Elbow injury rates are markedly higher among collegiate athletes than in the general population; however, this elevated incidence is largely driven by overhead throwing sports and does not represent a uniform risk across all athletes. Elbow disorders represent a significant diagnostic challenge in sports medicine due to the intricate anatomy of the joint. High-resolution ultrasonography has become an indispensable first-line imaging modality, offering superior spatial resolution for superficial structures and the unique capability for real-time dynamic assessment. This review illustrates the ultrasonographic spectrum of common elbow injuries in athletes, including epicondylopathy, ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency, and nerve entrapment syndromes. By employing a systematic, compartment-based approach categorizing findings into anterior, medial, lateral, and posterior zones, radiologists can ensure a comprehensive evaluation. Particular emphasis is placed on dynamic maneuvers such as valgus stress for ulnar collateral ligament stability and flexion–extension for ulnar nerve subluxation, which provide functional insights that are often unavailable on static magnetic resonance imaging. Furthermore, emerging adjunctive techniques, such as sonoelastography, may provide complementary information on tissue stiffness and integrity, potentially improving lesion characterization in specific athletic elbow conditions. Understanding these imaging patterns is crucial for accurate diagnosis and optimized management in athletes.

This study was conducted to compare and analyze whether Pilates exercise and yoga exercise help improve the performance of female fencers and prevent injury, and the dynamic balance test (LQ-YBT) and functional movement screening (FMS) test score of the elite adult female fencers were compared and analyzed as evaluation indicators. Participants were randomly classified into Pilates (n = 10) and yoga groups (n = 10), members of which took part in 50 min of exercise (5 min of warm-up, 40 min of main exercise, and 5 min of cool-down) twice weekly for eight weeks. The results obtained from this study were analyzed via independent t-test and 2-way ANOVA. The results were as follows: LQ-YBT measures (reaching distance) increased significantly for both groups, as did FMS scores (deep squat, hurdle step, inline lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight-leg raise, trunk-stability push-up, and rotary stability). These results suggest that Pilates exercise and yoga exercise might be likely effective in improving the performance of adult female fencers and injury prevention by increasing their dynamic balance ability and functional movement.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to verify the differences in shoulder range of motion (ROM) and dynamic stability in the upper extremities depending on the players’ ages and frequency of sports injuries in the shoulder joint.METHODS: A total of 519 volleyball players enrolled in the Korea Volleyball Association and Korean Volleyball Federation participated in this study. All participants answered questions about their experiences of sports-related shoulder injuries and were then categorized into shoulder-injured and non-injured groups. Shoulder ROM (flexion/extension and internal/external rotation) and upper quarter Y-balance (YBT-UQ) were tested by trained examiners. The YBT-UQ was normalized to the arm length (%AL) of the players.RESULTS: Among elementary and middle school players, the shoulder-injured group had lower internal rotation than the non-injured group. In addition, elementary school players with a history of shoulder injuries performed worse in the YBT-UQ test. Regardless of their history of shoulder injury, older patients tended to have decreased shoulder flexion and extension. In the injured group, younger players had lower internal rotation of the shoulder.CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that player age should be considered for rehabilitation to prevent shoulder sports-related injuries in volleyball players.

PURPOSE This study investigates the impact of injury experience on ankle dorsiflexion, quadriceps extensibility, and dynamic stability in elite adolescent and adult volleyball players. METHODS A total of 485 players (adolescents=337, adults=115) reported lower extremities injuries, with measurements taken for ankle dorsiflexion and quadriceps extensibility using the weight- bearing lunge test and Ely’s test, respectively. The Y-balance test was used for dynamic stability. Measurements were conducted on the injured leg of players with knee and/or ankle injuries and the dominant leg of healthy players. Four groups were classified based on injury experience, and comparisons were made between both legs. Additionally, the variables of adolescent players were compared to those of adults. RESULTS Adolescent players with knee injuries exhibited a larger difference in ankle dorsiflexion between both legs, while adult players with ankle injuries demonstrated an asymmetry of ankle dorsiflexion. Regardless of age, players with knee or ankle injuries displayed lower dynamic stability compared to healthy players. Notably, adults with knee injuries showed a larger difference in dynamic stability between both legs. CONCLUSIONS To prevent and rehabilitate volleyball-related injuries, comprehensive injury risk factors, including age, should be managed in the injury prevention strategies.

Background: High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is an effective surgical method for treating medial compartment osteoarthritis. However, in most cases after surgery, muscle strength is decreased, and rapid muscle atrophy is observed. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to verify the effects of low-intensity resistance exercise (LIE) with blood flow restriction (BFR) on the cross-sectional area (CSA) of thigh muscles, knee extensor strength, pain, and knee joint function and investigate proper arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) in middle-aged women who underwent HTO. Method: This study was designed as a prospective randomized controlled trial. Forty-two middle-aged women who underwent HTO were randomly divided into three groups and participated in LIE with (40% or 80% AOP applied) or without BFR. The main outcome was the measurement of the CSA of thigh muscles (at 30% and 50% distal length of the femur) before and 12 weeks after treatment. Additionally, knee extension muscle strength, pain, and joint function were evaluated before and 6 and 12 weeks after treatment. Results: CSA of thigh muscles at 30% and 50% distal length of the femur decreased in the AOP 40% and control groups and was the largest in the AOP 80% group 12 weeks after treatment. Knee extension strength increased in all groups and was the highest in the AOP 80% group 6 and 12 weeks after treatment. Pain improved in all groups, with no intergroup differences. Knee joint function improved in all groups and was superior in the 80% AOP group 12 weeks after treatment. Conclusion: LIE with BFR at 80% AOP was effective in preventing atrophy of the thigh muscle, increasing muscle strength, and improving function. BFR at 40% AOP had no difference in the results when compared with the group in which BFR was not applied. Therefore, LIE with an AOP of 80% is recommended for patients undergoing HTO.

본 연구는 여자 청소년 배구선수들을 대상으로 8주간의 어깨 부상예방 운동프로그램이 어깨관절 가동범위와 상지 동적균형에 미치는 효과를 알아보고, 대조군 집단 연구를 통해 효과를 확인함으로써 청소년 여자 배구선수들의 어깨부상 예방을 위한 운동프로그램을 설계하는데 자료를 제공하고자 하였다. 청소년 여자 배구선수 17명을 대상으로 하였으며, 어깨 부상예방 운동 집단(shoulder injury prevention exercise, SIPE) 8명과 대조군 집단 9명으로 무작위 배정하였다. 어깨관절 가동범위로 좌·우측 굽힘, 안쪽돌림, 가쪽돌림을 측정하였고, 상지의 동적균형능력 검사를 통해 상지 동적균형 능력을 측정하였다. SIPE 집단 8명을 대상으로 8주동안 시행되었고, 주 2회씩 10분간 어깨 부상예방 운동을 적용하여 어깨관절 가동범위와 상지 동적균형의 차이를 비교 분석하였다. 분석한 결과, SIPE 집단에서 좌·우측 굽힘, 안쪽돌림, 가쪽돌림 가동범위가 운동프로그램 후 증가하였으며, 우측 굽힘을 제외한 모든 가동범위에서 대조군과 비교하여 상호작용 효과가 나타났다(p<.05). 또한 좌·우측 상지 동적균형에서도 사후 종합점수가 증가하여, 대조군과 비교하여 상호작용 효과를 나타냈다(p<.05). 본 연구의 결과를 통해 어깨 부상예방 운동프로그램이 배구선수들에게 어깨관절 가동범위와 상지 동적균형 평균점수가 증가한 것을 확인하였고, 이러한 어깨 부상예방 운동프로그램이 배구선수들에게 흔히 발생하는 어깨관절 가동범위의 감소 및 상지의 동적 안정성에 효과가 있는 것으로 생각된다. 따라서, 어깨 부상예방 운동프로그램을 장기적으로 적용하면 어깨 부상예방 및 기능향상, 경기력 향상에 효과가 있을 것이라 생각된다.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the relationship between the attitudes toward doping, sport orientation, and perceived motivational climate in sport, and to provide useful information on the anti-doping strategy.Methods: A total of 567 athletes in 21 sports completed four questionnaires Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale (PEAS), Sport Orientation Questionnaire (SOQ; competitiveness orientation, win orientation, goal orientation), Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ; task orientation, ego orientation), and Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire-2 (PMCSQ-2; ego-involving and task-involving climates).They were divided into four categories: speed/power (n=201), endurance (n=154), motor skill (n=119), and team (n=93).We identified the difference of variables among four categories and verified possible factors significantly associated with attitudes toward doping.Results: The PEAS of athletes in both speed/power sports and Team sports was higher than motor skill sports, and the team sports athletes also showed higher PEAS than endurance sports athletes.In speed/power sports, the task of TEOSQ and the win of SOQ were related to PEAS, and in endurance sports, the task of TEOSQ and the ego-involving of PMCSQ were related to PEAS.In motor skill sports and Team sports, the task-involving of PMCSQ and the goal of SOQ were associated with PEAS, respectively. Conclusion:The results of this study provided new insights into the psychosocial mechanisms of attitudes toward doping, and it would contribute significantly to effective anti-doping strategies based on sports characteristics.

The objective of this study was to assess and compare among the range of motion, functional movements, and muscular strength of knee joint of male dancers, depending on dance type(ballet, modern dance, and Korean dance). Twenty one male dancers(each of seven from the three dance types) were recruited from those who have had no surgery or medical history in the lower limbs within the last six months. Measurements were taken of their range of motion(ROM) of hip internal and external rotations. Additionally, goniometric measurement of plantar-flexion and dorsiflexion of the ankle were done using a goniometer. To assess functional movement, all subjects completed the seven Functional Movement Screen(FMS) tests. Isokinetic dynamometry was (Humac NORM CSMi U.S.A) use for isokinetic strengthe measures. The ballet dancers showed larger ROM(right side; 34.29±6.07, left side; 35.00±5.77) than those(right side; 25.71±6.27, left side; 24.29±3.45) of modern dancers(right side; p=.046, left side; p=.003). The Korean dancers also presented larger ROM(right side; 37.14±5.66, left side; 35.00±6.45) than those(right side; 25.71±6.27, left side; 24.29±3.45) of the modern dancers(right side; p=.007, left side; p=.003). In relation to functional movement among the dance types, the ballet dancers were found to have scored higher(18.43±1.27) than those(16.57±0.78) of the modern dancers in the FMS tests (p=.020). No significant differences were found in isokinetic knee flexion/extension strength. In summary, It appeared that hip external rotation of ballet dancers and korean dancers were greater than those of the modern dancers. Additionally, ballet dancers seemed to have higher functional levels among the three dance types.

The primary purpose of this study was to compare patellar tendon pain and low extremity kinetics and kinematics of male high school volleyball players on one-leg landing after applying a strap, C-tape, and E-tape, respectively. A total of 16 male high school volleyball players who had no history of lower extremity injury at least for 3 months were recruited(age: 16.37±1.08years, height: 185.56±5.52cm, weight: 76.81±8.52kg). Each participant were alternately equipped with a strap, C-tape, or E-tape on each patellar tendon, and visual analogue scale(VAS) was measures during one leg landing. Maximal knee flexion angle, range of motion, angular velocity, moment, and maximal ground reaction force at the hip, knee, and ankle joint were assessed after each application using 3 dimensional motion analyses. Statistical analyses were done with one-way repeated measure ANOVA and post-hoc analysis. The VAS of strap(2.56±1.45) and C-tape(2.87±1.31) were lower than that of E-tape(3.50±1.31; each p.001 and p=.007). The mean angular velocity of the knee flexion (285.77±88.60deg/s) was significantly higher in strap than in E-tape(242.68±61.64deg/s; p=.026). In summary, it appeared that the application of strap or C-tape was related to effectively reducing patellar tendon pain. Additionally, it could be postulated that the application of a strap attributed to the increase of knee flexion angular velocity during one-leg landing.

Purpose: The first aim of this study was to retrospectively survey sports injuries among 608 athletes participating in 26 sport events. The second aim was to compare the characteristics of sports injuries depending on the occurrences during the high school and university periods. Methods: The data were collected based on the daily injury report form proposed by the International Olympic Committee from March to June 2019. Results: Four hundred and thirty-nine athletes (313 men) of 608 participated athletes experienced a total of 747 sports injuries, indicating 0.7 injuries per 1,000 athlete exposures (AEs). The incidence rate during the university period was 6.1 injuries/1,000 AEs, which was approximately two-fold higher than that during the high school period (2.8 injuries/1,000 AEs). The reported frequency of injuries was the highest among long distance athletics (n=60, 8.0%), and in each subgroup as well. Conclusion: Many more injuries were incurred during practice wherein injuries in long-distance athletics were the most common than in competition athletics; handball injuries and taekwondo injuries were the most common during high school and university, respectively. The most contact injuries occurred in taekwondo and most noncontact injuries occurred in gymnastics during high school and in badminton during university. The most commonly affected body parts were the knee, shoulder, and ankle. Severe injuries were the most frequent in long distance athletics, and emergent situations were the most common in taekwondo.

Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to examine the effects of 8-week lower trapezius strengthening exercise (LTSE) on shoulder pain, function and archery performance.The secondary aim was to identify main factors that have something to do with injury prevention and performance enhancement for elite archers.Methods: Thirty-one elite archers were recruited and evenly assigned into the LTSE group (n=16) and into the control group (n=15) based on gender and athletes' career.Shoulder pain was evaluated using Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS).Shoulder function was assessed using the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), upper quarter Y balance test (UQYBT), Trapezius and Deltoid muscle activity ratios by surface electromyography and the angle of scapula elevation/abduction by 3-dimentional motion analyses.Archery performance was estimated using draw force line (DFL) angle at full bowstring draw position and the scores acquired from real archery shooting.After the baseline measurements, the 8-week LTSEs were implemented and the post-exercise measurements were conducted.Results: In the LTSE group, NPRS score and WOSI score significantly decreased after exercise program.The activity ratio of upper to lower trapezius muscle, scapula elevation angle and the DFL angle were also significantly reduced.The UQYBT scores significantly increased on both shoulders.Conclusion: Eight weeks of LTSE has reduced shoulder pain in archers and improved shoulder function and performance factors.

This study was designed to identify the association between lower extremity alignment and injury type in male artistic gymnastic players. Fourteen artistic gymnastic players who enrolled in Korea national team took part in this study, and their dominant lower extremity alignments (quadriceps angle, leg length, rearfoot angle, and navicular drop) were measured. All acute sports injuries of lower extremities that gymnasts have experienced during April to November 2017 were recorded based on daily injury report form of International Olympic Committee. Incidence rate(IR) of sports injuries was expressed as the number of injuries per 1,000 athlete exposure(AE) and 95% confidence intervals(CI), and independent t-test was used to identify the difference of alignment between gymnasts who have experienced injuries and those who haven

Purpose This study was designed to assess the effects of a rehabilitation program on clinical symptoms, subacromial space parameters and the supraspinatus vascularity in individuals with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). Methods Thirty-five participants (exercise group with SIS [EG]=11, non-exercise group with SIS [NEG]=10, control group [CG]=14) took part in this study. Only EG participated in 6-week rehabilitation program. Outcomes were evaluated at baseline, 6 weeks, and 10 weeks. Changes in symptoms and functional limitations were assessed using Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) questionnaire. Changes in acromiohumeral distance (AHD) and supraspinatus tendon thickness (STT)/AHD were assessed using ultrasonographic measures. Quantitative analysis of tendon blood flow was performed by determining four regions of interest with power Doppler quantification and analysis software to normalize data for interpretation of the mean ratio of colored pixel to the region of interest (vascularization index [VI]) and the intensity per pixel (flow index [FI]). Results Following the rehabilitation program, the scores on SPADI were significantly improved (p<0.05). However, AHD, STT/AHD, VI, and FI indicated no significant difference within groups or interactions of time and group in between groups. Conclusion The rehabilitation program yielded improvements in symptoms, but not in subacromial parameters and the vascularity of supraspinatus in participants with SIS.

The aims of this study were to investigate the ankle position, the changes and persistence of ankle kinematics after neuromuscular training in athletes with chronic ankle instability (CAI). A total of 21 national women's field hockey players participated (CAI = 12, control = 9). Ankle position at heel strike (HS), midstance (MS), and toe touch (TT) in the frontal plane during walking, running and landing were measured using 3D motion analysis. A 6-week neuromuscular training program was undertaken by the CAI group. Measurements of kinematic data for both groups were measured at baseline and the changes in kinematic data for CAI group were measured at 6 and 24 weeks. The kinematic data at HS during walking and running demonstrated that the magnitude of the eversion in the CAI group (-5.00° and -4.21°) was less than in the control group (-13.45°and -9.62°). The kinematic data at MS also exhibited less ankle eversion in the CAI group (-9.36° and -8.18°) than in the control group (-18.52° and -15.88°). Ankle positions at TT during landing were comparable between groups. Following the 6-week training, the CAI participants demonstrated a less everted ankle at HS during walking and running (-1.77° and -1.76°) compared to the previous positions. They also showed less ankle eversion at MS (-5.14° and -4.19°). Ankle orientation at TT changed significantly to an inverted ankle position (from -0.26° to 4.11°). The ankle kinematics were restored back to the previous positions at 24 weeks except for landing. It appeared that athletes with unstable ankle had a relatively inverted ankle position, and that 6-week neuromuscular training had an immediate effect on changing ankle orientation toward a less everted direction. The changed ankle kinematics seemed to persist during landing but not during walking and running.

Kim, T-G, Kim, E-K, and Park, J-C. Immediate effects of sports taping applied on the lead knee of low- and high-handicapped golfers during golf swing. J Strength Cond Res 31(4): 981-989, 2017-Elite golf athletes suffer from various musculoskeletal injuries due to repeated golf swings. Repetitive varus moment during golf swing has been suggested as a possible cause of injuries to the lead knee. The aim of this study was to objectively and quantitatively evaluate the immediate effects of sports taping on the lead knee of elite golfers to restrict varus moment. Thirty-one elite golfers were assigned to the low- (LHG, n = 15) or high-handicapped group (HHG, n = 16). Using 3-dimensional motion analysis, the lead knee position on the frontal plane with and without rigid taping (RT), elastic taping (ET), and placebo taping was identified in 4 separate phases by the 5 events of golf swing as follows: the peak of the backswing (E1), parallel to the ground during downswing (E2), ball impact (E3), parallel to the ground during follow-through (E4), and finish (E5). The LHG when using a driver club had decreased movement toward knee varus with RT and ET than that without it from E1 to E2 (p = 0.001). The LHG when using a 5-iron club decreased movement toward knee varus with RT than that without it from E1 to E2 (p = 0.006) and from E2 to E3 (p = 0.019). The HHG when using a driver club had decreased movement toward knee varus with RT from E1 to E2 (p = 0.014). Sports taping may be helpful for elite golfers in terms of reducing varus moment of the lead knee during the downswing and be useful for the development of preventive strategies for golf-related knee injuries.