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Parry GN, Williams S, McKay CD, Johnson DJ, Bergeron MF, Cumming SP. Associations between growth, maturation and injury in youth athletes engaged in elite pathways: a scoping review. Br J Sports Med 2024; 58:1001-1010. [PMID: 39209526 PMCID: PMC11420720 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2024-108233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the evidence pertaining to associations between growth, maturation and injury in elite youth athletes. DESIGN Scoping review. DATA SOURCES Electronic databases (SPORTDiscus, Embase, PubMed, MEDLINE and Web of Science) searched on 30 May 2023. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Original studies published since 2000 using quantitative or qualitative designs investigating associations between growth, maturation and injury in elite youth athletes. RESULTS From an initial 518 titles, 36 full-text articles were evaluated, of which 30 were eligible for final inclusion. Most studies were quantitative and employed prospective designs. Significant heterogeneity was evident across samples and in the operationalisation and measurement of growth, maturation and injury. Injury incidence and burden generally increased with maturity status, although growth-related injuries peaked during the adolescent growth spurt. More rapid growth in stature and of the lower limbs was associated with greater injury incidence and burden. While maturity timing did not show a clear or consistent association with injury, it may contribute to risk and burden due to variations in maturity status. CONCLUSION Evidence suggests that the processes of growth and maturation contribute to injury risk and burden in elite youth athletes, although the nature of the association varies with injury type. More research investigating the main and interactive effects on growth and maturation on injury is warranted, especially in female athletes and across a greater diversity of sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma N Parry
- Department of Health, University of Bath-Claverton Down Campus, Bath, UK
| | - Sean Williams
- Department of Health, University of Bath-Claverton Down Campus, Bath, UK
| | - Carly D McKay
- Department of Health, University of Bath-Claverton Down Campus, Bath, UK
| | - David J Johnson
- Department of Health, University of Bath-Claverton Down Campus, Bath, UK
- West Ham United Football Club, London, UK
| | - Michael F Bergeron
- Performance Health, WTA Women's Tennis Association, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
| | - Sean P Cumming
- Department of Health, University of Bath-Claverton Down Campus, Bath, UK
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García-Ceberino JM, Cantonero-Cobos JM, Conde C, Fernández-Ozcorta EJ. Variations in External and Internal Intensities and Impact of Maturational Age on Soccer Training Tasks. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:5656. [PMID: 39275565 PMCID: PMC11398106 DOI: 10.3390/s24175656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024]
Abstract
During peak height velocity, adjusting training intensity is crucial for optimizing performance and minimizing injury risk. This cross-sectional study compares external and internal intensities in different training tasks (analytical tasks, small-sided games, and training matches) and analyzes their effect on the maturation age of young players. Fifty-five U-15 and U-16 boys from two soccer clubs in southwestern Spain were monitored using inertial movement units and heart rate monitors to report training intensities. Anthropometric data and birthdates were collected to estimate maturation age. The Friedman test and Durbin-Conover post hoc test identified specific differences between groups, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficients assessed variable impacts. Training matches showed significantly higher distance covered, maximum and average speed, and average heart rate compared to small-sided games and analytical tasks. High-intensity actions and sprints were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) during training matches compared to analytical tasks and during small-sided games compared to analytical tasks. Player load per minute was significantly highest (p < 0.05) during training matches, followed by small-sided games, and lowest in analytical tasks. Positive correlations between maturational age and high-intensity actions, accelerations, and decelerations indicated higher intensity (p < 0.05) in more mature players. A negative correlation between player load per minute and maturational age suggested more efficient intensity management in mature players. These findings highlight the importance of considering biological maturation and training task variability in youth athletes' development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Manuel García-Ceberino
- Facultad de Educación, Psicología y Ciencias del Deporte, Universidad de Huelva, Av. de las Fuerzas Armadas s/n, 21007 Huelva, Spain
- Grupo de Optimización del Entrenamiento y Rendimiento Deportivo (GOERD), Facultad de Ciencias del Deporte, Universidad de Extremadura, Av. de la Universidad s/n, 10001 Cáceres, Spain
| | - José Manuel Cantonero-Cobos
- Facultad de Educación, Psicología y Ciencias del Deporte, Universidad de Huelva, Av. de las Fuerzas Armadas s/n, 21007 Huelva, Spain
- Grupo EMOTION, Facultad de Educación, Psicología y Ciencias del Deporte, Universidad de Huelva, Av. de las Fuerzas Armadas s/n, 21007 Huelva, Spain
| | - Cristina Conde
- Facultad de Educación, Psicología y Ciencias del Deporte, Universidad de Huelva, Av. de las Fuerzas Armadas s/n, 21007 Huelva, Spain
- Grupo EMOTION, Facultad de Educación, Psicología y Ciencias del Deporte, Universidad de Huelva, Av. de las Fuerzas Armadas s/n, 21007 Huelva, Spain
| | - Eduardo José Fernández-Ozcorta
- Facultad de Educación, Psicología y Ciencias del Deporte, Universidad de Huelva, Av. de las Fuerzas Armadas s/n, 21007 Huelva, Spain
- Grupo EMOTION, Facultad de Educación, Psicología y Ciencias del Deporte, Universidad de Huelva, Av. de las Fuerzas Armadas s/n, 21007 Huelva, Spain
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Chimera NJ, Falk B, Klentrou P, Sullivan P. Is Biobanding the Future of Youth Sport Participation? Pediatr Exerc Sci 2024:1-11. [PMID: 39209279 DOI: 10.1123/pes.2024-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Traditionally, sports participation has been based on the chronological age of the individual with year of birth determining participation grouping. However, grouping by chronological age can result in individuals who are nearly a full year different in age competing within the same age group. Moreover, during the pubertal years, age grouping may provide physical (size) advantage to early maturers and disadvantage to late maturers. These advantages/disadvantages could impact talent selection, psychosocial aspects of sport participation, technical and tactical skill development, competitiveness, and injury risk. Biobanding is an alternative method for determining sport participation categorization and uses factors of growth and/or maturation, rather than traditional chronological age, for grouping athletes. Implementation of biobanding in sports may be advantageous to both early and late-maturing athlete development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole J Chimera
- Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St Catharines, ON,Canada
- Centre for Healthy Youth Development Through Sport, Brock University, St Catharines, ON,Canada
| | - Bareket Falk
- Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St Catharines, ON,Canada
- Centre for Healthy Youth Development Through Sport, Brock University, St Catharines, ON,Canada
- Centre for Bone and Muscle Health, Brock University, St Catharines, ON,Canada
| | - Panagiota Klentrou
- Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St Catharines, ON,Canada
- Centre for Healthy Youth Development Through Sport, Brock University, St Catharines, ON,Canada
- Centre for Bone and Muscle Health, Brock University, St Catharines, ON,Canada
| | - Phillip Sullivan
- Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St Catharines, ON,Canada
- Centre for Healthy Youth Development Through Sport, Brock University, St Catharines, ON,Canada
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Ribeiro N, Martinho DV, Pereira JR, Rebelo A, Monasterio X, Gonzalo-Skok O, Valente-Dos-Santos J, Tavares F. Injury Risk in Elite Young Male Soccer Players: A Review on the Impact of Growth, Maturation, and Workload. J Strength Cond Res 2024:00124278-990000000-00530. [PMID: 39178105 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Ribeiro, N, Martinho, DV, Pereira, JR, Rebelo, A, Monasterio, X, Gonzalo-Skok, O, Valente-dos-Santos, J, and Tavares, F. Injury risk in elite young male soccer players: a review on the impact of growth, maturation, and workload. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The long-term development of young male soccer players involves a prolonged period of significant adjustments, highlighting the importance of studying the complex interaction between dynamic variables, including workload, and inherent elements like growth and maturity. This analysis examines the intricate connections involving the development, maturity, workload, and susceptibility to injuries among adolescent male soccer players. Significantly, these connections become prominent at the peak height velocity (PHV) period, a crucial moment in maturation. Growth rates vary among individuals, and higher rates have been associated with an increased risk of injury in young soccer players, particularly during periods of rapid growth. Identifying possible risk factors and understanding the complex connections between them is crucial to developing specific methods for reducing the risk of injury. Sharing this valuable information with essential stakeholders is crucial for guaranteeing young athletes' comprehensive growth and maturation process. Furthermore, this review emphasizes the immediate need for long-term studies and thorough injury analyses to comprehend better the dynamic interactions that influence injury patterns in young male soccer players. This review will allow practitioners to better understand the main modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors for injury and provide essential information focusing on practical strategies, facilitating more informed decision making by all stakeholders. The review aims to clarify these complexities and offer crucial insights that can assist in designing and implementing efficient strategies to reduce the risk of injury, specifically for the challenges faced during PHV and within the broader framework of long-term athletic development in young soccer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Ribeiro
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal
- Medical and Performance Department, Sporting Clube de Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Diogo V Martinho
- CIDEFES, Center for Research in Sport, Physical Education, and Exercise and Health, Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João R Pereira
- COD, Center of Sports Optimization, Sporting Clube de Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal
- Medical Services, Athletic Club, Lezama, Spain
| | - André Rebelo
- COD, Center of Sports Optimization, Sporting Clube de Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal
- Medical Services, Athletic Club, Lezama, Spain
| | - Xabier Monasterio
- Department of Communication and Education, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Seville, Spain; and
| | - Oliver Gonzalo-Skok
- Research Unity in Sport and Physical Activity (CIDAF, UID/DTP/04213/2020), Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Valente-Dos-Santos
- COD, Center of Sports Optimization, Sporting Clube de Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal
- Medical Services, Athletic Club, Lezama, Spain
| | - Francisco Tavares
- Medical and Performance Department, Sporting Clube de Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal
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Sato VN, Moriwaki TL, Ikawa MH, Sugawara LM, da Rocha Correa Fernandes A, Skaf AY, Yamada AF. Apophyseal injuries in soccer players. Skeletal Radiol 2024:10.1007/s00256-023-04542-x. [PMID: 38224380 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-023-04542-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Soccer is the most popular sport worldwide, and it is associated with high injury rates, with most of these injuries occurring in the lower extremities. Particularly, in youth soccer players with immature skeleton, the physeal plate is two to five times weaker than the surrounding fibrous structures, and therefore more vulnerable to injury. The physeal plate consists of epiphyses and apophyses, with the former serving as tendon attachment sites and being subject to traction forces. There are two types of apophyseal injury: (i) apophyseal avulsion, which consists of an acute separation across the physeal plate; and (ii) apophysitis, an injury caused by chronic and repetitive contraction of musculotendon unit, leading to inflammation of the growth plate cartilage. Apophyses of the hip and pelvis are the most commonly injured in youth soccer players, due to vigorous contractions during sports activities and the fact that they tend to fuse later compared to other epiphyseal centers, making them more susceptible to injury. In this review, we will discuss the anatomy of lower limb apophyses and clinical and imaging findings of apophyseal injuries in youth soccer players, as well as briefly review treatment options and complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor Neves Sato
- Department of Radiology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Napoleão de Barros, 800 - Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04024-002, Brazil
- Department of Radiology, Hospital do Coração (HCor) and Teleimagem, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Division of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Diagnóstico das Américas (DASA), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Lumi Moriwaki
- Department of Radiology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Napoleão de Barros, 800 - Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04024-002, Brazil
- Division of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Diagnóstico das Américas (DASA), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Hiroyuki Ikawa
- Department of Radiology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Napoleão de Barros, 800 - Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04024-002, Brazil
- Department of Radiology, Hospital do Coração (HCor) and Teleimagem, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Division of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Diagnóstico das Américas (DASA), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Massamaro Sugawara
- Department of Radiology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Napoleão de Barros, 800 - Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04024-002, Brazil
- Division of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Diagnóstico das Américas (DASA), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Artur da Rocha Correa Fernandes
- Department of Radiology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Napoleão de Barros, 800 - Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04024-002, Brazil
- Radiology Department - Grupo de Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem da Rede D'Or, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Abdalla Youssef Skaf
- Department of Radiology, Hospital do Coração (HCor) and Teleimagem, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Division of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Diagnóstico das Américas (DASA), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - André Fukunishi Yamada
- Department of Radiology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Napoleão de Barros, 800 - Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04024-002, Brazil.
- Department of Radiology, Hospital do Coração (HCor) and Teleimagem, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
- Division of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Diagnóstico das Américas (DASA), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Wik EH, Chamari K, Tabben M, Di Salvo V, Gregson W, Bahr R. Exploring Growth, Maturity, and Age as Injury Risk Factors in High-Level Youth Football. Sports Med Int Open 2024; 8:a21804594. [PMID: 38312925 PMCID: PMC10832576 DOI: 10.1055/a-2180-4594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Rapid somatic growth and biological maturity status may affect injury patterns in youth football, yet firm conclusions cannot be drawn from the existing research. We aimed to explore growth velocity, maturity, and age as injury risk factors in 95 academy players (11.9-15.0 years), using anthropometric (height and body mass), maturity (skeletal age), injury, and football exposure data collected prospectively over three seasons (2016/17-2018/19). We compared the relative quality of mixed-effects logistic regression models with growth velocity for 223 growth intervals (average 113 days) included as fixed effects and adjusted for age (chronological or skeletal) plus load (hours/week). Associations were considered practically relevant based on the confidence interval for odds ratios, using thresholds of 0.90 and 1.11 to define small beneficial and harmful effects, respectively. We observed harmful effects of older age on overall (OR: 2.61, 95% CI: 1.15-5.91) and sudden onset (1.98, 1.17-3.37) injury risk. Significant associations (p<0.05) were observed for higher body mass change and greater maturity on sudden onset injuries, and for higher hours/week on gradual onset, bone tissue, and physis injuries. Future studies should include larger samples, monitoring athletes from pre-adolescence through maturation, to enable within-subject analyses and better understand the relationship between growth, maturation, and injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirik Halvorsen Wik
- FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports
Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar
- Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine,
Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Sport and Exercise Medicine, Department of Exercise, Sport
and Lifestyle Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch
University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation
Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University,
Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Karim Chamari
- FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports
Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Montassar Tabben
- FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports
Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Valter Di Salvo
- Football Performance and Science Department, Aspire Academy, Doha,
Qatar
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome
'Foro Italico', Roma, Italy
| | - Warren Gregson
- Football Performance and Science Department, Aspire Academy, Doha,
Qatar
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Institute of Sport,
Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland
| | - Roald Bahr
- FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports
Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar
- Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine,
Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
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Monasterio X. Injuries in athletic club players: growth and maturation as potential risk factors (PhD Academy Award). Br J Sports Med 2024; 58:112-113. [PMID: 37236774 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-106702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xabier Monasterio
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Biscay, Spain
- Medical Services, Athletic Club, Lezama, Biscay, Spain
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8
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Ekenros L, Fridén C, von Rosen P. Does injury risk increase when youth athletes start to study at a sports high school? BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2023; 9:e001686. [PMID: 37937308 PMCID: PMC10626774 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/aim The injury risk is high in adolescent elite athletes. However, little is known about how the injury risk changes when young talented athletes start studying at a sports high school. The primary aim was therefore to explore the risk of injury when the athlete starts to study at a sports high school. A secondary aim was to identify risk factors for injury. Methods A total of 489 athletes (age 15-16 years) were followed for 20 weeks, including 10 weeks before and 10 weeks after the athlete had started to study at a sports high school. Substantial injury was monitored in adolescent elite athletes using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Questionnaire. Results The results showed that the mean difference (md) in injury prevalence was significantly (p=0.001) higher across the 10 weeks after school had started (md 3.6; 95% CI 1.5 to 5.8), compared with the 10 weeks before. Female athletes had significantly (p<0.001) higher injury prevalence (md 6.4%; 95% CI 3.0 to 9.8) across the 10 weeks after school had started, whereas male athletes (md 0.9%; 95% CI -1.8 to 3.6) had not (p=0.530). Three significant (p<0.05) risk factors were identified; previous injury within the past 12 months (OR 3.23), higher training volume (OR 0.97) and lower well-being (OR 0.71). Conclusions Our results provide supporting evidence for increased injury risk in female adolescent elite athletes after the athletes had started to study at a sports high school.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Ekenros
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Fridén
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Physiotherapy, Mälardalen University, Mälardalen, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Philip von Rosen
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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Rüeger E, Hutmacher N, Eichelberger P, Löcherbach C, Albrecht S, Romann M. Ultrasound Imaging-Based Methods for Assessing Biological Maturity during Adolescence and Possible Application in Youth Sport: A Scoping Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:1985. [PMID: 36553428 PMCID: PMC9776568 DOI: 10.3390/children9121985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Bone maturity is an indicator for estimating the biological maturity of an individual. During adolescence, individuals show heterogeneous growth rates, and thus, differences in biological maturity should be considered in talent identification and development. Radiography of the left hand and wrist is considered the gold standard of biological maturity estimation. The use of ultrasound imaging (US) may be advantageous; however, its validity and reliability are under discussion. The aims of this scoping review are (1) to summarize the different methods for estimating biological maturity by US imaging in adolescents, (2) to obtain an overview of the level of validity and reliability of the methods, and (3) to point out the practicability and usefulness of ultrasound imaging in the field of youth sports. The search included articles published up to November 2022. The inclusion criteria stipulated that participants had to fall within the age range of 8 to 23 years and be free of bone disease and fractures in the region of interest. Nine body regions were investigated, while the hand and wrist were most commonly analyzed. US assessment methods were usually based on the estimation of a bone maturity stage, rather than a decimal bone age. Furthermore, 70% of the assessments were evaluated as applicable, 10% expressed restraint about implementation, and 20% were evaluated as not applicable. When tested, inter- and intra-rater reliability was high to excellent. Despite the absence of ionization, low costs, fast assessment, and accessibility, none of the US assessments could be referred to as a gold standard. If further development succeeds, its application has the potential to incorporate biological age into selection processes. This would allow for more equal opportunities in talent selection and thus make talent development fairer and more efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Rüeger
- Department of Elite Sport, Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen, 2532 Magglingen, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Hutmacher
- School of Health Professions, Physiotherapy, Bern University of Applied Science, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Patric Eichelberger
- School of Health Professions, Physiotherapy, Bern University of Applied Science, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Claus Löcherbach
- Swiss Olympic Medical Center, Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen, 2532 Magglingen, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Albrecht
- Swiss Olympic Medical Center, Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen, 2532 Magglingen, Switzerland
| | - Michael Romann
- Department of Elite Sport, Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen, 2532 Magglingen, Switzerland
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10
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Wik EH. Growth, maturation and injuries in high-level youth football (soccer): A mini review. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:975900. [PMID: 36385783 PMCID: PMC9663653 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.975900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the challenges football (soccer) players face during adolescence is fundamental to avoid disruptions in their development due to injury. This mini review will describe basic concepts of somatic growth and biological maturity, examine data from 53 prospective epidemiological studies on high-level youth football players and discuss how age, growth and maturity may affect the injury patterns observed. Based on the existing evidence, at least every third player sustains an injury during a football season. The thigh (median for studies of boys: 25%, median for girls: 21%), ankle (b: 18%, g: 30%), knee (b: 17%, g: 18%) and hip/groin (b: 14%, g: 10%) are the body parts injured most often, while muscle strains (b: 31%, g: 25%), sprains (b: 20%, g: 27%) and contusions (b: 17%, g: 16%) are the most common injury types. Injury trends are, however, not consistent throughout adolescence, and players' age, maturity status and position relative to peak height velocity (PHV) have shown to influence the number, type and location of injuries sustained. Despite a high volume of observational injury studies published on high-level youth players, girls (7 studies) and settings outside of Europe (included in 23% of studies) are underrepresented and should receive extra attention in the future. Based on the available epidemiological data, tailored injury reduction programmes can be considered in youth football, alongside application of general training principles such as progression, variation and individualization which may be especially important during vulnerable phases such as the adolescent growth spurt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirik Halvorsen Wik
- Department of Exercise, Sport and Lifestyle Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Sport and Exercise Medicine, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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