scholarly journals Ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis and rehabilitation and reconditioning program following a hamstring injury reduces “return to play” time in professional soccer players: A case series

2020 ◽  
Vol 03 (01) ◽  
pp. 038-044
Author(s):  
Sergio Jiménez-Rubio ◽  
Fermín Valera-Garrido ◽  
Francisco Minaya-Muñoz ◽  
Archit Navandar
Keyword(s):  
Ultrasound Imaging ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Hamstring Injury ◽  
Semitendinosus Muscle ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Before And After

AbstractThis case series follows the treatment protocol after a grade 2 injury to the proximal semitendinosus muscle using US-guided Percutaneous Needle Electrolysis (PNE) and Rehab & Reconditioning program (RRP) in two professional soccer players. The injury was diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound imaging. The players received one session of PNE 48 hours after the injury. The indoor's phase of the RRP started 24 hours after the PNE technique and then the player proceeded to perform an on-field's phase, following which the players returned to train with the team. The effectiveness of the program was measured by comparing the match-performance data collected through Global Positioning System (GPS) in two matches before and five matches after injury and with ultrasound imaging analyzing the evolution of the muscle injury. No adverse effects were identified during or after the US-Guided PNE technique. Both players missed a single competitive game because of injury (layoff= 16 and 14 days). The GPS variables studied showed similar values before and after injury. PNE and PRR protocol improves the results of the initial phase of muscle repair and reduces the time to return to training and return to play, maintaining the GPS parameters that the players need in high performance.

scholarly journals Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Needle Electrolysis and Rehab and Reconditioning Program for Rectus Femoris Muscle Injuries: A Cohort Study with Professional Soccer Players and a 20-Week Follow-Up

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (21) ◽  
pp. 7912
Author(s):  
Fermín Valera-Garrido ◽  
Sergio Jiménez-Rubio ◽  
Francisco Minaya-Muñoz ◽  
José Luis Estévez-Rodríguez ◽  
Archit Navandar
Keyword(s):  
Ultrasound Image ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Muscle Injuries ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Rectus Femoris Muscle ◽  
Femoris Muscle

Rectus femoris muscle strains are one of the most common injuries occurring in sports such as soccer. The purpose of this study was to describe the safety and feasibility of a combination of percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE) and a specific rehab and reconditioning program (RRP) following an injury to the rectus femoris in professional soccer players. Thirteen professional soccer players received PNE treatment 48 h after a grade II rectus femoris muscle injury, followed by a the RRP 24 h later. Assessment of recovery from injury was done by registering the days taken to return to train (RTT), return to play (RTP), and structural and functional progress of the injured muscle was registered through ultrasound imaging and match-GPS parameters. Also, adverse events and reinjuries were recorded in the follow up period of twenty weeks. The RTT registered was 15.62 ± 1.80 days and RTP was 20.15 ± 2.79 days. After fourteen days, the ultrasound image showed optimal repair. Match-GPS parameters were similar before and after injury. There were no relapses nor were any serious adverse effects reported during the 20-week follow-up after the RTP. A combination of PNE and a specific RRP facilitated a faster RTP in previously injured professional soccer players enabling them to sustain performance and avoid reinjuries.

scholarly journals Performance of Professional Soccer Players before and after COVID-19 Infection; Observational Study with an Emphasis on Graduated Return to Play

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11688
Author(s):  
Anamarija Jurcev Savicevic ◽  
Jasna Nincevic ◽  
Sime Versic ◽  
Sarah Cuschieri ◽  
Ante Bandalovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Intensity ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Moderate Effect Size ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Pcr Test

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in sport has been the subject of numerous studies over the past two years. However, knowledge about the direct impact of COVID-19 infection on the performance of athletes is limited, and the importance of studies on this topic is crucial during the current pandemic era. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the match running performance (MRP) of professional soccer players that occurred as a result of COVID-19 infection after fulfilling all of the prerequisites for a safe return to play (RTP). The participants were 47 professional soccer players from a team which competed in first Croatian division (21.6 years old on average) during the 2020/21 season. The total sample was divided into two subgroups based on the results of a PCR test for COVID-19, where 31 players tested positive (infected) and 16 tested negative. We observed the PCR test results (positive vs. negative PCR), the number of days needed to return to the team, number of days needed to RTP after quarantine and isolation, and MRP (10 variables measured by a global positioning system). The number of days where the infected players were not included in the team ranged from 7 to 51 (Median: 12). Significant pre- to post-COVID differences in MRP for infected players were only found for high-intensity accelerations and high-intensity decelerations (t-test = 2.11 and 2.13, respectively; p < 0.05, moderate effect size differences), with poorer performance in the post-COVID period. Since a decrease of the MRP as a result of COVID-19 infection was only noted in two variables, we can highlight appropriateness of the applied RTP. However, further adaptations and improvements of the RTP are needed with regard to high-intensity activities.

Return to Play After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement in Professional Soccer Players

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 273-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renato Locks ◽  
Hajime Utsunomiya ◽  
Karen K. Briggs ◽  
Shannen McNamara ◽  
Jorge Chahla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Femoroacetabular Impingement ◽  
Arthroscopic Surgery ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Professional Career ◽  
National Team ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Chondral Damage ◽  
The Mean

Background: Arthroscopic hip surgery has been shown to be effective in returning professional athletes back to play at a high level of performance in different sports. Limited information exists regarding professional soccer players and their return to play. Purpose: To determine the rate and time to return to sport for professional soccer players after hip arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and to identify possible risk factors associated with a delay in returning to play. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Professional soccer players who underwent hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI by a single surgeon between 2005 and 2015 were evaluated. Data retrieved from www.mlssoccer.com , www.fifa.com , www.transfermarkt.co.uk , and www.wikipedia.org included information on each player’s professional career, participation on the national team, length of professional career before surgery, number of appearances (games) before surgery, time between surgery and first appearance in a professional game, and number of appearances after surgery. Other data were obtained from the patient’s medical records. Results: Twenty-four professional soccer players (26 hips) were included. The mean age at surgery was 25.0 ± 4.0 years (range, 19-32 years). A total of 96% of patients were able to return to play at the professional level. The mean time between surgery and the first professional game played was 9.2 months (range, 1.9-24.0 months). On average, players played in 70 games after surgery (range, 0-224). National team players were able to return to play significantly earlier than the rest of the players (median, 5.7 months vs 11.6 months, respectively; P = .018). Severe chondral damage and microfracture did not interfere with return to play. Conclusion: The arthroscopic management of FAI in symptomatic professional soccer players allowed 96% of them to return to play. Players with national team experience were able to return to play earlier than those without it. Severe chondral damage and microfracture did not interfere with return to play.

scholarly journals Improvements in Match-Related Physical Performance of Professional Soccer Players After the Application of an on-Field Training Program for Hamstring Injury Rehabilitation

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (8) ◽  
pp. 1145-1150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio Jiménez-Rubio ◽  
Archit Navandar ◽  
Jesús Rivilla-García ◽  
Víctor Paredes-Hernández ◽  
Miguel-Ángel Gómez-Ruano
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Rehabilitation Program ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Hamstring Injury ◽  
Performance Parameters ◽  
Field Training ◽  
Hamstring Strain ◽  
Professional Soccer

Context: Although there are multiple, validated return-to-play programs following hamstring strain injuries, no studies have evaluated their changes in match performance parameters. Objectives: The aim of this study was twofold as follows: (1) to determine the changes in match-based physical performance parameters in professional soccer players before and after sustaining a hamstring strain injury and undergoing a soccer-specific rehabilitation program and (2) to observe the progress of these performance parameters 6 to 10 weeks after the player returned from injury. Design: Prospective, quasi-experimental longitudinal study. Setting: Soccer playing and training grounds. Participants: Nineteen players suffering a hamstring strain injury from 2 male professional teams playing in the Spanish professional football league (La Liga) were followed during the 2015–2016, 2016–2017, and 2017–2018 seasons. Intervention: Participation in on-field training program following a hamstring injury. Main Outcome Measures: Match global positioning system data were collected in the following stages: prior to injury (PRE), after return to play (RTP), program, and 6 to 10 weeks following RTP (C2). Peak velocities and distances ran at sprint velocities showed most likely improvements in C2 versus PRE, and very likely improvements in RTP versus PRE. Results: The distances ran at high and very high intensities, the average velocity, and work-to-rest ratio showed very likely improvements in C2 versus RTP and likely improvements in RTP versus PRE. Likely improvements were observed for all variables in C2 versus RTP. The authors’ results showed an improvement of physical performance during competitive match after RTP, compared with PRE. There was a steady progression in the progress, and in 8 months following RTP, there was no injury reported in the players. Conclusions: The current findings may indicate that the hamstring muscle complex not only recovered completely from the injury but could also withstand a greater training and match load reducing the risk of reinjury.

Fifth Metatarsal Fractures in Professional Soccer Players: Case Series

2020 ◽  
pp. 193864002091122
Author(s):  
Tiago Baumfeld ◽  
Ricardo Fernandes Rezende ◽  
Caio Nery ◽  
Jorge P. Batista ◽  
Daniel Baumfeld
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Fracture Healing ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Return To Sports ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Metatarsal Fractures ◽  
Vas Scores

Objective. Fifth metatarsal fractures occur mainly in young athletes, with an estimated incidence of 1.8 per 1000 individuals per year. This study aims to evaluate the functional outcome of professional soccer players undergoing surgical treatment of fifth metatarsal base fractures. Methods. We appraised 34 soccer players operated on from July 2001 to June 2016. All individuals were assessed by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before and after surgery, with a mean 23-month follow-up. The need for grafting, fracture healing, Torg classification, and return to sports were also evaluated. Results. There were 10 attackers, 7 offensive-defensive midfielders, 6 side defenders, 5 central defensive midfielders, 3 defenders, 2 goalkeepers, and 1 defensive midfielder, at an average age of 19 years. Preoperative and postoperative AOFAS averaged 42 and 99 points, respectively, whereas VAS scores were 6 and 0. The longer the time to get operated on, the greater was the need for grafting (P = .011). In our study, all fractures have consolidated. Return to sports occurred, on average, 73 days after surgical treatment, and it was not influenced by the time to get operated on, fracture healing, Torg classification, and grafting. Conclusion. Surgical treatment of the fifth metatarsal base fracture in professional soccer players presents good clinical results. Getting back to activities after surgery is not influenced by surgery time, fracture healing, Torg classification, and grafting. Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Therapeutic studies, Case series

scholarly journals Validity of an On-Field Readaptation Program Following a Hamstring Injury in Professional Soccer

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio Jiménez-Rubio ◽  
Archit Navandar ◽  
Jesús Rivilla-García ◽  
Victor Paredes-Hernández
Keyword(s):  
Neuromuscular Control ◽  
Rehabilitation Program ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Hamstring Injury ◽  
Strength And Conditioning ◽  
Hamstring Strain ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Hamstring Injuries

Context: Despite the presence of various injury prevention programs, the rate of hamstring injuries and reinjuries is increasing in soccer, warranting the need for a soccer-specific rehabilitation program. Objective: To develop and validate a new, functional on-field program for the rehabilitation and readaptation of soccer players after a hamstring strain injury through a panel of experts; and determine the usefulness of the program through its application in professional soccer players. Design: A 13-item program was developed, which was validated by a panel of experts and later applied to professional soccer players. Setting: Soccer training ground. Participants: Fifteen strength and conditioning and rehabilitation fitness coaches with a professional experience of 15.40 (1.57) years in elite clubs and national teams in Europe validated the program. The program was later applied to 19 professional soccer players of the Spanish First Division (La Liga). Interventions: Once a player sustained a clinically diagnosed injury, the player would first be subject to mobilization and strengthening exercises in the gym after undergoing treatment by percutaneous needle electrolysis. The player would then complete an on-field readaptation program consisting of 13 drills arranged in a progressive manner in terms of complexity. The drills integrated various aspects of repeated sprint abilities, retraining and reeducation of biomechanical patterns, and neuromuscular control of the core and lower limbs. Main Outcome Measures: Aiken’s V for each item of the program and number of days taken by the players to return to play. Results: The experts evaluated all items of the program very highly, as seen from Aiken’s V values between 0.78 and 0.98 (0.63–0.99) for all drills, while the return to play was in 22.42 (2.32) days. Conclusion: This program has the potential to help a player suffering from a hamstring strain injury to adapt to real-match conditions in the readaptation phase through the application of sports-specific drills that were very similar to the different injury mechanisms.

Endoscopic Flexor Hallucis Longus Transfer for the Management of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures in Professional Soccer Players

2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110364
Author(s):  
Nasef Mohamed N. Abdelatif ◽  
Jorge Pablo Batista
Keyword(s):  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Tendon Transfer ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Flexor Hallucis Longus ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Tendon Ruptures ◽  
The Mean

Background: Acute Achilles tendon ruptures (AATRs) that occur in athletes can be a career-ending injury. The aim of this study was to describe return to play and clinical outcomes of isolated endoscopic flexor hallucis longus (FHL) transfer in active soccer players with AATR. Methods: Twenty-seven active male soccer players who underwent endoscopically assisted FHL tendon transfer for acute Achilles tendon ruptures were included in this study. Follow up was 46.2 (±10.9) months after surgery. Return to play criteria and clinical outcome measures were evaluated. Results: All players returned to playing professional competitive soccer games. Return to active team training was at a mean of 5.8 (±1.1) months postoperatively. However, return to active competitive match play occurred at a mean of 8.3 (±1.4) months. Twenty-two players (82%) were able to return to their preinjury levels and performances and resumed their professional careers at the same soccer club as their preinjury state. One player (3.7%) shifted his career to professional indoor soccer. At 26 months postoperatively, the mean Tegner activity scale score was 9.7 (±0.4), the mean Achilles tendon total rupture score was 99 (±2), and the mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score was 99 (±3). No patients reported any great toe complaints or symptomatic deficits of flexion strength. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated satisfactory and comparable return to play criteria and clinical results with minimal complications when using an advanced endoscopically assisted technique involving FHL tendon transfer to treat acute Achilles tendon ruptures in this specific subset of patient cohort. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective cohort case series study.

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Serie A Soccer Players’ Physical Qualities

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ermanno Rampinini ◽  
Federico Donghi ◽  
Marco Martin ◽  
Andrea Bosio ◽  
Marco Riggio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aerobic Fitness ◽  
Mixed Models ◽  
Peak Power ◽  
Vertical Jump ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Limited Evidence ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Different Seasons

AbstractIn March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced most activities in Italy, including soccer, to cease. During lockdown, players could only train at home, with limited evidence regarding the effect of this period. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of COVID-19 lockdown on professional soccer players’ physical performance. Aerobic fitness and vertical jump were assessed before and after four periods in two different seasons: COVID-19 lockdown, competitive period before lockdown, competitive period and summer break of the 2016–2017 season. Linear mixed models were used to examine within-period changes and between-period differences in changes observed during COVID-19 lockdown and the three other periods. Within-period changes in aerobic fitness showed a significant improvement following COVID-19 lockdown (p<0.001) and a significant decline during summer break (p<0.001). Between-period differences were significant in the comparison of COVID-19 lockdown with both the competitive 2019–2020 season (p<0.01) and summer break (p<0.001). For the vertical jump, only the between-period comparison revealed significant differences as the changes associated with COVID-19 lockdown were worse than those of the two competitive periods, for both absolute (p<0.05; p<0.001) and relative peak power (p<0.01; p<0.001). Home-based training during lockdown was effective to improve aerobic fitness, although it did not allow players to maintain their competitive period’s power levels.

Modified Graded Motor Imagery for Musicians’ Focal Dystonia: A Case Series

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-17
Author(s):  
Marina Ramella ◽  
Francesca Borgnis ◽  
Giulia Giacobbi ◽  
Anna Castagna ◽  
Frncesca Baglio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Imagery ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Focal Dystonia ◽  
Rehabilitative Treatment ◽  
Cortical Organization ◽  
Cortical Motor ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Graded Motor Imagery

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the “modified graded motor imagery” (mGMI) protocol as a rehabilitative treatment of musician’s focal dystonia (MFD). METHODS: Six musicians with MFD (age 43.83±17.24 yrs) performed the home-based mGMI protocol (laterality training, imagined hand movements and visual mirror feedback) once a day for 4 weeks. The mMGI protocol was designed to sequentially activate cortical motor networks and improve cortical organization. Subjects were evaluated before and after treatment with the dystonia evaluation scale (DES), arm dystonia disability scale (ADDS), Tubiana-Chamagne scale (TCS), and performing scale (PS). RESULTS: All participants were compliant with the mGMI treatment protocol without any adverse events. A significant improvement was measured in ADDS (p=0.047) and TCS scores (p=0.014) but not in DES (p=0.157). The severity of MFD decreased from moderate to mild in four patients. After mGMI treatment, all musicians were able to play easy pieces (TCS: median 3.5, IR 3.5–4). CONCLUSION: The findings from this pilot study suggest that home-based mGMI treatment is a feasible and promising rehabilitative approach for patients with mild to moderate MFD.

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