Sports Medicine

Latest Clinical Research Published by ACSM No abstract available

The Female Athlete Triad, Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, and the Male Athlete Triad: The Exploration of Low-Energy Syndromes in Athletes No abstract available

Establishing a Global Standard for Wearable Devices in Sport and Fitness: Perspectives from the New England Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine Members The recent explosion of wearable technology and the associated concerns prompted the International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) to create a quality assurance standard for wearable devices, which provides commissioned testing of marketing claims and endorsement of commercial wearables that test favorably. An open forum as announced in the conference advertising was held at the Annual Meeting of the New England Regional Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (NEACSM) November 7 to 8, 2019, in Providence, Rhode Island, USA for attending NEACSM members to voice their input on the process. Herein, we report the proceedings. The round table participants perceived the quality assurance standard to be important, but identified some practical process challenges that included the broad scope and complexity of the device universe, the need for a multiphase testing pathway, and the associated fees for product evaluation. The participants also supported the evaluation of device data analysis, behavioral influences, and user experience in the overall evaluation. Looking forward, the FIMS quality assurance standard faces the challenge of balancing these broader perspectives with practical constraints of budget, facilities, time, and human resources.

Wellness and Life Balance for Sports Medicine Physicians: Recognizing Physician Burnout No abstract available

Pulmonary Embolism in a Collegiate Softball Athlete: A Case Report No abstract available

Musculoskeletal Preparticipation Physical Evaluation—Does it Lead to Decreased Musculoskeletal Morbidity? A preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE) is a requirement that many athletes must complete before participating in organized sports. Currently, the traditional musculoskeletal (MSK) portion of the PPE lacks robust evidence to support its ability to accurately predict those at greater risk for MSK injury. Functional movement testing has garnered attention for potential use in the PPE having shown some promise for greater sensitivity at identifying those at greater risk for MSK injury. Despite the widespread use of MSK PPE screening to identify athletes at greater risk for MSK injury, there is no significant evidence demonstrating that subsequent interventions result in decreased MSK injury.

Optimizing Health, Wellness, and Performance of the Tactical Athlete Tactical athletes are individuals in service occupations with significant physical fitness and performance requirements such as law enforcement, firefighters, emergency responders, and military service members. Tactical athletes also may have specific administrative requirements related to documenting physical injuries. Musculoskeletal injuries are a large burden on the tactical athlete population, with incident rates varying based on the specific profession. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is difficult to manage in the tactical athlete population due to their limited ability to reduce impact activities and poor surgical outcomes. Botulinum neurotoxin-A and gait retraining show promise as alternative treatments for CECS. Heat injuries are frequent in the tactical athlete populations, and a graduated return to play process helps to prevent morbidity. Management of musculoskeletal injuries in tactical athletes requires consideration of operational schedules and adequate reconditioning, in addition to traditional injury evaluation.

Shifting Focus: A Clinician's Guide to Understanding Neuroplasticity for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rehabilitation Neuroplasticity after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury has lingering effects throughout rehabilitation and can influence reinjury risk upon returning to sport if not addressed. Various neural compensatory strategies have been identified following ACL injury, which appear to not be rectified with typical therapy. Thus, further consideration is warranted, addressing the neurophysiologic and neurocognitive aspects of injury when developing a rehabilitation program. Integration of external focus of control strategies, neurocognition, motor planning, unanticipated sensory processing, and load management provide an efficient and effective method for improving motor learning and control throughout the rehabilitation process. Rehabilitation exercises that incorporate unique sports-specific challenges can target the visual processing and anticipatory reaction components of motor control to reduce motor errors that increase injury risk when returning to activity. The neurocognitive demands of returning to sport of efficient decision making and motor patterning amid a rapidly changing competitive environment require novel and clinically implemental strategies.

Thyroid Function and Nutrient Status in the Athlete Thyroid disease is common in the general population, especially in women, and also may be prevalent among athletes. Autoimmune disorders are the most common cause of thyroid disorders in countries with iodine-fortification programs; however, thyroid dysfunction can be brought on by nutritional factors, including insufficient energy intake and iodine, selenium, iron, and vitamin D deficiency. Additionally, strenuous exercise may be associated with transient alterations in thyroid hormones. While the development of thyroid related disorders has the potential to impact health and peak performance, typical clinical manifestations are highly variable, lack specificity, and are frequently confused with other health problems. The assessment process should focus on anthropometric changes, biochemical tests (thyroid panel), personal and family history, examination for appropriate signs and symptoms, and diet and environmental assessment that includes adequacy of energy, iodine, iron, selenium, and vitamin D intake/status along with excess stress and exposure to environmental contaminants and dietary goitrogens.

Letter to the Editor No abstract available