Predictors of multiple injuries in individual distance runners: A retrospective study of 75,401 entrants in 4 annual races–SAFER XX

BackgroundThere are limited data on factors that predict an increased risk of multiple injuries among distance runners. The objective of this study was to determine risk factors that are predictive of individual runners with a high annual multiple injury risk (MIR).MethodsA retrospective, cross-sectional study at 4 annual (2012–2015) Two Oceans 21.1 km and 56.0 km races in South Africa with 75,401 consenting race entrants. Running-related injury data were collected retrospectively through an online pre-race medical screening questionnaire. The average number of injuries for each runner every year was calculated by taking a runner's race entry history and injury history into account and categorizing entrants into 4 MIR categories (high, intermediate, low, and very low (reference)). Multiple logistic regression modeling (odds ratios) was used to determine whether the following factors were predictive of a high MIR (average > 1 injury/year): demographics, training and racing, chronic-disease history (composite chronic disease score (CCDS)), and history of allergies.ResultsOf all entrants, 9.2% reported at least 1 injury, and 0.4% of entrants were in the high MIR category; the incidence rate was 2.5 injuries per 10 runner-years (95% confidence interval (95%CI): 2.4–2.7). Significant factors predictive of runners in the high MIR category were: running for > 20 years: OR = 2.0 (95%CI: 1.3–3.1; p = 0.0010); a higher CCDS: OR = 2.2 (95%CI: 2.0–2.4; p < 0.0001); and a history of allergies: OR = 2.8 (95%CI: 2.0–3.8; p < 0.0001).ConclusionRunners who have been running recreationally for > 20 years and those with multiple chronic diseases or a history of allergies were at higher risk of multiple running-related injuries. This high-risk group can be targeted for further study and possible injury-prevention interventions.     

Validity of the “Samsung Health” application to measure steps: A study with two different samsung smartphones

The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of a highly popular pedometer application (Samsung Health). Sixteen adults (28.8 ± 8.9 years of age) wore two Samsung smartphone models, Samsung Galaxy Core Prime (SGCP) and Samsung Galaxy S4 (SGS4), at three body locations (waist, arm, and hand) while walking and running over a 50-m test. All trials were recorded using a video as a gold standard measure of step counts. Results indicated that the validity of Samsung Health varied depending on the smartphone model, its body location, and the type of gait (walking and running). Samsung Health showed acceptable validity when the SGCP was located on the hand (Bias = ?8.3%; RMSE = 5.6), and especially on the arm (Bias = ?7.2%; RMSE = 4.9) while running, and when the SGS4 was located on the arm (Bias = ?7.5%; RMSE = 5.4), and especially on the waist (Bias = 5.4%; RMSE = 3.7) while walking. Samsung Health only showed good validity when the SGS4 was located on the arm (Bias = 2.9%; RMSE = 3.6), and especially on the hand (Bias = 0.5%; RMSE = 2.5) while running. This application showed unacceptable validity in the remaining options.     

Building an inclusive cycling “movement”: Exploring the charity-led mobilisation of recreational cycling in communities across Merseyside,England

In this article, the authors examined the charity-led implementation of an inclusive cycling programme across Merseyside in the North West of England. The project itself is delivered via a network of cycling 'hubs' that the charity has set up and run typically in deprived communities. Using resource mobilisation theory, the authors specifically examined how the Cycling Projects charity mobilises a raft of diverse resources from the financial to the human, and from the cultural to the physical, to drive and sustain its Pedal Away product. To do this, the authors utilise qualitative data captured from 15 in-depth semi-structured interviews undertaken with stakeholders both internal and external to the charity, as well as focus group data yielded from programme participants (n = 32). The findings illustrate how the charity is able to garner and exchange resources from its partners and funders, and the ways in which it mobilises both participants and personnel from within the communities it serves. As an original contribution to the sport management field, the authors demonstrate both the value and applicability of resource mobilisation theory as a theoretical framework by which to understand how a non-profit organisation derives the resources it requires in order to deliver a network of community embedded recreational cycling programmes.     

Letter to the editor concerning the article “Relationship between school rhythm and physical activity in adolescents: the HELENA study” by Vanhelst et al. (2017)

Recently Vanhelst et al. published a study on the relationship between school rhythm and physical activity patterns in European adolescents in the Journal of Sports Sciences. With this Letter to the Editor we would like to comment on the practical implementation and further perspectives of the study.     

A “leaky pipeline”?: Factors affecting the career development of senior-level female administrators in NCAA Division I athletic departments

National governing bodies, international sport federations, and national Olympic committees continue to struggle to attain minimal levels of female representation. Sport organizations in the United States are no exception. Despite the fact that more women work in intercollegiate athletics than ever before, the number of female assistant and associate athletic directors is declining. As such, fewer women are in the “pipeline” to achieve the position of Athletic Director. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that may influence women's career development in intercollegiate athletic administration. Twenty assistant and associate athletic directors were interviewed about their career paths, experiences, and goals. Results suggest strong interpersonal relationships with supervisors and mentors and access to professional development activities aided in participants’ career advancement. Factors attributed to perceptions of gender and professional value incongruence affected women's career choices and opportunities for advancement. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.     

“But a champion comes out much,much later”: A sport development case study of the 1968 U.S. Olympic team

Increasing attention has been given to the effective development of elite athletes. In this inquiry, the authors used a historical case study to ascertain the ways elite athletes were developed in a different era of sport in the United States. Using the attraction, retention, and transition frameworks, the factors that fostered the development of athletes from the 1968 Summer Olympics were drawn out through oral history interviews. In total, interviews with 59 U.S. Olympians were conducted. The results reveal how the athletes experienced supportive recruitment and retention environments, were able to manage the difficulty of developing elite talent, and encountered both challenges and opportunities transitioning through and out of elite sport. This analysis demonstrates how sport development principles are diverse in their temporal relevance and reinforce the practical implications meant to serve the modern athlete. Further, at least some sport development principles could remain constant regardless of how context and elite athlete experiences evolve in the future.     

“When you’re down,stay down”:A lesson for all competitive alpine skiers supported by an ACL rupture measured in vivo

Background:During an experiment,a ski racer equipped with various measurement devices suffered an anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)rupture in his right knee.The aim of this study was to describe the underlying injury mechanism from a functional perspective.Methods:Eight giant slalom turns(i.e.,4 left turns),followed by 1 left turn at which the ACL injury occurred,were recorded by 2 video cameras,electromyography of 4 relevant muscle groups,inertial measurement units to measure knee and hip angles,and pressure insoles to determine ground reaction forces.Results:Due to a loss of balance,the ski racer began to slide sideways at the apex of a left turn.During sliding,his right(outside)leg was actively abducted upward without touching the ground.The ski racer then attempted to stand up again by dropping his leg back towards the snow surface.The end of this dropping was accompanied by a decrease in electromyographic activity in the knee stabilizing muscles.Once the inside edge of the outer ski caught the snow surface,a rapidly increasing peak force,knee flexion,and an aggressive sudden activation of the vastus medialis muscle were observed,while biceps femoris and rectus femoris further decreased their activation levels.This likely resulted in excessive anterior translation of the tibia relative to the femur,causing damage to the ACL.Conclusion:Our example emphasizes that ski racers should not get up until they stop sliding.Remember:“When you’re down,stay down.”