A new study examining brain tissue from 631 former football players found that the cumulative force of hits, not just the number of concussions, was the strongest predictor of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The study suggests that reducing the force and frequency of head impacts could help prevent CTE in athletes.
A new study found that football players' cumulative repetitive head impact exposure was associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) status and severity. The study suggests that reducing both the number of head impacts and their force could lower CTE risk.
Finnish older golfers experience significant increases in physical activity levels, including moderate exercise and walking. Quality of life also remains high, with over 90% reporting good well-being during the pandemic.
Research at University of South Australia finds that concussions can lead to a significant increased risk of future injury, even after recovery. The study suggests longer recovery times may be needed for youth athletes suffering from head trauma.
An international expert panel has revised concussion management guidelines to optimize athlete care at all levels of participation. The updated recommendations include new age-appropriate assessment tools and strategies for prevention, early intervention, rehabilitation, and return to sport and education.
A recent study published in The Journal of Orthopaedics found that patients who underwent partial meniscectomy using a needle arthroscopic technique experienced significantly less pain and improved patient-reported outcomes at two weeks after surgery. However, differences were not sustained at six weeks.
A new study published in The Neuroradiology Journal introduces an artificial intelligence computer program that can accurately identify changes in brain structure resulting from repeated head injury. This AI tool uses machine learning to process magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and distinguish between the brains of male athletes ...
Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that repeated soccer headers equivalent to a throw-in did not cause immediate neurophysiological deficits for teens. However, oblique headers resulted in higher levels of angular head motion, suggesting proper training is necessary to reduce the risk of injury.
A new study found that marathon running causes significant damage to extrinsic foot muscles, while intrinsic muscles are less affected. The research suggests that marathon runners can take steps to prevent injuries by prioritizing recovery and muscle fatigue management.
Athletes from less affluent countries face significant barriers in preventing injuries due to lack of health education and medical expertise. A new study reveals stark inequalities in support resources between international competitors.
A 16-week remote exercise program improved cardiorespiratory fitness, lung function, and functional capacity in severe COVID-19 survivors. The study found significant benefits in health-related quality of life and reduced persistent symptoms.
A lack of women in sports medicine roles hinders progress and perpetuates inequity, with women making up less than 25% of senior authors and 20% of team doctors. The specialty can break the cycle by promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities.
A former professional football player's life-altering cognitive decline was reversed after a comprehensive assessment revealed signs of hydrocephalus, which could be treated. The case study highlights the importance of considering alternative explanations for cognitive decline in athletes.
Researchers found that applying ice to minor muscle damage in rats enhances muscle repair and reduces inflammation. The study used an animal model of mild injuries and showed that icing attenuates the recruitment of pro-inflammatory macrophages, preventing injury expansion. This contradicts previous findings on the negative effects of ...
Researchers found that preserving the meniscus with sutures is more effective in protecting cartilage from future damage in younger patients. Meniscectomies, which remove more than half of the meniscus, were more likely to progress cartilage degeneration.
A digital health platform has been shown to reduce injury incidence in youth athletics by providing valuable information on adolescent growth and training loads. The study found that clubs with access to the platform had significantly lower injury rates, with injuries occurring twice as long after the start of the season.
A study of over 350 former NFL players found that those who reported concussion symptoms performed worse on cognitive tests, particularly in episodic memory and sustained attention. Cognitive decline was not associated with diagnosed concussions or age, but rather with the presence of concussion symptoms.
Researchers highlight potential risk of navicular bone stress injuries in athletes using carbon fiber plate footwear, emphasizing importance of recognition and safe use. The study features five cases of foot pain and subsequent diagnosis in elite track and field athletes and mid-30s competitors.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that an early return to school after a concussion can lead to better outcomes. The study found that returning to school sooner was linked to lower symptom burdens in youth aged 8-12 and 13-18, potentially due to therapeutic benefits from normal activities.
Researchers analyzed MRI images of Olympic athletes' injuries during the 2020 Tokyo Games and found that those with tendon tears were more likely to drop out. The study aims to improve injury management and prevention by understanding different types of muscle injuries and their outcomes.
Researchers found that the new law allowing goalkeepers to put one foot in front of the line improved their penalty diving performance. The study, led by Paulo Roberto Pereira Santiago, used 3D body reconstruction technology and motion capture to analyze dives.
The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games reported a lower overall injury rate of 8% compared to previous Games, but injuries sustained were more severe. Newly introduced sports of taekwondo and badminton had high injury rates, prompting calls for prevention measures.
The proportion of hamstring injuries and associated lay-off days among male professional European footballers has doubled over the past 20 years. Nearly one in five injuries were recurrences, occurring within two months of return to play, with most injuries being structural and resulting in more lay-off days.
A study found that NFL fan attendance was associated with increased COVID-19 incidence in the host county and surrounding areas. The findings suggest that large events require extra precautions when vaccines, testing, and countermeasures are not readily available.
Researchers at University of Jyväskylä used machine learning to predict ACL injuries in elite athletes but found a low overall accuracy rate. The study analyzed the largest data set ever collected and provided valuable insights into the challenges of predicting injuries in individual athletes.
Researchers genetically modified mice to develop a similar disease to humans, identifying previously unknown mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. The study found that reduced adhesion between cardiac muscle cells leads to scarring and arrhythmia, providing new insights into the disease.
Research suggests that regular physical activity enhances vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 by improving antibody levels and mitochondrial function. High levels of physical activity were associated with higher vaccine protection rates, with significant reductions in hospital admissions and severe illness risk.
Researchers identified barriers to optimal nutrition for para-athletes, highlighting the importance of understanding their concerns and struggles. A diet rich in vegetables was deemed ideal for improving athletic performance, but para-athletes often hesitate due to weight gain and lifestyle-related diseases.
A new study from Indiana University researchers found that young athletes who participate in multidirectional sports build stronger bones, reducing the risk of bone injuries as adults. The study suggests that delaying specialization in running and focusing on 'multidirectional' sports can lead to a more robust skeleton.
Research suggests e-bikes won't help users reach weekly moderate to vigorous physical activity targets due to fewer and less physically demanding trips. However, they may encourage older people to take up cycling who wouldn't otherwise do so.
The British Journal of Sports Medicine has retracted nine non-research articles authored by Dr. Paul McCrory, who was the journal's editor-in-chief from 2001 to 2008. The retraction follows an internal investigation into allegations of publication misconduct made by researcher Dr. Nick Brown.
A study found that excessive physical activity during adolescence is associated with abnormal leg alignment, which can develop into a physiological adaptation to load where the shin bone meets the knee. This abnormal alignment may increase the risk of future injuries and osteoarthritis if modified during critical periods of growth.
A study of 15 transgender women found they exceeded the cardiopulmonary capacity and muscle strength of their cisgender peers even after years of hormone therapy. However, their performance was lower than that of cisgender men. The findings could inform policy on transgender women's sports participation.
Research suggests that regularly exercising with weights is associated with a lower risk of death from any cause, excluding cancer. A weekly combination of weights and aerobic exercise appears to have an additive effect on mortality risk.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 27, 2022
Researchers investigated direction of attentional focus in prosthetic training to improve motor learning in individuals with lower limb loss. The study suggests that current practice can be refined to enhance rehabilitation outcomes for amputees.
A group of researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University found that administering parathyroid hormone to rat Achilles tendons increased the production of cartilaginous matrix and promoted chondrogenic differentiation. This breakthrough discovery may lead to improved outcomes for meniscal reconstruction surgery, protecting knee cartila...
Researchers found a lower concussion rate in Florida, where headgear was mandated, compared to states without. The rate was 0.39 concussions/1000 athlete exposures with mandatory headgear, vs 0.44 without. This suggests that headgear may be worth considering for high schools and other levels of play.
Research suggests that regular physical activity is linked to a lower risk of COVID-19 infection and severity, including hospital admission and death. Adults who engaged in at least 500 MET minutes per week had a significant reduction in risk, with the highest protective effect observed at this threshold.
Intravenous (IV) nutrition is being used by professional athletes as a regular routine, despite lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness and potential risks. The 'food first' approach is crucial to avoid normalization of unproven treatments.
Combining sauna and exercise for eight weeks improves cardiorespiratory fitness, lowers systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol levels compared to regular exercise alone. The study found the sauna-exercise combination to be superior in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University evaluated ACL reconstruction options and found that quadriceps tendon-patellar bone (QTB) grafts have greater similarity to the ACL at femoral insertion sites, indicating they are a more suitable option. This study contributes to potential improvement in ACL injury treatment by reducing the ...
Researchers have discovered that long periods in space can damage bone structure irreparably, causing premature aging by up to 10 years. Adapting training programs and medication could help protect astronauts on future missions.
A cross-sectional study found that the elderly's daily step count and physical activity level are strongly influenced by the number of places they visit, not just their out-of-home time. The researchers suggest that encouraging outings to diverse locations can be a healthier approach than simply going for longer periods.
A multi-center trial found that buccally absorbed cannabidiol reduced immediate post-operative pain following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, with patients reporting lower pain scores and higher satisfaction rates compared to placebo. CBD was also safe, with no significant differences in nausea or liver function tests.
A recent study found that ACL repair patients have significantly better isokinetic strength tests at 6 months and better final follow-up scores on the Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS) compared to those who underwent ACL reconstruction. However, the rate of re-rupture was higher in the ACL repair group, particularly among younger patients.
A major public health concern, consumer product-related traumatic brain injuries have increased significantly in school-aged children, peaking in 2012 and declining in boys but increasing substantially among girls. The study highlights the need for awareness and training on screening and treatment of TBI in children.
SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 14, 2022
A study by Dr. James B. Carr and colleagues evaluated 48 competitive baseball players who underwent shoulder or elbow surgery. The results show that 75% passed an objective return-to-throwing evaluation, while 25% failed due to insufficient shoulder strength and/or endurance. All failing players were able to achieve a passing grade two...
The England Men's Cricket Team has become leaner and fitter over the past seven years, with a significant drop in body fat and substantial improvements in fitness levels. The study found players have 18% less body fat and increased cardiovascular capability.
A new wearable technology project aims to empower older women to continue participating in sports and exercise without fear of pain or injuries. The project, MISFIT, will develop smart textiles and footwear insoles to monitor injury risk and provide personalized advice to health professionals.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba found that low blood-oxygen levels affect executive control-related neural activity and cognitive performance during exercise. Maintaining oxygen saturation can prevent these effects, suggesting oxygen supply is crucial for cognitive function in low-oxygen environments.
A newly developed wearable sensor patch worn on the neck may predict concussion risk in high-impact sports like American football or judo. The device detects sudden neck strain, such as whiplash, and has shown a strong positive correlation with results from sensors inside a test dummy.
A balance test that measures an individual's ability to stand on one leg for 10 seconds can predict mortality risk in middle-aged and older adults. Researchers found that those who failed the test had a significantly higher risk of death from any cause within the next decade, with an absolute difference of nearly 13%.
A new study published in CMAJ found that youth hockey players with more years of bodychecking experience had a significantly higher risk of concussion than those with less experience. The researchers collected data on 941 players aged 15-17 and found that concussion was the most common injury, making up over one-third of all injuries.
After examining documented cases of second ACL injuries, researchers found that patients can be divided into three functional subgroups based on the Rule of Thirds concept. This biomechanical classification may help identify athletes at risk for further injury and accelerate their return to play after ACL reconstruction.
Researchers found that tendons, not muscles, are the key site where increased mechanosensitivity translates to better running and jumping capabilities. High expression of the calcium-ion channel mechanoreceptor coincided with wider tendons composed of larger collagen fibrils.
A study found that intense training schedules are associated with a heightened risk of non-allergic asthma in competitive cross-country skiers. Skiers with high-performance levels and intense training hours were more likely to develop non-allergic asthma, which was linked to airway damage caused by cold air.
Researchers found that the effectiveness of exercise depends on the time of day, with morning exercise reducing belly fat and blood pressure in women, while evening exercise increasing muscular performance. For men, evening exercise lowers blood pressure, burns more fat, and improves heart disease risk.
Researchers aim to determine if high-dose exercise can reduce symptoms and secondary effects of concussions. A five-year study will enroll 220 teen athletes with concussions to test the effectiveness of an individualized exercise prescription.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of compression garment use found no benefit in muscle recovery following exercise. The study suggests that practitioners should reconsider the effectiveness of compression garments as a means to reduce muscle strength loss.
New research from the University of Georgia suggests that high school students who focus on one sport are more likely to get injured or suffer from burnout. The study found that over 42% of athletes reported a small level of specialization in one sport, while nearly one in five reported a high level of specialization.