scholarly journals Consensus Definition of Sport Specialization in Youth Athletes Using a Delphi Approach

Author(s):  
David R. Bell ◽  
Traci Snedden ◽  
Kevin Biese ◽  
Evan Nelson ◽  
Andrew Watson ◽  
...  

Context: A single, widely accepted definition of sport specialization does not exist. A consensus definition is necessary to guide youth sport stakeholders on issues associated with sport specialization. Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a consensus definition of youth sport specialization and to identify elements that support the construct of specialization. Design: Delphi Study Setting: Directed Surveys Patients or Other Participants: A consensus panel of 17 experts was created to provide a broad multidisciplinary perspective on sport specialization in youth athletes. Data Collection and Analysis: The final definition was developed per an iterative process that involved four rounds of review. A comprehensive review of literature and expert input supported our initial proposed umbrella definition that included six additional elements. The study team reviewed the results after each round and changes were made to the definition based on panel feedback. Main Outcome Measure(s): Panel members were provided with the definition and six elements and then asked to rate each specific to importance, relevance, and clarity using a 4-point Likert scale. Results: In four Delphi consensus rounds, 17 experts reviewed the umbrella definition and six elements before consensus was reached. The umbrella definition and three of the initial six elements achieved >80% agreement for importance, relevance, and clarity after the fourth round of review. The remaining 3 components did not reach >80% agreement even after iterative edits and were removed. The process resulted in a final consensus definition: Sport specialization is intentional and focused participation in a single sport for a majority of the year that restricts opportunities for engagement in other sports and activities. Conclusions: A consensus-based conceptual definition for sport specialization has been developed using a Delphi method. This definition has important implications for clinicians and sports medicine professionals who support youth athletes.

2021 ◽  
Vol 55 (16) ◽  
pp. 941.1-941
Author(s):  
HC Rhim ◽  
SJ Kim ◽  
JS Jeon ◽  
HW Nam ◽  
KM Jang

AimsRunning is the oldest form of exercise in human history and the most popular exercise in the world.1 While running can improve physical fitness and reduce chronic health problems such as obesity and cardiovascular disease, it is also associated with injuries in lower extremities.2 However, because there was no consensus definition of running-related injury, the prevalence and incidence of running-related injuries had been reported to vary between 19% and 92%.3 Moreover, epidemiology of running-related injuries in Asian populations has been rarely investigated. Therefore, this study was first to use the consensus definition of running-related injuries published in 20153 and investigated the epidemiology of running-related injuries in the Korean population.MethodsIn cross-sectional design, an online survey was circulated among various running communities in Korea. The questionnaire contained information on presence and location of pain attributed to running, demographic characteristics, weekly running mileage, training intensity, running pace, type of shoes, foot strike, reason for running, and exercise experience prior to running.ResultsAmong 1046 runners (male=624, female 422) who responded, 94.7% experienced some kind of pain while running, but only 37% were categorized to have running-related injuries. The most common site of injury was the knee followed by ankle. Exercise experience prior to running (OR 1.57 95% CI 1.13–2.21), setting of specific running goals (OR 1.57 95% CI 1.08–2.27), and mileage increases from 20–30 km to 30–40 km (OR 1.66 95% CI 1.06–2.63) were associated with significant increases in running-related injuries.ConclusionIn order to avoid running-related injuries, runners should be careful in increasing weekly mileage. Moreover, runners with previous exercise experience may need to approach running more cautiously. Setting goals may be motivating but at the same time can increase the risk of running-related injuries.ReferencesVidebæk S, Bueno AM, Nielsen RO, Rasmussen S. Incidence of running-related injuries per 1000 h of running in different types of runners: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports medicine 2015;45(7):1017–26.Van Gent R, Siem D, van Middelkoop M, Van Os A, Bierma-Zeinstra S, Koes B. Incidence and determinants of lower extremity running injuries in long distance runners: a systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2007;41(8):469–80.Yamato TP, Saragiotto BT, Lopes AD. A consensus definition of running-related injury in recreational runners: a modified Delphi approach. Journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy 2015;45(5):375–80.


2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Giagio ◽  
Andrea Turolla ◽  
Tiziano Innocenti ◽  
Stefano Salvioli ◽  
Giulia Gava ◽  
...  

Background/aim: Several epidemiological studies have found a high prevalence of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD) among female athletes. However, according to several authors, these data could even be underestimated, both in research and clinical practice. Screening for potential PFD is often delayed and risk factors are not often evaluated. As a consequence, withdrawal from sport, negative influence on performance, worsening symptoms and unrecognized diagnosis may occur. The aim of our research is to develop a screening tool for pelvic floor dysfunction in female athletes useful for clinicians (musculoskeletal/sport physiotherapists, sports medicine physicians, team physicians) to guide referral to a PFD expert (e.g. pelvic floor/women's health physiotherapist, gynecologist, uro-gynecologist, urologist). Methods: A 2-round modified Delphi study will be conducted to ascertain expert opinion on which combination of variables and risk factors should be included in the screening tool. Conclusion: The implementation of the present screening tool into clinical practice may facilitate the referral to a PFD expert for further assessment of the pelvic floor and therefore, to identify potential dysfunction and, eventually, the related treatment pathway.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maggie Lawrence ◽  
Eric Asaba ◽  
Elaine Duncan ◽  
Marie Elf ◽  
Gunilla Eriksson ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective Evidence supporting lifestyle modification in vascular risk reduction is limited, drawn largely from primary prevention studies. To advance the evidence base for non-pharmacological and non-surgical stroke secondary prevention (SSP), empirical research is needed, informed by a consensus-derived definition of SSP. To date, no such definition has been published. We used Delphi methods to generate an evidence-based definition of non-pharmacological and non-surgical SSP. Results The 16 participants were members of INSsPiRE (International Network of Stroke Secondary Prevention Researchers), a multidisciplinary group of trialists, academics and clinicians. The Elicitation stage identified 49 key elements, grouped into 3 overarching domains: Risk factors, Education, and Theory before being subjected to iterative stages of elicitation, ranking, discussion, and anonymous voting. In the Action stage, following an experience-based engagement with key stakeholders, a consensus-derived definition, complementing current pharmacological and surgical SSP pathways, was finalised: Non-pharmacological and non-surgical stroke secondary prevention supports and improves long-term health and well-being in everyday life and reduces the risk of another stroke, by drawing from a spectrum of theoretically informed interventions and educational strategies. Interventions to self-manage modifiable lifestyle risk factors are contextualized and individualized to the capacities, needs, and personally meaningful priorities of individuals with stroke and their families.


2021 ◽  
pp. 00399-2021
Author(s):  
Letizia Traversi ◽  
Marc Miravitlles ◽  
Miguel Angel Martinez-Garcia ◽  
Michal Shteinberg ◽  
Apostolos Bossios ◽  
...  

IntroductionThe coexistence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis (BE) seems to be common and associated with a worse prognosis than for either disease individually. However, no definition of this association exists to guide researchers and clinicians.MethodsWe conducted a Delphi survey involving expert pulmonologists and radiologists from Europe, Turkey and Israel in order to define the “COPD-BE association”.A panel of 16 experts from EMBARC selected 35 statements for the survey after reviewing scientific literature. Invited participants, selected on the basis of expertise, geographical and gender distribution, were asked to express agreement on the statements. Consensus was defined as a score of ≥6 points (scale 0 to 9) in ≥70% of answers across two scoring rounds.ResultsA-hundred-and-two (72.3%) out of 141 invited experts participated the first round. Their response rate in the second round was 81%. The final consensus definition of “COPD-BE association” was: “The coexistence of (1) specific radiological findings (abnormal bronchial dilatation, airways visible within 1 cm of pleura and/or lack of tapering sign in ≥1 pulmonary segment and in >1 lobe) with (2) an obstructive pattern on spirometry (FEV1/FVC<0.7), (3) at least two characteristic symptoms (cough, expectoration, dyspnoea, fatigue, frequent infections) and (4) current or past exposure to smoke (≥10 pack-years) or other toxic agents (biomass, etc.)”. These criteria form the acronym “ROSE” (Radiology, Obstruction, Symptoms, Exposure).ConclusionsThe Delphi process formulated a European consensus definition of “COPD-BE association”. We hope this definition will have broad applicability across clinical practice and research in the future.


2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (6) ◽  
pp. 1793-1806
Author(s):  
Ingrid Singer ◽  
Inge S. Klatte ◽  
Marlies Welbie ◽  
Ingrid C. Cnossen ◽  
Ellen Gerrits

Purpose Our aim was to develop consensus on the definition and operationalization of communicative participation (CP) in 2- to 8-year-old children with language disorders (LDs). A clear definition and operationalization can facilitate the discussion about children's communication problems in daily life between parents and professionals. Method In an online Delphi study, anonymized thoughts and opinions were collected on the definition and operationalization of CP in young children with LD. The 47 Delphi panel members were Dutch parents, young adults with LDs, teachers and assistants, speech-language pathologists, clinical linguists, and clinical researchers. Thematic content analysis was used to develop a concept definition and items operationalizing CP. The Delphi panel rated the suitability of concept definitions using a 7-point Likert scale. Concept definitions were revised with feedback from the Delphi panel until consensus was achieved. The Delphi panel rated items on how well they operationalize CP, using the same Likert scale. Results The majority (79%) of the Delphi panel indicated that the essence of CP was captured by the definition: “CP is understanding and being understood in a social context, by applying verbal and non-verbal communication skills.” In addition, 33 behavioral items were developed. Conclusion This study resulted in strong consensus on the definition of CP between Dutch parents and professionals. Items were developed that can inform speech-language pathologists on the type of questions to ask a child's parents or teacher when discussing CP. Further research is needed on how the items can best be used in clinical practice.


2015 ◽  
Vol 78 (11) ◽  
pp. 697-705 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Zamir Che Daud ◽  
Matthew K Yau ◽  
Fiona Barnett

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sungwon Kim ◽  
Daniel P Connaughton ◽  
Robert F Leeman ◽  
Jong Hoon Lee

Mild traumatic brain injury, commonly known as a concussion, has gained widespread public attention. Approximately 1.1 to 1.9 million children ≤18 years old suffer sport/recreation-related concussions in the U.S. annually. The purpose of this review was to assess research articles examining concussion knowledge of youth sport athletes, coaches and parents. Twenty-one articles published from 2009-2016 were selected. The results of this review suggest that most athletes, coaches, and parents had good knowledge regarding the definition of a concussion, common signs/symptoms, and complications from repeated concussions, while most stakeholders had moderate knowledge about the causes, prevalence, and return-to-play guidelines. However, the majority of respondents did not correctly identify the emotional signs/symptoms associated with concussions, and did not know that youth concussions should be managed more conservatively than adult concussions. Notable knowledge gaps were found among youth athletes and parents compared to coaches. Suggestions to improve these youth sport stakeholders’ concussion knowledge are provided.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
A. Casellas-Grau ◽  
C. Jordán de Luna ◽  
J. Maté ◽  
C. Ochoa ◽  
E.C. Sumalla ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective Cancer is one of the biggest health challenges of our times, affecting all the personal areas of a patient. The interrelationships between these areas and the need for multidisciplinary care require the assessment of psychosocial complexity in cancer patients. The main aim of this study was to reach a consensus on the general definition of psychosocial complexity in cancer and its main elements according to the experts in the field. Method A Delphi study was performed, which first involved a comprehensive review of the literature to create a questionnaire that was validated by two expert panels. The first panel consisted of intra-institutional experts, while the second included extra-institutional experts in the field. The study included three more rounds: (1) validation of the questionnaire by the internal panel, (2) discussion of the results and resolving discrepancies, and (3) validation of the questionnaire by the external panel. Results After the four-round Delphi process, we obtained a consensus definition of psychosocial complexity in cancer patients, as well as of its main factors: medical–physical, social-family, psychological, and spiritual. A 21-indicators list and its 8-indicators brief version were also proposed as indicators of psychosocial complexity. Significance of results We present a definition of psychosocial complexity in cancer patients that has been agreed by experts, also establishing its four factors: medical–physical, social-family, psychological, and spiritual. This has led to the development of a list of indicators (and its brief version) that, after a validation process, could help health professionals to identify patients with high psychosocial complexity to provide them an optimal care.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Cukier ◽  
Manoj M. Lalu ◽  
Gregory L. Bryson ◽  
Kelly D. Cobey ◽  
Agnes Grudniewicz ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTBackgroundPosing as legitimate open access outlets, predatory journals and publishers threaten the integrity of academic publishing by not following publication best practices. Currently, there is no agreed upon definition of predatory journals, making it difficult for funders and academic institutions to generate practical guidance or policy to ensure their members do not publish in these channels.MethodsWe conducted a modified three-round Delphi survey of an international group of academics, funders, policy makers, journal editors, publishers and others, to generate a consensus definition of predatory journals and suggested ways the research community should respond to the problem.ResultsA total of 45 participants completed the survey on predatory journals and publishers. We reached consensus on 18 items out of a total of 33, to be included in a consensus definition of predatory journals and publishers. We came to consensus on educational outreach and policy initiatives on which to focus, including the development of a single checklist to detect predatory journals and publishers, and public funding to support research in this general area. We identified technological solutions to address the problem: a ‘one-stop-shop’ website to consolidate information on the topic and a ‘predatory journal research observatory’ to identify ongoing research and analysis about predatory journals/publishers.ConclusionsIn bringing together an international group of diverse stakeholders, we were able to use a modified Delphi process to inform the development of a definition of predatory journals and publishers. This definition will help institutions, funders and other stakeholders generate practical guidance on avoiding predatory journals and publishers.


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