[Specific effects of boxing on functional parameters of the locomotor system]. / Boxsportartspezifische Auswirkungen auf funktionelle Parameter des Bewegungsapparats.

PROBLEMS: Boxer that take part on contests regularly are characterized by high strains on the locomotor system. Especially the area of shoulder girdle and neck can be overused by the fighting posture and standard techniques, that are often associated with non-physiological patterns. METHODS: Of 11 young boxers (age 14.6 +/- 0.6 years; 7.3 +/- 0.6 training units per week) and a control group (CG) of 52 male pupils (age 15.4 +/- 0.4 years) the static of head, shoulder girdle, and pelvis was detected by somatoscopy. Additionally, cyclical rotations of the cervical spine were measured using the 3-d-motion recording system CMS70 (Zebris, Germany) and the active range of motion was analysed. RESULTS: In comparison to the CG, head and shoulder of the boxers were ventralised more often (p < 0.01). Furthermore, highly significant group differences in the bilateral position of the shoulder heights and the iliac crests were detected in the frontal plane. On average, the active maximal rotation of the boxers was decreased by 17.8 degrees (p = 0.006; d = 0.800). DISCUSSION: Our study was able to detect significant differences in the analysed functional parameters of the locomotor system that may be explained by boxing specific strains and which are prerequisites of optimal performance. As long-term pathologic effects can not be excluded, adequate compensational exercises should be integrated in the training.

[Functional diagnosis of the musculoskeletal and locomotor system in pediatric practice]. / Beitrag zur funktionellen Diagnostik des Stütz- und Bewegungssystems in der jugendärztlichen Tätigkeit.

Non-traumatic injuries of the muscular-skeletal system and connective tissue are expressed typically in early childhood; in young adults the morbidity rate is high and serious health problems follow in later life. For prophylaxis to be successful, early specific diagnosis is necessary. In order to identify postural weaknesses and damage in the context of paediatric practice, the authors recommend a double test to evaluate condition and coordination (combination of Matthias's forward stretched arm holding test with Janda's test of abdominal muscle strength). They describe their own experience of conducting and evaluating these quick means of functional diagnosis and the problems of their use in the context of preventive medical examinations conducted by the Health Care for Children and Adolescents.