Author: Suegnet

Skiing

Management of ACL Ruptures in Skiers

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Clinical Guidelines for the Management and Return to Competition of Professional Alpine Skiers Suffering from Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Rupture

Author: Suegnet Meyer

Introduction

Knee InjuryThe Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is the primary knee stabiliser that prevents anterior laxity of the tibia in relation to the femur and provides rotational knee stability (Negus et al., 2012). In the United States, approximately 200,000 Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions (ACLR) are performed annually at a cost of $3 billion (Brophy et al., 2009). Devastating evidence estimates up to 10% of professional alpine skiers will end their careers due to ACL ruptures or tears (Pujol et al., 2007).

Aim

This Clinical Guidance is aimed at Physiotherapists, Strength & Conditioning Coaches and Doctors to prevent and manage ACL ruptures during professional downhill, freestyle skiing and ski-cross during off-season. Continue reading →

Quadriceps Dysfunction in Patello Femoral Pain Syndrome

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Knee PainThere exists a lack of consensus determining the etiology of Quadriceps Dysfunction in Patello Femoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS). It is suggested that multifactorial causes for PFPS exist. For example: Quadriceps muscle mass can be reduced due to Vastus medialis atrophy causing Quadriceps strength deficiency or altered Quadriceps recruitment patterns. Abnormal activation patterns due to deficient neuromuscular imbalance causing Vastus lateralis to contract earlier than Vastus Medialis Oblique resulting in a lateral directed force on the patella and abnormal patella tracking has also been suggested. Thus abnormal activation patterns due to a deficient neuromuscular pattern has been considered. Continue reading →

Spine Injuries in Sport

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Author: Suegnet Meyer

Introduction

This literature review looks at Cervical Injuries that occur during participation in sport. It looks at injuries that happen in sport with frequent impact, e.g. Rugby and American Football, and also injuries due to continuous strain induced by high G-forces, e.g. Motorsport and Bob-Skeleton.

Aims

The aims of this literature review are to establish: 1) Which muscles stabilise the neck? 2) Which Cervical Strengthening (CS) exercises are most effective? 3) Whether cervical strengthening is effective for rehabilitation and injury prevention? Continue reading →

Achilles Tendinopathy

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Achilles Tendinopathy is commonly known as Achilles Tendinitis. It is a frequent cause of lower calf pain and heel pain. It is usually characterised by a degeneration or worn down of the Achilles tendon, which means it does not possess its normal tensile strength and may be liable to further damage and pain during sporting activity.

Signs & Symptoms

Achilles InjuryThe main symptoms are pain and stiffness of the tendon,  just above your heel bone. It usually develops gradually and may be more noticeable after a period of rest, such as first thing in the morning. The pain may improve with exercise to begin with. Over time, symptoms may worsen; you may start to experience pain after exercise and finally pain during exercise. The tendon above your heel may appear slightly swollen and feel stiff. Continue reading →

Biomechanical Analysis and Measurement of Vertical Jump as a Performance Indicator in Basketball

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Author: Suegnet Meyer

Introduction

Vertical jump (VJ) determines explosive lower limb power (Linthorne, 2001). This discussion highlights the VJ kinetic and kinematic pattern and the biomechanical factors maximising vertical jump height (VJH). Furthermore, VJ measurements are analysed and VJ as a basketball performance measure is assessed.

1. Kinetic & Kinematic analysis

Various VJ techniques take place in a sagittal plane. The squat jump (SJ) starts from a stationary semi-squat position excluding the pre-stretching phase. The countermovement jump (CMJ) phases: Continue reading →

London 3×3 Basketball Tournament in Aid of UNICEF

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The winning team - Broken Ankles, receiving their medals and a trophy
The winning team – Broken Ankles, receiving their trophy
11/01/2012: LDN Basketball, a London-based basketball club, organised a 3×3 basketball tournament on Saturday 7 January. 3×3 Basketball is a new discipline being promoted by the International Basketball Federation – FIBA. The tournament’s aim wasn’t just to showcase the 3×3 Basketball format in a fun environment, but also to raise funds and lend support to UNICEF’s mission – helping underprivileged children around the world. Continue reading →