Olympic Class Sailing Injuries and Illness: A 15-Year Study of a World Cup Regatta Venue.

INTRODUCTION: Olympic class sailing injuries are a minimally researched topic. Our study includes 15 y of data from medical coverage of the Miami venue during the Sailing World Cup. The objective was to examine the nature of Olympic class sailing injuries and illnesses during competition. METHODS: The records of the medical clinic encounters of a World Cup Sailing regatta were reviewed. Summary statistics and nominal categorized data regarding demographics, onset, mechanism, nature of condition, and referral were collected. RESULTS: There were 740 clinic encounters, ranging from 20 to 70 annually. Five hundred fifty-five (75%) were musculoskeletal in nature, and 184 (25%) were related to medical concerns. Twelve athletes were referred to the emergency department (ED), averaging <1 per year. However, 6 (50%) of the ED referrals came from NACRA 17, 49er, and 49er F-X classes, representing a 16% ED referral rate by fleet per year. In contrast, the remainder of the classes had a 0.04% ED referral rate. The lumbar spine, cervical spine, and foot/ankle were the most common body regions treated. Laser Radial sailors had 71(10%) visits, the most per class. Coaches and staff represented 59 (8%) visits. CONCLUSIONS: Olympic class sailing venue medical coverage should be equipped to treat a variety of acute and chronic injuries and illnesses among athletes as well as coaches and staff. Overall, rates of ED or other off-site referrals are low but higher for 49er, 49er F-X, and North American Catamaran Racing Association (NACRA)-17 classes.

"There's definitely something wrong but we just don't know what it is": A qualitative study exploring rowers' understanding of low back pain.

OBJECTIVES: Low back pain is highly prevalent in rowing and can be associated with significant disability and premature retirement. A previous qualitative study in rowers revealed a culture of concealment of pain and injury due to fear of judgement by coaches or teammates. The aim of this study was to explore rowers' perspectives in relation to diagnosis, contributory factors, and management of low back pain. DESIGN: Qualitative secondary analysis. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of interview data previously collected from 25 rowers (12 in Australia and 13 in Ireland). A reflexive thematic analysis approach was used. RESULTS: We identified three themes: 1) Rowers attribute low back pain to structural/physical factors. Most rowers referred to structural pathologies or physical impairments when asked about their diagnosis. Some participants were reassured if imaging results helped to explain their pain, but others were frustrated if findings on imaging did not correlate with their symptoms. 2) Rowing is viewed as a risky sport for low back pain. Risk factors proposed by the rowers were primarily physical and included ergometer training, individual technique, and repetitive loading. 3) Rowers focus on physical strategies for the management and prevention of low back pain. In particular, rowers considered stretching and core-strengthening exercise to be important components of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Rowers' understanding of low back pain was predominantly biomedical and focused on physical impairments. Further education of rowers, coaches and healthcare professionals in relation to the contribution of psychosocial factors may be helpful for rowers experiencing low back pain.

Common Health Issues Encountered by Ultraendurance Ocean Rowers.

INTRODUCTION: Ocean rowing is an extreme ultraendurance sport in which athletes push themselves to their mental and physical limits while rowing across an ocean. Limited academic attention has meant health issues facing this population are poorly understood. This report provides a descriptive analysis of the injuries and illnesses encountered by ocean rowers at sea and suggests potential preventative measures. METHODS: Retrospective self-reported data were collected from ocean rowers via an online 29-question survey, classified by medical system, and totaled to produce a report of the most frequently encountered symptoms. RESULTS: Seventy-one ocean rowers, accounting for 86 ocean rowing attempts, completed the survey. Dermatologic symptoms formed 52% (n=169) of all reported issues, followed by musculoskeletal injuries (14%; n=45), mental health symptoms (11%; n=36), gastrointestinal symptoms (5%; n=16), and neurologic symptoms (2%). Gluteal pressure sores were the most common dermatologic symptoms (24%; n=40), hallucinations the most common mental health symptoms (69%; n=25), hand and finger issues the most reported musculoskeletal problems (36%; n=16); vomiting (38%) and headaches (50%) were the most common gastrointestinal and neurologic issues, respectively. Seasickness was reported in 42% of expeditions (n=33). CONCLUSIONS: This report presents the physiological, mental, and medical challenges facing ocean rowers. Dermatologic and musculoskeletal issues were most common and varied greatly in severity. Over 90% of reported infections occurred as a dermatologic complaint, demonstrating the importance of preventative measures such as hygiene and wound care. Continued work with a larger population is required to further understand the physiological stress and medical complaints associated with transoceanic rowing.

Epidemiology of injuries in water board sports: trauma versus overuse injury.

BACKGROUND: Surfing is an increasingly popular sport in the world, but it is not sufficiently investigated in terms of epidemiology of injuries and possible prevention strategies. Moreover, there are different surfing disciplines, with specific characteristics and therefore different potential risks of injury. The aim of this study was to look at the injuries of recreational surfers in an Italian cohort, distinguishing between trauma and overuse lesions and putting in evidence any difference between specific water board sports. METHODS: The design is that of a retrospective observational study. An online survey was distributed to a group of Italian surfers that are members of a surfing association. The survey comprised: demographic data, surfing information such as number of sessions per year and years of experience, and surfing injuries story. The sample size consisted of 126 recreational surfers who practiced four different types of surfing: surf, kitesurf, windsurf and stand-up paddle. RESULTS: The incidence of trauma was significantly higher than the incidence of overuse lesions in all four water board sports evaluated (e.g. in surf, 81% for trauma vs. 27% for overuse, with a difference of 55% , P<0.0001). There was a statistically significant effect of the number of surfing sessions per year both for trauma (W=6.36, P=0.0117) and for total injuries (trauma + overuse; W=4.30, P=0.0381), with a 12-times increased risk for the surfers who performed more than 80 sessions per year. The risk of overuse injuries was higher for those who practice surf for more than seven years (P=0.0193). CONCLUSIONS: Traumas are more frequent than overuse injuries for all the investigated surfing disciplines. The risk of injury increases as the number of annual sessions and the years of practice increase, demonstrating that experience is not a protective factor, whereas higher exposure is certainly a risk factor. New injury prevention strategies should be based on athletic training and preparation programs, traditionally lacking among recreational surfers.

An investigation of a Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic shoulder and elbow score in elite canoe slalom: Establishing measurement properties to make practice recommendations.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the test-retest reliability and validity of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic shoulder and elbow score (KJOC) in elite Canoe Slalom athletes and determine its ability to predict future shoulder pain. DESIGN: Observational study with embedded test-retest reliability study. SETTING: British Canoe Slalom National Training Centre. PARTICIPANTS: Nineteen athletes from the British Canoe Slalom team for the 2019 season. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The KJOC was completed at the start of winter training and start of the 2019 competitive season. Current, historical (6-months pre-questionnaire) and prospective (4-months post-questionnaire) shoulder injuries were recorded. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability was found to be excellent (ICC3,1 = 0.97), with a minimal detectable change (MDC95%) of 6.7. Compared to uninjured athletes, currently injured and historically injured athletes scored significantly lower (p = 0.002 and p = 0.011, respectively), with the difference between means > MDC95%. A cut-off of 88 was found to be predictive of shoulder pain (AUC: 0.779; sensitivity: 0.60; specificity: 0.95; positive likelihood ratio: 11.4). CONCLUSION: The KJOC demonstrated excellent reliability and can distinguish between athletes with and without current or historical shoulder pain. A KJOC score of <88 was associated with increased risk of shoulder pain. The KJOC should be completed as part of a risk profile for shoulder pain.

2021 consensus statement for preventing and managing low back pain in elite and subelite adult rowers.

PURPOSE: To synthesise evidence on low back pain (LBP) in adult rowers and to create a consensus statement to inform clinical practice. METHODS: There were four synthesis steps that informed the consensus statement. In step one, seven expert clinicians and researchers established the scope of the consensus statement and conducted a survey of experienced and expert clinicians to explore current practice. In step two, working groups examined current evidence relating to key scope questions and summarised key issues. In step three, we synthesised evidence for each group and used a modified Delphi process to aid in the creation of the overall consensus statements. Finally, in step four, we combined information from step three with the findings of the clinician survey (and with athlete and coach input) to produce recommendations for clinical practice. RESULTS: The scope of the consensus statement included epidemiology; biomechanics; management; the athlete's voice and clinical expertise. Prevention and management of LBP in rowers should include education on risk factors, rowing biomechanics and training load. If treatment is needed, non-invasive management, including early unloading from aggravating activities, effective pain control and exercise therapy should be considered. Fitness should be maintained with load management and progression to full training and competition. The role of surgery is unclear. Management should be athlete focused and a culture of openness within the team encouraged. CONCLUSION: Recommendations are based on current evidence and consensus and aligned with international LBP guidelines in non-athletic populations, but with advice aimed specifically at rowers. We recommend that research in relation to all aspects of prevention and management of LBP in rowers be intensified.

'You're the best liar in the world': a grounded theory study of rowing athletes' experience of low back pain.

OBJECTIVES: Low back pain (LBP) is common in rowers and leads to considerable disability and even retirement. The athlete voice can help clinicians to better understand sport-related pain disorders. We aimed to capture the lived experience of LBP in rowers. METHODS: Cross-sectional qualitative study using a grounded theory approach. Adult competitive rowers with a rowing-related LBP history were recruited in Australia and Ireland. Data were collected through interviews that explored: context around the time of onset of their LBP and their subsequent journey, experiences of management/treatment, perspectives around present beliefs, fears, barriers and expectations for the future. RESULTS: The 25 rowers (12 women/13 men) who participated were aged 18-50 years; they had a mean 12.1 years of rowing experience. They discussed a culture of concealment of pain from coaches and teammates, and fear of being judged as 'weak' because of the limitations caused by LBP. They reported fear and isolation as a result of their pain. They felt that the culture within rowing supported this. They reported inconsistent messages regarding management from medical staff. Some rowers reported being in a system where openness was encouraged-they regarded this a leading to better outcomes and influencing their LBP experience. CONCLUSIONS: Rowers' lived experience of LBP was influenced by a pervasive culture of secrecy around symptoms. Rowers and support staff should be educated regarding the benefits of early disclosure and rowers should be supported to do so without judgement.

Injuries in female and male elite Korean rowing athletes: an epidemiological study.

This study aimed to determine the patterns of injury associated with training activities in elite South Korean rowing athletes training for the Olympic Games. Data were prospectively collected between 2010 and 2019 at the Korea National Training Center in South Korea. Three sports medicine doctors assessed athletes, and the data were stratified according to sex, rowing style, weight class, site of injury, and severity of injury. The groups were compared using the c 2 test. The 95 % confidence interval with Poisson rates and exact Poisson test were used for comparison of rates. In total 514 injuries were recorded during the study period, with an average of 2.86 injuries per athlete annually; among these, over half (57.8 %) were mild injuries. Most injuries occurred in the lower extremities (42.0 %), followed by the trunk (30.2 %), the upper extremities (24.9 %), and the head and neck area (2.9 %). Weight class was significantly associated with severity of injury in all rowing athletes (p < 0.001), for both male and female rowing athletes (p = 0.006 and p = 0.014, respectively). Lightweight male athletes demonstrated higher incidence rate of injury than open-weight male athletes (p < 0.001). On the contrary, lightweight female athletes demonstrated lower incidence rates of injury than open-weight female athletes (p < 0.001). These findings on the incidence of training injuries and patterns based on rowing styles, sexes, and weight classes may elucidate the circumstances leading to injuries in elite Korean rowing athletes. Furthermore, these findings may contribute to the development of programs to enhance athletic performance and reduce the incidence of sports injuries.

Common Injuries in Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, and Stand-Up Paddle Boarding.

Paddle sports continue to be popular forms of outdoor recreation in the United States and around the world. This includes not only the more traditional sports of rafting, kayaking, and canoeing but also the newer and growing sport of stand-up paddle boarding. Because these sports are based in an aquatic environment, and frequently whitewater, there are unique, significant risks of injury. Overall, injuries in paddling sports are mostly musculoskeletal and are both acute and chronic in nature. Some injuries, such as environmental and head injuries, are especially problematic because they can lead to serious morbidity and mortality, most importantly drowning. This review describes the epidemiology, type, and location of injuries across paddle sports. It not only focuses on whitewater injuries but also includes information on injuries sustained in other aquatic paddling environments.

Orthopedic Injuries in Professional Surfers: A Retrospective Study at a Single Orthopedic Center.

BACKGROUND: Literature regarding surfing injuries is scarce and most studies report a high number of minor injuries. Recent literature suggests that musculoskeletal injuries are more common than previously reported. In the mid 2000s, competitive surfing has seen an increase in aerial maneuvers, as they have become more highly rewarded by the judging panel, which may be contributing to a change in injury patterns. Our goal was to evaluate orthopedic injuries in professional surfers. HYPOTHESIS: Orthopedic injuries in professional surfers are diverse and have evolved with skill and technology. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4 Case Series. METHODS: Medical records of professional surfers from a single orthopedic center between 1991 and 2016 were reviewed. Injuries sustained while surfing and chronic injuries related to surfing were included. Site of injury, diagnosis, and treatment were recorded along with demographic data. RESULTS: In total, 163 injuries in 86 athletes were recorded. The median injury age was 28.5 years (range 12-62 years) and 92.6% of patients were male. The most frequently injured body parts were the knee (28.2%), ankle (22.1%), and shoulder (19%). Most knee injuries were of the medial collateral ligament at 49%, with 75% of ankle injuries being sprains, and in shoulder, 48% had instability, 42% had a rotator cuff tear, and 35% had a superior anterior-posterior labral tear. Lower extremity injuries primarily affected the surfers' back leg (72.5%). In all, 34.6% of all injuries required surgical intervention and involved shoulder injuries most the time. CONCLUSIONS: The most common orthopedic injuries in professional surfers involve the knee, ankle, shoulder, hip, and back. Surfers' rear extremities were preferentially injured which is the extremity responsible for power and torque. Shoulder injuries increased the probability of an operative intervention. Last, overuse injuries (femoral-acetabular impingement, rotator cuffs) occurred in the older surf population compared with more acute injuries (ankle sprains/fractures, anterior cruciate ligament tears) which is also consistent with time to surgery.

Epidemiology of injury and illness in 153 Australian international-level rowers over eight international seasons.

AIM: To report the epidemiology of injury and illness in elite rowers over eight seasons (two Olympiads). METHODS: All athletes selected to the Australian Rowing Team between 2009 and 2016 were monitored prospectively under surveillance for injury and illness. The incidence and burden of injury and illness were calculated per 1000 athlete days (ADs). The body area, mechanism and type of all injuries were recorded and followed until the resumption of full training. We used interrupted time series analyses to examine the association between fixed and dynamic ergometer testing on rowers' injury rates. Time lost from illness was also recorded. RESULTS: All 153 rowers selected over eight seasons were observed for 48 611 AD. 270 injuries occurred with an incidence of 4.1-6.4 injuries per 1000 AD. Training days lost totalled 4522 (9.2% AD). The most frequent area injured was the lumbar region (84 cases, 1.7% AD) but the greatest burden was from chest wall injuries (64 cases, 2.6% AD.) Overuse injuries (n=224, 83%) were more frequent than acute injuries (n=42, 15%). The most common activity at the time of injury was on-water rowing training (n=191, 68). Female rowers were at 1.4 times the relative risk of chest wall injuries than male rowers; they had half the relative risk of lumbar injuries of male rowers. The implementation of a dynamic ergometers testing policy (Concept II on sliders) was positively associated with a lower incidence and burden of low back injury compared with fixed ergometers (Concept II). Illness accounted for the greatest number of case presentations (128, 32.2% cases, 1.2% AD). CONCLUSIONS: Chest wall and lumbar injuries caused training time loss. Policy decisions regarding ergometer testing modality were associated with lumbar injury rates. As in many sports, illness burden has been under-recognised in elite Australian rowers.

Gradual-onset surfing-related injuries in New Zealand: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Gradual-onset injuries associated with surfing have not previously been closely examined. This study investigated the duration, mechanisms, body locations and types of gradual-onset injuries in a sample of New Zealand surfers. DESIGN: Retrospective, cross-sectional online survey. METHODS: Self-identified surfers reported gradual-onset surfing-related injuries experienced in the preceding 12 months. RESULTS: Respondents (n=1473, age range 8-74 years) reported a total of 550 gradual-onset major injuries: 44% acute duration (<3 months) and 56% chronic (≥3 months). The injury incidence proportion was 27%. Shoulder (146 injuries, 64% chronic), low back (115 injuries, 58% chronic) and neck (105 injuries, 46% chronic) were the most commonly reported injury locations. Prolonged paddling was the most commonly reported mechanism of injury (40% of all injuries). Incidence proportion for gradual-onset major injuries was 6% higher for greater surfing abilities compared to lower abilities (p=0.01), and 13% higher for long boarders compared to short boarders (p=0.001). Respondents reporting any gradual-onset surfing injury, compared to those with no injury, averaged 3 more years surfing experience (p<0.001), were 3 years older (p<0.001), and reported 43h more surfing exposure in the preceding 12 months (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The most common gradual-onset surfing injuries involved the shoulder, low back, and neck, most frequently attributable to paddling. Risk factors for these injuries included board type, higher ability, older age, more hours/year, and years of surfing. These findings affirm the existence of sufficient injury burden to justify investigation of surfing injury prevention initiatives.

Exploring Health Demographics of Female Collegiate Rowers.

CONTEXT: Limited information exists about health patterns among female rowers at the collegiate level. Furthermore, the element of weight class (lightweights classified as <130 lb [59 kg]) as a factor in the physical and mental health of female collegiate athletes has not been investigated, despite weight requirements in sport being a risk factor for the female athlete triad. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypotheses that (1) components of the female athlete triad were more prevalent in lightweight than in openweight rowers; (2) perceived stress levels were greater in lightweight than in openweight rowers; and (3) rowers who were unable to row due to injury had greater perceived stress levels than uninjured athletes. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Twelve collegiate women's rowing programs consisting of 6 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I openweight and 6 Intercollegiate Rowing Association-level lightweight teams. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: A total of 158 female collegiate rowers (78 lightweight, 80 openweight). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): An electronic survey addressing injury history, diet and eating habits and body image (according to the triad screening questionnaire), stress levels (Perceived Stress Scale), and athlete identity (Athlete Identity Measurement Scale) was administered. RESULTS: Lightweight rowers reported limiting or carefully controlling foods more frequently than openweight rowers (41.9% to 29.9%, P = .013). A history of an eating disorder was more prevalent among lightweight than openweight rowers (25.7% to 13.0%, P = .048). Prevalences of stress fractures and menstrual irregularities did not differ between weight classes. Lightweight and openweight rowers' scores on the Perceived Stress Scale (16.0 ± 9.9 and 17.3 ± 6.4, respectively) were not different. Injured rowers scored higher on the Perceived Stress Scale (19.4 ± 7.2) than did uninjured rowers (16.6 ± 5.72). CONCLUSIONS: Weight class did not contribute to differences in the prevalence of female athlete triad components or perceived stress, although lightweight rowers were more likely to have a history of eating disorder. Injury may be a risk factor for increased stress in this population.

Injuries in Male and Female Elite Aquatic Sports Athletes: An 8-Year Prospective, Epidemiological Study.

This study aimed to determine the injury patterns associated with training activities in elite South Korean aquatic sports athletes training for the Olympic Games. From 2012 to 2019, we prospectively collected data on elite aquatic sports athletes at the Korea National Training Center. The athletes were assessed by four sports medicine doctors, and data were stratified according to sex, aquatic style, injury body location, and injury severity. Chi-square tests were used to compare groups. Injury rates was expressed as rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Annually, the center hosts an average of 42 elite aquatic athletes spread over four aquatic styles. We recorded 797 injuries in total (annual average: 2.37 injuries/athlete), during training sessions, 57.1% of which were mild injuries. For all athletes, most injuries occurred in the upper limb (35.9%), followed by the lower limb (31.0%), the trunk (24.5%), and the head and neck (8.7%). Aquatic style significantly influenced injury body location and severity for both male and female athletes (injury body location: p < 0.001 and p < 0.010, respectively; injury severity: p = 0.027 and p < 0.001, respectively). In general, male and female athletes experienced a comparable risk of injury (rate ratio: 1.15; 95% confidence intervals: 0.53-2.46). Among the male and female South Korean elite aquatic athletes training for the Olympic Games, most injuries were mild and occurred in the upper limb, and aquatic style influenced injury body location and severity.

Nonfreezing Cold Injuries Among Long-Distance Polar Rowers.

INTRODUCTION: Nonfreezing cold injury (NFCI) is a peripheral cold injury that occurs when the extremities are exposed to cold temperatures, at or near the freezing point, for sustained periods of time (48-96 h at temperatures of usually around 0 to 6°C with associated wind chill). Although NFCI often goes unreported and may be underdiagnosed, it is a cause of significant morbidity in those working in cold conditions, particularly those in the military. Thus, further research into the prevention, recognition, and treatment of NFCI is warranted. METHODS: The height, body weight, and body composition of 6 rowers taking part in 1 or 2 legs of the 2017 Polar Row expedition were measured. The weather conditions of the 2 legs of the journey were recorded, and symptoms relating to NFCI were documented. RESULTS: All incidences of NFCI occurred during Leg 2 of the expedition, which was colder and wetter. Of the Leg 2 rowers, those who developed NFCI had a trend toward higher pre-row body weight and body mass index and a trends toward losing more weight and body water relative to those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: The main factor contributing to the incidence of NFCI appeared to be weather; NFCI only occurred during the colder and wetter leg of the expedition. We also tentatively suggest that nutrition and dehydration may be linked to the incidence of NFCI as predisposing factors. More work, with sample sizes greater than those reported here, is required to investigate these associations to further characterize risk factors.

Musculoskeletal injuries in athletes from five modalities: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal injuries (MSK-I) are a serious problem in sports medicine. Modifiable and non-modifiable factors are associated with susceptibility to these injuries. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of and identify the factors associated with MSK-I, including tendinopathy and joint and muscle injuries, in athletes. METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, 627 athletes from rugby (n = 225), soccer (n = 172), combat sports (n = 86), handball (n = 82) and water polo (n = 62) were recruited at different sports training centres and competitions. Athlete profiles and the prevalence of MSK-I were assessed using a self-reported questionnaire. Only previous MSK-I with imaging confirmation and/or a positive physical exam by a specialized orthopaedist were considered. The association of the epidemiological, clinical and sports profiles of athletes with MSK-I was evaluated by a logistic regression model. RESULTS: The mean age was 25 ± 6 years, and 60% of the athletes were male. The epidemiological, clinical and sports profiles of the athletes were different for the five sport groups. The MSK-I prevalence among all athletes was 76%, with 55% of MSK-I occurring in a joint, 48% occurring in a muscle and 30% being tendinopathy, and 19% of athletes had three investigated injuries. The MSK-I prevalence and injury locations were significantly different among sport groups. There was a predominance of joint injury in combat sports athletes (77%), muscle injury in handball athletes (67%) and tendinopathy in water polo athletes (52%). Age (≥30 years) was positively associated with joint (OR = 5.2 and 95% CI = 2.6-10.7) and muscle (OR = 4.9 and 95% CI = 2.4-10.1) injuries and tendinopathy (OR = 4.1 and 95% CI = 1.9-9.3). CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of tendinopathy and joint and muscle injuries among rugby, soccer, combat sports, handball and water polo athletes. The analysis of associated factors (epidemiological, clinical and sports profiles) and the presence of MSK-I in athletes suggests an approximately 4-5-fold increased risk for athletes ≥30 years of age. The identification of modifiable and non-modifiable factors can contribute to implementing surveillance programmes for MSK-I prevention.

Modificaciones anatómicas del ventrículo izquierdo en deportistas de canotaje de alto rendimiento / Anatomical modifications of the left ventricle in high performance canoeing athletes

Introducción: La adaptación del corazón humano al acondicionamiento físico ha sido un tema de interés médico-científico, pues el remodelado cardíaco que comprende variación en el tamaño, forma, grosor de las paredes, y masa ventricular responde al tipo de actividad física. Objetivo: Determinar las modificaciones anatómicas del ventrículo izquierdo en kayacistas y canoístas femeninos y masculinos de alto rendimiento. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, descriptivo de corte transversal en deportistas de canotaje de alto rendimiento que acudieron al Instituto de Medicina del Deporte durante la preparación especial con vistas a participar en los Juegos Olímpicos de Rio de Janeiro 2016. La muestra se conformó con 20 deportistas que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión establecidos, se recogieron los resultados de los diferentes parámetros ecocardiográficos que fueron estudiados para comprobar si existía modificación anatómica del ventrículo izquierdo (MAVI). Se empleó la estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Resultados: Edad promedio 20,9 ± 1,18 años, predominio del sexo masculino (65 por ciento); kayak (60 por ciento) y velocidad (55 por ciento) fueron las disciplinas deportivas y modalidades competitivas predominantes , fue frecuente la hipertrofia concéntrica en ambos sexos (65 por ciento), la edad deportiva de igual o menos de 10 años (60 por ciento), espesor relativo de la pared aumentado (65 por ciento), el índice AKS mayor se encontró en la hipertrofia excéntrica (1,3 por ciento) y el porciento de grasa predominante fue en la hipertrofia concéntrica para un (7,9 por ciento). Conclusiones: El espesor relativo de la pared ventricular tuvo una relación significativa con la modalidad competitiva(AU)

Introduction: The adaptation of the human heart to physical conditioning has been a medical and scientific topic of interest where cardiac remodeling involving changes in size, form, thickness of the walls and ventricular mass responds to the type of physical activity. Objective: To determine the anatomical modifications of the left ventricle in high performance male and female canoeing and kayaking athletes. Material and methods: A prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in high performance canoeing athletes that attended the Instituto de Medicina del Deporte during the special training in view of the preparation for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, 2016. The sample was composed of 20 athletes that fulfilled the established inclusion criteria. The results of the different echocardiographic parameters were collected and analyzed in order to check whether there were anatomical modifications of the left ventricle (AMLV). Differential and descriptive statistics were used. Results: The average age was 20, 9 ± 1, 18 years, the male sex predominated in the study (65 percent), kayak (60 percent) and velocity (55 percent) were the predominant sports disciplines and competitive modalities, respectively. Concentric hypertrophy in both sexes (65 percent), sporting age of 10 years or less (60 percent), and increase in relative wall thickness (65 percent) were frequent; the highest AKS index was found in eccentric hypertrophy (1,3 percent) and predominant fat percentage was observed in concentric hypertrophy (7,9 percent). Conclusions: The relative thickness of the ventricular wall had a significant relationship with the competitive modalities(AU)

Increased Oxidative Stress in Injured and Ill Elite International Olympic Rowers.

BACKGROUND: Identifying strategies that reduce the risk of illness and injury is an objective of sports science and medicine teams. No studies have examined the relationship between oxidative stress (OS) and illness or injury in international athletes undergoing periods of intensified training and competition. PURPOSE: The authors aimed to identify relationships between illness, injury, and OS. METHODS: A longitudinal, observational study of elite male rowers (n = 10) was conducted over 18 weeks, leading into World Championships. Following a recovery day and a 12-hour fast, hydroperoxides (free oxygen radicals test) and total antioxidant capacity (free oxygen radicals defense) were measured in venous blood, with the ratio calculated as the oxidative stress index (OSI). At all study time points, athletes were independently dichotomized as ill or not ill, injured or not injured. OS data were compared between groups using independent t tests. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess the association of OS with injury and illness while adjusting for age and body mass index. RESULTS: Free oxygen radicals defense was lower (P < .02) and OSI was higher (P < .001) with illness than without illness. Free oxygen radicals test and OSI were higher with injury than without injury (P < .001). A 0.5 mmol·L-1 increase in free oxygen radicals defense was associated with a 30.6% illness risk reduction (95% confidence interval, 7%-48%, P = .014), whereas 0.5 unit increase in OSI was related to a 11.3% increased illness risk (95% confidence interval, 1%-23%, P = .036). CONCLUSIONS: OS is increased in injured and ill athletes. Monitoring OS may be advantageous in assessing recovery from and in reducing injury and illness risk given the association.

Rib stress injuries in the 2012-2016 (Rio) Olympiad: a cohort study of 151 Australian Rowing Team athletes for 88 773 athlete days.

AIM: To describe the demographics, frequency, location, imaging modality and clinician-identified factors of rib stress injury in a cohort of elite rowers over the Rio Olympiad (2012-2016). METHODS: Analysis of prospectively recorded medical records for the Australian Rowing Team in 2013-2015 and the combined Australian Rowing Team and Olympic Shadow Squad in 2016, examining all rib stress injuries. RESULTS: 19 rib stress injuries (12 reactions and 7 fractures) were identified among a cohort of 151 athletes and included 12 female and 7 male cases, 11 open weight, 8 lightweight, 12 scull and 7 sweep cases. The most common locations of injury identified by imaging, were the mid-axillary line and rib 6. Period prevalence varied from 4% to 15.4% and incidence ranged from 0.27 to 0.13 per 1000 athlete days. There were no significant differences in prevalence by sex, sweep versus scull or weight class. There was a statistically significant increase in incidence in the pre-Olympic year (2015, p<0.001). MRI was the most commonly used modality for diagnosis. Stress fracture resulted in median 69 (IQR 56-157) and bone stress reaction resulted in 57 (IQR 45-78) days lost to full on water training. CONCLUSIONS: In our 4-year report of rib stress injury in elite rowing athletes, period prevalence was consistent with previous reports and time lost (median ~10 weeks) was greater than previously published literature. Rib stress injury limits training and performance in elite rowers and MRI should be considered as a first line investigation.