Journal of athletic training
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Current clinical assessments used for patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) may not enable clinicians to properly identify functional deficits that have been found in laboratory studies. Establishing muscular-function assessments, through agility and balance tasks, that can properly differentiate individuals with ACLR from healthy, active individuals may permit clinicians to detect deficits that increase the risk for poor outcomes. ⋯ The ACLR group demonstrated slower bipedal agility times and decreased postural stability when assessed in an SL bent-knee position compared with the control group.
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Early single-sport specialization and the relative age effect are often cited as improving the chances of sport success. Both concepts suggest that genetics and the environment have little influence on sport success. ⋯ The Division I SAs did not specialize in a single sport at a younger age than the NAs. No evidence of a relative age effect was present. Importantly, higher levels of sport achievement among the parents and siblings of SAs suggest that genetic endowment and family or other environmental dynamics play a large role in athletic performance. Overall, the results are not consistent with deliberate practice theory and point toward an alternative model that includes not only sport-specific skill development but also genetic and social factors as key elements of long-term sport achievement.
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Cervical muscle strains are an often-overlooked injury, with neck- and spine-related research typically focusing on spinal cord and vertebral injuries. ⋯ The incidence of cervical muscle strains in football players was low compared with other injuries. Nonetheless, identifying and implementing interventions, particularly those aimed at reducing unsafe player contact, are essential to further decrease the risk of injury and associated adverse outcomes.
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Exertional heatstroke is one of the leading causes of death in American football players. Precooling (PC) with whole-body cold-water immersion (CWI) may prevent severe hyperthermia and, possibly, exertional heatstroke. However, it is unknown how much PC delays severe hyperthermia when participants wear American football uniforms during exercise in the heat. Does PC alter the effectiveness of CWI once participants become hyperthermic or affect perceptual variables during exercise? ⋯ Because PC delayed hyperthermia without negatively affecting perceptual variables or CWI effectiveness, clinicians may consider implementing PC along with other proven strategies for preventing heat illness (eg, acclimatization).
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The complex, high-energy nature of football puts players at risk for hip injuries. ⋯ During the 10-year period, NCAA football players sustained higher rates of hip injuries during competitions and the preseason. The majority were noncontact injuries, resulted in time loss of less than 6 days, and did not require surgery. The injuries varied with player position and occurred most often to defensive backs. Muscle strains were the most frequent group of hip injuries, while adductor strains, hip-flexor strains, and hip contusions were the most common injury types.