Background: This research aims to establish a relationship between anthropometric measurements and the dimensions of four-stranded hamstring autografts within the Vietnamese population. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on patients diagnosed with anterior or posterior cruciate ligament ruptures and underwent arthroscopic reconstruction using four-stranded hamstring autografts from September 2020 to September 2022. The investigation examined whether there was a correlation between the gender, height, weight, body mass index, femoral length, or thigh circumference of patients and the dimensions of the grafts. Results: 50 patients (36 males, 14 females, an average age of 32.96 ± 1.46) were included in this study. Weight correlated most significantly with graft diameter, followed by height and BMI. A significantly strong correlation existed between height and graft length, and height was essential in predicting that length. Graft diameter, which strongly correlates with the combination of sex, weight, and height (F = 20.7, R2 = 0.55, p < 0.001) can be predicted by height, weight, or BMI through subsequent linear regression analysis with significant values. Conclusions: The dimensions of four-stranded hamstring autografts exhibit noteworthy correlations with anthropometric variables. These statistical relationships offer valuable insights for orthopedic specialists, enabling them to predict graft sizes, enhance planning, and reduce the likelihood of complications during reconstruction.
In order to possibly better match the needs of youth athletes, the SEMS pre-participation questionnaire has undergone some significant adaptations for this group of patients. One of the changes is the usage of the more personal first-name address in either of the Swiss national languages (German, French, Italian). Some smaller modifications include for example inquiring about the parent’s height or adapting the assessment of a voluntary weight change (apart from normal growth-related changes). The most relevant addition is that of new safeguarding questions. These aim to give athletes an opportunity to make their voices heard when they experience misconduct or abuse. It is of high importance that affirmative responses are taken seriously. Of equally important note is the possibility of the athlete’s request for discretion. To what extent the questions are accepted by both the examiner and the athletes remains to be seen. De-tabooing the topic might however be one of many ways to help to create safer training environments for our young athletes, and to avoid serious short- and long-term consequences.
Sports physiotherapists work in very close contact with athletes, both on and off the field of play. In this challenging sporting context, they often have to find a balance between pushing the limits in rehabilitation/training and staying within the limits of a safe and ethical proper management of the athletes. Sports physiotherapists have also access to a unique perspective of behaviours not only of the athlete, but of all other individuals interacting with the athlete. Therefore, recognition of potentially abusive behaviours is an important component of education, as well as developing the communication skills to address issues appropriately. Mentored practice may be the best training for sports physiotherapists to acquire the necessary skills and behaviours in the complex sporting environment.
Le sport suisse accomplit un travail de grande valeur. C’est l’une des principales raisons pour lesquelles nos athlètes remportent régulièrement des succès aux Jeux olympiques, aux championnats du monde et d’Europe, dans les catégories élite et junior. Mais le sport a aussi ses côtés sombres, dont l’un concerne les abus sous toutes leurs formes. Des études scientifiques menées au cours des trois dernières années ont montré que la proportion de personnes touchées en Suisse correspond aux chiffres alarmants des enquêtes menées à l’étranger. Les nombreux rapports reçus par le bureau d’éthique de Swiss Sport Integrity, actif depuis janvier 2022, ne peuvent que le souligner.
Athlete safeguarding is fostered by empowering young athletes and providing them tools to reinforce their mental health, as a protective measure against potential maltreatment and to deal with competitive pressure. This study explores the impact on young athletes’ mental health of an online, group psychological intervention constructed on well-being factors theorized by Seligman. Seven athletes, aged from 15 to 19 years of age, followed a five-stage psycho-educational intervention, that focused on Motivation, Stress management, Relationships with adults, Sport and school reconciliation, and Body image. They were asked to fill in a questionnaire on mood states (POMS) and on competitive state anxiety (CSAI-2) before and after the intervention. Additionally, qualitative data were gathered shortly after the end of the sessions, with self-reported assessment about the different skills athletes had been developing through the intervention. Quantitative results show a significant decrease in cognitive and somatic anxiety, and an increase of self-confidence. Qualitative results illustrate how athletes applied the tools in practical settings and evaluated their utility. In conclusion, this study invites further research into psychological interventions that are adapted to youth sports settings, aiming to simultaneously improve mental health conditions and protective factors against maltreatment in sport.
