Among the greatest rewards in the world of sports is being able to compete purely for the joy of the contest. That simple joy is often lost as athletes move forward in their sports. The stakes get higher and the pressure increases.
This past weekend, more than 500 young people in Glastonbury re-discovered the pleasure of playing a sport for fun. They participated in the second annual KJ Life Flag Football Tournament.
This tournament is held each year in memory of Kenneth Joyce, who passed away in a skiing accident two years ago. The tournament raises money for youth leadership programs.
Like ultimate Frisbee, floor hockey and disc golf, flag football is a “cult” sport. It is played on open fields by students from elementary to graduate school levels. Teams vary in number and gender of players.
As in the traditional game, the goal is to run or pass the football until a touchdown is scored. Forward progress is stopped when a flag is removed from the waist of an opposing player. Plays are generally designed as the game develops.
While coaching and instruction are usually helpful, they can also be overdone. There are no coaches in the KJ Life Tournament, but officials are provided for each of the games.
“Players of any skill level can enjoy the game of flag football. All you need to do is know how to throw and catch,” said Pat Curry, a volunteer official. According to Curry, tournaments like this are a step back in time to the days of sandlot sports.
Flag football is an outstanding way to encourage fitness and fair play. A tournament like KJ Life is also a great way to memorialize the spirit of a young athlete who has inspired so many others.
Don’t overlook the importance of bike seats
Along with fair weather and extended daylight hours comes an opportunity for increased fitness activities. Many have already begun to tune up their bicycles in preparation for an evening ride or a daily commute.
An often overlooked but essential component to any tune-up or purchase is the bicycle seat.
The perineum is the anatomic region located at the base of the pelvis. It absorbs the pressure of the torso on a standard bicycle seat. Irritation from a poorly-fitted bicycle seat and inappropriate attire can be painful. In addition, impaired blood flow to reproductive organs can lead to dysfunction.
Lance Armstrong’s battle with testicular cancer has raised suspicion of a correlation between cycling and this potentially deadly disease. No clear relationship has ever been established in the scientific literature.
Pressure on the pudendal nerves and arteries reduces sensation and circulation to male genitalia. Longer rides can result in persistent symptoms and urinary tract difficulties in both men and women.
Bicycles seats have evolved from rudimentary cushions with springs to high-tech leather saddles that can cost up to $500.
“Many people make the crucial mistake of buying a wide seat thinking it is more comfortable. Unfortunately, the extra width places painful traction on the pelvis after an extended ride,” said Tom Girard, sales manager at Zane’s Cycles in Branford.
One of the newer design innovations includes an indentation that runs the length of the seat to accommodate nerves and blood vessels.
Girard recommends purchasing a seat that fits the individual, based on some simple measurements. Many companies sell padded shorts designed to fit the style of the seat.
When choosing the components for a new bicycle or tuning up an old favorite, careful attention to the seat can make a cycling workout much more comfortable.
An often overlooked but essential component to any tune-up or purchase is the bicycle seat.
The perineum is the anatomic region located at the base of the pelvis. It absorbs the pressure of the torso on a standard bicycle seat. Irritation from a poorly-fitted bicycle seat and inappropriate attire can be painful. In addition, impaired blood flow to reproductive organs can lead to dysfunction.
Lance Armstrong’s battle with testicular cancer has raised suspicion of a correlation between cycling and this potentially deadly disease. No clear relationship has ever been established in the scientific literature.
Pressure on the pudendal nerves and arteries reduces sensation and circulation to male genitalia. Longer rides can result in persistent symptoms and urinary tract difficulties in both men and women.
Bicycles seats have evolved from rudimentary cushions with springs to high-tech leather saddles that can cost up to $500.
“Many people make the crucial mistake of buying a wide seat thinking it is more comfortable. Unfortunately, the extra width places painful traction on the pelvis after an extended ride,” said Tom Girard, sales manager at Zane’s Cycles in Branford.
One of the newer design innovations includes an indentation that runs the length of the seat to accommodate nerves and blood vessels.
Girard recommends purchasing a seat that fits the individual, based on some simple measurements. Many companies sell padded shorts designed to fit the style of the seat.
When choosing the components for a new bicycle or tuning up an old favorite, careful attention to the seat can make a cycling workout much more comfortable.
Sports medicine technology showcased
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) met last week in Baltimore – a gathering of thousands of physicians, athletic trainers, exercise physiologists and other professionals involved in sports medicine.
Meetings like this also provide an opportunity for exhibitors to display the latest innovations in sports medicine.
New technology in the area of athletic footwear was prominent. Specifically, shoe inserts and shoe design have undergone radical changes. The newest design has been popularized by brands like MBT, Sketchers, Reebok, New Balance, Nike and Clarks. Allowing for slight variations, these shoes have a rounded, bowed sole and are reported to add an extra element to any workout, allowing more calories to be burned.
Many of the new designs are attempting to emulate a sensation of walking on sand. This allows for the small bones, muscles and tendons of the feet to continue moving. It also creates a soft surface when the foot impacts the ground.
These changes in structure are a sharp diversion from rigid inserts that are designed for more support and restricted movement. Many foot and ankle specialists are skeptical of the claim that these new shoes will help burn calories but agree that they are probably a good investment from the standpoint of comfort.
Nutritional supplements continue to receive a lot of attention. Gatorade has a system of beverages to be used before, during and after competition. Power Bar now has a variety of calorie replacement products and improved flavors.
The field of computerized cognitive testing was an area of interest as health professionals search for better ways of tracking athletes who have suffered concussions. Cog State, the makers of Cog Sport, demonstrated several changes to its program.
As new health care products come to market, it is always wise to get advice before making a large investment.
Meetings like this also provide an opportunity for exhibitors to display the latest innovations in sports medicine.
New technology in the area of athletic footwear was prominent. Specifically, shoe inserts and shoe design have undergone radical changes. The newest design has been popularized by brands like MBT, Sketchers, Reebok, New Balance, Nike and Clarks. Allowing for slight variations, these shoes have a rounded, bowed sole and are reported to add an extra element to any workout, allowing more calories to be burned.
Many of the new designs are attempting to emulate a sensation of walking on sand. This allows for the small bones, muscles and tendons of the feet to continue moving. It also creates a soft surface when the foot impacts the ground.
These changes in structure are a sharp diversion from rigid inserts that are designed for more support and restricted movement. Many foot and ankle specialists are skeptical of the claim that these new shoes will help burn calories but agree that they are probably a good investment from the standpoint of comfort.
Nutritional supplements continue to receive a lot of attention. Gatorade has a system of beverages to be used before, during and after competition. Power Bar now has a variety of calorie replacement products and improved flavors.
The field of computerized cognitive testing was an area of interest as health professionals search for better ways of tracking athletes who have suffered concussions. Cog State, the makers of Cog Sport, demonstrated several changes to its program.
As new health care products come to market, it is always wise to get advice before making a large investment.
Athletes can overcome migraine headaches
Migraine headaches affect 28 million Americans. While it is not surprising that many migraine sufferers are also athletes, participation in sports presents a therapeutic challenge.
Migraine headaches are best defined as recurrent headaches that can last anywhere from four to 72 hours. Symptoms include pulsating head pain sometimes accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, along with nausea and vomiting.
The intense pain of a migraine episode can be precipitated and aggravated by head trauma and physical exertion. Understandably, those factors present tremendous obstacles to effective treatment in athletes. Other causes of migraines include changes in diet, erratic sleep habits and changes in altitude.
Migraine appears to be a disorder involving both the nerves and blood vessels of the brain. After a triggering event, a chemical cascade begins, resulting in dilation of blood vessels in the brain and stretching of nerve endings. The goal of treatment is interrupting or avoiding the chemical cascade before the onset of pain.
Assuring the optimal health and performance of athletes is the responsibility of all sports medicine professionals. Rapid, effective intervention can make the difference in winning or losing a decisive contest.
Terrell Davis, a known migraine sufferer, serves as a good example. In Super Bowl XXXII he was kicked in the head during the second quarter. This triggered a visual aura followed by a headache. The aura left him visually impaired and he was unable to play. At halftime, he was treated with intranasal DHE, a vasoconstrictive medication, and returned in the fourth quarter to become MVP. He later became a spokesman for that medication.
Many effective medications are available for the treatment of migraine but the best approach is often a combination of medications and a regular daily routine.
Warming up reduces chances of groin strains
Among the most common and disabling musculoskeletal injuries in sports is the infamous “groin injury.”
Groin injuries consist of trauma to the groin muscles and tendons. These muscles are located on the inner thigh and consist of the adductor longus, adductor magnus, adductor brevis, gracilis and pectinus muscles.
Groin muscles work together to pull the lower extremity toward the center of the body. A strain occurs when sudden excess force is applied to these muscles or there is chronic repetitive injury resulting in tearing of fibers and swelling.
These injuries are most frequently seen in sports that require powerful leg movements to gain momentum. It has been reported that 10% of all injuries to professional ice hockey and soccer players involve the groin muscles. Athletes who compete in rugby, fencing, hurdling, cross country skiing and football are also prone to groin strain.
Symptoms of a groin strain include pain along the inner thigh on exertion and to touch. In severe cases, bruising may occur.
Groin strains should not be confused with the less common sports hernia. A sports hernia results from thinning abdominal muscles allowing the intestines to rub against the abdominal wall. The pain radiates along the lower abdomen.
Treatment of any muscle strain incorporates rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). Anti-inflammatory medications are helpful in managing pain. Recovery involves gentle stretching followed by a gradual return to activity. If an athlete returns to play prematurely, groin strain can become a chronic problem.
A regimen of stretching and strengthening that emphasizes leg and core muscles is crucial to avoid these injuries. “Warming up” should consist of a moderate sport-specific activity both before and after an event.
It is becoming apparent that preparation is imperative to avoid being sidelined by a groin strain.
Groin injuries consist of trauma to the groin muscles and tendons. These muscles are located on the inner thigh and consist of the adductor longus, adductor magnus, adductor brevis, gracilis and pectinus muscles.
Groin muscles work together to pull the lower extremity toward the center of the body. A strain occurs when sudden excess force is applied to these muscles or there is chronic repetitive injury resulting in tearing of fibers and swelling.
These injuries are most frequently seen in sports that require powerful leg movements to gain momentum. It has been reported that 10% of all injuries to professional ice hockey and soccer players involve the groin muscles. Athletes who compete in rugby, fencing, hurdling, cross country skiing and football are also prone to groin strain.
Symptoms of a groin strain include pain along the inner thigh on exertion and to touch. In severe cases, bruising may occur.
Groin strains should not be confused with the less common sports hernia. A sports hernia results from thinning abdominal muscles allowing the intestines to rub against the abdominal wall. The pain radiates along the lower abdomen.
Treatment of any muscle strain incorporates rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). Anti-inflammatory medications are helpful in managing pain. Recovery involves gentle stretching followed by a gradual return to activity. If an athlete returns to play prematurely, groin strain can become a chronic problem.
A regimen of stretching and strengthening that emphasizes leg and core muscles is crucial to avoid these injuries. “Warming up” should consist of a moderate sport-specific activity both before and after an event.
It is becoming apparent that preparation is imperative to avoid being sidelined by a groin strain.
Spine injuries can be pain in the neck
Golf fans were amazed when Tiger Woods recently withdrew from a golf tournament due to neck pain.
The cervical spine consists of seven bony vertebrae that protect the fragile spinal cord. Emerging from the vertebrae are eight extensions from the spinal cord known as nerve roots. The cervical nerve roots are responsible for sensory and motor functions in the upper extremities.
Discs made of cartilage are positioned between vertebrae to serve as cushions. The discs are held in place by ligaments. Over time, discs become fragile and can move out of place, causing them to herniate.
Whenever there is injury to a nerve root, the term “radiculopathy” is used. The injury is often compressive or inflammatory in origin.
Although neck injuries are commonly seen in collision sports like football and ice hockey, it is not surprising to see it in golf. A powerful golf swing will create a significant amount of torque on the spine, stressing the supporting ligaments.
The evaluation of neck pain consists of a careful physical examination that includes an assessment of strength, sensation and deep tendon reflexes. An imaging study such as a plain X-ray or even an MRI may be necessary.
Conservative treatment often includes rest, anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. If this fails, a range of surgical procedures can be explored.
In the case of Tiger Woods, inflammation of a bony piece of vertebra known as a facet is the reason for his pain. This condition makes any neck movement difficult, but he should have a good response to conservative, non-surgical management.
Recognizing the significance of pain and stopping the precipitating activity is crucial, even if it means forfeiting a lucrative golf tournament.
The cervical spine consists of seven bony vertebrae that protect the fragile spinal cord. Emerging from the vertebrae are eight extensions from the spinal cord known as nerve roots. The cervical nerve roots are responsible for sensory and motor functions in the upper extremities.
Discs made of cartilage are positioned between vertebrae to serve as cushions. The discs are held in place by ligaments. Over time, discs become fragile and can move out of place, causing them to herniate.
Whenever there is injury to a nerve root, the term “radiculopathy” is used. The injury is often compressive or inflammatory in origin.
Although neck injuries are commonly seen in collision sports like football and ice hockey, it is not surprising to see it in golf. A powerful golf swing will create a significant amount of torque on the spine, stressing the supporting ligaments.
The evaluation of neck pain consists of a careful physical examination that includes an assessment of strength, sensation and deep tendon reflexes. An imaging study such as a plain X-ray or even an MRI may be necessary.
Conservative treatment often includes rest, anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. If this fails, a range of surgical procedures can be explored.
In the case of Tiger Woods, inflammation of a bony piece of vertebra known as a facet is the reason for his pain. This condition makes any neck movement difficult, but he should have a good response to conservative, non-surgical management.
Recognizing the significance of pain and stopping the precipitating activity is crucial, even if it means forfeiting a lucrative golf tournament.
Ban tobacco use in baseball
Young athletes often spend time imitating their sports role models. Mannerisms, attire and style of play are all elements of their admiration. Unfortunately, dangerous behaviors are also often imitated.
Tobacco use in the sport of baseball dates back to its origins in the 19th century. Baseball players originally chewed tobacco to keep their mouths moist in the dusty ball parks. Over time, cigarettes dominated and this was followed by snuff.
Head and neck cancers are often the result of risk factors that initiate changes in the DNA of cells. These changes are known as mutations and cause cells to grow uncontrollably. Eighty-five percent of cancers of the head and neck are associated with some form of tobacco use.
Treatment typically involves a combination of disfiguring surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. These cancers affect the ability to speak and eat.
In the 1990s, major league baseball initiated programs that resulted in banning tobacco products by minor league players while at the ballpark. These programs have resulted in a decline in the use of tobacco products among current players. Unfortunately, tobacco use continues to be permitted in the major leagues.
Congressional hearings recently raised the issue of prohibiting the use of all tobacco products by major league players while at the ballpark. This cannot be enacted without the approval of the player’s union. Regrettably, the player’s union currently defends the rights of its members to use these products while in the public eye.
Successful athletes recognize the importance of being in peak physical condition and there is no role for tobacco products in reaching this goal. Hopefully, the players’ association will soon come to realize the importance of protecting its members’ health as well as their rights.
Tobacco use in the sport of baseball dates back to its origins in the 19th century. Baseball players originally chewed tobacco to keep their mouths moist in the dusty ball parks. Over time, cigarettes dominated and this was followed by snuff.
Head and neck cancers are often the result of risk factors that initiate changes in the DNA of cells. These changes are known as mutations and cause cells to grow uncontrollably. Eighty-five percent of cancers of the head and neck are associated with some form of tobacco use.
Treatment typically involves a combination of disfiguring surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. These cancers affect the ability to speak and eat.
In the 1990s, major league baseball initiated programs that resulted in banning tobacco products by minor league players while at the ballpark. These programs have resulted in a decline in the use of tobacco products among current players. Unfortunately, tobacco use continues to be permitted in the major leagues.
Congressional hearings recently raised the issue of prohibiting the use of all tobacco products by major league players while at the ballpark. This cannot be enacted without the approval of the player’s union. Regrettably, the player’s union currently defends the rights of its members to use these products while in the public eye.
Successful athletes recognize the importance of being in peak physical condition and there is no role for tobacco products in reaching this goal. Hopefully, the players’ association will soon come to realize the importance of protecting its members’ health as well as their rights.
Female athletes at risk for concussion
Over the past 30 years, the number of women participating in team sports has steadily increased. Many now begin as young girls and continue through college and into the professional ranks. While this expanded involvement has been a positive step, the number of catastrophic injuries in women has also risen.
The National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research defines these injuries as:
• Fatal
• Non-Fatal — permanent, severe, functional disability
• Serious — no permanent, functional disability, but severe injury.
During the 1982-83 academic year, the first time period data was collected, only one female catastrophic injury was recorded. Over the past 28 years there has been an average of 8.5 catastrophic injuries per year reported in females.
Among the catastrophic injuries most commonly seen is mild traumatic brain injury in the form of concussion. Concussive injuries can span all three classifications of catastrophic injury. Typical symptoms include headache, dizziness and inability to concentrate.
A recent study reviewed 1,425 patients who had suffered concussion and looked at the severity of post-concussive symptoms three months after injury. The severity of symptoms was significantly greater in females. Specifically, the symptoms were most severe in women of childbearing age. This suggests a possible association between concussion and hormonal balance.
Female soccer players have an especially high rate of concussion due to head-to-head contact, head contact with other body parts and head-to-ground contact. Women are believed to under-report concussions and render themselves susceptible to repeat injury. Multiple head injuries can lead to prolonged cognitive impairment.
Due to the information now available, coaches, athletic trainers and physicians must recognize gender differences when diagnosing and rehabilitating women with concussion.
The National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research defines these injuries as:
• Fatal
• Non-Fatal — permanent, severe, functional disability
• Serious — no permanent, functional disability, but severe injury.
During the 1982-83 academic year, the first time period data was collected, only one female catastrophic injury was recorded. Over the past 28 years there has been an average of 8.5 catastrophic injuries per year reported in females.
Among the catastrophic injuries most commonly seen is mild traumatic brain injury in the form of concussion. Concussive injuries can span all three classifications of catastrophic injury. Typical symptoms include headache, dizziness and inability to concentrate.
A recent study reviewed 1,425 patients who had suffered concussion and looked at the severity of post-concussive symptoms three months after injury. The severity of symptoms was significantly greater in females. Specifically, the symptoms were most severe in women of childbearing age. This suggests a possible association between concussion and hormonal balance.
Female soccer players have an especially high rate of concussion due to head-to-head contact, head contact with other body parts and head-to-ground contact. Women are believed to under-report concussions and render themselves susceptible to repeat injury. Multiple head injuries can lead to prolonged cognitive impairment.
Due to the information now available, coaches, athletic trainers and physicians must recognize gender differences when diagnosing and rehabilitating women with concussion.
Lacrosse’s popularity has led to rise in injuries
Lacrosse is the oldest team sport in North America and the fastest growing team sport in the United States. There is also a rise in the number of injuries associated with this collision sport.
Male lacrosse players wear protective equipment that includes a helmet with a full facemask similar to those worn in hockey. They also wear shoulder pads, a mouth guard and arm pads with gloves.
Injuries in men’s lacrosse can be divided into two categories:
• Injuries above the waist: These injuries are generally the result of direct contact. Rules allow for body and stick checking when players possess or are within 5 yards of the ball. Head injuries in the form of concussion are the most common above-the-waist injury. This is followed by shoulder and other upper extremity injuries.
• Injuries below the waist: These account for approximately 40% of lacrosse injuries and are non-contact in nature. Lower extremity injuries result from pivoting and twisting and most often involve the ankle, upper leg and knee. Damage to ligaments in the form of sprains and tears are common along with muscle strains.
Women’s lacrosse is a non-collision sport. Despite the lack of contact, lower extremity injuries are similar to those seen in men.
The use of protective equipment in the women’s game is controversial. Eye protection only became mandatory three years ago.
“The use of protective goggles in women’s lacrosse has resulted in a dramatic decline in eye injuries,” said Janeen Beetle, head athletic trainer at Norwich Free Academy.
Impact injuries to the head and face from flailing sticks and balls moving at high velocity continue to cause contusions and lacerations. Requiring head protection has been proposed.
As the sport of lacrosse continues to increase in popularity, appropriate safety equipment must also be reconsidered.
Male lacrosse players wear protective equipment that includes a helmet with a full facemask similar to those worn in hockey. They also wear shoulder pads, a mouth guard and arm pads with gloves.
Injuries in men’s lacrosse can be divided into two categories:
• Injuries above the waist: These injuries are generally the result of direct contact. Rules allow for body and stick checking when players possess or are within 5 yards of the ball. Head injuries in the form of concussion are the most common above-the-waist injury. This is followed by shoulder and other upper extremity injuries.
• Injuries below the waist: These account for approximately 40% of lacrosse injuries and are non-contact in nature. Lower extremity injuries result from pivoting and twisting and most often involve the ankle, upper leg and knee. Damage to ligaments in the form of sprains and tears are common along with muscle strains.
Women’s lacrosse is a non-collision sport. Despite the lack of contact, lower extremity injuries are similar to those seen in men.
The use of protective equipment in the women’s game is controversial. Eye protection only became mandatory three years ago.
“The use of protective goggles in women’s lacrosse has resulted in a dramatic decline in eye injuries,” said Janeen Beetle, head athletic trainer at Norwich Free Academy.
Impact injuries to the head and face from flailing sticks and balls moving at high velocity continue to cause contusions and lacerations. Requiring head protection has been proposed.
As the sport of lacrosse continues to increase in popularity, appropriate safety equipment must also be reconsidered.
Concussion bill would protect young athletes
Much has been written about the tragedies resulting from repetitive concussions in sports. Connecticut may soon be the third state to attack this growing problem.
Concussion is a physiologic disruption of brain function caused by biomechanical forces. There are about 3.8 million sports-related concussions in the United States each year. As youth sports participation rises, so have the number of concussions.
Typical symptoms include headache, confusion and unsteadiness. Resolution of symptoms varies between minutes to months. In more severe situations, these symptoms are permanent and may be accompanied by depression or learning disabilities.
There are two important steps necessary to treat concussion:
- Recognition – Athletes, coaches and parents must be aware of the symptoms of concussion and responsibly report them to the athletic trainer or physician involved in the activity.
- Return – Determining when it is safe for an athlete to safely return after a concussion is a complex decision that takes into account many factors. This decision should only be made by a qualified physician with experience treating brain injuries.
“We can easily teach the public about the signs and symptoms of concussion, but the decision of safe return is infinitely more complex,” said Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, a sports neurologist who addressed the American Academy of Neurology at their recent annual meeting.
Connecticut Bill No. 456, introduced by state Senators Thomas Gaffey and Martin Looney, with local sponsorship from Senator Andrea Stillman, addresses these issues. If passed, the bill would require attendance at a certified course dealing with the recognition of concussion as part of obtaining a coaching permit. It would also require written clearance by a licensed health care professional trained in the evaluation and management of concussions.
Passage of this bill and its proper implementation represent a major step toward protecting young athletes.
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