ObjectiveTo describe the implementation of a health monitoring programme for Norwegian Paralympic and Olympic candidates over five consecutive Olympic and Paralympic Games cycles (London 2012, Sochi 2014, Rio de Janeiro 2016, PyeongChang 2018 and Tokyo 2020).MethodsAthletes were monitored for 12–18 months preparing for the games using a weekly online questionnaire (OSTRC-H2) with follow-up by physicians and physiotherapists, who provided clinical care and classified reported problems.ResultsBetween 2011 and 2020, 533 Olympic and 95 Paralympic athletes were included in the monitoring programme, with an overall response of 79% to the weekly questionnaire and a total observation period of 30 826 athlete weeks. During this time, 3770 health problems were reported, with a diagnosis rate of 97%. The average prevalence of health problems at any given time was 32% among Olympic athletes and 37% among Paralympic athletes. Acute traumatic injuries represented the greatest burden for Olympic team sport athletes, and illnesses represented the greatest burden for Olympic endurance and Paralympic athletes. On average, Olympic athletes lost 27 days and Paralympic athletes lost 33 days of training per year due to health problems.ConclusionConducting long-term health monitoring of Olympic and Paralympic athletes is challenging, particularly because athletes travel frequently and often relate to many medical providers. This programme has been implemented and improved within Team Norway for five Olympic and Paralympic cycles and during this time we believe it has helped protect our athletes’ health.

The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to examine the reliability of a test designed to measure tightness of the hamstring muscles, and (b) to assess the pelvic motion during this test. The knee was passively extended by a standardized force, while the hip was stabilized in 120 degrees of flexion. The knee angle was measured with a goniometer and represents the hamstring tightness. Twenty-eight test-retests were performed. The correlation coefficient was found to be 0.99, and the CV was found to be 1%. We used a MacReflex measurement system to assess the associated pelvic motion. Eight measurements were taken, and the median of associated pelvic motion was 4.1 degrees. It is concluded that the passive knee extension test is a simple and reliable method, and the associated pelvic motion is minimal.

Background Shoulder problems are common in handball, but injury risk reduction is possible by implementing a prevention program. However, player compliance to the program remains a challenge, with feedback from players that the program is too time consuming. Aim To develop a more efficient program, we aimed to assess the effect of the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center shoulder injury prevention program on external rotation (ER) strength and internal rotation (IR) range of motion (ROM), considered to represent key risk factors for injury. Methods Four youth handball teams (three females, one males, 57 players, mean age 17.1 years) were randomized to an intervention or control group. The intervention program was conducted three times per week as a part of handball warm‐up for 18 weeks, supervised by physical therapists. The main outcome variables were the between‐group differences in ER strength and IR ROM change from baseline to postintervention. Isometric ER strength was measured with a handheld dynamometer and IR ROM with a digital goniometer. Results Mean dominant shoulder isometric ER strength increased both in the intervention (10%) and the control group (6%) during the intervention, but there was no significant group by time interaction (group difference: 0.06 N/kg (95% CI: −0.04 to 0.17). IR ROM did not change in either group during the intervention. Conclusion The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center shoulder injury prevention program did not affect the risk factors ER strength and IR ROM. The preventive effect of the program must therefore be due to other factors.