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This study compares the strength of the flexor and extensor muscles of the knee in a group (A) of 25 patients with unilateral trans-tibial amputation, regardless of cause, and a group (B) of 27 normal volunteers. Measured parameters were peak bending moment, total work, maximum power and flexor/extensor relation. The dynamometer used was a Cybex model 6000, set at velocities of 60 degrees/s and 180 degrees/s (4 and 20 repetitions). Exercise type was concentric, both for flexion and extension of the knee joint. Patients were grouped according to stump size, age and time since amputation. These patients were tested with their prosthesis. Mean age in group A was 35.9 +/- 13 years (age range: 12-59 years). Mean age in group B was 34 +/- 8 years (age range: 19-56 years). Comparison according to subject sex was similar. Data analysis between the amputated and the sound limb reveals strength deficit (bigger deficit at 180 degrees/s), which relates to age but not to stump size. When compared to non-amputated subjects in the measured parameters, negative relations both in the amputated side and the non-amputated side were found. The authors' conclusion is that revision of the parameters used until then for rehabilitation of the patients subjected to trans-tibial amputation is needed.

Life-threatening medical emergencies are an infrequent but regular occurrence on the football field. Proper prevention strategies, emergency medical planning and timely access to emergency equipment are required to prevent catastrophic outcomes. In a continuing commitment to player safety during football, this paper presents the FIFA Medical Emergency Bag and FIFA 11 Steps to prevent sudden cardiac death. These recommendations are intended to create a global standard for emergency preparedness and the medical response to serious or catastrophic on-field injuries in football.

Although anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is considered a successful procedure in restoring knee stability, few studies have addressed the issue of aerobic capacity after ACL surgery. Soccer players need technical, tactical and physical skills to succeed, such as good knee function and aerobic capacity. Our purpose is to evaluate aerobic fitness in ACL injured professional football players and six months after ACL reconstruction compared to a control group. Twenty athletes with ACL injury were evaluated and underwent ACL reconstruction with hamstrings autograft, and were compared to twenty healthy professional soccer players. The methods used to evaluate aerobic fitness were maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and ventilatory thresholds with a treadmill protocol, before and six months after surgery, compared to a control group. Knee function questionnaires, isokinetic strength testing and body composition evaluation were also performed. Results: Median ACL-injured patients age was 21 years old, and controls 20.5 years old. (n.s.). Preoperative VO2max in the ACL injured group was 45.2 ± 4.3 mL/kg/min, postoperative 48.9 ± 3.8 mL/kg/min and controls 56.9 ± 4.2 mL/kg/min. (p< .001 in all comparisons). Body composition evaluation was similar in all situations. Knee function questionnaires and quadriceps peak torque deficit improved after surgery but were significantly lower compared to controls. Conclusion: Aerobic fitness is significantly reduced in professional soccer players with ACL injury, and six months of rehabilitation was not enough to restore aerobic function after ACL reconstruction, compared to non-injured players of the same level.

Background:The patellar tendon has limited ability to heal after harvesting its central third. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) could improve patellar tendon healing.