scholarly journals Side differences of upper quarter Y balance test performance in sub-elite young male and female handball players with different ages

Author(s):  
Julian Bauer ◽  
Stefan Panzer ◽  
Thomas Muehlbauer

Abstract Background Handball is characterised by repetitive passing and shooting actions mainly performed with the throwing arm. This can lead to side differences (inter-limb asymmetry) in upper quarter mobility/stability between the throwing and non-throwing arm, which could even increase with advancing age (i.e., playing experience). However, side differences in upper quarter mobility/stability is associated with an increased musculoskeletal injury risk. Therefore, we assessed side differences in upper quarter mobility/stability in young handball players at different ages using a cross-sectional study design. Methods Upper Quarter Y Balance test performance of the throwing and non-throwing arm was assessed in 190 sub-elite young female and male handball players (13–18 years). Per arm, relative maximal reach distances (% arm length) for all three directions (i.e., medial, inferolateral, superolateral) and the composite score (CS) were calculated and used for an age × side analysis of variance. Additionally, partial eta-squared (ηp2) was calculated as an effect size measure. Results Irrespective of measure, statistically significant main effects of age (except for the composite score) and side but no statistically significant age × side interaction effects were detected. Further, limb asymmetry in the inferolateral reach direction was above the injury-related cut-off value (i.e., ≥ 7.75% arm length) in 13- and 14-year-olds but not in the older players. Conclusion The detection of limb asymmetry above the proposed injury-related cut-off value in younger players (13- and 14-year-olds) but not in older players (15- to 18-year-olds) may be indicative for an increased injury risk for the younger age group. Thus, prevention programs should be implemented in the handball training routine, especially for the younger ones.

2001 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 1005-1014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christel L Larsson ◽  
Kristin S Klock ◽  
Anne Nordrehaug Åstrøm ◽  
Ola Haugejorden ◽  
Gunnar Johansson

AbstractObjective:To determine the prevalence of vegetarianism and compare food habits among vegetarian and omnivorous adolescents in Sweden and Norway.Design:Cross-sectional study by questionnaire in Sweden and Norway to gather information about food habits.Setting:The municipalities of Umeå and Stockholm in Sweden, and Bergen in Norway.Subjects:In total 2041 ninth-grade students (578 from Umeå, 504 from Stockholm and 959 from Bergen), mean age 15.5 years, were included. The response rate was 95% in Umeå, 91% in Stockholm and 83% in Bergen.Results:There was a significantly higher prevalence of vegetarianism in Umeå (15.6%) than in Stockholm (4.8%) and Bergen (3.8%). Vegetarians generally wanted more information about a healthy diet and vegetarian females ate dietary supplements to prevent deficiencies more often than omnivorous females (P < 0.01). The young male vegetarians more or less excluded animal products from their diet without changing their food frequency intake or modifying their dietary habits in other respects, while the young female vegetarians more often consumed vegetables and dietary supplements (P < 0.05). However, there was no difference between the intake of fruits/berries, alcoholic beverages, ice cream, sweets/chocolates and fast foods by vegetarians compared with omnivores.Conclusions:There were three to four times more vegetarians in Umeå than in Stockholm and Bergen. The food habits of the young vegetarians differed from those of omnivorous adolescents and also in some respects from previously published comparative studies of vegetarians' and omnivores' food habits. It is uncertain whether the health benefits shown in previous studies on vegetarianism will be experienced by this young generation of vegetarians.


2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (12) ◽  
pp. 997-1002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Butler ◽  
Garrett Bullock ◽  
Todd Arnold ◽  
Phillip Plisky ◽  
Robin Queen

Context: Decreased performance in dynamic balance has previously been associated with a history of ulnar collateral ligament injury in baseball players. Previous research on dynamic balance in soccer players has shown that test performance depends on competition level. However, dynamic balance has yet to be examined in baseball players. Objective: To understand normative values and determine differences in dynamic balance, as measured by the Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test, across competition levels in baseball players. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Preseason physical examinations. Patients or Other Participants: Dynamic balance was measured in 88 high school (HS), 78 collegiate (COL), and 90 professional (PRO) baseball players. Main Outcome Measure(s): All participants completed the Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test using the standard protocol. In unilateral stance, they reached with 1 foot in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. We calculated 1-way analyses of variance to compare performance, composite score, and reach asymmetry for each direction as well as the sum of the asymmetry values (P &lt; .05). Composite score was calculated by averaging the maximum normalized reach scores. Reach asymmetry was determined by calculating bilateral differences in reach ability. Results: In comparison with the HS and COL groups, the PRO players exhibited greater posteromedial (P &lt; .01; effect size index [ESI]HS = 1.06, ESICOL = 0.95) and posterolateral reach (P &lt; .01; ESIHS = 0.82, ESICOL = 0.84) as well as a greater composite score (P &lt; .01; ESIHS = 0.60, ESICOL = 0.87). In contrast, HS baseball players exhibited increased anterior reach (P &lt; .01; ESICOL = 0.60, ESIPRO = 0.39) compared with the COL and PRO cohorts. No significant differences in reach asymmetry were observed among groups. Conclusions: Lower extremity dynamic balance performance differed based on the baseball players' competition level. These baseline data may be helpful in identifying low-performing athletes who might benefit from neuromuscular interventions.


Sports ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Muehlbauer ◽  
Gerrit Schwiertz ◽  
Dennis Brueckner ◽  
Rainer Kiss ◽  
Stefan Panzer

In soccer, the dominant leg is frequently used for passing and kicking while standing on the non-dominant leg. Consequently, postural control in the standing leg might be superior compared to the kicking leg and is further enhanced with increasing age (i.e., level of playing experience). Unfortunately, leg differences in postural control are associated with an increased risk of injuries. Thus, we examined differences between limbs in unipedal balance performance in young soccer players at different ages. Performance in the Lower Quarter Y Balance Test (YBT-LQ) of the dominant and non-dominant leg and anthropometry was assessed in 76 young male soccer players (under-13 years [U13]: n = 19, U15: n = 14, U17: n = 21, U19: n = 22). Maximal reach distances (% leg length) and the composite scores were used for further analyses. Statistical analyses yielded no statistically significant main effects of leg or significant Leg × Age interactions, irrespective of the measure investigated. However, limb differences in the anterior reach direction were above the proposed cut-off value of >4 cm, which is indicative of increased injury risk. Further, statistically significant main effects of age were found for all investigated parameters, indicating larger reach distances in older (U19) compared to younger (U13) players (except for U15 players). Although reach differences between legs were non-significant, the value in the anterior reach direction was higher than the cut-off value of >4 cm in all age groups. This is indicative of an increased injury risk, and thus injury prevention programs should be part of the training of young soccer players.


2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 92-97
Author(s):  
Navaraj Paudel ◽  
Vijay Madhav Alurkar

ABSTRACTBackground: Heavy exercise is associated with multiple physiological changes in cardiovascular system. Individuals who otherwise are healthy and asymptomatic are also found to have cardiac abnormalities. The aim of study is to find prevalance of structural abnormalities in apparently healthy males who are found to have abnormal/ suspicious clinical/electrogram findings during routine screening. Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was done in the department of cardiology within Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara over a period of 3 years (December 2013 to December 2016). The study population included all the participants who were apparently healthy young males competing for military recruitment. After the initial screening, those who had abnormal/suspicious findings in the physical examination or in ECG were subjected for trans-thoracic echocardiogram to assess for any structural abnormality Results: Out of 1950 individuals, who underwent physical examination and ECG, 165 had abnormal physical findings and 261 had abnormal ECG findings (21.84% of total had any form of abnormality). 72 (43%) had grade 2 short systolic murmur in the pulmonary area followed by pansystolic murmur in apex. Only 1.8% had diastolic murmur in aortic area. Most common ECG abnormality found was LVH followed by sinus bradycardia and Tinversion in III . Almost 7% of individuals with abnormal ECG findings. Only 16 (0.82% of the total screened/ 4.38% of suspicious findings) had structural abnormalities in echocardiography: 12 had RHD (MR-7, AR-3, R+AS+MR=2); 1 had ASD, 1 had VSD, 1 had Ebstein’s anomaly and 1 had mild valvular pulmonary stenosis (congenital). Conclusion: Individuals who are otherwise healthy and asymptomatic were found to have cardiac abnormality (almost 1.7% had serious electrical or structural abnormality). Cardiovascular screening of all the individuals seeking jobs requiring intense physical exertion is essential to prevent serious cardiovascular outcomes.Keywords: echocardiography; electrocardiography; intense exercise; physical cardiac findings.


2005 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 725-730 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Sílvia Basílio ◽  
Rosana Fiorini Puccini ◽  
Edina Mariko Koga da Silva ◽  
Márcia Regina Marcondes Pedromônico

OBJECTIVE: To assess the receptive vocabulary of children aged between two years and six months and five years and eleven months who were attending childcare centers and kindergarten schools. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in the municipality of Embu, Southeastern Brazil. The Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test and analysis of factors associated with children's performance were applied. The sample consisted of 201 children of both genders, aged between two and six years. Statistical analysis was performed using multivariate analysis and logistic regression model. The dependent variable analyzed was test performance and the independent variables were child's age, mother's level of education and family socio-demographic characteristics. RESULTS: It was observed that 44.3% of the children had performances in the test that were below what would be expected for their age. The factors associated with the best performances in the test were child's age (OR=2.4; 95% CI: 1.6-3.5) and mother's education level (OR= 3.2; 95% CI: 1.3-7.4). CONCLUSIONS: Mother's education level is important for child's language development. Settings such as childcare and kindergarten schools are protective factors for child development in families of low income and education.


2015 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laís Gonzaga de FARIAS ◽  
Rebeca Valeska Soares PEREIRA ◽  
Lorenna Mendes Temóteo BRANDT ◽  
Thaliny Batista Sarmento de OLIVEIRA ◽  
Alidianne Fábia Cabral XAVIER ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence of morbidity due to traffic accidents in children and adolescents and its relationship with maxillofacial injuries in the city of Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed 533 forensic reports of individuals aged 0-19 years, victims of external causes in Campina Grande, Brazil, in 2013. Data were collected through a form containing variables sex, age, day of week, time, type of traffic accident, injured body region, presence of fractures, maxillofacial and oral cavity injuries. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS) was used for data analysis. Prevalence ratios and confidence intervals at 95% were estimated with the chi-square test. RESULTS: There was predominance of males (75.0%) aged 15-19 years (65.0%), with association between sex and occurrence of traffic accidents (p <0.001). The afternoon shift recorded 36.7% of cases of accidents involving motorcyclists (55.0%). In 25.0% of cases, there were injuries on the head and 26.7% on the face. Head and face injuries were observed in 10.0% of patients, while maxillofacial and oral cavity injuries were present in 21.7% and 6.7%, respectively. There was an association between occurrence of accident and face injuries (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Traffic accidents affect mostly young male individuals, causing multiple injuries in different body areas, including maxillofacial and oral cavity injuries.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-156
Author(s):  
Maryann C. Ezeilo ◽  
Godwill A. Engwa ◽  
Romanus I. Iroha ◽  
Damian N. Odimegwu

Background:The lack of a vaccine for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) places children at a high risk of contracting the infection. It becomes necessary to accurately diagnose this infection for proper treatment as well as identifying potential risk factors for effective management.Aim:This study was conceived to assess the test performance of the commonly used Immunochromatographic test (ICT) strip and identify the associated clinical manifestations and risk factors of HCV in children in Enugu Metropolis.Method:A cross-sectional study involving randomly selected 270 children below six years of age was conducted in Enugu Nigeria. The subjects were screened for anti-HCV by ICT and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and the demographic, signs and symptoms and risk factors were collected.Results:A total of 50 out of 270 children were positive for anti-HCV with a seropositivity of 18.5%. ICT strip had a very low sensitivity of 38.00% with an accuracy of 88.52% in detecting anti-HCV. The presence of dark urine was associated (p= 0.01) with HCV infection.Conclusion:A seroprevalence of 18.5% of Anti-HCV was found in children below six years old in Enugu metropolis and the performance of ICT in diagnosing HCV infection was poor compared to ELISA.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 385-391
Author(s):  
Jessica Caroliny de Jesus Neves ◽  
Aryane Karoline Vital Souza ◽  
Dirce Shizuko Fujisawa

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to compare the postural control between eight-year-old boys and girls, considering the nutritional classification and level of physical activity. This was a cross-sectional study, with a sample of 346 participants, classified by the WHO AnthroPlus software, evaluated on the force platform and the Questionnaire Physical Activity for Children. The results demonstrated that girls showed lower values in relation to the opposite sex (p<0.001), in the center of pressure area (COP) (girls: 11.88 vs boys: 15.86cm2), Antero-posterior Amplitude (girl: 5.40 vs boy: 6.05cm), Medial-lateral Amplitude (girl: 3.97 vs boy: 4.40cm), Antero-posterior velocity (girl: 3.98 vs boy: 4.94cm/s), Medial-lateral velocity (girl: 3.98 vs boy: 4.59cm/s), Antero-posterior frequency (girl: 0.70 vs boy: 0.84Hz). Physical activity was associated with male sex (p=0.001; X2=11.195; odds ratio=0.372). In relation to the center of pressure of sedentary children, girls showed better postural control (p<0.001), but when we analyzed the center of pressure of both sexes who were active there was no statistically significant difference (p=0.112). The Z score of both sexes presented no difference in the center of pressure area (p=0.809 and p=0.785 respectively). Girls showed better postural control, while boys are more active; when both sexes performed physical activity COP area was similar. Therefore, special care should be taken when assessing postural control in boys and girls due to their differences in test performance and stage of development. As for interventions, exercise should be considered for better performance of the COP.


2020 ◽  
Vol Volume 13 ◽  
pp. 2031-2041
Author(s):  
Masushi Kohta ◽  
Takehiko Ohura ◽  
Kunio Tsukada ◽  
Yoshinori Nakamura ◽  
Mishiho Sukegawa ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Masahiro Kuniki ◽  
Yoshitaka Iwamoto ◽  
Daiki Yamagiwa ◽  
Nobuhiro Kito

Context: Core stability is important for preventing injury and improving performance. Although various tests for evaluating core stability have been reported to date, information on their relationship and the effect of gender differences is limited. This study aimed to (1) identify correlations among the 3 core stability tests and to examine the validity of each test and (2) identify gender differences in the test relationship and determine whether gender influenced test selection. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Fifty-one healthy volunteers (27 men and 24 women) participated in the study. The participants underwent the following 3 tests: Sahrmann Core Stability Test (SCST), the lumbar spine motor control tests battery (MCBT), and Y Balance Test (YBT). Each parameter was analyzed according to all parameters and gender using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Results: Overall, there was a strong positive correlation between SCST and MCBT and moderate positive correlations between SCST and YBT and between MCBT and YBT. Conversely, gender-specific analyses revealed no significant correlations between YBT and SCST and between YBT and MCBT in women, although significantly strong correlations were found among all tests in men. Conclusion: Although these 3 tests evaluated interrelated functions and may be valid as core stability tests, the results should be carefully interpreted when performing YBT in women.


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