British journal of sports medicine
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To determine if there is a gender difference in the incidence and outcomes of sport concussion. ⋯ After evaluating multiple years of concussion data in comparable sports, the evidence indicates that female athletes may be at greater risk for concussion than their male counterparts. There also is some evidence that gender differences exist in outcomes of traumatic brain injury and concussions. Because concussion is a clinical diagnosis often depending on self reporting and with no established biological marker or consistent symptoms/definitions, and because there is evidence that females are more honest in reporting general injuries than males, it is unclear whether the concussion incidence data, while generally consistent in showing a higher risk in females as compared to males in similar sports, is a true difference or is influenced by a reporting bias.
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To examine the published literature relating to the difference in concussion management strategies between elite and non-elite athletes. ⋯ The non-elite athlete may not have the same resources available as the elite athlete (such as the presence of trained medical staff during practice and competition, a concussion programme as part of sideline preparedness, the benefit of neuropsychological or postural testing, as well as consultants with expertise in concussion readily available) and as a result will generally be managed more conservatively. Younger athletes often have a greater incidence of concussion with longer recovery time frames; however, they are often managed with less expertise and with limited resources.
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To report on the effectiveness of sonographically guided injections of hyperosmolar dextrose at reducing the pain associated with chronic plantar fasciitis. ⋯ Sonographically guided dextrose injections showed a good clinical response in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis insofar as pain was reduced during rest and activity. Further studies including a control group are needed to validate these outcomes.
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An increase in knee laxity during the menstrual cycle may increase the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury. ⋯ Knee laxity correlates positively with knee joint loads, and increased knee laxity during the menstrual cycle may be a potential risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament injuries in certain women during sports activity.
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Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (EWST) has become a popular treatment for patellar tendinopathy. The purpose of this review was to study the effectiveness of ESWT treatment for patellar tendinopathy; to draft guidelines for an effective treatment protocol of ESWT treatment; and to identify topics for further research. ⋯ ESWT seems to be a safe and promising treatment for patellar tendinopathy with a positive effect on pain and function. Based on current knowledge it is impossible to recommend a specific treatment protocol. Further basic and clinical research into the working mechanism and effectiveness of ESWT for patellar tendinopathy are necessary.