Baseline clinical and MRI risk factors for hamstring reinjury showing the value of performing baseline MRI and delaying return to play: a multicentre, prospective cohort of 330 acute hamstring injuries.

OBJECTIVES: Studies identifying clinical and MRI reinjury risk factors are limited by relatively small sample sizes. This study aimed to examine the association between baseline clinical and MRI findings with the incidence of hamstring reinjuries using a large multicentre dataset. METHODS: We merged data from four prospective studies (three randomised controlled trials and one ongoing prospective case series) from Qatar and the Netherlands. Inclusion criteria included patients with MRI-confirmed acute hamstring injuries (<7 days). We performed multivariable modified Poisson regression analysis to assess the association of baseline clinical and MRI data with hamstring reinjury incidence within 2 months and 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: 330 and 308 patients were included in 2 months (31 (9%) reinjuries) and 12 months (52 (17%) reinjuries) analyses, respectively. In the 2-month analysis, the presence of discomfort during the active knee extension test was associated with reinjury risk (adjusted risk ratio (ARR) 3.38; 95% CI 1.19 to 9.64). In the 12 months analysis, the time to return to play (RTP) (ARR 0.99; 95% CI 0.97 to 1.00), straight leg raise angle on the injured leg (ARR 0.98; 95% CI 0.96 to 1.00), the presence of discomfort during active knee extension test (ARR 2.52; 95% CI 1.10 to 5.78), the extent of oedema anteroposterior on MRI (ARR 0.74; 95% CI 0.57 to 0.96) and myotendinous junction (MTJ) involvement on MRI (ARR 3.10; 95% CI 1.39 to 6.93) were independently associated with hamstring reinjury. CONCLUSIONS: Two clinical findings (the presence of discomfort during active knee extension test, lower straight leg raise angle on the injured leg), two MRI findings (less anteroposterior oedema, MTJ involvement) and shorter time to RTP were independently associated with increased hamstring reinjury risk. These findings may assist the clinician to identify patients at increased reinjury risk following acute hamstring injury. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS: NCT01812564; NCT02104258; NL2643; NL55671.018.16.

On-Field and Pitch-Side (Sideline) Assessment of Sports Concussion in Collision Sports: An Expert Consensus Statement Using the Modified Delphi Technique.

PURPOSE: To perform a Delphi consensus for on-field and pitch-side assessment of sports-related concussion (SRC). METHODS: Open-ended questions in rounds 1 and 2 were answered. The results of the first 2 rounds were used to develop a Likert-style questionnaire for round 3. If agreement at round 3 was ≤80% for an item, if panel members were outside consensus, or there were >30% neither agree/disagree responses, the results were carried forward into round 4. The level of agreement and consensus was defined as 90%. RESULTS: Loss of consciousness (LOC) or suspected LOC, motor incoordination/ataxia, balance disturbance, confusion/disorientation, memory disturbance/amnesia, blurred vision/light sensitivity, irritability, slurred speech, slow reaction time, lying motionless, dizziness, headaches/pressure in the head, falling to the ground with no protective action, slow to get up after a hit, dazed look, and posturing/seizures were clinical signs of SRC and indicate removal from play. Video assessment is helpful but should not replace clinical judgment. LOC/unresponsiveness, signs of cervical spine injury, suspicion of other fractures (skull/maxillo-facial), seizures, Glasgow Coma Scale score <14 and abnormal neurologic examination findings are indications for hospitalization. Return to play should only be considered when no clinical signs of SRC are present. Every suspected concussion should be referred to an experienced physician. CONCLUSIONS: Consensus was achieved for 85% of the clinical signs indicating concussion. On-field and pitch-side assessment should include the observation of the mechanism, a clinical examination, and cervical spine assessment. Of the 19 signs and red flags requiring removal from play, consensus was reached for 74%. Normal clinical examination and HIA with no signs of concussion allow return to play. Video assessment should be mandatory for professional games but should not replace clinical decision-making. Sports Concussion Assessment Tool, Glasgow Coma Scale, vestibular/ocular motor screening, Head Injury Assessment Criteria 1, and Maddocks questions are useful tools. Guidelines are helpful for non-health professionals. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, expert opinion.

Return to Sports Following Sports-Related Concussion in Collision Sports: An Expert Consensus Statement Using the Modified Delphi Technique.

PURPOSE: To perform a Delphi consensus for return to sports (RTS) following sports-related concussion (SRC). METHODS: Open-ended questions in rounds 1 and 2 were answered. The results of the first 2 rounds were used to develop a Likert-style questionnaire for round 3. If agreement at round 3 was ≤80% for an item, if panel members were outside consensus or there were >30% neither agree/disagree responses, the results were carried forward into round 4. The level of agreement and consensus was defined as 90%. RESULTS: Individualized graduated RTS protocols should be used. A normal clinical, ocular and balance examination with no more headaches, and asymptomatic exertional test allows RTS. Earlier RTS can be considered if athletes are symptom free. The Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 5 and vestibular and ocular motor screening are recognized as useful tools to assist in decision-making. Ultimately RTS is a clinical decision. Baseline assessments should be performed at both collegiate and professional level and a combination of neurocognitive and clinical tests should be used. A specific number of recurrent concussions for season-or career-ending decisions could not be determined but will affect decision making for RTS. CONCLUSIONS: Consensus was achieved for 10 of the 25 RTS criteria: early RTS can be considered earlier than 48 to 72 hours if athletes are completely symptom-free with no headaches, a normal clinical, ocular and balance examination. A graduated RTS should be used but should be individualized. Only 2 of the 9 assessment tools were considered to be useful: Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 5 and vestibular and ocular motor screening. RTS is mainly a clinical decision. Only 31% of the baseline assessment items achieved consensus: baseline assessments should be performed at collegiate and professional levels using a combination of neurocognitive and clinical tests. The panel disagreed on the number of recurrent concussions that should be season- or career-ending. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, expert Opinion.

Acute clinical evaluation for the diagnosis of lateral ankle ligament injuries is useful: A comparison between the acute and delayed settings.

PURPOSE: To determine the diagnostic value of seven injury history variables, nine clinical tests (including the combination thereof) and overall clinical suspicion for complete discontinuity of the lateral ankle ligaments in the acute (0-2 days post-injury) and delayed setting (5-8 days post-injury). METHODS: All acute ankle injuries in adult athletes (≥18 years) presenting up to 2 days post-injury were assessed for eligibility. Athletes were excluded if imaging studies demonstrated a frank fracture or 3 T MRI could not be acquired within 10 days post-injury. Using standardized history variables and clinical tests, acute clinical evaluation was performed within 2 days post-injury. Delayed clinical evaluation was performed 5-8 days post-injury. Overall, clinical suspicion was recorded after clinical evaluation. MRI was used as the reference standard. RESULTS: Between February 2018 and February 2020, a total of 117 acute ankle injuries were screened for eligibility, of which 43 were included in this study. Complete discontinuity of lateral ankle ligaments was observed in 23 (53%) acute ankle injuries. In the acute setting, lateral swelling had 100% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 82-100) sensitivity, haematoma had 85% (95% CI: 61-96) specificity and the anterior drawer test had 100% (95% CI: 77-100) specificity. In the delayed setting, sensitivity for the presence of haematoma improved from 43% (95% CI: 24-65) to 91% (95% CI: 70-98; p < 0.01) and the sensitivity of the anterior drawer test improved from 21% (95% CI: 7-46) to 61% (95% CI: 39-80; p = 0.02). Clinical suspicion had a positive likelihood ratio (LR) of 4.35 (95% CI: 0.55-34.17) in the acute setting and a positive LR of 6.09 (95% CI: 1.57-23.60) in the delayed setting. CONCLUSIONS: In the acute setting, clinical evaluation can exclude complete discontinuity (e.g., absent lateral swelling) and identify athletes with a high probability of complete discontinuity (e.g., positive anterior drawer test) of the lateral ankle ligaments. In the delayed setting, the sensitivity of common clinical findings increases resulting in an improved diagnostic accuracy. In clinical practice, this study underlines the importance of meticulous clinical evaluation in the acute setting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Medical services at the FIFA world cup Qatar 2022.

OBJECTIVE: The Football World Cup is among the biggest sporting events in the world, but data to inform the requirements of medical care for such tournaments are limited. This study describes the athlete and team medical services at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 . METHODS: Three different medical service entities were identified through a needs analysis based on expert advice, team physician interviews and questionnaires prior to the event: 'Team Services' to provide any workforce or equipment needs of the teams, a 'Polyclinic' to manage any acute medical demands, and a 'recovery centre' to improve game readiness throughout the tournament. All services had been set up prior to the tournament and thoroughly tested. RESULTS: Of a total of 832 athletes, ~1300 team delegation and ~130 match officials, 167 individuals including 129 (77%) athletes and 38 (23%) non-athletes were assessed in the polyclinic. For the 129 athletes (median 4 players per team), medical imaging was the most requested service, which peaked during the group phase of the tournament. Most requests were received during normal working hours despite many games finishing late at night. 30 of the 32 participating teams solicited medical services for their players at least once. Three teams made use of the recovery facilities, and 17 teams requested additional medical equipment or clinical assistance. CONCLUSION: Central imaging services was the most used medical resource at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and over half of teams required additional medical equipment or personnel. These data may inform planning of medical services for similar events in the future.

Management of proximal rectus femoris injuries - do we know what we're doing?: A systematic review.

Rectus femoris (RF) injury is a concern in sports. The management RF strains/tears and avulsion injuries need to be clearly outlined. A systematic review of literature on current management strategies for RF injuries, and to ascertain the efficacy thereof by the return to sport (RTS) time and re-injury rates. Literature search using Medline via PubMed, WorldCat, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus. Eligible studies were reviewed. Thirty-eight studies involving hundred and fifty-two participants were included. Majority (n = 138; 91%) were males, 80% (n = 121) sustained RF injury from kicking and 20% (n = 31) during sprinting. The myotendinous (MT), (n = 27); free tendon (FT), (n = 34), and anterior-inferior iliac spine (AIIS), (n = 91) were involved. Treatment was conservative (n = 115) or surgical (n = 37) across the subgroups. 73% (n = 27) of surgical treatments followed failed conservative treatment. The mean RTS was shorter with successful conservative treatment (MT: 1, FT: 4, AIIS avulsion: 2.9 months). Surgical RTS ranged from 2-9 months and 18 months with labral involvement. With either group, there was no re-injury within 24 months follow-up. With low certainty of evidence RF injury occurs mostly from kicking, resulting in a tear or avulsion at the FT and AIIS regions with or without a labral tear. With low certainty, findings suggest that successful conservative treatment provides a shortened RTS. Surgical treatment remains an option for failed conservative treatment of RF injuries across all subgroups. High-level studies are recommended to improve the evidence base for the treatment of this significant injury.

Should We Lose Sleep Over Sleep Disturbances After Sports-Related Concussion? A Scoping Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVE: A single, severe traumatic brain injury can result in chronic sleep disturbances that can persist several years after the incident. In contrast, it is unclear whether there are sleep disturbances after a sports-related concussion (SRC). Considering growing evidence of links between sleep disturbance and neurodegeneration, this review examined the potential links between diagnosed SRCs and sleep disturbances to provide guidance for future studies. METHODS: The scoping review undertook a systematic search of key online databases (Scopus, MEDLINE, SportDiscus, and Web of Science) using predetermined search terms for any articles that examined sleep after concussion. A screening criterion using agreed inclusion and exclusion criteria was utilized to ensure inclusion of relevant articles. DESIGN: This scoping review is guided by the PRSIMA Scoping Review report. RESULTS: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, reporting on 896 adults who had experienced an SRC. Comparison with 1327 non-SRC adults occurred in 8 studies. Nine studies subjectively examined sleep, of which all but one study reported sleep disturbances after an SRC. Three studies objectively measured sleep, with 2 studies indicating large coefficients of variation of sleep duration, suggesting a range of sleep responses after an SRC. The only study to examine overnight polysomnography showed no differences in sleep metrics between those with and without an SRC. No studies examined interventions to improve sleep outcomes in people with concussion. CONCLUSIONS: This scoping review indicates preliminary evidence of sleep disturbances following an SRC. The heterogeneity of methodology used in the included studies makes consensus on the results difficult. Given the mediating role of sleep in neurodegenerative disorders, further research is needed to identify physiological correlates and pathological mechanisms of sleep disturbances in SRC-related neurodegeneration and whether interventions for sleep problems improve recovery from concussion and reduce the risk of SRC-related neurodegeneration.

Association between thermal responses, medical events, performance, heat acclimation and health status in male and female elite athletes during the 2019 Doha World Athletics Championships.

PURPOSE: To determine associations between thermal responses, medical events, performance, heat acclimation and health status during a World Athletics Championships in hot-humid conditions. METHODS: From 305 marathon and race-walk starters, 83 completed a preparticipation questionnaire on health and acclimation. Core (Tcore; ingestible pill) and skin (Tskin; thermal camera) temperatures were measured in-competition in 56 and 107 athletes, respectively. 70 in-race medical events were analysed retrospectively. Performance (% personal best) and did not finish (DNF) were extracted from official results. RESULTS: Peak Tcore during competition reached 39.6°C±0.6°C (maximum 41.1°C). Tskin decreased from 32.2°C±1.3°C to 31.0°C±1.4°C during the races (p<0.001). Tcore was not related to DNF (25% of starters) or medical events (p≥0.150), whereas Tskin, Tskin rate of decrease and Tcore-to-Tskin gradient were (p≤0.029). A third of the athletes reported symptoms in the 10 days preceding the event, mainly insomnia, diarrhoea and stomach pain, with diarrhoea (9% of athletes) increasing the risk of in-race medical events (71% vs 17%, p<0.001). Athletes (63%) who performed 5-30 days heat acclimation before the competition: ranked better (18±13 vs 28±13, p=0.009), displayed a lower peak Tcore (39.4°C±0.4°C vs 39.8°C±0.7°C, p=0.044) and larger in-race decrease in Tskin (-1.4°C±1.0°C vs -0.9°C±1.2°C, p=0.060), than non-acclimated athletes. Although not significant, they also showed lower DNF (19% vs 30%, p=0.273) and medical events (19% vs 32%, p=0.179). CONCLUSION: Tskin, Tskin rate of decrease and Tcore-to-Tskin gradient were important indicators of heat tolerance. While heat-acclimated athletes ranked better, recent diarrhoea represented a significant risk factor for DNF and in-race medical events.

Association Between Injury Mechanisms and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Rectus Femoris Injuries in 105 Professional Football Players.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the injury mechanism and its association with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) injury findings in acute rectus femoris injuries. DESIGN: Combined retrospective and prospective descriptive injury study. Retrospective cohort from January 2010 to October 2013 and prospective cohort from October 2013 to January 2019. SETTING: Specialized sports medicine hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Male professional football players older than 18 years playing in a national football league, referred for injury assessment within 7 days after an acute rectus femoris injury, with a positive finding on MRI. INDEPENDENT VARIABLES: Rectus femoris muscle injury MRI findings in relation to injury mechanism in male football players. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rectus femoris injury mechanism (kicking, sprinting, and others), MRI injury location, and grade. RESULTS: There were 105 injuries in total, with 60 (57.1%) and 45 (42.8%) injuries from the retrospective and prospective cohorts, respectively. Kicking was the injury mechanism in 57 (54.3%) of all acute rectus femoris injuries, sprinting represented 32 (30.4%), and 16 (15.2%) were classified as others. There were 20 (19.05%) free tendon, 67 (63.8%) myotendinous junction and/or intramuscular tendon, and 18 (17.1%) peripheral myofascial located injuries. All free tendon injuries were related to kicking and graded as a complete tear of at least one of the tendons in 15/20 (75.0%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: Kicking seems to be an important mechanism related to complete ruptures and injuries occurring at the proximal free tendon. Sprinting was the other most common mechanism but was never associated with injury to the proximal free tendon.

Acute clinical evaluation for syndesmosis injury has high diagnostic value.

PURPOSE: To determine the diagnostic value of injury history, physical examination, six syndesmosis tests and overall clinical suspicion for syndesmosis injury. METHODS: All athletes (> 18 yrs) with an acute ankle injury presenting within 7 days post-injury were assessed for eligibility. Acute ankle injuries were excluded if imaging studies demonstrated a frank fracture or 3 T MRI could not be acquired within 10 days post-injury. Standardized injury history was recorded, and physical examination was performed by an Orthopaedic Surgeon or Sports Medicine Physician. Overall clinical suspicion was documented prior to MRI. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association between independent predictors and syndesmosis injury. RESULTS: Between September 2016 and July 2019, a total of 150 acute ankle injuries were included. The median time from injury to acute clinical evaluation was 2 days (IQR 2). Prior to clinical evaluation, the median patient reported Visual Analog Scale for pain was 8/10 (IQR 2). Syndesmosis injury was present in 26 acute ankle injuries. An eversion mechanism of injury had a positive LR 3.47 (CI 95% 1.55-7.77). The squeeze tests had a positive LR of 2.20 (CI 95% 1.29-3.77) and a negative LR of 0.68 (CI 95% 0.48-0.98). Overall clinical suspicion had a sensitivity of 73% (CI 95% 52-88) and negative predictive value of 89% (CI 95% 78-95). Multivariate regression analyses demonstrated significant association for eversion mechanism of injury (OR 4.99; CI 95% 1.56-16.01) and a positive squeeze test (OR 3.25; CI 95% 1.24-8.51). CONCLUSIONS: In an acute clinical setting with patients reporting high levels of ankle pain, a negative overall clinical suspicion reduces the probability of syndesmosis injury. Eversion mechanism of injury and a positive squeeze test are associated with higher odds of syndesmosis injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Arabic translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5).

The aim was to create a Modern Standard Arabic SCAT5 version for different Arabic dialects. This translation and cross-cultural adaptation was performed in eight stages: initial translations, reconciliation of translations and cultural adaptation, back translation, appraisal of back translations, validation of the translation, review and adjustment by reconciliation committee, pretesting in 12 football players and document finalisation. As an alternative to the problematic Months In Reverse Order Test (MIROT) in Arabic, the Serial 3s test (32 Arabic and 30 English participants), the Days of the Week Backwards test (DWBT), and the 'Adding Serial 3s' test were tested (30 English and 30 Arabic participants) for accuracy, difficulty and time of completion. The Arabic SCAT5 was similar and comparable to the original English version (7-point Likert scales =< 2). Testing of the pre-final version of the Arabic SCAT5 took 20.4 (SD 3.4) and 17.7 (SD 3.0) minutes respectively to complete and was found acceptable in terms of clarity, understandability, grammatical correctness and coherence. The Arabic Serial 3s test (subtraction version) was unsuitable due to high completion time, low pass rate and high difficulty perception [time = 47.2 (SD 28.0) s; accuracy = 55.2%; difficulty = 3.2 (SD 1.1)]. The Arabic DWBT was too fast and undemanding for concentration testing [time = 4.6 (SD 1.5) s; accuracy = 90%; difficulty = 1.1 (SD 0.3)]. The Adding Serial 3s tests produced similar completion times [18.4 (SD 6.8) vs. 21.1 (SD 5.3), p = 0.088], accuracy (100%) and self-rated difficulty [English = 2.0 (SD 0.7) vs. Arabic-speaking participants = 2.1 (SD 0.8), p = 0.512] and was therefore adopted to replace the MIROT. This culturally adapted Arabic-SCAT5 questionnaire is the first concussion assessment tool available for Arabic-speaking healthcare providers and athletes. Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5). Biol Sport. 2021;38(1):129-144.

Remote assessment in sport and exercise medicine (SEM): a narrative review and teleSEM solutions for and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic forces sport and exercise medicine (SEM) physicians to think differently about the clinical care of patients. Many rapidly implement eHealth and telemedicine solutions specific to SEM without guidance on how best to provide these services. AIM: The aim of this paper is to present some guiding principles on how to plan for and perform an SEM consultation remotely (teleSEM) based on a narrative review of the literature. A secondary aim is to develop a generic teleSEM injury template. RESULTS: eHealth and telemedicine are essential solutions to effective remote patient care, also in SEM. This paper provides guidance for wise planning and delivery of teleSEM. It is crucial for SEM physicians, technology providers and organisations to codesign teleSEM services, ideally involving athletes, coaches and other clinicians involved in the clinical care of athletes, and to gradually implement these services with appropriate support and education. CONCLUSION: teleSEM provides solutions for remote athlete clinical care during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. We define two new terms-eSEM and teleSEM and discuss guiding principles on how to plan for and perform SEM consultations remotely (teleSEM). We provide an example of a generic teleSEM injury assessment guide.

Developing a strategic research framework for sport and exercise medicine.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Sport and exercise medicine (SEM) is a young, fast growing discipline. The need to broaden its evidence base has been established. The aim of the study was to compile a research-based strategic framework for the development of a sustainable research programme in SEM at a South African university. METHODS: A literature review, internal document analysis, semistructured interviews with role players within the university and a Delphi process utilising a panel of international and national experts in research and SEM, were applied. Results were analysed and categorised regarding foundational aspects and operational components to create a sustainable research programme in SEM. RESULTS: The foundational level of the framework consists of points of departure, premises and resources. Points of departure regarding SEM, the university, management, research and sustainability were identified. The premises for the research programme are relevance, currency, flexibility, implementability and a scientific base. Internal, institutional and external resources required by the programme were identified. The operational level was developed according to the W.K. Kellogg programme logic model. It consists of academic and management inputs; a central hub of activities which drives the programme; desired financial, human and academic outputs, and long-term qualitative and quantitative outcomes. The third level represents a sustainable research programme which is constantly monitored and reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: The strategic framework provides guidelines for the development and sustainable management of an SEM research programme. It will make a substantial contribution to the research, further development, and ultimately the status of SEM in South Africa.

Injury surveillance of head and neck injuries with a special focus on sport-related concussions: Eight seasons observational study in professional football in Qatar.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the head and neck injuries with a focus on Sport-Related Concussion (SRC) in professional football in Qatar (PFQ) during eight consecutive seasons. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. METHODS: Seventeen PFQ teams were included over eight seasons (2013/14-2020/21) study. The injury data were collected by the respective clubs' medical staff using standardized (time-loss injuries) protocols. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 119 teams' seasons resulting in a total of 87 head and neck injuries (1.8 % of the 4736 time-loss injuries). Head and neck injury rate was of 0.57 injury/squad-season (95%CI: 0.56-0.59), representing 0.12 injury/1000 h (95%CI: 0.09-0.14). Thirty-three concussions were recorded. The concussion rate was 0.25 injury/squad-season (95%CI: 0.23-0.26), representing 0.04 injury/1000 h (95%CI: 0.03-0.06). The concussion proportion of all head injuries was 31.7 % during the four initial seasons and 43.5 % during the following four seasons with a non-significant increase of 11.8 % (X2 = 1267, p = 0.26). CONCLUSIONS: Injury rates in this cohort remain lower than comparable leagues elsewhere. Even though the incidence rate of SRC did not change significantly over the eight seasons, seasonal variations' trend may indicate that the medical staff are more aware of diagnosing head and neck injuries, including concussion.

Electroencephalographic Changes in Sleep During Acute and Subacute Phases After Sports-Related Concussion.

Purpose: Little is known about sleep after a concussion, a form of mild traumatic brain injury. Given the importance of sleep for both maintaining brain health and recovery from injury, we sought to examine sleep acutely and subacutely after concussion. Methods: Athletes who experienced a sports-related concussion were invited to participate. Participants underwent overnight sleep studies within 7 days of the concussion (acute phase), and again eight-weeks after the concussion (subacute phase). Changes in sleep from both the acute and subacute phases were compared to population normative values. Additionally, changes in sleep from acute to subacute phase were analysed. Results: When compared to normative data, the acute and subacute phases of concussion showed longer total sleep time (p < 0.005) and fewer arousals (p < 0.005). The acute phase showed longer rapid eye movement sleep latency (p = 0.014). The subacute phase showed greater total sleep spent in Stage N3% (p = 0.046), increased sleep efficiency (p < 0.001), shorter sleep onset latency (p = 0.013), and reduced wake after sleep onset (p = 0.013). Compared to the acute phase, the subacute phase experienced improved sleep efficiency (p = 0.003), reduced wake after sleep onset (p = 0.02), and reduced latencies for both stage N3 sleep (p = 0.014) and rapid eye movement sleep (p = 0.006). Conclusion: This study indicated sleep during both the acute and subacute phases of SRC was characterised by longer and less disrupted sleep, along with improvements in sleep from the acute to subacute phases of SRC.

Nowhere to hide: The significant impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) measures on elite and semi-elite South African athletes.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the perceptions of South African elite and semi-elite athletes on return to sport (RTS); maintenance of physical conditioning and other activities; sleep; nutrition; mental health; healthcare access; and knowledge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). DESIGN: Cross- sectional study. METHODS: A Google Forms survey was distributed to athletes from 15 sports in the final phase (last week of April 2020) of the level 5 lockdown period. Descriptive statistics were used to describe player demographic data. Chi-squared tests investigated significance (p<0.05) between observed and expected values and explored sex differences. Post hoc tests with a Bonferroni adjustment were included where applicable. RESULTS: 67% of the 692 respondents were males. The majority (56%) expected RTS after 1-6 months. Most athletes trained alone (61%; p<0.0001), daily (61%; p<0.0001) at moderate intensity (58%; p<0.0001) and for 30-60min (72%). During leisure time athletes preferred sedentary above active behaviour (p<0.0001). Sleep patterns changed significantly (79%; p<0.0001). A significant number of athletes consumed excessive amounts of carbohydrates (76%; p<0.0001; males 73%; females 80%). Many athletes felt depressed (52%), and required motivation to keep active (55%). Most had access to healthcare during lockdown (80%) and knew proceedings when suspecting COVID-19 (92%). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 had physical, nutritional and psychological consequences that may impact on the safe RTS and general health of athletes. Lost opportunities and uncertain financial and sporting futures may have significant effects on athletes and the sports industry. Government and sporting federations must support athletes and develop and implement guidelines to reduce the risk in a COVID-19 environment.

The incidence and nature of injuries in South African rugby players in the rugby Super 12 competition.

BACKGROUND: There are sparse scientific data concerning the aetiology and incidence of injuries in the Super 12 rugby competition. Aim. The aim of the study was to document the incidence, nature and risk factors associated with injuries during a Super 12 rugby competition. METHODS: Injuries, defined as injuries preventing playing or training, or requiring medical treatment, were recorded in a cohort of 75 South African Super 12 players over one season. Injury severity was graded according to sessions missed: minor (1 - 3 missed), intermediate (4 - 9) and severe (> 9). RESULTS: During the tournament, a total of 740 player game hours and 4 900 player training hours were recorded. The overall incidence of injuries was 55.4 injuries/1,000 player game hours, and 4.3 injuries/1,000 player training hours. The most common injury types were: ligament sprains (25.8%), musculotendinous strains/tears (24.2%). The most common injured sites were: pelvis, hip (19.3%), head and knee (12.9% each). The tackle caused 40.3%, and rucks and mauls 11.3% of injuries. Injuries sustained during training accounted for 34%, and chronic overuse injuries 9.7% of injuries. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high injury rate during a Super 12 rugby competition. However, the majority of injuries were minor injuries. The most dangerous phase of play was the tackle. Training in tackling and rucking techniques, and rule enforcement are therefore recommended to reduce risk of injury. Injuries tended to occur late in games and early in the season, suggesting lack of physical conditioning and fatigue as possible causes of injury.