To estimate the current incidence and location of injury in English professional football. Prospective cohort study conducted over one competitive season (2015/16). Professional football players competing in the English Football League and National Conference. 243 players from 10 squads (24.3 ± 4.21 per squad). Injury incidence, training and match exposure were collected in accordance with the international consensus statement on football injury epidemiology. 473 injuries were reported. The estimated incidence of injury was, 9.11 injuries/1000 h of football related activity. There was a higher incidence of injury during match play (24.29/1000 h) compared to training (6.84/1000 h). The thigh was the most common site of injury (31.7%), muscle strains accounted for 41.2% of all injuries. The hamstrings were the most frequently strained muscle group, accounting for 39.5% of all muscle strains and 16.3% of all injuries. Moderate severity injuries (8-28 days) were the most common (44.2%). Incidence of injury has increased over the last 16 years with muscle strains remaining the most prevalent injury. The hamstrings remain the most commonly injured muscle group.

Background : The systematic effect of inter-electrode distance on electrically elicited radial muscle displacement (Dm) and contraction time ( T _c ) of the biceps femoris, gastrocnemius medialis and biceps brachii using tensiomyography (TMG) is currently unavailable. Objective : To investigate the effects of inter-electrode distance (4 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm and 7 cm) on Dm and T _c of the biceps femoris, gastrocnemius medialis and biceps brachii, when the current amplitude is standardised. Approach : A within subject, repeated measures cross-over study. Participants : 24 participants. Main results : Biceps femoris and gastrocnemius medialis Dm increased with increased inter-electrode distance (biceps femoris: p = 0.015; gastrocnemius medialis: p = 0.000), yet T _c were not affected ( p > 0.05). Biceps brachii Dm was not affected by inter-electrode distance ( p > 0.05), yet T _c became shorter with increased inter-electrode distance ( p = 0.032). Significance : Inter-electrode distance affects Dm but not T _c in two pennate muscles (biceps femoris and gastrocnemius medialis), and T _c but not Dm in one parallel muscle (biceps brachii). Based on Dm measurements, optimal muscle specific inter-electrode distances were judged within the limits of this study. The following optimal inter-electrode distances are suggested: biceps femoris = 6 cm, gastrocnemius medialis = 7 cm and biceps brachii = 4 cm. Our findings emphasise the importance of accurate implementation and reporting of inter-electrode distance, for the reproducibility and comparability of studies using TMG.

Dysfunctional breathing (DB) refers to various abnormalities breathing patterns. Whilst a formal definition exists, subsequent research has inconsistently applied or omitted it. As interest in breathing techniques grows among both healthcare professionals and the public, it is important to reach a consensus on DB's definition to ensure effective assessment and treatment. This critical review explores how DB is currently defined and applied within respiratory and musculoskeletal health. A lack of consistency in the literature identified the need for a more comprehensive framework of DB. To address this, a new model of DB is proposed that includes three subcategories: biomechanical, biochemical and psychophysiological DB. This revised model offers a foundation for future research and clinical application.

Background: Fixed-frame dynamometry systems are used worldwide to assess isometric strength in both general and athletic populations. There is currently a paucity of published work where reliability estimates for fixed-frame dynamometry systems have been estimated. The aim of this study was to determine the inter-and intra-rater reliability of the KangaTech (KT360) fixed frame dynamometry system when measuring maximal isometric strength of the knee flexor muscles. Study Design: Inter and intra-rater reliability single cohort study. Methods: Twenty healthy university-level athletes (age= 21.65 ± 3 years, weight= 74.465 ± 30kg, height= 170.1 ± 7.0cm) took part in two testing sessions where two raters collected data during a 90° hip and knee flexion protocol. Participants performed each test twice, building to a maximal isometric contraction holding over a 5 second period with 30 second rest between sets. Data were checked for normality using a Shapiro-Wilk test. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) were calculated. Finally, a Bland-Altman analysis was used to determine the levels of agreement for intra-and inter-rater measurements. Results: High levels of agreement were demonstrated between left and right knee flexion as 95% of the differences were less than two standard deviations away from the mean. ‘Almost perfect’ intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values were demonstrated (Knee flexion: Inter-rater: Left, 0.99; Right, 0.99; Intra-rater: Left, 0.99; Right:0.99). Standard error of measurement (SEM) for inter-and intra-rater strength ranged from 0.26-0.69 kg, SEM% ranged from 1.34-2.71% and minimal detectable change (MDC) ranged from 1.14-2.31kg. Conclusion: Overall, high level of inter-and intra-rater reliability were demonstrated when testing maximal isometric knee flexion. Therefore, the KT360 fixed frame dynamometry system may be considered a viable tool for measuring maximal isometric contraction of the knee flexors when repeat measures are required in clinical settings. Level of Evidence: 3b

A male runner (30 years old; 10-km time: 33 min, 46 s) had been running with suspected insertional Achilles tendinopathy (AT) for ~2 years when the pain reached a threshold that prevented running. Diagnostic ultrasound (US), prior to a high-volume stripping injection, confirmed right-sided medial insertional AT. The athlete failed to respond to injection therapy and ceased running for a period of 5 weeks. At the beginning of this period, the runner completed the Victoria institute of sports assessment–Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A), the foot and ankle disability index (FADI), and FADI sport prior to undergoing an assessment of bi-lateral gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle architecture (muscle thickness (MT) and pennation angle (PA); US), muscle contractile properties (maximal muscle displacement (Dm) and contraction time (Tc); Tensiomyography (TMG)) and calf endurance (40 raises/min). VISA-A and FADI scores were 59%/100% and 102/136 respectively. Compared to the left leg, the right GM had a lower MT (1.60 cm vs. 1.74 cm), a similar PA (22.0° vs. 21.0°), a lower Dm (1.2 mm vs. 2.0 mm) and Tc (16.5 ms vs. 17.7 ms). Calf endurance was higher in the right leg compared to the left (48 vs. 43 raises). The athlete began a metronome-guided (15 BPM), 12-week progressive eccentric training protocol using a weighted vest (1.5 kg increments per week), while receiving six sessions of shockwave therapy concurrently (within 5 weeks). On returning to running, the athlete kept daily pain (Numeric Rating Scale; NRS) and running scores (miles*rate of perceived exertion (RPE)). Foot and ankle function improved according to scores recorded on the VISA-A (59% vs. 97%) and FADI (102 vs. 127/136). Improvements in MT (1.60 cm vs. 1.76 cm) and PA (22.0° vs. 24.8°) were recorded via US. Improvements in Dm (1.15 mm vs. 1.69 mm) and Tc (16.5 ms vs. 15.4 ms) were recorded via TMG. Calf endurance was lower in both legs and the asymmetry between legs remained (L: 31, R: 34). Pain intensity (mean weekly NRS scores) decreased between week 1 and week 12 (6.6 vs. 2.9), while running scores increased (20 vs. 38) during the same period. The program was maintained up to week 16 at which point mean weekly NRS was 2.2 and running score was 47.