http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/sports_medicine/ Sports medicine. Read the latest research on competitive and recreational sports, including information on the occurrence and treatment of sports injuries. en-us Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:05:01 EDT Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/sports_medicine/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100831073241.htm A study of triathletes reveals that the heart adapts to triathlon training by working more efficiently. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100831073241.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100901145252.htm Significant differences in knee alignment and muscle activation exist between men and women while kicking a soccer ball, according to a new study. Data reveal that males activate certain hip and leg muscles more than females during the motion of the instep and side-foot kicks -- the most common soccer kicks -- which may help explain why female players are more than twice as likely as males to sustain an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100901145252.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100831073517.htm In 2009, a study was conducted in the UK to assess the effects of running in ultra-endurance races. Typically aimed at super-fit and experienced athletes, these races are held over distances exceeding 50 miles (80 kilometres). The conclusions suggest that some damage is likely to occur to the heart muscle of competitors, while 12 percent of the study group showed signs of significant cardiac damage. Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100831073517.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100831073507.htm A study of 167 amateur runners at the 2006 and 2007 Berlin marathons is lowering concerns that this type of activity leads to sustained heart damage, particularly among older competitors. Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100831073507.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100831082239.htm A study conducted in the UK has established the extent of cardiac adaptation amongst female athletes competing in a number of sports. Previous studies of cardiac adaptation have been conducted only on male athletes, yet a growing number of females participate at elite level in many sports, nowadays including some such as rugby and boxing that were traditionally undertaken only by males. The results show evidence of changes to the heart, particularly to ventricle wall thickness and cavity size. Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100831082239.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100831073510.htm In a study aimed at understanding the effect of prolonged exercise on the heart, researchers in Sweden studied a group of competitors taking part in the Adventure Racing World Championship. The results show no evidence of cardiac fatigue despite the fact that this is a continuous endurance event lasting between five and seven days. Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100831073510.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100823080622.htm Although sledding is a popular winter pastime, it can unfortunately lead to serious injury. A new study found that from 1997-2007, an estimated 229,023 children and adolescents younger than 19 years were treated in US hospital emergency departments for sledding-related injuries -- an average of more than 20,000 cases each year. Mon, 30 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100823080622.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100830152540.htm For competitive bicyclists with goals -- whether competing in the Tour de France or aiming for the podium at a local race -- faster cycling comes from training regimens based on various zones of exercise intensity. New research from exercise scientists has found that effective training regimens, which generally are created after expensive, time-consuming laboratory tests, can be developed from a relatively simple, do-it-yourself test. Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100830152540.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100830094924.htm A new study finds visits to emergency departments for concussions that occurred during organized team sports have increased dramatically over a 10-year period, and appear to be highest in ice hockey and football. The number of sports-related concussions is highest in high school-aged athletes, but the number in younger athletes is significant and rising. Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100830094924.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100826104137.htm Taking a dietary supplement to boost nitric oxide in the body can significantly boost stamina during high-intensity exercise. The study has important implications for athletes, as results suggest that taking the supplement can allow people to exercise up to 20 percent longer and could produce a 1-2 percent improvement in race times. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100826104137.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100817134304.htm New research provides the first pathological evidence that repetitive head trauma experienced in collision sports is associated with motor neuron disease, a neurological condition that affects voluntary muscle movements. The most common form of motor neuron disease is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's disease. Tue, 17 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100817134304.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100719091007.htm Athletes with bone and cartilage knee damage who are treated with transplanted tissue can return to sports after surgery, according to a new study that overturns the widely held belief that patients who undergo this surgery do not return to athletics. Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100719091007.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100607203528.htm Although most public schools have some recreational facilities that could be used outside of regular school hours, concerns over liability have limited their use. In a new study, researchers reviewed the recreational use statues in all 50 states and found that liability protections could be improved, in some cases, with minor legislative changes, consequently opening up school facilities for increased recreational use benefiting the entire community. Wed, 11 Aug 2010 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100607203528.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100811093013.htm Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are a common and debilitating problem, especially for female athletes. Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100811093013.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100803112817.htm The popularity of high school sports in the United States has continued to increase over the past decade, with more than 7.5 million athletes participating in school sports during the 2008-09 academic year. A new study found that 95 percent of fractures required costly diagnostic imaging, including x-rays, MRIs and CT scans, and 16 percent required surgical repair. Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100803112817.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100729133440.htm Hockey fans likely would assume that body-checking -- intentionally slamming an opponent against the boards -- causes the most injuries in youth ice hockey. But they would be wrong. Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100729133440.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100726151605.htm Researchers have uncovered the biological rationale for why large doses of corticosteroids given repeatedly over several weeks may help individuals with lupus, a chronic inflammatory disease that affects more than one million people in the US. Tue, 27 Jul 2010 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100726151605.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100722075224.htm Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common injuries to the knee, primarily affecting young people who practise sport and often treated with surgical reconstruction. A research group from Sweden has now shown that 60 per cent of these operations could be avoided, without negatively affecting treatment outcomes. Fri, 23 Jul 2010 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100722075224.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100718204725.htm Watch out if you are a Major League Baseball pitcher prior to the All-Star break. Pitchers are 34 percent more likely to be injured than fielders, according to new research. The study looked into the epidemiology of MLB players' injuries from 2002-2008. It also found that 77 percent of all injuries to pitchers happen before the All-Star game. Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100718204725.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100717210334.htm The jury is still out on the effectiveness of prevention programs for knee injuries in young athletes, according to a new study. Better designed research studies are needed before it can be determined that ACL and knee injuries can be prevented with specialized training programs, the study noted. Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100717210334.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100717210330.htm Previously, determining athletes at high-risk for ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries required expensive and complex laboratory-based motion analysis systems, such as those used in creating video games. But a new study offers physicians a low-cost, in-office, tool to help identify athletes at increased risk. Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100717210330.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100715123408.htm Patients who undergo arthroscopic surgery for a mechanical disorder of the hip have a good chance of being able to return to their sport at a high level of competition, according to a new study. Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100715123408.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100715090649.htm Young athletes with Type 1 diabetes may experience a marked decrease in performance as a result of their blood sugar levels, but can compete by learning to manage their condition, suggests a new study. Thu, 15 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100715090649.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100503111744.htm The positive effects of exercise while growing up seem to last longer than previously believed. New findings suggest that physical activity when young increases bone density and size, which may mean a reduced risk of osteoporosis later in life. Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100503111744.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100715172006.htm For patients with IgA nephropathy, a type of kidney disease, steroid treatment can prevent or delay loss of kidney function, according to a new study. IgA nephropathy is an autoimmune disease that affects the kidneys and a major cause of end-stage kidney failure in younger people. Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100715172006.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100713151746.htm New research suggests that athletes and footballers may want to limit the time they spend training at altitude to improve their performance. A new study has found that people with a rare condition that mimics being at high altitude for long periods show metabolic differences that actually reduce their endurance and physical performance. Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100713151746.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100712103349.htm In the record books, the swiftest sprinters tend to be of West-African ancestry and the faster swimmers tend to be white. A study of the winning times by elite athletes over the past 100 years reveals two distinct trends: not only are these athletes getting faster over time, but there is a clear divide between racers in terms of body type and race. Researchers now argue that the answer lies in athletes' centers of gravity. That center tends to be located higher on the body of blacks than whites. The researchers believe that these differences are not racial, but rather biological. Tue, 13 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100712103349.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100713122842.htm A college quarterback coming into the locker room with a dislocated shoulder wouldn't care whether the athletic trainer taking care of him is male or female -- or would he? A study from North Carolina State University examining male football players' perceptions of female athletic trainers -- and their comfort level in being treated by females -- shows that the quarterback would most likely prefer a male, unless the dislocated shoulder made him depressed. Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100713122842.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100629193123.htm UK scientists show for the first time that high doses of caffeine directly increase muscle power and endurance during sub-maximal activities, which in humans ranges from everyday activities to running a marathon. With no current regulations in place, the scientists believe their findings may have implications for the use of caffeine in sport to improve performance. Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100629193123.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100608162238.htm A comparison of hockey leagues in Canada for 11-12 year old players finds that compared with leagues that do not allow body checking, those that do have an associated three-fold increased risk of game-related injuries, including severe injuries and severe concussions, according to a study in the June 9 issue of JAMA. Thu, 10 Jun 2010 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100608162238.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100603091628.htm Strengthening inspiratory muscles by performing daily breathing exercises for six weeks significantly reduced the amount of oxygen these same breathing muscles required during exercise, possibly making more oxygen available for other muscles, new research suggests. Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100603091628.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100605112549.htm A twice weekly hip strengthening regimen performed for six weeks proved surprisingly effective at reducing -- and in some cases eliminating -- knee pain referred to as patellofemoral pain (PFP) in female runners. Mon, 07 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100605112549.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100517111912.htm A natural defense mechanism against heart disease could be switched on by steroids sold as health supplements, according to researchers. Sun, 23 May 2010 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100517111912.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100514101805.htm As athletes strive for perfection, sports scientists need to exploit every technological advance to help them achieve that goal. Researchers in New Zealand have now developed a new type of wearable impact sensor based that can provide much needed information about the stresses and strains on limbs for rugby players, high jumpers and runners. Sun, 16 May 2010 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100514101805.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100514151926.htm Researchers have determined that moderately and temporarily restricting the flow of blood through muscles -- a practice adopted by bodybuilders who noticed that it made light weights feel heavier -- can be combined with low-level resistance exercise training to produce muscle-mass increases in older men. Sat, 15 May 2010 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100514151926.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100505113245.htm The reasons for the reduced bone mass in elite cyclists are not fully understood, but one explanation is an imbalance between bone formation and bone breakdown due to the high-energy cost of stage racing. However, a new study reveals that proper nutrition during multi-day stage races might prevent harmful changes in bone turnover. Wed, 12 May 2010 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100505113245.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100510174624.htm A study has found that oral folic acid may provide a safe and inexpensive treatment to improve vascular function in young female runners who are amenorrheic (not menstruating). Tue, 11 May 2010 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100510174624.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100506083449.htm Doctors can use ultrasonography (ultrasound) to evaluate and diagnose muscular trauma in professional athletes on-site, which helps them to determine whether or not a player's injuries are severe enough to take them out of the game, according to a new study. Thu, 06 May 2010 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100506083449.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100506083438.htm Fluoroscopic (X-ray) guided steroid injections offer a safe and effective alternative to the conventional treatment of hamstring tendonitis, according to a new study. Conventional treatment includes rest, anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy. Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100506083438.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100503174016.htm A new study finds that human growth hormone (HGH) improves sprint capacity in healthy recreational athletes. This is the first trial to demonstrate that HGH improves athletic performance. Tue, 04 May 2010 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100503174016.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100427171851.htm Researchers have found a potential new treatment for osteonecrosis, or the death of bone tissue, in people who are treated with steroids for several common medical conditions. There are currently no treatment options for people with this debilitating disease. Fri, 30 Apr 2010 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100427171851.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100427171802.htm Long-term anabolic steroid use may weaken the heart more than previously thought, a new study finds. Steroid-related heart impairment is severe enough to potentially increase the risk of heart failure. The left ventricle, the heart muscle primarily responsible for pumping blood throughout the body, was significantly weaker among steroid users. Wed, 28 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100427171802.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100422141205.htm Researchers have brought the use of electronic medical records out of the hospital setting and into the streets by using the technology for a marathon. Volunteer medical providers at the 2009 Detroit Free Press Marathon were able to coordinate care for the 19,372 participants via laptops and a website, showing that the technology can help facilitate the care of runners. Mon, 26 Apr 2010 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100422141205.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100421191408.htm Martial arts could be the key to helping osteoporosis sufferers fall more safely. A study has found that martial arts training can likely be carried out safely. Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100421191408.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100330115925.htm The popularity of weight training has grown over the past decade. A new study has found that the number of injuries from weight training has increased as well. The study found that more than 970,000 weight training-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments between 1990 and 2007, increasing nearly 50 percent during the 18-year study period. Fri, 16 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100330115925.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100303103152.htm An extensive research project has studied the effects of soccer on muscle strength, postural balance, bone mineral density and reflex response among adult women and men. Five new scientific articles show that regular participation in soccer increases bone mass and bone density, causes a significant improvement in standing postural balance and improves muscle strength. Together, these effects reduce the risk of falls and bone fractures. Fri, 09 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100303103152.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100303103156.htm People who suffer from injuries to the distal biceps tendon may benefit from earlier surgical intervention and new surgical techniques, according to a review article. Fri, 09 Apr 2010 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100303103156.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100406093524.htm Soccer is a pleasurable sport that provides an all-round fitness and can be used as treatment for lifestyle-related diseases. Men worry less when playing soccer than when running. Women's soccer creates we-stories and helps women stay active. The above statements are taken from the results from an extensive soccer research project involving more than 50 researchers from seven countries. The researchers studied physiological, psychological and sociological aspects of recreational soccer and compared it with running. Wed, 07 Apr 2010 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100406093524.htm