Sports Medicine Commons^™

Are Combat Athletes Different Sleepers? A Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index-Based Comparative Survey Across Athletic Populations, Zofia Tkocz, Małgorzata Hołda Dr, Michał Spieszny, Adam Zając, Robert Trybulski, Aleksandra Filip-Stachnik

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Sleep plays an important role in athletic performance, recovery, and cognitive function. The aim of this study was to compare sleep quality and selected sleep-related  variables in combat sports athletes and athletes from other sport disciplines . Materials and Methods: Ninety-eight competitive athletes participated in the study, including 52 combat sports athletes and 46 athletes  representing other sport disciplines. Sleep quality was assessed using the modified Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) with a weekly recall period, global PSQI score and additional  variables, such as sleep duration, sleep latency, and habitual sleep-wake times, were analyzed using general linear models adjusted …

Gastrointestinal Symptoms After Sport-Related Concussion: Prevalence And Patterns In A Multi-Cohort Analysis, Emma Finnegan, Ed Daly, Katherine J. Hunzinger, Lisa Ryan

Department of Exercise Science Faculty Papers

Background/Objectives: Concussions occur across all sports globally; however, inconsistent symptom recognition continues to challenge diagnosis, management, and recovery. Although concussion effects extend beyond neurological dysfunction, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms remain insufficiently captured within current assessment frameworks and may influence athletes’ fuelling choices and food tolerance during recovery. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and patterns of GI symptoms reported among athletes with a history of concussion and to explore whether symptom prevalence and burden differed by sex and country. Methods: A total of 401 adult athletes (225 males; mean age 32.4 ± 11.3 years) with a history of concussion were …

Cardiac Screening Findings And Referral Patterns In Male African-American Basketball Players: Analysis Of The Heartbytes Registry, Douglas Corsi, Avinash Saraiya, Maggie Doyle, Vacha Shah, Blaise O'Malley, Grace Qiu, Renee Lanstaff, Imran Masood, Brian Osler, Alexander G. Hajduczok, Drew Johnson, David Shipon

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading medical cause of death in young athletes. Male African American basketball players (MABP) demonstrate particularly elevated risk for SCD. Despite increasing screening and preventative efforts, the incidence of SCD remains elevated in this population. This retrospective analysis of the HeartBytes National Youth Cardiac Registry (2015-2023) aimed to characterize cardiac screening findings, including symptoms, family history, physical exam, and electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities in MABP compared to other youth athletes undergoing cardiac screening. We secondarily examined referral patterns based on screening results between the two groups. Of 8,303 individuals screened, 200 MABP were identified. MABP …

Role Of Psychiatric Factors Hindering Physical Rehabilitation After Acl Reconstructive Surgery, Malak Rafik, Davian Caraballo, James Fini Jr., Nathan Barnhurst

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Examining Isokinetic Knee Peak Torque And Time To Peak Torque As Predictors Of Vertical Jump Height In Division I Men's Basketball Players., Caroline Westwood, Arakua Welbeck, Carolyn Killelea, Peter Howard, Mallory Faherty, Daniel Le, Ryan Zerega, Charles R Reiter, Timothy C Sell

OhioHealth Research Institute Articles

The vertical jump (VJ) is one of the most important movements for basketball athletes and therefore determining modifiable predictors of the VJ would aid substantially in crafting more effective training regimens. The purpose of this study was to determine if isokinetic quadriceps strength and torque predict VJ height and which characteristics and testing speed is the strongest predictor of VJ height. Fifteen subjects (age: 18.5 ± 1.0 years, height: 195.9 ± 6.9 cm, weight: 96.2 ± 13.7 kg) from a single Division I men's basketball team were recruited for this study. All participants performed a standing vertical jump with arm-swing …

Effect Of Imagery Training On Football Players, Dagmara Budnik-Przybylska, Franciszek Makurat, Jacek Przybylski, Tony Morris

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction. There is a growing number of studies concerning imagery training in young athletes but on a much smaller scale than research in adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of imagery training on children’s soccer skills. (2) Materials and Methods: We conducted two studies. In the first study a sample of 35 subjects, aged between 10 and 14 years, was divided into an experimental condition (18 players) and a control condition (17 players). Each person completed one script from the Sports Imagery Ability Measure (SIAM) and from the Movement Imagery Ques-tionnaire-3 (MIQ-3) and took a …

Benefits Of Occupational Therapy In Concussion Treatment For Professional Athletes, Alexandria Brown, Zeida Gutierrez Ph.D., Mhs, Otr/L, James Wersal Otd, Msot, Otr/L, Cbis, Drs, Dcs

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Concussions are a significant concern in sports, with an estimated 1.6 to 3.8 million cases in the U.S. annually, many of which go unreported. These traumatic brain injuries result from various impacts, causing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and memory loss, which can disrupt an athlete's daily life. Recovery typically follows a staged protocol, with professional organizations implementing concussion management guidelines. Despite these measures, athletes often hesitate to report symptoms due to concerns about playing time or team expectations. There is a gap in treatment for concussions as activities of daily living and occupations are not addressed. Occupational therapy can help …

Strength And Conditioning Habits Of Polish Amateur Endurance Runners, Zbigniew Jost, Maciej Chroboczek

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Correctly performed Strength & Conditioning (S&C) training is important in terms of improving sports performance. This survey was to check S&C habits among amateur runners in Poland. Materials and Methods: The questionnaire dealt with 1) personal and anthropometric data, 2) advancement / fitness level and 3) training habits, which was correctly filled in by 923 people. The participants were matched to five fitness levels (LG1–LG5) depending on sex (W/M) and the selected distance (5K/10K/Half-Marathon). Results: More than half of the respondents (n = 467, 50.6%) considered S&C as very important. The most frequently used S&C activities were uphill runs …

Visualizing Victory: The Role Of Imagery In Empowering Athletes Battling Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Sydney Raboin

Education, Health & Behavior Studies Student Publications

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is one of the most common mental health disorders that can make activities of daily life more challenging, as well as adversely impact wellbeing. OCD is an anxiety disorder that presents as uncontrollable and unsolicited thoughts, mental images, and sensations, followed by obsession over them and an irresistible need to complete compulsive behaviors in attempt to challenge them and find relief. It causes fear of both one’s own thoughts and the world around them. OCD shows its place in the athletic realm where it can impact an athlete’s mentality, attention, behaviors, and goal orientation, which may potentially …

Investigating The Factors That Lead To Sports Related Injuries In Children, Kinjal Shah, Shawna Rotoli

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

This project’s focus is to investigate if playing contact versus non-contact sports at a young age leads to more sports related injuries and to identify which factors correlate with increased injury rate in order to develop the most effective prevention and treatment methods. Data was collected through a survey including questions that delve deeper to quantify the amount of strain being put on the youth athlete’s body such as hours played a week, level of competitiveness, weeks played in a year, contact versus non-contact sport, and number of sports played. The following set of questions then addressed the actual injury …

Identifying The Relationship Between Post-Concussion Mental Health And Athletic Status: Is It The Same For All Demographics?, Mary Lorraine Zsolway, Jamie Shoop

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether athletic status was linked to fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression post-concussion, as well as to explore whether the impact of athletic status on mental health varied by demographics (i.e. age, sex, race, insurance status). The results of this study may assist in identifying at-risk individuals early to help prioritize those who may benefit from early referral to mental health resources.

Introduction: Mental health concerns post-concussion are relatively common, with roughly 1 in 3 individuals experiencing these symptoms. It has been previously shown that youth who participate in …

Awareness And Advocacy For The Needs Of Nfl Athletes: A Qualitative Study, Bianca Castro, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The presentation delves into understanding, investigating, and supporting the occupational needs of NFL athletes. Through thorough research and analysis, it was revealed that these athletes face distinct challenges and demands in their professional and personal lives, specifically in wellness, quality of life, and lifestyle balance. The study results provide knowledge and abilities to address and advocate the unique needs of NFL athletes. The evidence strongly emphasizes the advantages and benefits of occupational therapy services in non-traditional settings such as sports.

Herniated Nucleus Pulposus Radiculopathy In Athletes, Elizabeth G. Massel

Capstone Showcase

Herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP), commonly referred to as intervertebral disc (IVD) herniation, is the second most common cause of neck and back pain, and most common cause of radiculopathy. The purpose of this CME article is to provide guidance on the medical management and secondary prevention of HNP in athletic populations, and highlight the pathophysiological process of mechanical overload putting athletes at a proportionately higher risk of the disease. It will address the unique pathophysiology of overuse-related HNP, as opposed to underuse, with the mechanical overload on vertebral discs associated with many sports. It will also review, with more emphasis …

Referral Patterns For Pediatric Sports-Related Concussion In One New England Health Care System, Joseph Benert, Amy Haskins Phd, Christina T. Holt, Krystian Bigosinski

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: Patients with concussion may benefit from care provided by professionals from multiple disciplines based on the constellation of symptoms being reported. This study analyzed referral patterns from primary care and sports medicine clinicians for pediatric patients with sports-related concussion in one health care system.

Methods: A retrospective chart review identified referrals placed to physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, optometry, psychology, neuropsychology, audiology, neurology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, psychiatry, and sports medicine for pediatric patients with sports-related concussion. These patients were evaluated at MaineHealth family medicine, internal medicine/pediatrics, pediatrics, and sports medicine clinics in southern Maine between February 2019 and June …

Comparative Analysis Between Operative And Non-Operative Acetabular Labral Tear Injuries In Division 1 Collegiate Athletes., Scott S Hyland, Andres D Maeso, Mark Rogers, Mike Goforth, P Gunnar Brolinson

Ambulatory and Primary Care Articles

Acetabular labral tears have shown to be difficult to diagnose and manage in an active and competitive athletic population. The goal of this study was to compare NCAA Division 1 collegiate athletes undergoing operative and non-operative management of their labral injuries by assessing ability to return to competition and secondarily evaluate days lost from sport. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on Division 1 collegiate athletes from 2005 to 2020, incorporating all varsity university sports. Records showing MRI confirmed diagnosis were included in the cohort, as well as all pertinent clinical data. Data revealed 10/18 (55%) of individuals managed conservatively …

Occurrence And Trends Of Musculoskeletal Pain Among Ski Instructors, Denis Causevic, Erol Kovacevic, Semir Masic, Seth Spicer, Ahmed Gawash

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are incredibly common and are often related to work load. For any occupational or public health intervention, injury prevention is preferred to injury treatment. Occupational health and injury prevention research has the potential to help mitigate MSD in the workplace. The aim of this study was to determine how the work demands of ski instructors may affect the health of their musculoskeletal system.

Material and Methods

A cross-sectional study involved the participation of 87 ski instructors (age = 34.61 ±10.67) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (ATUS in Bosnia and Herzegovina). Observed variables were the prevalence of MSD measured …

Body Composition Of Young Soccer Players, Denis Causevic, Seth Spicer, Ahmed Gawash

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Purpose: The main aim of this study was to examine and analyze the body composition of young soccer players across different age groups.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 126 young soccer players divided by age categories U15 – 53 players (age=14.68±0.47); U17 – 51 players (age=16.47±0.50); U19 – 22 players (age=18.05±0.38). Body height for all subjects was measured by anthropometer, while body composition was measured by digital scale TANITA BC-420MA.

Results: On average, soccer players in the U-15 group had significantly lower body height, weight, body mass index, and fat free mass than U-17 and U-19 players …

Prevalence Of Disordered Eating In Female Athletes Of The New Jersey Athletic Conference, Desiree Brower, Joanna Petrides

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: In 2018, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry published that, 1 out of every 10 adolescent females suffer from an eating disorder in the United States. Although it is known that eating disorders have an impact on the entire population, there are currently no studies on the prevalence of disordered eating in female athletes of the New Jersey Athletic conference (NJAC). This study aims to determine how many athletes in this population are affected.

Methods: This IRB-approved project utilized a survey-based approach to assess the prevalence of disordered eating among female athletes within the NJAC. To participate, …

Amenorrhea And Stress Fractures In Female New Jersey Division Iii Collegiate Runners: An Opportunity For Increased Health Education, Emily Forester, Tara Pellegrino

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: In the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), 9.1% of the injuries reported by Women’s cross country athletes between 2014-2019 were fractures. Although excessive exercise is a major contributor to the development of amenorrhea, there are currently no studies on the association between amenorrhea and stress fractures in NJ NCAA Division III Women’s cross country or track athletes. This study aims to determine if there is an association between incidence of amenorrhea and subsequent occurrence of stress fractures among this population.

Methods: This is a survey based study. Participants must be female athletes over the age of 18 who currently …

Speed, Agility And Power Potential Of Young Basketball Players, Denis Causevic, Semir Masic, Ivor Doder, Kestutis Matulaitis, Seth Spicer, Ahmed Gawash

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background. As basketball constantly evolves, physical performance becomes more and more important. Physical fitness assessments are the most reliable way to find out at what level a basketball player is prepared to perform. Therefore, the main aim of this research was to determine if the speed, agility and power of under-16-year- old (U16) basketball players is related to their playing positions.

Methods. The study included (n = 40) young basketball (aged 14.99 ± 0.84 years) players. The variables included height, body mass, body mass index (BMI), fat-free mass (FFM), the percentage of body fat (BF%), the counter movement jump (CMJ), …

Impact Of Draft Order On Stress Sonography Of The Ulnar Collateral Ligament Of The Elbow In Professional Baseball Pitchers: An 18-Year Study, Adeeb Hanna, John Sonnier, Brian Fliegel, Matthew Sherman, Michael Ciccotti, Robert Jack, Steven Cohen

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: The MLB draft is a common route for players to enter professional baseball in the United States. Individuals taken in earlier rounds are typically higher-performing players. When looking at pitchers specifically, higher performance at the amateur level may be associated with increased frequency of adaptive change in the throwing elbow.

Purpose/Hypothesis: To determine if players taken in earlier rounds of the MLB draft have a greater frequency or extent of pathological change in the elbow, as measured by dynamic stress ultrasound.

Study Design: Retrospective Cohort Study Methods: Dynamic stress ultrasounds (SUS) were performed over an 18-year period on the …

Outcomes And Return-To-Sport Rates For Elite Athletes With Femoral Retroversion Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy: A Propensity-Matched Analysis With Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up, Jade S Owens, Andrew E Jimenez, Michael S Lee, David R Maldonado, Ajay C Lall, Benjamin G Domb

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Return to sports (RTS) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for elite athletes with femoral version abnormalities undergoing hip arthroscopy have not been well established.

PURPOSES: To (1) report minimum 2-year PROs and RTS rates in elite athletes with femoral retroversion who underwent primary hip arthroscopy and (2) compare clinical results to those of a propensity-matched control group of elite athletes with normal femoral version who underwent primary hip arthroscopy.

STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS: Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed for elite (professional and collegiate) athletes with femoral version1, hip dysplasia, and previous ipsilateral hip …

A 12-Year Retrospective Analysis Of Vo2max Values In College-Aged Student Athletes, Michelle Wilson, Scott Swanson

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE
To examine VO₂max values in a cohort of exercise physiology students over a 12-year time period.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT
Student’s VO₂max values were examined for the effects of gender (males vs. females) and athletic status (athlete vs. non-athlete). Significance was set at p

Does Prehabilitation Prior To Ulnar Collateral Ligament Surgery Affect Return To Sport Rate Or Time In Baseball Players With Partial Ucl Tears?, Joshua Spada, Kourtney Snigar, Ryan W. Paul, Usman Zareef, Anya Hall, Brandon J. Erickson, Michael G. Ciccotti, Stephen J. Thomas

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Those who suffer a partial thickness ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear often undergo a period of nonoperative management including physical therapy rehabilitation. This treatment is aimed at optimizing range of motion (ROM) and strengthening the supporting structures around the elbow to help offload the UCL.

Unfortunately, some of these patients fail nonoperative management and require surgical intervention. This creates a unique set of patients who essentially underwent “prehabilitation” prior to their UCL surgery. Prehabilitation is considered a period of structured physical therapy rehabilitation aimed at strengthening structures surrounding an injured tendon or ligament, to allow for dissipation of stress away …

How Can Cognitive Science Contribute To Sport? How Can Sport Contribute To Neuroscience?, Slawomir Kujawski, Agnieszka Kujawska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: In this mini-review we would like to focus on common points of neuroscience and sports science. We will shortly describe a few parts of this unity namely; nerve conduction studies, cognitive profiles of sportsmen and an influence of physical training on cognitive functioning. We want to emphasize the importance of so far conducted research: on the one hand, its application in the methodology of sport training, and on the other hand, expanding the field of knowledge in neuroscience. Material/Methods: Analysis of articles in the EBSCO database using keywords: athletes, sportsmen, cognitive tests, physical training, elderly, psychological traits, cognitive profile. …

Vertical Jump Peak Power Estimation In Young Male Gymnasts, Andrzej Kochanowicz, Bartłomiej Niespodzinski, Jan Mieszkowski, Kaizmierz Kochanowicz, Mariusz Zasada

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The course of match actions is definitely gaining pace and dynamics because offensive and aggressive styles of the game are preferred. So there is no doubt that an appropriate level of competitors’ physical preparation has a fundamental meaning. The goal of the research was to determine changes in special fitness efficiency. Material/Methods: The research was based on a group of 16 tennis players aged 10 training tennis in the annual training cycle. In order to evaluate the level of special fitness efficiency, two tests reflecting physical fitness were used: “The game against the wall” and “The test of 100 …

Sensitivity To Pain And Strategies Of Coping With Stress In Combat Athletes, Katarzyna Leznicka, Anna Starkowska, Agnieszka Lulinska, Magdalena Kowalczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The aim of the study was to assess the perception of pain (threshold and tolerance to pain of the combat athletes in comparison to those not practicing any sport and checking whether there is a correlation between the pain perception and strategies for coping with stress in both studied groups. The study was conducted on 273 healthy men. The test group consisted of 203 athletes; the control group consisted of 70 students from the Faculty of Physical Culture, University of Szczecin. The test of the threshold and pain tolerance was performed using an algometer manufactured by Quirumed Company. To assess …

Posture Of Adolescent Male Handball Players Compared To Non-Athletes, Malgorzata Grabara

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the present study was to assess the posture and somatic parameters in adolescent male handball players compared to non-athletes and determine whether a relationship exists between the posture and the volume of training and/or its frequency. Material/Methods: Sixty-eight adolescent male handball players and sixty-nine non-athletes aged 15–18 were examined. The posture was evaluated by the moiré method. Results: Handball players exhibited smaller and less frequent asymmetries compared to the nonathletes. Statistically significant differences were found in the position of shoulder blades (p < 0.05) and pelvic alignment in the frontal (p < 0.001) and transverse (p < 0.05) planes. The spinal shape in the sagittal plane did not differentiate the training subjects from nonathletes. The study also revealed weak correlations between the training period and a deviation of the spinous processes (r = 0.25), a symmetry of the shoulder blades (r = 0.25), and an inclination angle of the thoracolumbar segment (r = -0.26). No correlations were observed between the training frequency and posture parameters. Conclusions: It can be concluded that despite the predominance of asymmetric elements, handball training does not negatively affect the posture in the frontal and transverse planes.

Muscle Bloodflow As An Indicator Of Anaerobic Threshold In Young Athletes – A Near Infrared Spectroscopy Study, Maciej Chroboczek, Magdalena Jakubowska, Sylwester Kujach, Marcin Luszczyk, Radoslaw Laskowski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: In this study we evaluated the effect of exercise with increasing intensity until exhaustion on muscle tissue oxygenation in children. Furthermore, we tested the hypothesis that a decrease in muscle indirect blood flow (O2Hb) predicts the anaerobic threshold determined by analysis of ventilation parameters. Material/Methods: Five, young, school-aged tennis players were engaged in this study (age 16.2 ±1.63 years, VO2max 56.7 ±2.00 ml · kg-1 · min-1). Changes in oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2), deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHB), blood volume (tHb = HbO2 + HHB) and muscle tissue oxygenation (TOI%) in the right vastus lateralis muscle, using a near-infrared spectrometer were recorded. …

Macronutrients And Water – Do They Matter In The Context Of Cognitive Performance In Athletes?, Ewa Karpecka, Barbara Fraczek

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Proper nutrition is a key factor in physical performance, but there are also indications of an impact of dietary components on the brain function. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the impact of macronutrients and water on cognitive performance. Assumptions of the Mediterranean diet correlate with better global cognition, episodic memory, lower risk of cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases. In turn, a high-fat and high-sugar diet shows the opposite effect. Omega-3 fatty acids could be used as a preventive tool for cognitive decline, but there is still insufficient evidence if supplementation improves cognitive functions. The proper intake …