Objectives:To develop a sustainable and accessible educational programme on biopsychosocial female-specific topics, for young female athletes in organised sport, their parents and coaches for future testing and evaluation in a full-scale intervention study. Methods:A digital educational programme, along with its methodology, was developed in four steps: First, content validity of female-specific topics was identified through (a) literature reviews by an interdisciplinary research team and (b) an online survey of 1323 female athletes (aged 16-24 years) assessing perceived knowledge and knowledge needs regarding biopsychosocial topics. Second, film scripts based on identified topics were written, internally reviewed and evaluated by a pilot group of six 13-16-year-old female athletes. Third, online surveys assessing main and secondary outcomes were developed and tested in the pilot group. Finally, digital format and production were developed collaboratively with a film scholar and film technicians. Results:The intervention development yielded 12 videos of 5-7 min, featuring sports science researchers and female elite athletes sharing their perspectives on biopsychosocial topics specific to women. The protocol development produced a quasi-experimental, modified staircase cluster trial design, including bi-weekly assessment of main (ie, well-being and sporting experiences) and secondary outcomes (eg, perceived support) at baseline, pre-, post-intervention and post-post follow-up. Conclusion:This study outlines the development of a digital educational intervention for young female athletes, their parents and coaches, emphasising that interdisciplinary collaboration and user engagement are key to identifying intervention components and relevant outcomes.

IntroductionExisting research shows that while patellar tendinopathy in ice hockey players is linked to cumulative mechanical overload, structural tendon changes such as thickening or degeneration do not reliably correspond to pain or performance deficits, leaving the functional impact of asymptomatic tendon pathology unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify differences in lower-extremity strength and power between elite ice hockey players with and without patellar asymptomatic tendon thickening using unilateral and bilateral comparisons.MethodsThis cross-sectional study combined clinical screening, performance testing, and ultrasound imaging to characterize patellar tendon structure and lower-extremity function. Players were objectively classified into healthy (n = 8), unilateral (n = 8), or bilateral patellar asymptomatic tendon thickening (n = 12) groups based on patellar tendon thickness and width. Strength and power outcomes were assessed under controlled conditions and normalized to body mass to allow fair between-group comparisons. Isokinetic concentric strength was evaluated during a split squat performed on a robotic resistance device, while peak power output was measured using a six-second all-out cycling test on a calibrated ergometer.ResultsRelative power output was significantly higher in the healthy group (20.3 ± 1.7 W·kg⁻¹) compared with the bilateral patellar asymptomatic tendon thickening group (18.6 ± 1.1 W·kg⁻¹; p = 0.047), whereas no between-group differences were observed for relative peak force or absolute power (all p > 0.45). No significant left-right differences in peak force were detected within any group (all p ≥ 0.12).DiscussionAsymptomatic bilateral patellar tendon thickening was associated with a modest but significant reduction in relative power output in elite hockey players, whereas unilateral tendon changes did not impair performance. These findings suggest that bilateral structural tendon alterations may negatively influence power-generating capacity even in the absence of clinical symptoms.Clinical Trial Registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07356596, PROSPERO NCT073566.

BackgroundSeveral studies have demonstrated the efficacy of shock wave therapy in managing OA-related pain and improving joint function but evidence specific to thumb CMC joint OA remains limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of fESWT in reducing pain and improving function as well as to assess the safety and tolerability of this intervention, providing insight into its potential role as a non-invasive and long-term alternative for patients unresponsive to conventional therapies or seeking to avoid surgery.MethodsA 64-year-old woman with radiographically confirmed bilateral CMC OA and persistent symptoms unresponsive to prior conservative treatments received three weekly fESWT sessions. Energy flux density was individually adjusted per session based on tolerance. Outcome measures included the QuickDASH questionnaire and grip strength testing, assessed at baseline, 2-, 8-, 26-, and 52-weeks post-intervention.ResultsTreatment was well tolerated with no adverse events. QuickDASH scores improved from 20.5 at baseline to 2.3 at 52 weeks, indicating an improvement in pain and functional disability. Grip strength increased by 29.5% in the right hand and 17.4% in the left hand over the same period. Subjectively, the patient reported pain relief, functional improvement, and sustained benefit at one-year follow-up.ConclusionsThis case demonstrates the potential of individualized fESWT as a safe and effective intervention for thumb CMC OA, with improvements in pain and function lasting up to 12 months. These findings support further investigation of fESWT in larger controlled studies and highlight the importance of individualized dosing strategies in clinical practice.

Female athletes encounter biological challenges, such as puberty and hormonal health, embedded within psychosocial coaching environments. Despite their relevance, these topics remain insufficiently integrated into coach education programmes. This study surveyed 779 coaches in Norway and Sweden to examine perceived knowledge versus the importance of female-specific topics through a biopsychosocial perspective. Results revealed a consistent discrepancy: coaches rated these topics as highly important but reported limited knowledge. Latent profile analysis identified three distinct profiles: "High-Performance but Resource-Limited", "Aware but Underprepared", and "Confident but Unaware," with no significant differences based on coach sex or education. Across profiles, coaches reported limited resource access and a strong need for education regarding how these factors impact communication, training, and well-being. These findings indicate persistent gaps in coach preparedness, highlighting the need for context-sensitive education. Integrating biologically grounded content within a biopsychosocial perspective may strengthen coaching practice and thus enhance female athletes long-term development.

While much of the current research on early specialization focuses on physical outcomes, training models, and policy implications, little is known about how athletes themselves make sense of their developmental experiences. This study aims to examine how ice hockey players perceive and experience early specialization within competitive youth sport contexts, with the goal of generating a nuanced, inductively grounded understanding of athlete development from the athlete perspective. A qualitative study design was used where eight current and former ice hockey players with experience of early specialization participated. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using qualitative conventional content analysis. Three overarching themes emerged, highlighting experiences of loneliness, pressure, and elevated expectations within elite sport environments, alongside the vital importance of support networks and team community: ‘Thrown into adulthood with premature expectations’, ‘Balancing Support and Pressure in Athlete Development’, and ‘The Struggle Between Dream and Reality’. Players described feeling pressured, isolated, and prematurely professionalized, often at the expense of personal development. The findings highlight the psychological and structural challenges of early specialization in elite ice hockey. While support systems played a crucial role, they also contributed to performance anxiety and external expectations. These insights underscore the need for youth sport systems that prioritize long-term athlete well-being over short-term success.

IntroductionPuberty has been identified as one of the main contributing factors for girls dropping out of sports during adolescence. Knowledge and social support can, however, help athletes navigate the biopsychosocial (BPS) puberty-related changes associated with this period. Yet, research on female athletes' knowledge about BPS puberty-related topics is lacking. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to examine female athletes' perceived knowledge and knowledge needs of BPS puberty-related topics during adolescence, explore interconnections across BPS domains, and investigate differences between athletes in team and individual sports.MethodA total of 1,323 Swedish and Norwegian female athletes (M age 18.7 ± 2.3 years, range 16–24) from ten sport disciplines [n = 657 (49.7%) team sport athletes; n = 656 (49.6%) individual sport athletes] completed an online survey in 2024 on perceived knowledge and knowledge needs regarding BPS puberty-related topics during adolescence.ResultsFindings revealed low perceived knowledge and high knowledge needs among female athletes. A Mann–Whitney U test revealed higher perceived knowledge among team sport athletes regarding individual differences, social cohesion, social comparison, acceptance within the group, and recovery, compared to individual sport athletes. Additionally, team sport athletes reported higher knowledge needs regarding social comparisons, sports nutrition and recovery, while individual sport athletes reported higher knowledge needs regarding changes in sex hormones, individual differences, and changes in body composition. A network analysis identified clusters of biological, psychosocial, and behavioral topics in perceived knowledge and knowledge needs, indicating that knowledge is concentrated within domains.DiscussionThe findings highlight gaps in knowledge among female athletes regarding BPS puberty-related topics across various sporting contexts. The results also underscore the urgent need for holistic and interdisciplinary educational programs addressing these knowledge gaps in the sporting context of female athletes.

Introduction Hormone levels fluctuate significantly throughout the menstrual cycle (MC), potentially impacting physical performance during training. However, the number of studies examining women's experiences during strength training throughout the MC is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore women's perceptions of strength training during different MC phases.Methods In this study, a qualitative study design was used where five women (24-32 years) with recreational experience in strength training kept an exercise diary during a MC. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using qualitative conventional content analysis, with an inductive approach.Results From the analysis, three overarching themes describing the content of the interviews emerged: "Biopsychosocial Dynamics and Individual Variability in the Early Follicular Phase", "From Peak to Breaking Point: Performance Dynamics from Late Follicular Phase to Ovulation" and "Diversity in Mental and Physical Well-Being During the Luteal Phase". From women's perspectives, strength training performance seems to fluctuate across the different phases of the MC, influenced by both physiological and psychological challenges, though with individual variation.Discussion The findings highlight the need for a holistic approach to managing the physiological and psychological challenges that may arise during each phase of the MC, along with the importance of social support. The results also stress that performance fluctuations across the MC are unique, further emphasizing the inability to recommend general phase-based exercise protocols.

The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of acute and overuse injuries, as well as risk factors, training load and well-being, in male and female youth padel players. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 104 players (aged 15–20) via a web-based form. Players reported injuries, exposure and rating of perceived exertion (RPE), demographics (age and sex), and perceived well-being. Overuse injury severity was scored per body region (0–25), yielding a total possible score of 125. A total of six acute and 49 overuse injuries were recorded, corresponding to a prevalence of 0.53 injuries per player during a one-week recall period. Most injuries affected the knee, while the foot and lower leg had the highest severity scores (median = 44). Female players reported slightly higher stress levels (median 3) than males (median 2: p = 0.01), though no other well-being or training load differences were found. Injured players had significantly higher total wellness scores, indicating worse well-being, compared to non-injured players (median 10 vs. 9, p = 0.03). In conclusion, overuse injuries, particularly to the knee, were most common. Higher perceived stress and poorer wellness scores may be linked to injury risk, underlining the importance of monitoring well-being in youth padel athletes.

Most sports science research revolves around male subjects. As a result, most of the knowledge and practices within sports are male-centric. Failing to take the biological, psychological and social (biopsychosocial) particularities of females into account is believed to hinder optimal sports participation, development and performance, with potential negative effects on the health and well-being of females. To close the knowledge gap and alleviate these issues, we aim to develop and evaluate a 12-video educational intervention that addresses female-specific subject matter: the FIDES Athlete Development Programme. The study is designed as an embedded multiple case study where at least 1320 Swedish female athletes aged 13–16 will participate, in addition to their parents and their coaches. The girls will be recruited through their sports clubs, with half being exposed to the FIDES Athlete Development Programme and the other half serving as control cases. The primary outcomes are well-being and sporting experience. To further increase our understanding of the intervention and its implications, interviews and focus group interviews with a reference group of girls and focus group interviews with a randomly selected subsample of coaches and parents will also be performed. The project is approved by the Swedish ethics committee (number: 2023-05264-01) and will be carried out in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Results from the project will be published open access in peer-reviewed journals, at national and international conferences, in mass media, and a PhD thesis. The anonymised data will be made openly available in a data repository.

A high incidence of injuries has been reported in young athletes. Several factors have been associated with athletes’ sports injuries. However, scientific evidence is lacking, particularly for adolescent athletes. Hence, the Healthy Injury-Free Adolescent Athletes (HIFAA) was designed to evaluate sports injuries and examine associations with risk factors related to physical load and mental health. Secondary aims are to evaluate differences between sex, age, high school year and sports and examine injuries and the athletic situation 5 to 10 years after graduation. Adolescent athletes aged 15–19 years enrolled in high school and competing in sports to reach a national or international level of sports will be included. At inclusion, athletes will sign an informed consent form and fill out a baseline questionnaire addressing potential risk factors (eg, sports, training and competing health and injuries, and psychosocial status). Athletes will then prospectively be monitored weekly regarding injuries, physical (training/match/competing, perceived exertion) and psychological (fatigue, sleep, mental stress, recovery) load until graduation. A shortened version of the baseline questionnaire will be filled out every year, and a follow-up questionnaire regarding injuries, sporting situations and mental health will be filled out 5–10 years after graduation.Injuries are frequent among adolescent athletes, with consequences ranging from shorter interruptions in sports performance to mental health problems and early termination of sports. A reduction of these injuries is warranted. This study will provide a detailed understanding of risk factors, a prerequisite to introducing appropriate preventive measures.

Objectives: To compile a battery of test including various aspects of physical fitness that could be used on the field and to assess whether any of these tests are associated with future traumatic knee injuries in youth female team sports athletes. Design: Prospective cohort. Setting: Sport setting. Participants: Female athletes (n = 117, age 15-19 years), from Swedish sport high schools, active in soccer, handball, or floorball. Main outcome measures: Differences in pre-injury tests values of 11 physical fitness tests in injured versus non- injured athletes, assessed as number of traumatic knee injuries over one season. Results: 28 athletes sustained 34 traumatic knee injuries. Athletes who sustained an injury had a shorter distance on the Yo-Yo IR1 test at baseline than those without an injury (mean difference-193 m, CI-293--65 m). None of the other tests, assessed for muscular strength, endurance, power, flexibility and dynamic knee valgus, differed between injured and non-injured athletes. Conclusions: Youth female athletes with lower intermittent endurance capacity, assessed with the Yo-Yo IR1, seemed to be at greater risk of traumatic knee injury. Neither hop performance, flexibility, dynamic knee valgus nor isolated strength tests at baseline could distinguish between injured and non-injured youth female athletes at follow-up.

Abstract Background Studies examining post-race emotional experiences in the context of endurance races among recreational athletes are scarce. The purpose of this study was to describe how recreational athletes experience the time after completing an endurance race. Methods In this study, a qualitative study design was used, and data collection was carried out with semi-structured interviews. The selection of subjects was completed systematically through criterion selection. The selection criteria were men and women, aged 18 years or older, who had completed an endurance race, and finished, lasting at least 180 min within the past 12 months. The interviews were analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis. Results Sixteen recreational endurance athletes who, within six months, had completed an endurance race of running, cycling, cross-country skiing or Ironman, participated and were interviewed. Four overarching themes emerged from the analysis: “High on life”, “Loss of energy, Ambivalence and Melancholy”, “Activity-charged emotions”, and “Dimensions of emotions over time and new goals”, describing the content of the interviews. Conclusions Endurance athletes experienced varied post-race emotions that were both physically and mentally challenging, suggesting a holistic approach to managing post-race emotions would be beneficial. From the athletes’ perspectives, post-race feelings were dependent on many factors, including time spent training for a specific race, and perceived inability to set new goals for an upcoming training period. Setting future goals prior to an event may be a tool for reducing the risk of negative post-race emotions, including post-race blues.

The aim of this study was to investigate how physical fitness performance, which is related to the strength and power of the lower extremities and core, as well as lateral agility, changes across 20 weeks of in-season training in youth female and male padel players. This study was conducted using a prospective cohort design on 16 Swedish high school padel players aged between 15 and 18 years old. The players were assessed at baseline with five tests of their physical fitness and followed prospectively, with the registration of their training load for 20 weeks, and then assessed at a follow-up, approximately five months later. The players increased their performance in all tests (p ≤ 0.02). The mean improvement in their Isometric squat test performance was 20% for peak force, 18% for relative strength value and 69% for average rate of force development. Their improvement in the squat jump test performance was 9%, whereas the improvement in their countermovement jump test was 6%. For the 30 second sit-up test, an improvement of 14% was observed. Improvements were also noted for the 30 second side hop test performance on both the right (9%) and left leg (11%). The effect size ranged from 0.31 to 1, respectively, for the tests, representing a small to large effect. The data from this study suggest that an improvement in physical fitness performance can be obtained during 20 weeks of padel training.

The literature is scarce in terms of injury panorama and risk factors in padel. Thus, the aims of this study were to investigate 1) injury occurrence, anatomical area and severity of acute injuries and overuse problems in women and men who regularly participate in padel; 2) relative impact of overuse problems; 3) intrinsic (age and sex) and extrinsic risk factors (equipment and environment). Data for this observational study were collected retrospectively using an open online web-designed form. Injury data together with players' characteristic and equipment were documented. Players also estimated the impact of the problems on a scale from 0 to 25 points for each body region which were summed in order to calculate a severity score yielding a maximum total score of 125 for each overuse problem. 274 players (38% women) reported 663 injuries (111 acute injuries and 571 overuse problems) with a higher prevalence noted in men (2.67 injuries/player) compared to women (2.01 injuries/player). Most overuse problems were located in the knee (17.5%), elbow, lower back and foot/lower leg (16% respectively). Foot, ankle and lower leg problems had the greatest impact (median severity score = 45). No associations were found between injury and age (p = 0.88). More hand problems were found in women using round and soft rackets whereas men using a hard racket had more hand problems. Of the overuse problems, 33% were associated with outdoor training/games whereas only 1% with indoor. The findings suggest that both acute injury and overuse problem seem to be quite common in Swedish padel player and that different racket properties are related to various kinds of overuse problems in upper extremity, which affects women and men differently. The relative high impact of foot, ankle and lower leg problems suggests that injury prevention on lower extremity are warranted. Registered on 27/10/2021. NCT05111457. Die Literatur in Bezug auf Verletzungspanorama und Risikofaktoren im Paddeln ist rar. Daher waren die Ziele der Studie zu untersuchen, 1) Verletzungsvorkommen, anatomischer Bereich und Schwere von akuten Verletzungen und Überlastungsproblemen bei Frauen und Männern, die regelmäßig am Padel teilnehmen; 2) den relativern Einfluss von Überbeanspruchungsproblemen; 3) intrinsische (Alter und Geschlecht) und extrinsische Risikofaktoren (Ausrüstung und Umgebung). Die Daten für diese Beobachtungsstudie wurden retrospektiv über ein offenes Online-Verfahren und ein web-gestaltetes Formular erhoben. Verletzungsdaten zusammen mit den Eigenschaften und der Ausrüstung der Spieler wurden dokumentiert. Die Spieler schätzten auch die Auswirkungen der Probleme auf einer Skala von 0 bis 25 Punkten für jede Körperregion ein, die summiert wurden, um einen Schweregrad-Score zu berechnen. Das ergab eine maximale Gesamtpunktzahl von 125 für jedes Überlastungsproblem. 274 Spieler (38 % Frauen) berichteten von 663 Verletzungen (111 akute Verletzungen und 571 Überbeanspruchungsprobleme) mit einer höheren Prävalenz bei Männern (2,67 Verletzungen/Spieler) im Vergleich zu Frauen (2,01 Verletzungen/Spieler). Die meisten Überbeanspruchungsprobleme traten im Knie (17,5 %), Ellbogen und im unteren Bereich des Rückens und Fuß/Unterschenkel (jeweils 16 %) auf. Fuß-, Sprunggelenk- und Unterschenkelprobleme hatten die größte Auswirkung (mittlerer Schweregrad = 45). Es wurden keine Assoziationen zwischen Verletzung und Alter gefunden (p = 0,88). Bei Frauen mit runden und weichen Schlägern wurden mehr Handprobleme festgestellt, während Männer mit einem harten Schläger mehr Handprobleme hatten. Von den Überbeanspruchungsproblemen wurden 33 % mit Training/Spielen im Freien in Verbindung gebracht, während nur 1 % mit Indoor-Training in Verbindung gebracht wurden. Die Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass sowohl akute Verletzungen als auch ein Überbeanspruchungsprobleme bei schwedischen Padelspielern recht häufig vorkommen und dass verschiedene Schlägereigenschaften mit verschiedenen Arten von Überlastungsproblemen der Überlastungsproblemen der oberen Extremitäten zusammenhängen, die Frauen und Männer unterschiedlich betrifft. Die relativ hohe Auswirkungen von Fuß-, Knöchel- und Unterschenkel Beinproblemen legt nahe, dass Verletzungsprävention für die unteren Extremitäten gerechtfertigt ist. Registriert am 27.10.2021. NCT05111457.

Abstract Background Studies investigating ankle condition in subjects with chronic ankle instability (CAI) using an on-the-field test battery are scarce. Understanding which tests that are most challenging for these subjects has the potential to set realistic goals in rehabilitation and return-to-sports criteria. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to investigate CAI subjects regarding strength, balance and functional performance with an easily used test battery that required minimal equipment. Methods This study was conducted with a cross-sectional design. A total of 20 CAI subjects, engaged in sports, and 15 healthy subjects serving as a control group, were tested for assessment of strength, balance and functional performance. A test battery was developed accordingly; isometric strength in inversion and eversion, the single leg stance test (SLS), single leg hop for distance (SLHD) and side hop test. The limb symmetry index was calculated to determine whether a side-to-side lower limb difference could be classified as normal or abnormal. The sensitivity of the test battery was also calculated. Results The subjects were 20% weaker on the injured side compared with the non-injured side in eversion (p < 0.01) and 16% weaker in inversion (p < 0.01) (Table 2). For the SLS test, the mean score of the injured side was 8 points (67%) higher (more foot lifts) compared to the non-injured side (p < 0.01). The mean distance of the SLHD was 10 cm (9%) shorter for the injured side compare to the non-injured side (p = 0.03). The mean number of side hop was 11 repetitions (29%) fewer for the injured side compare to the non-injured side (p < 0.01). Six of the 20 subjects obtained abnormal LSI values in all five tests whereas none obtained normal values in all tests. The sensitivity of the test battery was 100%. Conclusion Deficits in muscle strength, balance and functional performance appear to be present in CAI subjects with the largest impairments in balance and side hop performance, which stresses the need for return to sport criteria for this group of subjects. Trial registration Registered retrospectively on 24/01/2023. NCT05732168.

Background During the menstrual cycle, hormones vary greatly and can affect physical performance during training. However, research regarding women's experience of strength training performance during the different phases of the menstrual cycle appears to be limited. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore women's experience and perception of strength training performance during the different phases of the menstrual cycle. Methods In this study, a qualitative study design was used where five women of childbearing age (24–32 years) with experience in strength training kept an exercise diary during a menstrual cycle. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using qualitative conventional content analysis, with an inductive approach. Results From the analysis, four overarching themes describing the content of the text emerged: “Varying mental and physical experiences in the early follicle phase", "Peak performance during the late follicle phase", "Breakpoint at ovulation" and "Varying mental and physical experiences during the luteal phase". Conclusion In conclusion, from the woman's perspective, performance in strength training seems to be dependent on the different phases of the menstrual cycle but the experiences vary between individuals. Thus, it may be important to be aware of the performance alteration during one’s individual cycle to best adapt the training. In addition, the results of this study highlight the need for a holistic approach in understanding and managing both the physiological and psychological problems that can occur during the different phases of the menstrual cycle.

Both weak muscle strength and impaired neuromuscular control has previous been suggested as risk factors for future traumatic knee injury. However, data on the relationship between these two factors are scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship and influence of the one repetition maximum (1RM) barbell squat strength on dynamic knee valgus in elite female and male handball players. In this cross-sectional study 22 elite handball players (7 females) were included. A unilateral drop jump (VDJ) test was used for the assessment of frontal plane dynamic knee valgus. Players also performed a one repetition maximum (1RM) barbell squat test, expressed relative to bodyweight (r1RM), to assess maximal strength, which were dichotomized to analyze ‘weak’ versus ‘strong’ players according to median. Correlations were noted between r1RM in squat and knee valgus angle for both the non-dominant (r = −0.54; p = 0.009) and dominant leg (r = −0.46, p = 0.03). The odds of knee valgus were eight times higher, for the dominant leg, in the weak group compared to the strong group (p = 0.03) and 27 times higher, for the non-dominant leg (p = 0.002). The outcome of the present study suggests that maximum squat strength plays an important role when it comes to neuromuscular control of the knee, and that weak handball players are at higher risk of knee valgus compared to strong players during jumping activity.

There is evidence that a knee flexor exercise, the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE), prevents hamstring injuries. The purpose of this study was therefore to develop, and to determine the reliability of, a novel NHE test device and, further, to determine the effectiveness of a 10-week low volume NHE program on NHE performance. Twenty female football (soccer) players, aged 16–30 years, participated in this study. From a kneeling position on the device, with the ankles secured under a heavy lifting sling, participants leaned forward in a controlled manner as far as possible (eccentric phase) and then returned to the starting position (concentric phase). A tape measure documented the forward distance achieved by the participants in cm. Participants completed three separate occasions to evaluate test-retest reliability. Additionally, 14 players performed a low volume (1 set of 5 repetitions) NHE program once weekly for 10 weeks. No significant test-retest differences in NHE performance were observed. The intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.95 and the coefficient of variation was 3.54% between tests. Mean improvement in the NHE performance test by the players following training was 22% (8.7 cm), p = 0.005. Our test device reliably measured NHE performance and is easy to perform in any setting. Further, NHE performance was improved by a 10-week low volume NHE program. This suggests that even a small dose (1 set of 5 repetitions once weekly) of the NHE may enhance NHE performance.

<ns3:p><ns3:bold>Background:</ns3:bold> Data on external stressors, such as social and environment variables and other "life events", and its relation to injury in youth athletic population are scarce. Investigating if external stressors is associated with injury risk may help coaches and other team staff to provide a more safe sport environment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate different aspects of external stressors and its potential association to traumatic knee injury in youth athletes.</ns3:p><ns3:p> <ns3:bold>Methods: </ns3:bold>This study comprised of youth female and male athletes from Swedish national sports high schools, aged 15–19 years, participating and competing in soccer, handball, or floorball. The athletes recorded any traumatic knee injury that had occurred during high-school in a web-based injury form. Data on external stressors and subjective perceived stress was also collected.</ns3:p><ns3:p> <ns3:bold>Results: </ns3:bold>The majority (60%) of stress factors noted was related to sport context. More athletes in the injured group of athletes reported life event stressor (p=0.001) and experienced stress more often (p=0.02) compared to the group of non-injured athletes. No differences between injured and non-injured athletes in terms of change of club, team coach, training protocol or game formation were noted (p&gt;0.05). A weak correlation (r=0.20, p=0.02) was found between the number of stressors and injuries.</ns3:p><ns3:p> <ns3:bold>Conclusions: </ns3:bold>A high prevalence of external stressors are present in youth elite athletes with a majority of stress factors related to sport context. Life event stressors are present prior to injury and seem to be associated with traumatic knee injury to some degree.</ns3:p>

Abstract Background Balance Body Tape (BBT) is a recently developed taping-method with the aim to reduce pain and improve posture through change in movement behavior. However, the potential effects of a treatment with BBT are scarcely documented. Therefore, the aim with this study was to investigate the effect of a three-week Balance body tape-treatment on the intensity of perceived neck, shoulder and back pain and forward head posture. Methods In this RCT study, subjects (n = 26), who reported being university students or having a sedentary work and experiencing pain in neck, back or shoulders, were randomized to either an intervention (n = 12) or control group (n = 14). The intervention group received a three-week treatment with BBT, the control group received no treatment. A questionnaire regarding pain, including a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) measuring pain intensity, and a Photographic posture analysis measurement (PPAM) regarding the craniovertebral (CV) angle were assessed before and after the intervention for both groups. Wilcoxon’s signed rank test and Mann-Whitney U test was used to assess intra- and between group differences respectively. The relationship between pain intensity and CV angle was assessed using Spearman’s correlation. Results No difference in demographic and physical characteristics between the groups were noted at baseline (p > 0.05). Pain intensity at baseline was 5 for the intervention group and 4 for the control group (p = 0.330). At follow up, the intervention group reported a lower score (NRS = 2.5, p = 0.003) whereas the control group had no significant difference in pain intensity (NRS = 3, p = 0.086). No significant change was found in the CV angle (p = 0.058) and no correlation was found between NRS and the CV angle (r = 0.102, p = 0.619). Conclusion A short treatment period with BBT may, compared to no treatment, have a small reducing effect on pain intensity in neck, back and/or shoulders. However, no effect was found on forward head posture in this study. Trial registration Registered retrospectively on 08/11/2021. NCT05111704 . Trial registration page link: