Baxter’s nerve injury: an often overlooked cause of chronic heel pain: a case report
Published on: 7th February, 2023
Chronic foot and heel pain is a clinical dilemma that Pain Physicians often encounter in their daily practice. In the younger active patients, this is often attributed to plantar fasciitis but other rarer etiologies should also be considered. In patients who present with pain over the medial calcaneus, entrapment neuropathy of the inferior calcaneal nerve, the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve (FBLPN), also known as “Baxter’s nerve” must be considered [1,2]. Initially described in 1984 by Baxter and Thigpen, it is often overlooked as a cause of medial heel pain, particularly in athletes, where it may coexist with plantar fasciitis [3]. The nerve has a tortuous course in the foot and can be entrapped as it passes through the fascia of the abductor hallucis, travels in close proximity to a plantar spur or the medial calcaneal tuberosity, or gets enmeshed in scar tissue from prior surgery [1,3].
The effects of exercise intensity on the gut microbiota of college basketball players
Published on: 4th March, 2023
Purpose: Exercise has a positive regulatory effect on gut microbiota and is also involved in regulating multiple physiological functions of the human body. This article tested the effects of basketball exercises at different exercise intensities on the gut microbiota of college students. Methods: Athlete research subjects (male, aged 18 - 25) were selected from the basketball team and trained at different intensities to obtain a total of 101 fresh fecal samples. DNA was extracted by a DNA extraction kit and bacterial 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 region high-throughput sequencing using the Illumina Hiseq platform. The downstream data were spliced, filtered and de-trimerized and then used to study the difference in gut microbiota. Results: Key bacterial taxa in the gut that responded to exercise intensity differed among athletes of different exercise intensities but most belonged to Firmicutes. With increasing exercise intensity, Butyricicoccus, Anaerostipes, Oxalobacter and Clostridium_IV in basketball players enrich. Further analysis of the functional prediction revealed that carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, metabolism of xenobiotics and glycans and metabolism were significantly expressed in the gut microbiota of basketball athletes with high intensity. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that after long-term professional training, the gut microbiota of athletes adapts to exercise stimulators and can quickly respond to changes in exercise intensity. In high-intensity training, the organism is protected from harm by enriching some beneficial bacteria.
Effectiveness of massage chair and classic massage in recovery from physical exertion: a pilot study
Published on: 24th March, 2023
Quick and cost-effective recovery is foundational to high-quality training and good competition results in today’s sports. The aim of the research was to elucidate the effects of hand and massage chair massage on the biomechanical parameters of muscles of lower limbs and back, indicators of Pain Pressure Thresholds (PPT) and subjectively perceived fatigue. A total of 32 female recreational athletes (18 – 50 years old) were assigned to a hand massage, massage chair, or lying down the group. They were measured for muscle biomechanical properties (MyotonPro), PPT (Wagner Instruments) and subjectively perceived fatigue (VAS scale) before and after fatigue tests and treatment. The recovery procedure and subjective satisfaction with treatment were rated on a Likert scale. Changes in the median value of m. rectus femoris and m. gastrocnemius stiffness with treatment showed that hand massage could be more effective in reducing stiffness, as compared to chair massage. Hand massage may have benefits for recovery from physical exertion, but due to the individuality of subjects, detailed methodological studies are needed to evaluate the effects of massage chair vs. hand massage.
The Dynamics of Eating Behavior Disorders and the Level of General Psychological Adaptation in Bodybuilding and Fitness Athletes
Published on: 30th August, 2023
Knowing the psychological traits and clinically relevant symptoms for the development and maintenance of Eating Behavior Disorders (EDD) in bodybuilding and fitness athletes is a necessity for early intervention and the elimination of stressors that contribute to improving sports performance and quality of life.The aim of the study: To know the dynamics of EDD and the level of general psychological adaptation in athletes who practice bodybuilding and fitness according to sports gender and age.By applying the Inventory of Eating Disorders, EDI-III on 30 participants, bodybuilding and fitness practitioners, aged between 19 and 53, of which 21 are male and 9 are female, psychological traits were investigated relevant (low self-esteem, perfectionism, asceticism, fear of maturity, interpersonal, emotional problems, exaggerated control, and others) in order to know the level of distress and the presence of clinically relevant symptoms for the development and maintenance of EDD (the desire to being thin, bulimia, body dissatisfaction)We concluded that most of the athletes fall within the limits of the threshold values established for the evaluated scales, 30% of the athletes (3 female athletes and 6 male athletes), obtained scores rated above the threshold on at least one of the clinical scales, which means that the risk of EDD is present in some athletes. The average of the investigated psychological scales calculated for the rated scores to establish the level of general psychological adaptation does not exceed the specified threshold for each investigated dimension separately, except for the asceticism, interpersonal problems, and exaggerated control scales. Female athletes have greater psychological balance than male athletes and lower risk of ED than male athletes, important aspects of personality and mental health in psychological training as a screening tool in the process of optimizing the effectiveness of bodybuilding and fitness training.
Impact of Traumatic Sports Injury on an Athlete’s Psychological Wellbeing, Adherence to Sport and Athletic Identity
Published on: 20th September, 2023
Introduction: Sports injuries can affect athletes across all ages, sexes, and levels of competition. The mental aspect of acute sports injury is often overlooked by coaches, trainers, and medical professionals. This study investigated if and how an acute traumatic sports injury affects an athlete’s psychological well-being, adherence to sport, and athletic identity. Methods: The study consisted of surveys sent to former or current athletes over 18 with one or more athletic injuries. The Qualtrics surveys were anonymous, and participants consented to the study within the survey. Results: There were 101 total participants (20.2% response rate) with an average age of 36. All reported one or more acute athletic injuries throughout their athletic careers. Specific survey sets were compared against each other using a variable correlation analysis (p - value < 0.05) and via Pearson’s Correlation.Conclusion: The results indicated that injury impacts the lives of athletes most significantly on the field and can harm their performance based on their perception of the severity of the injury. However, this decline in performance and decrease in confidence does not correlate to an athlete’s desire to leave their sport or how they identify as being an athlete.
Cleat-surface Interface and Lower Extremity Injuries
Published on: 28th September, 2023
Non-contact injuries with playing surfaces occurring from applied player impact and frictional forces are a major source of lower extremity injuries in competitive sports. Artificial playing surfaces are a common alternative to natural grass surfaces; however, these surfaces are associated with player injury as well. The purpose of this manuscript is to explore the existing literature on the relationship between cleat surface interface and lower extremity injuries in athletes and the importance of proper playing surface conditions alongside proper cleat selection to optimize injury prevention and athletic performance. As artificial turf has become more advanced, studies have shown the rates of lower extremity injuries of the knee, ankle, and foot have decreased to be more similar to the rate of injury on natural grass. However, foot and ankle injury rates remain significantly higher on artificial turf. Furthermore, certain studies continue to demonstrate an increased rate of knee injuries in football players, suggesting that significant performance differences still exist between artificial turf and natural grass. Future studies warrant focusing on ways to improve the cleat-surface interface of new-generation turf, emphasizing proper cleat selection, and playing surface conditions for injury prevention thus optimizing athletic performance.
Recommendations for Measurement of Bodybuilding Internal Training Load by eTRIMP Method
Published on: 14th December, 2023
Currently, analysis of training data metrics has become increasingly important in characterizing high throughput. In fact, in bodybuilding, the RPE (rate of perceived exertion) assessment is the metric commonly used to calculate training volume. Therefore, this study demonstrates another way for bodybuilding athletes to evaluate their training through heart rate using the TRIMP (training impulse) method proposed by Edwards to analyze the intensity of a given training model. For this athlete, it is important to stay most of the time outside heart rate zone 1, not have more than 10% of total training time in zone 5 and contain the largest proportion of total training time in zones 2, 3 and 4.
Management of Non-contact Injuries, Nonspecific Chronic Pain, and Prevention via Sensory Conflicts Detection: Vertical Heterophoria as a Landmark Indicator
Published on: 25th March, 2024
Sensory and sensorimotor conflicts can lead to sensory and motor efficiency disturbances, such as pain and less efficient motor control. Vertical heterophoria (VH) and vertical orthophoria (VO) are respectively the latent vertical misalignment of the eyes when the retinal images are dissociated, or not. Mild VH (< 0.57°) could indicate the presence of a conflict resulting from eye refraction problems and/or a disruption of the somaesthetic cues. Canceling the conflict(s) can immediately restore VO, making it possible to observe an improvement in the mobility of spinal and peripheral joints, the performance in the motor and balance tests after initial alternation, and a decrease in pain. The Maddox Rod Test was used to detect mild VH but doesn’t determine the sensory conflict origin. The aim of this retrospective study is to show its use as a landmark in which sensory afferent conflict could induce symptoms (i.e. pain; decreased range of motion; nonoptimal postural and motor control) and how to manage it, analyzing data from 525 subjects. The clinical process is intended to inhibit or neutralize afferent signals involved in the sensorimotor loops required by the central nervous system in motor control in order to spot the locus of conflict (stomatognathic system, pelvis, plantar afferences, piercings (body art) or/and eye refraction problems). This investigation protocol based on VH detection provides trackers for the therapeutic intervention in the management of nonspecific chronic pain, non-contact injuries, and prevention, and a key role for practitioners in the multidisciplinary management required for patients/athletes, in the world of work/health.
Return to Play in High-level Athletes after SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Published on: 29th July, 2024
In sports medicine, the recovery process for injuries to the musculoskeletal system has been well established, including the recovery time until the athlete can compete again to prevent relapses. These decisions support the sports physician in acting with greater confidence. However, there are no clear criteria and protocols for other systemic diseases. In the following study, we report our experience and suggest an action protocol for a professional basketball team.
Game-Changer: Unlocking Student-Athlete Success with Sleep and Later School Start Times
Published on: 14th August, 2024
This editorial explores the crucial yet often overlooked role of sleep in enhancing student-athlete performance and well-being. It highlights sleep’s impact on physical recovery, cognitive function, and emotional stability, emphasizing the unique benefits for athletes. The editorial examines the detrimental effects of early school start times on adolescent sleep patterns and their subsequent impact on academic and athletic performance. By advocating for policy changes that prioritize sleep, such as delaying school start times, this editorial presents a novel approach to optimizing student-athlete success. Through a synthesis of current research and practical insights, it urges stakeholders in education and sports to recognize and act upon the foundational importance of sleep, positioning it as a key component of athletic and academic excellence.
Assessment of Nutritional Knowledge, Alcohol and Tobacco Consumption in Amateur and Elite Youth Football Players
Published on: 6th September, 2024
Introduction: Nutrition is increasingly recognized as a key component of optimal sports performance. On the other hand, insufficient and continuous food intake can compromise athletic performance and success where Nutritional Knowledge can play a leading role.Methods: One hundred and three youth athletes from 6 different clubs belonging to the District, Honor, and National Championship participated in this study. To assess Nutritional Knowledge, consumption of alcohol and tobacco the Abridged Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire was applied.Results: The percentage of Nutritional Knowledge obtained in the District Championship was 31.25%, in the Honors it was 35.56% and in the National Championship it was 35.02%. No significant differences were found between the Nutritional Knowledge of athletes. In turn, there were statistical differences in the consumption of alcohol and tobacco among the athletes of the 3 Championships, with the District division having the highest percentage of smokers (100%) and alcohol consumers (42.6%).Conclusion: It is essential to increase the Nutritional Knowledge observed in these young athletes since it can have an influential role in their food choices.
Emerging Trends in Sports Cardiology: The Role of Micronutrients in Cardiovascular Health and Performance
Published on: 6th September, 2024
Micronutrients are critical components of an athlete’s diet, affecting both performance and cardiovascular health. This review summarizes current studies on the importance of micronutrients in sports cardiology, focusing on their effects on energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, and cardiac function. Key findings emphasize the relevance of micronutrient sufficiency in improving athletic performance and avoiding long-term health issues linked to strenuous training programs. Micronutrients like B vitamins help energy generation pathways, while antioxidants like C and E reduce exercise-induced oxidative damage. Minerals like magnesium and iron are important for muscle function and oxygen delivery, which are required for endurance and recovery. Effective nutritional practices include balancing food intake and, if required, supplementing under medical supervision to address individual needs and enhance performance results. Future research paths will focus on individualized nutrition techniques based on genetic and metabolic profiles, allowing for more precise food recommendations for athletes. Collaboration between sports medicine and nutrition disciplines is critical for establishing evidence-based practices and improving cardiovascular health in athletes.
Effects of Preoperative Training on Static and Dynamic Balance among Female Athletes with Injured ACL
Published on: 2nd October, 2024
Aims: The purpose of this research was to study the effects of preoperative training on static and dynamic balance among female athletes with injured ACLs. Methods: This semi-experimental study involved a 2-group pretest-post-test design. Subjects were 36 (19 control and 17 experimental) female athletes with injured ACLs, that were chosen with the available sampling method. The experimental group did the preoperative training in the eight weeks and the control group did not participate in any training program during this period. Static and dynamic balance and lower body muscle strength were measured. The paired sample T-test was used to compare pre and post-test results and the independent sample T-test achieved comparisons between the two groups. Results: The results indicated that static (with eyes opened and closed) dynamic balance and muscle strength were improved significantly (p < 0.05) in the exercise group, but no significant change (p > 0.05) was found in the control group. Also, significant differences were found in improvement changes results between the two groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Results of the study confirmed that preoperative training can have a beneficial effect on improving static and dynamic balance among female athletes with injured ACLs.
Human Performance Augmenting Drugs and Technologies
Published on: 19th November, 2024
In many sectors, ranging from sports and military operations to professional settings (notably cognitive enhancement); human performance augmentation has been an enduring ambition. The idea behind this movement, known as human enhancement, has evolved over time from simple means of training to the improvement or augmentation of physical ability through recent developments in fields such as pharmaceuticals and implantable devices that can enhance natural abilities. They span from pharmaceutical agents to wearable technologies used for sophisticated self-experimentation, which offer promise but also present ethical, health, and societal risks Performance-Enhancing Drugs are used to enhance the performance of humans in one way or another as a basic idea. The categories of Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) included are Stimulants: Stimulant drugs, including amphetamines and caffeine (in the form of coffee) have been used for thousands of endeavours and physical stamina for decades. There have been many sources of controversy in the sporting world due to use or misuse and side-effectual restrictions. The release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and allowing muscles to grow big, and fast. Nevertheless, the consumption of anabolic steroids is strictly controlled because it has side effects and complications such as liver damage, hormonal imbalances, and greater aggression. Erythropoietin EPO is a hormone that produces red blood cells, and increased oxygen delivery to muscle. EPO Athletes and even more notably endurance athletes (such as cyclists) have a storied history of abusing this performance-enhancing agent to build stamina. However, the misuse of this drug can be very hazardous, as it causes complications such as blood clotting and heart issues.
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