Redox Status of Professional Soccer Players is Influenced by Training Load Throughout a Season.

The purpose of this study was to follow-up the variation of pro-/antioxidant status throughout a whole season in elite professional soccer players from the French league (n=19, 18.3±0.6 years) and to examine a possible link between these variations and training load. 5 time points (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5) were proposed to surround crucial periods of training during the whole season: the pre-season training/mid-season periods (T1-T2 and T3-T4), the championship or in-season periods (T2-T3 and T4-T5). At these times, blood samples were collected to measure pro-/antioxidant status (in erythrocytes: the ratio of reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, in plasma: alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene), and dietary intakes were also recorded. Training loads were quantified by the rating of perceived exertion method weekly throughout the season. Pro-/antioxidant-related measurements showed no modifications except for GSH/GSSG ratio, which evolved significantly between season periods: from 36.43±4.15 (T1) to 115.99±16.43 (T2) to 91.64±21.24 (T3) to 202.29±29.26 (T4) to 59.61±14.61 (T5). We observed a significant correlation (r(2)=0.84) between changes in GSH/GSSH ratio and cumulated mean training loads. In conclusion, these results suggest that the redox status of professional soccer players is altered according to training period (in-season periods) and that GSH/GSSH ratio variations are correlated with cumulated training loads.

[Rating scores for ACL ligamentoplasty]. / Les grilles d'évaluations dans la ligamentoplastie du LCA.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, results of surgery for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) have been systematically assessed. Several scales have been developed, but for most rigorous validation is lacking. METHODOLOGY: We reviewed reports of published scales for ACL surgery and compared their psychometric properties. We searched the MedLine and Cochrane databases with the key words anterior cruciate ligament, surgery, and rating score. A scale was reviewed if its reliability, validity, and responsiveness were reported at least once. RESULTS: We reviewed four scales (Lysholm and Tegner, Cincinnati, IKDC, and Koos). Test-retest reliability was good, except for the IKDC. For all scales, construct validity could not been ascertained. Responsiveness was acceptable and of the same magnitude for the Lysholm and Tegner, and Cincinnati scales. CONCLUSION: None of the scales had sufficient psychometric properties and all seemed too complicated for routine use. Validation of a simple scale is needed. Psychometric properties of the last version of the IKDC (IKDC 2000) and the Cincinnati scales should be studied.

[Impact of functional restoration programs on fears, avoidance and beliefs in chronic low back pain patients]. / Impact de programmes de restauration fonctionnelle sur les peurs, croyances et conduites d'évitement du lombalgique chronique.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of functional restoration programs on fears, avoidance and beliefs in chronic low back pain. METHODS: Open prospective study in eight spine centers. Seventy patients enrolled in several restoration programs were evaluated before and at the end of the program. Variables recorded were pain (VAS), disability (Quebec back pain disability scale), handicap (VAS), anxiety and depression (HAD scale), and fears, avoidance and beliefs (FABQ). RESULTS: All variables recorded significantly improved at the end of the programs except for fears about professional activities (FABQ1) and lumbar mobility. Fears about physical activities (FABQ2) significantly decreased after these programs. Variations in FABQ1 and FABQ2 scores were not correlated with variations in scores of outcome measures assessing impairment, disability, and handicap. CONCLUSION: Functional restoration programs in their current form in France do not decrease fears and beliefs about professional activities in chronic low back pain patients. Adding psychosocial intervention at the work place to the functional restoration programs may lead to a better impact on fears about work thus reducing work loss.