Preventing injuries among recreational adult volleyball players:Results of a prospective randomised controlled trial

The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of an exercise-based warm-up programme ("VolleyVeilig") on the one-season occurrence of musculoskeletal injuries among recreational adult volleyball players. A prospective randomised controlled trial was conducted over the 2017-2018 volleyball season. Recreational adult volleyball players were allocated either to an intervention or control group. The Dutch version of the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre questionnaire was used to register and monitor acute and overuse injuries. A total of 672 volleyball players were enrolled: 348 in the intervention group (mean age: 30) and 324 in the control group (mean age: 27). The incidence rate of acute injury was 21% lower in the intervention group, namely 8.9 versus 11.3 per 1,000 h in the control group (Cox mixed effects crude model: hazard ratio = 0.82 [95%CI: 0.69-0.98]; Cox mixed effects adjusted model: 0.85 [95%CI: 0.71-1.02]). No significant difference in mean prevalence of overuse injury was found between the intervention (4.8%) and control (4.2%) groups. The severity of injuries was not significantly different between groups, while injury burden was slightly lower in the intervention group. The exercise-based warm-up programme led to a trend in less acute injuries among recreational adult volleyball players

The Association Between the Acute:Chronic Workload Ratio and Running-Related Injuries in Dutch Runners: A Prospective Cohort Study

Objective To investigate the association between the acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) and running-related injuries (RRI). Methods This is a secondary analysis using a database composed of data from three studies conducted with the same RRI surveillance system. Longitudinal data comprising running exposure (workload) and RRI were collected biweekly during the respective cohorts' follow-up (18-65 weeks). ACWR was calculated as the most recent (i.e., acute) external workload (last 2 weeks) divided by the average external (i.e., chronic) workload of the last 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks. Three methods were used to calculate the ACWR: uncoupled, coupled and exponentially weighted moving averages (EWMA). Bayesian logistic mixed models were used to analyse the data. Results The sample was composed of 435 runners. Runners whose ACWR was under 0.70 had about 10% predicted probability of sustaining RRI (9.6%; 95% credible interval [CrI] 7.5-12.4), while those whose ACWR was higher than 1.38 had about 1% predicted probability of sustaining RRI (1.3%; 95% CrI 0.7-1.7). The association between the ACWR and RRI was significant, varying from a small to a moderate association (1-10%). The higher the ACWR, the lower the RRI risk. Conclusions The ACWR showed an inversely proportional association with RRI risk that can be represented by a smooth L-shaped, second-order, polynomial decay curve. The ACWR using hours or kilometres yielded similar results. The coupled and uncoupled methods revealed similar associations with RRIs. The uncoupled method presented the best discrimination for ACWR strata. The EWMA method yielded sparse and non-significant results

Evalutaion of functional, biomechanics and eletromyografic parameters in individuals with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Introduction: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a condition that affects young women and it can contribute to lower limb functionality reduction. However, while some studies demonstrate functional alterations related to this syndrome, others do not find this difference between individuals with and without this condition. Objectives: To evaluate and compare the level of pain and functionality, muscular recruitment, joint position sense and dynamic postural control between young women with and without PFPS. Metodologia: 12 women with PFPS (21.67 ± 2.49 of age) and 12 controls (21.25 ± 2.01) participated in this study. Self-perceived knee functionality was assessed by Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale and the level of pain by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Electromyography (EMG) evaluated lateral gastrocnemius, soleus (SO), tibialis anterior, vastus medialis oblique (VMO), vastus medialis longus, vastus lateralis (VL) and bíceps femoris muscles during stair ascent and descent of different heights (5 e 15cm), the results was analyzed in 3 phases. Joint position sense was assessed by electrogoniometer and dynamic postural control was assessed by the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT).. Statistic analyzes compared the two groups by student t for independent samples and Mann-Whitney tests. The results are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Results: There was difference (p<0,001) between groups in VAS (SDFP: 5,08 ± 1,98, GC: 0 ± 0,0;) and Lysholm Scale (GC: 99,62 ± 1,38, SDFP: 68,33 ± 16,08). Just the phase 1 (p=0,041) and 3 (p=0,035) of soleus muscle showed difference during descent of 5cm step. Phase 2 of VL (p=0,020), 3 of VMO (p=0,005) and VL (p=0,016) also showed difference during ascent of 15 cm step. There was no difference (p>0,05) between groups in joint position sense and SEBT. Conclusion: Women with PFPS report higher pain and lower knee functionality than controls. However, they do not demonstrate altered joint position sense and dynamic postural control, and could need of higher quadriceps recruitment during stair ascent.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível SuperiorMestre em Ciências da SaúdeIntrodução: A Síndrome da Dor Femoropatelar (SDFP) é uma condição que afeta mulheres jovens e pode contribuir para a redução da funcionalidade do membro inferior. Entretanto, enquanto alguns estudos demonstram alterações funcionais relacionadas à SDFP, outros não encontram diferenças entre portadores e não portadores. Objetivos: Avaliar e comparar o nível de dor, funcionalidade, o recrutamento muscular, o senso de posição articular e o controle postural dinâmico entre mulheres jovens portadoras e não portadoras da SDFP. Metodologia: 12 mulheres com SDFP (21,67 ± 2,49 anos de idade) e 12 controles (21,25 ± 2,01) participaram do estudo. A autopercepção da funcionalidade do joelho foi acessada pelo questionário de Lysholm e o nível de dor por meio da Escala Visual Analógica (EVA). Foi realizada a eletromiografia (EMG) dos músculos gastrocnêmico lateral, sóleo (SO), tibial anterior, vasto medial oblíquo (VMO), vasto medial longo, vasto lateral (VL) e bíceps femoral durante a subida e descida de dois degraus de alturas diferentes (5 e 15cm), os resultados foram analisados em 3 fases dinstintas. A avaliação do senso de posição articular foi realizada por meio do eletrogoniômetro e o controle postural dinâmico por meio do Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). A análise estatítisca comparou os dois grupos por meio dos testes t de student para amostras independentes e Mann-Whitney. Os resultados foram expressos como média ± desvio padrão. Resultados: Houve diferença (p<0,001) entre os grupos na EVA (SDFP: 5,08 ± 1,98, GC: 0 ± 0,0;) e no questionário de Lysholm (GC: 99,62 ± 1,38, SDFP: 68,33 ± 16,08). Apenas a fase 1 (p=0,041) e fase 3 (p=0,035) do músculo SO apresentou diferença na decida do degrau de 5cm, e a fase 2 do VL (p=0,020), fase 3 do VMO (p=0,005) e VL (p=0,016) na subida do degrau de 15 cm. Não houve diferença significativa (p>0,05) no senso de posição articular e SEBT. Conclusão: Mulheres com SDFP relatam maior dor e menor funcionalidade na articulação do joelho. Entretanto, as mesmas não possuem senso de posição articular e controle postural dinâmico alterado, mas podem necessitar de maior recrutamento do quadríceps durante a subida de degraus

Considerations and Interpretation of Sports Injury Prevention Studies

Promoting sports participation for health is part of the public health agenda worldwide. The same holds true for preventing sports injury, an unfavorable consequence of sports. In order to transfer research findings to practice, however, clinicians should consider the particulars of design, outcome measures, and data analyses of sports injury prevention studies. This article provides a summary of approaches used to assess the effect of injury prevention strategy in sports. This summary is intended to support clinicians on the decision-making process to apply research findings in the area of sports injury prevention in their practice

MONITORING FIELD HOCKEY INJURIES: THE FIRST STEP FOR PREVENTION

Background Field hockey is a team sport with a high amount of running, stepping manoeuvres and player/material contact. Consequently, it can be expected that injury risk is high. Yet, little is know about injuries in this sport.\n\nObjective To measure the prevalence of injury during a field hockey season.\n\nDesign Prospective cohort.\n\nSetting A field hockey season of the Dutch elite division.\n\nParticipants 83 field hockey players (54 women and 29 men) of 5 different teams selected by convenience. Four players dropped out the study (1 woman and 3 men).\n\nIndependent variables Hours of sport exposure (specific training [i.e., on the field], additional training [e.g, fitness training], and competition).\n\nMain Outcome Measurements Prevalence of injury.\n\nResults In total, field hockey players spent 9,063 hours in hockey specific training, 3,378 in additional training and 2,412 in competition. The total hours of sport exposure was 14,853. A total of 143 injuries were recorded (63% overuse and 37% traumatic). This corresponds to a rate of 9.6 injuries per 1,000 hours of sport exposure. The average prevalence of injury was 26.7% (ranging from 9.6% to 49.1% per two weeks). Lower limbs were the most reported injury location (58.4%), followed by lumbar and thoracic spine/thorax (20.2%), upper limbs (17.8%) and head/neck (3.6%).\n\nConclusions This study establishes the extent and pattern of injuries in Dutch field hockey elite players. The next step, according to van Mechelen's sequence of prevention (1992), is to investigate the aetiology and mechanism of such injuries in order to develop and introduce preventive measures

Preventing injuries among recreational adult volleyball players: Results of a prospective randomised controlled trial

The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of an exercise-based warm-up programme (“VolleyVeilig”) on the one-season occurrence of musculoskeletal injuries among recreational adult volleyball players. A prospective randomised controlled trial was conducted over the 2017–2018 volleyball season. Recreational adult volleyball players were allocated either to an intervention or control group. The Dutch version of the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre questionnaire was used to register and monitor acute and overuse injuries. A total of 672 volleyball players were enrolled: 348 in the intervention group (mean age: 30) and 324 in the control group (mean age: 27). The incidence rate of acute injury was 21% lower in the intervention group, namely 8.9 versus 11.3 per 1,000 h in the control group (Cox mixed effects crude model: hazard ratio = 0.82 [95%CI: 0.69–0.98]; Cox mixed effects adjusted model: 0.85 [95%CI: 0.71–1.02]). No significant difference in mean prevalence of overuse injury was found between the intervention (4.8%) and control (4.2%) groups. The severity of injuries was not significantly different between groups, while injury burden was slightly lower in the intervention group. The exercise-based warm-up programme led to a trend in less acute injuries among recreational adult volleyball players

Letting the cat out of the bag: Athletes, coaches and physiotherapists share their perspectives on injury prevention in elite sports

Objectives: To explore how sports injury prevention takes place in elite sport practice and to describe the perspectives of athletes, coaches and physiotherapists regarding the most critical factors that help prevent injury in the elite sports context. Methods: Qualitative study. Semistructured interviews with 19 international level athletes, coaches and physiotherapists, from different Olympic sports. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using comparative data analysis based on Grounded Theory. Results: The participants perceived injury risk as an inherent part of elite sports, because athletes try to enhance performance by pushing their limits. Participants described injury prevention as a learning process that changed over time, based on their sports experience and the injuries that they had sustained along their career. Communication among the athletes, coaches and physiotherapists was described as a key component of the injury prevention process. Study participants emphasised the relevance of teamwork and shared responsibility. Performance was presented as the core of the athlete's daily practice, indicating that injury prevention can be a means to that end but is not a goal in itself for this community. Conclusion: Participants perceive injury prevention as part of elite sports and thus embrace the need for injury prevention. Injury prevention strategies in elite sports were described as a learning process, following the dynamic nature of training for maximal performance. Performance is the participants' main goal

Correction to: injuries in field hockey players: a systematic review (Sports Medicine, (2018), 48, 4, (849-866), 10.1007/s40279-017-0839-3)

An Online First version of this article was made available online at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-017-0839-3 on 3 January 2018. An error was subsequently identified in the article, and the following correction should be noted: Page 1: The listing of the author names and affiliations, which previously read: Saulo Delfino Barboza1 · Corey Joseph2 · Joske Nauta1 · Willem van Mechelen1,3,4,5 · Evert Verhagen1,2,4 1Amsterdam Collaboration on Health and Safety in Sports, Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands 2Australian Collaboration for Research into Injury in Sport and its Prevention, Federation University Australia, Lydird Street South, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia 3School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia 4Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa 5School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland Should read: Saulo Delfino Barboza1 · Corey Joseph2 · Joske Nauta1 · Willem van Mechelen1,3,4,5 · Evert Verhagen1,4,6 1Amsterdam Collaboration on Health and Safety in Sports, Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands 2Monash Health, Clayton, Australia 3School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia 4Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa 5School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4,Ireland 6Australian Collaboration for Research into Injury in Sport and its Prevention, Federation University Australia, Lydird Street South, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia

Injuries in Field Hockey Players: A Systematic Review

To commence injury\ua0prevention efforts, it is necessary to understand the magnitude of the injury problem. No systematic reviews have yet investigated the extent of injuries in field hockey, despite the popularity of the sport worldwide.Our objective was to describe the rate and severity of injuries in field hockey and investigate their characteristics.We conducted electronic searches in PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus, and CINAHL. Prospective cohort studies were included if they were published in English in a peer-reviewed journal and observed all possible injuries sustained by field hockey players during the period of the study.The risk of bias score of the 22 studies included ranged from three to nine of a possible ten. In total, 12 studies (55%) reported injuries normalized by field hockey exposure. Injury rates ranged from 0.1 injuries (in school-aged players) to 90.9 injuries (in Africa Cup of Nations) per 1000 player-hours and from one injury (in high-school women) to 70 injuries (in under-21 age women) per 1000 player-sessions. Studies used different classifications for injury severity, but-within studies-injuries were included mostly in the less severe category. The lower limbs were most affected, and contusions/hematomas and abrasions were common types of injury. Contact injuries are common, but non-contact injuries are also a cause for concern.Considerable heterogeneity meant it was not possible to draw conclusive findings on the extent of the rate and severity of injuries. Establishing the extent of sports injury is considered the first step towards prevention, so there is a need for a consensus on injury surveillance in field hockey

Acceptability and perceptions of end-users towards an online sports-health surveillance system

To describe the acceptability and the perceptions of athletes and staff members (ie, end-users) towards an online sports-health surveillance system.A pilot study with a mixed-methods approach was pursued. Descriptive analysis was conducted to present the adherence of judo (n=34), swimming (n=21) and volleyball (n=14) athletes to an online registration of their sport exposure and any health complaints between April 2014 and January 2015. End-users' perceptions towards the system were investigated qualitatively with semistructured interviews (n=21). Qualitative analysis was based on the constant comparative method using principles of the grounded theory.The response rates of judo, swimming and volleyball athletes were 50% (SD 23), 61% (SD 27) and 56% (SD 25), respectively. Most athletes found it simple to register their sport exposure and health complaints online; however, personal communication was still preferred for this purpose. The system facilitated the communication between medical and trainer staff, who were able to identify in the system reports health complaints from athletes that were not necessarily communicated face-to-face. Therefore, staff members reported that they were able to intervene earlier to prevent minor health complaints from becoming severe health problems. However, staff members expected higher adherence of athletes to the online follow-ups, and athletes expected to receive feedback on their inputs to the system.An online system can be used in sporting settings complementary to regular strategies for monitoring athletes' health. However, providing feedback on athletes' inputs is important to maintain their adherence to such an online system