Post-Activation Performance Enhancement of Punch Force and Neuromuscular Performance in Amateur Boxing: Toward a More Individualized and "Real-World" Approach.

ABSTRACT: Finlay, MJ, Greig, M, Bridge, CA, and Page, RM. Post-activation performance enhancement of punch force and neuromuscular performance in amateur boxing: Toward a more individualized and "real-world" approach. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): 1063-1071, 2024-Previous research on post-activation performance enhancement has been applied in several sporting settings, although this is lacking in a boxing setting. This study explored the effectiveness of 2 upper-body conditioning activities in improving punch-specific performance during an amateur boxing-simulated bout. On 3 separate occasions, 10 male senior elite amateur boxers performed the following conditioning activities before a boxing-specific simulation protocol: isometric (ISO) punch, elastic resistance (ER) punch, and a control trial. Boxers performed maximal punches against a vertically mounted force plate, and countermovement jumps (CMJ) at baseline, before round 1, after each round, and 4 minutes after the simulation. Both conditioning activities, but not the control trial, produced small worthwhile increases (effect size ≥ 0.20; equal to or greater than the smallest worthwhile change) in punch force, although worthwhile increases in rate of force development were limited to the cross during the ISO trial. No group-based improvements in CMJ performance were observed. Individual analysis revealed that 6 boxers improved punch-specific performance to the greatest extent in the ISO trial; in contrast, only 1 boxer did so in the ER trial. Three boxers exhibited similar performance increases across trials. In conclusion, both conditioning activities may be applied to an amateur boxer's warm-up to acutely enhance punch-specific performance. The ISO conditioning activity seems most effective; however, the interindividual variability suggests a need for protocols to be individualized to each athlete. The conditioning activities in the present study may be applied to sparring, competitive bouts, or to other combat sports.

The mechanical response to hockey-specific running gait: implications for the objective monitoring of (p)rehabilitation.

Field hockey is characterized by a unique dribbling position which has been associated with a prevalence of low back pain and lumbar injury. To quantify the biomechanical response of the hockey-specific running gait, twelve field hockey players completed treadmill running at speeds of 6, 9 and 12 km·hr-1 with a normal running gait and whilst manipulating the hockey stick to replicate dribbling. Mechanical loading was quantified using tri-axial accelerometery at L4, and muscular activity was measured for biceps femoris (BF), gluteus medius (GM) and quadratus lumborum (QL) of each limb. Running with the stick elicited greater mechanical loading in the medio-lateral (p = 0.001) and antero-posterior (p = 0.003) planes, and increased peak (p = 0.004) and mean (p = 0.002) EMG response of QL (p = 0.004). The greater planar mechanical loading and QL activation in response to hockey-specific running technique support epidemiological observations of lower back pain prevalence. The sensitivity of uni-axial mechanical loading to the hockey-specific running posture provides an efficacious means of objectively monitoring mechanical loading in-vivo, whilst the QL activation response has implications for (p)rehabilitative interventions. Running posture and speed can be considered as discrete progressions when considering training load.

Exploring the issue of 'functionality' in isokinetic dynamometry.

Strength is a primary and modifiable contributor to performance, injury risk, and rehabilitative success. The gold standard measure of strength is the isokinetic dynamometer, providing the clinician with the opportunity to manipulate contraction modality, range, and speed about a joint. However, criticism has highlighted a lack of functional relevance, with arbitrary selection of speed across the full range. To better understand function, biomechanical analysis of movement can inform a bespoke isokinetic data collection protocol. In this case, we use walking gait, a function goal for daily living and clinically assessed following knee replacement surgery for example. Concentric knee flexor and extensor demand was evident at an average angular velocity of 70°·s-1, whilst eccentric knee flexor and extensor demands were evident at speeds of 192°·s-1 and 165°·s-1, respectively. The efficacy of isokinetic dynamometry can be enhanced with bespoke data collection protocols, which better reflect the functional demands of the clinical movement objective.

Test-retest reliability and sensitivity of senior elite amateur boxers maximal punch force, as quantified by a vertically mounted force plate.

An ecologically valid, reliable and sensitive method of quantifying punch force variables would be useful for coaches and practitioners monitoring combat-specific performance. The present study utilised a vertically mounted force plate to quantify the peak punch force and rate of force development (RFD) of amateur boxers. Ten male senior elite amateur boxers performed maximal jab, cross, and hook punches across two separate days. The force plate showed excellent within-day and good-to-excellent between-day reliability for peak punch impact force and RFD (ICC 0.89-0.99). The CV% for all punch force variables were similar on day 1 (3-9%) and day 2 (4-10%). Standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest worthwhile changes (SWC) revealed the force plate can detect small-to-moderate changes in punch performance. The greatest impact forces and RFD were found in the rear hook (2624 ± 581 N, 296448 ± 101823 N.s-1), followed by the lead hook (2524 ± 532 N, 256813 ± 81735 N.s-1), cross 2425 ± 545 N, 193004 ± 62671 N.s-1) and jab (1645 ± 537 N, 116675 ± 41577 N.s-1). The vertically mounted force plate is a reliable and sensitive test of punch performance, thus may be useful in determining the efficacy of training interventions.

The gait abnormality index: A summary metric for three-dimensional gait analysis.

BACKGROUND: This paper proposes an easy to calculate and adaptable summary gait metric, the Gait Abnormality Index (GAI), which is capable of simultaneously including kinematic and kinetic data, overcoming a key limitation of existing metrics. RESEARCH QUESTION: To determine the validity, reliability and sensitivity of the GAI. METHODS: The GAI is calculated by averaging Gait Abnormality Scores, which are normalised distance metrics used to describe the deviation of pathological gait data from that of healthy controls. Validity was assessed using Pearson's correlation analysis to explore relationships between the GAI and the Gait Profile Score. Test-retest reliability of the GAI was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and standard error of the measurement (SEM), and data from total hip arthroplasty patients. An independent samples t-test was used to compare GAI scores between knee osteoarthritis and total hip arthroplasty patients to explore the metrics sensitivity. RESULTS: A strong positive correlation (r ≥ 0.896; p < 001) was reported between the GAI and the Gait Profile Score. Good test-retest reliability (ICC =0.830) was reported for the GAI. Knee osteoarthritis patients displayed significantly (p = .017; Hedge's g effect size = 0.98) greater GAI scores compared to total hip arthroplasty patients, with the mean difference (0.34 a.u) above the SEM (0.15 a.u). SIGNIFICANCE: The GAI offers an easy to calculate summary metric for three-dimensional gait analysis, which displays good validity and reliability, and is sensitive to different pathological conditions.

Tri-axial loading response to anti-gravity running highlights movement strategy compensations during knee injury rehabilitation of a professional soccer player.

Anti-gravity treadmills have been used in rehabilitation to manipulate exposure to loading and to prescribe return to outside running. Analysis is typically restricted to the vertical plane, but tri-axial accelerometry facilitates multi-planar analysis with relevance to injury mechanism. In this case a professional male soccer player, 4 weeks post-operative surgery to repair a medial meniscectomy, 8 months after Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction to the same knee, completed anti-gravity treadmill running at 70-95% bodyweight (BW) at 5% increments. Tri-axial accelerometers were placed proximal to the Achilles tendon of the injured and healthy leg, and at C7. The planar acceleration at touchdown highlighted an increase at 85% BW, identifying 70% and 85% BW as discrete loading progressions. C7 (3.21 ± 0.68 m·s-2) elicited lower (P < 0.001) vertical acceleration than the lower limb (9.31 ± 1.82 m·s-2), with no difference between limbs suggesting bilateral symmetry. However, in the medio-lateral plane the affected limb (-0.15 ± 1.82 m·s-2) was exposed to lower (P = 0.001) medio-lateral acceleration than the non-affected limb (2.92 ± 1.35 m·s-2) at touchdown, indicative of bilateral asymmetry. PlayerLoad during foot contact was sensitive to accelerometer location, with the affected limb exposed to greater loading in all planes (P ≤ 0.082), exacerbated at 90-95% BW. Tri-axial accelerometry provides a means of assessing multi-planar loading during rehabilitation, enhancing objective progression.

The Development of a Return to Performance Pathway Involving A Professional Soccer Player Returning From A Multi-Structural Knee Injury: A Case Report.

This case report describes a male professional soccer player returning to match play (English Championship League) following a medial meniscectomy that occurred during the course of rehabilitation after Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The player underwent a medial meniscectomy eight months into an ACL rehabilitation program and following 10 weeks of rehabilitation successfully returned to competitive first team match play. This report outlines description of the pathology, the rehabilitation progressions, and the sports specific performance requirements of the player as they progressed through the return to performance pathway (RTP). The RTP pathway included nine distinct phases with evidenced based criteria required to exit each phase. The first five phases were indoor as the player progressed from the medial meniscectomy, through the rehabilitation pathways to the "gym exit Phase". The gym exit Phase was assessed with multiple criteria: a) capacity; b) strength; c) isokinetic dynamometry (IKD); d) hop test battery; e) force plate jumps; and f) supine isometric hamstring rate of force (RFD) development qualities to evaluate the players readiness to start sport specific rehabilitation. The last four phases of the RTP pathway are designed to regain the maximal physical capabilities (plyometric and explosive qualities) in the gym and included the retraining of on-field sport specific qualities utilizing the 'control-chaos continuum.' The player successfully returned to team play in the ninth and final phase of the RTP pathway. The purpose of this case report was to outline a RTP for a professional soccer player who successfully restored specific injury criteria (strength, capacity and movement quality), physical capabilities (plyometric and explosive qualities). and on-field sport specific criteria utilizing the 'control-chaos continuum.' Level of Evidence: Level 4.

Peak Running Speeds in Professional Male Football: Influence of Division and Playing Position.

ABSTRACT: Fahey, JT, Aldred, K, Greig, M, and Rhodes, D. Peak running speeds in professional male football: Influence of division and playing position. J Strength Cond Res 37(3): 636-640, 2023-Well-established physical demands of competitive professional football facilitate prescription and monitoring of training. However, many factors influence these physical demands with implications for efficacious practice. Match-play data were analyzed over 2 seasons using global positioning systems technology, differentiating English Championship (33 matches) and League One (27 matches) demands. Playing position categorized wide and central defenders and midfielders and forwards. Peak running speeds defined the outcome measure, assessing the influence of the competition level and playing position across 1, 5, and 10-minute rolling average durations using a linear mixed model. Significant effects were detected for the competition level (F1,324.5 = 5.44, p = 0.02) and playing position (F4,328.3 = 89.90, p < 0.001). League One matches demonstrated greater peak running speeds than Championship matches (mean difference = 2.72 m·min-1 [95% confidence intervals: 0.4, 5.0]). No difference was observed between central and wide midfielders (mean difference = 0.62 m·min-1 [95% confidence intervals: -3.1, 4.3]). Wide midfielders presented faster peak running speeds than forwards (mean difference = 18 m·min-1 [95% confidence intervals:14.1, 22.1], p < 0.05), central defenders (mean difference = 25 m·min-1 [95% confidence intervals: 21.7, 29.8], p < 0.05), and wide defenders (mean difference = 12 m·min-1 [95% confidence intervals: 8.2, 16.5], p < 0.05). Interaction effects were found for division*position (F4,328.3 = 2.57, p = 0.038) demonstrating greater running speeds in League One, except for central defenders. Wide midfielders presented greater peak 1-minute running speeds, whereas 5 and 10-minute peak running speeds were greatest in central midfielders. The sensitivity of peak running speeds to competition level and playing position has implications for training prescription, monitoring particularly when transitioning between competition levels, determining and monitoring positional training intensities, and objective targets for progressive overload during rehabilitation.

A critical appraisal of ankle rehabilitative interventions.

Introduction Lateral ankle sprain is a common musculoskeletal pathology. Functional exercise progression is vital to restore full function. Aim The aim of this study was to compare the electromyographical response to a standard balance task on one stable and four unstable surfaces. Participants Twenty subjects (5 male, 15 females; age at 23 ± 7.1 years) were recruited to participate in the study. Methods A gym-based single session cross over design was used to compare peak and mean surface EMG (sEMG) activity of the Peroneus Longus, Tibilais Anterior and medial head of the gastrocnemius muscles whilst performing a standardized balance task on one stable surface and four unstable surfaces stable surface. Results A significant main effect for surface was found. Post-hoc testing revealed that the Floor and Trampoline (Trampet) elicited similar mean sEMG response. Discussion The results of the study propose a safe and stepwise progressive rehabilitation regime following ankle injury whilst considering the healing process of the injured structure.

Isokinetic profiling of elite youth footballers: informing selection of a practicable and efficacious isokinetic screening test.

Isokinetic dynamometry represents the clinical gold standard for strength assessment but testing lack consensus. Elite youth male football players (n = 28) completed 20 repetitions (analysed as four epochs) of eccentric knee flexor (eccKF) and concentric knee extensor (conKE) trials at 60, 180 and 270°âˆ™s-1, quantifying peak torque (PT) and functional range (FR). There was a significant (P < 0.001) main effect for fatigue and angular velocity in conKE PT; eccKF PT was not significant across epoch (P = 0.35) and velocity (P = 0.12) and a velocity x epoch interaction highlighted more repetitions were required to elicit fatigue as velocity increased. FR decreased with fatigue (P < 0.001) and velocity (P < 0.01) in conKE and eccKF, indicative of a narrowing of the strength curve. Clinical interpretation advocates an isokinetic test comprising at least 15 reps at a velocity ≥ 180°âˆ™s-1 and analysis beyond the peak of the strength curve (PT) to inform clinical reasoning and individualized exercise prescription.

Acute physiological, endocrine, biochemical and performance responses associated with amateur boxing: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Previous research has explored the demands of amateur boxing-specific activity; however, no holistic review of the acute responses to such activity currently exists. This paper aimed to provide a systematic review of the available literature on the acute physiological, endocrine, biochemical, and performance responses to amateur boxing-specific activity. Following a search of EBSCOhost, SPORTDiscus, PubMed and Google Scholar databases, 25 studies were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria for the review. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed via a modified Downs and Black checklist. Random-effects meta-analysis of standardised mean differences (SMD) revealed large (SMD = 4.62) increases in pre-post blood lactate (BLa), cortisol (SMD = 1.33), myoglobin (Mb) (SMD = 1.43), aspartate transaminase (AST) (SMD = 1.37), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (SMD = 0.97), in addition to moderate increases in creatine kinase (CK) (SMD = 0.65). Small pre-post increases in counter-movement jump (CMJ) height (SMD = 0.33) were observed. Consistently greater pre-post alterations were observed in competitive bouts, followed by sparring, and less so in boxing-specific simulations. Considerable physiological, endocrine, and biochemical responses are elicited following amateur boxing. Interestingly, neuromuscular and task-specific performance may not deteriorate following boxing-specific activity. The findings of the review may assist in the designing and periodising of boxing-specific training, dependent on the desired physical adaptations, training phase, and recovery status of the amateur boxer.HighlightsAmateur boxing elicits a considerable acute physiological, hormonal, and biochemical response.Such responses are typically greater in competitive bouts, followed by sparring, and less so in simulated activity.The considerable demands of amateur boxing-specific activity do not appear to negatively affect neuromuscular or task-specific performance.Amateur boxers may be conditioned to preserve performance despite the acute demands of the sport, or the lack of performance decrement may reflect the short duration of amateur boxing.

Postactivation Performance Enhancement of Amateur Boxers' Punch Force and Neuromuscular Performance Following 2 Upper-Body Conditioning Activities.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of upper-body punch-specific isometric (ISO) and elastic resistance (ER) conditioning activities (CAs) on the punch force and neuromuscular performance of amateur boxers. METHODS: Ten male senior elite amateur boxers (19.7 [1.2]| y; height 180.9 [7.0] cm; mass 78.7 [9.6] kg) visited the laboratory on 4 separate occasions. Initially, the participants performed baseline physical tests comprising bench-press 1-repetition maximum and countermovement jumps. On the other 3 occasions, the boxers performed maximal punches against a vertically mounted force plate and maximal countermovement jumps prior to and following an ISO or ER CA, as well as a control trial. RESULTS: No interactions between CA × time were found in all performance variables. As observed by mean changes, effect sizes, and signal:noise ratio, both the ISO and ER, but not the control trial, consistently produced small to moderate, worthwhile increases in punch force and rate of force development, with the greatest increases in performance typically observed in the ISO trial. No meaningful improvements were observed in countermovement jump performance in all trials, indicative of a localized postactivation performance enhancement effect. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the ISO and ER CAs may be implemented in an amateur boxers' warm-up to acutely enhance punch-force variables, although the ISO punch appears to be the superior CA to improve punch-specific performance. The CAs used in the present study may also be relevant to other combat sports inclusive of a striking element.

A low-volume Nordic hamstring curl programme improves change of direction ability, despite no architectural, strength or speed adaptations in elite youth soccer players.

Nordic hamstring curls (NHC) are a commonly used injury intervention method in amateur team sports. Seventeen elite male academy soccer players performed an 8-week low volume NHC programme. Pre-post intervention measures of isokinetic eccentric knee flexor (KF) strength, linear speed, COD performance, hamstring muscle thickness, pennation angle and fascicle length were recorded. No significant main effects were observed for measures of isokinetic KF strength (P ≥ 0.19), linear sprint speed (P ≥ 0.47) or hamstring muscle architecture (P ≥ 0.30). However, significance was noted for improved COD performance (P < 0.01; mean difference, -0.06, p = 0.001, 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.09; d = 0.80), exceeding the minimal detectable difference (MDD = 0.05 s). A low-volume NHC intervention may contribute to significant improvements in COD ability, independent of no significant changes in eccentric KF strength, linear sprint speed or muscle architectural properties in elite youth soccer players.

The influence of isokinetic dynamometer configuration on eccentric hamstring strength metrics: implications for testing and training.

Isokinetic dynamometry is the clinical gold standard for strength assessment but testing protocols and outcome metrics can lack functional relevance. To quantify the influence of dynamometer configuration on eccentric hamstring strength metrics, 23 trained participants completed isokinetic eccentric knee flexor trials at 180°·s-1 in a seated and extended hip position. The extended position elicited a greater peak torque (P = 0.04) which was achieved at a significantly (P < 0.001) greater degree of knee flexion. Isokinetic range and functional range (defined as 85% of peak torque) were consistent at ~44° and ~21°, respectively, across trials, but were achieved with a more flexed knee in the extended hip configuration. Therefore, whilst the extended hip configuration might better reflect the biarticular nature of the hamstring musculature and the mechanism of hamstring strain injury, the sensitivity of strength metrics to configuration has implications for clinical assessment and training adaptations.

Peak instantaneous PlayerLoad metrics highlight movement strategy deficits in professional male soccer players.

To investigate the influence of task, limb dominance and previous injury on single leg hop task performance and loading response, 25 professional male soccer players completed anterior, medial and lateral hop tests with an accelerometer at mid-calf. Performance outcome was defined as hop distance with loading response defined as the magnitude of, and time to peak instantaneous planar PlayerLoad. The performance was sensitive to task and previous injury (P < 0.001) but not limb dominance, with no evidence of bilateral asymmetry (P = 0.668). Despite impaired performance, previously injured players did not exhibit lower peak instantaneous PlayerLoad after impact in any plane (P ≥ 0.110). There was however a significantly (P = 0.001) longer time to peak medio-lateral loading after impact in previously injured players' affected limb. This observation was exacerbated when the injury was to the non-dominant limb (P = 0.041). Lower-limb accelerometry enhances understanding of movement strategy beyond task outcome, with practical implications in player screening and objective rehabilitation.

The influence of angle-specific torque of the knee flexors and extensors on the angle-specific dynamic control ratio in professional female soccer players.

The purpose of this study was to assess whether dynamic torque ratios (DCR) from isokinetic strength assessments of eccentric knee flexors (eccKF) and concentric knee extensors (conKE) display differences when stratified into specific angle-specific DCR (DCRAST) groups. Fifty-two professional female soccer players (age 21.30 ± 4.44 years; height 166.56 ± 5.17 cm; mass 61.55 ± 5.73 kg) from the English Women's Super League completed strength assessments of both lower limbs on an isokinetic dynamometer at 60°âˆ™s-1. Angle-specific torque (AST) were used to calculate DCRAST to create sub-groups using clustering algorithms. The results identified for the dominant side that the Medium DCRAST group elicited significantly higher conKE AST when compared to Low and High DCRAST groups at increased knee extension (P ≤ 0.05). For the non-dominant side, the High DCRAST group had significantly higher and lower eccKF and conKE AST compared to the Low DCRAST group at increased knee extension (P ≤ 0.05). This study highlights that the inclusion of AST data may subsequently help practitioners to prescribe exercise that promotes strength increases at targeted joint angles. In turn, these approaches can be used to help reduce injury risk, identify rehabilitation responses and help inform return to play.

Shedding light on incidence and burden of physeal injuries in a youth elite football academy: A 4-season prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Physeal injuries have been overlooked in epidemiological research in youth sports. Our prospective study investigated the incidence, severity, and burden of physeal injuries in a youth elite football academy. METHODS: In total, 551 youth male football players from under-9 to under-19 were included and observed over four consecutive seasons. Injuries involving the physis were diagnosed and recorded according to type, location, and diagnosis. Injury incidence (II), severity (days lost), and injury burden (IB) were calculated per squad per season (25 players/squad). RESULTS: There were 307 physeal injuries: 262 apophyseal (85%), 26 physeal (9%), 2 epiphyseal (1%), and 17 other physeal injuries (5%) with 80% (n=245) causing time-loss. The overall mean incidence of time-loss physeal injuries was 6 injuries/squad-season, leading to a total of 157 days lost/squad-season. The U-16s had the highest burden with 444 days lost per squad-season [median: 20 (95% CI: 12-30) days; II: 10 (95% CI: 7.3.1-13.4)]. Apophyseal injuries of the hip-pelvis resulted in the greatest burden [median: 13 (95% CI: 10-17); II: 2.5 (95% CI: 2.1-3.0)]. Peak apophyseal injury incidence per body parts occurred in U-11 for foot-ankle (II: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.0-4.9), U-14 for knee (II: 4.5; 95% CI: 2.7-7.1), and U-17 for hip-pelvis (II: 6.4; 95% CI: 4.2-9.3). CONCLUSION: Physeal injuries accounted for a quarter of all-time loss with the largest injury burden in U-16. Most physeal injuries involved the lower limb and affected the apophysis. Physeal and apophyseal injuries incidence, burden, and pattern vary substantially depending on age. Hip-pelvic apophyseal injuries accounted for the largest injury burden.

Factors influencing optimum countermovement jump performance and movement strategy in Championship professional football players: implications for player profiling.

Single leg countermovement jump (CMJ) is a common profiling test influenced by sport, age, sex and playing level. Controlling for these confounding variables, outfield players from an English Championship squad (n = 36) were retrospectively categorized as best (n = 10) or worst (n = 10), based on mean single leg CMJ height and flight time:contraction time ratio. Movement strategy was quantified as force-time history metrics differentiating eccentric and concentric phases. Jump height revealed that best performers elicited greater rate of force development in both phases (P ≤ 0.033), with concentric impulse the strongest predictor of performance. Time ratio also differentiated best performers as utilizing a shallower (P = 0.002) countermovement, with concentric rate of force development the strongest predictor of good performance. Successful jump height performance can mask ineffectual eccentric and stretch shortening cycle neuromuscular characteristics. Time ratio is therefore advocated as the key performance indicator, with movement strategy prioritized over gross outcome measures.

The prevalence of pre-conditioning and recovery strategies in senior elite and non-elite amateur boxing.

OBJECTIVES: A variety of acute strategies around competition are used to prepare and promote physical and mental restoration in athletes. However, to date, no research exists on the prevalence of such methods in amateur boxing. Therefore, this study aimed to 1) examine the prevalence of pre-conditioning and recovery strategies in amateur boxing; 2) ascertain whether this was discriminated against at competitor level. METHODS: This study surveyed 101 senior amateur boxers (Senior Elite SEB n = 59; Senior Development SDB n = 42), on their application and perceptions of pre-conditioning and recovery strategies. RESULTS: The reported findings determined a significantly greater number of SEB performed resistance priming activity up to 48 hours prior to competition (11, 19% vs 2, 5%; P = 0.040), and post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) activity in the pre-competition warm-up (18, 31% vs 1, 2%; P < 0.001), compared to SDB. Likewise, SEB reported they were also significantly more likely to utilize massage (SEB 35, 59%, SDB 11, 29%, P = 0.001) and cold-water immersion (CWI) (SEB 28, 47%, SDB 10, 29%, P = 0.016) as recovery modes, compared to their SDB counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: This study was the first to provide data on the use of PAPE, priming and recovery methods around amateur boxing bouts. Increased access to multi-disciplinary staff could be expected in SEB, possibly explaining the greater prevalence of evidence-based methods around competition. Once athlete responsiveness to PAPEand longer-term priming methods are initially assessed, these strategies could be implemented to improve punch-specific performance, though more research is needed on their efficacy. Likewise, boxers could utilize evidence-based recovery modes where possible, with increased importance during repeat-bout scenarios, such as domestic tournaments. Coaches and practitioners may use this data to implement pre-conditioning and recovery strategies, to optimize performance and reduce the risk of injury of amateur boxers.

Rehabilitation and successful return to play of a 17-year old elite soccer player with juvenile osteochondritis dissecans trochlear groove lesion of the knee: A case report.

This case summarizes the rehabilitation and return to play management of a 17-year-old elite male soccer player who required surgical stabilization of an Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) lesion of the trochlea groove. Trochlea groove lesions represent <1% of OCD cases, resulting in limited evidence to inform practice. The case was initially identified as antalgic running gait, and at this point the player revealed progressively worsening knee pain (over preceding 2 months) which presented as patellofemoral pain with a small knee effusion and quadriceps atrophy present on assessment. No improvement in symptoms after 2 weeks of unloading (no running) and traditional patellofemoral treatment prompted magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans to inform surgical intervention. We present a summary of the four-stage rehabilitation process defined by objective assessments, resulting in a successful return-to-play 24 weeks post-surgery. This case advocates consideration of OCD in the assessment of persistent knee pain in young athletes.