Yosuke Shima

Effect of Heat Shock Preconditioning on ROS Scavenging Activity in Rat Skeletal Muscle after Downhill Running

The mechanisms of the protective effect conferred by heat shock preconditioning (HS) are currently unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of HS on muscle injury after downhill running and to address the mechanism of the effect. Female Wistar rats were assigned to three groups: HS, downhill running (E), and downhill running after heat shock preconditioning (HS + E). The HS and HS + E rats were placed in a heat chamber for 60 min (ambient temperature 42 +/- 1.0 degrees C) 48 h before downhill running. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity was determined by electron spin resonance (ESR), and heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) mRNA expression was measured in rat quadriceps femoris. Leukocyte infiltration and degenerated muscle fibers were determined histopathologically. ROS scavenging activity significantly increased at 3 days after HS (151 +/- 18%) and HSP72 mRNA expression increased immediately after HS (1750 +/- 1914%). No decrease in ROS scavenging activity was observed in the HS + E rats at 2 days after exercise compared with the E rats (102 +/- 9% vs. 79 +/- 5%). Degenerated muscle fibers in HS + E rats were significantly less than in E rats at 2, 3, and 7 days after exercise (0.8 +/- 1.0 vs. 2.8 +/- 1.6, 0.8 +/- 1.0 vs. 1.8 +/- 1.6, 0 vs. 0.3 +/- 0.6, respectively). These data demonstrated that HS can reduce muscle injury after downhill running, and this effect may be mediated by increased ROS scavenging activity. Furthermore, HS may protect the antioxidant defense system in skeletal muscle by enhancing the adaptive HSP72 mRNA response.

Cervical pachymeningeal hypertrophy as the initial and cardinal manifestation of mucopolysaccharidosis type I in monozygotic twins with a novel mutation in the alpha-l-iduronidase gene

We describe a pair of monozygotic twins with an attenuated form of mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS-I). At age 24, they both developed cervical myelopathy as a cardinal manifestation. They each also had mild valve abnormalities and both inguinal and umbilical hernia, however, other characteristic features of MPS-I were absent or very mild. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the cervical cord compressed by pachymeningeal hypertrophy. Surgery with dural plasty and laminoplasty resulted in decompression of the cervical cord with clinical improvement, revealing marked thickening of the dura mater. Both patients showed a marked decrease of alpha-L-iduronidase (IDUA) activity with c.252insC (p.P55fsX62; known) and c.1209C>A (p.T374N; novel) mutations of the IDUA gene (IDUA). Patients with MPS-I have been reported to present with various clinical phenotypes and severities even if they have identical mutations of IDUA. The quite similar, unique phenotype in monozygotic twins suggests that not only IDUA mutation but also other genetic factors than IDUA markedly influence the clinical manifestations of MPS-I.

Psychological traits regarding competitiveness are related to the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injury in high school female athletes

BACKGROUNDnThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between psychological competitive ability and the incidence of noncontact ACL injuries among high school female athletes.nnnMETHODSnA three-year prospective cohort study was conducted using 300 15-year-old high school female athletes with no previous injuries or symptoms in their lower limbs (106 handball players and 194 basketball players). At baseline, their psychological competitive abilities were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire-the Diagnostic Inventory of Psychological Competitive Ability (DIPCA.3). After the baseline examination was performed at high school entry, all players were prospectively followed for 36months to document any subsequent incidence of ACL injury, according to their coaches. An unpaired t-test with Welchs correction was performed to compare the differences in the psychological competitive abilities between the injured and uninjured players.nnnRESULTSnOf the 300 players, 25 (8.3%) experienced a noncontact ACL injury during the three-year observation period. The injured players had significantly higher total DIPCA.3 scores for psychological competitive ability than the uninjured players (169.9±18.8 vs. 159.2±21.6, P=.036). Additionally, the injured players had significantly higher scores than the uninjured players in the following categories: aggressiveness, volition for self-realization, volition for winning, judgment, and cooperation. However, no significant differences were observed in patience, self-control, ability to relax, concentration, confidence, decision, and predictive ability.nnnCONCLUSIONSnHigh psychological competitive ability was associated with the incidence of noncontact ACL injuries in high school female athletes.nnnLEVEL OF EVIDENCEnLevel II (prospective cohort study).

Relationship between core strength and balance ability in high school female handball and basketball players

Background Although a lot of reports have suggested that the core strength has an important role for the prevention of sports injuries, the relationship between core strength and balance ability is poorly documented. Objective The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between core strength and balance ability. Participants 119 healthy high school female players (age: 15–16 years, handball: 49 players, basketball: 70 players) were participated in this study. Main outcome measurements We measured endurance time of right side-bridge, left side-bridge and frontal-bridge as the core strength test (CST). To assess static balance, we used stabilometer and recorded the circumference area of the single leg standing position of 30 s. For the assessment of dynamic balance, we used star excursion balance test (SEBT). SEBT reach distances and limb lengths were examined, then the distance scores (cm) for each direction of the SEBT grid were averaged over the three trials and normalised to leg length (reach distance/leg length x 100=percentage of leg length). The normalised distances in each direction were then summed for both leg. We divided the players into three groups according to their CST score and compared them with the results of static balance and dynamic balance. Results No significant differences were found in body size among the three groups (p<0.05). The significant difference was not found with the static balance among the CST (p<0.05). In the dynamic balance, the players with good result of CST score had significantly better results of the SEBT in frontal-bridge and left side-bridge (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in right side-bridge. Conclusion This study showed that the core strength had certain relationship to the dynamic balance and may contribute to the prevention of sports injuries.

Poor static balance is a risk factor for non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injury

BackgroundThis prospective study aimed to investigate the relationship between static balance and the incidence of non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in female high school athletes.MethodsThis study included 276 female high school handball or basketball players. At the time of admission, each subject’s static balance was measured with a gravicorder, and the incidence of non-contact ACL injury was investigated in the 3xa0years until the student graduated. The measured parameters of postural sway were locus length per time (the distance that a center of gravity of the foot pressure moves per second) and environmental area (AR: the area surrounded by the integumentary covering of the trace of the center of gravity). Twenty-seven players (9.8%) experienced an ACL injury during the 3-year observation period. Twenty-four injured players sustained a non-contact injury and three injured players sustained a contact injury. In this study, the three contact injury players were excluded. We compared the differences in the static balance between injured and uninjured players.ResultsThe locus length per time was significantly longer in injured than in uninjured players (pu2009=u20090.046). Though there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in AR (pu2009=u20090.190), AR tended to be larger in the ACL injured group.ConclusionsThis result shows that poor static balance is a risk factor for non-contact ACL injury.

High Body Mass Index and Hip Abductor Muscle Strength were Risk Factors for Non-contact ACL Injury in Female High School Basketball Players: A Prospective Three-year Cohort Study

Objectives: To prospectively evaluate risk factors for non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in female high school basketball players. We hypothesized that female high-school basketball players suffering non-contact ACL injuries would demonstrate weaker hip abductor and knee flexor muscle strength and poor static balance, when compared to those without ACL injury. Methods: Study Design: Prospective cohort study.195 new female high school basketball players underwent detailed examinations for various parameters that were documented at their first-year of high school. The parameters assessed were height (cm), body weight (kg), body mass index (kg/m2), anterior knee laxity (mm), general joint laxity (point), femoral anteversion (degree), navicular drop (mm), muscle strength of knee flexion (Nm/kg), extension (Nm/kg), and hip abduction (Nm/kg) and static balance. All ACL injuries that occurred during these 3 years were recorded. The data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows 23.0. The parameters were compared using the Student t-test. Parameters with P values <0.2 were considered independent variables by logistic regression analysis (simultaneous). The level of significance for all statistical analyses was set at α = 0.05. Results: Of the 195 players, 24 were excluded because they either had a history of ACL injury or could not the study. The remaining 171 players were observed during the 3 years, from start of high school until graduation. A total of 16 ACL tears occurred. One of the ACL injury were contact injury, whereas the remaining 15 were noncontact ACL injuries. Nine players were injured during the games, 7 were injured during practices. The parameters were measured as follows for the ACL injury group and control group respectively: height, 161.3 ± 6.7 and 162.0 ± 5.7 cm, P = 0.63; body weight, 57.5 ± 7.8 and 55.4 ± 6.2kg, P = 0.22; body mass index, 22.1 ± 1.8 and 20.1 ± 2.7, P= 0.17; anterior knee laxity, 4.0 ± 1.0 and 3.8 ± 1.1 mm, P = 0.54;, general joint laxity, 1.8 ± 1.3 and 2.7 ± 2.2 points, P = 0.03; femoral anteversion, 16.2 ± 3.7 and 16.7 ± 3.3 degree, P = 0.60; navicular drop, 8.5 ± 6.2 and 8.0 ± 3.3 mm, P = 0.78; muscle strength of knee flexion, 0.97 ± 0.27 and 0.89 ± 0.20 Nm/kg, P = 0.17; muscle strength of knee extension, 1.73 ± 0.39 and 1.58 ± 0.35 Nm, P = 0.14; muscle strength of hip abduction, 1.42 ± 0.32 and 1.26 ± 0.24 N, P = 0.02; locus length per time, 1.35 ± 0.39 and 1.16 ± 0.26 cm/s, P = 0.09; and environmental area, 2.62 ± 1.64 and 2.20 ± 1.22 cm2, P = 0.37 (Table 1). Body mass index (P=0.008, 95% CI, 0.517-0.904) and muscle strength of hip abduction (P = 0.032, 95% CI, 0.002-0.477) were found to be independent risk factors in logistic regression analysis (Table 2). Conclusion: The most notable finding of this study was that greater hip abductor muscle strength is a risk factor for non-contact ACL injury in these athletes. This study is the first to identify the relationship between non-contact ACL injury and hip abductor muscle strength. Table 1. ACL injury group (n=14) Control group (n=156) P value Height (cm) 161.3 ± 6.7 162.0 ± 5.7 0.63 Body weight (kg) 57.5 ± 7.8 55.4 ± 6.2 0.22 Body mass index (%) 22.1 ± 1.8 20.1 ± 2.7 0.17 Anterior knee laxity (mm) 4.0 ± 1.0 3.8 ± 1.1 0.54 General joint laxity (points) 1.8 ± 1.3 2.7 ± 2.2 0.03 Femoral anteversion (degree) 16.2 ± 3.7 16.7 ± 3.3 0.60 Navicular drop (mm) 8.5 ± 6.2 8.0 ± 3.3 0.78 Knee flex. (Nm/kg) 0.97 ± 0.27 0.89 ± 0.20 0.17 Knee ext. (Nm/kg) 1.73 ± 0.39 1.58 ± 0.35 0.14 Hip abd. (Nm/kg) 1.42 ± 0.32 1.26 ± 0.24 0.02 Locus length (cm/s) 1.35 ± 0.39 1.16 ± 0.26 0.09 Environmental area (cm2) 2.62 ± 1.64 2.20 ± 1.22 0.37 Table 2. Standard partial regression coefficient SE P value Odds ratio 95 % confidence interval Body mass index -0.381 0.143 0.008 0.683 0.517~0.904 General joint laxity 0.322 0.185 0.081 1.393 0.961~1.982 Knee flex. -0.638 2.199 0.772 0.529 0.007~39.321 Knee ext. -0.244 1.309 0.852 0.783 0.060~10.183 Hip abd. -3.432 1.374 0.012 0.032 0.002~0.477 Locus length -1.625 0.871 0.062 0.197 0.036~1.086

RISK FACTORS FOR NON-CONTACT ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURY IN JAPANESE FEMALE HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL AND HANDBALL PLAYERS. A PROSPECTIVE THREE-YEAR COHORT STUDY

Background Many studies have explored the risk factors for noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Objective To prospectively evaluate risk factors for noncontact ACL injury in Japanese female high school basketball and handball players. We hypothesized those female high-school athletes suffering non-contact ACL injuries would demonstrate weaker hip abductor and knee flexor muscle strength, when compared to those without injury. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting & Participants A 3-year prospective cohort study was conducted using 317, 15-year-old high school female athletes between 2009 and 2014. At baseline, they underwent detailed examinations for various parameters that were documented at their first-year of high school. Assessment of Risk Factors The parameters assessed were height, weight, body mass index, general joint laxity, navicular drop measurement, anterior laxity of the knee, and angle of femoral anteversion, and strength assessment included knee extensor/flexor muscle strength and hip abductor strength. All ACL injuries that occurred during these 3 years were recorded. The parameters were compared using the Student t-test. Parameters with P values<0.2 were considered independent variables by logistic regression analysis (simultaneous). The level of significance for all statistical analyses was set at α=0.05. Results Of the 317 players, 27 were excluded because they either had a history of ACL injury or could not complete the study. A total of 30 ACL tears occurred. Three of the ACL injuries were contact injuries, whereas the remaining 27 were noncontact ACL injuries. Muscle strength of hip abduction (P=0.001, 95% CI, 1.793–67.534) and femoral anteversion (P=0.037, 95% CI, 0.759–0.991) were found to be independent risk factors in logistic regression analysis. Conclusions We found that increased hip abductor muscle strength and decreased femoral anteversion were risk factors for noncontact ACL injury. However, there was only a little difference.

High Psychological Competitive Ability Is Related to Incidence of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in High School Female Athletes.

Objectives: In a competitive sport situation, not only the exertions of performance but also the incidence of injury can be influenced by psychological factors. In recent years, the focus on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention has increased and many studies exploring risk factors for ACL injury have been published. However, the influence of psychological factors on ACL injuries is poorly documented. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between psychological competitive ability and incidence of ACL injury among high school female athletes. Methods: A 3-year prospective cohort study was conducted with 220 high school female handball or basketball players. All subjects were 15 years old and included 77 handball players and 143 basketball players. At baseline, psychological competitive ability was assessed by a self-administered questionnaire, the Diagnostic Inventory of Psychological Competitive Ability (DIPCA.3). This inventory measures an athlete’s psychological abilities to fully display their skills and talents during competition via 52 questions categorized into 12 scales: Patience, Aggressiveness, Volition for self-realization, Volition for winning, Self-control, Ability to relax, Concentration, Confidence, Decision, Predictive ability, Judgment, and Cooperation. After the baseline examination was performed at high school entry, all players were followed for 36 months to register any subsequent incidence of ACL injury. We compared the differences in psychological competitive ability between injured and uninjured players using an unpaired t-test. Values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The purpose of this study was explained to the subjects and their parents and written informed consent to participate was obtained from them. This study was approved by the ethics committee of our institution. Results: In the present study, 20 of the 220 players (9.1%) suffered an ACL injury during the 3-year observation period. Eighteen of the 20 injured players sustained a non-contact injury to her knee. Eleven players were injured during the game and 9 players were injured during the practice. Between injured and uninjured players, injured players had significantly higher total DIPCA.3 scores [172.7 ± 18.3 points in injured players and 157.9 ± 20.9 points in uninjured players (p<0.001)]. Regarding the specific scales, injured players scored significantly higher on Patience, Aggressiveness, Volition for self-realization, Predictive ability, Judgment, and Cooperation. However, no significant differences were observed on Volition for winning, Self-control, Ability to relax, Concentration, Confidence and Decision. Conclusion: It is reported that players displaying higher competitive levels of performance or players with higher self-esteem in their own performance score higher on DIPCA.3. In the present study, DIPCA.3 scores were significantly higher in injured players compared with uninjured players. Among the high-scoring players, a strong emphasis on improvement of their performance may force them into situations associated with injury risk. The results of the present study suggest that psychological factors are associated with the incidence of ACL injury.

YOUNG FEMALE ATHLETES HAVE CHANGED CONSIDERABLY IN THE TWO YEARS AFTER BASELINE EVALUATION IN A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background A 3-year prospective cohort study has been initiated in Japanese young female handball and basketball players to identify risk factors for non-contact ACL injuries. Although we examined the baseline data of the players at their first year of high school, it raises concern about the use of the individual baseline data as the characteristics of the players (might be identified as a risk factor) in cases where the players get injured during their senior year of high school. Objectives To compare the players data examined at the first year and the senior year of high school. Design Case-control study. Participants 21 of 84 high school female players (handball: 4 players, basketball: 17 players) who participated in our prospective cohort study. Methods Body compositions, static balance (locus length per unit area examined by stabilometer), dynamic balance (star excursion balance test; SEBT), isokinetic hamstrings/quadriceps strength, isometric hipabduction strength, hamstrings flexibility, knee laxity (KT1000), navicular drop, generalized joint laxity (Beighton index), and psychological-competitive ability (DIPCA-3) were examined. Results Significantly better result of isokinetic hamstrings/quadriceps strength, isometric hip abduction strength, and hamstrings flexibility were found at the senior. Significantly lower result of navicular drop was found at the senior. No significant differences were found between the groups in body compositions, static and dynamic balance, and DIPCA-3. Generalized joint laxity in the senior was significantly higher level of the index than that at the first. Conclusions During two years after baseline evaluation, the players increased their hip and knee strength without matching increases of static and dynamic balance ability. Considering that even generalized joint laxity which assumed to be consistent had changed, careful interpretation is needed to use the baseline data as a risk factor in a prospective cohort study.

Psychological profiling of young female handball and basketball players – a pilot study

Background The influence of psychological factors on injuries in female handball and basketball is poorly documented. Objective The aim of this study was to examine the influence of psychological factors on injuries in female handball and basketball players, especially for non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Design Case control study. Setting and Participants A three-year prospective cohort study has been initiated in Japanese young female handball and basketball players to identify risk factors for non-contact ACL injuries. At baseline, 99 of 104 young female players (handball: 30 players, basketball: 69 players, age;15–16 years) were asked to complete a detailed questionnaire covering player history, previous injuries, KOOS, personality and psychological-competitive ability using the Y-G personality questionnaire and questionnaire for diagnostic inventory of psychological-competitive ability score (DIPCA-3). Results There were no correlation between KOOS and DIPCA-3, and no significant differences were found between handball players and basketball players. There were no significant differences between previously injured and non-injured players in the score of KOOS and DIPCA-3. The players evaluated as D (director) type by the Y-G personality questionnaire scored significantly better result in DIPCA-3 than the A (average), B (burst), E (engineer) type (p=0.0128, p=0.001, p<0.001, respectively). Conclusion Since perceived mastery climate has been reported as a significant predictor for new injuries, the players who has high psychological-competitive ability evaluated as D type may be the injury-prone athletes. Prospective follow-up is necessary to elucidate whether high psychological-competitive ability is a risk factor for ACL injury or new injury.