Protracted exercise tolerance post-coronavirus disease 2019 in endurance athletes: A survey.

Background: The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic irrevocably influenced our lives, yet research in a diversity of countries is lacking. Cardiorespiratory fitness may be impaired for up to a year post-COVID-19 infection. Objectives: Our study aimed to compare acute and exertional symptoms, fatigue, and exercise performance in masters-age endurance athletes according to their return-to-sport status. Method: A cross-sectional survey-based observational study of long-distance runners and cyclists was conducted. Data were stratified into two groups: those who returned to their pre-illness level of sport and those who did not and were compared statistically. Results: A total of 308 survey responses were included in the analysis. The mean age of the athletes was 44.9 + 10.2 years, with 55.2% being male. The group that did not return to their pre-illness level of sport (31.5%) had more post-COVID sequelae, worse illness severity, with a higher frequency of resting and exertional symptoms, notably fatigue and dyspnoea. Decreased exercise capacity was correlated with increased physical fatigue scores. Conclusion: Almost one-third of endurance athletes suffered protracted exercise tolerance post-COVID-19. Long-term symptoms may be more consequential in this athlete population. Clinical Implications: Symptoms that may indicate cardiopulmonary consequences in recreational athletes should be investigated in order to facilitate return to sport and the important mental and physical benefits thereof. This will augment outcomes after respiratory tract infections and management of return to sport and expectations of endurance athletes.

The Association Between Menstrual Cycle Phase, Menstrual Irregularities, Contraceptive Use and Musculoskeletal Injury Among Female Athletes: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: The influence of menstrual cycle phases (MCPs), menstrual irregularities (MI) and hormonal contraceptive (HC) use on injury among female athletes has been scrutinised. Existing systematic reviews investigating the effect of exposures affecting the endogenous reproductive hormone status on sporting injuries are limited in terms of the types of studies included and injuries investigated. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aims to summarise the coverage of the literature related to the extent, nature and characteristics of the influence of MCP, MI and HC use on musculoskeletal injuries among athletes. It also aims to summarise key concepts and definitions in the relevant literature. Observational and experimental studies investigating the effect of MCP, MI, and HC on musculoskeletal injuries among female individuals of reproductive age were included. Studies specifically stating pregnant women, perimenopausal/postmenopausal athletes, or those using medication (other than HC) that affects reproductive hormone profiles or the musculoskeletal system were excluded. METHODS: This scoping review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping reviews and JBI scoping review guidelines. Published and unpublished studies were sourced from several databases and resources. Initial keywords used included terms related to "menstrual cycle", "hormonal contraception" and "injury." Titles and abstracts of identified citations were screened independently and assessed for eligibility by two independent reviewers. Data from the included studies were extracted using a standard data extraction form. RESULTS: The search yielded 10,696 articles, of which 96 met the eligibility criteria. Most studies investigated MI (77%), and 49% included MCP as a contributing injury risk factor. Publications have increased over the last two decades. Collectively, only 16% of research has been conducted in Africa, Asia and Oceania. There were no studies from South America. Seventy-five percent of the studies investigated individual versus team (25%) sport athletes. Most studies only investigated elite or professional (n = 24; 25%) level athletes. The definitions of injury, eumenorrhea and MI differ vastly among studies. Regarding MI, most studies (69%) investigated secondary amenorrhea, followed by oligomenorrhea (51%) and primary amenorrhea (43%). Concerning HC, the influence of oral contraceptive pills was mainly investigated. CONCLUSIONS: Research related to MCP, MI and HC as contributing musculoskeletal injury risk factors is increasing; however, several gaps have been identified, including research from countries other than North America and Europe, the study population being non-professional/elite level athletes, athletes participating in team sports and specific injuries related to MCP, MI and HC, respectively. Differences in methodology and terminology of injury, MCP and MI hinder comparative summative research, and future research should consider current published guidelines during the study design. Identifying barriers to following standard guidelines or research investigating the most practical yet accurate methods to investigate the influence of MCP on musculoskeletal health might yield valuable insights for future research designs. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Scoping review registration number: Open Science Framework ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/5GWBV ).

Physical Profiles of All-Rounders, Batters, and Bowlers in Sub-Elite Women's Cricket.

ABSTRACT: Jacobs, J, Olivier, B, Brandt, C, and Jafta, G. Physical profiles of all-rounders, batters, and bowlers in sub-elite women's cricket. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): 1095-1102, 2024-The unique physical profile of each player's role in sub-elite women's cricket is vital for optimizing performance as these players progress to the elite levels. This quantitative, cross-sectional study investigates the physical profiles of sub-elite women's cricket players as a group and compares these profiles across different player roles. Sub-elite female cricket players in the South African domestic women's cricket league were included in this study. A battery of physical assessments were conducted at the start of the 2022/23 season. The physical assessments included body composition, individual muscle strength testing using dynamometry, 2-km time trial (TT), countermovement jump (CMJ), single-leg jump (SLJ), isometric mid-thigh pull, push-up, and hop test on force plates. A total of 44 female players (20.86 ± 1.6 years) were included in the study. Differences were found in muscle mass (p = 0.004) and peak power (p = 0.040) for all-rounders and bowlers. Player roles presented with different dominant (p = 0.006) and non-dominant (p = 0.066) knee flexion strength. The bowlers' body composition and physical strength profile are compromised compared with batters and all-rounders. There were several physical strength and power differences between pace and spin bowlers in CMJ and SLJ tests for jump height (p = 0.009) and peak power (p = 0.006). Batters performed the best in the 2-km TT. Body composition and musculoskeletal profiles for each player role can be baseline markers in sub-elite women's cricket. Stakeholders can use this information to guide physical preparation for players advancing to elite levels.

Anthropometric and biomechanical factors in elite male and female fast bowlers.

Researchers have extensively studied the biomechanics and anthropometrics of fast bowling in men's cricket, but there is still limited research in women's cricket. This study describes and compares the anthropometric qualities and bowling biomechanics between elite male and female fast bowlers. An inertial measurement system was used to collect three-dimensional biomechanical data for 20 elite fast bowlers (13 males and seven females). Kinematic data was captured at one step before back foot contact, back foot contact, front foot contact, ball release to one step after ball release. Anthropometric measurements included body segment lengths, mass, body fat (BF%) and muscle mass (MM%). The student t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for analyses. Hotelling's T2 statistic was calculated to control Type I error during multiple comparisons (p = 0.045). Males and females differed in overall height, limb length, BF% and MM%. Females presented with slower ball release speeds (p = 0.001). Biomechanically, the females were more front-on when approaching the delivery stride and then initiated pelvis and trunk rotation during the delivery stride, not seen in the males. Females and males have a similar magnitude of trunk side-flexion, but females present with a different strategy than males (p = 0.038). Females presented with increased front knee extension at ball release (p = 0.05). The findings from this study emphasise the differences between male and female fast bowlers and suggest that the coaching principles used in male fast bowling may not be relevant to female fast bowlers.

Injury profiles in sub-elite Women's Cricket: Exploring incidence, prevalence, nature, onset and body region.

INTRODUCTION: The rise in participation in sports, like women's cricket, is linked with increased injury risk. Providing high-level longitudinal data is the first step in implementing evidence-based injury prevention strategies. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: This cohort study aims to describe the injury profiles in sub-elite women's cricket in South Africa during the 2022/23 season. METHODS: Injuries were prospectively recorded using injury surveillance questionnaires, injury surveillance database, and logbooks completed by each team's medical staff. Injury rates were investigated for match and training days, body region, player role, nature, and activity at the time of injury. RESULTS: Three teams with a total of 44 players (20.86 ± 1.6 years) were included in the study. Injury incidence was 85.23 per 1000 player match days, 15.91 for match time-loss and 69.32 for non-time-loss, with 2.95% of players unavailable for match selection on any day. Fast bowlers had the highest injury incidence. Fielding caused 46.67% of all injuries. Injury incidence was higher in training than in matches. The wrist/hand had the highest injury incidence and caused the most match time-loss. CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable insights regarding the current injury rates in sub-elite female cricket players.

Effect of neuromuscular injury prevention strategies on injury rates in adolescent males playing sport: a systematic review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: This review will assess the effectiveness of neuromuscular injury prevention strategies on injury rates among adolescent males playing sports. INTRODUCTION: Adolescent athletes are predisposed to injuries during this period of growth. Growth-related injury risk factors can be mitigated by implementing appropriate neuromuscular injury prevention strategies. This review will include all sporting disciplines in summarizing the components and assessing the effectiveness of injury prevention strategies in the adolescent male population. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials investigating adolescent males, between the ages of 13 and 18 years, participating in organized sports, in any setting and level of participation, will be included. Studies that evaluate neuromuscular injury prevention strategies (eg, balance, proprioceptive, plyometric, agility, strength, weight, conditioning and sport-specific exercises and training, warm up, cool down, stretches, neuromuscular control) vs no intervention or standard training and competition exposure will be included. The outcomes of interest are injury incidence and prevalence rates. METHODS: Databases searched will include MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL Complete (EBSCOhost), ClinicalKey, SPORTDiscus (EBSCOhost), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Scopus, ScienceDirect, MasterFILE Premier (EBSCOhost), Academic Search Complete (EBSCOhost), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and ClinicalTrials.gov. Gray literature and unpublished studies will be searched via Health and Medical Complete (ProQuest Dissertations & Theses). Study screening and selection against inclusion criteria will be performed. Data extraction and critical appraisal will be performed using the standardized JBI templates and checklists for qualitative research. All stages will be performed by 2 independent reviewers, with conflicts resolved by a third reviewer. REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022327047.

Foot and Ankle Injuries in Elite South African Cricketers: A Descriptive Analysis of Injury Surveillance Data.

Introduction: Injury surveillance is an important part of injury risk reduction in the sporting population. This study describes the type, side (dominant or non-dominant), occurrence, impact, activity of onset, and severity of foot and ankle injuries in elite South African male and female cricketers. Methods: Foot and ankle injuries sustained by elite cricket players between 2018 and 2021, obtained from the records of Cricket South Africa, were descriptively analysed. Results: A total of 104 foot and ankle injuries in 82 players were recorded. The majority (n = 100; 96%) of injuries were on the non-dominant side. Bowling (n = 31; 30%) and fielding (n = 20; 19%) contributed to most injuries. The majority were first-time (n = 83; 80%) and non-impact injuries (n = 62; 60%). Fifty percent (n = 52) of injuries rendered players unable to participate in at least one match or practice session. Lateral ankle ligament injury was the most common injury sustained (n = 36; 35%). Conclusion: The findings from this study can inform future researchers and assist healthcare service needs relating to injury risk reduction and management programmes. Effective rehabilitation programmes may reduce the risk of reinjury. Ideally, these programmes need to be role specific.

The efficacy of injury screening for lower back pain in elite golfers.

Background: Injury prevention is a growing focus for golfers in general and for elite golfers in particular. Movement screening has been proposed as a possible cost-effective means of identifying underlying risk factors and is widely utilised by therapists, trainers and coaches. Objectives: Our study aimed to establish whether results from movement screening were associated with subsequent lower back injury in elite golfers. Methods: Our prospective longitudinal cohort study with one baseline time point included 41 injury-free young elite male golfers who underwent movement screening. After this, the golfers were monitored for 6 months for lower back pain. Results: Seventeen golfers developed lower back pain (41%). Screening tests that were able to differentiate golfers who developed and those who did not develop lower back pain, included: rotational stability test on the non-dominant side (p = 0.01, effect size = 0.27), rotational stability test on the dominant side (p = 0.03; effect size = 0.29) and plank score (p = 0.03; effect size = 0.24). There were no differences observed in any other screening tests. Conclusion: Out of 30 screening tests, only three tests were able to identify golfers not at risk of developing lower back pain. All three of these tests had weak effect sizes. Clinical implications: Movement screening was not effective in identifying elite golfers at risk of lower back pain in our study.

Symptom Number and Reduced Preinfection Training Predict Prolonged Return to Training after SARS-CoV-2 in Athletes: AWARE IV.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine factors predictive of prolonged return to training (RTT) in athletes with recent SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. Athletes not vaccinated against COVID-19 ( n = 207) with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (predominantly ancestral virus and beta-variant) completed an online survey detailing the following factors: demographics (age and sex), level of sport participation, type of sport, comorbidity history and preinfection training (training hours 7 d preinfection), SARS-CoV-2 symptoms (26 in 3 categories; "nose and throat," "chest and neck," and "whole body"), and days to RTT. Main outcomes were hazard ratios (HR, 95% confidence interval) for athletes with versus without a factor, explored in univariate and multiple models. HR < 1 was predictive of prolonged RTT (reduced % chance of RTT after symptom onset). Significance was P < 0.05. RESULTS: Age, level of sport participation, type of sport, and history of comorbidities were not predictors of prolonged RTT. Significant predictors of prolonged RTT (univariate model) were as follows (HR, 95% confidence interval): female (0.6, 0.4-0.9; P = 0.01), reduced training in the 7 d preinfection (1.03, 1.01-1.06; P = 0.003), presence of symptoms by anatomical region (any "chest and neck" [0.6, 0.4-0.8; P = 0.004] and any "whole body" [0.6, 0.4-0.9; P = 0.025]), and several specific symptoms. Multiple models show that the greater number of symptoms in each anatomical region (adjusted for training hours in the 7 d preinfection) was associated with prolonged RTT ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Reduced preinfection training hours and the number of acute infection symptoms may predict prolonged RTT in athletes with recent SARS-CoV-2. These data can assist physicians as well as athletes/coaches in planning and guiding RTT. Future studies can explore whether these variables can be used to predict time to return to full performance and classify severity of acute respiratory infection in athletes.

Altered sagittal plane mechanics is associated with Functional Movement Screen deep squat score.

Background: The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) assesses the quality of movements, including the deep squat (DS), which is used in sports settings. The validity of the individual item scores has yet to be established. Objectives: To investigate the validity of the FMS DS by comparing the sagittal plane kinematics of participants who achieve different observer scores. Method: Seventeen injury-free, adolescent male cricket bowlers were assessed. The movement was captured using the Optitrack® motion capture system. Simultaneously, observers scored participants' execution of the DS according to the standard FMS scoring criteria. Participants were grouped into Group 1 (lowest score), Group 2 (altered movement mechanics) or Group 3 (perfect score) according to observer scores. Specific joint angles of each group were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: There were significant differences in the degree to which the femur passed the horizontal between Group 3 and Group 1 (p = 0.04, r = 0.61) and Group 2 and Group 1 (p = 0.03, r = 0.66) and the difference in the degree to which the torso was kept vertical between Group 3 and Group 1 (p = 0.02, r = 0.66) and Group 2 and Group 1 (p = 0.02; r = 0.72). Conclusion: Kinematic differences exist between participants who achieve different observer scores for the FMS DS. Clinical implications: While differences in sagittal plane kinematics have been observed in participants scoring high on the FMS DS and participants scoring low, further investigation into the validity of the frontal plane kinematics is warranted, as well as the concurrent validity of the individual scoring criteria.

Erratum: Injury surveillance in community cricket: A new innings for South Africa.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.4102/sajp.v78i1.1756.].

Perceptions of human movement researchers and clinicians on the barriers and facilitators to health research data sharing in Africa.

INTRODUCTION: The benefits of research data sharing abound in the literature. However, some factors define how researchers and clinicians approach the challenges surrounding sharing human movement health research data. PURPOSE: To describe the perceptions of human movement researchers and clinicians on the barriers and facilitators to research data sharing in Africa. METHOD: A qualitative descriptive design with a purposive sampling method was used. In-depth interviews with human movement researchers and clinicians across Africa were conducted online via Microsoft Teams. Sixteen (n = 16) participants took part in this study. This sample size was representative of East, West, Northern, and Southern Africa. Efforts made to engage with participants in Central Africa were unsuccessful. RESULT: Five themes emerged: 1) the researcher-clinician gap; 2) technological pros and cons in Africa; 3) cost matters; 4) bureaucracy and ethical factors; and 5) the unique African perspective. Mainly, barriers rather than facilitators to data sharing exist among African human movement researchers and clinicians. CONCLUSION: There needs to be a societal and psychological shift through reorientation to encourage data sharing among African human movement researchers and clinicians.

Scapular force: Couple ratios in healthy shoulders - An observational study reflecting typical values.

Background: Scapular stability is primarily maintained through the action of the scapular stabilisers and not through bony stability. The values of the force couple ratios of the scapular stabilisers remain largely unknown. Objectives: To determine typical scapular force couple strength ratios in the pain-free shoulders of healthy female and male participants. Methods: This was a quantitative cross-sectional study. The muscle strength of the serratus anterior upper and lower fibres, the upper, middle and lower trapezius and the rhomboids (in both shoulders) were determined in kilogram force (kgf) using a handheld dynamometer. The ratios of the force couples of the scapulae of both shoulders of the participants were calculated. Participants (both female and male) with healthy shoulders were recruited from the general public (a local university, schools, church groups and sport clubs). We mainly utilised descriptive analysis. Statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: Force couple ratios were as follows (means, with SD). Dominant arm in women: upper trapezius:lower trapezius 3.63 (0.97); serratus anterior lower fibres:lower trapezius = 1.97 (0.27); middle trapezius:serratus anterior upper fibres = 0.40 (0.10); serratus anterior lower fibres:rhomboids = 1.41 (0.21); lower trapezius:rhomboids = 0.74 (0.17). Dominant arm in men: upper trapezius:lower trapezius = 2.70 (0.72); serratus anterior lower fibres:lower trapezius = 2.15 (0.45); middle trapezius:serratus anterior upper fibres = 0.47 (0.12); serratus anterior lower fibres:rhomboids = 1.40 (0.31) and lower trapezius:rhomboids = 0.17 (0.6). Conclusion: Specific force couple strength ratios were determined, between and within the nondominant and the dominant arms of the shoulders of healthy women and men. Clinical implications: Scapular stability is mainly maintained through the optimal force couple balance of the scapular stabilisers.

Injury surveillance in community cricket: A new inning for South Africa.

Published injury rates amongst elite and club-level youth cricketers highlight the need to implement injury risk-reducing strategies amongst the youth cricketing population. Data from sports injury surveillance systems are a prerequisite for the development and evaluation of strategies to reduce injury risk. Therefore, collecting injury surveillance data is a positive move towards reducing injuries in cricket. In South Africa, a systematic, standardised, evidence-informed injury surveillance system currently does not exist for community levels of play, namely, in cricket-playing high schools and cricket clubs. Although injury surveillance systems exist at elite levels, the obvious differences in elite versus community cricket settings mean that these systems cannot be implemented in their current form at community-level cricket. An innovative model is required to implement an injury surveillance system in community cricket. Clinical implications: This article proposes and describes a new research-practice partnership model to implement a systematic, standardised, evidence-informed injury surveillance system at cricket-playing high schools or cricket clubs within South Africa. Once this model has been employed, database systems will need to be established to allow long-term data management and sharing.

Lower Quadrant Swing Biomechanics Identifies Golfers With Increased Risk of Low Back Pain: A Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study.

CONTEXT: Elite golfers have a high incidence of low back pain. Recent reviews have emphasized the need for investigation into how to prevent low back pain in golfers, prompting the current study. DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal cohort study. METHODS: Forty-one injury-free golfers were included in this study. At baseline, lower quadrant joint angles and club and ball performance were measured while each golfer performed 10 drives. The golfers were then monitored for 6 months and were allocated into 2 groups depending on whether or not they developed low back pain. The initial, baseline kinematic variables of the low back pain group and the uninjured group were then compared. RESULTS: Over the 6-month monitoring period, 17 (41%) of the golfers developed low back pain. At baseline assessment, the low back pain group had 4° less lead ankle dorsiflexion at setup (P = .01; effect size = 0.82), 6° less lead knee flexion at the top of the backswing (P = .05; effect size = 0.64), 6° less lead ankle dorsiflexion at the top of the backswing (P = .01; effect size = 0.82), 6° more trail hip adduction at the top of the backswing (P = .02; effect size = 0.79), 9° more trail knee flexion at impact (P = .05; effect size = -0.64), and 6° more trail hip adduction at the end of follow through (P < .00; effect size = 1.00). CONCLUSION: Golfers who developed low back pain during the 6-month monitoring period displayed distinct differences in biomechanics at baseline when all golfers were injury free. These biomechanical differences may be considered a precursor to injury. Three-dimensional motion analysis may indicate whether elite golfers are at risk of developing low back pain. Research is needed to assess whether targeted exercise and sports drills aimed at addressing the biomechanical risk factors identified may prevent low back pain in elite golfers.

Increased trunk muscle recruitment during the golf swing is linked to developing lower back pain: A prospective longitudinal cohort study.

BACKGROUND: This is the first study that presents electromyographic measurements prior to the development of lower back pain in young elite golfers. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal cohort study. METHODS: Thirty-three injury free elite golfers were included. Muscle activity from latissimus dorsi, rectus abdominis, external oblique and erector spinae muscles were recorded during 10 drive golf swings. Lower back pain, training and performance were monitored over a six-month period. Muscle activation comparisons were made between the baseline results of those who went on to develop lower back pain versus those who did not go on to develop lower back pain. RESULTS: After the six-month monitoring period 17 participants developed lower back pain. The group that developed lower back pain had increased dominant rectus abdominis and dominant latissimus dorsi activation at various time points throughout the swing. DISCUSSION: The increased dominant rectus abdominis and dominant latissimus dorsi during the golf swing is linked with developing lower back pain. Training strategies aimed at reducing these muscles activation during the swing may reduce the incidence of lower back pain in young elite male golfers.

Neck Pain and Disability: Are They Related to Dysfunctional Breathing and Stress?

Purpose: People with neck pain are likely to have negative respiratory findings. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between neck  pain and dysfunctional breathing and to examine their relationship to stress. Method: This cross-sectional study included 49 participants with neck pain and 49 age- and sex-matched controls. We measured neck pain using the numeric rating scale (NRS); neck disability using the Neck Disability Index (NDI); dysfunctional breathing using the Nijmegen Questionnaire (NQ), Self-Evaluation of Breathing Questionnaire (SEBQ), breath hold time, and respiratory rate (RR); and stress using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Results: Participants with neck pain scored higher on the NQ (p < 0.01) and the SEBQ (p < 0.01) than controls. NQ and SEBQ scores correlated moderately with NDI scores (r > 0.50; 95% CI: 0.25, 0.68 and 0.33, 0.73, respectively) and PSS scores (r > 0.50; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.78 and 0.31, 0.73, respectively). SEBQ scores showed a fair correlation with NRS scores and RR a fair correlation with NDI scores. Conclusions: Participants with neck pain had more dysfunctional breathing symptoms than participants without neck pain, and dysfunctional breathing was correlated with increased neck disability and increased stress. The NQ and SEBQ can be useful in assessing dysfunctional breathing in patients with neck pain.

Objectif : les personnes qui éprouvent des douleurs cervicales sont susceptibles d'avoir des problèmes respiratoires. La présente étude visait à examiner le lien entre les douleurs cervicales et une respiration dysfonctionnelle, de même que leur lien avec le stress. Méthodologie : la présente étude transversale incluait 49 participants ayant des douleurs cervicales et 49 sujets témoins appariés. Les chercheurs ont mesuré la douleur cervicale au moyen de l'échelle d'évaluation numérique (ÉÉN); les incapacités cervicales au moyen de l'indice d'incapacité cervicale (IIC); la respiration dysfonctionnelle au moyen du questionnaire de Nijmegen (QN), du questionnaire d'autoévaluation de la respiration (QAÉR), de la durée de retenue de la respiration et de la fréquence respiratoire (FR); et le stress au moyen de l'échelle de perception du stress (ÉPS). Résultats : les participants qui éprouvaient des douleurs cervicales obtenaient des résultats plus élevés que les sujets témoins au QN (p < 0,01) et au QAÉR (p < 0,01). Les scores du QN et du QAÉR avaient une corrélation modérée avec les scores de l'IIC (r > 0,50; IC à 95 %, 0,25, 0,68 et 0,33, 0,73, respectivement) et les scores de l'ÉPS (r > 0,50; IC à 95 %, 0,29, 0,78 et 0,31, 0,73, respectivement). Les scores du QAÉR ont révélé une corrélation claire avec les scores de l'ÉÉN et la FR, ainsi qu'avec les scores de l'IIC. Conclusions : les participants qui éprouvaient des douleurs cervicales avaient plus de symptômes de respiration dysfonctionnelle que les participants sans douleur cervicale, et la respiration dysfonctionnelle était corrélée avec une incapacité cervicale et un stress accrus. Le QN et le QAÉR peuvent être utiles pour évaluer la respiration dysfonctionnelle chez les patients éprouvant des douleurs cervicales.

Data sharing practices of health researchers in Africa: a scoping review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the review is to map the existing evidence regarding the data-sharing practices of health researchers in African countries. This review will also identify perceptions; barriers; facilitators; ethical-, legal-, and author-reported recommendations; as well as institutional- and funding-related aspects that are being considered by African health researchers on data sharing in Africa and, as a result, identify areas for development and improvement in health care on the continent. INTRODUCTION: The sharing of health-related data has been widely discussed in the literature. However, sharing health-related data has yet to become a common practice among health researchers in Africa, which bears a large burden of health diseases globally. The sharing of health research data could lead to greater development and improvement in health care in Africa. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This review will incorporate studies that report on data sharing among health researchers in Africa. All primary, secondary, and gray literature will be considered for inclusion. Studies on data sharing on topics other than health-related data will be excluded. No language restrictions will be applied. METHODS: The JBI scoping review methodological framework will be adopted. An initial search of databases such as MEDLINE, Scopus, LILACS, and Web of Science will be conducted. All search results will be screened and relevant data extracted by two independent reviewers. The findings will be presented in the final scoping review report and illustrated in a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews flow diagram.

The association between physical fitness parameters and in-season injury among adult male rugby players: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: The high prevalence of injury among rugby players emphasizes the need for research related to injury risk factors. Physical fitness-related risk factors are likely culprits contributing to both contact and non-contact injuries. Establishing associations between preseason measured physical fitness aspects and injury risk, not only provide players' baseline fitness parameters but could also identify injury prone players, thereby contributing to injury prevention strategies. Therefore, the objective of this review was to assess and summarize scientific literature related to the association between preseason measured physical fitness tests and in-season injury among male rugby players. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic review was performed in compliance with the PRISMA 2020 Guidelines. This review considered observational, prospective cohort study designs. Studies that included male rugby (rugby union, rugby league, Australian football rules and rugby sevens) players aged 18 years or above from all levels of participation, evaluating the association between physical fitness test outcome and injury, were considered for inclusion. The three-step search strategy aimed at finding both published and unpublished studies in any language. Searched databases included Medline via PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register in the Cochrane Library, ProQuest 5000 International, ProQuest Health and Medical Complete, EBSCO MegaFile Premier, SPORTDiscus with Full Text, SCOPUS and Science Direct. Key words used were "rugby," "injury," "physical fitness," and "risk factors." Papers that met the inclusion criteria were assessed by two independent reviewers for methodological validity prior to inclusion in the review using standardized critical appraisal tool for cohort studies from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI SUMARI). EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of 16 studies were eligible for inclusion in this review. The mean critical appraisal score was 82.63% (SD=17.86). Forty-meter sprint speed was associated with injury in all three (100%) studies that included the test. Inconsistencies in the statistical analysis, however, make comparison difficult. None of the studies that investigated upper (N.=1) and/or lower body power (N.=3) identified power as a risk factor. Conflicting results were found for the association between strength, flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness, and injury. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying factors associated with injury risk is an important step in the injury prevention paradigm. Once identified, players can be screened for risk factors prior to participation in sport. Interventions, based on screening results, which not only improve performance but also decrease players' risk of sustaining injuries (i.e., physical fitness related risk factors), provide additional incentive for compliance. Overall, this review highlights the inconsistency in testing methods used to gauge specific physical fitness constructs among rugby players, limiting the extent to which comparison of results and pooling of data is possible.