Physician Sportsmed
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Physician Sportsmed · Apr 2010
ReviewSafety baseballs and chest protectors: a systematic review on the prevention of commotio cordis.
To determine whether chest protectors and/or safety baseballs reduce the incidence of commotio cordis during sport through a review of the best available evidence. ⋯ This systematic review shows strong supportive evidence toward a decreased rate of commotio cordis with safety baseballs when compared with standard balls. Based on the results of our systematic review, the rate of induction of VF was at its lowest when chest protection was used.
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Physician Sportsmed · Apr 2010
Concussion management and treatment considerations in the adolescent population.
Over the past decade, significant advances have been made in understanding concussions. Information regarding proper identification, pathophysiology, risks, outcomes, and management protocols has shifted the treatment paradigm from a generalized grading system to an individualized approach. ⋯ Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to concussions, having greater susceptibility and more prolonged recovery after sustaining an injury. This article aims to inform clinicians on how to improve symptom relief and functional outcomes for adolescent patients with concussion via immediate intervention, neuropsychological management, and pharmacological treatment.
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Physician Sportsmed · Apr 2010
Effects of commercial energy drink consumption on athletic performance and body composition.
Energy drinks are frequently marketed to individuals interested in athletics and an active lifestyle. From 2001 to 2008, estimates of energy drink use in adolescent to middle-aged populations ranged from 24% to 56%. Most energy drinks feature caffeine and a combination of other components, including taurine, sucrose, guarana, ginseng, niacin, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin. ⋯ As with any pharmacologically active substance, energy drinks are associated with adverse effects. Combining energy drinks with alcohol exacerbates safety concerns and is an increasingly common practice contributing to toxic jock identity among college-aged male athletes. Practitioners should monitor identified populations likely to consume these loosely regulated beverages.