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by Kris Fayock, MD and Marc Harwood, MD in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field
One of the main goals of pre-participation screening (PPS) is to identify unknown cardiac alterations in asymptomatic athletes with the intent to prevent sudden death in athletes. In Italy, it is mandatory by law that all children entering competitive activity must receive screening that includes physical examination and electrocardiogram (ECG), which is usually first done between the ages of 8 to 12 years of age. This mandatory screening has been shown to be effective in preventing sudden car........ Read more »
Rizzo, M., Spataro, A., Cecchetelli, C., Quaranta, F., Livrieri, S., Sperandii, F., Cifra, B., Borrione, P., & Pigozzi, F. (2011) Structural cardiac disease diagnosed by echocardiography in asymptomatic young male soccer players: implications for pre-participation screening. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 46(5), 371-373. DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.2011.085696
by Mark Rice in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field
In a recent post, SMR discussed the utilization of vertical traction to restore lumbar curvature as an effective way to reduce low back pain (LBP). Traction was compared to conservative generalized exercise measures, but was a generalized plan of exercise more appropriate than a clinically prescribed exercise regimen? Wajswelner et al. hypothesized that LBP will be significantly reduced in a patient population that undergoes a clinically prescribed and individualized Pilates exercise regimen ........ Read more »
Wajswelner H, Metcalf B, & Bennell K. (2012) Clinical Pilates versus general exercise for chronic low back pain: randomized trial. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 44(7), 1197-205. PMID: 22246216
by Jeffrey B. Driban in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field
espite this, a lot of research has focused on comparisons between men and women which can be very informative but has potential limitations when discussing what variables contribute to an ACL tear.... Read more »
Wahl CJ, Westermann RW, Blaisdell GY, & Cizik AM. (2012) An Association of Lateral Knee Sagittal Anatomic Factors with Non-Contact ACL Injury: Sex or Geometry?. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American volume, 94(3), 217-26. PMID: 22298053
by Jeffrey B. Driban in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field
In October, SMR summarized a paper by Sundman et al that described how two commercial systems can generate platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparations that have very different cellular and growth factor concentrations and therefore may have different therapeutic effects.... Read more »
Mazzocca AD, McCarthy MB, Chowaniec DM, Cote MP, Romeo AA, Bradley JP, Arciero RA, & Beitzel K. (2012) Platelet-rich plasma differs according to preparation method and human variability. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American volume, 94(4), 308-16. PMID: 22336969
by Nicole Cattano in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field
The goals of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery are to decrease symptoms, increase function, and to return to pre-injury activity status. There are numerous techniques and grafts utilized for ACL reconstruction, including autografts or allografts. Autografts are frequently selected, and can consist of patellar tendon (PT) or semitendinosus and gracilis (STG) tendons. Currently, there is no consensus as to which graft is the best option for optimal outcomes. Therefore, th........ Read more »
Sajovic M, Strahovnik A, Dernovsek MZ, & Skaza K. (2011) Quality of Life and Clinical Outcome Comparison of Semitendinosus and Gracilis Tendon Versus Patellar Tendon Autografts for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: An 11-Year Follow-up of a Randomized Controlled Trial. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 39(10), 2161-9. PMID: 21712483
by Jeffrey B. Driban in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field
A recent study demonstrated that athletes with patellar tendinopathy had less ankle dorsiflexion but it was unclear if limited dorsiflexion causes patellar tendinopathy or if it was a consequence of the patellar tendinopathy. To determine if limited ankle dorsiflexion contributed to the onset of patellar tendinopathy, Backman et al conducted a 1-year prospective study to examine if reduced ankle dorsiflexion range of motion increases the risk of developing patellar tendinopathy among 75 Swedish ........ Read more »
Backman LJ, & Danielson P. (2011) Low Range of Ankle Dorsiflexion Predisposes for Patellar Tendinopathy in Junior Elite Basketball Players: A 1-Year Prospective Study. The American journal of sports medicine. PMID: 21917610
by Jane McDevitt in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field
Posterior tibial tendinopathy effects many people, especially females, and has several distinctive predisposing risk factors (e.g., flat foot, presence of accessory navicular bone, or impact of osteofibrous tunnel). However, many patients present with posterior tibial tendinopathy without any of the distinctive risk factors, which suggests there could be a genetic influence associated with patients being more prone to this injury. For example, if there is a genetic variation within the gene for ........ Read more »
Godoy-Santos A, Ortiz RT, Junior RM, Fernandes TD, & Santos MC. (2012) MMP-8 polymorphism is genetic marker to tendinopathy primary posterior tibial tendon. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine . PMID: 22487237
by Jeffrey B. Driban in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field
Reaction time is commonly impaired after a concussion and is often assessed in computerized concussion assessment programs. Unfortunately, many sports medicine clinicians, particularly those working with younger athletes, may not have access to computerized concussion assessment programs. Therefore, Eckner et al developed a simple clinical measurement of reaction time; however, the test-retest reliability (consistency) of their assessment as well as computerized reaction time assessments have no........ Read more »
Eckner JT, Kutcher JS, & Richardson JK. (2011) Between-seasons test-retest reliability of clinically measured reaction time in national collegiate athletic association division I athletes. Journal of Athletic Training, 46(4), 409-14. PMID: 21944073
by Dustin Grooms in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field
The transition from offseason to preseason training for many sports carries a substantial risk of thigh muscle strain injury (quadriceps, hamstrings, and adductors). Due to the contribution of the lumbopelvic region (core stability) to lower extremity function it is thought that the size and asymmetry of lumbopelvic stabilizers may play a role in these injuries. To assess this theory, Hides et al assessed the relationships between thigh muscle strain and lumbopelvic muscle (i.e., psoas major, q........ Read more »
Hides JA, Brown CT, Penfold L, & Stanton WR. (2011) Screening the lumbopelvic muscles for a relationship to injury of the quadriceps, hamstrings, and adductor muscles among elite Australian football league players. The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 41(10), 767-75. PMID: 21891873
by Jeffrey B. Driban in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field
Following a warm-up that induces exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), a temporary airway narrowing associated with exercise, some individuals experience a 1 to 4 hour refractory period during which they have less severe or no EIB after additional vigorous exercise. Numerous warm-up programs have been suggested to induce a refractory period but it is unclear how effective they are. Therefore, Stickland et al conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of different warm-up ........ Read more »
Stickland MK, Rowe BH, Spooner CH, Vandermeer B, & Dryden DM. (2012) Effect of warm-up exercise on exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 44(3), 383-91. PMID: 21811185
by Jane McDevitt in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field
Computer neurocognitive assessment tools are being utilized more and more in athletic training rooms and physician offices. ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) is one of those computer programs, which has been evaluated and supported by many medical personnel. An online version has just been released and though it is similar to the older desktop version they are not identical. The purpose of this study was to determine a 1-year test-retest reliability of the ImPAC........ Read more »
Elbin RJ, Schatz P, & Covassin T. (2011) One-Year Test-Retest Reliability of the Online Version of ImPACT in High School Athletes. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 39(11), 2319-24. PMID: 21841066
by Nicole Cattano in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field
There have been quite a few studies and SMR postings regarding anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and whether or not the double-bundle (DB) technique is more beneficial than the single-bundle (SB) technique. However, few studies have focused on the long-term results of these surgical outcomes. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to determine whether the DB has better long-term outcomes than the SB for ACL reconstruction. ... Read more »
Suomalainen P, Järvelä T, Paakkala A, Kannus P, & Järvinen M. (2012) Double-bundle versus single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a prospective randomized study with 5-year results. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 40(7), 1511-8. PMID: 22691456
by Hallie Labrador in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a very common diagnosis, making up about 25% of all running injuries. It can also be a very frustrating diagnosis for both patients and clinicians. Whereas short-term treatments can be successful in alleviating symptoms, long-term results are variable, and there is no definitive operative management for PFPS. Several studies have examined risk factors for the development of PFPS with the goal of directing treatments at modifiable factors. The purpose of thi........ Read more »
Lankhorst NE, Bierma-Zeinstra SM, & van Middelkoop M. (2012) Factors associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine. PMID: 22815424
by Stephen Thomas in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field
Tendinopathy is common among athletes of all shapes and sizes. Chronically tendinopathy is much more common than acute tendinopathy and is typically caused by overuse stress which causes collagen degeneration. Elite fencers perform repetitive motions during competition and therefore are prone to overuse conditions in the tendons of the lower extremity. With the advances in medical technology ultrasound has drastically improved and become more common in the sports medicine setting for diagnosing ........ Read more »
Giombini, A., Dragoni, S., Di Cesare, A., Di Cesare, M., Del Buono, A., & Maffulli, N. (2011) Asymptomatic Achilles, patellar, and quadriceps tendinopathy: A longitudinal clinical and ultrasonographic study in elite fencers. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine . DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2011.01400.x
by Mark Rice in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field
Over the past few months SMR has reviewed multiple articles regarding platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and its efficacy (see related posts below). These articles have shown varying degrees of success depending on where and how the PRP treatment has been administered. One area of the body that has shown positive responses to PRP intervention is the elbow, and more specifically the muscles and tendons at the lateral epicondyle. While previous articles have compared PRP efficacy to cortico-steroid inj........ Read more »
Thanasas C, Papadimitriou G, Charalambidis C, Paraskevopoulos I, & Papanikolaou A. (2011) Platelet-rich plasma versus autologous whole blood for the treatment of chronic lateral elbow epicondylitis: a randomized controlled clinical trial. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 39(10), 2130-4. PMID: 21813443
by Kathleen White in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field
Therefore the purpose of this study was to evaluate gait patterns before and after PERT training in ACL-deficient men and women that are within 7 months of their initial injury.... Read more »
Di Stasi SL, & Snyder-Mackler L. (2011) The effects of neuromuscular training on the gait patterns of ACL-deficient men and women. Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon). PMID: 22061048
by Kyle Harris in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field
Proper stretching prior to an activity is critical in avoiding injury. There are many different stretching exercises which can be performed and choosing the correct stretching exercise can actually enhance how the muscle and tendon will react to the demands placed on it during the activity. In order to better understand the effects of different stretching exercises with respect to jump performance, Pacheco and colleagues performed a double-blind, crossover study. The purpose of this study was &l........ Read more »
Pacheco L, Balius R, Aliste L, Pujol M, & Pedret C. (2011) The acute effects of different stretching exercises on jump performance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 25(11), 2991-8. PMID: 21993032
by Jane McDevitt in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field
Proximal hamstring tendinopathy is an overuse injury and the main symptom is typically an ill-defined pain during activity in the area of the ischial tuberosity. Due to injuries with similar symptoms (e.g., piriformis syndrome) it is difficult to correctly diagnose proximal hamstring tendinopathy. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the reliability and validity as well as the sensitivity and specificity of 3 pain provocation tests for the diagnosis of proximal hamstring tendinop........ Read more »
Cacchio A, Borra F, Severini G, Foglia A, Musarra F, Taddio N, & De Paulis F. (2012) Reliability and validity of three pain provocation tests used for the diagnosis of chronic proximal hamstring tendinopathy. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 46(12), 883-7. PMID: 22219215
by Jane McDevitt in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field
Concussions occur in almost a fifth of the United States service members that are deployed and the most common sign and symptom is headache. Headaches following a concussion can last for up to a month. Chronic daily headache (CDH) is defined as 15 or more headache days per month and little is known on the association between CDH and concussions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and other factors that are associated with CDHs in United States ........ Read more »
Theeler BJ, Flynn FG, & Erickson JC. (2012) Chronic Daily Headache in U.S. Soldiers After Concussion. Headache. PMID: 22404747
by Kyle Harris in Sports Medicine Research (SMR): In the Lab & In the Field
Non-selective (NSAIDS) and selective (COX-2 inhibitors) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often used during the inflammatory stage of healing because of their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The use of these drugs, especially following surgery, is controversial because some pathways of tissue healing may be disrupted by the drugs in an attempt to gain the desired effect. Therefore, Chen and Gragoo performed a review of literature to assess the evidence of an effect of NSAIDS a........ Read more »
Chen MR, & Dragoo JL. (2012) The effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on tissue healing. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. PMID: 22744434
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