ABSTRACT
T1WI [T1 weighted image] was acquired in order to grade bone fusion following the studies by FIFA [Federation Internationale de Football Associations]. Research using images other than T1WI has not been reported. The aim of this study is to evaluate the grade of epiphyseal fusion by T2* weighted images [T2*WI] and to investigate new findings on T2*WI as compared with T1WI. A total of 87 subjects, all junior football players between the ages of 12 and 17 years old, were examined. T1 and T2* WI were obtained using a 1.2T Open type MR system. The T1WI and T2*WI were rated twice randomly by four radiologists using the FIFA grading system. The intra-rater reliability for grading was higher in T1WI [The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient [ICC]=0.949-0.985] than in T2*WI [ICC=0.917-0.943]. The inter-rater reliability for grading was also higher in T1WI [ICC=0.923] than in T2*WI [ICC=0.867]. This research showed that T1WI is a better sequence than T2*WI to evaluate bone fusion following FIFA protocol. It was speculated that the reason for this is that T1WI has higher tissue contrast resolution and enables clearer images of the epiphyseal fusion than T2*WI and the grading system by T1WI was not suitable for T2*WI
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Wrist/diagnostic imaging , Athletes , FootballABSTRACT
[Objective] The aim of this investigation was to evaluate salivary dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) responses during a competitive period among female football players.<BR>[Methods] Subjects were college female football players (n=9) . Saliva and blood samples were collected at 18 : 00 (6 : 00 pm) and the profile of mood state (POMS) was recorded during a period of normal training (Pre), 3 days of competition (Competition), and a recovery period (Post) . Levels of salivary DHEA, cortisol, and serum creatin kinase (CK), urea nitorogen (UN), were determined.<BR>[Results] The levels of salivary DHEA significantly increased during competition (2 nd days) compared with Pre (p<0.05), and significantly decreased after competition compared with Pre (p<0.05) . The levels of salivary cortisol significantly increased during the competition (2 nd and 3 rd days) compared with Pre (p<0.05) . Whereas it decreased after competition compared with Pre. The levels of serum CK significantly increased during the competition (2 nd days) compared with Pre (p<0.05) . The levels of serum UN did not change during the study. The fatigue score of POMS significantly increased during competition (2 nd days) compared with Pre (p<0.05) .<BR>[Conclusion] These data suggest that DHEA could be a useful endocrinological indicator for evaluating training status in female athletes.