OBJECTIVES:Basketball is a high-intensity contact sport with a substantial risk of injury. However, epidemiological data on injuries in Mongolian basketball players remain limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the epidemiology, mechanisms, and burden of injuries in the Mongolian National Basketball League (MNBL) over three consecutive seasons. METHODS:A retrospective epidemiological study was conducted on 374 male professional basketball players during the 2022-2023 to 2024-2025 seasons. Injury data and athlete exposures (AEs) were collected using standardized medical reporting forms. Incidence rates (IR) per 1,000 AEs, injury rate ratios (IRRs), and injury burden (days lost per 1,000 AEs) were calculated with 95% Poisson-based exact confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS:A total of 105 injuries were recorded during 28,804 AEs. The overall IR was 3.65 (95% CI: 3.00-4.41). The injury risk was significantly higher during games (IR: 7.45) than in training (IR: 2.49), with an IRR of 2.99 (95% CI: 2.04-4.39, p < 0.001). The ankle was the most frequently injured anatomical site (32.38%; IR: 1.18), and sprains were the most common injury type (32.38%; IR: 1.18). Player-to-player contact was the primary injury mechanism (53.33%), showing a five-fold higher risk in games than in training (IRR = 5.48, p < 0.001). Moderate and severe injuries predominated (87.62% of total injuries), contributing to a substantial injury burden of 91.55 days lost per 1,000 AEs. CONCLUSIONS:Professional basketball in Mongolia is characterized by a high risk of injury during competitive play, particularly contact-related injuries. The prolonged recovery times and high severity of injuries highlight the critical need for evidence-based prevention, including neuromuscular control training, and the enhancement of on-court medical infrastructure to optimize athlete safety and professionalization in the MNBL.

Background:Valgus stress on the elbow during pitching can exceed the tensile strength of the ulnar collateral ligament and is the primary cause of throwing-related elbow injuries. The forearm flexor-pronator muscles act as dynamic stabilizers against elbow valgus stress. However, the temporal changes in activity during repetitive pitching and their relationship with valgus stabilization remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate changes in the activity of the forearm flexor-pronator muscles and medial elbow joint gapping during repetitive pitching, and to examine their association. Methods:Fifteen healthy adult males with baseball experience performed 100 maximal-effort pitches. Surface electromyography (EMG) of the pronator teres (PT), flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU), flexor carpi radialis (FCR), and flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) was recorded. The mean and peak EMG activities were calculated as percentages of maximal voluntary contraction. Medial elbow joint gapping was assessed at rest and under valgus stress using ultrasonography. Subjective fatigue related to the pitching task was measured using a visual analog scale. All measurements were taken before pitching and after every 20 pitches. The EMG analysis focused on the phase from the lead leg contact to the end of the pitching motion. Results:Peak FCR activity was significantly higher in the 80th pitch than in the 20th pitch. PT showed higher mean and peak activity than FCU, FCR, and FDS at several time points. Medial elbow joint gapping increased significantly at rest after 100 pitches and under valgus stress from the 60th pitch onward. Subjective whole-body fatigue increased significantly after 40 pitches. Positive correlations were observed between the change in medial joint gapping from pitches 1 to 20 and the changes in peak activity of the PT and FCU, as well as the mean activity of the PT. A positive correlation was also found between the change in gapping from pitches 80 to 100 and the change in FDS peak activity. Conclusion:Forearm flexor-pronator muscle activation patterns change with increasing pitch count, highlighting the dynamic role of these muscles in elbow valgus stabilization.

Background Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common overuse injury, and motor coordination is discussed as a risk factor; however, no reports have examined motor coordination in young soccer players with Osgood-Schlatter disease. This study aimed to investigate the difference in motor coordination between Osgood-Schlatter disease-affected and non-affected soccer players on a junior youth soccer team. Methods This cross-sectional study investigated 35 young soccer players of 12-15 years of age, who completed a self-administered questionnaire covering general information, injury history, and athletic experience. An inertial measurement unit was attached to the participant's thoracic spine, lumbar spine, pelvis, thigh, and lower leg. The sagittal plane tilt angle of each body segment during squatting was analyzed. The continuous relative phase was calculated using the sagittal plane tilt angle. The mean absolute relative phase and continuous relative phase variabilities were calculated and compared between Osgood-Schlatter disease-affected and non-affected players. Findings The sagittal plane tilt angle of each body segment during static standing and maximum flexion did not differ between the two groups. However, the Osgood-Schlatter disease group had significantly less continuous relative phase variability between the lumbar spine and pelvis (P < 0.01, Cohen's d = 0.91). The Osgood-Schlatter disease group had significantly fewer participants with other sports experience (P = 0.032, phi = 0.36). Interpretation Dysfunctional lower trunk and hip muscles may be leading to Osgood-Schlatter disease. It is suggested that a variety of physical activities should be performed in the junior age group to allow players to acquire a variety of movement patterns.

[Purpose] Our study aimed to verify the reliability and validity of the translated Mongolian version of the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI). [Participants and Methods] We obtained the basic information of patients and their caregivers when they were hospitalized (Study 1). Subsequently, after the hospital discharged the patients, the caregivers answered the ZBI by telephone during the 4th and 5th weeks (Studies 2 and 3, respectively). To evaluate reliability, we calculated the correlation coefficient, compared the total scores of the ZBI obtained in Studies 2 and 3, and calculated Cronbach's alpha coefficient. To evaluate validity, we calculated the correlation coefficient of the score of item 22 and the sum of the scores of items 1-21. [Results] The correlation coefficient for reliability was high, and the difference between the two studies was insignificant. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.92. The correlation coefficient was high for validity as well. [Conclusion] The Mongolian version of the ZBI has high reliability and validity.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate sports-related injuries among judokas in Mongolia which is classified in the lower-middle income country. This study may help prevent future sports-related injuries. [Participants and Methods] We studied 75 judokas affiliated to the judo club in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The questionnaire survey included questions regarding current and past judo-related injuries. [Results] Out of 75 judokas, 39% judokas had current judo-related injuries, and 25% judokas had past injuries. The injuries were most commonly located in the shoulder/clavicular, followed by that in the ankle and knee. The most frequent injury was a sprain/ligament injury, followed by a fracture and a dislocation. Seventy-three percent of current injuries and 88% of the past injuries received medical attention. Self-management was carried out for 35% of the injuries. The time lost from judo matches and training was 0-1,095 days for current injuries and 0-545 days for past injuries. [Conclusion] In this study, the injury rate for judokas was higher than that reported in previous studies. In addition, numerous severe injuries were noted. It is observed that, despite medical attention and self-management, the recovery periods are prolonged. Additionally, we believe that the judokas are unable to return to competition without problems.

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the plantar contact condition in females and to clarify the relationship between the foot alignment and floating toes classified in static and dynamic conditions. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 122 females. We evaluated the plantar contact condition, calculated the floating toe score, and classified the floating toes of the participants. The floating toes were classified into improvable and unimprovable floating toe groups based on the floating toe score measured in dynamic conditions. Furthermore, foot alignment was evaluated in 35 participants randomized and extracted from the contact toe and the improvable and unimprovable floating toe groups. [Results] The Arch Height Index in the unimprovable floating toe group was significantly smaller than that in the improvable floating toe group. The digitus minimus varus angle in the unimprovable floating toe group was significantly larger than that in the improvable floating toe group. No significant differences were observed in other items. [Conclusion] This study revealed that the foot alignment between the improvable and unimprovable floating toe groups has different features. However, no significant difference was found in the foot alignment between the contact and floating toe groups. Henceforth, it is necessary to evaluate and classify floating toes considering the functional aspects.

[Purpose] The glenohumeral, scapular, and thoracic angles at maximum shoulder external rotation during shadow pitching were evaluated and compared with those observed during normal pitching. [Participants and Methods] Our study included 13 healthy males with experience in pitcher activity. All participants performed both, shadow pitching using a towel and normal pitching using a ball. The external rotation of the glenohumeral joint, scapular posterior tilting, and thoracic extension angles in the cocking phase were measured using a 3-dimensional motion analysis system. The ratios of the glenohumeral external rotation angle to the scapular posterior tilting and/or thoracic extension angle were calculated to evaluate the contribution of the scapulothoracic joint at maximum external rotation during throwing/pitching activity. [Results] The glenohumeral external rotation angle at maximum shoulder external rotation was significantly smaller during shadow pitching than during normal pitching. The ratio of the glenohumeral external rotation angle to the scapular posterior tilting and/or thoracic extension angle showed no statistically significant difference. [Conclusion] We conclude that shadow pitching can reduce the external rotation motion of the glenohumeral joint compared to that during normal pitching and might be a useful pre-throwing program beneficial in the rehabilitation of those presenting with throwing injuries.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between spinal range of motion and trunk muscle activity during trunk rotation using a three-dimensional motion analysis system and surface electromyography. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects comprised 11 healthy men. A three-dimensional motion analysis system measured the trunk rotational angle of 4 segments of the thoracic vertebrae and 2 segments of the lumbar vertebrae. Surface electromyography measured the activities of the unilateral latissimus dorsi, lumbar multifidus, rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis muscles. [Results] During ipsilateral rotation at thoracic vertebral levels, the muscle activity of the latissimus dorsi and external oblique was significantly increased compared with the activity in the 0-10% range of trunk rotation. During early ipsilateral rotation at lumbar vertebral levels, the muscle activity of the internal oblique and transversus abdominis was significantly increased compared with that in the 0-10% range of trunk rotation. During contralateral rotation at both thoracic and lumbar vertebral levels, the muscle activity of the external oblique was significantly increased compared with that in the 0-10% range of trunk rotation. [Conclusion] This study indicates that it is important to consider vertebral segments and spinal range of motion during trunk rotation.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 12-month rehabilitation with low loading program on chronic respiratory disease. [Subjects and Methods] Twelve patients with chronic respiratory disease participated in this study, in which the effect of long-term rehabilitation for 12 months was assessed. Nine patients had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, two had asthma, and one had interstitial pneumonia. In all patients, symptoms, lower-extremity strength, walking distance, activities of daily living, and quality of life were investigated to examine the effect of respiratory rehabilitation. [Results] After 12 months, the isometric knee extension strength and weight-bearing index both showed a significant increase. [Conclusion] The findings of this study suggested that improvement in lower-limb muscle strength can be achieved through long-term intervention, and indicated the validity of repetitive standing and walking exercises.

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the relationship between scapular dyskinesis and shoulder external rotation strength and muscle activity. [Subjects and Methods] Both shoulders of 20 healthy males were evaluated. They were classified into 19 normal, 8 subtly abnormal, and 13 obviously abnormal shoulders using the scapular dyskinesis test. Subtly abnormal shoulders were subsequently excluded from the analysis. Shoulder external rotation strength and muscle activity (infraspinatus, serratus anterior, upper, middle, and lower trapezius) were measured in 2 positions using a handheld dynamometer and surface electromyography while sitting in a chair with shoulder 0° abduction and flexion (1st position), and while lying prone on the elbows with the shoulders elevated in the zero position (zero position). The strength ratio was calculated to quantify the change in strength between the positions (zero position / 1st position). [Results] In the obviously abnormal shoulder group, the strength in the 1st position was significantly stronger, the strength ratio was significantly smaller, and the serratus anterior in the zero position showed significantly lower activity than the normal shoulder group. [Conclusion] In shoulder external rotation in the zero position, in obviously abnormal shoulders, the serratus anterior is poorly recruited, weakening the shoulder external rotation strength.

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify activation of the infraspinatus and scapular stabilizing muscles during shoulder external rotation at various shoulder elevation angles. [Subjects] Twenty subjects participated in this study and all measurements were performed on the right shoulder. [Methods] Isometric shoulder external rotation strength and surface electromyographic data were measured with the shoulder at 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° elevation in the scapular plane. The electromyographic data were collected from the infraspinatus, upper trapezius, middle trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior muscles. These measurements were compared across the various shoulder elevation angles. [Results] The strength measurements did not differ significantly by angulation. The infraspinatus activity was 92%, 75%, 68%, and 57% of the maximum voluntary contraction, which significantly decreased as shoulder elevation increased. The serratus anterior activity was 24%, 48%, 53%, and 62% of the maximum voluntary contraction, which significantly increased as shoulder elevation increased. [Conclusion] Shoulder external rotation torque was maintained regardless of shoulder elevation angle. The shoulder approximated to the zero position as the shoulder elevation increased so that infraspinatus activity decreased and the scapular posterior tilting by the serratus anterior might generate shoulder external rotation torque.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between acceleration and joint movement by synchronizing accelerometers and a three-dimensional motion analysis system, and to show the utility of an accelerometer as a postural control assessment tool. [Subjects and Methods] Head, lumbar, shank accelerations and various joint angles during single-leg standing were measured of 20 healthy males. Root mean squares of acceleration and joint angle were calculated. Fast Fourier transform analysis was performed for head, lumbar, and shank accelerations, and the median frequencies were calculated. Then, principal component analysis was performed for the median frequency of each acceleration. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was also used to examine the relationship between joint angle and acceleration. [Results] The score of the first principal component was highest for shank acceleration, while that of the second principal component was highest for lumbar and head accelerations. In multiple regression analysis, hip flexion/extension and adduction/abduction were identified as variables associated with head acceleration. [Conclusion] We were able to confirm the aggregation of acceleration into two components, which we interpreted as postural control strategies using primarily the ankle and hip joints. Furthermore, though multiple regression analysis, we were able to clarify the joint movement indicated by acceleration of each segment.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect on the range and strength of shoulder rotation of repeated shadow pitching exercise. [Subjects] The subjects were 9 male high-school baseball club pitchers. [Methods] Before and after consecutive normal pitching and shadow pitching, we compared the shoulder internal and external rotation range of motion (ROM) with or without the scapula fixed, shoulder internal and external rotation strength, and subjective fatigue on the throwing side between the two tasks. [Results] Normal pitching and shadow pitching decreased shoulder internal and external rotation strength. However, decrease of shoulder internal rotation ROM was found only in normal pitching, and shadow pitching increased shoulder external rotation. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the contribution of the scapulothoracic joint to shoulder rotation during the pitching motion of shadow pitching is large, possibly decreasing the risk of throwing injury.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of various hand position widths during the push-up plus (PUP) exercise on the activity of the scapular stabilizing muscles and other upper-extremity muscles involved in the exercise. [Subjects and Methods] Nine healthy men participated in our study. The PUP exercise was performed on a stable surface in seven different hand positions, namely shoulder width (SW), and narrower SW (NSW) and wider SW (WSW) at 10%, 20%, and 30%. Surface electromyography was used to measure the muscle activities and muscle ratio of the upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius, lower trapezius (LT), serratus anterior (SA), pectoralis major, deltoid anterior, latissimus dorsi (LD), and triceps muscles. [Results] The SA and LD muscle activities significantly decreased in the 30% NSW and 20% WSW hand positions, respectively. The UT/LT muscle ratio significantly increased in the 30% WSW hand position. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that during the PUP exercise, the SW hand position should be used. In the 30% NSW hand position, the SA muscle activity decreased, and the UT/ LT ratio increased in the 30% WSW hand position.

[Introduction] 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a valuable tool for measuring exercise tolerance in patients with chronic respiratory diseases (CRD). However, severe CRD patients often show marked depression in SpO2 during or after walking that leads to interruption of 6MWT. Therefore we tried to evaluate their exercise tolerance by 30-second Chair-Stand Test (CS-30). CS-30 used to be performed for evaluating physical fitness in elderly who were instructed to stand up and sit down on the chair as fast as possible during a 30-second period. This study is aimed at confirming usefulness of CS-30 as one of safe assessments for exercise tolerance in CRD. [Methods] 33 patients with CRD (18 COPD / 15 IPF. Age73.7±9.6 yrs) performed 6MWT and CS-30. SpO2 was recorded before and after the tests. In COPD, muscle strength of quadriceps was measured by hand-held dynamometer. [Results] Significant correlation between 6-minute walking distance (383.0±99.6m) and frequency of standing-up (13.9±4.4times) was found (p [Conclusion] CS-30 can evaluate exercise tolerance in patients with CRD like 6MWT. This study suggests that CS-30 is a valuable method to evaluate exercise tolerance in CRD patients who show SpO2 depression with exercise.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between trunk stability and injury among young soccer players. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 19 male soccer players in junior high school. The presence of injury was noted, and trunk stability was measured by using the bench test and sideways bench test, which were modified from "The 11+" exercises. [Results] There was no significant difference in endurance time in the bench test or sideways bench test between the injury group (n=9) and non-injury group (n=10). Comparison within each group revealed no significant difference in endurance time between the right and left sideways bench tests in the non-injury group; however, the time in the left sideways bench test was significantly longer than that in the right in the injury group. [Conclusion] This study suggests that there is a relationship between asymmetric trunk stability and injury. Further research investigating the relationship between asymmetric trunk function and balance skills is necessary.

[Purpose] Several studies found have that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is effective for reducing pain and improving physical function. But the influence of TENS on muscle fatigue is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of TENS on muscle fatigue. [Methods] The subjects were ten healthy males. To establish the muscle activity, subjects performed maximum isometric exertion 15 times and electromyography was recorded (TaskI). After this, subjects of the study group received TENS and subjects of the control group rested for 5 minutes. After the intervention each group again performed maximum isometric exertion as in TaskI (TaskII), and VAS and muscle elasticity were measured. [Results] We found that in the study group, the significant decrease in muscle activity during TaskII began later than in TaskI. Furthermore, we found that the fourth trial had a larger in muscle activity than that of the first trial in TaskI in both groups and TaskII of the study group. Conversely, In TaskII performed by the control group, we observed significant decreases. [Conclusions] From the result of this research, we believe that TENS electronically influenced the nervous system to prevent muscle fatigue.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effect and problems associated with a newly established program of educational exchange for physical therapy in Mongolia. [Method] Physical therapy education was begun at the Health Sciences University of Mongolia (HSUM) in July 2007, and lectures and practice for specialized subjects were started in March 2009 in conjunction with Gunma University (Japan). A survey concerning attitudes to rehabilitation and physical therapy was conducted among students in the Department of Physical Therapy before and after lectures. [Results] The curriculum of the Department of Physical Therapy at HSUM included 136 units. Lectures and practice adopted from Gunma University included nine subjects for 18 units. After the lectures, the level of understanding concerning rehabilitation and physical therapy increased. [Conclusion] The students were better able to appreciate the multipronged approach and they also increased their understanding of other occupational categories as a result of the educational opportunities provided in the enhanced curriculum. A future task is to clarify the students’ level of understanding of the contents and skills of physical therapy.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the position of the distal fibula in subjects with sub-acute lateral ankle sprain (LAS) and to determine if a relationship exists between the amount of swelling and fibular position. [Subjects] The subjects participating in this study were ten patients with unilateral sub-acute LAS (the isolated anterior talofibular ligament injury: LAS group) and ten healthy persons (control group). [Methods] We measured subject's fibular position and the amount of ankle swelling. The fibular position was measured as the distance between the lowest point of the lateral malleolus and the vertical line through the posterior margin of the calcaneus. Swelling was measured by the figure-of eight methods. [Results] The fibular position within the LAS group was significantly more anterior in the sprained ankles (43.7 +/- 8.3 mm) than in the contralateral uninjured ankles (38.8 +/- 7.6 mm). Additionally, sprained ankles were significantly more anterior than the side-matched ankle of the controls (37.4 +/- 4.2 mm). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient revealed a positive correlation between fibular position and swelling (r=0.688). [Conclusion] The ankles with more swelling had a more anteriorly positioned fibula. This positional fault may be acutely maintained by the swelling.