Mind-body exercises are spreading rapidly throughout the health, fitness, and rehabilitation fields. Many of the claimed benefits are not supported by clinical evidence. As alternative therapies, they carry legal and professional ramifications. Understanding the nature of mind-body exercise and knowing the scientific evidence behind claims for its…

Athletes with type 1 diabetes require frequent blood glucose checks throughout the day and intensive diabetes management to balance insulin, carbohydrate intake, and the effects of exercise. Effective care begins with a targeted preparticipation examination. Decreasing insulin dosage may be necessary for heavier exercise programs. Analysis of…

Sociology of sport began to take shape as a subdiscipline in the mid-1960s, and the quotes presented in the first part of this article provide a useful orientation to this formative period and to some of the most important developments in methodologies, theoretical frameworks, and topics of study that have occurred since then. This article offers…

Provides physicians who are responsible for the healthcare of teams with a decision process for determining when to return an injured or ill athlete to practice or competition, focusing on: establishing a return-to-play process, evaluating injured or ill athletes, treating injured or ill athletes, rehabilitating injured or ill athletes, and…

Tibial stress injuries, commonly called shin splints, often result when bone remodeling processes adopt inadequately to repetitive stress. Physicians who are caring for athletic patients must have a thorough understanding of this continuum of injuries, including medial tibial stress syndrome and tibial stress fractures, because there are…

Discusses the various strength qualities (maximum strength, high- and low-load speed strength, reactive strength, rate of force development, and skill performance), noting why a training program design based on strength diagnosis can lead to greater efficacy and better performance gains for the athlete. Examples of tests used to assess strength…

A review of medical charts of 13 youths (age 8-15) with soccer-related eye injuries identified as causes: a head butt, kicks, the ball. Risks can be lessened by use of polycarbonate eyeguards, properly inflated balls, adequate conditioning and practice before scrimmages, a moderate and balanced practice/playing schedule and good sportsmanship.…

Review of sports medicine records of 285 softball players and responses of 200 adult softball players to a questionnaire regarding injuries leads to suggestions about ways to prevent softball injuries, including preseason conditioning and strengthening. (Author/CB)

Common among runners and athletes who participate in jumping sports, plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that is potentially incapacitating, causes heel and arch pain, and usually occurs after sudden increases in running mileage, frequency, or speed. Therapy is described. (Author/CB)

The article provides answers to frequently asked questions about sports ophthamology, concerning sports-related eye injuries, eye protection, safety recommendations, and medical restrictions. (CB)

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a rare cause of death among athletes, with deaths occurring in young, apparently healthy people. Differentiating HCM from conditioning hypertrophy is challenging. Routine detection involves family history, physical examination, electrocardiography, and echocardiography. Keys to differential diagnosis include…

This article discusses how to use stretch bands for improving total body fitness and quality of life. A stretch band exercise program offers a versatile and inexpensive option to motivate participants to exercise. The authors suggest practical exercises that can be used in physical education to improve or maintain muscular strength and endurance,…

Investigated recovery of maximal force and power following a 10-km race. Data collected on 10 healthy male distance runners pre-race, immediately post-race, and 48 hours later indicated that strength and power capabilities of these 10-km runners were for the most part restored 48 hours after the race. Only the hamstring muscle group was not fully…

Reports on a recent study of Chesapeake Bay watermen, which indicates a possible association between long-term exposure of the eyes to ultraviolet B rays and risk of cataract development. Authorities recommend protective lenses for outdoor athletes, especially those involved in winter sports. (SM)

The first reported case of hyponatremia from participation in endurance running of marathon distance is discussed. Nine earlier cases occurring in subjects who endured greater distances are summarized. Symptoms and treatment of the 21-year-old subject of this case report are presented and preventive measures recommended for endurance-event…