JOURNAL WATCH

Ten male cyclists performed two bouts of a 25 minute constant- paced cycling session followed by a 4 km time trial in hot conditions (35°C, 40% relative humidity). The two bouts were separated by either 15 minutes of seated recovery in the heat (control) or the same condition with 5 minutes cold-water immersion (5th—10th minute), at a temperature of 14º C. Rectal temperature was measured immediately before and after both the constant-paced sessions and 4 km timed trials. Cycling economy and VO2

EFFECT OF A FIVE MINUTE COLD-WATER IMMERSION RECOVERY ON EXERCISE PERFORMANCE IN THE HEAT. J J Peiffer JJ, Abbiss CR, et al. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2010;44:461-465

were measured during the

constant-paced sessions, and the average power output and completion times were recorded for each time trial. Compared with control, rectal temperature was significantly lower (0.5 (0.4)°C) in cold-water immersion before the second constant pace session until the end of the second 4 km timed trial. However,

ANALYSING THE PROTECTIVE POTENTIAL OF PADDED SOCCER GOALKEEPER SHORTS. Schmitt K U, Nusser M, et al. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2010;44:426-429

To obtain the data for this study a survey among professional and amateur goalkeepers, trainers and the medical staff was performed plus commercially available shorts were impact- tested using an artificial hip model. The

the increase in rectal temperature during the second constant pace session was not significantly different between conditions. During the second 4 km timed trial, power output was significantly greater in cold-water immersion compared with control, leading to a faster completion time in cold-water immersion compared with control. Economy and VO2

results were compared with requirements established for hip protectors for the elderly.

It was found that contusions and abrasions were observed most often for all players. Fractures and arthritis

were only reported by amateur players, whereas bursitis was more frequently observed by professional

players. Amateurs have a significantly higher risk of injury than professional players, and the higher injury risk during training is significantly higher compared with the injury

immersion recovery intervention. sportEX comment

Bottom line for the rectal temperature were not influenced by the cold-water

result was that five minute cold-water immersion between exercise bouts significantly increased power output and maintained endurance performance during subsequent high-intensity exercise.

risk during a match. No difference of the injury risk was found between goalkeepers wearing padded shorts and those who did not.

Impact tests indicated a wide range of performance of the currently available products. The padded shorts generally reduce impact forces, but mostly perform poorly. Only shorts that were made of visco- elastic foam fulfilled the basic requirements requested for hip protectors for elderly.

sportEX comments The presently available shorts don’t seem to be offering much physical protection but do the keepers feel more confident about the risks when thay wear them?

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CALF MUSCLE ENDURANCE RECOVERY ONE YEAR AFTER ACHILLES TENDON RUPTURE REPAIR. Geoff P. Bostick,

Nadr M. Jomha, et al. Journal

of Orthopaedic Sports Physical Therapy 2010;40(6):345-351

A 73-patient cohort from a randomised controlled trial assessing the effects of early weightbearing after surgical repair of an Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair (AATR) were examined. Calf muscle endurance recovery was measured by single-heel raises using a

6

customised counting device at six months and one year postoperatively. Descriptive statistics were used to outline recovery of calf muscle endurance. Physical and patient-reported outcomes were examined for their association with calf-muscle endurance recovery. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to explore variables associated with recovery of calf endurance one year postoperatively. The results were that mean recovery of calf muscle endurance was 76% at one year. Multivariate regression analysis showed an association of being female, reporting no resting pain at three months, and physical functioning and calf endurance at 6 months,

with better recovery of calf endurance at one year. Calf muscle endurance at one year remained impaired in a considerable portion of the sample. Pain, gender, and physical functioning are likely important factors in determining recovery of calf muscle endurance.

sportEX comment This study seeks predictors of post

operative recovery. It’s a popular subject following the injury to David Beckham. It seems he would have a speedier recovery if he was a girl!

sportEX medicine 2010;45(Jul):4-6