Background:Balance and reactive performance in ball sports rely on effective visuomotor and sensorimotor integration. Although Hemsball places considerable demands on visual processing, eye-hand coordination, and postural control, the acute effects of visual-oculomotor training on sport-related performance remain unclear. This pilot study investigated the immediate effects of a Brock string-based visual-oculomotor training program on postural stability, eye-hand coordination, and reactive visuomotor performance in Hemsball athletes. Methods:Twenty-seven Hemsball athletes (mean age: 10.22 ± 0.57 years) participated in a single-group pre-post intervention study. Participants completed a single session of a Brock string-based visual-oculomotor training that combined progressive vergence exercises with balance and lower-extremity motor tasks. Static balance (Flamingo Balance Test), eye-hand coordination (Alternative Hand Wall Toss Test), and reactive visuomotor performance (Reactive 90/90 Wall Toss Test) were assessed before and immediately after the intervention. Pre-post comparisons were performed using paired-sample t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and effect sizes were reported as Cohen's dz or r, as appropriate. Results:Following the intervention, significant improvements were observed in static balance (p = 0.023, r = 0.436), eye-hand coordination (p = 0.004, r = 0.556), the number of correct responses (p < 0.001, r = 0.661), and a reduction in the number of errors (p = 0.006, r = 0.524) during the Reactive 90/90 Wall Toss Test. Mean reaction time also decreased significantly (p = 0.049, Cohen's dz = 0.415). The largest effect was observed for response accuracy, whereas the improvement in reaction time was comparatively smaller. Conclusion:Acute Brock string-based visual-oculomotor training was associated with improvements in postural stability, eye-hand coordination, response accuracy, error rate, and reaction time in Hemsball athletes. However, given the single-group design and the absence of a control group, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Randomized controlled studies are needed to determine whether these preliminary improvements represent true intervention effects beyond practice-related and other non-specific influences.
Abstract:Joint arthroplasty in young, physically active patients poses a particular challenge for surgeons. Pre-arthritic changes are common in this population. The long life expectancy of younger patients, combined with high functional demands related to work and recreational activities, makes implant selection critical. A variety of implant designs and bearing materials are available to address these requirements. Depending on individual functional demands, different combinations may be chosen to minimize wear and reduce the risk of implant-related complications. In addition, evolving alignment philosophies in knee arthroplasty, patient-specific implants, and robotic-assisted techniques have shown promising results. However, beyond accurate implant positioning, the surgeon's experience and procedural volume remain key determinants of surgical success and patient satisfaction. Increasingly, patients with hip and knee arthroplasties - particularly after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty - are encouraged to maintain an active lifestyle, including participation in sports.
Abstract:Hip arthroplasty demonstrates excellent long-term outcomes with low revision rates. However, an increasingly younger and physically active patient population with high functional demands on the artificial joint has led to increased material-specific requirements. Friction between the articulating components of an artificial hip joint is a relevant factor that may ultimately determine implant longevity. The aim is to keep friction as low as possible in order to avoid excessive loading at the implant-bone interface, as this can lead to loosening of the artificial hip joint. Friction in the hip joint is multifactorial and can be influenced by patient-specific, implant-specific and surgery-related factors. Therefore, it is highly relevant for arthroplasty research to investigate friction under varying implantation angles, patient activities, and material combinations. In-vivo studies can be used to investigate friction directly in the patient under physiological conditions. Individual influencing factors, on the other hand, can be optimally investigated in in-vitro simulations, as possible confounding variables can be controlled and kept constant. The various approaches to measuring friction and the results from the literature to date are summarized below. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of the various measurement methods are discussed, and an outlook is given on the possibility of combining in-vivo and in-vitro friction tests to further optimize patient care in total hip arthroplasty.
Zusammenfassung Der Wandel von einer rein zeitbasierten hin zu einer kriterienbasierten Rehabilitation nach operativen Eingriffen am Kniegelenk hat dazu geführt, dass für einzelne Funktionen, wie z.B. dem Wiedereinstieg in Laufbelastungen, klinische und funktionelle Kriterien aufgestellt wurden. Ziel dieser narrativen Übersichtsarbeit war es, empfohlene Kriterien aus Expertenbefragungen zu extrahieren und deren prädiktive Validität darzustellen. Die Autoren führten eine Literaturrecherche in PubMed durch. Inkludiert wurden Studien, die Therapeuten und/oder Ärzte bezüglich der gängigen Praxis für einen kriterienbasierten Wiedereinstieg in Laufbelastungen befragten. Des Weiteren wurden Arbeiten analysiert, die die Aussagekraft dieser Kriterien in klinischen Studien bei Patienten nach operativen Eingriffen am Kniegelenk evaluierten. Die Literaturrecherche ergab ausschließlich Daten für Betroffene nach einer Rekonstruktion des vorderen Kreuzbandes. In den Expertenbefragungen wird dabei der postoperative Zeitpunkt (≥12.–16. Woche) am konsistentesten genannt. Darüber hinaus werden klinische (Schmerz, Schwellung) und funktionelle (Beweglichkeit, Balancetests, dynamische Kontrolltests, Krafttestung des Quadrizeps) Kriterien überbewertet. In den wenigen verfügbaren Validierungsstudien zeigen viele der aufgestellten Kriterien und deren Cut-offs eine unzureichende prädiktive Validität. Lediglich klinische Parameter (Schmerz 0–2 auf der numerischen Schmerzskala und Schwellung), ein suffizientes Range of Motion (0° Extension, 130° Flexion) und eine ausreichende Quadrizepskraft (Limb Symmetrie Index >60% + 1,45–1,6Nm/kg) scheinen eine Aussagekraft zu haben. Momentan in der Literatur beschriebene funktionelle Testbatterien und die entsprechenden Zielwerte im Bereich Balance und Sprungtestung sind kritisch zu sehen und sollten in zukünftigen Studien genauer überprüft werden. Bis dahin bieten sie keine verlässliche Direktive in der Entscheidungsfindung eines sicheren Wiedereinstiegs in Laufbelastungen.
Abstract:Spondylolysis is a unilateral or bilateral defect of the interarticular region of a vertebra, most commonly in the lumbar spine. This pathology occurs frequently in young athletes and leads to spondylolisthesis in 75% of cases. Athletically active patients generally wish to continue their sports activity. This article aims to present literature-based recommendations and our personal experience regarding sports participation in children and adolescents suffering from spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis. We conclude that sports participation is possible despite spondylolysis in individuals of growing age. However, sports involving repetitive hyperextension and rotational loading under maximal stress should initially be avoided. A conservative treatment approach is recommended as a first step. If this approach fails, surgical treatment should be considered. According to the literature and our experience, most athletes return to sport after both conservative and surgical treatment, often at the level achieved prior to diagnosis.
Angesichts des Leistungsrückgangs im deutschen Fechtsport seit 2012 gewinnt systematisches Athletiktraining im Nachwuchsbereich an Bedeutung. Diese Studie untersucht erstmals die Effekte eines strukturierten Athletiktrainings auf die konditionellen Leistungsparameter im deutschen Jugendfechten. In einer 12-monatigen interventionellen Kohortenstudie wurden 22 Jugendfechter (13–17 Jahre) eines Leistungsstützpunkts untersucht. Die Interventionsgruppe (n=12) absolvierte zusätzlich zum regulären Fechttraining wöchentlich 60 Minuten strukturiertes Athletiktraining, die Kontrollgruppe (n=10) trainierte ausschließlich fechtspezifisch. Prä- und Post-Tests umfassten Standweitsprung, 10m-Sprint, T-Test, Rotationswurf, Bourban-Test und Beep-Test. Zusätzlich wurden in der Interventionsgruppe Functional Movement Screen (FMS), Y-Balance-Test und Skillcourt erfasst. Die statistische Auswertung erfolgte mittels t-Tests und Mann-Whitney-U-Tests, ergänzt um Effektstärken (Cohenʼs d). Die Interventionsgruppe zeigte signifikante Verbesserungen gegenüber der Kontrollgruppe in der Explosivkraft (Sprint: p=0,023, d=1,31; T-Test: p=0,043, d=1,00; Rotationswurf rechts: p=0,023, d=1,05; links: p=0,003, d=1,44) und Ausdauer (Beep-Test: p=0,002, d=1,54). Die Rumpfstabilität zeigte einen Trend zur Signifikanz (p=0,065, d=0,84). Innerhalb der Interventionsgruppe verbesserte sich die Beweglichkeit signifikant (FMS: p=0,002, d=1,14; Y-Balance untere Extremität rechts: p=0,012, links: p=0,019). Strukturiertes Athletiktraining führt zu großen bis sehr großen Trainingseffekten bei fechtsportrelevanten konditionellen Parametern. Die Ergebnisse liefern evidenzbasierte Grundlagen für die Integration systematischen Athletiktrainings in die deutsche Nachwuchsförderung im Fechten.
Im klinischen Alltag hat sich zur Beurteilung der Beinachse in der Frontalebene die statische Röntgenaufnahme etabliert. Mit vermehrtem Einsatz von funktionellen Analysen wie der Bewegungsanalyse rückt die Betrachtung der dynamischen Beinachse zunehmend in den Fokus. Die dynamische Achse des Kniegelenks spielt eine entscheidende Rolle für den Verschleiß von Knie-Totalendoprothesen (K-TEP), da sie die Belastungsverteilung und Bewegungsmuster im femorotibialen Gelenk beeinflusst. Insbesondere das Knieadduktionsmoment (KAM) wirkt sich bei medialen Belastungen auf das Inlay aus, das bei hohen Belastungsfrequenzen Verschleiß zeigt. Studien zeigen, dass das KAM bei Varusausrichtung steigt, was zu einer ungleichmäßigen Lastverteilung und einer erhöhten Belastung des medialen Kompartiments führt. In-vitro- und Post-mortem-Analysen quantifizieren den jährlichen Materialverlust im Inlay, wobei Design und Ausrichtung der Prothese die Verschleißrate beeinflussen. Die dynamische Beinachse und das Gangbild können den Verschleiß weiter modifizieren; ein „Toe-in“-Gangmuster etwa senkt das KAM signifikant und könnte somit eine nichtoperative Option zur Verschleißminderung darstellen. Neuere Ansätze, wie das kinematische Alignment, streben eine natürliche Positionierung der Prothese an, was den Verschleiß nicht zwingend erhöht, jedoch im Vergleich zur mechanischen Ausrichtung eine präarthrotische Varus- oder Valgusachse belassen kann. Zusammenfassend könnte eine dynamische Bewertung der Beinachse zur präoperativen Planung und zur Verschleißreduktion bei K-TEP beitragen, wobei die statische radiologische Achsbestimmung klinisch relevant bleiben wird.
Introduction:Juvenile osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) occur more frequently in children and adolescents who are physically active, although no clear causality can be established. For the frequently used, stage-adapted microfracture procedure, evidence remains insufficient regarding medium-term sports participation and sport-specific performance levels in this population with a view to competitive youth sports. Objective:The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of medium-term sports participation (in accordance with the IOC Consensus Statement on the continuum of return to sports) and sport-specific performance in adolescents following microfracture treatment of a juvenile OLT in the context of potentially persistent limitations. Secondly, the study aimed to evaluate the everyday functionality and pain levels of the patients. Materials and methods:A retrospective clinical longitudinal study was conducted on first-line therapy following microfracture treatment of OLT stage 3 according to Dipaola in a consecutive cohort of systematically physically active children and adolescents, recorded at a single centre. PROMS included the modified Heidelberg Sports Activity Score (HAS) to assess the rate of medium-term sports participation and sport-specific performance, as well as the Visual Analogue Scale Foot and Ankle (VAS FA) and the modified Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) to assess the development of functionality and pain intensity immediately before the injury and at follow-up. Results:A total of 35 patients were included in the study, with a loss to follow-up of 18.6%. Mean age at surgery was 14.6 years, and the mean follow-up period was 49.8 months. There was a significant improvement in the VAS FA and the modified FAOS compared with the preoperative status regarding everyday functionality and pain levels. Return to participation in sports was 97.1%. A significant medium-term reduction in overall athletic performance compared with the pre-injury level was observed in the modified HAS (p < 0.017) from 58.8 to 43.1 median points, although this reduction was not consistent across all sports. Only three of eleven sports analysed (running/jogging, cycling, ball sports) showed a significant decline in sport-specific performance (p < 0.017), whereas performance in eight sports remained unchanged. Functional, pain-related impairments of the operated-on ankle were most frequently reported in ball sports, racket sports, dancing and running/jogging in the medium term. During the return-to-sport phase within the return-to-sport continuum, participants rarely switched to lower-impact sports to a comparable extent or intensity (n=3). Persistent impairments led to a higher number of sport attrition (n=19). Conclusion:Stage-adapted microfracture treatment in juvenile OLT shows very good results with respect to pain-free everyday resilience. A high likelihood of return to sports participation can be expected. In the medium term, however, painful progression can limit performance levels, especially in high-impact sports (ball sports, racket sports), but also in dancing and running/jogging. Persistent painful impairments at the threshold of return to sports participation in these three sports had the greatest prognostic value and impact on sport-specific performance levels in the medium term. In contrast to adults, children and adolescents in this study were less likely to transition to lower-impact sports. Consequently, this resulted in a higher number of sport attrition.
Abstract:This study aimed to investigate the effects of low-dye taping on plantar pain, foot functional performance, and balance in patients with plantar fasciitis. A total of 36 patients with plantar fasciitis were randomly assigned to an experimental group that received low-dye taping with general physical therapy, while the control group only received general physical therapy twice a week for 4 weeks. Plantar pain was measured using the pain pressure threshold algometer, foot functional performance with the Foot Function Index, and balance with the Y-Balance test. A significant interaction effect was found between group and time for plantar pain (F=62.888, p=0.001, effect size=0.649), foot function (F=67.844, p=0.001, effect size=0.666), and balance ability (F= 10.37, p=0.003, effect size=0.234). Low-dye taping with general physical therapy is anticipated to be effective in clinical practice as a conservative method to improve and enhance plantar pain, functional performance of the foot, and balance ability in patients with plantar fasciitis.
Background:The transition from purely time-based to criteria-based rehabilitation following knee joint surgery has led to the establishment of clinical and functional criteria for individual functions such as return to running. This narrative review aimed to extract recommended criteria from expert surveys and to present their predictive validity. Methods:The authors conducted a literature search in PubMed. Studies were included that surveyed therapists and/or physicians on current practice for criteria-based return to running. In addition, an analysis was performed on studies that evaluated the validity of these criteria in clinical trials involving patients who had undergone knee surgery. Results:The literature search yielded data exclusively for patients who had undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. In the expert surveys, the postoperative period (≥12-16 weeks) was the most consistently reported criterion. Furthermore, clinical (pain, swelling) and functional (mobility, balance tests, dynamic control tests, quadriceps strength testing) criteria are frequently recommended but lack sufficient validation. In the few validation studies available, many of the proposed criteria and their cut-off values demonstrated insufficient predictive validity. Only clinical parameters (pain 0-2 on the numerical pain scale and swelling), a sufficient range of motion (0° extension, 130° flexion) and sufficient quadriceps strength (limb symmetry index >60% + 1.45-1.6 Nm/kg) appear to be meaningful. Conclusion:Functional test batteries currently described in the literature and the corresponding target values for balance and jump testing should be viewed critically and require more rigorous evaluation in future studies. Until then, they do not provide valid guidelines for clinical decision-making regarding a safe return to running.
Ski mountaineering (skimo) is an evolving competitive sport with a long tradition and has recently been included in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Previous research focused on physiology and performance analysis, while data on injuries in competitive skimo are not yet available.This study aimed to determine the anthropometric and demographic characteristics as well as the rates and distribution of injuries and illnesses in competitive skimo and to compare them between World Cup and recreational athletes.Cross-sectional studyData were collected using a detailed trilingual questionnaire administered either face-to-face or online at two major ski mountaineering events. Injury locations were classified according to the Orchard Sports Injury and Illness Classification System, and the severity of injuries was determined. A statistical data analysis was performed, and correlations were calculated.Out of 196 participants (78.6% male, 21.4% female), 111 were recreational athletes (RA), and 85 were World Cup athletes (WC). RA (median age 42) were significantly older than WC (median age 22). WC had significantly lower height and body weight than RA and a lower BMI. The incidence of exercise-induced bronchial asthma was significantly higher in WC (16.5%) than in RA (2.7%). More training hours, a lower BMI, younger age, and fewer recovery days were associated with a higher incidence of colds and respiratory infections per season. The prevalence of anorexia athletica was 17.9% in female WC, 5.3% in male WC, and 0% in RA. Fifty-nine injuries were reported by 43 individuals (21.9%). Thirty-six injuries (59.3%) were acute, 23 (40.7%) were chronic. The knee was the most commonly injured body part, followed by the lower leg and ankle. The most common type of injury involved the ligaments and joint capsule. The average injury score was 1.6 ± 0.6 (UIAA classification). Most acute injuries (90.3%) occurred during descent, whereas most overuse injuries (90.9%) occurred during ascent. Most acute injuries involved the knee during descent, whereas most chronic injuries were skin lesions and ulcers caused by full-carbon racing boots.This study presents the first data on ski mountaineering injuries. A high incidence of respiratory infections and exercise-induced bronchospasm has been reported and should be addressed in prophylaxis. Similarly, relative energy deficiency in sports and anorexia athletica should be addressed. Most acute injuries resemble those in alpine skiing, and prevention is difficult. Chronic skin wounds caused by carbon boots should be addressed in collaboration with the manufacturing industry. Overall, further research on injury surveillance is needed.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is the most serious injury in judo. However, little is known about the outcome of treatment and its impact on subsequent athletic development. This study aimed to evaluate (1) ACL re-injury rates, injury-related time loss, and (2) regained level of performance in judoka after conservatively and surgically treated ACL ruptures.Five hundred judoka who had suffered an ACL rupture were included in the study via an online survey. Re-injury rates, persistent symptoms, time loss, and reduction in athletic performance were assessed according to performance level and treatment approach (surgical vs. conservative).Eighty-six percent of athletes underwent surgery. The overall re-injury rate was 27.6%. In the highest performance level group, 41.4% sustained a re-injury. No significant difference was observed with regard to persistent pain, swelling, and episodes of instability (surgical vs. conservative: pain 40.1% vs. 35.2%, p=0.436; swelling 21.7% vs. 12.7%, p=0.081; instability 14.0% vs. 15.5% p=0.736) Among conservatively treated patients, 70.4% returned to sport after 6 months, whereas among surgically treatment patients, 35.9% returned within 6-9 months and 33.6% after more than 9 months . There was no significant difference in post-injury performance level between treatment groups (same performance level: surgical 32% vs. conservative 35%).Judo athletes show high re-injury rates after ACL ruptures, especially in high performance classes. The proportion of persistent symptoms after surgical therapy is high and differs only slightly from those treated conservatively. In rare cases, pre-injury performance levels may be regained even after conservative therapy.
Tibial avulsion fractures involving both the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) are rare and pose significant diagnostic challenges, particularly when accompanied by medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury. This report presents two such rare cases and provides a focused narrative review of the current literature. Both patients underwent individualized surgical strategies based on fracture morphology, soft-tissue status, and stability requirements, using a combination of open and arthroscopic techniques. Although postoperative complications occurred, including infection, arthrofibrosis, and complex regional pain syndrome, both patients ultimately achieved an acceptable functional recovery with structured multidisciplinary rehabilitation. These cases underscore the importance of precise injury characterization, careful selection of surgical approach, and comprehensive postoperative management when treating complex bicruciate avulsion injuries with concomitant MCL involvement.
The use of GPS data has become an integral part of the work of strength and conditioning coaches as well as data analysts in professional women's and men's football. Coaches should rely on GPS systems with a comparatively high sampling frequency (18 Hz) in order to validly capture short sprint distances with rapid changes of direction. GPS parameters such as total running distance, number of maximal sprints, accelerations, decelerations, and distance covered in speed and high-speed zones are of high practical relevance for athletic performance and injury prevention. Based on these practically relevant GPS parameters, the central challenge lies in capturing the complex interaction between training load and exertion, and in deriving suitable implications for short- (microcycle), medium- (mesocycle), and long-term (macrocycle) training programming. In the future, AI methods may support this process by efficiently analyzing large datasets and identifying patterns in load management. Initial studies provide promising evidence. However, particularly in the highly individualized context of professional football, it remains to be determined whether existing learning algorithms developed from one team's data can be transferred to other teams. In general, the use of GPS data should be contextualized in order to provide coaches with guidance, rather than serving as rigid target parameters for training prescription and load management in football.This article presents literature-based recommendations on the use of GPS data (e.g., acceleration-based parameters) for the design of macro-, meso-, and microcycles, which can guide coaches in football-specific load management. Of additional practical importance is the further development of models capable of predicting increased injury risk during specific phases of the season. While existing approaches such as the Acute:Chronic Workload Ratio (ACWR) provide initial guidance, their methodological limitations are evident. Further research is needed to provide reliable and applicable tools for training management in professional football. In addition, individualized training programming should incorporate not only objective GPS data but also subjective ratings of perceived exertion.
Abstract:In routine clinical practice, static radiographic imaging has become the standard method for assessing the leg axis in the frontal plane. With increasing use of functional analyses, such as motion analysis, the focus is shifting more towards the dynamic leg axis. The dynamic axis of the knee joint plays a critical role in the wear of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) components, as it influences load distribution and movement patterns in the femorotibial joint. In particular, the knee adduction moment (KAM) affects the inlay during medial loading, which exhibits wear at high loading frequencies. Studies indicate that KAM increases with varus alignment, leading to uneven load distribution and greater stress on the medial compartment. In-vitro and post-mortem analyses quantify the annual material loss in the inlay, with prosthesis design and alignment influencing wear rates. The dynamic leg axis and gait patterns can further modify wear; for example, a "toe-in" gait pattern significantly reduces KAM and may therefore represent a non-surgical option to mitigate wear. More recent approaches, such as kinematic alignment, aim for a more natural positioning of the prosthesis, which does not necessarily increase wear but, compared with mechanical alignment, may preserve a pre-arthritic varus or valgus axis. In summary, a dynamic evaluation of the leg axis may contribute to preoperative planning and wear reduction in TKA, while static radiological axis assessment will remain clinically relevant.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of cold spray and cold pack applications on the biomechanical properties, muscle strength, and activity of the quadriceps femoris muscle. Fifty-three male participants aged 18 to 25 were included in this randomised controlled study. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: cold spray (n=27) and cold pack (n=26). The cold spray group received a 10-second application to the quadriceps, whereas the cold pack group received a 5-minute application. Measurements included skin surface temperature, muscle mechanical properties (MyotonPRO), isometric muscle strength (Lafayette dynamometer), and muscle activity (surface EMG). These measurements were conducted at three time points: before the intervention (baseline), immediately after the application, and five minutes post-application. Participant characteristics were similar between groups (p>0.05). Both groups showed time-dependent changes in muscle properties. Myoton-F, -S, and -D increased following the application, while Myoton-R decreased. Strength increased only in the cold spray group (p<0.05). The mean EMG workload was higher at baseline in the cold spray group (p<0.05), but no time-related change was observed in either group. EMG onset time decreased over time in the cold pack group (p<0.05). Skin temperature dropped significantly in both groups after the application (p<0.05), with a greater and more prolonged effect in the cold spray group (p<0.05). These findings suggest that both cold spray and cold pack can induce short-term changes in quadriceps muscle function by altering the muscle’s mechanical properties. Cold spray appears to improve muscle strength, while cold pack may influence the timing of muscle activation.
Background:Given the decline in performance in German fencing since 2012, systematic athletic training has become increasingly important in youth development. This study is the first to investigate the effects of structured athletic training on physical performance parameters in German youth fencing. Materials & Methods:In a twelve-month interventional cohort study, 22 youth fencers (aged 13-17 years) from a performance centre were examined. The intervention group (n=12) completed 60 minutes of structured athletic training per week in addition to regular fencing training, while the control group (n=10) performed an exclusively fencing-specific training. Pre- and post-tests included standing long jump, 10 m sprint, T-test, rotational throw, Bourban test, and beep test. The intervention group also underwent Functional Movement Screen (FMS), Y-Balance test, and Skillcourt assessments. Statistical analysis was performed using t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests, supplemented by effect sizes (Cohen's d). Results:Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed significant improvements in explosive strength (sprint: p=0.023, d=1.31; T-test: p=0.043, d=1.00; rotational throw right: p=0.023, d=1.05; left: p=0.003, d=1.44) and endurance (beep test: p=0.002, d=1.54). Core stability showed a trend towards significance (p=0.065, d=0.84). Within the intervention group, flexibility improved significantly (FMS: p=0.002, d=1.14; Y-Balance lower extremity right: p=0.012; left: p=0.019). Conclusion:Structured athletic training produces large to very large training effects in fencing-relevant physical performance parameters. The results provide evidence-based support for the integration of systematic athletic training into youth development programmes in German fencing.
Funktionelle Diagnostik (FD) beschreibt die Analyse menschlicher Bewegungshandlungen unter Berücksichtigung von sportlicher Leistungsfähigkeit, Technik und neuromuskulärer Funktion. Bezüglich der Begrifflichkeiten der Messverfahren in der FD herrscht aktuell große Heterogenität. Ärzte, Sportwissenschaftler, Physiotherapeuten und Bewegungswissenschaftler arbeiten auf diesem Gebiet eng zusammen und ergänzen ihre Kompetenzen. Allerdings sind durch die interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit auch verschiedene Begriffe und Definitionen im Umlauf und in der praktischen Anwendung geläufig. Dieser Artikel des Komitees für „Funktionelle Diagnostik“ der Gesellschaft für Orthopädisch-Traumatologische Sportmedizin (GOTS) stellt eine systematische Übersicht der Begrifflichkeiten dar und strukturiert die Mess- und Testverfahren. Apparative hochstandardisierte Kraftmessverfahren (z.B. Isokinetik, Isometrik) sowie einfache dynamische Maximalkrafttests werden in diesem Artikel erläutert und in Zusammenhang mit der Anwendung gebracht. Ebenso wird eine Übersicht der aktuellen Evidenz im Themengebiet der FD gegeben. Hieraus können relevante Rückschlüsse für die praktische Anwendung gezogen werden. Praxisorientierte Beispiele von Muskel- und Sehnenverletzungen sowie chronischen Laufverletzungen zeigen die Anwendung der FD in den einzelnen Themengebieten detailliert auf.
Die Qualität von Webseiten mit medizinischen Inhalten wird zunehmend wichtiger, da das Internet eine Hauptinformationsquelle bei Gesundheitsfragen ist und Einfluss auf den Krankheitsverlauf nehmen kann. Diese Studie untersucht 250 Webseiten, die sich mit chronischer Sprunggelenkinstabilität befassen – einer Erkrankung, an der 40 % der Patienten nach einer Sprunggelenkdistorsion leiden. Ein eigener Ratgeber wurde basierend auf den Resultaten erstellt. Der EQIP36-Score für medizinische Informationstexte sowie eine 25-Fakten-Checkliste wurden zur Qualitätsbewertung verwendet. Mithilfe des Flesch-Kincaid-Index und der berechneten Lesbarkeit wurde das Leseniveau bestimmt. In einer Umfrage unter medizinischen Laien sowie Fachpersonen wurden die besten drei Webseiten weiter untersucht. Von den erfassten 250 Webseiten wurden 42 eingeschlossen und wiesen erhebliche Qualitätsunterschiede auf. Keine der Webseiten erfüllt die Anforderungen in befriedigendem Maß. Quellen des Gesundheitssystems überwogen und zeigten eine höhere Qualität, während kommerziell betriebene Seiten, sowie jene mit Werbung oder Verweisen zu sozialen Medien eine unterdurchschnittliche Vollständigkeit aufwiesen. Das empfohlene Leseniveau wurde nie erzielt. Die Benutzerumfrage zeigt eine wechselhafte Zufriedenheit. Medizinische Laien kritisierten Fachjargon und abschreckende OP-Bilder. Verfügbare Online-Ressourcen zur Sprunggelenkinstabilität sind unzureichend und uneinheitlich. Defizite in allen Bereichen beeinträchtigen die wirksame Anwendung durch Patienten. Verantwortliche von Webseiten, die Gesundheitsinhalte veröffentlichen, sollten sich intensiver darum bemühen, die Verständlichkeit und Qualität der bereitgestellten Informationen zu steigern, um das Selbstmanagement der Patienten mit ihrer Krankheit besser zu unterstützen.
