Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports
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Scand J Med Sci Sports · Aug 2008
ReviewGeneral introduction to altitude adaptation and mountain sickness.
The key elements in acclimatization aim at securing the oxygen supply to tissues and organs of the body with an optimal oxygen tension of the arterial blood. In acute exposure, ventilation and heart rate are elevated with a minimum reduction in stroke volume. In addition, plasma volume is reduced over 24-48 h to improve the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, and is further improved during a prolonged sojourn at altitude through an enhanced erythropoiesis and larger Hb mass, allowing for a partial or full restoration of the blood volume and arterial oxygen content. ⋯ It is possible to travel to altitudes of 2500-3000 m a.s.l., wait for 2 days, and then gradually start to train. At higher altitudes, one should consider a staged ascent (average ascent rate 300 m/day above 2000 m a.s.l.), primarily in order to sleep and feel well, and minimize the risk of mountain sickness. A new classification of altitude levels based on the effects on performance and well-being is proposed and an overview given over the various modalities using hypoxia and altitude for improvement of performance.
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Scand J Med Sci Sports · Aug 2008
Comparative StudyA comparison of pediatric freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling injuries sustained during a 2006 US national tournament.
The purpose of this study was to compare the epidemiology of freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling injuries sustained during a 2006 United States (US) national tournament. A prospective injury surveillance study was conducted at the US 2006 ASICS/Vaughan Cadet and Junior National Championships. There were 83 freestyle- and 55 Greco-Roman-related injuries sustained, with the rate of injury per 1000 athlete-matches higher in freestyle (7.0) compared with Greco-Roman (4.6) wrestling [Rate ratio (RR)=1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07-2.12]. ⋯ Greco-Roman wrestlers sustained a greater proportion of injuries from being driven into the mat (IPR=2.97, 95% CI: 1.72-5.14). There were no statistically significant differences in injury outcome by wrestling style. The differing injury rates and patterns of injury between freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling are likely due to the different rules between these styles that allow lower leg attacks in freestyle wrestling and encourage the use of throws in Greco-Roman wrestling.