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Wrist pain in a young gymnast: unusual radiographic findings and MRI evidence of growth plate injury.

A 10-yr-old gymnast, training well below the elite level, reported a 3-wk history of bilateral dorsal wrist pain. Physical examination and radiographic findings were consistent with stress injury to the distal radial growth plates. The patient's radiographs also displayed rare findings including cleft radial and ulnar epiphyses, as well as epiphyseal spur formation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated evidence of metaphyseal and epiphyseal ischemia of the growth plate. The patient responded well to conservative treatment, including ice, splinting, and activity modification. This case illustrates several potentially confusing radiographic abnormalities and the emerging role of MRI in evaluating wrist pain in young gymnasts.

Child↗

Gymnastic training and bone density in pre-adolescent females.

Bone mineral density (BMD) was compared between 7-11-yr-old female gymnasts (GYM: N = 16) with a history of high volume impact loading (minimum of 15 h.wk-1 for past 2 yr) and healthy nonathletic controls (CON: N = 16). Whole body (WB) and regional areal BMD measures were determined by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) normalized for height and body mass and also converted to bone mineral apparent density (BMAD). Volumetric BMD and bone cross-sectional areas were also measured by peripheral QCT (pQCT) at the left distal radius. GYM were significantly (P < 0.01) shorter (129.3 +/- 5.7 vs 136.7 +/- 4.4 cm; means +/- SD) and leaner (15.1 +/- 1.9 vs 19.6 +/- 4.3% body fat from DXA), and had significantly (P < 0.05) greater femoral neck (0.698 +/- 0.058 vs 0.648 +/- 0.064 g.cm-2) and trochanter (0.616 +/- 0.060 vs 0.530 +/- 0.084 g.cm-2) areal BMD than CON. GYM also had significantly higher whole body (0.101 +/- 0.009 vs 0.094 +/- 0.007 g.cm-3), femoral neck (0.245 +/- 0.060 vs 0.205 +/- 0.049 g.cm-3) and lumbar spine (0.227 +/- 0.014 vs 0.210 +/- 0.026 g.cm-3) BMAD compared with CON. Height normalized areal BMD measures were also significantly higher at all sites in GYM. Radial total (367.7 +/- 51.6 vs 307.4 +/- 27.6 mg.cm-3), trabecular (207.9 +/- 45.3 vs 163.8 +/- 31.4 mg.cm-3), and cortical (496.9 +/- 67.5 vs 429.8 +/- 33.8 mg.cm-3) BMD were also significantly greater in the GYM compared with the CON. In conclusion, high volume impact loading was associated with greater (compared with controls) whole body and regional bone mineral density in pre-adolescent female gymnasts.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Improving leaping ability in elite rhythmic gymnasts.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to improve the leaping ability of athletes in rhythmic gymnastics, a high leap demanding sport, using a controlled course of jump training. METHODS: Six elite athletes underwent a course of leap training including pool training and Pilates' Method of Body Conditioning using spring controlled resistance to muscular exertion. Baseline data was obtained on a force plate that measured reaction time, leap height, and explosive power on each athlete before initiating training. RESULTS: After 1 month of training, leap height improved 16.2%, ground reaction time improved 50%, and explosive power improved 220%. With continued maintenance training, no decrease in effect was noted; however, no significant improvement occurred after the first month of training. At 1 yr with discontinuation of the leaping protocol but continued training within the sport, the initial gains were likewise maintained. No injuries occurred during participation in the leaping protocol. CONCLUSIONS: Elite rhythmic gymnasts can safely improve their leaping ability significantly through an intense course of jump training. Continued training with the leaping protocol does not appear to further enhance the benefit; however, the gains appear to be maintained at 4 months and 1 yr post training with or without additional training with the leaping protocol.

Adolescent↗

Epiphysiodesis for bilateral irregular closure of the distal radial physis in a gymnast.

Wrist pain is a common complaint in gymnasts. Repetitive stress on the distal radial physis may lead to either gradual slipping of the epiphysis or growth disturbances. In some cases growth disturbances of the distal radial physis lead to triangulation of the distal radius and secondary ulnar overgrowth, and eventually a Madelung-like deformity. The present case report is the first to describe the outcome of epiphysiodesis of the distal radial and ulnar growth plates in a skeletally immature gymnast as a surgical treatment to prevent Madelung's deformity.

Adolescent↗

A force-indentation relationship for gymnastic mats.

The mechanical properties of a series of gymnastic surfaces are investigated. A Force--Indentation relationship is obtained for each surface. This law can be used to simulate the ground reaction force during under-foot impact with a gymnastic surface. The law is independent of many of the properties of the striking body and when incorporated into a system of differential equations describing the motion of the impacting body, can be used to compute system responses and to investigate the importance of different properties of the various surfaces. Several examples, using both a single, rigid mass and a four link, articulated system are presented, and demonstrate that the relationship can be satisfactorily incorporated into a solution algorithm for a large-displacement dynamical analysis.

Acceleration↗

Modeling a viscoelastic gymnastics landing mat during impact.

Landing mats that can undergo a large amount of area deformation are now essential for the safe completion of landings in gymnastics. The objective of this study was to develop an analytical model of a landing mat that reproduces the key characteristics of the mat-ground force during impact with minimal simulation run time. A force plate and two high-speed video cameras were used to record the mat deformation during vertical drop testing of a 24-kg impactor. Four increasingly complex point mass spring-damper models, from a single mass spring-damper system, Model 1, to a 3-layer mass spring-damper system, Model 4, were constructed using Matlab to model the mat's behavior during impact. A fifth model composed of a 3-layer mass spring-damper system was developed using visual Nastran 4D. The results showed that Models 4 and 5 were able to match the loading phase of the impact with simulation times of less than 1 second for Model 4 and 28 seconds for Model 5. Both Models 4 and 5 successfully reproduced the key force-time characteristics of the mat-ground interface, such as peak forces, time of peak forces, interpeak minima and initial rates of loading, and could be incorporated into a gymnast-mat model.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

A rare fracture-dislocation of the hip in a gymnast and review of the literature.

Posterior fracture-dislocation of the hip is an uncommon injury in athletics and leisure activities. It is more commonly seen in high energy motor vehicle accidents and occasionally in high energy sporting activities. A rare case is reported of posterior fracture-dislocation of the hip joint that occurred in a young athlete during gymnastics. This unusual mechanism of injury illustrates the great forces sustained by the hip joint of gymnasts. Early reduction and operative treatment led to a congruent and stable hip joint. After rehabilitation, she returned to light sporting activities after six months.

Acetabulum↗

Injuries of the spine sustained during gymnastic activities.

Between 1954 and 1984, 38 patients were seen as a result of gymnastic activities. Thirty three were men, five were women, and their ages ranged from 12 to 54, the mean age being 20. Thirty one had spinal injuries (28 in the cervical region, three in the thoracolumbar region), two no definite injury, and for five the information was incomplete. The accidents occurred largely because gymnasts landed on their heads, the force being transmitted to the cervical spine. Most took place in gymnasiums and were caused by a failure of supervision.

Accidental Falls↗

Influence of water immersion, water gymnastics and swimming on cardiac output in patients with heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Whole-body water immersion leads to a significant shift of blood from the periphery to the intrathoracic circulation, followed by an increase in central venous pressure and heart volume. In patients with severely reduced left ventricular function, this hydrostatically induced volume shift might overstrain the cardiovascular adaptive mechanisms and lead to cardiac decompensation. AIM: To assess the haemodynamic response to water immersion, gymnastics and swimming in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). METHODS: 10 patients with compensated CHF (62.9 (6.3) years, ejection fraction 31.5% (4.1%), peak oxygen consumption (Vo(2)) 19.4 (2.8) ml/kg/min), 10 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) but preserved left ventricular function (57.2 (5.6) years, ejection fraction 63.9% (5.5%), peak Vo(2) 28 (6.3) ml/kg/min), and 10 healthy controls (32.8 (7.2) years, peak Vo(2) 45.6 (6) ml/kg/min) were examined. Haemodynamic response to thermoneutral (32 degrees C) water immersion and exercise was measured using a non-invasive foreign gas rebreathing method during stepwise water immersion, water gymnastics and swimming. RESULTS: Water immersion up to the chest increased cardiac index by 19% in controls, by 21% in patients with CAD and by 16% in patients with CHF. Although some patients with CHF showed a decrease of stroke volume during immersion, all subjects were able to increase cardiac index (by 87% in healthy subjects, by 77% in patients with CAD and by 53% in patients with CHF). Vo(2) during swimming was 9.7 (3.3) ml/kg/min in patients with CHF, 12.4 (3.5) ml/kg/min in patients with CAD and 13.9 (4) ml/kg/min in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severely reduced left ventricular function but stable clinical conditions and a minimal peak Vo(2) of at least 15 ml/kg/min during a symptom-limited exercise stress test tolerate water immersion and swimming in thermoneutral water well. Although cardiac index and Vo(2) are lower than in patients with CAD with preserved left ventricular function and controls, these patients are able to increase cardiac index adequately during water immersion and swimming.

Adult↗

Wrist injuries in adolescent gymnasts of a Chinese opera school: radiographic survey.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of chronic wrist injuries among adolescent gymnasts and the consequences of repetitive stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Students of a Chinese opera school underwent radiography of both wrists and answered a questionnaire. They were separated into study (n = 261) and control (n = 63) groups according to participation in or abstinence from exercise training, respectively. They were further separated into fused and unfused physis subgroups. The ulnar variance was measured on posteroanterior radiographs. Abnormalities of distal radii were investigated. RESULTS: An increase in both mean ulnar variance and frequency of ulnar-plus variance was noted in the study subgroups. Fourteen (8.2%) of 170 wrists of the fused physis study subgroup had an exceedingly large ulnar-plus variance. Sixty-one (17.3%) of 352 wrists had abnormal morphology of the distal radii in the unfused physis study subgroup. Widening of the physis was the most common finding. CONCLUSION: Chronic, repetitive stress in the wrists of adolescent gymnasts results in a localized growth disturbance of the distal radius with resultant ulnar-plus variance. Stress injuries of the physis may lead to permanent sequelae, even in asymptomatic individuals.

Adolescent↗

Effect of past gymnastics participation on adult bone mass.

The purposes of this study were to determine bone mineral density (BMD) of former female college gymnasts (FG; n = 18) and controls (FC; n = 15) by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (Hologic QDR 1000W) and to examine the relationships between current and former activity levels, diet, menstrual history and BMD. Current physical activity, dietary intake, and menstrual irregularity were assessed with the use of standardized questionnaires. A study-designed questionnaire was used to assess past physical activity. The BMDs of the FG were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than the BMDs of FC for the lumbar spine, femoral neck, Ward's triangle, and whole body, even when the influences of current and past physical activity levels were statistically controlled via analysis of covariance. FG and FC did not differ in nutrient intakes, and there were no BMD differences between FG who always had regular menstrual cycles vs. those who had an interruption (> or = 3 mo) of their menstrual cycle in the past. The higher BMD in FG compared with FC suggests that past participation in college gymnastics may provide a residual effect on adult BMD.

Adult↗

Physical and pubertal development in young male gymnasts.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of intense training on physical growth and sexual maturation in young male gymnasts. Physical development, pubertal development, testosterone levels, energy expenditure, and relative body fat were examined in 21 circumpubertal male gymnasts (13.3 +/- 0.3 yr) and 24 age-matched controls (13.5 +/- 0.3 yr). Subjects completed a self-assessment of genital and pubic hair development with the use of the Tanner scale. All subjects were measured for height, weight, and salivary testosterone levels (T). The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents was used to estimate weekly energy expenditure in metabolic equivalents. Percent body fat (%BF) was assessed by using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Developmental stages and T, as well as height and weight, were not different between groups. Energy expenditure was significantly higher (P <or= 0.05) and %BF was lower (P <or= 0.05) in athletes than in controls, but lean body mass was not significantly different between groups. Energy expenditure was negatively correlated (P <or= 0.05) with %BF but not related to T. Developmental stages were strongly (P <or= 0.05) related to T but not to energy expenditure or %BF. It is concluded that, although there is a higher energy expenditure accompanying intense training in young male athletes, their body composition is not necessarily affected, and there is no determined effect on their physical and pubertal development.

Adipose Tissue↗

Injuries in women's gymnastics. A 5-year study.

In this 5-year study of women gymnasts, 70 participants (i.e., one woman for one season) sustained 66 major injuries (i.e., brought to the attention of a physician and produced disability). Forty-seven of the 70 athletes sustained injuries. The trunk had the lowest incidence of injuries (11), the upper extremity had 20, and the lower extremity had the highest incidence (35 injuries). Two categories, stress or trauma, segregated the injuries and provided rationale for the high incidence of injuries on this team. These athletes were of national caliber. They were constantly trying to improve performance. They engaged in intensive practice and difficult maneuvers. The self-motivation of these women increased the number of injuries caused by stress (a total of 21); the combination of intensive practice and the maneuvers is responsible for the traumatic injuries (45). From this evidence, women's gymnastics should be recognized as a hazardous sport for the competitor. Risk factors should be evaluated constantly by her, the coach, and the team physician.

Athletic Injuries↗

Epidemiology of women's gymnastics injuries.

Injury information from 98 participants in 2 years of interscholastic women's gymnastics competition in four Seattle area high schools was collected by certified athletic trainers. During the 2nd year of data collection, the study was expanded to include an additional 12-team high school league, 2 college teams, and 3 private clubs. A wide variety of injuries was observed, the total time loss injury rate was 39.8 injuries per 100 participant-seasons. Strains and sprains involving the back, particularly the lumbar region, appeared to occur more frequently than in most other interscholastic athletic activities. Ankle sprains were also common, and a relatively high frequency of thigh and leg strains and overuse problems of the leg were seen. This suggests that there may well be room for improvement in conditioning and other preventive programs in women's gymnastics.

Adolescent↗

A retrospective study of gymnastics injuries to competitors and noncompetitors in private clubs.

The purpose of this study was to determine the number and types of injuries which occur to competitive and noncompetitive gymnasts in private clubs. Secondary purposes were to determine which events were most hazardous, and whether or not the ratio between participant and instructor, the availability of safety equipment, and the conditioning programs used affected the injury rate. The data show that gymnastics has a high injury rate for competitors, but a low injury rate for noncompetitors. The level of competition seems to be the most important factor related to rate of injury.

Athletic Injuries↗

Aseptic necrosis of the capitate bone in two gymnasts.

Aseptic necrosis of the capitate bone is a rare disease, except in the scaphoid bone and the lunate bone. This report describes an aseptic necrosis of the bone in two gymnasts. In both cases, the necrosis probably resulted from dorsiflexion compression injury in gymnastics. In an attempt to enable these patients to continue athletics, partial resection and drilling were performed to give successful results.

Adolescent↗

Injuries in women's gymnastics. The state of the art.

This article takes a three-stage approach to the topic of injuries in women's gymnastics. In the first stage, we review the literature and summarize our current knowledge of injury rates, injuries in specific events, and anatomical location of injuries. In the second, we critically evaluate the relative contributions of these studies in terms of their generalizability, methods, and conceptual approaches. Finally, we present possible directions for future research in the area of women's gymnastic injuries.

Athletic Injuries↗

Illness and absence among wrestlers, swimmers, and gymnasts at a large university.

The object of this study was to document the prevalence of illness and absence in members of three men's intercollegiate athletic teams: varsity wrestling, swimming, and gymnastics. Team members (N = 87) were interviewed weekly in January and February during 8 weeks of their competitive season. Symptoms, signs, and their duration were recorded on a standard form, as well as the number of days of absence from at least one class or team practice or competition. Mean prevalence of illness was 54 per 100 persons during the first 5 weeks of the study and 30 per 100 persons during the last 3 weeks. Eight-six percent of the athletes had at least one respiratory illness during the 8 week period and 40% reported skin problems. There were no significant differences among teams for respiratory or skin problems. Gastrointestinal symptoms were significantly more frequent among swimmers than among wrestlers or gymnasts (chi 2 = 16.1, df = 2, P less than 0.001). During an illness, an athlete was less likely to miss class than practice or competition (chi 2 = 5.33, df = 1, P less than 0.05). We conclude that there were no significant differences in the prevalence of illness among the three teams except that swimmers had more gastrointestinal problems as well as a transient syndrome associated with abnormal water quality (pH) in the swimming pool.

Absenteeism↗