Coaches’ Health Promotion Activity and Substance Use in Youth Sports

There is an increasing amount of evidence suggesting youth sports clubs are an important setting for health promotion. Adolescents in sport club settings can benefit from exposures of positive and negative consequences to health. To better understand the sport club context and coaches’ health promotion activity in substance use prevention, this study compares sport club members with non-members aged between 14–16 years old on their experience and use of alcohol, smoking and snuff and coaches’ health promotion activity on substances. Methods: Adolescents (n = 671) from sports clubs and from matched schools (n = 1442) were recruited in this study. Multiple binary logistic regressions were per…

Forefoot strikers exhibit lower running-induced knee loading than rearfoot strikers.

AB Purpose: Knee pain and Achilles tendinopathies are the most common complaints among runners. The differences in the running mechanics may play an important role in the pathogenesis of lower limb overuse injuries. However, the effect of a runner's foot strike pattern on the ankle and especially on the knee loading is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to examine whether runners using a forefoot strike pattern exhibit a different lower limb loading profile than runners who use rearfoot strike pattern. Methods: Nineteen female athletes with a natural forefoot strike (FFS) pattern and pair-matched women with rearfoot strike (RFS) pattern (n = 19) underwent 3-D running analysis …

Physical activity change and stability patterns from adolescence to early adulthood : how activity domains and sedentary behaviour are associated with maintaining, increasing and decreasing activity?

Background Longitudinal studies demonstrate that physical activity (PA) declines on average from adolescence to early adulthood. However, some subgroups of adolescents increase activity while others decrease or maintain high or low activity. Determinants of change or maintenance of (in)activity may differ between subgroups and are valuable information for targeted health promotion. The purpose of this study was to identify PA patterns from adolescence to early adulthood, and also to explore how different activity domains and Sedentary Behaviour (SB) are associated with PA patterns. Methods The data of this observational cohort study (collected in 2013/2014 and 2017/2018) consisted of 254 Fi…

SELF-REPORTED 12-MONTH OVERUSE INJURY HISTORY IN YOUTH BASKETBALL AND FLOORBALL

Background The popularity of organized sports, especially team sports is growing among youth. High training volume and intensity at early age may predispose young athletes to overuse injuries. Objective To examine the occurrence, nature and severity of overuse injuries in youth basketball and floorball. Design A descriptive retrospective study. Setting Finnish youth basketball and floorball. Participants: 406 athletes (mean age 15.9, SD 2.0) from six basketball and floorball clubs (210 basketball and 196 floorball players). Main outcome measurements Self-reported history of overuse injuries over the preceding 12-month period. Data was obtained from a questionnaire. The severity of injuries …

Longitudinal physical activity patterns and the development of cardiometabolic risk factors during adolescence

Purpose To examine the associations between longitudinal physical activity (PA) patterns and the development of cardiometabolic risk factors from adolescence to young adulthood. Methods This cohort study encompassed 250 participants recruited from sports clubs and schools, and examined at mean age 15 and 19. Device-measured moderate-to-vigorous PA was grouped into five patterns (via a data-driven method, using inactivity maintainers as a reference). The outcomes were: glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI). Linear growth curve models were applied wit…

Acute injuries in Finnish junior floorball league players

Abstract Objectives To investigate the incidence and characteristics of acute time-loss injuries in Finnish junior floorball league players. Design Prospective cohort study with 3-year follow-up. Methods One hundred and eighty-six female and male players (mean age 16.6 ± 1.4) took part in the follow-up study (2011–2014). The training hours and games were recorded on a team diary. Floorball related acute injuries were registered and verified by a research physician. The injury incidence was expressed as the number of injuries per 1000 h of exposure. Incidence rate was calculated separately for games and practices, and for males and females. Results One hundred and forty-four acute time-loss …

Factors associated with body size perception among adolescent goal-oriented sports participants and non-participants : a cross-sectional Finnish study

Abstract Background Regardless of competitive athletes’ body image pressures, only few studies have focused on adolescent sport participants’ body image and the findings are inconclusive. Furthermore, the role of competitive goals in sports on adolescents’ body size perception has not been studied. We examined the factors associated with adolescents’ competitive goals in sports and body size perception, and the associations between adolescents’ competitive goals in sports and body size perception. Methods The cross-sectional study consisted of 475 goal-oriented sports club participants and 936 reference youths (aged 14–16 years). The study questionnaire included multiple choice items on hea…

Acute respiratory infections hamper training and competition in cross-country skiers, especially in those with asthma

Acute respiratory infections (ARinf) are one of the leading causes that prevent athletes from training and competing. The aim of this study was to investigate the burden of ARinfs during one season among cross-country skiers. All Finnish cross-country skiers enrolled in the largest national competitions in winter 2019 (n = 1282) were sent a postal questionnaire. A higher proportion of skiers with than without asthma had to refrain from competitions because of ARinf (76.9% vs. 62.2%, p = 0.011) but there was no significant difference in refraining from training (91.2% vs. 83.8%, p = 0.084). In skiers with asthma, the median duration of a single ARinf episode was longer (5.0 days, IQR 3.8–6.8…

sj-docx-2-sph-10.1177_19417381211065443 ��� Supplemental material for Injury History and Perceived Knee Function as Risk Factors for Knee Injury in Youth Team-Sports Athletes

Supplemental material, sj-docx-2-sph-10.1177_19417381211065443 for Injury History and Perceived Knee Function as Risk Factors for Knee Injury in Youth Team-Sports Athletes by Jussi Hietamo, Anni Rantala, Jari Parkkari, Mari Lepp��nen, Marko Rossi, Ari Heinonen, Kathrin Steffen, Pekka Kannus, Ville Mattila and Kati Pasanen in Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Cross-country skiers often experience respiratory symptoms during and after exercise but have a low prevalence of prolonged cough

Background Cross-country skiers train and compete during the winter for long periods of time in subfreezing conditions, which strains the airways and provokes respiratory symptoms. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of exercise-related symptoms and prolonged cough in competitive cross-country skiers versus the general population and to investigate the association between these symptoms and asthma. Methods A questionnaire was sent to Finnish cross-country skiers (n=1282) and a random sample of the general population (n=1754), with response rates of 26.9% and 19.0%, respectively. Results Both groups were mostly asymptomatic at rest, but symptoms were increased in both groups during an…

Incidence and risk factors for back pain in young floorball and basketball players : A prospective study

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of back pain in young basketball and floorball players under 21 years of age. The secondary aim was to examine risk factors especially for low back pain (LBP). Nine basketball and nine floorball teams (n = 396) participated in this prospective follow‐up study (2011‐2014). Young athletes (mean age 15.8 ± 1.9) performed physical tests and completed a questionnaire at baseline. The follow‐up lasted 1‐3 years per player. During the follow‐up, back pain reported by the players was registered on a weekly basis and verified by a study physician. The exposure time (AE) on team practices and games was recorded by the coach. Altogether back pain …

Eating behaviours, menstrual history and the athletic career: a retrospective survey from adolescence to adulthood in female endurance athletes

AimTo evaluate differences in menstrual and pubertal history and trends in eating behaviours among women with and without a competitive sports background. Additionally, we investigated if menstrual history and eating behaviours are associated with sports career-related factors.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted on 100 women with a competitive endurance sports background and their age-matched, gender-matched and municipality-matched controls (n=98). Data were collected using a questionnaire using previously validated instruments. Generalised estimating equations were used to calculate associations of menstrual history and eating behaviours with outcome variables (career length, pa…

Training Volume and Intensity of Physical Activity among Young Athletes: The Health Promoting Sports Club (HPSC) Study

Both training volume and overall physical activity (PA) play a role in young athletes’ sports performance and athletic development. The purpose of this study was to describe the training volume and PA of young athletes in endurance, aesthetics, ball games, and power sports. Questionnaire data (n = 671) were obtained from 15-year-old Finnish athletes on sports participation, along with accelerometer data (n = 350) assessing the amount and intensity of their PA. The athletes’ mean weekly training volume was 11 h 41 min. Objectively assessed PA amounted to 4 h 31 min daily, out of which 1 h 31 min was at a level of moderate-to-vigorous intensity (MVPA). Among 24% of the athletes, the weekly tr…

Educational and family-related determinants of organized sports participation patterns from adolescence to emerging adulthood : A four-year follow-up study

This study aimed to identify organized sports participation patterns and their prevalence from adolescence to emerging adulthood, and the educational and family-related determinants of the patterns. Adolescents in the Finnish Health Promoting Sports Club (FHPSC) study answered a health behaviour questionnaire and reported on sports club participation at ages 15 and 19 (N = 609). In emerging adulthood, dropouts (total 41.05%; females 43.72%; males 36.56%), maintainers (30.87; 26.44; 38.33), nonparticipants (27.59; 29.32; 24.67), and joiners (0.49; 0.52; 0.44) (p =.024) were identified. A mixed multinomial logistic regression analysis showed, that male gender, as compared to female gender, in…

Low Back Pain in Young Basketball and Floorball Players

Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of low back pain (LBP) in young female and male basketball and floorball players. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Nine basketball teams and 9 floorball teams from Tampere city district, Finland. Participants Four hundred one young female and male players (mean age: 15.8 ± 1.9 years). Assessment of risk factors Age, gender, sport, and family history of musculoskeletal disorders were assessed as risk factors for LBP. Adjustment was made on team level to avoid random effects associated with a team. Main outcome measures Information of players' background factors and LBP episodes was collected by a structure…

Predictors of lower extremity injuries in team sports (PROFITS-study): a study protocol.

Introduction Several intrinsic risk factors for lower extremity injuries have been proposed, including lack of proper knee and body control during landings and cutting manoeuvres, low muscular strength, reduced balance and increased ligament laxity, but there are still many unanswered questions. The overall aim of this research project is to investigate anatomical, biomechanical, neuromuscular, genetic and demographic risk factors for traumatic non-contact lower extremity injuries in young team sport athletes. Furthermore, the research project aims to develop clinically oriented screening tools for predicting future injury risk. Methods Young female and male players (n=508) from nine basket…

5 Frontal plane femoral adduction during single-leg landing and low back pain in young athletes: a prospective profits cohort study

Introduction Prospective studies investigating risk factors for low back pain (LBP) in young athletes are limited. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the association between LBP and selected biomechanical factors and postural stability during dynamic movement tasks in young athletes. Materials and methods 396 young floorball and basketball players (mean age 15.8±1.9) were included and followed prospectively for 1–3 years (2011–2014). In the beginning of every study year the players were tested. The physical tests included single-leg squat (SLS), single-leg vertical drop jump (SLVDJ), vertical drop jump (VDJ) and Star Reach Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Individual e…

Epidemiology of Overuse Injuries in Youth Team Sports: A 3-year Prospective Study

AbstractProspective studies on overuse injuries and their impact on athletic training among youth team sports are scarce. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence, severity and player related risk factors of overuse injuries among young (12–20 years) basketball and floorball players. A total of 387 players participated in a 3-year prospective study. Each player completed a baseline questionnaire regarding their background information. Overuse injuries that prevented players to fully or partly participate in their regular training were collected. In all, 204 overuse injuries were registered (injury incidence 1.51 injuries/1 000 h of exposure; 95% CI 1.35–1.78). Most of the …

Knee Control and Jump-Landing Technique in Young Basketball and Floorball Players

Poor knee alignment is associated with increased loading of the joints, ligaments and tendons, and may increase the risk of injury. The study purpose was to compare differences in knee kinematics between basketball and floorball players during a vertical drop jump (VDJ) task. We wanted to investigate whether basketball players, whose sport includes frequent jump-landings, exhibited better knee control compared with floorball players, whose sport involves less jumping. Complete data was obtained from 173 basketball and 141 floorball players. Peak knee valgus and flexion angles during the VDJ were analyzed by 3D motion analysis.Larger knee valgus angles were observed among basketball players …

Use of dietary supplements and anabolic-androgenic steroids among Finnish adolescents in 1991-2005.

Background : The aim of the study was to describe the prevalence, trends and associated factors of dietary supplements (DS) and anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) use among Finnish adolescents. Methods: The sample comprised 30 511 adolescents aged 12–18 years, of which 22 519 (74%) answered a questionnaire. We also studied associations between 14 socioeconomic, health and health behavioural variables and DS and AAS use by logistic regression. Results: The proportion of respondents using DS was 45% during the past year and it increased linearly by age. Vitamins (37%) and herbal products (13%) were the most common DSs. In 1991, 9% of the boys aged 16–18 years reported protein use, while the f…

Test−Retest Reliability of Isokinetic Ankle, Knee and Hip Strength in Physically Active Adults Using Biodex System 4 Pro

Background: The isokinetic dynamometry is considered a gold standard in muscle strength testing. The reliability of lower limb isokinetic strength measurements has not been thoroughly evaluated. Objective: To examine the test−retest reliability of isokinetic ankle plantar and dorsiflexion, ankle inversion and eversion, knee extension and flexion and hip abduction and adduction strength in physically active adults using Biodex System 4 Pro. Methods: Peak torques (PTs) and average peak torques (APTs) of the dominant and nondominant lower limbs were tested twice in 19 physically active adults 7 to 14 days apart. Results: The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) values varied from excellen…

Liikemittarilla mitatun kevyen fyysisen aktiivisuuden ja paikallaanoloajan yhteys itseraportoituihin liikkumisvaikeuksiin suomalaisilla kaksosilla

Overuse injuries in youth basketball and floorball

Mari Leppänen,1 Kati Pasanen,1 Urho M Kujala,2 Jari Parkkari,1 1Tampere Research Center of Sports Medicine, UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research, Tampere, 2Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland Background: The popularity of team sports is growing among young people. High training volume and intensity may predispose young athletes to overuse injuries. Research to date has tended to focus on acute injuries rather than overuse injuries. The purpose of this study was to examine the occurrence, nature, and severity of overuse injuries in youth basketball and floorball, with the hypothesis that overuse injuri…

Physical Activity, Screen Time and Sleep among Youth Participating and Non-Participating in Organized Sports : The Finnish Health Promoting Sports Club (FHPSC) Study

Objectives: The aim of this Health Promoting Sport Club (HPSC) study was to compare physical activity (PA), sleep time and screen time (ST) between sports club participants (n = 1200) and non-participants (n = 913). Design: A cross-sectional survey design was employed to assess PA, sleep and ST of adolescents. Methods: Information on these was collected from 14 to 16 year old adolescents (1200 sport club participants and 913 non-participants) through a standardized questionnaire. Results: Boys were more physically active than girls and met the PA guidelines more often than girls (p < 0.001). The proportion of youth reaching the PA guidelines was significantly higher among youth participants…

Association between lower extremity muscle strength and acute ankle injury in youth team-sports athletes

Abstract Objectives To investigate lower extremity muscle strength as risk factor for an acute ankle injury in youth athletes. Design Cohort study. Setting Basketball and floorball clubs. Participants 188 youth (≤21) male and 174 female athletes. Main outcome measures 1RM leg press, maximal concentric isokinetic quadriceps and hamstrings as well as maximal isometric hip abductor strength were measured and athletes were followed for an acute ankle injury up to three years. Cox regression models were used in statistical analyses. Results In males, greater 1RM leg press and maximal quadriceps strength increased the risk of any type of acute ankle injury (Hazard ratio [HR] for 1 SD increase, 1.…

Sagittal Plane Hip, Knee, and Ankle Biomechanics and the Risk of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Prospective Study

Background: Stiff landings with less knee flexion and high vertical ground-reaction forces have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The literature on the association between other sagittal plane measures and the risk of ACL injuries with a prospective study design is lacking. Purpose: To investigate the relationship between selected sagittal plane hip, knee, and ankle biomechanics and the risk of ACL injury in young female team-sport athletes. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 171 female basketball and floorball athletes (age range, 12-21 years) participated in a vertical drop jump test usin…

Lasten ja nuorten liikuntakäyttäytyminen Suomessa : LIITU-tutkimuksen tuloksia 2018

Additional file 1 of Factors associated with body size perception among adolescent goal-oriented sports participants and non-participants: a cross-sectional Finnish study

Additional file 1: Supplementary Table 1. Motives to exercise by competitive goals in sports. Supplementary Table 2. Motives to exercise by body size perception.

Nuorten liikuntakäyttäytyminen Suomessa : LIITU-tutkimuksen tuloksia 2020

Association between frontal plane knee control and lower extremity injuries : a prospective study on young team sport athletes

Background/aimPoor frontal plane knee control can manifest as increased dynamic knee valgus during athletic tasks. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between frontal plane knee control and the risk of acute lower extremity injuries. In addition, we wanted to study if the single-leg squat (SLS) test can be used as a screening tool to identify athletes with an increased injury risk.MethodsA total of 306 basketball and floorball players participated in the baseline SLS test and a 12-month injury registration follow-up. Acute lower extremity time-loss injuries were registered. Frontal plane knee projection angles (FPKPA) during the SLS were calculated using a two-dimen…

High ankle injury rate in adolescent basketball: A 3-year prospective follow-up study.

This prospective study investigated the incidence and pattern of acute time-loss injuries in young female and male basketball players. Eight basketball teams (n=201; mean age 14.85±1.5) participated in the follow-up study (2011-2014). The coaches recorded player participation in practices and games on a team diary. A study physician contacted the teams once a week to check new injuries and interviewed the injured players. In total, 158 injuries occurred. The overall rate of injury (per 1000 hours) was 2.64 (95% CI 2.23-3.05). Injury rate was 34.47 (95% CI 26.59-42.34) in basketball games and 1.51 (95% CI 1.19-1.82) in team practices. Incidence rate ratio (IRR) between game and practice was …

Physical activity from adolescence to young adulthood: patterns of change, and their associations with activity domains and sedentary time

Background Longitudinal studies demonstrate an average decline in physical activity (PA) from adolescence to young adulthood. However, while some subgroups of adolescents decrease activity, others increase or maintain high or low activity. Activity domains may differ between subgroups (exhibiting different PA patterns), and they offer valuable information for targeted health promotion. Hence, the aim of this study was to identify PA patterns from adolescence to young adulthood; also to explore the associations of (i) changes in PA domains and in sedentary time, (ii) sociodemographic factors, and (iii) self-rated health with diverging PA patterns. Methods The observational cohort study data …

INTERVENTIONS TO PREVENT SPORTS RELATED INJURIES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIALS

The effects of methods to prevent injuries have been studied in several systematic reviews. However, no meta-analysis taking into account all randomised controlled intervention trials aiming at the prevention of sports injuries has been published.To summarise the effects of sports injury prevention interventions.Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.PubMed, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, PEDro, and Web of Science, searched in September 2013. The reference lists of retrieved articles and reviews were hand searched.To be selected articles had to examine the effects of any preventive intervention on sports injurie…

Health promotion activities of sports clubs and coaches, and health and health behaviours in youth participating in sports clubs: the Health Promoting Sports Club study

Introduction: Sports clubs form a potential setting for health promotion, but the research is limited. The aim of the Health Promoting Sports Club (HPSC) study was to elucidate the current health promotion activities of youth sports clubs and coaches, and to investigate the health behaviours and health status of youth participating in sports clubs compared to non-participants. Methods and analysis: The study design employs cross-sectional multilevel and multimethod research with aspirations to a prospective cohort study in the next phase. The setting-based variables at sports clubs and coaching levels, and health behaviour variables at the individual level, are investigated using surveys; a…

Stiff landings are associated with increased ACL injury risk in young female basketball and floorball players

Background: Few prospective studies have investigated the biomechanical risk factors of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Purpose: To investigate the relationship between biomechanical characteristics of vertical drop jump (VDJ) performance and the risk of ACL injury in young female basketball and floorball players. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: At baseline, a total of 171 female basketball and floorball players (age range, 12-21 years) participated in a VDJ test using 3-dimensional motion analysis. The following biomechanical variables were analyzed: (1) knee valgus angle at initial contact (IC), (2) peak knee abduction moment, (3) knee flexion angle at …

973 Knee control and jump-landing technique in young basketball and floorball players

Background Poor knee alignment is associated with increased loading of the joints, ligaments and tendons, and may increase the risk of injury. The study purpose was to compare differences in knee kinematics between basketball and floorball players during a vertical drop jump (VDJ) task. We wanted to investigate whether basketball players, whose sport includes frequent jump-landings, exhibited better knee control compared with floorball players, whose sport involves less jumping. Methods Players (aged 12–21 years) were recruited from six basketball and floorball clubs of the Tampere City district, Finland. Complete data was obtained from 173 basketball and 141 floorball players. Peak knee va…

Profiles of mental well- and ill-being among elite athletes: Associations with sport-related demands and resources

The aim of the present study was to identify profiles of elite athlete mental well- and ill-being and study how the profiles (i.e., subgroups of athletes) differed in sport-related demands and resources. A total of 259 Finnish elite athletes (n = 170 active and n = 89 retired) completed quantitative self-report inventories. Through cluster analysis, four profiles of mental well- and ill-being were identified. Profile 1 was overrepresented by retired, older, and male athletes, and characterized by good mental well-being. Profile 2 consisted mainly of active athletes who reported mild risk for alcohol abuse. Profile 3 consisted mainly of women who displayed possible presence of an eating diso…

On-Ice and Off-Ice Fitness Profiles of Elite and U20 Male Ice Hockey Players of Two Different National Standards

Vigh-Larsen, JF, Haverinen, MT, Panduro, J, Ermidis, G, Andersen, TB, Overgaard, K, Krustrup, P, Parkkari, J, Avela, J, Kyröläinen, H, and Mohr, M. On-ice and off-ice fitness profiles of elite and U20 male ice hockey players of two different national standards. J Strength Cond Res 34(12): 3369-3376, 2020-Differences in body composition and performance were investigated between elite and U20 male ice hockey players of 2 different national standards. One hundred seventy-nine players were recruited from the highest Finnish (n = 82) and Danish (n = 61) national level, as well as from 1 U20 team from Finland (n = 19) and Denmark (n = 17). Body composition and countermovement jump performance (CM…

Naisten ja miesten liikunnan biologiset yhtäläisyydet ja erot

Liikunta on hyväksi sukupuoleen katsomatta. Hyödyt ovat samanlaisia niin miehille kuin naisille. nonPeerReviewed

Low back and neck and shoulder pain in members and non-members of adolescents' sports clubs : the Finnish Health Promoting Sports Club (FHPSC) study

Background The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of self-reported low back pain (LBP) and neck and shoulder pain (NSP), and the related factors in members and non-members of adolescents’ sports clubs. Methods This cross-sectional study was based on surveys of 14–16-year-olds as a part of the Finnish Health Promoting Sports Club (FHPSC) Study. The surveys on self-reported health behaviours, injuries, and musculoskeletal health were conducted among sports club members (n = 962) and non-members (n = 675). Binary logistic regression analysis was applied to study the associations between dependent variables of LBP and NSP, and the independent factors. Results The prevalen…

477 Injury risk in finnish youth floorball: a one-year prospective follow-up study

Background Floorball is a popular team sport in Finland. Previous studies have revealed that injuries are a significant problem in adult floorball. However, epidemiological studies of injuries in youth floorball are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, type, and severity of injuries in young floorball players. Methods One-hundred-fifty-six female (n = 57) and male players (n = 99) (mean age 17.1 ± 1.6 years) from nine floorball teams participated in the study. Injury data as well as practice and game exposures were collected over the 12-months period (from May 2013 to April 2014). An injury was defined as having occurred in an organised floorball practice or game…

Prevalence of adolescent physical activity-related injuries in sports, leisure time, and school: the National Physical Activity Behaviour Study for children and Adolescents

Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of adolescent physical activity-related injuries in sports club activities, leisure time physical activity and school-based physical activity. The secondary aim was to investigate the differences in the prevalence of physical activity -related injuries between years 2014 and 2016. In addition, we set out to study the associations between age, sex and the frequency of physical activity and injury prevalence. Methods This cross-sectional study is based on the National Physical Activity Behaviour Study for Children and Adolescents (LIITU in Finnish) conducted in years 2014 and 2016. The subjects completed an online question…

Haemoglobin, iron status and lung function of adolescents participating in organised sports in the Finnish Health Promoting Sports Club Study

ObjectivesTo compare laboratory test results and lung function of adolescent organised sports participants (SP) with non-participants (NP).MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, laboratory tests (haemoglobin, iron status), and flow-volume spirometry were performed on SP youths (199 boys, 203 girls) and their NP peers (62 boys, 114 girls) aged 14–17.ResultsHaemoglobin concentration &lt;120/130 g/L was found in 5.8% of SP and 5.1% NP (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.54 to 2.68). Ferritin concentration below 15 µg/L was found in 22.7% of both SP and NP girls. Among boys ferritin &lt;30 µg/L was found in 26.5% of SP and 30.2% of NP (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.47). Among SP iron supplement use was reported by 3…

Prevention of Sports Injuries

Increased participation in sports has led to more sports injuries. Evidence-based methods to prevent sports injuries are needed. A systematic review was conducted of the effects of randomized controlled interventions to prevent sports injuries. A systematic search was performed of various databases and the reference lists of articles and reviews. Two reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed the methodological quality of the included trials. Thirty-two trials (24,931 participants) met the inclusion criteria. We found evidence of the preventive effect of 3 types of injury prevention interventions. In 5 trials including 6 different comparisons (2446 participants), custom-made or…

Injury History and Perceived Knee Function as Risk Factors for Knee Injury in Youth Team-Sports Athletes

Background: The identification of risk factors for sports injuries is essential before injury prevention strategies can be planned. Hypothesis: Previous acute knee injury and lower perceived knee function measured by Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) will increase the risk of acute knee injury in youth team-sports athletes. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: At baseline, youth (≤21 years old) male and female basketball and floorball athletes completed a questionnaire on previous acute knee injuries and perceived knee function (KOOS). A total of 211 male and 183 female athletes were followed for an acute knee injury up to 3 years. U…

Association between lower extremity muscular strength and acute knee injuries in young team‐sports athletes

The purpose of this study was to investigate LE muscular strength variables as potential risk factors for all and non‐contact acute knee and ACL injuries in young athletes. A total of 188 young (≤21) male and 174 female basketball and floorball players participated in LE muscular strength tests and were followed up to three years. The strength test battery consisted of 1RM leg press, maximal concentric isokinetic (60°/s) quadriceps and hamstrings and maximal isometric hip abductor strength. The outcomes were a new acute knee or ACL injury and a new acute non‐contact knee or ACL injury. A total of 51 (17 in males and 34 in females) new acute knee injuries registered and 17 (one in males and …

Performance in dynamic movement tasks and occurrence of low back pain in youth floorball and basketball players

Abstract Background Prospective studies investigating risk factors for low back pain (LBP) in youth athletes are limited. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the association between hip-pelvic kinematics and vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) during landing tasks and LBP in youth floorball and basketball players. Methods Three-hundred-and-eighty-three Finnish youth female and male floorball and basketball players (mean age 15.7 ± 1.8) participated and were followed up on for 3 years. At the beginning of every study year the players were tested with a single-leg vertical drop jump (SLVDJ) and a vertical drop jump (VDJ). Hip-pelvic kinematics, measured as femur-pelvic angl…

The standing knee lift test is not a useful screening tool for time loss from low back pain in youth basketball and floorball players

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the association between pelvic kinematics during the standing knee lift (SKL) test and low back pain (LBP) in youth floorball and basketball players. Design A prospective cohort study. Setting Finnish elite youth floorball and basketball players. Participants Finnish elite youth female and male floorball and basketball players (n = 258, mean age 15.7 ± 1.8). Main outcome measures LBP resulting in time loss from practice and games was recorded over a 12-month period and verified by a study physician. Associations between LBP and sagittal plane pelvic tilt and frontal plane pelvic obliquity during the SKL test as measured at baselin…

The associations between adolescents’ sports club participation and dietary habits

For adolescent athletes, data on nutrition behaviours are limited. The present study aimed to evaluate the dietary habits of adolescent sports club participants (SPs) compared with those of non‐participants (NPs). The cross‐sectional study of 1917 adolescents aged 14–16 was based on data from the Finnish Health Promoting Sports Club (FHPSC) study. The health behaviour surveys were conducted among SPs (n=1093) and NPs (n=824). Logistic regression was used to test statistical significance of the differences in dietary habits between SPs and NPs. SPs were more likely than NPs to eat breakfast on weekends [89% vs. 79%, odds ratio (OR) 1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–2.01] and to report …

sj-docx-1-sph-10.1177_19417381211065443 ��� Supplemental material for Injury History and Perceived Knee Function as Risk Factors for Knee Injury in Youth Team-Sports Athletes

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-sph-10.1177_19417381211065443 for Injury History and Perceived Knee Function as Risk Factors for Knee Injury in Youth Team-Sports Athletes by Jussi Hietamo, Anni Rantala, Jari Parkkari, Mari Lepp��nen, Marko Rossi, Ari Heinonen, Kathrin Steffen, Pekka Kannus, Ville Mattila and Kati Pasanen in Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach

EFFECTS OF STRIKING STRATEGY ON LOWER EXTREMITY LOADING DURING RUNNING

Backround It is expected that every second runner has a running-related overuse injury each year. The knee joint and Achilles tendon are the most commonly injured sites covering both about one fifth of all running related injuries. 1 Runners can be categorized into rearfoot strikers, mid-foot strikers or forefoot strikers based on the landing strategy at the instant of initial ground contact. Forefoot or mid-foot striking has been shown to reduce impact peak and loading rate of the ground reaction force during early stance phase. 2 Furthermore, the finding of the recent study suggest that forefoot striking may potentially decrease the risk of running-related injuries. 3 However, the effect …

Musculoskeletal examination in young athletes and non-athletes:the Finnish Health Promoting Sports Club (FHPSC) study

ObjectivesTo determine the inter-rater repeatability of a musculoskeletal examination and to compare findings between adolescent athletes and non-athletes in Finland.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, a musculoskeletal examination assessing posture, mobility and movement control was carried out by a sports and exercise medicine physician on 399 athletes aged 14–17 years and 177 non-athletes. Within 2 weeks another sports and exercise medicine physician repeated the examination for 41 adolescents to test the inter-rater repeatability.ResultsIn total, 10 of the 11 tests performed had at least moderate inter-rater reliability (κ ≥0.4 or percentage agreement &gt;80%). Athletes more often tha…

Neuromuscular Training Warm-up Prevents Acute Noncontact Lower Extremity Injuries in Children’s Soccer : A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Prevention of sports injuries is essential in youth, as injuries are associated with less future physical activity and thus greater all-cause morbidity. Purpose: To investigate whether a neuromuscular training warm-up operated by team coaches is effective in preventing acute lower extremity (LE) injuries in competitive U11-U14 soccer players. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Twenty top-level U11 to U14 soccer clubs in Finland were randomized into intervention and control groups and assessed for 20 weeks. Participants included 1403 players (280 female, 1123 male; age range, 9-14 years): 673 players (44 teams) in the intervention group and …

sj-docx-2-sph-10.1177_19417381211065443 ��� Supplemental material for Injury History and Perceived Knee Function as Risk Factors for Knee Injury in Youth Team-Sports Athletes

Supplemental material, sj-docx-2-sph-10.1177_19417381211065443 for Injury History and Perceived Knee Function as Risk Factors for Knee Injury in Youth Team-Sports Athletes by Jussi Hietamo, Anni Rantala, Jari Parkkari, Mari Lepp��nen, Marko Rossi, Ari Heinonen, Kathrin Steffen, Pekka Kannus, Ville Mattila and Kati Pasanen in Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach

High training volume is associated with increased prevalence of non-allergic asthma in competitive cross-country skiers.

BackgroundCross-country skiers have a high prevalence of asthma, but its phenotypes and association with success in competitions are not known.ObjectiveTo investigate, by means of a postal survey, the relative proportions of allergic and non-allergic asthma in competitive cross-country skiers compared with the general population, to study how performance level and training volume are related to asthma and its type and to assess the possible risk factors for allergic and non-allergic asthma in competitive skiers.MethodsAll Finnish cross-country skiers enrolled in the largest national competitions in winter 2019 (n=1282), and a random sample (n=1754) of the general population of the same age …

Resting electrocardiogram and blood pressure in young athletes and nonathletes : A 4-year follow-up

A follow-up data on electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood pressure (BP) changes in adolescent athletes are scarce. We compared ECG and BP between adolescent athletes and non-athletes in a 4-year follow-up. A total of 154 youth sports clubs (SC) in Finland and 100 secondary schools for comparison data participated in this observational follow-up study. Those who maintained or adopted SC participation are referred to as “Always athletes” (n=137), those who never participated in SC as “Never athletes” (n=108) and those who dropped out of SC during the follow-up as “Changers” (n=116). The mean age of the participants was 15.5 (0.6) years in all study groups at baseline. Resting ECG including heart …

Intrarater Reliability and Analysis of Learning Effects in the Y Balance Test

While the general reliability of the Y balance test has been previously found to be excellent, earlier reviews highlighted a need for a more consistent methodology between studies. The purpose of this test–retest intrarater reliability study was to assess the intrarater reliability of the YBT using different methodologies regarding normalisation for leg length, number of repetitions, and score calculation. Sixteen healthy adult novice recreational runners aged 18–55 years, both women and men, were reviewed in a laboratory environment. Mean calculated scores, intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change were calculated and analysed between …

LOW BACK PAIN IN YOUNG TEAM SPORT PLAYERS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background Low back pain (LBP) is a common complaint in general population affecting both genders and almost all age-groups. LBP is a common problem in sports as well, even in younger populations. LBP is prone to recur, thus there is a need for studies on the early phases of the problem in different sports. Objective To investigate the prevalence, nature, severity and risk factors of self-reported LBP in young team sport players. Design A retrospective cross-sectional study. Setting Finnish female and male basketball, floorball, ice hockey and volleyball teams. Participants This study is a part of an ongoing cohort study exploring risk factors for sports injuries. Players from 22 teams, a t…

Change of Direction Biomechanics in a 180-Degree Pivot Turn and the Risk for Noncontact Knee Injuries in Youth Basketball and Floorball Players.

Background: Studies investigating biomechanical risk factors for knee injuries in sport-specific tasks are needed. Purpose: To investigate the association between change of direction (COD) biomechanics in a 180-degree pivot turn and knee injury risk among youth team sport players. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 258 female and male basketball and floorball players (age range, 12-21 years) participated in the baseline COD test and follow-up. Complete data were obtained from 489 player-legs. Injuries, practice, and game exposure were registered for 12 months. The COD test consisted of a quick ball pass before and after a high-speed 180-degree pivot turn o…

Menstrual dysfunction and body weight dissatisfaction among Finnish young athletes and non-athletes.

To determine the prevalence of menstrual dysfunction (MD; i.e. oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea) and attitudes towards body weight among athletes and non‐athletes, we studied a cohort of athletes and non‐athletes, in adolescence (14–16 years) and subsequently in young adulthood (18–20 years). We further studied the differences between athletes reporting MD and eumenorrheic athletes at both time periods and identified physical and behavioural characteristicsthat might predict MD in young adulthood. Data were collected using questionnaires, accelerometers, and a pre‐participation screening. In adolescence, the athletes reported current primary amenorrhea more often than the non‐athletes (4.7% vs.…

Resting Electrocardiogram and Blood Pressure in Young Endurance and Nonendurance Athletes and Nonathletes.

Context Much information is available on electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood pressure (BP) changes in senior athletes. However, corresponding data on adolescent athletes are scarce. Objective To study the differences in resting ECG and BP values among adolescent endurance athletes, nonendurance athletes, and nonathletes. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting A total of 154 youth sports clubs in Finland and 100 secondary schools for comparison data. Patients or Other Participants We recruited young athletes (n = 410) aged 14 to 16 years in 10 popular sport disciplines, including winter and summer as well as team and individual sports, and categorized them as endurance or nonendurance sports. …

Depressive Symptoms Are Associated With Decreased Quality of Life and Work Ability in Currently Working Health Care Workers With Recurrent Low Back Pain

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the association between depressive symptoms and multisite pain and health-related quality of life and work ability in currently employed health care workers with recurrent low back pain (LBP). METHODS: Multisite pain, depressive symptoms, quality of life, and work ability were assessed by validated questionnaires. A generalized linear model was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Notably, 28% of female health care workers with LBP had at least moderate levels of depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms were significantly associated with decreased health-related quality of life and work ability. Multisite pain was not significantly associated with work …

Players with high physical fitness are at greater risk of injury in youth football.

The aim of this study was to investigate physical fitness, football-specific skills and their association with injury risk in youth football. Altogether 447 male and female players aged 9 to 14 years (median 12 years) participated in performance tests and prospective follow-up. The physical fitness tests included five-jump test for distance, 30-m sprint, football-specific figure of eight agility, countermovement jump, and Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test level 1. The football-specific skill tests included dribbling and passing tests. Injuries and exposure were registered during the 20-week follow-up. Our candidate risk factors were low/high level of physical fitness measured with a composi…

Acute and overuse injuries among sports club members and non-members : the Finnish Health Promoting Sports Club (FHPSC) study

Background Physical activity in adolescence is promoted for its multi-dimensional health benefits. However, too intensive sports participation is associated with an increased injury risk. Our aim was to compare the occurrence of acute and overuse injuries in Finnish sports club members and non-members and to report training and competing habits associated with a higher injury risk in sports club members. Methods In this cross-sectional survey targeted at 14–16-year-old adolescents, a structured questionnaire was completed by 1077 sports club members and 812 non-members. The main outcome measures were self-reported acute and overuse injuries, their location and type. Results At least one acu…

Altered hip control during a standing knee-lift test is associated with increased risk of knee injuries

Few prospective studies have investigated hip and pelvic control as a risk factor for lower extremity (LE) injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether deficits in hip and lumbopelvic control during standing knee lift test are associated with increased risk of acute knee and LE injuries in youth team sports. At baseline, 258 basketball and floorball players (aged 12‒21 y.) participated in a standing knee lift test using 3‐dimensional motion analysis. Two trials per leg were recorded from each participant. Peak sagittal plane pelvic tilt and frontal plane pelvic drop/hike were measured. Both continuous and categorical variables were analysed. New non‐contact LE injuries, an…