Clinical risk factors for hamstring muscle strain injury: a prospective study with correlation of injury by magnetic resonance imaging. (9/92)

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively establish risk factors for hamstring muscle strain injury using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to define the diagnosis of posterior thigh injury. METHOD: In a prospective cohort study using two elite Australian Rules football clubs, the anthropometric characteristics and past clinical history of 114 athletes were recorded. Players were followed throughout the subsequent season, with posterior thigh injuries being documented. Hamstring intramuscular hyperintensity on T2 weighted MRI was required to meet our criteria for a definite hamstring injury. Statistical associations were sought between anthropometric and previous clinical characteristics and hamstring muscle injury. RESULTS: MRI in 32 players showed either hamstring injury (n = 26) or normal scans (n = 6). An association existed between a hamstring injury and each of the following: increasing age, being aboriginal, past history of an injury to the posterior thigh or knee or osteitis pubis (all p<0.05). These factors were still significant when players with a past history of posterior thigh injury (n = 26) were excluded. Previous back injury was associated with a posterior thigh injury that looked normal on MRI scan, but not with an MRI detected hamstring injury. CONCLUSIONS: Hamstring injuries are common in Australian football, and previous posterior thigh injury is a significant risk factor. Other factors, such as increasing age, being of aboriginal descent, or having a past history of knee injury or osteitis pubis, increase the risk of hamstring strain independently of previous posterior thigh injury. However, as the numbers in this study are small, further research is needed before definitive statements can be made.  (+info)

A retrospective case-control analysis of 2002 running injuries. (10/92)

OBJECTIVE: To provide an extensive and up to date database for specific running related injuries, across the sexes, as seen at a primary care sports medicine facility, and to assess the relative risk for individual injuries based on investigation of selected risk factors. METHODS: Patient data were recorded by doctors at the Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Centre over a two year period. They included assessment of anthropometric, training, and biomechanical information. A model was constructed (with odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals) of possible contributing factors using a dependent variable of runners with a specific injury and comparing them with a control group of runners who experienced a different injury. Variables included in the model were: height, weight, body mass index, age, activity history, weekly activity, history of injury, and calibre of runner. RESULTS: Most of the study group were women (54%). Some injuries occurred with a significantly higher frequency in one sex. Being less than 34 years old was reported as a risk factor across the sexes for patellofemoral pain syndrome, and in men for iliotibial band friction syndrome, patellar tendinopathy, and tibial stress syndrome. Being active for less than 8.5 years was positively associated with injury in both sexes for tibial stress syndrome; and women with a body mass index less than 21 kg/m(2) were at a significantly higher risk for tibial stress fractures and spinal injuries. Patellofemoral pain syndrome was the most common injury, followed by iliotibial band friction syndrome, plantar fasciitis, meniscal injuries of the knee, and tibial stress syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Although various risk factors were shown to be positively associated with a risk for, or protection from, specific injuries, future research should include a non-injured control group and a more precise measure of weekly running distance and running experience to validate these results.  (+info)

The relationships between biomechanical and postural stresses, musculoskeletal injury rates, and perceived body discomfort experienced by industrial workers: a field study. (11/92)

A combination of archival, subjective, and observational field data collection methods were used to investigate the relationship between biomechanical and postural stresses, and the resulting physical strain experienced by industrial workers of a packaging plant. Assessment of physical strain was based on the number and incidence rate of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-reportable injuries that were recorded over a period of 27 months, and based on the self-reported ratings of perceived body discomfort. Both the biomechanical and postural stresses correlated with the musculoskeletal injury rate. The results illustrate the usefulness of postural and biomechanical analyses for assessing the risk of injury in industry.  (+info)

Interaction of physical and mental work. (12/92)

The objective of the research was to determine the effect of mental load on the physical capacity of an individual. An experiment involving 9 combinations of lifting tasks, 1 lowering task, and 3 treadmill tasks was conducted. Heart rate was measured and maximum acceptable weight of lift was determined using the psychophysical method. A simple multiplication task was used as the mental load. The output variables were determined with and without the mental task. The results indicate that the individual's physical capacity decreased with the mental task while lifting from floor to knuckle and shoulder to reach lifting heights.  (+info)

Three-dimensional lifting model for non-homogeneous loads. (13/92)

A 3-dimensional model and analysis methodology is suggested for treating lifting tasks when unbalanced loads are involved. The paper describes the biomechanical equations that are coupled with the worker's posture geometry, to address a practical problem of non-symmetric lifting. The analysis has a dominant biomechanical modeling scope, as it contains a breakdown of the internal lifting forces resulting from posture and external loads acting on the body. The load model represents the acting forces due to unbalanced lifting, which is commonly found in industrial situations. The suggested model allows the user to simulate the influence of the practical load distribution, aiding safe design of a lifting job.  (+info)

Cricket injuries: a longitudinal study of the nature of injuries to South African cricketers. (14/92)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and nature of injuries sustained by elite cricketers during a three season period in order to identify possible injury patterns. METHODS: Thirty six physiotherapists and 13 doctors working with 11 provincial and the South African national teams completed a questionnaire for each cricketer who presented with an injury during each season to determine anatomical site of injury, month of injury during the season, diagnosis, mechanism of injury, whether it was a recurrence of a previous injury, whether the injury had recurred again during the season, and biographical data. RESULTS: A total of 436 cricketers sustained 812 injuries. Bowling (41.3%), fielding and wicketkeeping (28.6%), and batting (17.1%) accounted for most of the injuries. The lower limbs (49.8%), upper limbs (23.3%), and back and trunk (22.8%) were most commonly injured. The injuries occurred primarily during first class matches (27.0%), limited overs matches (26.9%), and practices (26.8%) during the early part of the season. Acute injuries made up 64.8% of the injuries. The younger players (up to 24 years) sustained 57% of the first time injuries, and the players over 24 years of age sustained 58.7% of the injuries that recurred from a previous season. The injuries were mainly soft tissue injuries predominantly to muscle (41.0%), joint (22.2%), tendon (13.2%), and ligament (6.2%). The primary mechanism of injury was the delivery and follow through of the fast bowler (25.6%), overuse (18.3%), and fielding (21.4%). CONCLUSION: The results indicate a pattern of cause of injury, with the young fast bowler most likely to sustain an acute injury to the soft tissues of the lower limb while participating in matches and practices during the early part of the season.  (+info)

Performance and evaluation of small construction safety training simulations. (15/92)

BACKGROUND: Back- and fall-related injuries occur frequently in construction and are costly in terms of workers' compensation claims and lost productivity. Interventions are needed that address the susceptibility to these injuries. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to develop and test a safety training intervention for small construction companies (+info)

The impartial medical examiner; a neurosurgeon's differences and agreements with the industrial accident commission. (16/92)

In 147 industrial compensation cases the evaluation reached by a neurosurgeon acting as an impartial medical examiner was compared with the disposition made by the Industrial Accident Commission. There was complete or general agreement in 71 per cent of the cases, pretty sharp disagreement in about 30 per cent. In general, the Industrial Accident Commission was more liberal than the neurosurgeon acting as impartial medical examiner.  (+info)