Magnets attract loyal following among athletes

The power generated by magnetic fields has fascinated people for centuries. Many attempts have been made to utilize magnetic energy as a cure for medical ailments. These efforts have also ignited a $300-million-a-year industry in the United States, much of which involves athletes.

Magnetic therapy is the application of magnetic devices to the body as a means of achieving health benefits. Practitioners of this alternative medical practice claim success in wound healing and fatigue by improving circulation. The greatest notoriety has come from suggested anti-inflammatory effects and subsequent pain relief.

The first athletes to utilize magnetic therapy on a large-scale basis were golfers. It started with the use of copper bracelets. Although not magnetic, the color change produced on the skin was believed to indicate benefit. Magnets soon followed, with the use of more elaborate metals including stainless steel, titanium and tungsten carbide.

The use of magnetic bracelets, necklaces and inner soles has spread to all sports including football, basketball, tennis and even bull riding. This has led to success in the commercial market outside of sports.

“The use of titanium magnetic bracelets and necklaces is so widespread in baseball that it has become more of a fashion statement than a therapeutic device,” said TJ Saunders, head athletic trainer of the Connecticut Tigers.

Numerous controlled studies have been performed comparing the application of actual magnets and placebo magnets to similar populations of patients. Results indicate no beneficial effect of magnets. Scientists believe the magnetic fields generated are too weak to provide benefit.

The other part of this equation is that many patients have experienced subjective improvement of their symptoms and no harm has been demonstrated by using magnetic therapy.

Considering the options available to athletes for improved performance, magnets are a safe approach.

Q&A: Frequently asked questions about youth sports concussions

I recently had the opportunity to address a group of coaches, parents and athletes regarding concussions in youth sports. The seminar, sponsored by Backus Hospital, was designed to help the audience recognize the early signs of concussion and take appropriate action.

Many good questions arose from the discussion and the information may be helpful to others:

• After suffering a concussion, when is it safe for an athlete to return to competition? Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the incident. In general, the athlete should be symptom-free before beginning a program where activities gradually escalate from stationary cycling to a full return. If at any time symptoms return, the progression stops and the previous level resumes.

• If an athlete suffers a concussion, who determines when to resume an activity? After suffering a concussion, no athlete should return until they have been evaluated by a medical professional with experience in the treatment of concussion. Proof of medical clearance should be provided in writing.

• In a situation where there are complaints of a headache and nausea but head trauma is uncertain, should the athlete be removed from the contest? Absolutely. It is sometimes difficult to determine if and when head trauma occurred and the patient may have amnesia. When in doubt, it is best to eliminate the possibility of further harm.

• At what age should an athlete begin neck strengthening exercises to prevent indirect concussion? Any strengthening program in a child should be initiated in conjunction with a strength and conditioning specialist.

For those who could not attend this seminar, more information, including a video, can be obtained at www.backushospital.org/concussion. It was encouraging to see so many adults who are involved in youth sports become trained in the recognition of this potentially deadly injury.

Weightlifting can be part of youth exercise programs

Health club membership for participants between the ages of 6 and 17 is increasing. Along with this rise comes questions of what activities these athletes should be performing, especially with respect to weight lifting.

Exercise can be classified as primarily cardiovascular or aerobic and resistance or anaerobic. Sports like running, cycling or swimming are principally aerobic and designed to increase heart and lung capacity. Weight lifting and other strength-related challenges are designed to repeatedly stretch muscles against force to increase muscle fiber size and power.

The issue of safety regarding resistive exercise involves applying excessive force to developing muscles and joints resulting in tearing and deformation.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and other organizations, resistance activities are an essential part of a balanced exercise program, but must be performed properly. Benefits such as improving bone strength, maintaining a healthy weight, establishing a healthy lifestyle and better self esteem are some of the advantages.

Chris McNally, and his wife Sheri, of Norwich, are family fitness specialists with 20 years of experience working with children. They believe all children should start with “body weight exercises” like pushups, pull-ups and squats. In younger children, these should be performed as part of a game or other entertaining activity.

“If children start with a well-supervised program, the risk of harm is minimal. The bigger risk is not challenging their bodies when they are young and missing out on the benefits of being fit,” said McNally. He believes weight lifting can begin safely in a physiologically mature child at age 11.

As in most activities, children tend to imitate their parents or other adults they admire. A balanced fitness program is definitely a family investment that will pay huge dividends.

We can prevent concussions in youth sports

On July 1 , Connecticut proudly joined the growing ranks of states that have come forward and placed the safety of young athletes as a high priority on the legislative agenda.

A new law is now in effect that requires all scholastic coaches to attend a seminar on recognizing the early signs of concussion. The law also prohibits athletes from returning to a contact sport until cleared in writing by a medical professional with experience in the treatment of concussions.

As in other states, this law has had the added benefit of prompting serious discussion about how to make sports safer at all levels. In Connecticut, thanks to concerned parents, similar concussion restrictions are being implemented voluntarily at the youth sports (pre-high school) level.

As a neurologist involved in the field of sports neurology, I witness the devastating effects of concussion on a regular basis. A typical scenario is one where an athlete suffers a head injury but does not report it to a coach or parent. The first injury is then followed by a second impact before allowing the brain enough time to rest and heal. This second injury can result in more long-lasting and sometimes permanent symptoms of headache, dizziness and cognitive impairment.

Head injuries in younger children take longer to heal and are generally more severe. Ironically, it is the youth level of play where there are the fewest medical resources available, like a certified athletic trainer at every game.

On July 22, Backus Hospital is hosting a free lecture and discussion on the subject of head injuries in sports. It is designed for coaches, parents and athletes and will allow them to recognize early symptoms and take appropriate steps.

I highly recommend attending this seminar since the most effective treatment for a concussion is early recognition and rest.

Field conditions can cause injuries

Among the most prominent and often overlooked factors impacting athletic injuries at any level of play is the condition of the playing field. Many of these injuries are avoidable.

Athletic fields vary greatly depending on the sport, climate and funds available for upkeep. Most community sports teams cannot afford full time grounds-keeping staff. Parents shouldn’t hesitate to get involved by following some helpful hints:

• Get to the game early and walk on the field. Often coaches and officials are preoccupied with game preparation and don’t have time to inspect the grounds. Remove any debris, check for holes and be sure goal posts are securely padded.

• Baseball diamonds should be evenly mowed with no impediments that can cause a “bad hop” on the infield. Outfield fences should be inspected for sharp protrusions sticking out in the event a player runs into it.

• Indoor courts should be examined for moist areas that will affect traction.

• Seating must be a safe distance back from the players to avoid collisions between players and fans when chasing a loose ball.

“The amount of moisture on a field is crucial to avoid slipping. If a field is too moist or too dry, athletes will not be able to maintain firm footing and may potentially be injured,” said Ryan Lefler, Assistant Director of Stadium Operations and Turf Management at Dodd Stadium. Uniform moisture and smooth transitions from turf to dirt are essential in preparing a baseball field.

Despite 40 years of experience, the jury is still undecided regarding the safety of artificial turf when compared to grass. Technologic improvements in artificial turf make them more comparable each year.

When it comes to field safety, a vigilant coach, parent or fan may be the key to avoiding serious injury.

Eating disorders can impact athletes

Eight million Americans are estimated to be suffering from eating disorders. It is not surprising that many of them are athletes.

There are three forms of eating disorders:

Anorexia nervosa — a distorted body image creating a belief of being overweight despite profound weight loss.

Bulimia — a cycle of binging and purging.

Compulsive exercise — excessive and addictive exercise in an attempt to control or lose weight.

Athletes are typically dedicated and highly motivated. These personality traits, when combined with the positive reinforcement of improved athletic performance, make athletes particularly susceptible to eating disorders. It also makes diagnosis more difficult.

Eating disorders are most often seen in sports that rely on individual performance and light weight. Some examples are: rowing, horse racing, ice skating, dance and wrestling. While the vast majority of athletes who suffer from eating disorders are women, it is not uncommon to diagnose it in men.

The female triad consists of three principal symptoms that suggest the presence of an eating disorder including: fatigue, menstrual irregularity and weak bones.

“Eating disorders are complex and often not simply the reaction to a comment made by a coach or judge about weight,” said Dr. Jeff Anderson, Director of Sports Medicine at the University of Connecticut. Anderson believes that athletes prone to an eating disorder are drawn to a particular sport.

Compulsive exercise can be seen in adults who discover the physical benefits of exercise, including weight loss. Symptoms of compulsive exercise include exercising despite injury, ignoring family and business obligations to exercise and a fear that missing a day of exercise will result in weight gain.

Parents, coaches and friends must be alert to the possibility of an eating disorder in an athlete and direct them to get appropriate attention.

KJ Life tourney celebrates athlete

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.

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.

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.