George Godolias

Proprioceptive training (balance exercises) reduces lower extremity injuries in young soccer players

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of balance training on proprioception and on lower limb injuries. The sample consisted of 100 young soccer players, from four different soccer teams. Two teams were the experimental group, (N = 50), and two the control group (N = 50). During the competition period, the experimental group followed a proprioception training program, 2 times per week, with 20 minute sessions. The frequency and the characteristics of injuries occurred were also recorded. Balance tests on the stability system (Biodex) were performed before and after the competition period. For the balance tests repeated measures Anova was used and the results revealed significant differences between the pre and post training measures for the experimental group. Also, the results revealed an important difference between the experimental and control group in the incidence rate of the injuries. Finally, an important difference was found between the experimental and control group in moderate severity injuries. The application of a specific balance training program on healthy young soccer players can improve their proprioception and prevent low limb injuries.

Isokinetic strength training program for muscular imbalances in professional soccer players

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a muscular training program on soccer players’ performance of which initially appeared imbalances or deficits. The study was conducte on 68 professional soccer players (age, 24.1±5.7 years; weight, 76.8±5.7 kg; height, 1.82±7 cm) participating in the championship of the first Greek national division over 2 years. During the preparation period, all the players performed an isokinetic test of knee flexors and extensors (60° s−1 and 180° s−1). These initial measurements detected muscular imbalances or deficits in 27 players (40%). The 27 players followed a specific isokinetic training program for 2 months, 3 times per week. After completion of the isokinetic training program, the 68 players repeated the isokinetic test. The analysis revealed significant differences between the pre-and post-training measures at both angular velocities in peak torque values, in differences from one limb to the other, and in peak torque ratios for flexors and extensors. Consequently, the application of this specific isokinetic training program can restore imbalances in knee muscle strength efficiently.

Injury incidence rate, severity and diagnosis in male volleyball players

The aim of this study was to record the injury incidence in all age categories in male volleyball players and clarify the role of age in injury occurrence. The injury incidence rate, severity, diagnosis and the anatomical location of the injuries that occurred during practice and competition in the whole championship period were recorded prospectively during the period 2005–2006. A total of 407 Greek male volleyball players participating in all Volleyball Championships in Greece according to the Greek Volleyball Federation have been observed on a weekly basis for the period 2005–2006. The injury incidence rate was recorded as the number of injured players and also the number of injuries per player per year (total exposure time). The results revealed that injury occurrence is age related and junior volleyball players have a lower injury rate than senior ones. There were significantly more acute injuries in comparison to overuse syndrome and the ankle was the most common injured anatomical location. Finally, outside hitters, universals and setters presented different injury rates to other players and the “incorrect sprawls” and “stepping on others’ feet” were the most common injury factors. In conclusion, findings in the injury occurrence rate must be interpreted in relation to the total exposure time in order to have more realistic conclusions.

Balance exercise program before or after a tennis training session

It is unclear whether fatigue induced by a tennis training session influences the effectiveness of balance exercise training program. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to investigate whether a balance program is more effective when performed before or after the regular tennis training session. The study was conducted on 36 young tennis players participating in the national young tennis championship. The participants were randomly divided into three subject groups, one control group (C group), and two intervention groups that performed a specific balance program for 12 weeks, three times per week, 16 min per session. One intervention group performed the balance program immediately before the regular tennis training session (Pre training group) and the other group performed the same balance program immediately after tennis training (Post training group). Balance performance was assessed in all subjects at baseline (T0) and after the completion of the 12-week balance program (T12). The balance performance assessment was performed with two different balance boards and the Biodex Stability System. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed that there was no difference ( p> 0.05) in balance performance in the C group between T0 and T12. In contrast, there was significant improvement between T 0 and T12 for Pre and Post training groups. Furthermore, there were significant differences between group C and the two intervention groups after the 12-week balance training program, while there was no significant difference between the Pre and Post training groups. In conclusion, there was significant improvement in balance performance with the balance training program and there was no effect of the time the tennis training sessions were performed.

Factors related to the incidence of injuries' appearance to volleyball players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the external risk factors that contribute to sports injuries experienced by Volleyball players. 114 Greek Volleyball players (61 male and 53 female) who participate in the Volleyball Championship including the A1 and A2 national division and the local championships, age 22.77 (SD = 4.85) participated in this study. A questionnaire survey was used for data collection purposes and the interviews were conducted on a personal level. Of the 114 volley ball players (94.5 response rate), reported 363 injuries, during a total exposure time of 34200 h/year for 5 years, representing an overall incidence of 0.63 injuries per player. The majority of the injuries were located in the ankle region (51.3%), followed by the knee (18.2%) and the back (12.4%). Most injuries (58.1%) were classified as being of moderate severity. Most injuries occurred during training (52.3%), and the 69.1% of them during the competitive season. The present study indicates that the risk of suffering an injury in volleyball is relatevly high therefore more researches are needed to accomplish in order practitioners and clinics prevent injuries in training period and competitions.

Effects of a balance training protocol on knee joint proprioception after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Anterior cruciate ligament rupture is one of the most common knee injuries in sport. A variety of surgical techniques and rehabilitation protocols are used to treat ACL injuries. Those injuries, lead to impair function and loss of proprioception. New research demonstrates that rehabilitation should be based on proprioception. The ACL not only serves a mechanical role by limiting passive knee mobility but also serves sensory role through the mechanoreceptors deep in its tissue, which communicate with the neuromuscular system to provide proprioceptive feedback. The main purpose of the study was to assess the influence of a balance-training program on knee joint proprioception, between acl reconstructed patients who had a lack of proprioceptive ability. They had undergone acl reconstruction at a mean of 22 months (range 8-30) before the initiation of the study. They were randomly assigned into two groups, one experimental (group A) and one control (group B). We assessed proprioception using Biodex stability system and two different kinds of balance boards, in 24 patients with mean age 29,1 yr. The results shown that stability indices of balance appeared improved for the reconstructed leg and there were significant differences between the experimental group and the control group ( p< 0.05).

Effects of instructional and motivational self-talk on balance performance in knee injured

Abstract Aims: To examine the influence of motivational and instructional self-talk on balance test performance of knee injured active individuals with meniscectomy. Design: One between-groups factor with four levels (instructional, motivational, no self-talk, neutral self-talk) and one within-groups “time” factor with two levels (pre-test, post-test). Method: 35 men and 25 women physically active and knee injured following meniscectomy 6 months ago participated. After 2 days of familiarization, they completed four dynamic balance stability trials, spaced 3 min apart. After the first two trials (best value as pre-test score), the participants were randomly assigned to four groups: the motivational self-talk group, instructional self-talk group and control groups (no instruction and neutral self-talk). They repeated the two trials (best value as post-test score) expressing aloud the phrases assigned. Results: Analysis of variance repeated-measures and Sidak multiple comparisons tests were performed on the time variable to detect differences in each group for each time point (pre- and post-test). Statistical analysis showed that balance board time score increased significantly only for experimental groups after the intervention period and not for control groups, F(3,56) = 9.93, p < 0.05, η2 = 0.861 for time of keeping stability on the board. Conclusions: The findings of the present study indicate that injured active individuals with meniscectomy may enhance their balance test performance via the use of instructional and motivational self-talk.

Risk factors for fear of falling in elderly patients with severe knee osteoarthritis before and one year after total knee arthroplasty

Purpose To evaluate the regression of fear of falling (FOF) and identify its risk factors in patients with severe knee osteoarthritis before and one year after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods 11 men and 57 women with a mean age of 73 years and a mean body mass index of 30.36 kg/m2 who had severe (grade 3 or 4) knee osteoarthritis and knee pain of ≥1 year were included. Two weeks before and one year after TKA, patients were asked about their FOF status and falls history. Patients were asked to complete the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, Short Form 36 (SF-36), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaires. Clinical performance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Results Of the 68 patients, 56 (82.4%) had FOF preoperatively and 30 (44.1%) had FOF one year after TKA (p<0.001). The strongest predictors for FOF preoperatively were fallers (odds ratio [OR]=9.83, p=0.028), mental component summary (MCS) score of SF-36 (OR=0.88, p=0.024), and TUG (OR=3.4, p=0.013). The strongest predictors for FOF one year postoperatively were fallers (OR=16.51, p=0.041), patients with ≥2 chronic diseases (OR=17.33, p=0.011), physical function score of WOMAC (OR=1.015, p=0.005), and MCS score of SF-36 (OR=0.86, p=0.015). Conclusion TKA positively affected FOF and gradually reduced the FOF rate over a year period after TKA in an elderly population.

Analyzing the History of Falls in Patients with Severe Knee Osteoarthritis.

Background One out of three adults over the age of 65 years and one out of two over the age of 80 falls annually. Fall risk increases for older adults with severe knee osteoarthritis, a matter that should be further researched. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the history of falls including frequency, mechanism and location of falls, activity during falling and injuries sustained from falls examining at the same time their physical status. The secondary purpose was to determine the effect of age, gender, chronic diseases, social environment, pain elsewhere in the body and components of health related quality of life such as pain, stiffness, physical function, and dynamic stability on falls frequency in older adults aged 65 years and older with severe knee osteoarthritis. Methods An observational longitudinal study was conducted on 68 patients (11 males and 57 females) scheduled for total knee replacement due to severe knee osteoarthritis (grade 3 or 4) and knee pain lasting at least one year or more. Patients were personally interviewed for fall history and asked to complete self-administered questionnaires, such as the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), and physical performance test was performed. Results The frequency of falls was 63.2% for the past year. The majority of falls took place during walking (89.23%). The main cause of falling was stumbling (41.54%). There was a high rate of injurious falling (29.3%). The time patients needed to complete the physical performance test implied the presence of disability and frailty. The high rates of fall risk, the high disability levels, and the low quality of life were confirmed by questionnaires and the mobility test. Conclusions Patients with severe knee osteoarthritis were at greater risk of falling, as compared to healthy older adults. Pain, stiffness, limited physical ability, reduced muscle strength, all consequences of severe knee osteoarthritis, restricted patients quality of life and increased the fall risk. Therefore, patients with severe knee osteoarthritis should not postpone having total knee replacement, since it was clear that they would face more complicated matters when combining with fractures other serious injuries and disability.

Evaluating the emotions of patients with chronic low back pain. A preliminary examination

The Emotions Scale (EMS) was developed to assess responses of patients with CLBP to pain in terms of positive and negative emotions. Such an evaluation may be able to provide an insight into the effectiveness of a rehabilitation programme in patients with CLBP. To determine the final number of factors, an initial principal component analysis without rotation was conducted. The EMS developed and validated in the present study for patients with CLBP is a tool that can be applied by all specialists and in all medical or rehabilitation settings because it is short and concise. At the same time it includes most of the main emotions affected by CLBP, so that with one tool, many assessments can be performed. The EMS may be used in controlled trials, or in observational and survey studies. The results revealed that two factors explained 56.31% of the total variance. Cronbach α coefficients were: 0.92 for factor “negative emotions” (12 items, e.g. “weak”) and 0.90 for factor “positive emotions” (8 items, e.g. “cheer”). Importantly, the component correlation matrix of the specific analysis showed a negative correlation between these two factors.