International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

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19 pages, 755 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reliability of a Qualitative Instrument to Assess High-Risk Mechanisms during a 90° Change of Direction in Female Football Players

by Alba Aparicio-Sarmiento, Raquel Hernández-García, Antonio Cejudo, José Manuel Palao and Pilar Sainz de Baranda

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4143; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074143 - 31 Mar 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1757

Abstract

Sidestep cuts between 60° and 180° and one-leg landings have been identified as the main mechanisms of ACL injuries in several sports. This study sought to determine intra- and inter-rater reliability of a qualitative tool to assess high-risk movements in a 90° change [...] Read more.

Sidestep cuts between 60° and 180° and one-leg landings have been identified as the main mechanisms of ACL injuries in several sports. This study sought to determine intra- and inter-rater reliability of a qualitative tool to assess high-risk movements in a 90° change of direction when the test is applied in a real framework of sport practice. Female footballers from two teams (n = 38) participated in this study and were asked to perform 90° cutting trials to each side, which were simultaneously filmed from a frontal and a sagittal view. A total of 61 cases were selected for 2D qualitative observational analysis by three raters. Poor reliability was found among each pair of raters as well as moderate reliability when the Cutting Movement Assessment Score (CMAS) was given by the same rater at different moments, but with too high a minimum detectable change. On the other hand, raters presented a significant, as well as moderate-to-good intra-rater reliability for most items of the CMAS tool. There was, however, non-significant reliability between observers in rating most check-points of the tool. For these reasons, more objective guidelines and clearer definitions for each criterion within the CMAS, as well as a longer, standardised training period for novel observers, would be highly recommended to improve the reliability of this tool in an applied context with female footballers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Injury Prevention in Youth: Research and Intervention from Psychology and Other Sport Sciences)

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10 pages, 1531 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of the Results of Functional Tests and Psychological Factors on Prediction of Injuries in Adolescent Female Football Players

by Ulrika Tranaeus, Andreas Ivarsson, Urban Johnson, Nathan Weiss, Martin Samuelsson and Eva Skillgate

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010143 - 23 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3395

Abstract

Football is a popular sport among adolescent females. Given the rate of injuries in female footballers, identifying factors that can predict injuries are important. These injuries are often caused by complex reasons. The aim of this study was to investigate if the combination [...] Read more.

Football is a popular sport among adolescent females. Given the rate of injuries in female footballers, identifying factors that can predict injuries are important. These injuries are often caused by complex reasons. The aim of this study was to investigate if the combination of demographic (age, number of training and match play hours/week), psychosocial (perceived stress, adaptive coping strategies) and physiological factors (functional performance) can predict a traumatic injury in adolescent female footballers. A cohort consisting of 419 female football players aged 13–16 years was established. Baseline questionnaires covered potential risk factors for sport injuries, and measurements included football-related functional performance tests. Data were collected prospectively with a weekly online questionnaire for 52 weeks covering, e.g., injuries, training, and match play hours/week. A total of 62% of the players reported at least one traumatic injury during the 52 weeks. The coping strategy “positive reframing” had the strongest association with the risk of traumatic injuries. The combination of more frequent use of the coping strategy, positive reframing, and high levels of physical performance capacity may prevent a traumatic injury in adolescent female footballers. Coaches are encouraged to adopt both physiological and psychological factors when preventing injuries in young female footballers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Injury Prevention in Youth: Research and Intervention from Psychology and Other Sport Sciences)

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12 pages, 886 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lower Extremity Flexibility Profile in Basketball Players: Gender Differences and Injury Risk Identification

by Antonio Cejudo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(22), 11956; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182211956 - 14 Nov 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3664

Abstract

Analysis of the flexibility profile of basketball players (BPs) can reveal differences in range of motion (ROM) by gender and also identify those players who are at higher risk for sports injuries. A descriptive observational study was conducted to determine the lower extremity [...] Read more.

Analysis of the flexibility profile of basketball players (BPs) can reveal differences in range of motion (ROM) by gender and also identify those players who are at higher risk for sports injuries. A descriptive observational study was conducted to determine the lower extremity flexibility profile of sixty-four basketball players and gender differences to identify players at higher risk of injury due to limited and asymmetric ROM in one or more movements. Participants: Sixty-four (33 male and 31 female) competitive athletes from the national leagues of the Spanish basketball league system participated in the present study (power of sample size ≥0.99). The eight passive ROM tests of the hip, knee and ankle were assessed using the ROM-SPORT battery. Each player completed a questionnaire on age, basic anthropometric data, dominant extremities, and training and sport-related variables. The lower extremity flexibility profile was established at 15° and 10° hip extension (HE), 39° and 38° ankle dorsiflexion with knee extended (ADF-KE), 40° and 39° ankle dorsiflexion with knee flexed (ADF-KF), 43° and 43° hip abduction (HAB), 75° and 61° hip abduction with the hip flexed (HAB-HF), 78° and 83° hip flexion with the knee extended (HF-KE), 134° and 120° knee flexion (KF), and 145° and 144° hip flexion (HF) by male and female basketball players, respectively. Sex differences in HE, HAB-HF, and KF were observed in BPs (p ≤ 0.01; Hedges’ g ≥ 1.04). Players reported limited ROM in ADF-KF, HE, HAB-HF, HF-KE, and KF; and asymmetric ROM mainly in HE, ADF-KE, KF, ADF-KF, and HF-KE. In conclusion, this study provides gender-specific lower extremity flexibility profile scores in BPs that can help athletic trainers and athletic and conditioning trainers to identify those players who are at higher risk of injury due to abnormal ROM scores. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Injury Prevention in Youth: Research and Intervention from Psychology and Other Sport Sciences)

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16 pages, 751 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of a Brief, Web-Based Animated Video for Improving Comprehension and Implementation Feasibility for Reducing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Three-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial

by Erich J. Petushek, Anne Inger Mørtvedt, Brittany L. Nelson and Mary C. Hamati

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 9092; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18179092 - 28 Aug 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2184

Abstract

Neuromuscular injury prevention training (IPT) has been shown to reduce anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk by approximately 50%, but the implementation rate is low. One of the most important modifiable barriers for implementation is coaches’ comprehension of risk and intervention strategies. This [...] Read more.

Neuromuscular injury prevention training (IPT) has been shown to reduce anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk by approximately 50%, but the implementation rate is low. One of the most important modifiable barriers for implementation is coaches’ comprehension of risk and intervention strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a brief, web-based, animated video on ACL injury prevention comprehension and IPT implementation feasibility. Coaches in landing and cutting sports were recruited and randomized into three groups. (1) Intervention: brief multimedia animated video about ACL injury and prevention. (2) Active control: commonly accessed, text-based web resource about ACL injury and prevention. (3) Placebo control: brief multimedia video about concussions. Overall ACL comprehension—composed of basic ACL knowledge, risk knowledge, prevention knowledge, and severity knowledge—as well as implementation feasibility were all measured prior to and immediately following the interventions. Overall ACL comprehension improved the most in the animated video group (Cohen’s d = 0.86) and, to a lesser degree, in the active control web-based article group (Cohen’s d = 0.39). Both video and web-based article groups had greater implementation feasibility compared to the control group (p = 0.01). Overall, these initial results suggest that a brief, web-based, animated video has the potential to be a superior method for informing stakeholders in order to reduce traumatic injuries in sport. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Injury Prevention in Youth: Research and Intervention from Psychology and Other Sport Sciences)

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12 pages, 1278 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) Mountain Biking Injury Surveillance System (ISS): Analysis of 66,588 Student Athlete-Years of Injury Data

by Meredith Ehn, Masaru Teramoto, Daniel M. Cushman, Kristen Saad and Stuart Willick

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5856; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115856 - 29 May 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2614

Abstract

Interscholastic youth cross-country mountain bike racing in the United States has grown significantly over the past decade, yet little is known about the risk profile in this age group. Aiming to protect participants, we implemented a prospective, longitudinal injury surveillance system for the [...] Read more.

Interscholastic youth cross-country mountain bike racing in the United States has grown significantly over the past decade, yet little is known about the risk profile in this age group. Aiming to protect participants, we implemented a prospective, longitudinal injury surveillance system for the purpose of better understanding youth mountain biking injuries and implementing safety measures. Data were collected during competition years 2018–2020, totaling 66,588 student athlete-years. Designated reporters from each team received weekly emails with exposure and incident report forms. Variables analyzed included demographic, rider-related, trail-related, and other data. Injury characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 were compared to the years 2018 and 2019. More student athletes participated in the 2020 season (25,261) than in prior seasons (18,575 in 2018 and 22,752 in 2019). During competition year 2020, overall injury proportion was lower (1.7% versus 3.0% in 2018 and 2.7% in 2019). Variables associated with injury, body part injured, type of injury, time-loss, and disposition following injury were similar between all years. Despite the pandemic and resultant changes to competition, student athletes continued to ride their bikes and become injured, but the proportion of injuries differed. This report details injury characteristics in youth mountain bike racing, including a comparison of before and during the pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Injury Prevention in Youth: Research and Intervention from Psychology and Other Sport Sciences)

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10 pages, 992 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Combination Movement Patterns Quality and Physical Performance on Injuries in Young Athletes

by Dawid Koźlenia and Jarosław Domaradzki

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5536; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115536 - 21 May 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2756

Abstract

Identifying the factors associated with the injuries is crucial to prevention, enabling apply effective methods to reduce injuries frequency. This is especially important for young athletes for whom an injury may impair development or prematurely end a sports career. Therefore, the objective of [...] Read more.

Identifying the factors associated with the injuries is crucial to prevention, enabling apply effective methods to reduce injuries frequency. This is especially important for young athletes for whom an injury may impair development or prematurely end a sports career. Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine if the movement patterns quality and physical performance simultaneously affected injury occurrence in young athletes. The participants were 176 athletes aged 22.44 ± 1.64. The injury data were collected from the 12 months retrospective period. The functional movement screen test was conducted to assess the quality of movement patterns, and the physical performance tests were done for assessing strength, power, flexibility, and balance. Results showed relationships between movement patterns quality and flexibility with injuries. The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated growing injury frequency for 14 ≥ FMS and 21 cm ≥ Sit-and-reach test. Rank Transform ANOVA revealed a simultaneous effect of movement quality (F = 11.5361; p = 0.0008) and flexibility (F = 8.0514; p = 0.0050) on an injury. Post-hoc tests indicated that the group with low-quality movement patterns combined with a low level of flexibility is the most frequently injured (p < 0.05). It is recommended to include in training, routine exercises improving movement patterns and flexibility to prevent injuries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Injury Prevention in Youth: Research and Intervention from Psychology and Other Sport Sciences)

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8 pages, 5732 KiB

Open AccessArticle

4BR: Educational Training Programme for the Prevention of Sports Injuries in Young Athletes

by Joan Palmi, Nuria Alcubierre, Gonzalo Gil Moreno de Mora, Francesc Reig and Antoni Planas-Anzano

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5487; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105487 - 20 May 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3136

Abstract

This article provides a vision of the importance of the recovery process for the prevention of injuries in young athletes. From a sports psychology perspective, it presents a proposal for an optimisation programme to reduce the negative impact of exertion and subsequent risk [...] Read more.

This article provides a vision of the importance of the recovery process for the prevention of injuries in young athletes. From a sports psychology perspective, it presents a proposal for an optimisation programme to reduce the negative impact of exertion and subsequent risk of injury. The 4BR programme consists of three sub-programmes (technician advice, vulnerability detection, and the implementation of four recovery habit blocks). An interdisciplinary approach is taken to configure the four healthy blocks: nutrition–hydration, relaxation–rest, social life and personal moments. It demonstrates the importance of personalised adaptation to the sports context and moment in order to achieve maximum effectiveness of the proposed 4BR programme, which comprises workshops, exercises, evaluation systems and information feedback. The presented programme facilitates recovery, optimizes the return to training and reduces the risk of intrinsic injuries in young people. The conclusion drawn from the study is that there is a need to conduct further research to find empirical evidence of the positive effects of applying the 4BR programme to different sports. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Injury Prevention in Youth: Research and Intervention from Psychology and Other Sport Sciences)

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15 pages, 404 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychological Profile in Female Cyclists and Its Relationship with Age, Training Parameters, Sport Performance, and Injury Incidence

by Lucía Abenza-Cano, Linda H. Chung, Raquel Vaquero-Cristóbal, Adrián Mateo-Orcajada and Alberto Encarnación-Martínez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(7), 3825; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073825 - 06 Apr 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2925

Abstract

Previous studies have highlighted the importance of psychology on sports performance and its relationship with the incidence of sport injuries. The objectives of the present investigation were: (1) to analyze the psychological profile of female cyclists as a function of age, training parameters, [...] Read more.

Previous studies have highlighted the importance of psychology on sports performance and its relationship with the incidence of sport injuries. The objectives of the present investigation were: (1) to analyze the psychological profile of female cyclists as a function of age, training parameters, sport performance, and injuries suffered and (2) to design a model to predict their psychological profile. Sixty-one female cyclists participated in the study. Differences were found as a function of a competitive category for team cohesion (F = 5.035; p = 0.002), sport level effect on performance evaluation (F = 5.030; p = 0.004) and team cohesion (F = 64.706; p = 0.000), the effect of having reached the podium in the last competition on performance evaluation (t = 2.087; p = 0.041) and motivation (t = 4.035; p = 0.000), and injury severity on stress management (F = 6.204; p = 0.008). The factors that affected the psychological profile of the female cyclists the most, in addition to the independent psychological parameters, were the number of podiums in the last year and the years of cycling experience. In conclusion, there is an interaction between the psychological profile, sociodemographic variables, training, performance, and injuries suffered in female cyclists. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Injury Prevention in Youth: Research and Intervention from Psychology and Other Sport Sciences)

11 pages, 580 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Kinesiophobia and Gait Asymmetry after ACL Reconstruction: Implications for Prevention of Reinjury

by Hossein Tajdini, Amir Letafatkar, Britton W. Brewer and Mahdi Hosseinzadeh

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 3264; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18063264 - 22 Mar 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4252

Abstract

Gait asymmetries have been documented in individuals after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR). The relationship between gait asymmetry and associated psychological factors, however, is not yet known. This study aimed to examine the relationship between kinesiophobia (fear of reinjury) and asymmetry of [...] Read more.

Gait asymmetries have been documented in individuals after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR). The relationship between gait asymmetry and associated psychological factors, however, is not yet known. This study aimed to examine the relationship between kinesiophobia (fear of reinjury) and asymmetry of vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) and lower-extremity muscular activity in individuals after ACLR during gait. Twenty-eight males with a history of ACLR participated in the study. Force plate and surface electromyography was used to record peak vGRF and muscular activity. The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11) was used to measure kinesiophobia. Spearman’s rank correlations analysis was used to examine the relationship between TSK-11 scores and both gait asymmetry variables. There was a significant positive relationship between TSK-11 and asymmetry of the second peak of vGRF (r_s = 0.531, p = 0.002). In addition, there was a significant positive association between asymmetry of rectus femoris activity (r_s = 0.460, p = 0.007) and biceps femoris activity (r_s = 0.429, p = 0.011) in the contact phase. Results revealed a significant relationship between kinesiophobia and asymmetry in muscle activity and vGRF in different phases of the gait cycle. Interventions addressing kinesiophobia early in the rehabilitation after ACLR may support the restoration of gait symmetry, facilitate a more rapid return to sport, and reduce the risk of ACL reinjury. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Injury Prevention in Youth: Research and Intervention from Psychology and Other Sport Sciences)

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14 pages, 2019 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Dry Needling on Neuromuscular Control of Ankle Stabilizer Muscles and Center of Pressure Displacement in Basketball Players with Chronic Ankle Instability: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

by Luis López-González, Deborah Falla, Irene Lázaro-Navas, Cristina Lorenzo-Sánchez-Aguilera, Isabel Rodríguez-Costa, Daniel Pecos-Martín and Tomás Gallego-Izquierdo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 2092; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18042092 - 21 Feb 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5493

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the effects of dry needling (DN) versus placebo DN applied to the peroneus longus (PL) and tibialis anterior (TA) on neuromuscular control and static postural control in basketball players with chronic ankle instability (CAI). A single-blinded randomized controlled [...] Read more.

This study aimed to compare the effects of dry needling (DN) versus placebo DN applied to the peroneus longus (PL) and tibialis anterior (TA) on neuromuscular control and static postural control in basketball players with chronic ankle instability (CAI). A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted. Thirty-two male and female basketball players with CAI were randomly assigned to receive either DN (n = 16) or placebo DN (n = 16). Pre-activation amplitudes of PL and TA were assessed with surface electromyography (EMG) during a dynamic landing test. Center of pressure (CoP) displacement and sway variability in anterior-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) directions were measured with a force platform during a single leg balance test (SLBT). Measures were obtained prior to a single DN intervention, immediately after, at 48 h, and 1 month after. The DN group displayed a significant increase in PL and TA pre-activation values, which were maintained 1 month later. Significant reductions in the ML and AP displacements and sway variability of CoP were found for the DN group. These results showed improvements in feedback/feed-forward strategies following DN, including enhanced neuromuscular control and static postural control, with the potential to become a convenient and accessible preventive treatment in CAI subjects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Injury Prevention in Youth: Research and Intervention from Psychology and Other Sport Sciences)

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12 pages, 3120 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Differences in the Morphologies of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament and Common Tendon of the Flexor-Pronator Muscles on Elbow Valgus Braking Function: A Simulation Study

by Masahiro Ikezu, Mutsuaki Edama, Takuma Inai, Kanta Matsuzawa, Fumiya Kaneko, Ryo Hirabayashi and Ikuo Kageyama

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1986; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041986 - 18 Feb 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1922

Abstract

The anterior bundle (AB) and posterior bundle (PB) of the ulnar collateral ligament and the anterior common tendon (ACT) and posterior common tendon (PCT) of the flexor-pronator muscles have an independent form and an unclear form. The purpose of this study was to [...] Read more.

The anterior bundle (AB) and posterior bundle (PB) of the ulnar collateral ligament and the anterior common tendon (ACT) and posterior common tendon (PCT) of the flexor-pronator muscles have an independent form and an unclear form. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of differences in the morphologies of the AB, PB, ACT, and PCT on the elbow valgus braking function. This investigation examined three elbows. In the classification method, the AB, PB, ACT, and PCT with independent forms constituted Group I; the AB, ACT, and PCT with independent forms and the PB with an unclear form constituted Group II; the AB, PB, ACT, and PCT with unclear forms constituted Group III. The strains were calculated by simulation during elbow flexion at valgus at 0° and 10°. At 0° valgus, Group I and Group II showed similar AB and PCT strain patterns, but Group III was different. At 10° valgus, most ligaments and tendons were taut with increasing valgus angle. The average strain patterns of all ligaments and tendons were similar for the groups. The AB, PB, ACT, and PCT may cooperate with each other to contribute to valgus braking. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Injury Prevention in Youth: Research and Intervention from Psychology and Other Sport Sciences)

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Review

Jump to: Research

10 pages, 338 KiB

Open AccessReview

Gamifying App-Based Low-Intensity Psychological Interventions to Prevent Sports Injuries in Young Athletes: A Review and Some Guidelines

by Víctor J. Rubio and Aurelio Olmedilla

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 12997; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182412997 - 09 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1962

Abstract

Sports injuries have become a real health concern. Particularly noticeable is the increasing number of severe sports injuries among young people. Sports injury (SI) is a multifactorial event where many internal and external, proximal and remote factors play a role in a recursive [...] Read more.

Sports injuries have become a real health concern. Particularly noticeable is the increasing number of severe sports injuries among young people. Sports injury (SI) is a multifactorial event where many internal and external, proximal and remote factors play a role in a recursive way, including physical and psychological variables. Accordingly, many voices expressing the need of tackling that and several prevention programs have arisen. Nevertheless, different barriers and limitations prevent a wide extension of well-controlled programs, closely monitored by highly specialized professionals in ordinary sports grass-root organizations. These have helped flourishing different low intensity (LI)-interventions and e-Health apps focusing on both physical warmup, training and fitness, and mental skills aimed at reducing athlete’s vulnerability to SIs. This kind of intervention usually uses self-administered techniques and/or non-specialized staff that can effectively monitoring the program. In fact, LI-interventions have shown to be effective coping with different health and psychological issues. However, these interventions face an important challenge: the lack of engagement people usually show. The current paper proposes how gamification can contribute to the engagement to such interventions. Based on the mechanics–dynamics–aesthetics framework to analyze game design, the paper suggests a set of guidelines app- and web-LI interventions aimed at preventing SIs should include to foster motivation and reduce attrition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Injury Prevention in Youth: Research and Intervention from Psychology and Other Sport Sciences)

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