigned a score of 1, 2, or 3 based on magnitude of forces. Suspected concussions were correlated with KDT times and recorded instances of head impact. Pre- and postseason KDT scores were compared. RESULTS: During the season, 2013 head impacts were recorded. Median (range) total cumulative force score was 24 (5-476); 6 players sustained head impacts concerning for concussion, and 4 were clinically diagnosed with concussions. Overall, postseason KDT times improved compared with preseason, with a median (range) change of -4.8 seconds (-7.6, -1.1). Analysis showed no correlation between changes in KDT time and total cumulative force score over the season. CONCLUSION: KDT times in youth football players did not change significantly based on head impact exposure over a single youth football season; most players' KDT times improved from preseason to postseason. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although our study did not show significant cognitive impact as measured by KDT over a single youth football season, the long-term effects of concussion on the immature brain and how it can impact cognitive development remains largely unknown and should be an area of ongoing study.
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