The recent call by Paralympic champion Richard Whitehead for improved access to advanced prosthetics within the National Health Service (NHS) underscores a critical issue in sports and rehabilitation: the need for prostheses that not only restore basic function but also empower individuals to excel in athletic pursuits1. This editorial explores the importance of prostheses in sport, the current challenges

Objective To examine the effect of exercise during the first year postpartum on pelvic floor disorders and diastasis recti abdominis. Design Systematic review with random effects meta-analysis. Data sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscuss, Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews (Ovid), Scopus, Web of Science and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched until 12 January 2024. Eligibility criteria for selecting

Objective Concussion symptoms can be clustered into domains and understanding how multiple symptom domains present clinically may guide more accurate interventions. We investigate the associations between concurrent symptom domains and clinical recovery outcomes, as well as the role of sex in these relationships. Methods We analysed data from the Ivy League–Big Ten Epidemiology of Concussion Study

Objective To examine maternal and fetal cardiovascular responses to high-intensity resistance exercise in pregnancy. Methods 10 healthy pregnant (26.4±3.2 weeks gestation) and 10 healthy non-pregnant individuals were recruited (34.8±6 and 33.5±2.9 years, respectively). At least 48 hours after baseline strength testing to determine 10-repetition maximum (10 RM), participants completed 10 repetitions

Objectives This study examined the relationship of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in the transition from healthy status to first cardiometabolic disease, subsequent cardiometabolic multimorbidity and further to death. Methods We used data from the UK Biobank of 47 484 participants without cardiometabolic diseases at baseline. CRF was assessed via a 6 min incremental ramp cycle ergometer test and expressed

We live in unprecedented times for women in sport. In the USA, the 2024 collegiate basketball finals marked the first time in broadcast history that viewership of the women’s championship game was higher than the men’s.1 Internationally, the 2024 Paris Games were the most gender equal in Olympic history in terms of numerical parity on the playing field.2 Despite such progress, gender inequities in

Objectives To evaluate the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and cognition in a large sample of older adults, and to examine clinical and demographic factors that might moderate these associations. Methods CRF was measured with a graded exercise test performed on a motorised treadmill. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using data from a comprehensive neuropsychological

Clinicians and practitioners have used passive exercise to improve mobility; however, research designed to systematically explore its effects is not well developed. This editorial will highlight evidence from studies of acute bouts of passive exercise that could be leveraged to understand whether regular passive exercise could maintain and improve brain health. Regular active exercise (ie, volitional

Over the past 20 years, scientific investigation and public awareness of concussion has expanded exponentially. This has represented a critical swing of the pendulum for a field that previously had been somewhat ignored by the medical establishment, research funders and health policy-makers. Although substantial progress has been made in better identification and management of acute concussion, many

In recent years, there has been a noticeable amount of discussion surrounding reporting methods in sports injury epidemiology.1–3 Particular emphasis has been placed on characterising the scope of impact that an injury poses in various sporting contexts. Depicting the extent of an injury problem using specific metrics can be complex and challenging. While movements towards comprehensive reporting are

Bone stress injuries, commonly referred to as stress reactions and stress fractures, represent overuse injuries to bone. These injuries result in physical limitations in activity and can be career-ending for high-level athletes. While bone stress injuries have received increased attention in recent years, international consensus is lacking on definitions, risk factors and strategies for management

Over the past several decades, muscle damage represented by delayed-onset muscle soreness and prolonged decreases in muscle function has been a central agenda for exercises mainly consisting of eccentric (lengthening muscle) contractions (ie, eccentric exercises).1 However, in more recent decades, the paradigm of eccentric exercise has taken on new dimensions with accumulating evidence suggesting its

Identity concordance is a well-studied phenomenon that may improve physician–patient relationships, communication, and ultimately, patient outcomes.1 2 However, there are numerous barriers to identity concordance in medicine. For instance, nearly 15% of the US population identifies as ‘Black,’ and another 3% identify as ‘American Indian/Alaskan Native.’3 4 Across all identities, 27% of individuals

Objective This study reviewed the current state of machine learning (ML) research for the prediction of sports-related injuries. It aimed to chart the various approaches used and assess their efficacy, considering factors such as data heterogeneity, model specificity and contextual factors when developing predictive models. Design Scoping review. Data sources PubMed, EMBASE, SportDiscus and IEEEXplore

Research continues to demonstrate that participating in regular physical activity (PA) is indispensable for maintaining health and fitness across the lifespan. Nevertheless, global trends in child PA show consistent declines,1 especially over the past 30 years.2 Currently, the global state of PA surveillance is inadequate and inconsistent. Intercontinental PA initiatives assessing children and adolescents

High rates of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in girls’ and women’s sports have garnered significant attention from researchers, sport organisations and the media. Gender/sex disparities in ACL injury rates are often estimated using the construct of athlete-exposures (AEs), a widely used measure of exposure time in sports science and epidemiology that is defined as one athlete participating

While current guidelines recommend that children engage in at least 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) daily,1 only 21% of youth reach this goal.2 As children approach adolescence, their physical activity (PA) levels decline and disparities in PA levels emerge, especially among racial minorities such as US Latino/Hispanic children.2 Moreover, meeting PA guidelines is more problematic

When thinking about elite sport, most conjure up an image of victory. However, athletes are at risk of experiencing indirect trauma after witnessing a critical event. Examples include cardiac arrest, significant injuries and crashes.1 This concept is vicarious trauma: ‘Harmful changes that occur in an individual’s view of themselves, others, and the world as a result of exposure to graphic or traumatic

Comparing apples to oranges is rational when comparing different fruits; comparing apples to beans is something else entirely. Likewise, injury prevention trials proposing warm-up interventions should strive to deliver reasonable comparisons. The contents and dosage of the intervention and control warm-ups may vary, especially in the context of pragmatic trials, but should be appropriately described

Collisions and physical contact with other athletes, or the playing environment, are fundamental aspects of many sports. These can result from intentional high-impact actions (eg, tackling in rugby and throws in judo), and/or incidental actions (e.g., contesting an aerial challenge in netball and blocking a ball in football). With the unprecedented growth and professionalisation of women’s sports that

Multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs) represent a broad spectrum of pathology with potentially devastating consequences. Currently, disagreement in the terminology, diagnosis and treatment of these injuries limits clinical care and research. This study aimed to develop consensus on the nomenclature, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation strategies for patients with MLKI, while identifying important

Objectives This study explored how race and socioeconomic status (SES) moderated the association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and depressive symptoms with compositional data. Methods Participants were 2803 US adults from the 2005–2006 cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Accelerometers were used to measure MVPA, light-intensity physical activity (LPA)

Objectives Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have substantially elevated risk for cardiovascular diseases, and low cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) is a major mediator. The aim of this assessor-blinded, two-armed multicentre randomised controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and strength exercise on cardiovascular health, physical fitness and

Objective Concerns exist about the possible detrimental effects of exercise training on aortic size and valve function in individuals with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). This multicentre international study aimed to determine the characteristics of aortic size and valve function in athletes versus non-athletes with BAV and athletes with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV). Methods We enrolled competitive athletes

Objective To develop and evaluate a new patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) to assess people’s knowledge and beliefs about low back pain. Methods This study followed the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments guidelines. An 18-item preliminary version of the Back pain Knowledge and beliefs Survey (BacKS) was generated based on evidence-based key messages and

Objectives This study aimed to assess participation rates of transgender and gender diverse (trans) people in sport/fitness activities, compare mental health outcomes for trans people participating in sport/fitness with those who do not and explore internal/external barriers and bullying experiences faced by trans people in sport/fitness contexts. Methods A cross-sectional online survey open to trans

Objective To review the efficacy of exercise interventions on sport-related concussion (SRC) incidence, as well as on linear and rotational head accelerations, and isometric neck strength and to assess reporting completeness of exercise interventions using the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT). Design Systematic review and meta-analysis, according to the Prisma in Exercise, Rehabilitation

Objective To compare the efficacy of exercise, metformin and their combination on glucose metabolism in individuals with abnormal glycaemic control. Design Systematic review and network meta-analysis. Data sources Embase, Web of Science, PubMed/MEDLINE and SPORTDiscus. Eligibility criteria Randomised controlled trials involving exercise, metformin or their combined treatments in individuals with prediabetes

A 17-year-old male right-footed footballer presented with a 6-month history of left-sided groin pain which was persistent despite resting for 6 weeks. Pain occurred during running and daily activities including climbing the stairs and turning over in bed. On examination, the cardinal findings were tenderness of the pubic bone near the adductor insertion on the left side and pubic pain during resisted

Multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs) represent a heterogeneous spectrum of pathology. Clinical evaluation, diagnosis and management of these injuries remains controversial. In order to assess the existing literature evaluating the diagnosis and management of MLKIs, we performed a scoping review1 based on established methodology.2 3 This process established that the majority of the 417 articles identified

My thesis explores the critical issue of iron deficiency in women’s health. Approximately one-third of the human population has iron deficiency,1 many of whom are physically active women of reproductive age.2 Through a series of novel projects, this thesis provides a multidimensional understanding of the impact, management and treatment of iron deficiency in active women. Comprised of two reviews (narrative

The primary aim of my PhD thesis was to investigate the long-term impact of premature birth, defined as any birth occurring before the 37th week of gestation, on the acute physiological responses and adaptation to high-altitude exposure, at rest and during exercise. Specifically, my work aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the specific cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, respiratory, muscular

Maniar N, Carmichael DS, Hickey JT, et al . Incidence and prevalence of hamstring injuries in field-based team sports: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 5952 injuries from over 7 million exposure hours. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2023;57:109-16.doi:10.1136/bjsports-2021-104936 Typographical errors were discovered in the analysis code pertaining to two outcome measures: prevalence and

On behalf of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine (BASEM) we are delighted to welcome you to this edition of the BJSM, the last edition of 2024. It has been a busy year for all of us, and we are looking ahead at 2025, knowing life rarely seems to get less busy. As many readers know, BASEM is a co-owner of the British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM) and the UK’s largest multiprofessional

Objective Women remain at increased risk for some sports injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament rupture and concussion. This study applied a gendered environmental approach to identify modifiable features of women’s sport environments that may contribute to the gendered patterning of sports injuries. Our objectives were to identify features of gendered environments that mattered in athletes’

Objectives To determine the rates, severity and burden of knee injuries in professional male rugby union from the English Premiership. Methods Injury and exposure data were captured over 20 seasons using a prospective cohort design. Knee injury incidence, days’ absence and burden were recorded for each injury type and by pitch surface type for match and training. Results The rate of knee injury in

Objective Define a best practice guide for managing people with patellofemoral pain (PFP). Methods A mixed-methods convergent segregated synthesis of meta-analysed data with a thematic analysis of semistructured interviews and focus groups. Agreement between subproject results informed the strength of clinical recommendation for interventions eligible for best practice recommendation. Data sources

Objective This study aims to evaluate the time point and magnitude of peak effectiveness of exercise and the effects of various exercise modalities for osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms and to identify factors that significantly affect the effectiveness of exercise. Design Pharmacodynamic model-based meta-analysis (MBMA). Data sources Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Scopus were searched

The Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine (UK) invited a panel to convene and issue a position statement on the use of mouthguards in sport. Contributors included Sport and Exercise Medicine, Sports Dentistry, Sports Science, athlete and coach perspectives to provide up-to-date guidance on the use of mouthguards in sport for the prevention of orofacial trauma (OFT). This position statement is aimed

Objective Our aim was to investigate (1) gender representation, (2) opportunities and training and (3) harassment experiences in Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) practitioners working in elite sport in Australia. Methods All titled Australian Physiotherapy Association Sport and Exercise Physiotherapists, SEM Physicians and Registrars and doctors and physiotherapists (SEM practitioners) currently/previously/aspiring

Objective Health effects of different physical activity domains (ie, during leisure time, work and transport) are generally considered positive. Using Active Worker consortium data, we assessed independent associations of occupational and leisure-time physical activity (OPA and LTPA) with all-cause mortality. Design Two-stage individual participant data meta-analysis. Data source Published and unpublished

Objectives To characterise the respiratory health of elite rowers using a systematic screening approach to assess respiratory health (SARAH) and identify the associations between SARAH findings and acute respiratory illness (ARI) and chest wall injury (CWI). Methods A systematic screening approach was conducted in a cohort of elite rowers. The assessment employed validated respiratory questionnaires

In 2017, the Chinese government launched the ‘Healthy China’ policy, with the aim of providing comprehensive health services through all stages of life for Chinese citizens. This implied the need to intensify efforts in health education and promotion ensuring that Chinese people receive effective health services at every stage of their life cycle. However, China has the largest elderly population in

Exercising in high temperatures can lead to unsustainable heat generation and increased risk of exertional heat illness (EHI),1 including heat exhaustion (core temperature (Tc) between 38.5°C and 40°C) and heat stroke (Tc > 40°C).1 Despite warnings from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) about rising temperatures due to global warming, evidence-based mitigation strategies in sports remain insufficient

In this PhD project, we prospectively included 86 patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) who were scheduled for a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The project was divided into two phases: Phase 1, compared the relationship between lower limb sit-to-stand power (STS Power) and maximal isometric knee extensor strength (knee extensor maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVC)), respectively, with objective

Most cases of type 2 diabetes (T2D) can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, highlighting that lifestyle modifications should be the primary defence against developing T2D. Although accumulating evidence suggests that exercise can be an efficacious therapy for T2D, especially in conjunction with pharmacological interventions, its long-term effectiveness remains controversial owing to significant

Objective To report a 3-year follow-up from the FemoroAcetabular Impingement Trial, comparing arthroscopic surgery with physiotherapy in the management of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome for the dual primary outcomes of radiographic hip osteoarthritis (OA) and patient-reported outcome measures of activities of daily living. Methods Two-group parallel, assessor-blinded, pragmatic randomised

Objective To determine and compare the incidence rate (IR) of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) among higher-level athletes across six sports in the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry (SNKLR). Methods Patient data from the SNKLR, between 2005 and 2020, was linked to team and event data of six sports (football, handball, basketball, ice hockey, floorball and alpine sports) to identify

Multiple injury prevention exercise programmes have demonstrated efficacy under randomised controlled conditions.1 However, successfully implementing these programmes under real-world conditions poses a significant challenge. It is well documented that football teams modify programmes to better fit their specific context, drawing not only on evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) but also

Climate change and global warming may prompt the relocation of future Summer and Winter Olympic/Paralympic Games to higher elevations, driven by the pursuit of sustainability and emerging health concerns for athletes.1 This shift could be motivated by the quest for safer environmental conditions, aiming to reduce thermal stress in Summer Olympics/Paralympics or ensure adequate snow conditions in Winter

Objective We aimed to investigate the association of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with cognitive function and dementia risk, taking genetic predisposition for dementia into account. Methods Within the UK Biobank, 61 214 dementia-free participants aged 39–70 years were followed for up to 12 years. CRF score was estimated using a 6 min submaximal exercise test on a stationary bike and divided into

Objective Low physical activity (PA) levels are associated with increased mortality. Improved measurement has resulted in stronger proven associations between PA and mortality, but this has not yet translated to improved estimates of the disease burden attributable to low PA. This study estimated how much low PA reduces life expectancy, and how much life expectancy could be improved by increasing PA

Objective The purpose of this review was to assess the joint relationship of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and Body Mass Index (BMI) on both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality risk. Design A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. Pooled HR and 95% CI were calculated using a three-level restricted maximum likelihood estimation random-effects model with robust variance

Objective To systematically review the association between hip adduction and abduction strength, and adduction-to-abduction strength ratio in healthy athletes with the occurrence of future groin pain and time-loss groin injuries. Design Systematic review with meta-analysis. Data sources PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, PEDro, Embase, and Scopus. Eligibility criteria Studies included had to (1)

Objective To determine the association between survey-based self-reported problematic low energy availability indicators (LEA-I) and race performance and intra-event medical encounters during the Boston Marathon. Methods 1030 runners who were registered for the 2022 Boston Marathon completed an electronic survey (1–4 weeks pre-race) assessing LEA-I, training and medical history. De-identified survey

The International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) consensus statement on ‘methods for recording and reporting of epidemiological data on injury and illness in sport’ recommended standardising methods to advance data collection and reporting consistency. However, additional aspects need to be considered when these methods are applied to specific sports settings. Therefore, we have developed a snow sports-specific

Endurance events are popular worldwide and have many health benefits. However, runners and Para athletes may sustain musculoskeletal injuries or experience other health consequences from endurance events. The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) Runner Health Consortium aimed to generate consensus-based survey items for use in prospective research to identify risk factors for injuries

The Amsterdam 2022 International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport (6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport) was the first Concussion in Sport Group (CISG) consensus to consider the para athlete.1 To date, a lack of research in para sport on most aspects of concussion has prevented the development of evidence-informed consensus on any aspects of concussion care for para athletes

Objective To examine the influence of postpartum exercise on maternal depression and anxiety. Design Systematic review with random effects meta-analysis and meta-regression. Data sources Online databases up to 12 January 2024, reference lists, recommended studies and hand searches. Eligibility criteria Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised interventions of any publication date or language

‘Reflecting on my time as an Olympic athlete, having the honour of representing my country on the international stage for over 7 years, it is unfortunate that my story is not different than many others.’ These sentiments shared by a former Olympian resonate with too many athletes involved in elite sport. Regardless of the sport (summer, winter, team, individual, elite and youth) or location, the experiences