The Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Injuries in Thoroughbred Racehorses in Queensland, Australia: How These Vary for Two-Year-Old and Older Horses and with Type of Injury

Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) continue to affect Thoroughbred racehorses internationally. There is a strong interest in developing training and management strategies to reduce their impact, however, studies of risk factors report inconsistent findings. Furthermore, many injuries and fatalities occur during training rather than during racing, yet most studies report racing data only. By combining racing and training data a larger exposure to risk factors and a larger number of musculoskeletal injuries are captured and the true effect of risk factors may be more accurately represented. Furthermore, modifications to reduce the impact of MSI are more readily implemented at the training level. Our study aimed to: (1) determine the risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries and whether these are different for two-year-old and older horses and (2) determine whether risk factors vary with type of injury. This was performed by repeating analyses by age category and injury type. Data from 202 cases and 202 matched controls were collected through weekly interviews with trainers and analysed using conditional logistic regression. Increasing dam parity significantly reduced the odds of injury in horses of all age groups because of the effect in two-year-old horses (odds ratio (OR) 0.08; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02, 0.36; p < 0.001). Increasing total preparation length is associated with higher odds of injury in horses of all ages (OR 5.56; 95% CI 1.59, 19.46; p = 0.01), but particularly in two-year-old horses (OR 8.05; 95% CI 1.92, 33.76; p = 0.004). Increasing number of days exercised at a slow pace decreased the odds of injury in horses of all ages (OR 0.09; 95% CI 0.03, 0.28; p < 0.001). The distance travelled at three-quarter pace and above (faster than 13 m/s; 15 s/furlong; 800 m/min; 48 km/h) and the total distance travelled at a gallop (faster than 15 m/s; 13 s/furlong; 900 m/min; 55 km/h) in the past four weeks significantly affected the odds of injury. There was a non-linear association between high-speed exercise and injury whereby the odds of injury initially increased and subsequently decreased as accumulated high-speed exercise distance increased. None of the racing career and performance indices affected the odds of injury. We identified horses in this population that have particularly high odds of injury. Two-year-old horses from primiparous mares are at increased odds of injury, particularly dorsal metacarpal disease. Two-year-old horses that have had a total preparation length of between 10 and 14 weeks also have increased odds of injury. Horses of all ages that travelled a total distance of 2.4–3.8 km (12–19 furlongs) at a gallop in the last four weeks and horses three years and older that travelled 3.0–4.8 km (15–24 furlongs) at three-quarter pace and above also have increased odds of injury. We recommend that these horses should be monitored closely for impending signs of injury. Increasing the number of days worked at a slow pace may be more effective for preventing injury, if horses are perceived at a higher risk, than resting the horse altogether. Early identification of horses at increased risk and appropriate intervention could substantially reduce the impact of musculoskeletal injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses.

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Survival Analysis of Training Methodologies and Other Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Injury in 2-Year-Old Thoroughbred Racehorses in Queensland, Australia

Frontiers in Veterinary Science ◽

10.3389/fvets.2021.698298 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Kylie L. Crawford ◽

Anna Finnane ◽

Ristan M. Greer ◽

Tamsin S. Barnes ◽

Clive J. C. Phillips ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

High Speed ◽

Musculoskeletal Injury ◽

Musculoskeletal Injuries ◽

Close Monitoring ◽

Thoroughbred Racehorses ◽

Conflicting Evidence ◽

Training Methodologies ◽

Training Modalities ◽

The Impact

Musculoskeletal injuries remain a global problem for the Thoroughbred racing industry and there is conflicting evidence regarding the effect of age on the incidence of injuries. The ideal time to commence race training is strongly debated, with limited supporting literature. There is also conflicting evidence regarding the effect of high-speed exercise on musculoskeletal injuries. There is a strong interest in developing training and management strategies to reduce the frequency of injuries. The types of musculoskeletal injuries vary between 2-year-old and older horses, with dorsal metacarpal disease the most common injury in 2-year-old horses. It is likely that risk factors for injury in 2-year-old horses are different than those for older horses. It is also likely that the risk factors may vary between types of injury. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries and dorsal metacarpal disease. We report the findings of a large scale, prospective observational study of 2-year-old horses in Queensland, Australia. Data were collected weekly for 56-weeks, from 26 trainers, involving 535 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses, 1, 258 training preparations and 7, 512-weeks of exercise data. A causal approach was used to develop our statistical models, to build on the existing literature surrounding injury risk, by incorporating the previously established causal links into our analyses. Where previous data were not available, industry experts were consulted. Survival analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards or Weibull regression models. Analysis of musculoskeletal injuries overall revealed the hazard was reduced with increased exposure to high-speed exercise [Hazard ratio (HR) 0.89, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.84, 0.94, p < 0.001], increased number of training preparations (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.50, 0.67, p < 0.001), increased rest before the training preparation (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.83, 0.96, p = 0.003) and increased dam parity (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77, 0.97, p = 0.01). The hazard of injury was increased with increasing age that training commenced (HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.06, 1.19, p < 0.001). Analyses were then repeated with the outcome of interest dorsal metacarpal disease. Factors that were protective against dorsal metacarpal disease and musculoskeletal injuries overall included: increased total cumulative distance (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82, 0.97, p = 0.001) and total cumulative days exercised as a gallop (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92, 0.99, p = 0.03), the number of the training preparations (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.30, 0.61, p < 0.001). The age that training commenced was harmful for both dorsal metacarpal disease (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.07, 1.28, p < 0.001 and overall musculoskeletal injuries.). The use of non-ridden training modalities was protective for dorsal metacarpal disease (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81, 0.97, p = 0.008), but not musculoskeletal injuries overall. The male sex increased the hazard of DMD compared to females (HR 2.58, 95% CI 1.20, 5.56, p = 0.02), but not MSI overall. In summary, the hazard of musculoskeletal injury is greatest for 2-year-old horses that are born from uniparous mares, commence training at a later age, are in their first training preparation, have undertaken little high-speed exercise or had limited rest before their training preparation. The hazard of dorsal metacarpal disease is greatest for 2-year-old horses that are males, commence training at a later age, are in their first training preparation, have undertaken little high-speed exercise or had limited use of non-ridden training modalities. Close monitoring of these high-risk horses during their training program could substantially reduce the impact of MSI. Furthermore, an understanding of how training methodologies affect the hazard of MSI facilitates modification of training programs to mitigate the risk impact of injury. The strengths of this study include a large sample size, a well-defined study protocol and direct trainer interviews. The main limitation is the inherent susceptibility to survival bias.

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The Effect of Combined Training and Racing High-Speed Exercise History on Musculoskeletal Injuries in Thoroughbred Racehorses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Current Literature

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani10112091 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. 2091

Author(s):

Kylie L. Crawford ◽

Benjamin J. Ahern ◽

Nigel R. Perkins ◽

Clive J. C. Phillips ◽

Anna Finnane

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

High Speed ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Relevant Literature ◽

Musculoskeletal Injuries ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Combined Training ◽

Thoroughbred Racehorses ◽

Active Research ◽

The Impact

Despite over three decades of active research, musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) remain a global problem for the Thoroughbred (TB) racing industry. High-speed exercise history (HSEH) has been identified as an important risk factor for MSI. However, the nature of this relationship remains unclear, with an apparent protective effect of HSE against injury, before it becomes potentially harmful. Many MSI cases and fatalities occur during training rather than during racing, resulting in an underestimation of injury from studies focused on race day. The objective of this study was to examine the current evidence of the effect of combined training and racing HSEH on MSI in TB flat racehorses, through a systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic search of the relevant literature was performed using PubMed®, Scopus®, Web of Science®, and Embase® online databases and the gray literature using sites containing “.edu” or “.edu.au”. Studies included in the review had explored seven different measures of HSE, including total career HSE distance, cumulative HSE distance in the 30 and 60 days before MSI, average HSE distance per day, per event and per 30 days, and the total number of HSE events. The total cumulative career HSE distance significantly affected the odds of MSI, with every 5-furlong increase, the odds of MSI increased by 2% (OR = 1.02; 95% CI 1.01, 1.03; p = 0.004). The average HSE distance per day also affected the odds of MSI, with every additional furlong increasing the odds of MSI by 73% (OR = 1.73; 95% CI 1.29, 2.31; p < 0.001). Other measures of HSE were not found to be consistently associated with risk of MSI, but these results should be interpreted with caution. Significant methodological limitations were identified and influence the comparability of studies. Standardizing the measures of HSE in studies of MSI, and describing training conditions in more detail, would support a more thorough investigation of the relationship between HSE and MSI. An improved understanding of this relationship is critical to mitigating the impact of MSI in the Thoroughbred racehorse.

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A Prospective Study of Training Methods for Two-Year-Old Thoroughbred Racehorses in Queensland, Australia, and Analysis of the Differences in Training Methods between Trainers of Varying Stable Sizes

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11040928 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 928

Author(s):

Kylie L. Crawford ◽

Anna Finnane ◽

Ristan M. Greer ◽

Clive J. C. Phillips ◽

Emma L. Bishop ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prospective Study ◽

High Speed ◽

Musculoskeletal Injuries ◽

Training Data ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Rank Test ◽

Training Methods ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Thoroughbred Racehorses ◽

The Impact

Worldwide, musculoskeletal injuries remain a major problem for the Thoroughbred racing industry. There is a strong interest in developing training and management strategies to reduce the impact of musculoskeletal injuries, however, progress has been limited by studies reporting conflicting findings, and a limited understanding of the role of different training methods in preventing injury. There is little data on patterns of rest periods and exercise data and how these vary between trainers. This prospective study of two-year-old racehorses was conducted in Queensland, Australia and involved weekly personal structured interviews with 26 trainers over 56 weeks. Detailed daily exercise data for 535 horses providing 1258 training preparations and 7512 weeks at risk were collected. Trainers were categorised into three groups by the mean number of two-year-old horses that they had in work each week over the study duration: (1) Small stables with five or less, (2) Medium stables with 6 to 15 and (3) Large stables with greater than 15 horses in training. Differences between trainers with small, medium and large stable sizes were evaluated using linear regression, Kruskal–Wallis equality-of-populations rank test if linear models were mis-specified or Chi-squared tests for categorical variables. Significant differences were observed between trainers, with horses from larger stables accumulating a greater high-speed exercise volume (p < 0.001), attaining training milestones more frequently (p = 0.01) and taking less time to reach their training milestones (p = 0.001). This study provides detailed data to which training practices from other locations can be compared. Presenting actual training data rather than trainers’ estimation of a typical program provides a more accurate assessment of training practices. Understanding how training practices vary between regions improves comparability of studies investigating risk factors and is an important step towards reducing the impact of musculoskeletal injuries.

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Risk factors associated with musculoskeletal injuries in Australian Thoroughbred racehorses

Preventive Veterinary Medicine ◽

10.1016/s0167-5877(97)00009-3 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 32 (1-2) ◽

pp. 47-55 ◽

Cited By ~ 52

Author(s):

C.J. Bailey ◽

S.W.J. Reid ◽

D.R. Hodgson ◽

C.J. Suann ◽

R.J. Rose

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Musculoskeletal Injuries ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Thoroughbred Racehorses

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Abstract T P136: Potential Contributors to the Declining Impact of Stroke Risk Factors with Age: Implications for Stroke Epidemiology in the Elderly

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.45.suppl_1.tp136 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

George Howard ◽

Mary Cushman ◽

Maciej Banach ◽

Brett M Kissela ◽

David C Goff ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Stroke Risk ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

The Elderly ◽

Stroke Risk Factors ◽

Age Related ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Impact ◽

Age Related Changes

Purpose: The importance of stroke research in the elderly is increasing as America is “graying.” For most risk factors for most diseases (including stroke), the magnitude of association with incident events decreases at older ages. Potential changes in the impact of risk factors could be a “true” effect, or could be due to methodological issues such as age-related changes in residual confounding. Methods: REGARDS followed 27,748 stroke-free participants age 45 and over for an average of 5.3 years, during which 715 incident strokes occurred. The association of the “Framingham” risk factors (hypertension [HTN], diabetes, smoking, AFib, LVH and heart disease) with incident stroke risk was assessed in age strata of 45-64 (Young), 65-74 (Middle), and 75+ (Old). For those with and without an “index” risk factor (e.g., HTN), the average number of “other” risk factors was calculated. Results: With the exception of AFib, there was a monotonic decrease in the magnitude of the impact across the age strata, with HTN, diabetes, smoking and LVH even becoming non-significant in the elderly (Figure 1). However, for most factors, the increasing prevalence of other risk factors with age impacts primarily those with the index risk factor absent (Figure 2, example HTN as the “index” risk factor). Discussion: The impact of stroke risk factors substantially declined at older ages. However, this decrease is partially attributable to increases in the prevalence of other risk factors among those without the index risk factor, as there was little change in the prevalence of other risk factors in those with the index risk factor. Hence, the impact of the index risk factor is attenuated by increased risk in the comparison group. If this phenomenon is active with latent risk factors, estimates from multivariable analysis will also decrease with age. A deeper understanding of age-related changes in the impact of risk factors is needed.

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Musculoskeletal Injuries Among Females in the Military: A Scoping Review

Military Medicine ◽

10.1093/milmed/usaa555 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Pauline Barbeau ◽

Alan Michaud ◽

Candyce Hamel ◽

Danielle Rice ◽

Becky Skidmore ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Stress Fractures ◽

Musculoskeletal Injuries ◽

Future Research ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Military Members ◽

The Military

ABSTRACT Introduction Musculoskeletal injuries (MSKi) are a common challenge for those in military careers. Compared to their male peers, reports indicate that female military members and recruits are at greater risk of suffering MSKi during training and deployment. The objectives of this study were to identify the types and causes of MSKi among female military personnel and to explore the various risk factors associated with MSKi. Materials and Methods A scoping review was conducted over a 4-month time frame of English language, peer-reviewed studies published from 1946 to 2019. Search strategies for major biomedical databases (e.g., MEDLINE; Embase Classic + Embase; and the following EBM Reviews—Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Health Technology Assessment, and the NHS Economic Evaluation Database) were developed by a senior medical information specialist and included 2,891 titles/abstracts. Study selection and data collection were designed according to the Population, Concept, and Context framework. Studies were included if the study population provided stratified data for females in a military context. Results From a total of 2,287 citations captured from the literature searches, 168 peer-reviewed publications (144 unique studies) were eligible for inclusion. Studies were identified from across 10 countries and published between 1977 and 2019. Study designs were primarily prospective and retrospective cohorts. Most studies assessed both prevalence/incidence and risk factors for MSKi (62.50%), with few studies assessing cause (13.69%). For MSKi of female recruits compared to active female members, the prevalence was higher (19.7%-58.3% vs. 5.5%-56.6%), but the incidence (0.02%-57.7% vs. 13.5%-71.9%) was lower. The incidence of stress fractures was found to be much higher in female recruits than in active members (1.6%-23.9% vs. 2.7%). For anthropometric risk factors, increased body fat was a predictor of MSKi, but not stress fractures. For physiological risk factors for both female military groups, being less physically fit, later menarche, and having no/irregular menses were predictors of MSKi and stress fractures. For biomechanical risk factors, among female recruits, longer tibial length and femoral neck diameter increased the risk of stress fractures, and low foot arch increased risk of an ankle sprain. For female active military members, differences in shoulder rotation and bone strength were associated with risk of MSKi. For biological sex, being female compared to male was associated with an increased risk of MSKi, stress fractures, and general injuries. The consequences of experiencing MSKi for active military included limited duties, time off, and discharge. For recruits, these included missed training days, limited duty days, and release. Conclusions This scoping review provides insight into the current state of the evidence regarding the types and causes of MSKi, as well as the factors that influence MSKi among females in the military. Future research endeavors should focus on randomized controlled trials examining training paradigms to see if women are more susceptible. The data presented in the scoping review could potentially be used to develop training strategies to mitigate some of the identified barriers that negatively impact women from pursuing careers in the military.

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High Rate of Fatal Overdose After Release from Prison In BC, Canada: A Data Linkage Study

International Journal for Population Data Science ◽

10.23889/ijpds.v5i5.1606 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (5) ◽

Author(s):

Stuart A Kinner ◽

Wenqi Gan ◽

Amanda Slaunwhite

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Target Population ◽

Linkage Study ◽

High Rate ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Overdose Death ◽

Fatal Overdose ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Impact ◽

Release From Prison

IntroductionThe province of BC, Canada is in the grips of a sustained overdose epidemic. People released from prison are at increased risk of fatal drug overdose, but the impact of the overdose epidemic on mortality after release from prison in BC is poorly understood. Few studies have been able to examine risk factors for overdose death in this population. Objectives and ApproachWe aimed to (a) measure risk of overdose-related and all-cause death in different time periods after release from prison; and (b) identify risk factors for overdose-related and all-cause death. In a random 20% sample of the population of BC, Canada, we identified those released from prison 2015-2017 and examined linked health and correctional records for this cohort. ResultsOf 6106 persons released from prison 2015-2017, 77 (1.3%) died from any cause and 48 (0.8%) died from overdose 2015-2017. The incidence of all-cause death was 16.1 (95%CI 13.7-18.8) per 1000 person years, and the incidence of overdose death was 11.2 (95%CI 9.2-13.5) per 1000 person years. Risk factors for overdose death included a history of 3 or more incarcerations (HR=3.00, 95%CI 1.67-5.39), co-occurring substance use disorder and mental illness (HR=4.73, 95%CI 2.94-7.62), chronic physical morbidity (HR=3.10, 95%CI 1.97-4.88), and being dispensed benzodiazepines (HR=3.31, 95%CI 2.27-4.84) or opioids for pain (HR=6.77, 95%CI 3.86-11.89). The incidence of fatal overdose was significantly higher in the first two weeks post-release than at any other time during follow-up. ConclusionPeople released from prison in BC are at markedly increased risk of preventable death, mainly due to overdose. As such, people transitioning from prison to the community should be a key target population for overdose prevention efforts. To be maximally effective, these efforts must go beyond provision of methadone and naloxone on release, to consider physical and mental health comorbidities, and psychosocial disadvantage.

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575. Evaluation of Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus Infections

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofz360.644 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. S271-S271

Author(s):

Gauri Chauhan ◽

Nikunj M Vyas ◽

Todd P Levin ◽

Sungwook Kim

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Hospital Mortality ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Subgroup Analysis ◽

Term Care ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Increased Risk ◽

History Of ◽

Vancomycin Resistant ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) occurs with enhanced frequency in hospitalized patients and are usually associated with poor clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors and clinical outcomes of patients with VRE infections. Methods This study was an IRB-approved multi-center retrospective chart review conducted at a three-hospital health system between August 2016-November 2018. Inclusion criteria were patients ≥18 years and admitted for ≥24 hours with cultures positive for VRE. Patients pregnant or colonized with VRE were excluded. The primary endpoint was to analyze the association of potential risk factors with all-cause in-hospital mortality (ACM) and 30-day readmission. The subgroup analysis focused on the association of risk factors with VRE bacteremia. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate the impact of different treatment groups of high dose daptomycin (HDD) (≥10 mg/kg/day) vs. low dose daptomycin (LDD) (< 10 mg/kg/day) vs. linezolid (LZD) on ACM and 30-day readmission. Subgroup analysis focused on the difference of length of stay (LOS), length of therapy (LOT), duration of bacteremia (DOB) and clinical success (CS) between the treatment groups. Results There were 81 patients included for analysis; overall mortality was observed at 16%. Utilizing multivariate logistic regression analyses, patients presenting from long-term care facilities (LTCF) were found to have increased risk for mortality (OR 4.125, 95% CI 1.149–14.814). No specific risk factors were associated with 30-day readmission. Patients with previous exposure to fluoroquinolones (FQ) and cephalosporins (CPS), nosocomial exposure and history of heart failure (HF) showed association with VRE bacteremia. ACM was similar between HDD vs. LDD vs. LZD (16.7% vs. 15.4% vs. 0%, P = 0.52). No differences were seen between LOS, LOT, CS, and DOB between the groups. Conclusion Admission from LTCFs was a risk factor associated with in-hospital mortality in VRE patients. Individuals with history of FQ, CPS and nosocomial exposure as well as history of HF showed increased risk of acquiring VRE bacteremia. There was no difference in ACM, LOS, LOT, and DOB between HDD, LDD and LZD. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

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The Potential Therapeutic Value of Medicinal Plants in the Management of Metabolic Disorders

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules25112669 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (11) ◽

pp. 2669 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Trevor T. Nyakudya ◽

Thulani Tshabalala ◽

Rachael Dangarembizi ◽

Kennedy H. Erlwanger ◽

Ashwell R. Ndhlala

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Medicinal Plants ◽

South African ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Well Being ◽

High Energy ◽

Biologically Active ◽

Potential Health ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Impact

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a prevalent, multifactorial and complex disease that is associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes and other major cardiovascular complications. The rise in the global prevalence of MetS has been attributed to genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. The adoption of sedentary lifestyles that are characterized by low physical activity and the consumption of high-energy diets contributes to MetS development. Current management criteria for MetS risk factors involve changes in lifestyle and the use of pharmacological agents that target specific biochemical pathways involved in the metabolism of nutrients. Pharmaceutical drugs are usually expensive and are associated with several undesirable side effects. Alternative management strategies of MetS risk factors involve the use of medicinal plants that are considered to have multiple therapeutic targets and are easily accessible. Medicinal plants contain several different biologically active compounds that provide health benefits. The impact of phytochemicals present in local medicinal plants on sustainable health and well-being of individuals has been studied for many years and found to involve a plethora of complex biochemical, metabolic, and physiological mechanisms. While some of these phytochemicals are the basis of mainstream prescribed drugs (e.g., metformin, reserpine, quinine, and salicin), there is a need to identify more medicinal plants that can be used for the management of components of MetS and to describe their possible mechanisms of action. In this review, we assess the potential health benefits of South African ethnomedicinal plants in protecting against the development of health outcomes associated with MetS. We aim to provide the state of the current knowledge on the use of medicinal plants and their therapeutically important phytochemicals by discussing the current trends, with critical examples from recent primary references of how medicinal plants are being used in South African rural and urban communities.

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Preseason Strength Assessment of the Rotator Muscles and Shoulder Injury in Handball Players

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-216-16 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 53 (2) ◽

pp. 174-180 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Bénédicte Forthomme ◽

Jean-Louis Croisier ◽

François Delvaux ◽

Jean-François Kaux ◽

Jean-Michel Crielaard ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

High Speed ◽

Protective Factor ◽

Traumatic Injury ◽

Shoulder Injury ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Strength Assessment ◽

Team Handball ◽

Increased Risk

Context: Few researchers have identified intrinsic risk factors for shoulder injury in team handball players by analyzing measurements of maximal isokinetic rotator muscle strength. Objective: To identify possible intrinsic risk factors for shoulder injury by analyzing measurements of maximal isokinetic rotator muscle strength. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Male team handball senior divisions (the highest level) in France and Belgium. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 108 male high-level handball players (age = 24 ± 4 years, height = 189 ± 6 cm, mass = 87 ± 11 kg) were enrolled. Main Outcome Measure(s): All players completed a preseason questionnaire and performed a bilateral isokinetic assessment of the shoulder rotator muscles. On a monthly questionnaire, players reported any shoulder injury that they sustained during the season. Results: On the preseason questionnaire, 51 of 108 (47%) participants reported a history of dominant-shoulder injury. A total of 106 participants completed the in-season questionnaire, with 22% (n = 23) reporting a shoulder injury on their dominant side during the subsequent season. Fourteen percent (n = 15) sustained microtraumatic injuries, and 8% (n = 8) described a traumatic injury. Backcourt players had a 3.5-times increased risk of injury during the new season compared with players in other positions. Among the isokinetic results, no risk factor for further injury was identified in handball players with microtraumatic injuries. For traumatic injuries, the concentric maximal strength developed by the internal rotators at high speed (240°/s) in the dominant shoulder was a protective factor against the risk of further injury. Conclusions: These results can potentially identify intrinsic risk factors for shoulder injury and may be used to determine potential interventions for reducing this risk in handball players.

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