NPCs in video games: a reflective resource for sports coaches and participant engagement.

This perspective article explores the potential of non-player characters (NPCs) in video games as a reflective tool for coaches to enhance participant engagement in sports. While coaches traditionally focus on movement skill instruction, their role extends to fostering young people's immersion in sports contexts and potentially contribute to the possibility of lifelong participation. However, challenges persist in translating coaching theory in coach education programs into practice, including the awareness of roles and how to make young people immersion in sports. Integrating elements from video games, where NPCs play pivotal roles in shaping player experiences, presents a possible avenue for re-thinking the role of coach, especially in participation. By drawing parallels between NPCs and coaches, this article advocates for a new reflection tool for coaching roles. Future research should investigate the effectiveness of leveraging NPCs to enhance athlete engagement and motivation, ultimately creating dynamic and inclusive coaching environments that cater to the evolving needs of participants.

SCAT5 baseline values, test-retest reliability, and reliable change metrics in high school athletes.

OBJECTIVE: In the United States, more than 1 million sport-related concussions afflict children annually, with many cases undetected or unreported. The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) is widely used to detect concussions in high school, collegiate, and professional sports. The objective of this study was to establish baseline values for the SCAT version 5 (SCAT5) in high school athletes. METHODS: Baseline SCAT5 evaluations were conducted in students (ages 14-19 years) from 19 high schools in central Illinois who were participating in various school-sponsored sports. The SCAT5 evaluations were retrospectively extracted from the electronic medical record system for analysis. Statistical analyses included the Wilcoxon rank-sum test for continuous variables and the chi-square test for categorical variables, considering significance at p < 0.05. Test-retest reliability at < 6 months, 10-14 months, and 16-20 months was computed using intraclass correlation and Spearman's rho (ρ). Reliable change indices are provided using the Iverson formula. RESULTS: A total of 2833 unique athletes were included, and the average age was 15.5 ± 1.14 (SD) years. There were 721 female (25.5%) and 2112 male (74.5%) athletes. Students ≥ 15 years old had more prior concussions (p < 0.001), and male athletes were more frequently hospitalized for head injury (p = 0.013). Female athletes exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of mood disorders (14.7% vs 4.6%, p < 0.001), whereas attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was more common in male athletes (5.2% vs 13.2%, p < 0.001). Symptom number and severity were significantly greater in female athletes (3.17 ± 4.39 vs 2.08 ± 3.49, p < 0.001; 5.47 ± 9.21 vs 3.52 ± 7.26, p < 0.001, respectively), with mood-related symptoms representing the largest differences. Female athletes and students ≥ 15 years old performed better on most cognitive assessments. Female athletes and students < 15 years old performed better on the modified Balance Error Scoring System (p < 0.001). Test-retest reliability was poor to moderate for most assessment components. Reliable change index cutoff values differed slightly by sex, with female athletes often having a greater cutoff value. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the variability of SCAT5 baseline values influenced by age, sex, and medical history among adolescent athletes. It provides a robust dataset, delineating baseline values stratified by sex and age within this demographic. Additionally, the results provide enhanced guidance to clinicians for interpretation of change and reliability of baselines.

Nonsurgical Rehabilitation Perspectives for a Type I Salter-Harris Fracture With Lipohemarthrosis and Concomitant Grade II Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear in a Volleyball Athlete: A Case Report.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears represent common occurrences in sports, particularly posing significant risks to young athletes. The diagnostic methods for ACL injury include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), arthroscopy, and physical examination. Management of this injury can be done both operative and nonoperatively. Pediatric growth plate fractures are classified under the Salter-Harris classification. A 13-year-old male athlete sustained a knee injury during a volleyball match. While landing from a jump after a smash, the athlete directly landed on the ground on his right knee. After this, he reported discomfort and severe anterior knee pain. Due to immobility and pain, he was taken to the emergency unit. Upon radiographic examination, a Salter-Harris Classification Type I fracture was found, indicating epiphyseal slip and separation through the physis of the right proximal tibia medially. An MRI imaging was done to check the integrity of the ACL after the swelling had subsided post-15 days of injury. An MRI identified a bony contusion on the medial tibial plateau, extending to the physeal plate with a Grade II ACL tear. The concurrent occurrence of ACL injury and growth plate injury presents a significant concern. Hence, a referral for physical therapy rehabilitation was given. Our findings highlight the importance of prompt initiation of physical rehabilitation following such injuries. Where non-surgical rehabilitation strategies play a crucial role in managing these cases while focusing on restoring knee stability, promoting healing of the growth plate, and facilitating a safe return to sport. Tailored rehabilitation, including therapeutic exercises, neuromuscular training, and proprioceptive training, is essential for optimizing outcomes and preventing long-term complications. The case underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing the complex knee injury of this young athlete.

Characteristics and Clinical Assessment of Elbow Pain in Youth Baseball Players.

Elbow injuries related to the throwing motion in baseball during the growth period present difficulties for early detection and may cause serious future disabilities. This study aimed to comprehensively determine the characteristics and clinical assessment of elbow pain in youth baseball players. Two hundred and sixteen young baseball players underwent elbow medical examination. Basic information and physical examination, clinical assessment, and ultrasonography results were examined. Univariate analyses were statistically performed between the pain-free (98 participants) and elbow pain (118 participants) groups. The mean age was 11.6 years, and ultrasonographic abnormalities were found on the medial side of the elbow in 37.5%. In total, 118 (54.6%) participants experienced elbow pain, with 64.4% of them complaining of elbow pain on the medial side. Players with multiple positions (≥2 positions) had a significantly higher prevalence of elbow pain. Height, weight, length of baseball experience, and positive rates of horizontal flexion and moving valgus stress tests were higher in the elbow pain group than in the pain-free group. The risk factors and clinical assessment for elbow pain are useful for the prevention and early detection of throwing elbow injuries in youth baseball players.

Effects of Therapies Involving Plyometric-Jump Training on Physical Fitness of Youth with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects of plyometric-jump training (PJT) on the physical fitness of youth with cerebral palsy (CP) compared with controls (i.e., standard therapy). The PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed. Eligibility was assessed using the PICOS approach. Literature searches were conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases. Methodological study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Data were meta-analyzed by applying a random-effects model to calculate Hedges' g effect sizes (ES), along with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The impact of heterogeneity was assessed (I2 statistic), and the certainty of evidence was determined using the GRADE approach. Eight randomized-controlled studies with low-to-moderate methodological quality were included, involving male (n = 225) and female (n = 138) youth aged 9.5 to 14.6 years. PJT interventions lasted between 8 and 12 weeks with 2-4 weekly sessions. Compared with controls, PJT improved the muscle strength (ES = 0.66 [moderate], 95% CI = 0.36-0.96, p < 0.001, I2 = 5.4%), static (ES = 0.69 [moderate], 95% CI= 0.33-1.04, p < 0.001, I2 = 0.0%) and dynamic balance (ES = 0.85 [moderate], 95% CI = 0.12-1.58, p = 0.023, I2 = 81.6%) of youth with CP. Therefore, PJT improves muscle strength and static and dynamic balance in youth with CP compared with controls. However, more high-quality randomized-controlled trials with larger sample sizes are needed to provide a more definitive recommendation regarding the use and safety of PJT to improve measures of physical fitness.

Trends in Nutrition-Related Risk Factors Identified Post-Operatively in Patients Treated for a Lower-Extremity Injury.

This study investigated trends within a custom Sports Nutrition Assessment for Consultation (SNAC) survey designed to identify nutrition-related risk factors among post-operative lower-extremity youth athletes. Athletes aged 8-18 years who completed the SNAC at a sports medicine institution after lower-extremity surgery were reviewed for associations between SNAC questions and age/sex differences. Of 477 patients (15.0 ± 2.0 years; 47.8% female), 319 (66.9%) answered 'yes' to at least one question and were identified for a consult, though 216 (64.3%) declined. The most frequent questions to prompt a consult were a desire to better understand nutrition for recovery (41.5%) and regularly skipping at least one meal a day (29.8%). Inter-question responses were often significantly related, especially regarding appetite changes, weight changes, and/or meal-skipping. While consult acceptance was not significantly different between sex/age, males were more likely to report a desire to better understand nutrition (p = 0.004) and a weight change (p = 0.019), and females were more likely to report struggling with dizziness/fatigue (p < 0.001). Additionally, older athletes reported an appetite change (p = 0.022), meal-skipping (p = 0.002), a desire to better understand nutrition (p < 0.001), a weight change (p < 0.001), and an effort/recommendation to change their body composition/weight (p = 0.005). These findings demonstrate a link between risky nutrition behaviors and physical detriments.

Longitudinal Meta-Analysis of Peak Height Velocity in Young Female Athletes.

Growth patterns and biological milestones in youth sports are key to interpreting the development of young athletes. However, there is no analysis of longitudinal meta-analysis describing the growth of young female athletes. This longitudinal meta-analysis estimated growth curves and age at peak height velocity (PHV) in young female athletes based on anthropometric data from longitudinal studies found in the literature. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, studies with repeated measurements in young female athletes were identified from searches of four databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and SPORTDiscus) without date restrictions through August 2023. We adapted our bias assessment criteria using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized controlled trials as a reference. Bayesian multilevel modeling was used to perform a longitudinal meta-analysis to extract stature growth curves and age at PHV. Fourteen studies met our eligibility criteria. Twenty-one independent samples could be included in the analysis. Conditional on the data and models, the predicted mean age at PHV for female athletes was 11.18 years (90% CI: 8.62; 12.94). When studies were aggregated by sport in the models, the models could not capture sport-specific growth curves for stature and estimate a corresponding age at PHV. We provide the first longitudinal meta-analytic summary of pubertal growth and derive age at PHV in young female athletes. The meta-analysis predicted that age at PHV occurs at similar ages to those in the general pediatric population. The data pool was limited in sports and geographic distribution, emphasizing the need to promote longitudinal research in females across different youth sports contexts.

Jump performance and movement quality in 7- to 15-year-old competitive alpine skiers: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Injury rates in competitive alpine skiing are high. With current methods, identifying people at risk is expensive and thus often not feasible at the youth level. The aims of this study were (1) to describe the jump performance and movement quality of youth competitive alpine skiers according to age and sex, (2) to compare the jump distance among skiers of different sexes and movement quality grades, and (3) to assess the inter-rater grading reliability of the qualitative visual movement quality classification of such jumps and the agreement between live and video-based post-exercise grading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study is based on an anonymized dataset of 301 7- to 15-year-old competitive alpine skiers. The skiers performed two-legged forward triple jumps, whereby the jump distance was measured, and grades were assigned by experienced raters from the frontal and sagittal perspectives depending on the execution quality of the jumps. Furthermore, jumps were filmed and ultimately rated post-exercise. Differences in jump distance between various groups were assessed by multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs). Reliability was determined using Kendall's coefficient of concordance. RESULTS: The jump distance was significantly greater in U16 skiers than in U11 skiers of both sexes and in skiers with good execution quality than in those with reduced or poor execution quality. Overall, jump distance in U16 skiers significantly differed between female (5.37 m with 95% CI [5.21, 5.53]) and male skiers (5.90 m with 95%CI [5.69, 6.10]). Slightly better inter-rater grading reliability was observed for video-based post-exercise (strong agreement) ratings than for live ratings (moderate agreement). CONCLUSION: In competitive alpine skiers aged 7 to 15 years, jump performance increases with age, and around puberty, sex differences start to manifest. Our results highlight the importance of evaluating both jump distance and movement quality in youth skiers. To improve test-retest reliability, however, a video-based post-exercise evaluation is recommended.

In youth competitive alpine skiers, jump performance and movement quality matter, and both should be trained and tested.A qualitative assessment of movement quality while jumping by experts is a highly scalable and cost-effective approach; however, to ensure sufficient test-retest reliability, the assessment criteria need to be standardised and an additional video-based post-exercise assessment is recommended.

Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Accessibility: An Area Deprivation Index (ADI) Analysis of National Basketball Association (NBA) Players' Profiles.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Youth sports are increasingly shifting towards a "pay to play" model which has introduced financial barriers to participation. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is the main organization for club basketball, serving as a platform where young athletes can compete beyond the recreational level. Outside the realm of athletes who have access to state-of-the-art facilities and top-tier coaching, the pathway to playing basketball at the next level may be predominantly available to those who can afford the considerable costs of AAU participation. The objective of this study is to determine the accessibility of AAU teams of active National Basketball Association (NBA) players through use of the Area Deprivation Index (ADI). RECENT FINDINGS: We identified 114 AAU teams with physical addresses for 250 (50%) currently active domestic NBA players. The State ADI of the high schools as well as national and state ADIs of prior AAU teams of active NBA players were significantly skewed toward lower ADI rankings (higher socioeconomic status) (p < 0.05). The mean distance between high school location and AAU location was 170 miles. Prior AAU teams of currently active NBA players are more frequently located in areas of higher socioeconomic status with nearly 50% being within the top 3rd lower state decile as measured by the area deprivation index. Similarly, we found the high schools these players attended, as a proxy for areas they grew up in, were also more frequently located in areas of higher socioeconomic status.

From the pitch to personal growth: Investigating self-esteem as a mediator and parental support as a moderator in youth sports in China.

This study focuses on the intricate connections among youth sports, personal development, and skill acquisition in contemporary China. Building upon established theoretical frameworks, the study aims to unravel the intricate interplay among various variables. Employing a robust methodology that accounts for mediation and moderation effects and with a sample of 808 individuals representing diverse demographics, the findings shed light on the significant influence of family structure, particularly the prevalence of extended family arrangements, on an individual's character development. Furthermore, the study underscores the pivotal role of personal characteristics, particularly self-esteem, in shaping admirable traits. The research identifies several contributing factors to positive character development, including active participation in sports, parental support, accessibility to sports facilities, positive peer influence, and high self-esteem. Parents play a crucial role in mitigating the adverse effects of peer pressure by offering positive reinforcement and serving as role models. These findings hold important implications for youth development programs, emphasizing the vital role of parents in guiding character development, particularly in the context of peer pressure.

Identifying links between athletic identity and risk factors related to youth sport participation.

Introduction: The development of identity formation occurs during adolescence through experiences, ideals and principle. With greater accessibility to sports, recent trends have shown increased rates of sports specialization over the past decade in youth athletes. Athletic identity measures the strength an individual is tied to the athlete role and can be formed in conjunction to adolescent identity formation. More specialized youth athletes may have stronger ties to their athletic identity during their adolescent identity formation period. Methods: Youth basketball athletes were surveyed on specialization levels and athletic identity via the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), including three submeasures: social identity, exclusivity, and negative affectivity. Results: Participants showed stronger identification to social identity items and the weakest identification with exclusivity items. Athletes reporting more time spent playing their primary sport presented higher scores across all measures of athletic identity, and total athletic identity was stronger in athletes reporting specialization at an earlier age. Exclusivity and negative affectivity tended to increase with specialization level which may primarily be driven by specialized athletes choosing to quit non-primary sports. Discussion: Athletic identity may be worth noting as a psychological indicator of potential risk of injury. The long-term goal of this work is to provide the research and clinical community a greater understanding of a potential psychosocial risk factor as youth athletes continue specializing and spending more time training in a singular sport.

Sequencing Effects of Concurrent Strength and Endurance Training on Selected Measures of Physical Fitness in Young Male Soccer Players: A Randomized Matched-Pairs Trial.

BACKGROUND: Various physical fitness qualities such as muscle strength, speed and endurance are related to soccer performance. Accordingly, the combination of strength and endurance training (i.e., concurrent training [CT]) is an often-encountered training regimen in soccer. Less is known about the effects of CT sequencing on performance in young soccer players. The aim of this study was to assess the sequencing effects of strength and intermittent endurance training applied within the same training session (intrasession) on measures of physical fitness and soccer performance in young soccer players. METHODS: Fifty male adolescent soccer players volunteered to participate in this study which was conducted in the Netherlands in 2019. Players were randomly assigned to a strength-endurance (SE) or an endurance-strength (ES) group in matched pairs based on their countermovement jump (CMJ) performance at baseline. Both groups completed a 12-weeks in-season training program with two weekly CT sessions. Training sessions consisted of 15 min plyometric exercises and 15 min soccer-specific intermittent endurance training. Both groups performed the same training volumes and the only difference between the groups was the CT intrasession sequencing scheme (SE vs. ES). Pre and post intervention, proxies of muscle power (CMJ, squat jump [SJ]), linear sprint speed (30-m sprint test), agility (Illinois test with / without ball), and soccer performance (ball kicking velocity) were tested. RESULTS: Data from 38 players aged 14.8 ± 1.0 years (body height 172.9 ± 8.1 cm, body mass: 57.0 ± 7.2 kg, soccer experience: 8.8 ± 2.8 years, age from peak-height-velocity [PHV]: +1.2 ± 1.0 years) were included. Significant main time effects were found for CMJ (p = 0.002, d = 0.55), SJ (p = 0.004, d = 0.51), the Illinois agility test with ball (p = 0.016, d = 0.51), and ball kicking velocity (p = 0.016, d = 0.51). Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for 30-m linear sprint speed (p < 0.001, d = 0.76) with ES showing greater improvements (p = 0.006, d = 0.85, Δ-5%). CONCLUSIONS: Both CT-sequencing types improved performance in the tests administered. The intrasession CT sequencing (SE vs. ES) appears not to have a major impact on physical fitness adaptations, except for linear sprint speed which was in favor of ES.

Growth status and age at peak height velocity among youth participants in several sports: the Cracow longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Studies addressing age at peak height velocity (PHV) in longitudinal samples of participants in sports are relatively limited. PURPOSE: To compare the growth status and estimated ages at PHV of longitudinal samples girls and boys active in sport with peers not active in sport, and to compare estimated ages at PHV among longitudinal samples of Polish youth active in sport. METHODS: Records from the Cracow Longitudinal Study, which measured youth annually from 8 to 18 years, were screened to identify individuals regularly active in sport. Participants in athletics (22 girls, 10 boys), soccer (12 boys), and other team (6 girls, 7 boys) and individual (6 girls, 9 boys) sports were identified; 107 girls and 172 boys were not active in sport. Heights and weights of participants in sports and non-involved peers were compared. Longitudinal height records of individuals were fit with the SITAR model to estimate age at PHV. Ages at PHV of boys and girls active in sport and peers not active in sports were compared with sex-specific ANOVAs. RESULTS: Ages at PHV of boys participating in athletics and soccer were similar to age at PHV of boys not active in sport, while ages at PHV of boys in other team sports (basketball, volleyball, handball) and individual sports (skiing, gymnastics, acrobatics) were, respectively, slightly earlier and later. Among girls, age at PHV of participants in team sports (basketball, netball) was earlier, while ages at PHV among participants in athletics and other individual sports (equestrian, acrobatics, shooting) were slightly later compared to non-athlete peers. CONCLUSION: Ages at PHV varied among participants in different sports and were consistent with estimates in other longitudinal samples of Polish youth athletes.

Which training load indicators are greater correlated with maturation and wellness variables in elite U14 soccer players?

BACKGROUND: Monitoring of training load is done to improve physical performance and minimize the incidence of injuries. The study examined the correlation between accumulated training load parameters based on periods with maturity (i.e., maturity offset and peak height velocity -PHV- and wellness variables -e.g., stress and sleep quality-). The second aim was to analyze the multi-linear regression between the above indicators. METHODS: Twenty elite young U14 soccer players (M = 13.26 ± 0.52 years, 95% CI [13.02, 13.51]) were evaluated over 26 weeks (early, mid, and end-season) to obtain stress, sleep quality, and measures of workload in the season (accumulated acute workload [AW], accumulated chronic workload [CW], accumulated acute: chronic workload ratio [ACWLR], accumulated training monotony [TM], accumulated training strain [TS]). RESULTS: The analysis revealed a moderate, statistically significant negative correlation between sleep quality and training monotony (r = -0.461, p < 0.05). No significant correlations were observed between other variables (p > 0.05). In the multi-linear regression analysis, maturity, PHV, sleep, and stress collectively accounted for variances of 17% in AW, 17.1% in CW, 11% in ACWLR, 21.3% in TM, and 22.6% in TS. However, individual regression coefficients for these predictors were not statistically significant (p > 0.05), indicating limited predictive power. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the impact of sleep quality on training monotony, underscoring the importance of managing training load to mitigate the risks of overtraining. The non-significant regression coefficients suggest the complexity of predicting training outcomes based on the assessed variables. These insights emphasize the need for a holistic approach in training load management and athlete wellness monitoring.

The effect of complex contrast training with different training frequency on the physical performance of youth soccer players: a randomized study.

Background: Complex contrast training (CCT) is potentially an efficient method to improve physical abilities such as muscle strength, power output, speed, agility, are extremely important in developing soccer players of different age categories. Aim: This study aimed to analyze the effects of 6 weeks of CCT program applied in different training frequency (sessions per week) on youth soccer players performance. Methods: Twenty-one youth soccer players (age: 15.3 ± 1.1 years; body mass 64.9 ± 0.7 kg; height 175.4 ± 0.7 cm) were randomized into three groups: a regular pre-season training control group (G0, n = 8), a group with regular pre-season training plus twice-a-week CCT (G2, n = 6), and a group with regular pre-season training plus thrice-a-week CCT (G3, n = 7). The CCT consisted of soccer skills-based exercises distributed across five stations, to be performed before common regular practice during a 6-week pre-season period. The agility (505 Agility test), sprint (S5 and S15), jump (SJ and CMJ), and free kick speed (11 m from the goal) of the groups were analyzed pre- and post-CCT intervention. During a 6-week pre-season period, the players integrated CCT into their regular training sessions. Furthermore, performance variables were compared between the groups. Results: A statistical difference was identified for the timepoint for the players' CMJ (p = 0.023; η2 = 0.343) and the free kick speed (p = 0.013; η2 = 0.383) using ANOVA. The G3 showed a significant improvement in the CMJ (p = 0.001) and the free kick speed (p = 0.003) between pre- to post-CCT test. No other significant changes in performance were observed (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The CCT training program with a weekly frequency of 3 days per week is effective in improving free kick speed and CMJ performance in young male soccer players (U-15 and U-17 categories). CCT training programs have the potential to refine an athlete's preparation for competition. However, certain performance tests did not demonstrate substantial enhancements. Consequently, additional investigations are required to ascertain the effectiveness of CCT.

The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Baseline Concussion Symptom Assessments Among Adolescents.

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the cancellation of high school sports in spring 2020, a modified resumption of sports in the 2020-2021 academic year, and a return to pre-pandemic sports in 2021-2022. This cancellation had a major impact on the quality of life of adolescent athletes, but it is unknown exactly how these pandemic-driven sports disruptions on athlete baseline (preseason) symptoms affected quality of life. Therefore, the current study retrospectively evaluated symptom inventories from Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) assessments to determine whether the cancellation of sports during the COVID-19 pandemic affected baseline (preseason) self-reported symptoms among adolescent athletes. Methods Our study used a retrospective cohort design to evaluate high school athletes with complete ImPACT assessments in the academic years before (2018-2019 and 2019-2020), during (2020-2021), and after (2021-2022) the pandemic. Specifically, data from a 22-item symptom report called the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) assessed during ImPACT was collected and analyzed using generalized linear models with a Tweedie exponential dispersion model and post hoc Tukey's honestly significant difference tests. The main outcomes were the total symptom severity score and the affective cluster score. Secondary outcomes were the analysis of the vestibular-somatic, cognitive-sensory, and sleep-arousal symptom clusters. Results Of the 104,274 ImPACT assessments, the total symptom severity score on the PCSS was different across years (p<0.001). There were lower symptom scores in 2020-2021 (5.33, 95% CI = 5.13-5.54) than in 2018-2019 (6.82, 95% CI = 6.63-7.01), 2019-2020 (6.94, 95% CI = 6.75-7.14), and 2021-2022 (6.44, 95% CI = 6.25-6.64). The cluster scores on the PCSS for affective, cognitive-sensory, sleep-arousal, and vestibular-somatic were also lower (p<0.001) in 2020-2021 than in 2018-2019, 2019-2020, and 2021-2022. Conclusion Contrary to our expectations, total symptom severity and cluster scores on the PCSS during the pandemic (2020-2021) were significantly lower than during the years before and after the pandemic-driven sports disruptions, suggesting the pandemic did not negatively affect these athletes as expected. These results also suggested that self-reported symptoms utilized in the PCSS component of ImPACT may not be as sensitive to sports disruption among adolescent athletes as other quality-of-life measures, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Development and validation of an overuse injury questionnaire for youth athletes: The Youth Overuse Injury Questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate the Youth Overuse Injury Questionnaire (YOvIQ). DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: Online platforms. PARTICIPANTS: Two content experts (in sports injury epidemiology and in sports science and medicine) and seven end-users (youth volleyball athletes) provided feedback during development of the YOvIQ. 227 competitive youth athletes across 14 different sports assessed the psychometric properties of the YOvIQ. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants completed both YOvIQ and the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Overuse Injury Questionnaire (OSTRC-O2) for anatomical areas of the shoulder, elbow, lower back, knee, and ankle/foot. Validity was assessed via convergent validity. Reliability was assessed using internal consistency estimation and interclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Following feedback from content experts, examples and quantitative symbolization were added to the options in YOvIQ, with positive feedback from end-users. Convergent validity between YOvIQ and the OSTRC-O2 was demonstrated with non-significant differences (P ≥ .05) and significant correlations (P < 0.001) for prevalence and severity scores. YOvIQ demonstrated internal consistency for prevalence (Cronbach's alpha coefficient >0.70) and moderate-to-good reliability for severity scores (ICC: 0.51 to 0.88) for shoulder, lower back, and knee. CONCLUSIONS: The YOvIQ is a valid and reliable instrument to identify overuse injuries to the shoulder, lower back, and knee in youth athletes.

Suture Anchor Repair for Distal Patellar Tendon Avulsion in Tibial Tubercle Fractures: A Technical Description and Report of Two Cases.

Tibial tubercle avulsion fractures, though rare, pose a significant challenge in pediatric orthopedics, particularly in athletic adolescents. For nondisplaced fractures, conservative treatment involves the use of braces or casts, while displaced fractures necessitate operative intervention, often through screw fixation. Concomitant soft tissue injuries should also be identified and addressed operatively to ensure complete repair of the extensor mechanism. This paper introduces a method for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of tibial tubercle fractures with suture anchor repair of the distal patellar tendon avulsion. Two case examples of 14-year-old males with displaced fractures undergoing this procedure are presented. After standard screw fixation of the displaced fragment was performed, a single suture anchor was placed into the tibia and an onlay tension slide technique was utilized to secure the distal patellar tendon avulsion. Both patients underwent immobilization and protected weightbearing for four weeks with physical therapy initiated at six weeks. At four months postoperatively, both patients had returned to competitive sports without issue. The described technique may represent a reliable and reproducible method for addressing the distal patellar tendon avulsion component of tibial tubercle fractures. Its biomechanical advantages contribute to the complete repair of the extensor mechanism, enabling a successful return to competitive athletics without hardware complications.

Influence of body size and skeletal maturity status on strength and motor performances of soccer players 9-16 years.

The contributions of height, weight and skeletal age (SA) to strength and motor performances of male soccer players 9-12 (n = 60) and 13-16 (n = 52) years were estimated. SA was assessed with the Fels method, and was expressed as the standardized residual of the regression of SA on chronological age CA (SAsr). Static strength (right + left grip), speed (5 m, 20 m sprints), acceleration (10 to 20 m), agility (figure-of-eight run), explosive strength (vertical jump) and endurance (yo-yo intermittent shuttle run, 13-16 years only) were measured. Hierarchical multiple regression was used. The interaction of SAsr with body size (height and height x weight interaction) explained most of the variance in strength in both age groups, 9-12 years (51.6%) and 13-16 years (56.7%), and in speed (31.4%, 38.7%), acceleration (39.6%), and explosive strength (32.6%) among players 13-16 years. In contrast, SAsr alone explained limited amounts of variance in strength, speed, acceleration and vertical jump among players 9-12 years (1.4-4.5%) and 13-16 years (0-0.5%). Results for agility varied with CA group, while SAsr per se was the primary contributor to endurance among players 13-16 years (18.5% of the variance). Although the influence of body size and skeletal maturity status on performances was significant, the explained variance differed among tasks and between CA groups, and suggested a role for other factors affecting performances of the soccer players.

Physical activity, organized sport participation and active transportation to school among Canadian youth by gender identity and sexual attraction. / Activité physique, participation à des sports organisés et utilisation du transport actif pour se rendre à l'école chez les adolescents canadiens par identité de genre et par orientation sexuelle.

INTRODUCTION: Regular physical activity is associated with a wide range of health benefits in youth. While previous studies have identified disparities in physical activity among youth by gender identity and sexual attraction, these have seldom been explored in Canadian youth. METHODS: Data from the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth were used to assess prevalence of and time spent in organized sports participation, total physical activity and active transportation by gender identity (non-cisgender vs. cisgender) among youth aged 12 to 17, and by sexual attraction (nonheterosexual attraction vs. heterosexual attraction) among youth aged 15 to 17. RESULTS: There was no difference in average minutes of total physical activity per week between non-cisgender and cisgender Canadian youth. Non-cisgender youth (which represent 0.5% of the population) averaged significantly fewer minutes of organized sports per week than their cisgender counterparts. There was some evidence of increased active transportation to school among non-cisgender youth, but insufficient power to detect significant differences. Canadian youth reporting any nonheterosexual attraction (which represent 21.2% of the population, including mostly heterosexual youth) were less likely to be regularly physically active and participate in organized sports than youth reporting exclusive heterosexual attraction. Differences were larger among males than females. Males reporting nonheterosexual attraction were more likely to use active transportation to get to school than their heterosexual counterparts. CONCLUSION: Non-cisgender youth and youth reporting nonheterosexual attraction tended to participate less in organized sports than their counterparts, but may have engaged in more active transportation. Mitigating the barriers associated with sport participation could increase physical activity among these groups.