Postural Control and Functional Ankle Stability in Professional and Amateur Skateboarders

Basic maneuvers in skateboarding, such as the ollie, put the player at high risk for ankle injuries because of the position of the feet required to perform the maneuvers. This study investigated ankle stability and reaction time for the tibialis anterior, fibularis longus, and fibularis brevis in professional and amateur skateboarders. In total, 16 professional and 16 amateur skateboarders were recruited as participants and underwent range of motion assessments, balance testing, and muscle reaction time measurements. The results revealed that professional skateboarders had a significantly smaller inversion angle compared to amateur players, which suggested better joint control and hence greater safety in the former. Balance testing results indicated better balance in professional skateboarders, and healthy skateboarders had better balance than did injured professional and amateur skateboarders. No significant difference in muscle reaction time was observed between amateur and professional skateboarders.

Preventive technologies in geriatrics: focus on falls

Falls predict functional status declines in old age and institutionalization. Among the causes of the falls are sensory deficits, cognitive impairment, chronic diseases such as cardiovascular, endocrine diseases, musculoskeletal system pathology, the use of sedatives, antihypertensive drugs, neuroleptics and diuretics, as well as external causes, including inappropriate aids. The optimal diagnostic method in this case is a comprehensive geriatric assessment, which allows for focused history taking, detailing the circumstances of the fall, identification of risk factors and assessment of consequences, the gait and balance testing, determination of the lower limbs and joints functions are hold in the course of CGA along with orthostatic test that detects sensory deficits. Additional measures of mandatory recommendations should be a discussion of rational nutrition, with an emphasis on adequate intake of protein with food and fluids as prevention.

Accumulative Competitive Season Training Stress Affects Neuromuscular Function and Increases Injury Risk in Uninjured D1 Female Athletes

Previous research has shown that acute competition training stress negatively affects neuromuscular function which can perpetuate a predisposition to injury. This study's aim was to investigate the effect of accumulated competition training stress effect on neuromuscular function and incidence of increased injury risk in uninjured female D1 soccer players. Neuromuscular function was evaluated in fifteen female division I soccer athletes who played >85% of competitive season competitions who were tested for mobility/stability, leg length symmetry, and vertical power at three different points across the competitive season (pre, mid, and post time blocks). Leg length symmetry was measured from the anterior superior iliac spine to the lateral malleolus prior to Y-balance testing. The Y-balance testing measures unilateral anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral reach achieved in single leg stance using metrics that include L/R normalized composite reach (NCOMP), L/R normalized antiorior reach (NANT), and L/R NCOMP/NANT segmental differences across time. Injury risk was evaluated using validated objective criteria that included: (NCOMP total reach <94% of limb length*3), (NANT reach distance <84% leg length) along with NCOMP and NANT asymmetries >4.0. Maximal vertical power (MVP) was measured via vertical jump. Multiple repeated measures ANOVAs evaluated NCOMP, NANT, MVP, and leg length symmetry across time with LSD post hoc testing when relevant (X ± SD). A significant main effect was found [F(1, 14) = 62.92, p < 0.001; η2 =0.82] with training stress and neuromuscular function without affecting maximal vertical power. Eighty percent of subject's bilateral NCOMP scores fell below the YBT reach standard at midseason (ES = 0.95, p = 0.02) while all subjects NANT reach distance remained below the reach threshold (ES = 0.74, p = 0.003) indicating a 6.5× and 2.5× greater injury risk, respectively. Competition stress affected neuromuscular function without affecting maximal power, which negatively impacted stability and increased injury risk.

The BAND Test: Improving Reliability and Balance Testing for People with Neurocognitive Impairments: A Pilot Study

People with neurocognitive impairments have a higher risk of falls compared to other older adults and require specific cues for evaluation. Additional options for balance testing is necessary to improve reliability and assessment of fall risk. This study established the efficacy of the novel Balance Assessment for Neurocognitive Deficits (BAND) in order to improve measurement of fall risk for people with neurocognitive impairments. The BAND was analyzed for construct validity and reliability through comparison with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Older adults with neurocognitive impairments (n=15) in subacute and long-term settings performed BAND and BBS assessments during therapy. Clinicians determined ambulation assistance, fall risk, and time. Calculation of intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC95) values was completed. Corresponding ICC values were 0.985 (95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.956-0.995) for test-retest reliability and 0.995 (95% CI, 0.985-0.998) for inter-rater reliability. Other values included SEM=0.79 and MDC95=2.18. A linear-regression graph including Pearson’s coefficient (r) demonstrated validity through comparing BAND and BBS and showed a strong correlation (r=0.94, 95% CI, 0.825-0.98). A Bland-Altman plot was created to assess agreement between clinicians, and the mean difference was 0.2667 with 95% limits of agreement (-0.897 to 1.430). The BAND demonstrated excellent reliability and agreement for clinicians providing the test. Further research is necessary to compare the BAND with additional assessments and to demonstrate the utility in expanded populations including the community.