Trampoline Injuries in a Statewide Trauma System.

INTRODUCTION: It is well known that trampolines can be a particular source of danger, especially in children. We sought to examine the profile of those patients with trampoline injuries. We hypothesized there would be certain injury patterns predicative of trampoline injuries. METHODS: All patients submitted to Pennsylvania Trauma Outcome Study database from 2016 to 2018 were analyzed. Trampoline injury was determined by ICD-10 activity code. Injury patterns in the form of abbreviated injury scale body regions were examined. Patient demographics and clinical variables were compared between those with trampoline injury vs those without. RESULTS: There were 107 patients with a trampoline injury. All of these patients were discharged alive and had a blunt mechanism of injury. The most common injury type was injury to the extremities (n=90,[84.1%]) with 54(50.5%) upper extremity injuries and 36(33.6%) lower extremity injuries. Ten (9.35%) patients had injury to the spine and five (4.67%) had head injury. Those with trampoline injuries were significantly younger (13y vs. 48.6y) and more likely to be white or of Hispanic ethnicity. Almost half of the patients injured (49.5%) were under 10 years. Patients with trampoline injuries had significantly lower Injury Severity Scores and significantly higher shock index. DISCUSSION: The majority of patients with trampoline injuries had injury to an extremity. These results help better understand the demographic, physiologic, and anatomic patterns surrounding trampoline injuries. Current government standards recommend that no child under age six should use a full-sized trampoline; however, based of this study, we advise that this age be increased to ten.

The use of outdoor gyms is associated with women and low-income people: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence, and the demographic, socio-economic, and health correlates to Outdoor Gyms (OGs) use for adults from a southern Brazilian city. STUDY DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. METHODS: A total of 431 adults (66.8% women) aged 18-87 years living in the surroundings of four OGs distributed in different regions of the city were randomly selected. Information about OG use for physical activity (PA) practice, and demographic, socio-economic, and health variables were collected by household interviews. Associations between independent variables and OG use were analyzed with results expressed as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). RESULTS: About one-third of participants (30.4%; 95% CI: 26.1-34.7) informed using OGs for PA practice, and 20.4% (95% CI 16.8-24.4) informed using it twice or more times a week (≥2x/week). Adjusted analysis indicated that the OG use ≥2x/week is higher for women (OR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.11-3.35) and for those with lower family income (OR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.03-4.13) than men and those with higher family income, respectively. CONCLUSION: About 30% of the population uses OGs for PA practice. Women and low-income people are those who more commonly use OGs for PA practice. The installation of these facilities in public spaces may reduce social inequities related to leisure-time PA.

High Occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Fitness Equipment from Selected Gymnasiums.

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of cutaneous bacterial infection involving community. Methods: In this study, a total of 42 swab samples were collected from the surface of various fitness equipment such as back machines, exercise mats, dip stations, dumbbells, and treadmills. Identification of the bacterial isolates was conducted using biochemical tests and further analysed molecularly using the PCR method targeting nuc gene (270 bp). The nuc gene encodes for the thermonuclease enzyme, a virulent factor of S. aureus. Results: The findings showed 31 out of 42 swab samples (73.81%) were positive with S. aureus. Conclusion: This study showed that gymnasium equipment is a potential reservoir for S. aureus and might play an important role in transmitting the pathogen to humans. Objective: This study was undertaken to assess the presence of S. aureus on the surface of fitness equipment from selected gymnasiums in Kuching and Kota Samarahan, Sarawak (Malaysia).

Fitness Equipment in Public Parks: Frequency of Use and Community Perceptions in a Small Urban Centre.

BACKGROUND: Providing freely accessible exercise facilities may increase physical activity at a population level. An increasingly popular strategy is outdoor fitness equipment in urban parks. Few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of this intervention in smaller cities. This study examined fitness equipment use, perceived effectiveness, and ways to increase use in a city of 100,000 people in 2015. METHODS: Two parks with fitness equipment and 4 without were directly observed. Interviews with 139 adults in active parks or living nearby were also conducted. RESULTS: Only 2.7% of adult park users used the fitness equipment over 100 hours of observation across 3 seasons. In contrast, 22.3% of adults interviewed reported monthly or more use of the equipment, highlighting the limitations of self-report methods. Adults interviewed perceived the equipment as potentially beneficial and suggested strategies to increase public use, including increased advertising, the introduction of programming to teach and encourage use, improved equipment quality, and improved maintenance of the equipment and surrounding area. CONCLUSIONS: In a low density city, park fitness equipment may not be an effective public health practice without additional efforts to market, introduce programming, and maintain these sites.

Prevalence of dental injuries and awareness regarding mouthguards among basketball players and coaches.

BACKGROUND: Dental injuries are frequently occurred by an impact to facial area among basketball players. In fact, mouthguards are able to absorb the power of impacts and protect teeth from excessive forces, it is crucial for players even at training to wear mouthguards. To determine the prevalence of dental injuries and investigate the awareness about the use of mouthguards among basketball players and coaches. METHODS: A 14-item questionnaire was designed and tested among licensed basketball players and coaches, all of whom were continuously exposed to the risk of dental injuries. The questions focused on the prevalence of dental injuries and attitudes and knowledge regarding the use of mouthguards among the players and coaches. Data were calculated using descriptive statistics and χ2 tests. RESULTS: A total of 53 coaches (18-69 years) and 351 players (12-38 years) participated. Of these, 124 players (35% of the total sample) had experienced oral injuries, including soft tissue lacerations (80.6%), fractures (17.7%) and avulsions (1.6%). Although the players had sustained dental injuries, 95% of them found mouthguards to be protective, and only 6.3% (N.=22) actually used a mouthguard. The rate of mouthguard use among players who had experienced an oral injury was significantly higher than that among players without any history of injury (P<0.05). Although 98% of the coaches believed that mouthguards could prevent dental injuries, only 47% of them suggested their use to their players. The most common reasons for not using a mouthguard were discomfort (37.7%) and difficulty in breathing (7.3%) or talking (6.4%). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the use of mouthguards among basketball players is very rare, with inadequate knowledge among the coaches. Consequently, more information is required through sports associations and dentists.

Increasing surfboard volume reduces energy expenditure during paddling.

The purpose of this study was to investigate how altering surfboard volume (BV) affects energy expenditure during paddling. Twenty surfers paddled in a swim flume on five surfboards in random order twice. All surfboards varied only in thickness and ranged in BV from 28.4 to 37.4 L. Measurements of heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2), pitch angle, roll angle and paddling cadence were measured. VO2 and HR significantly decreased on thicker boards [VO2: r = -0.984, p = 0.003; HR: r = -0.972, p = 0.006]. There was also a significant decrease in pitch and roll angles on thicker boards [Pitch: r = -0.995, p < 0.001; Roll: r = -0.911, p = 0.031]. Results from this study suggest that increasing BV reduces the metabolic cost of paddling as a result of lower pitch and roll angles, thus providing mechanical evidence for increased paddling efficiency on surfboards with more volume. Practioner Summary: This study investigated the impact of surfboard volume on energy expenditure during paddling. Results from this study suggest that increasing surfboard volume reduces the metabolic cost of paddling as a result of lower pitch and roll angles, thus providing mechanical evidence for increased paddling efficiency on surfboards with more volume.

Análisis de los goles conseguidos en 13 temporadas (2000/01-2012/13) correspondientes a la Primera División de la Liga Española de Fútbol Profesional / Análise dos golos marcados em 13 temporadas (2000/1 a 2012/13) da primeira divisão da Liga Espanhola de Futebol Profissional / Analysis of goals (score) studied in thirteen seasons (2000/01 to 2012/13) for a league of professional spanish football League

Objetivo. El propósito del estudio es analizar, en las temporadas 2000/01-2012/13, la distribución de los goles conseguidos, por partido y equipo, y su comportamiento a lo largo del tiempo; además se ha analizado su relación con el grado de competitividad de la liga. Método. Se utilizó la distribución de Poisson y la distribución binomial negativa para el análisis de los goles y la entropía normalizada de Shannon para el cálculo del grado de competitividad de las ligas. Resultados. La liga española ha perdido competitividad en las temporadas evaluadas, como demuestran la entropía y en el índice de dispersión entre equipo-partido, especialmente en las últimas temporadas evaluadas. La distribución de los goles por equipos deja de ser poissoniana, especialmente a partir de la temporada 2008-09, tal y como muestra el aumento del índice de dispersión (ajuste lineal: a = 0.0162 ± 0.009; b = 0.9952 ± 0.0715; R2 = 0.588; p = 0.002). Sin embargo, no ocurre lo mismo si el análisis lo hacemos desde el punto de vista de los partidos, especialmente en las últimas temporadas, ya que el valor del índice se mantiene (ajuste lineal: a = 0.0099 ± 0.0097; b = 0.9622 ± 0.077; R2 = 0.316; p = 0.045). Si atendemos a diferencias de tiempo entre gol, con independencia del número de partidos, el comportamiento es diferente a partir de los 200 minutos, donde el proceso sigue una exponencial y puede considerarse un proceso poissoniano. Este cambio parece indicar cierto efecto de memoria que se puede interpretar como un efecto Mateo que explica la incapacidad de los equipos más débiles para recuperarse de dinámicas perdedoras. Conclusiones. La superioridad de los equipos más potentes parece clara, quizás excesiva, respecto al resto de equipos que participan en la principal liga española de fútbol. También se ha incrementado la probabilidad de que se consiga un número elevado de goles (> 5 goles) en un partido. Esto provoca que la distribución del número de goles por partido sea del tipo binomial negativa (AU)

Objetivo. O objetivo do estudo é analisar, nas temporadas 2000/01-2012/13, a distribuição de gols marcados por partida e equipes, e o seu comportamento ao longo do tempo. Além disso, analisou a sua relação com o grau de competitividade da liga. Métodos. Foram utilizadas a distribuição de Poisson e a distribuição binominal negativa para análise dos gols; e a entropia normalizada de Shannon para o cálculo das incertezas da liga. Resultados. A liga espanhola perdeu competitividade nas épocas avaliadas, como mostrado pela entropia e pelo índice de dispersão entre as equipes em jogo, especialmente nas últimas temporadas avaliadas (» 1.2). Do ponto de vista do equipamento, de Poisson mais, especialmente uma vez que a estação 2008-09. Não é por isso, se a análise é feita do ponto de vista das partes, especialmente nas últimas temporadas (a = 0.0099 ± 0.0097, b = 0.9622 ± 0.077; R2 = 0.316, p = 0.045 vs. 0.009 ± a = 0.0162; b = 0.9952 ± 0.0715; R2 = 0.588, p = 0.002). Quanto às diferenças de tempo entre cada gol, o comportamento é diferente a partir dos 200 minutos, em que o processo segue uma distribuição exponencial e pode ser considerado um processo Poissoniano. Esta modificação aponta um possível efeito de memória, que pode ser entendida como um efeito Mathew, o que explica que as equipes menos potentes são incapazes de superar a situação. Conclusões. A superioridade das equipes de futebol mais fortes parece clara, talvez excessiva, em comparação com outras equipes participantes na principal liga de futebol espanhola. Também tem aumentado a probabilidade de que seja alcançado um grande número de gols (> 5 gols) numa partida. Isto significa que, por partida, o número de gols é o tipo binomial negativa (AU)

Objective. The aim of this study is to analyze, 2000/01season through 2012/13season, the goal scored distribution by game and team; as its behavior in time. We also analyze the relationship with the league competitiveness degree. Method. We used the Poisson and the Negative Binomial distributions in order to study the goals distribution; and the Normalized Shannon Entropy for calculating the leagues uncertainty. Results. The Spaniard league has lost competitiveness in the seasons evaluated as the entropy and index of dispersion (team-game) display, especially in the last seasons analyzed. From the perspective of teams, it is not Poisson anymore, above all beyond 2008/09 season. From the perspective of games it does not take place the same phenomenon, specially the last seasons studied (a = 0.0099 ± 0.0097; b = 0.9622 ± 0.077; R2 = 0.316; p = 0.045 vs. a = 0.0162 ± 0.009; b = 0.9952 ± 0.0715; R2 = 0.588; p = 0.002). Regarding time differences between each goal, the behavior is different from 200 minutes, where the process follows an exponential distribution, and can be considered as a Poissonian process. This modification points out a possible memory effect that can be understood as a Mathew effect, which explains that the less powerful teams are unable to overcome the situation. Conclusions. The superiority of most powerful teams seems to be more clear, perhaps excessive, compared to the rest of participating teams, as well as the probability that a lot of goals take place (> 5 goals) in a single game (AU)

[Influence of Ankle Braces on the Prevalence of Ankle Inversion Injuries in the Swiss Volleyball National League A]. / Einfluss von Sprunggelenksorthesen auf die Prävalenz von Supinationstraumen im Volleyball in der Schweizer Nationalliga A.

BACKGROUND: Ankle inversion is a common injury among volleyball players. The injury rate during a game is 2.1 times higher than during training. As a result, the preventive use of ankle braces is frequently observed in Swiss volleyball leagues. Studies have shown that ankle braces have a preventive effect on the prevalence of ankle inversion. In Switzerland there has been no investigation into the preventive use of braces and their influence on prevalence. For this reason, the goals of this study are 1) to determine when, why and by whom ankle braces are worn and 2) to evaluate the injury rate of users and non-users of ankle braces. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A modified questionnaire was sent to 18 men's and women's teams of the Swiss National League A. The questionnaire included questions about injury rates and the circumstances of ankle inversion injuries. The data were statistically analysed with Microsoft Excel 2012 and SPSS Version 20. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 61 %, allowing data from 181 players to be analysed. 33 % (59 of 181) of the players used an ankle brace. There was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of ankle inversion between users (12 injured) and non-users (8 injured) (p = 0.006). Wearing an ankle brace during training or during a game made no difference in the prevention of injuries (p = 0.356). More athletes were injured during training (n = 13) than during a game (n = 7). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicate that volleyball players preferably wear ankle braces to prevent injury. More than one third of the players in the study wore an ankle brace, 60 % for primary prevention and 40 % for secondary prevention due to a previous injury. The study shows that significantly more users than non-users of ankle braces were injured. This is contrary to literature. Furthermore it was shown that more injuries occur during training than during a game. This finding results from the fact that ankle braces were rarely worn during training. It is concluded that ankle braces must be worn consistently, especially during training.

Face masks and basketball: NCAA division I consumer trends and a review of over-the-counter face masks.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: This study aims to: 1) determine the current consumer trends of over-the-counter (OTC) and custom-made face mask usage among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I athletic programs; and 2) provide a literature review of OTC face guards and a classified database. STUDY DESIGN: Literature review and survey. METHODS: Consumer trends were obtained by contacting all 352 NCAA Division I programs. Athletic trainers present in the office when called answered the following questions: 1) "When an athlete breaks his or her nose, is a custom or generic face guard used?" and 2) "What brand is the generic face guard that is used?" Data was analyzed to determine trends among athletic programs. Also, a database of OTC devices available was generated using PubMed, Google, and manufacturer Web sites. RESULTS: Among the 352 NCAA Division I athletic programs, 254 programs participated in the survey (72% response rate). The majority preferred custom-made guards (46%). Disadvantages included high cost and slow manufacture turnaround time. Only 20% of the programs strictly used generic brands. For the face mask database, 10 OTC products were identified and classified into four categories based on design, with pricing ranging between $35.99 and $69.95. CONCLUSION: Only a handful of face masks exist for U.S. consumers, but none of them have been reviewed or classified by product design, sport application, price, and collegiate consumer use. This project details usage trends among NCAA Division I athletic programs and provides a list of available devices that can be purchased to protect the nose and face during sports. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA. Laryngoscope, 126:1054-1060, 2016.

Influence of adult role modeling on child/adolescent helmet use in recreational sledging: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: During recreational sledging (tobogganing), the head represents the most frequent injured body region with approximately one-third of all sledging injuries among children and adolescents. Whether children are wearing a helmet or not might be influenced on parental encouragement and role modeling of helmet use. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of adult helmet use on child/adolescent helmet use in recreational sledging. METHODS: More than 500 adults sitting together with another adult or child/adolescent on a two-seater sledge were interviewed during two winter seasons at the bottom of six sledging tracks on demographics, mean frequency of sledging per season, self-estimated skill level, risk-taking behavior, and the use of a helmet. RESULTS: Total helmet use of all observed persons was 41.0 %. Helmet use among interviewed adults significantly increased with increasing age up to 45 years, frequency of sledging, and skill level, respectively. Helmet use of interviewed adults was 46.5 % if a child/adolescent was sitting on the same sledge and 29.8 % (odds ratios (OR): 2.1, 95 % confidence intervals (CI): 1.4-2.9, p < 0.001) when sledging together with another adult. Helmet use was 71.3 % among children/adolescents and 26.7 % among adults (OR: 6.8, 95 % CI: 4.6-10.1, p < 0.001) sitting on the same sledge as the interviewed person, respectively. CONCLUSION: Adults were wearing more often a helmet during recreational sledging when sitting together with a child/adolescent on the sledge. However, helmet use during sledging is clearly below 50 %. Thus, more intense educational campaigns on helmet use are urgently needed for tobogganists.

Injuries at the Whistler Sliding Center: a 4-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The Whistler Sliding Centre (WSC) in British Columbia, Canada, has played host to many events including the 2010 Winter Olympics. This study was performed to better understand sliding sport incident (crash, coming off sled, etc) and injury prevalence and provide novel insights into the effect of slider experience and track-specific influences on injury risk and severity. METHODS: Track documentation and medical records over 4 years (2007 track inception to 2011) were used to form 3 databases, including over 43,200 runs (all sliding disciplines). Statistics were generated relating incident and injury to start location, crash location and slider experience as well as to understand injury characteristics. RESULTS: Overall injury rate was found to be 0.5%, with more severe injury occurring in <0.1% of the total number of runs. More frequent and severe injuries were observed at lower track locations. Of 2605 different sliders, 73.6% performed 1-29 runs down the track. Increased slider experience was generally found to reduce the frequency of injury. Lacerations, abrasions and contusions represented 52% of all injuries. A fatality represented the most severe injury on the track and was the result of track ejection. CONCLUSIONS: By investigating the influence of start location, incident location and slider experience on incident and injury frequency and severity, a better understanding has been achieved of the inherent risks involved in sliding sports. Incident monitoring, with particular focus on track ejection, should be an emphasis of sliding tracks.

[Impact of Spinal Fractures in Horseback Riding]. / Verletzungsfolgen nach Wirbelsäulenfrakturen im Reitsport.

BACKGROUND: Injuries to the spinal cord are not only dreaded because of the high risks existing during the acute phase, but also because of their potential long-term sequelae. Horseback riding also poses a high risk of spinal injuries. We therefore evaluated the most frequent characteristics of accidents leading to long-term sequelae, the primary long-term discomfort resulting from such injuries caused by horseback riding accidents and the way injured persons changed their behaviour after the accidents. PATIENTS: Our study included all cases of horseback riding injuries registered in the Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Restorative Surgery at the University Hospital of Ulm between May 2005 and October 2012. Sequelae of the accidents were examined via follow-up interviews by phone. These included questions about protective gear worn during the accident as well as behavioural changes after the injury. In addition, a spine-specific questionnaire based on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess long-term complications. RESULTS: Overall, we recorded 50 cases of spinal injuries caused by horseback riding accidents over a time span of 7 years and 5 months. 41 (82 %) of the patients were female and 9 (18 %) were male. The average patient age was 32.0 ±â€Š15.2 years. All in all, the 50 patients sustained 84 injuries: 59 fractures and 25 other injuries such as distorsions or discoligamentous injuries. Most injuries were located in the lumbar spine (n = 43), corresponding to 51 % of all recorded injuries, followed by 32 % in the thoracic spine (n = 27) and 17 % in the cervical spine (n = 14). After sustaining a fracture to the spine, 9 out of 24 patients quit horseback riding. All patients used a helmet after the accident, but only 7 out of 15 used back protection. 11 out of 24 patients suffer from back pain while resting with a mean VAS score of 3.4 ±â€Š1.9. More than half (17 out of 24) have back pain while working with a VAS score of 4.8 ±â€Š2.2. CONCLUSION: The frequency and severity of back injuries sustained by horseback riders increases with age. This can be due to various reasons such as biomechanical factors. The low acceptance of back protection is remarkable.

VI Jornadas Nacionales de Medicina del Deporte: Bilbao, 27 y 28 de noviembre 2015 - Comunicaciones científicas / No disponible

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[Factors Associated with the Use of Protective Gear among Adults during Recreational Sledging]. / Einflussfaktoren auf das Tragen von Schutzausrüstung bei erwachsenen Rodlern.

BACKGROUND: Recreational sledging (tobogganing) is a very popular winter sport in the Alps. Therefore, injury prevention through the usage of protective gear seems important. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate factors associated with the use of protective gear among adults during recreational sledging. METHODS: Adult recreational sledgers were interviewed during the winter seasons 2012/13 and 2013/14 at six sledging tracks in Austria on demographics, skill level, sledging frequency, risk taking behaviour, sitting alone or with another person on the sledge, previous sledging-related injuries, and use of protective gear, respectively. Interviews were conducted on all days of the week. RESULTS: A total of 1968 adult sledgers (49.4 % females) with a mean age of 37.1 ±â€Š14.4 years participated in this study. A (ski) helmet, sun or snow goggles, a back protector, and wrist guards were used by 42.3 %, 71.0 %, 5.9 %, 2.6 % of sledgers, respectively. Helmet use was significantly higher with increasing age and increasing skill level as well as when sitting alone compared to sitting together with another person. Females, Austrians, persons sitting alone on the sledge, a higher frequency of sledging and a higher skill level were significantly associated with an increasing use of goggles. A back protector was significantly more often worn by younger people, more risky sledgers, and persons with a previous sledging-related injury. Wrist guards were significantly more often used by persons with a previous sledging-related injury. CONCLUSION: During recreational sledging, the factors age, sex, nationality, skill level, sitting alone compared to sitting together with another person on the sledge, sledging frequency, and injury experience were associated with the frequencies of usage of different types of protective gear. These factors should be considered when implementing preventive measures for recreational sledging.

Association of equipment worn and concussion injury rates in National Collegiate Athletic Association football practices: 2004-2005 to 2008-2009 academic years.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of football-related concussions has been extensively examined. However, although football players experience more at-risk exposure time during practices than competitions, there is a dearth of literature examining the nature of the activities or equipment worn during practice. In particular, varying levels of equipment worn during practices may place players at varying levels of risk for concussion. PURPOSE: To describe the epidemiology of NCAA men's football concussions that occurred during practices from the 2004-2005 to 2008-2009 academic years by amount of equipment worn. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: Men's collegiate football data from the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance System (NCAA ISS) during the 5-year study period were analyzed. Injury rates and injury rate ratios (RRs) were reported with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: During the study period, 795 concussions were reported during practices, resulting in an injury rate of 0.39 per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs) (95% CI, 0.36-0.42). Among NCAA divisions, Division III had the highest concussion rate (0.54/1000 AEs), followed by Division I (0.34/1000 AEs) and Division II (0.24/1000 AEs) (all P values for RRs comparing divisions<.001). Most concussions in practice occurred when players were fully padded (69.9%), followed by wearing shells (23.5%) and helmets only (1.9%). The practice concussion rate was higher in fully padded practices (0.66/1000 AEs) compared with practices when shells were worn (0.33/1000 AEs; RR=1.99 [95% CI, 1.69-2.35]; P<.001) and practices when only helmets were worn (0.03/1000 AEs; RR=22.39 [95% CI, 13.41-37.39]; P<.001). The practice concussion rate of the preseason (0.76/1000 AEs) was higher than that of the regular season (0.18/1000 AEs; RR=4.14 [95% CI, 3.55-4.83]; P<.001) and that of postseason (0.25/1000 AEs; RR=3.02 [95% CI, 1.95-4.67]; P<.001). The types of practice with the highest concussion rate were scrimmages (1.55/1000 AEs). Although only 3 concussions were sustained during scrimmage practices in which players wore shells, the concussion rate (2.84/1000 AEs) was higher than all other reported rates. CONCLUSION: Practice concussion rates are highest during fully padded practices, preseason practices, and scrimmages, suggesting that the nature, focus, and intensity of football practices affect concussion risk. In addition, coaching staff should continue to closely monitor player safety during scrimmages. Meanwhile, future surveillance should examine whether removing scrimmages, particularly those that are not fully padded, will meaningfully reduce the incidence and rate of concussions.

[Equipment, Risk Awareness and Safety-Relevant Behaviour of Via Ferrata Climbers]. / Ausrüstung, Risikobewusstsein und sicherheitsrelevantes Verhalten von Klettersteiggehern.

BACKGROUND: Climbing via ferrata routes is becoming more and more popular. The growing number of via ferrata climbers is associated with an increasing number of accidents. In addition to adequate equipment and its correct handling, knowledge of specific risks and safety-related behaviour play an important role for safety on via ferrata routes. The goal of this study was to collect data on equipment, via ferrata-specific risk knowledge, safety-related behaviour, and general risk-taking behaviour of via ferrata climbers. METHODS: In this survey, data of 332 climbers of different via ferrata routes in Tyrol (Austria) were collected using a standardised data entry form including socio-demographic data, the use of via ferrata-specific equipment and first aid equipment. Knowledge of via ferrata-specific risks was assayed by a questionnaire including 4 questions. Additionally, safety-related behaviour and general risk-taking behaviour of the via ferrata climbers were evaluated. RESULTS: 92 % of the interviewed persons were wearing a helmet and helmet use was significantly lower in females (86 %) compared to males (96 %). In total, 10 % of the via ferrata climbers used inadequate belaying equipment or no equipment at all. The 4 questions related to via ferrata-specific risks were correctly answered by an average of 46 % of the climbers. A partner check was carried out by 76 % before starting the tour. 96 % of the climbers stated they ask the climber ahead of them for the possibility to overtake and wait for a suitable and safe spot. 64 % reported that they would not pass without self-belay. General risk-taking behaviour was scored at 4.26 ±â€Š1.75 with significant differences between female and male via ferrata climbers (3.79 ±â€Š1.37 vs. 4.53 ±â€Š1.88). CONCLUSION: Although most of the via ferrata climbers use adequate equipment, helmet use could be optimised in females. Via ferrata climbers should be better informed of the risks of climbing via ferrata routes and safety-related behaviour. Preventive measures including information panels at the entrances of the via ferrata routes and broad information campaigns could contribute to reduce the number of accidents.

Evaluación de la calidad total en servicios municipales deportivos orientados a la población infantil: Aportaciones desde el análisis cualitativo con ATLAS. ti / Evaluation of total quality in sports municipal services geared to children: Contributions from the qualitative analysis ATLAS. ti

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo evaluar la calidad total de los servicios deportivos municipales de Alcalá la Real (Jaén), analizando tres dimensiones: funcional, emocional y aspectos tangibles. La muestra estuvo formada por usuarios/as infantiles junto con los gerentes, el personal de contacto (atención al usuario/a y monitores/as) de las instalaciones municipales deportivas, el coordinador del Área de Deportes del Ayuntamiento y padres/madres de los/las niños/as que participan en las diferentes actividades deportivas. La metodología empleada es cualitativa a través del análisis de contenido que se realizó con el programa Atlas.ti 7.1.3. Los instrumentos de recogida de información fueron entrevistas individuales y grupos focales grabadas con cámaras digitales. Se concluye que los/las usuarios/as infantilesal evaluar la calidad total de los servicios deportivos dan una relevancia importante a los aspectos tangibles, y destacan los aspectos emocionales y de relación afectiva sobre los funcionales de la calidad del servicio (AU)

The aim of the current study is to assess the total quality of the municipal sports services of Alcalá la Real, analyzing the three dimensions of quality service: functional, emotional and tangibles. the sample is composed of child users, contact personnel (attention personnel of the users and coaches) of the municipal sports facilities, sport coordinator of the town council and the parents of the children the different sports. the qualitative methodology has used for the content analysis. The instrument used for data collections are individual interviews and focus groups filmed with a video camera. For content analysis we used the Atlas.ti 7.1.3 software. According to results tangibles were very important for child users when they evaluate the total quality of the sports services and the emotional aspect were also found to me more important than the functional quality of service (AU)

Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a qualidade geral dos serviços desportivos municipais de Alcalá la Real (Jaén), analisando três dimensões: funcional, emocional e aspectos tangíveis. A amostra foi constituída por utilizadores(as) crianças, juntamente com os gestores, o pessoal de contacto (atendimento ao cliente e monitores ( as), o coordenador da área de Desporto do Município e pais/mães de crianças que participam nas diferentes actividades desportivas. A metodologia utilizada é qualitativa recorrendo-se à análise de conteúdo, que foi realizada com o programa Atlas.ti 7.1.3. Os instrumentos de recolha de informação utilizados foram entrevistas individuais e a grupos focais gravadas com câmeras digitais. Conclui-se que os utilizadores/crianças ao avaliarem a qualidade total dos serviços desportivos dão uma relevância importante aos aspectos tangíveis, e enfatizam os aspectos emocionais e afetivos relativamente aos aspectos da qualidade funcional do serviço (AU)

A systematic video analysis of National Hockey League (NHL) concussions, part II: how concussions occur in the NHL.

BACKGROUND: Concussions in sports are a growing cause of concern, as these injuries can have debilitating short-term effects and little is known about the potential long-term consequences. This work aims to describe how concussions occur in the National Hockey League. METHODS: Case series of medically diagnosed concussions for regular season games over a 3.5-year period during the 2006-2010 seasons. Digital video records were coded and analysed using a standardised protocol. RESULTS: 88% (n=174/197) of concussions involved player-to-opponent contact. 16 diagnosed concussions were a result of fighting. Of the 158 concussions that involved player-to-opponent body contact, the most common mechanisms were direct contact to the head initiated by the shoulder 42% of the time (n=66/158), by the elbow 15% (n=24/158) and by gloves in 5% of cases (n=8/158). When the results of anatomical location are combined with initial contact, almost half of these events (n=74/158) were classified as direct contact to the lateral aspect of the head. CONCLUSIONS: The predominant mechanism of concussion was consistently characterised by player-to-opponent contact, typically directed to the head by the shoulder, elbow or gloves. Also, several important characteristics were apparent: (1) contact was often to the lateral aspect of the head; (2) the player who suffered a concussion was often not in possession of the puck and (3) no penalty was called on the play.

A systematic video analysis of National Hockey League (NHL) concussions, part I: who, when, where and what?

BACKGROUND: Although there is a growing understanding of the consequences of concussions in hockey, very little is known about the precipitating factors associated with this type of injury. AIM: To describe player characteristics and situational factors associated with concussions in the National Hockey League (NHL). METHODS: Case series of medically diagnosed concussions for regular season games over a 3.5-year period during the 2006-2010 seasons using an inclusive cohort of professional hockey players. Digital video records were coded and analysed using the Heads Up Checklist. RESULTS: Of 197 medically diagnosed concussions, 88% involved contact with an opponent. Forwards accounted for more concussions than expected compared with on-ice proportional representation (95% CI 60 to 73; p=0.04). Significantly more concussions occurred in the first period (47%) compared with the second and third periods (p=0.047), with the majority of concussions occurring in the defensive zone (45%). Approximately 47% of the concussions occurred in open ice, 53% occurred in the perimeter. Finally, 37% of the concussions involved injured players' heads contacting the boards or glass. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes several specific factors associated with concussions in the NHL, including period of the game, player position, body size, and specific locations on the ice and particular situations based on a player's position.