TOPIC

Sports research

Everything we have read on sports. Each paper is summarised from the full article rather than its abstract, so the limitations are in there too, and the funding wherever the paper declares it.

1,148 PAPERS · PAGE 5 OF 23 · NEWEST FIRST

• PTSurvey2020Physical activity in physiotherapy students: Levels of physical activity and perceived benefits and barriers to exercise.The South African journal of physiotherapyOnly 37.5% of South African physiotherapy students had high activity levels, though most saw exercise as beneficial. Students with higher activity had more positive views of exercise. PT educators should discuss students' own activity levels.
• PTOther2020Athletic event-specific characteristics in floating toes during the static standing posture.Journal of physical therapy scienceKendo athletes had the lowest toe-contact scores in standing; all other groups scored higher, and no group was normal. Barefoot training was not linked to better toe contact.
• PTOTSLPCohort2020Clinical examination factors that predict delayed recovery in individuals with concussion.Archives of physiotherapyConcussed athletes who had cognitive symptoms or positive vestibular exam findings on initial evaluation were significantly more likely to have delayed recovery. These predictors were strongest when the examination occurred early after injury.
• PTOther2020Effects of flexi bar training model to health-related physical fitness in overweight adults.Journal of physical therapy science40 overweight adults trained 12 weeks. Flexi-bar vibration and moderate running both improved fitness. Flexi-bar showed larger gains in several upper-body strength measures, sit-up endurance, and basal metabolic rate.
• PTSurvey2020Pattern of injuries amongst tennis players in Accra, Ghana.The South African journal of physiotherapyMost injuries occurred in the upper limbs, with the knee and shoulder being the most common sites. Overuse and overexertion were the main causes. Many players did not receive treatment, and warm-up or shoe type showed no association with injury cause.
• PTRCT2020Effects of an external foci of attention at different distances on standing long jump in non-athletes.Journal of physical therapy sciencePlacing a visual target line 20 cm beyond a non-athlete's usual jump distance significantly increased their jump length compared to no target. Targets placed behind or exactly at the usual distance did not improve performance over the no-target control.
• PTOTSurvey2020The physical impact of long bone fractures on adults in KwaZulu-Natal.The South African journal of physiotherapyAdults with lower limb fractures reported greater difficulty walking and running than those with upper limb fractures. Older adults with lower limb fractures had significantly higher disability scores. Falls and car accidents caused similar levels of physical limitation.
• PTOTSLPPilot2020Intrarater Test-Retest Reliability of Hip Abduction, Internal Rotation, and External Rotation Strength Measurements in a Healthy Cohort Using a Handheld Dynamometer and a Portable Stabilization Device: A Pilot Study.Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translationA handheld dynamometer with a PVC stabilization device measured hip strength reliably in healthy athletes. Changes greater than 5.09 N within a day, or 13.41 N between days, likely reflect true strength change rather than measurement error.
• PTMeta-Analysis2020Exercise Programs to Reduce the Risk of Musculoskeletal Injuries in Military Personnel: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitationExercise programs to prevent military injuries show mixed results. Static stretching does not reduce overall injury risk. Targeted resistance and neuromuscular training may help, but evidence is low quality due to bias. Adding exercises without removing others may cause harm.
• PTOTOther2021Navigator Role for Promoting Adaptive Sports and Recreation Participation in Individuals With Disabilities.American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitationAdults with disabilities and parents wanted adaptive sports support from a person active in adaptive sports, not an app. They valued social connection, mental health, and accessible facilities, but cited cost and limited knowledge as barriers.
• PTOther2020Repeated Concussions Impair Behavioral and Neurophysiological Changes in the Motor Learning System.Neurorehabilitation and neural repairConcussed athletes retained a newly learned pinch skill less well the next day than non-concussed athletes, whether tested within 2 weeks or more than 1 year after injury. Retention worsened with more prior concussions.
• PTCohort2020Associations Between Neurochemistry and Gait Performance Following Concussion in Collegiate Athletes.The Journal of head trauma rehabilitationIn 16 athletes tested within four days of concussion, slower single-task walking speed and cadence were associated with higher levels of two brain chemicals linked to inflammation. No such associations were found during dual-task walking.
• PTOTSLPPilot2020Eye movement performance and clinical outcomes among female athletes post-concussion.Brain injuryFemale athletes with recent concussion made more errors on a task requiring them to look away from a target than healthy controls. However, eye movement measures did not reliably predict how long symptoms lasted or when athletes returned to play.
• PTPilot2020The Motor skills At Playtime intervention improves children's locomotor skills: A feasibility study.Child: care, health and developmentOutdoor play with added motor stations and brief demonstrations was linked to greater locomotor skill gains than usual free play over 15 weeks. Ball skills did not show a clear group difference.
• PTCohort2020Utility of the anterior reach Y-BALANCE test as an injury risk screening tool in elite male youth soccer players.Physical therapy in sport : official journal of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports MedicineThe Y-Balance anterior reach test failed to predict injury risk in elite male youth soccer players. The commonly used 4 cm asymmetry threshold showed no significant difference between injured and non-injured groups, and overall prediction accuracy was low.
• PTRCT2020A Secondary Injury Prevention Program May Decrease Contralateral Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Female Athletes: 2-Year Injury Rates in the ACL-SPORTS Randomized Controlled Trial.The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapyThere was no group difference in second ACL injuries when perturbation training was added to an ACL-SPORTS prevention program in 39 female athletes. Nine second injuries occurred: four graft ruptures and five contralateral injuries.
• PTCohort20206-Minute Push Test in Youth Who Have Spina Bifida and Who Self-Propel a Wheelchair: Reliability and Physiologic Response.Physical therapyThe push test gave consistent distance scores in youth with spina bifida who use manual wheelchairs. Heart rate was less consistent, and effort varied widely.
• PTOTRCT2021Rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair: A nested qualitative study exploring the perceptions and experiences of participants in a randomised controlled trial.Clinical rehabilitationMost patients found keeping a sling for four weeks after rotator cuff repair difficult, affecting sleep and daily tasks. Many preferred early removal. Clinicians felt conflicted about early movement due to fears of damaging the repair. Patients were unhappy that ultrasound scan results were not shared.
• PTOTSystematic Review2020Meniscus or Cartilage Injury at the Time of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear Is Associated With Worse Prognosis for Patient-Reported Outcome 2 to 10 Years After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Systematic Review.The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapyPatients with ACL tears who also have meniscus or cartilage injuries report worse knee function and quality of life two to ten years after surgery. These concurrent injuries are a strong predictor of poor long-term outcomes, unlike age or sex which showed no association.
• PTCohort2020Examination of Corticospinal and Spinal Reflexive Excitability During the Course of Postoperative Rehabilitation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapyAfter ACLR, athletes showed altered brain-to-muscle signaling to the quadriceps, especially in the opposite leg. These changes were linked to quadriceps strength and did not appear to change across the tested rehabilitation points.
• PTOther2020Throwing distance and competitive performance of Boccia players.Journal of physical therapy scienceHigher-level Boccia players threw farther than lower-level players. Certified players averaged 16.38 m, versus 10.67 m and 8.34 m. This links throwing distance with competition level, not proof training improves performance.
• PTOTPilot2021Standardizing fatigue-resistance testing during electrical stimulation of paralysed human quadriceps muscles, a practical approach.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationDistributed stimulation did not improve fatigue resistance in three men with spinal cord injury during dynamic knee extension. The protocol standardized testing at 40% of maximal evoked torque, but no electrode configuration significantly outperformed conventional stimulation.
• PTRCT2020Effectiveness of hamstring stretching using a pressure biofeedback unit for 4 weeks: A randomized controlled trial.Hong Kong physiotherapy journal : official publication of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association Limited = Wu li chih liaoFour-week hamstring stretching while using a pressure unit to keep the pelvis tilted forward gave a 21.0° larger gain in knee-extension angle measured in that position than stretching without it; measured without the unit, the groups did not differ.
• PTSystematic Review2020Resistance Exercises in Early Functional Rehabilitation for Achilles Tendon Ruptures Are Poorly Described: A Scoping Review.The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapyEarly functional rehabilitation exercises for Achilles tendon ruptures are poorly described in research. Most studies omit critical dosage details like load and repetitions, making it nearly impossible for therapists to replicate proven protocols or compare outcomes across different treatments.
• PTOTOther2020Common musculoskeletal impairments in postpartum runners: an international Delphi study.Archives of physiotherapyExperts agreed postpartum runners with pain commonly show abdominal, hip, and pelvic floor weakness, plus tight hip flexors. Risk factors include muscle imbalance, poor control, and returning to running too soon. This is expert opinion on what to check, not proof these causes pain.
• PTPilot2020The effectiveness of Ergon Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, foam rolling, and athletic elastic taping in improving volleyball players' shoulder range of motion and throwing performance: a pilot study on elite athletes.Journal of physical therapy scienceInstrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and foam rolling increased shoulder range of motion in elite volleyball players, while athletic taping decreased it. However, none of these techniques improved throwing performance scores. The gain in motion did not translate to better function in this small pilot.
• PTOTOther2020One-repetition maximum can be estimated with a handheld dynamometer and circumference in community-dwelling older adults.Journal of physical therapy scienceFor older adults, knee strength (1RM) can be estimated using a handheld dynamometer and thigh circumference. The predicted values matched actual measurements closely, offering a safe, low-cost alternative to heavy gym equipment for prescribing resistance training.
• PTOTSLPOther2020The effect of a postural exercise program on muscle power in Italian high school students.Journal of physical therapy scienceStudents' vertical jump height increased by 2.1 cm on average after eight weeks of postural exercises. However, with no control group, it is impossible to know if the exercises caused the gain or if students simply improved from normal growth and activity.
• PTOTCase Report2021Rhabdomyolysis After the Use of Percussion Massage Gun: A Case Report.Physical therapyA 25-year-old woman developed severe rhabdomyolysis and muscle bruising after using a percussion massage gun on her thighs following cycling. She recovered with hospital treatment, but this single case shows the device can cause serious muscle damage, especially if used without medical supervision.
• PTOTOther2020Differences in dual task paradigms and executive function ability for recreational athletes in United Arab Emirates.Journal of physical therapy scienceRecreational athletes showed no significant difference in executive function or dual-task walking speed based on sport type or activity level. Walking while counting backwards slowed gait speed for most participants, regardless of whether they played self-paced or team sports.
• PTOther2020Development of a database for educating athletes in university sports.Journal of physical therapy scienceA database made ankle sprain handouts for student athletic trainers take 3 minutes 44 seconds on average, versus 7 minutes 58 seconds with paper. They rated it easier and more possible to keep using. It did not test athlete recovery.
• PTOTCohort2020Evolution of service metrics and utilisation of objective discharge criteria in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction rehabilitation: a retrospective cohort study with historical control in a public hospital physiotherapy department.Archives of physiotherapyA phase-based ACL rehabilitation program increased physiotherapist use of objective outcome measures and lengthened treatment duration, but did not improve rehabilitation completion rates or patient-reported knee function compared to standard care.
• PTCase-Control2020Does facet joint morphology affect the development of spondylolysis?Journal of physical therapy scienceJunior athletes with L5 spondylolysis had L4/L5 facet joints oriented more in the coronal plane than athletes without spondylolysis. This study cannot show that the orientation caused the defect.
• PTCohort2021Increased satellite cell apoptosis in vastus lateralis muscle after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.Journal of rehabilitation medicineAfter ACL reconstruction and early rehabilitation, satellite cells in the thigh muscle were less numerous and showed more programmed cell death, while signs of satellite cell activation did not change. This is a muscle cell finding, not proof that rehabilitation was harmful.
• PTCase Report2021Correction of a double spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine utilizing Chiropractic BioPhysics® technique: a case report with 1 year follow-up.Journal of physical therapy scienceIn one 57-year-old man with chronic low back and leg pain, a chiropractic program of adjusting, traction, and exercises was reported to reduce measured vertebral slippage and pain at 1 year. A single case cannot show that any treatment works for other patients.
• PTSurvey2021Quantifying the Burden of Shoulder and Hip Pain In Water Polo Players Across Different Playing Levels.International journal of sports physical therapyWater polo players reported high shoulder and hip/groin pain: 38.1% had current shoulder pain and 33.1% had current hip/groin pain. Players at national and international levels reported more hip/groin pain than local/regional players. 22.7% had both.
• PTOTSLPOther2021Determining Near Point of Convergence: Exploring a Component of the Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screen Comparing Varied Target Sizes.International journal of sports physical therapyMeasuring near point of convergence with a pen tip or small electronic device yields larger distances than using printed letters. Because target size changes the result, clinicians must use the same tool for baseline and post-injury testing to avoid misclassifying healthy athletes as impaired.
• PTCohort2021Sequencing and Integration of Cervical Manual Therapy and Vestibulo-oculomotor Therapy for Concussion Symptoms: Retrospective Analysis.International journal of sports physical therapyIn 38 patients, a sequenced clinic program combining cervical manual therapy, exercise, canalith repositioning, vision therapy, vestibular rehab and light cardio was associated with improved symptoms. No control group means the program cannot be shown to have caused the improvement.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2021The Comparative Mental Health Responses Between Post-Musculoskeletal Injury and Post-Concussive Injury Among Collegiate Athletes: A Systematic Review.International journal of sports physical therapyCollegiate athletes with concussions and those with musculoskeletal injuries showed similar patterns of depression and anxiety. Anxiety scores dropped initially but often remained clinically significant. Athletes frequently returned to play before their psychological symptoms resolved, regardless of injury type.
• PTCohort2021Differences in Physical and Psychological Parameters in Sub-Elite, Male, Youth Soccer Players with Jumper's Knee Following Physical Therapy Compared to Healthy Controls: A Longitudinal Examination.International journal of sports physical therapySub-elite male youth soccer players who completed physical therapy for jumper's knee showed slower change-of-direction and 30-m sprint times than healthy controls throughout the season. However, jump height and endurance were not different. Psychological fear of failure was higher only at the start of the season.
• PTPilot2021An Alternative Model of Care for the Treatment of Adolescent Athletes with Extension-Based Low Back Pain: A Pilot Study.International journal of sports physical therapyPhysical therapy first model (rest and twice-weekly therapy with pain-free progression) cut advanced imaging from 8 to 1, had median billed cost 19% lower, and showed similar outcomes, but used more visits and slower return for some non-specific cases in a 16-patient pilot.
• PTCohort2021The Relationship Between Hip Strength and Postural Stability in Collegiate Athletes Who Participate in Lower Extremity Dominant Sports.International journal of sports physical therapyHip strength showed only weak links to static balance in collegiate athletes, with no relationship to dynamic balance during landing. Strengthening the hip alone is unlikely to improve the stability needed to stick a landing.
• PTCohort2021Differences in Lower Extremity Kinematics Between High School Cross-Country and Young Adult Recreational Runners.International journal of sports physical therapyHigh school cross-country runners showed slightly greater vertical center of mass excursion than young adult recreational runners, suggesting better shock attenuation. Knee flexion angles were similar between groups. Two-dimensional video analysis produced knee flexion values comparable to prior three-dimensional studies, supporting its clinical use.
• PTOther2021Does the Movement Competency Screen Correlate with Deep Abdominals Activation and Hip Strength for Professional and Pre-professional Dancers?International journal of sports physical therapyThe Movement Competency Screen correlates weakly with deep abdominal activation and hip strength, and moderately with the Functional Movement Screen. It does not strongly reflect these specific physical capacities, so scores should not be interpreted as direct measures of core or hip function.
• PTOther2021Post-Trial Feedback Alters Landing Performance in Adolescent Female Athletes Using a Portable Feedback System.International journal of sports physical therapyOne session of portable feedback cut landing forces by nearly 30% and improved knee alignment in adolescent female athletes. These changes persisted during a dual-task test, though the study did not track long-term retention or actual injury rates.
• PTCohort2021The Immediate Effects of Expert and Dyad External Focus Feedback on Drop Landing Biomechanics in Female Athletes: An Instrumented Field Study.International journal of sports physical therapyExpert feedback lowered landing impact force; teammate feedback did not. Both groups reduced the knee moving inward after one session. For impact force, only expert feedback changed; for inward knee movement, teammate feedback was similar.
• PTPilot2021Does the Direction of Kinesiology Tape Application Influence Muscle Activation in Asymptomatic Individuals?International journal of sports physical therapyTaping direction made no difference to quadriceps muscle activity, strength, or jump performance in healthy young adults. One small hop distance change was not significant after adjusting for multiple tests and fell well below the detectable change threshold.
• PTOther2021Patients Walking Faster After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Have More Gait Asymmetry.International journal of sports physical therapyAthletes who walked faster six months after ACLR had more gait asymmetry. The opposite knee bore more load, while the reconstructed knee did not, so faster walking alone may not improve symmetry.
• PTOTSLPCase Report2021Inter-Disciplinary Conservative Management of Bilateral Non-United Lumbar Pars Defects in a Junior Elite Golfer.International journal of sports physical therapyA 15-year-old golfer with bilateral lumbar pars fractures avoided surgery through a 12-month interdisciplinary exercise program. He returned to competitive golf and accepted a college scholarship, remaining asymptomatic 18 months post-intervention.
• PTCohort2021Individual Baseline Balance Assessments in a Large Sample of Incoming NCAA Division I Athletes Using a Force Plate System.International journal of sports physical therapyBaseline balance varies widely among healthy athletes. Female athletes and those in low-contact sports showed less sway than males and high-contact athletes. Using a single average for everyone risks missing real problems in athletes who normally have very steady balance.