Badminton is a fast-paced sport that requires a high level of skill. Despite its non-contact nature, badminton can still result in injuries. This review aimed to identify the characteristics of musculoskeletal injuries in elite badminton players. A systematic search was conducted through the electronic bibliographic databases between 2013 and 2025. The study followed the PRISMA guidelines, registered in PROSPERO, and article quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. A total of 11 eligible articles were included. Over 45% of elite badminton players have been injured in the past year. The most common location of injuries was at the lower extremity (54-71%), followed by the upper extremity (30-46%); tendinopathy (6-70%) and sprain (10-32%) are the most common types of injury. Identifying the characteristics of injuries in elite badminton players can provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals to develop effective injury prevention strategies for athletes.

This study investigated musculoskeletal pain among keyboard-and-mouse eSports players and its implications for physiotherapy and ergonomics. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 60 players (casual, amateur and professional) who completed a questionnaire on pain, injury history, gaming habits and physiotherapy use. Associations between pain and training volume, sleep and pre-game routines were analysed using chi-square tests and t-tests ( < 0.05). Pain was reported by 71.7% of players, most often in the lower back, wrists and neck. Professional players had higher pain prevalence ( = 0.002). Inadequate sleep ( = 0.012) and the absence of warm-up routines ( = 0.010) were associated with increased pain. Only 8.3% reported injuries requiring clinical care, and few had accessed physiotherapy. Musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent yet under-managed in this population, highlighting the need for ergonomic strategies, warm-up routines, micro-breaks and targeted exercise programmes aligned with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health to support functioning and performance.

In the specific conditions of elite sport, eating habits, stress and intense physical activity influence the parameters of a normal oral bacterial flora. The diseases linked to these disturbances are generally caries and periodontal diseases, which combine to destroy teeth and periodontium. As these diseases progress, bacteria can colonize distant organs via the bloodstream from the sites of dental colonization and increase the levels of circulating inflammatory markers. These conditions influence the biological parameters necessary for well-being and performance. The aim of this review is to update knowledge on how oral dysbiosis can lead, for example, to musculotendinous injuries, and to highlight the importance of diagnosis during the dental examination and prevention messages for athletes. In sports medicine, particular attention needs to be focused on the oral condition of the athlete, to detect the sometimes-silent dental affections responsible for injury and under-performances.

This randomized controlled trial evaluated an 8-week adductor strengthening programme on improving groin injury risk factors in youth football players. Fifty-four youth players (23 female, 43%) were randomized into an intervention group ( = 27, performing two weekly adductor sessions before regular training) and a control group ( = 27, regular training only). The intervention group showed significantly greater improvements than controls in bilateral eccentric hip adduction strength (EHADS) (left: mean difference (MD) = 0.28; right: MD = 0.27, Nm/kg,  < 0.001) and EHADS: eccentric hip abduction strength ratios (left: MD = 0.07; right: MD = 0.06,  < 0.05), with female players showing higher increases than males in left-side EHADS (31.9% vs. 14.4%,  = 0.004). The intervention group showed statistically significant improvements in the Hip and Groin Outcome Score subscales (symptoms, participation in physical activities, quality of life,  < 0.05), but not the control group ( > 0.05). The programme effectively improves groin injury risk factors, particularly benefiting female athletes, and should be integrated into youth football training.

Tendinopathy is a multifactorial condition driven by dysregulated mechanotransduction, chronic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired matrix homoeostasis. Despite its prevalence, current treatments focus largely on symptomatic relief, with limited impact on underlying pathology. This narrative review synthesizes emerging evidence on the molecular mechanisms underpinning tendinopathy, including integrin - FAK/Src, YAP/TAZ, and PIEZO1 signalling pathways, and highlights how these insights inform stage-specific rehabilitation strategies. In particular, isometric loading is explored as a biologically rational intervention, offering benefits in pain modulation, mechanosensitivity, and collagen synthesis. Additionally, novel therapies such as RNA-based interventions and mitochondrial antioxidants show promise in targeting cellular dysfunction. By bridging molecular pathophysiology with therapeutic application, this review underscores the need for personalized, mechanism-informed approaches to restore tendon health and improve clinical outcomes.

The bilateral deficit (BD) is the reduced force in bilateral versus unilateral contractions. This study investigated BD in handgrip strength of 13 trained rowers and its relation to rowing ergometer performance (500 m, 1000 m, 2000 m). No difference was found between bilateral (95.4 ± 13.3 kgf) and unilateral forces (95.2 ± 14.7 kgf; p = 0.902), indicating no BD (0.4 ± 4.3%). The bilateral index did not correlate with performance in 500 m (r = -0.097), 1000 m (r = -0.576), or 2000 m (r = -0.399). These findings suggest that trained rowers do not exhibit BD, and this measure is not associated with performance.

Sports play an important and positive role in the lives of millions of children and adolescents worldwide. The risk of injuryin this case, dental injuries, is an ever-present danger to the participants, particularly those we who choose contact sports. Children and adolescents are unique athletes as they are continually growing and developing, and the treatment of traumatic dental injuries must be specific for the age of the individual player. Preventive rules and equipment, especially athletic mouthguards must be tailored to the special needs of a particular athlete in a particular sport at a particular age.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of neuromuscular exercise or well-structured Pilates exercise training in individuals with excessive inward movement of the knee during dynamic activities. Prospective, Single blind, randomize controlled trial. Thirty-six participants were randomly assigned into three groups: Neuromuscular (mean age: 23.0±1.7yrs; =12), Pilates (mean age: 23.5±1.8yrs; =12), and control group (mean age: 22.0±1.9yrs; =12). All participants were assessed before and after a six-week intervention period by using single leg squat and drop jump tests for frontal plane angle, single leg vertical jump, balance tests, and isometric muscle strength tests and completed 18sessions with physiotherapist-supervised over 6-weeks, 3-times per week. There were significant improvements in the Pilates in frontal plane projection angle during drop jump (=0.002), strength of the rectus femoris muscle (=0.006), total postural stability (=0.020), and anterior-posterior stability (=0.006). There were statistically significant in frontal plane angle during single leg squat and in both the neuromuscular (=0.007) and Pilates (=0.002) groups. Both groups showed significant gains in postural control during the limits of stability test (<0.05). Pilates exercises may offer a safe and effective method to reduce excessive knee inward movement and enhance neuromuscular control.

We aimed to systematically assess the prognosis of Effect of Neuromuscular training on female athletes with Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries by System evaluation and meta-analysis. Among these, 7 articles were selected for inclusion in the review, consisting of 5 retrospective case series (RCS) and 2 prospective case series (PCS). In comparison to the control group, neuromuscular training reduced ACL injury odds (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.70-0.94). A significant improvement in effectiveness was also noted in the incidence rate of Hip and Thigh injuries when compared to the control group (odds ratio =0.75, 95%CI:0.57-0.99, P=0.04). Furthermore, a substantial enhancement in effectiveness was observed in the occurrence of knee injuries among female athletes compared to the control group (odds ratio =0.53, 95%CI: 0.30-0.93, P=0.03). In conclusion, neuromuscular training significantly reduced the occurrence of total ACL injuries, Hip and Thigh injuries, and knee injuries in female athletes.

The study evaluated the effectiveness of different rehabilitation methods for young volleyball players aged 15-20 following knee arthroscopy for internal meniscus repair. The study, conducted in Moscow from March to September 2025, included 20 participants who were divided into two groups: one group received standard physiotherapy and exercise (Group A), and the other group received the same treatment plus massage therapy (Group B). Assessments were conducted three to four weeks post-surgery, focusing on knee flexion, extension, and pain levels measured using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Significant differences were observed in knee extension as well, with Group A improving from 20 to 39 degrees, while Group B increased from 30 to 42 degrees. The results indicated P-values of 0.03 for flexion and 0.02 for extension, indicating the positive impact of incorporating massage therapy in the rehabilitation programme. The results also demonstrated a significant difference in pain intensity between the two groups ( = 0.01), highlighting the effectiveness of incorporating massage therapy in reducing early post-operative pain in young volleyball players following meniscus suture repair. Overall, the study revealed the importance of comprehensive rehabilitation strategies for enhancing recovery in young athletes post-surgery.

Lateral ankle sprains in martial arts athletes frequently leave persistent proprioceptive and neuromuscular deficits. This prospective cohort study evaluated whether adding low-frequency electrical stimulation (LFES) to proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) augments recovery. Five hundred sixty athletes with grade I-II sprains (mean age 22.6 ± 2.7 years) were stratified to LFES + PNF (n=280) or proprioception-only (n=280) for 12 weeks, with assessments at baseline and Weeks 2, 6, and 12. Outcomes included pain (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), ankle range of motion (ROM), joint position sense (JPS), surface EMG, somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP), electromechanical delay (EMD), Functional Movement Screen (FMS), and dynamic balance. Mixed ANOVA/ANCOVA with effect sizes and nonparametric validation (Friedman/Wilcoxon) were applied. Compared with proprioception-only, LFES produced greater pain reduction (VAS -5.0 vs -4.1; p<0.001), higher PPT (+1.6 kg/cm²), and larger ROM gains (+9.2° dorsiflexion; +6.4° plantarflexion). JPS error decreased by -3.5°, with 78% achieving ≤3° accuracy. EMG latency decreased by 7.8 ms and amplitude increased by 17.2 µV; SEP latency normalized in 78% with amplitudes reaching 4.1 µV. EMD improved by -19.7 ms (p=0.001), FMS increased by +2.9 points, and composite recovery criteria were met more often with LFES (51% vs 28%; p<0.001). No serious adverse events occurred. These findings indicate that LFES adjunct to proprioceptive training accelerates sensorimotor recovery and enhances functional outcomes after lateral ankle sprain in martial arts athletes.

The objective of this study was to ascertain the incidence and most prevalent types of injuries sustained by runners over the preceding 12 months and to examine how injury rates vary according to sex, running experience, running distance, and running type. The study included 303 runners. Data were collected through a questionnaire completed face-to-face before/after running events. Independent t-tests compared demographic data, chi-square tests evaluated injury rates based on running-related factors, and binary logistic regression assessed the combined effects of these factors. Fifty-three percent of runners reported an injury in the past year, with patellofemoral pain syndrome the most common (15%). The incidence of injury was higher among professional runners, and the specific types of injury varied by type of running and running distance. These results clarify common running injuries and how experience influences risk, which can guide tailored training and prevention strategies.

This study examines the clinical oral health status of professional football players in Greece and France. Oral health is crucial to athletes' well-being, as poor oral hygiene and related conditions, such as carious teeth and gingivitis, can lead to pain, infections, and a decline in athletic performance. This study focused on professional football players, examining key oral health indicators, including carious teeth, gingivitis, and teeth needing extraction. Age groups and gender comparisons were made, especially within the French cohort. The results show statistically significant differences between French and Greek players, particularly in terms of carious teeth and tooth extractions. Gingivitis was prevalent in both populations, with no significant differences. These findings underscore the importance of targeted dental interventions for professional athletes to maintain optimal oral health.

Exercise-based injury prevention programmes for runners often show inconsistent results, potentially due to inadequate targeting of modifiable intrinsic risk factors. This randomized controlled trial assessed the effectiveness of an online, multi-component exercise programme in reducing running-related injuries (RRIs) among recreational runners over nine months. A total of 264 runners (mean age 35.9 ± 13.1 years) were randomly assigned to an intervention ( = 135) or control group ( = 129). The intervention included 11 exercises focusing on core strength, flexibility, and neuromuscular control, performed 2-4 times weekly for 15-30 minutes. The control group maintained their usual running routine. Injuries were self-reported every two weeks. During the study, 30.3% of participants reported at least one new injury, with an overall incidence rate of 6.52 injuries per 1000 running hours. The intervention group had significantly lower rates of overall RRIs (4.62 vs. 8.71 per 1000 hours; IRR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.37-0.77,  = 0.004) and overuse injuries (4.04 vs. 7.61;  = 0.001), representing 47% and 54% risk reductions, respectively. No significant difference was observed for acute injuries. These findings indicate that a structured, online, multi-component programme targeting key intrinsic risk factors can significantly reduce the incidence of running-related and overuse injuries. This scalable approach supports safer and more sustainable running practices among recreational athletes.

We wish to comment on the recent case report by Quintana-Cepedal et al. which highlights successful conservative management of a complete adductor longus rupture in a football player. In our retrospective cohort of 111 athletes with MRI-confirmed adductor lesions, we similarly observed high return-to-sport rates following structured exercise therapy, comparable to injection-based interventions. Taken together, these reports reinforce the role of exercise-based rehabilitation as a cornerstone in the management of both acute and chronic adductor injuries. We also emphasize the potential importance of supervised exercise programs and the need for further studies to clarify long-term outcomes.

Ultra-endurance running imposes extreme physical demands often resulting in exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), pain, and inflammation. Many athletes use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) despite safety concerns, questionable efficacy, and recent bans in some events. However, the prevalence, patterns, and cultural drivers of NSAID use across performance levels remain underexplored. This mixed-methods, cross-sectional survey included 167 ultra-endurance runners across five self-reported performance tiers. The survey, developed iteratively with expert input, captured NSAID usage during training and competition, motivations, perceived risks/benefits, information sources, and openness to alternatives. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively; qualitative responses underwent inductive thematic analysis. Over half (53%) reported NSAID use, with ibuprofen most common. Usage patterns varied by calibre; Tier 5 (World-class) athletes described strategic use, while lower tiers reported more reactive use. Despite 77% being aware of potential harms, most often renal and gastrointestinal (GI), usage remained high due to perceived benefits. Female participants reported use often linked to menstrual or menopause-related discomfort. Information sources were largely informal, reflecting entrenched norms around pain management. Findings highlight the need for targeted behaviour change strategies, sex-informed approaches, and development of safer, evidence-based pain management alternatives in ultra-endurance sport.

The purpose of the current study is to determine the relationship between the Myosin Light Chain Kinase (MLCK) gene and muscle injuries and to reveal athletes' injury status both molecularly and psychologically using the Sports Injury Anxiety Scale. The participants of the study are 23 female and 39 male athletes who have been previously engaged in sports or are currently active in sports. The participants are aged 18-65 and participated in the study on a volunteer basis. In the current study, when the relationship between injury anxiety, genetics and injury frequency in athletes was examined, a significant correlation was found between the MLCK C49T gene region and anxiety of causing disappointment (D total) as follows: the C/C genotype 12.4 ± 2.69 C/C genotype: 4.17 ± 2.04 = 0.032(m) ( < 0.05). These results suggest that there may be a relationship between injury and some psychological and environmental factors.

The restoration of teeth traumatized through sporting injuries is dependant on the speed of which the patient is seen, the degree of trauma, materials available and the prognosis of the teeth involved. Whilst being a rare event the loss of teeth due to sporting trauma, adds to the complexity of the restorative process and the decision making by the clinician and the patient. From a simple restorative procedure, such as repairing a small fracture of a tooth with a composite filling material to providing an implant supported prosthesis to replace lost teeth, the patient is committed to restorative dental procedures for the remainder of their life. With this in mind, the type of restorative treatment delivered to the injured athlete needs to be carefully selected, planned and undertaken to give a predictable, aesthetic and functioning restoration for a prolonged period of time.

Lumbar spine injuries are a frequent overuse injury among competitive swimmers, yet prevention strategies have not been well studied. This retrospective study evaluated 285 swimmers (mean age 18.7 ± 3.1 years) to identify risk factors. Demographics, stroke specialities, training characteristics, and injury history were collected. Group comparisons were conducted with t-tests and chi-square analyses, and logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Twenty-nine swimmers (10.2%) reported lumbar spine injuries, including spondylolysis, lumbar strain, disc pathology, and facet joint pain. Injured athletes were older, trained more hours in the pool, competed at a higher level, were hypermobile, and used kickboards less often. Adjusted regression demonstrated that higher pool training volume (OR = 2.28, 95% CI [1.20, 4.35]) and hypermobility significantly increased the risk (OR = 4.25, 95% CI [1.19, 15.24]), whereas greater kickboard use reduced risk (OR = 0.62, 95% CI [0.40, 0.96]). These findings suggest that training load and equipment use are important modifiable factors and should be considered in developing strategies to prevent lumbar spine injuries in swimmers.

The aim of this study was to explore criteria for return to sport (RTS) across physical, psychological, social, and contextual domains from the perspectives of key decision-makers. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 clinicians [9 physiotherapists, 6 Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) doctors] working in elite-level clubs across Europe and Asia, averaging 70 minutes per interview. Data were transcribed, thematically analysed using the framework method, and triangulated with participants. Three core themes were identified: 1) definitions of RTS, 2) actors and processes, and 3) criteria for RTS. SEM doctors and physiotherapists were viewed as pivotal decision-makers, with athletes' preferences central. Findings support defining RTS as a continuum of phases and adopting a biopsychosocial, criteria-based, and shared decision-making approach. Consensus on relevant factors and athlete preferences is needed to guide future research, including trials and longitudinal studies assessing the efficacy of RTS protocols for musculoskeletal injuries.

The role of a sports mouthguard has been well established as one of protecting teeth from trauma particularly during contact sports. The aim of this study is to review the roles of sports mouthguard at both an elite and recreational level. From the history of the first mouthguards, to a modern custom-made mouthguard, the role of the mouthguard has expanded. This review will look at the development of the mouthguard, the materials used to manufacture modern mouthguards and the different types available to elite and recreational athletes from a variety of sports. The mouthguard is now recognized as an essential piece of preventative equipment by many authors. This article shows that comfort, respiration and speech are not negatively affected by a well-fitting mouthguard. Many sports do not mandate the use of mouthguards but those that do have seen a significant reduction in oro-facial trauma incidence.