Sports Medicine
Articles tagged with Sports Medicine
Swimming beats running for strengthening the heart, study finds
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that swimming is more effective than running in promoting healthy heart growth and improving heart muscle strength. Swimming promoted greater modulation of microRNAs, which control various heart adaptations, compared to running training.
Why the Nordic hamstring exercise protects against injury
Research shows that nine weeks of Nordic hamstring exercise training increases eccentric knee flexor strength and allows participants to control the exercise through a greater range of motion. The study found that muscle fibers can stretch to longer lengths during exercise without overstretching, reducing injury risk.
JAMA paper points to specific signs of pediatric concussion
A recent JAMA paper identifies key symptoms and signs that strongly indicate a child has sustained a concussion. Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, mental fog, nausea, sensitivity to light and noise, and difficulty remembering.
Being physically fit helps prevent diseases
A new study confirms a direct link between good physical fitness and reduced risk of suffering from over 30 diseases. Individuals with high genetic predisposition to be physically fit exhibit lower risks of cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and asthma, while also showing better health in metabolic and inflammatory aspects.
Simple ECG test could flag racehorses at risk of exercise arrhythmias
A simple ECG test can identify racehorses at risk of cardiac arrhythmias during high-intensity exercise. The test uses short ECG recordings taken at rest or light exercise to distinguish horses likely to develop premature beats.
UTEP study: Six weeks of boxing training significantly lowers blood pressure in young adults
A UTEP study reveals that six weeks of boxing training can reduce blood pressure and improve vascular function in young adults with elevated blood pressure or Stage 1 hypertension. The results show significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, comparable to those achieved through medication.
In former college athletes, more concussions associated with worse brain health
A study of 3,910 former college athletes found that those with three or more concussions had worse physical, mental, and cognitive health five years after graduation. Athletes with one to two concussions also showed signs of psychological distress, anxiety, and depression.
Study reveals multiple types of post-amputation pain, each needing different treatment
Researchers identify three types of post-amputation pain: phantom limb pain, residual limb pain, and musculoskeletal pain, which behave differently and require personalized care. The study's findings suggest that prosthetic design can directly influence comfort during real-world movement, improving mobility and quality of life for indi...
Sparkling water helps keep minds sharp during long esports sessions
A randomized study of 14 young adults found that sparkling water consumption reduced subjective fatigue and improved executive function while playing virtual soccer for three hours. Players who drank sparkling water also committed fewer fouls and had better game enjoyment compared to those drinking plain water.
NYU Langone orthopedic surgeons present latest clinical findings and research at AAOS 2026
Researchers at NYU Langone Orthopedics present new study on ACL reconstruction in athletes over 50, finding physiological age determines treatment. They also develop an AI chatbot to answer pre- and postoperative questions, improving patient engagement and education.
Eye tests reveal brain trauma more than a decade after concussions
Researchers found that veterans with prior concussions showed slower and less accurate eye movements, along with reduced performance on attention-based tasks. These subtle brain changes can be measured more than a decade after the original injury.
Cognitive and neuropsychiatric function in former American football players
A cross-sectional study of former American football players found prior participation to be associated with worse later-life cognitive and neuropsychiatric function. The findings support a dose-response association with years and level of play, providing context for clinicians and researchers assessing symptom risk among former players.
Pickleball players’ reported use of protective eyewear
Pickleball professionals and amateurs showed low use of high-quality protective eyewear, with many relying on personal prescription glasses that may not provide adequate protection. This study underscores the importance of consistent use of well-fitting protective eyewear to prevent pickleball-related eye injuries.
Shooting sports unlocked: how EEG reveal secrets of shooters
A systematic review categorizes EEG studies in shooting sports into four main directions, revealing brain plasticity principles and neural efficiency mechanisms underlying exceptional performance. Elite shooters exhibit enhanced activation in the right brain hemisphere, synchronizing alpha rhythms to suppress irrelevant thoughts.
A genetic brake that forms our muscles
A gene variant controlling blood vessel formation in muscles affects endurance and metabolism. High-intensity training can increase blood vessel growth by reducing the gene's activity.
Survey: 3 in 4 skip physical therapy homework, stunting progress
A survey by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reveals that 76% of people don't complete their physical therapy homework. Adding home exercises to routines can help successful recovery and reduce the need for additional medical procedures.
Brief, intensive exercise helps patients with panic disorder more than standard care
Researchers discovered that brief intermittent intense exercise is a more effective treatment for panic disorder than relaxation therapy. The 12-week program showed significant reductions in Panic and Agoraphobia Scale scores, anxiety, depression, and panic attack frequency and severity.
Quantifying physical performance and identifying knee injury risk factors in rugby players
A longitudinal study has identified key physical performance indicators that contribute to severe knee injuries in rugby players. The analysis found associations between direct contact injuries and greater severity and burden, as well as a high limb symmetry index for hip internal rotation strength and hip extension strength.
Combined aerobic-resistance exercise: Dual efficacy and efficiency for hepatic steatosis
Researchers have found a nonlinear dose-response relationship between exercise and hepatic steatosis, indicating that a combination of aerobic and resistance exercises can produce clinically meaningful improvements. The study suggests that exercising above 130 MET-min/week can lead to significant reductions in hepatic steatosis.
Reimagining proprioception: when biology meets technology
A new theory of proprioception challenges traditional understanding by incorporating frontier bionic evidence. The proposed framework reconceptualizes proprioception as a dynamic augmentable interface, enabling functional movement and potentially improving rehabilitation outcomes in sports injuries and neurological diseases. Researcher...
Battery-free nano-sensors could pave the way for next-generation wearables
Scientists at the University of Surrey have created ultra-sensitive nanofiber-based sensors that can harness power from gentle movements, enabling continuous and maintenance-free sensing. These breakthrough sensors have potential applications in sleep disorder monitoring and dementia care.
Red light therapy shows promise for protecting football players’ brains
A preliminary study suggests that red light therapy can protect against brain inflammation caused by repetitive head impacts in collegiate football players. The treatment, which involves shining near-infrared light at the brain through the skull, appeared to be effective in reducing inflammation throughout almost all regions of the brain.
Researchers discover trigger of tendon disease
A team of researchers has identified the HIF1 protein as a central molecular driver of tendon diseases such as Achilles tendonitis and jumper's knee. Elevated levels of this protein lead to pathogenic remodelling of tendons, making them more brittle and impairing their mechanical function.
Female athlete health, well-being focus of updated report
A new consensus statement provides evidence-based guidance for screening, diagnosis, treatment, and return-to-play protocols for female athletes. The updated report includes a first-of-its-kind adolescent model of the Female Athlete Triad, addressing energy deficiency in growing adolescents.
Identifying injury mechanisms influencing the severity of knee injuries in rugby
A study of 198 male rugby players found that injuries caused by indirect contact had a high incidence and burden, while tackle direction was associated with injury severity. The insights gained can guide targeted prevention programs for knee injuries in rugby.
Parasports provide a range of benefits for people with cerebral palsy
A review in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology summarizes the benefits of parasport participation for individuals with cerebral palsy. The authors highlight its value in combining therapeutic physical activity with social inclusion and community integration.
Menopause symptoms may be frequent and have negative effects, according to female endurance athletes
A new study found menopause symptoms are frequently reported by female endurance athletes, with 88% experiencing sleep problems and 83% feeling physical and mental exhaustion. These symptoms negatively affect training and performance, particularly musculoskeletal changes and quality of life.
Sports injuries sustained during your period might be more severe
Research found that menstrual cycle fluctuations do not increase injury incidence but can lead to more severe and longer-lasting injuries. Female athletes may need to adapt their training schedules according to their menstrual cycle to reduce injury risk.
NEJM Group launches NEJM Clinician
NEJM Clinician curates highly relevant clinical insights from over 150 peer-reviewed journals to give physicians clear guidance without the noise. The weekly publication delivers summaries and commentary in a concise, 30-minute read, helping healthcare providers stay informed and confident in their decisions.
New findings upend long-held beliefs about NFL player health risks
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study of over 1,500 former NFL players found that years played and playing position are not linked to poorer long-term physical or mental health. Instead, concussion history is a more accurate predictor of long-term health challenges.
How early morning practices affect college athletes’ sleep
A study of over 27,000 collegiate athlete sleep records found that early morning team practices lead to reduced sleep time and lower sleep efficiency scores. Male athletes averaged 30 minutes less sleep, while female athletes averaged 20 minutes less, with both experiencing longer wake-up times and reduced sleep quality.
Generative AI can help athletes avoid injuries
Researchers developed a generative AI model, BIGE, to generate optimal motions for athletes to avoid injuries and aid in rehabilitation. The model can produce realistic videos of motions that athletes can mimic during training or execute while injured.
Why do so many pro soccer players develop osteoarthritis?
Researchers found a significant link between foot/ankle injuries and osteoarthritis in retired pro soccer players. Players who received cortisosteroid injections for injuries were also more likely to develop osteoarthritis.
Female bodybuilders at risk of sudden cardiac death
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that female bodybuilders are at a high risk of sudden cardiac death, with a mortality rate 20 times higher than amateur athletes. The study also revealed a significant proportion of deaths from suicide and homicide.
Pickleball-related ocular injuries among patients presenting to emergency departments
A significant increase in pickleball-related ocular injuries has been reported among patients presenting to emergency departments. Eye protection guidelines are not currently in place, highlighting the need for standardized measures to reduce the risk of such injuries.
Scrap the ‘shrink it and pink it’ approach to women’s running shoes – SFU study
A Simon Fraser University study confirms that women's running shoes are not designed for female runners, prioritizing comfort, fit, and injury prevention. Researchers found that shoe designs shift over time with age and pregnancy, and competitive runners seek performance-enhancing features without sacrificing comfort.
Menstrual cycle affects women’s reaction time but not as much as being active
A new study found that cognitive performance peaks during ovulation, while physical activity level has a greater influence on brain function. Reaction times are faster and errors are lower when active compared to inactive women, with a difference of around 70 milliseconds.
ECU research uncovers why some athletes struggle to bounce back after ACL surgery
A new study by Edith Cowan University found that athletes experience atherogenic muscle inhibition after ACL reconstruction, impacting their return to sports. The research also identified changes in brain pathways within two weeks of surgery, which may contribute to the activation deficit issues.
Mount Sinai study highlights sex-based pelvic differences’ effect on spinal screw, rod placement during surgical procedures
The study found that males have a narrower pelvis, resulting in a more medial starting point for S2AI screws and poorer rod alignment. Researchers aim to tailor treatment to patients' specific anatomy to improve surgical efficiency and outcomes.
Vision therapy reverses concussion-related double and blurred vision, NJIT-led study finds
A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that vision therapy can effectively treat concussion-related eye coordination disorders, including convergence insufficiency and accommodation insufficiency. Nearly 90% of patients in the treatment group were able to see normally after 12 weeks of therapy.
Why exercise could actually save your heartbeats - not waste them
Fitter individuals have lower resting heart rates and use fewer total heartbeats per day compared to sedentary people. Regular exercise can improve heart function and reduce long-term cardiovascular risk, according to new Australian research.
Unraveling the mechanism to awaken dormant fast-twitch muscle in humans
Researchers found that large MAF family transcription factors can reactivate the dormant 'Type IIb fast-twitch program' in human muscle, leading to improved glycolytic capacity and increased exercise capacity. Athletes with higher expression levels of these factors had faster and more powerful movements.
Lactate IV infusion found to trick the body into releasing a hormone behind that post-workout brain boost
A study found that lactate IV infusion increases brain-rejuvenating hormone BDNF levels in the bloodstream, similar to those after high-intensity exercise. The hormone promotes nerve cell growth and survival. Researchers suggest moderate exercise may be necessary for optimal benefits.
Physically cold, mentally strained
A recent study found that cold temperatures combined with mental fatigue impair endurance exercise performance. Individuals experiencing increased subjective fatigue showed decreased performance. The Sympathetic Adrenal-Medullary system is involved in the increase of fatigue rather than the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis.
MSU researchers explore how virtual sports aid mental health
Researchers found that playing virtual reality sports games can promote psychological well-being by helping players feel connected to others and engage in real-time communication. The positive effects of feeling socially present were even stronger for those experiencing loneliness.
New research highlights critical role of movement in lifelong bone health
A new review emphasizes the importance of both physical activity and reduced sedentary time for optimal skeletal health. Emerging evidence reveals that prolonged sitting and inactivity can harm bone health, even among regular exercisers.
Player position influences risk of ACL tear in the NFL
A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that NFL players who play wide receiver or tight end are at a higher risk of suffering an injury to their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The study examined 520 tears over a ten-year period and found that contact injuries and non-contact mechanisms, such as landing from a jum...
Mount Sinai returns as official hospital and medical services provider of the US Open Tennis Championships
Mount Sinai will provide orthopedics, sports medicine, emergency medicine, and musculoskeletal radiology services to world's top tennis stars. The institution has partnered with the USTA for 13 years, promoting health and wellness, preventing injuries, and catering to diverse populations.
Research highlights depression risk in high-performance athletes, despite benefits of physical activity
Research by sports scientists reveals that high-performance athletes face unique mental health challenges despite the well-established benefits of physical activity for depression prevention and treatment. The study highlights specific pressures faced by elite athletes, including performance nerves, injury concerns, and identity crises.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers show eye tracking metrics help identify concussion-related vision disorders
A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers has found that eye-tracking metrics can help identify concussion-related vision disorders in patients with persisting post-concussive symptoms. The study used an objective infrared eye tracking device to measure gaze positions and found a significant correlation between the...
Mount Sinai implements Own the Bone® program for fragility fracture patients
The Mount Sinai Hospital has implemented the American Orthopaedic Association’s Own the Bone program to improve patient care for fragility fracture patients. The program offers a fracture liaison service to document and track individualized care, and incorporates 10 prevention measures to improve patient outcomes.
Everything we thought about running injury development was wrong, Danish study shows
A Danish study of 5,205 runners reveals that injury risk increases exponentially with distance increase in a single training session. The study challenges the current algorithm used by sports watches to prevent running injuries, which is based on thin scientific grounds.
Beyond the big leagues: Concussion care in community sports
A new study suggests current return-to-play protocols for community sport athletes may not be enough to ensure player safety following a concussion. Researchers recommend symptom-based assessments and personalized rehabilitation plans to support recovery and reduce the risk of reinjury.
Digital health leader JMIR Publications announces its 2025 Impact Factor results
JMIR Publications' portfolio of journals now includes 21 titles with a Journal Impact Factor. Several journals saw significant increases in impact factor, including JMIR Medical Education, which debuted with a score of 12.5, securing the top-ranked journal spot in its category.
Caution required when heading soccer balls
A new study from the University of Sydney found that non-concussive heading of a soccer ball alters the brain, causing subtle changes in brain structure and function. The researchers identified altered chemistry in a region involved in motor control and decreased electrical conductivity across several areas.
Cutting edge insights, practical strategies: elevating care for all types of athletes at ACC Care of the Athletic Heart
The ACC Care of the Athletic Heart conference equips cardiovascular care teams with tools to succeed in sports cardiology. The event covers core sports cardiology tools and case-based learning for competitive and tactical athletes.
Study reveals college football players experience higher rates of obstructed sleep apnea
A new study reveals that college football players experience a higher rate of obstructed sleep apnea, often associated with cardiometabolic diseases. Researchers used wearable devices and questionnaires to determine OSA prevalence among 58 CSU football players, finding 35% had clinically defined mild to moderate OSA.
The heart of female elite athletes adapts differently than those of male elite athletes
Research led by Amsterdam UMC reveals the hearts of female elite athletes have different characteristics compared to their male counterparts. Female athletes exhibit dilation of the heart chambers, whereas males show thickening in combination with a dilation of the heart muscle. This finding can aid doctors in identifying possible hear...
Male bodybuilders face high risk of sudden cardiac death, especially those who compete professionally
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that male bodybuilders have a high risk of sudden cardiac death, with professional bodybuilders facing a more than fivefold increase in risk. The study highlights the need for greater awareness, preventive strategies and policy changes within the bodybuilding community.