Objective The aim of this study was to determine key components in neuromuscular training that optimise ACL injury reduction in female athletes using meta-regression analyses. Design Systematic review and meta-regression. Data sources The literature search was performed in PubMed and EBSCO. Eligibility criteria Inclusion criteria for the current analysis were: (1) documented the number of ACL injuries, (2) employed a neuromuscular training intervention that aimed to reduce ACL injuries, (3) had a comparison group, (4) used a prospective control study design and (5) recruited female athletes as participants. Two independent reviewers extracted studies which met the inclusion criteria. Methodological quality of included study and strength of recommendation were evaluated. Number of ACL injuries and participants in control and intervention groups, age of participants, dosage of neuromuscular training, exercise variations within neuromuscular training and status of verbal feedback were extracted. Results The meta-regression analyses identified age of participants, dosage of neuromuscular training, exercise variations within neuromuscular training and utilisation of verbal feedback as significant predictors of ACL injury reduction (p=0.01 in fixed-effects model, p=0.03 in random-effects model). Inclusion of 1 of the 4 components in neuromuscular training could reduce ACL injury risk by 17.2–17.7% in female athletes. No significant heterogeneity and publication bias effects were detected. Strength of recommendation was rated as A (recommendation based on consistent and good-quality patient-oriented study evidence). Conclusions Age of participants, dosage of neuromuscular training, exercise variations within neuromuscular training and utilisation of verbal feedback are predictors that influence the optimisation of prophylactic effects of neuromuscular training and the resultant ACL injury reduction in female athletes.

Background In recent years, sports leagues and sports medicine experts have developed guidelines for concussion management. The extent to which current clinical practice is consistent with guideline recommendations is unclear. At the collegiate level, there have been few examinations of concussion management practices and the extent to which meaningful differences across divisions of competition exist. Purpose To examine current practices in concussion diagnosis and management at NCAA member colleges. To explore the extent to which current practices reflect current recommendations for concussion diagnosis and management. To determine whether there are differences in management patterns across divisions of competition. Design Cross-sectional survey. Methods We sent an electronic questionnaire to sports medicine clinicians at all NCAA member colleges during September and October 2013. We asked clinicians about baseline assessments, diagnosis and management practices, return-to-play protocols, the perceived prevalence of under-diagnosis, and basic demographic information. Results Approximately 30% (n=866) of contacted clinicians, representing nearly 50% (n=527) of NCAA member colleges, responded to the questionnaire. Pre-participation baseline examinations were administered at the majority of schools (95%), but most (87.5%) administered baseline assessments only to selected, high-risk athletes. Computerized neurocognitive testing and balance assessments were most commonly used as pre-season baseline and post-injury assessments. Multi-modal examination in line with NCAA and other guidance was only used at a minority of institutions. Athletic trainers most commonly administered and interpreted the pre-season baseline examination. Most clinicians reported that their institution’s practices were in line with NCAA guidelines during the first 24-hours of an athlete’s concussion diagnosis, with exact percentages varying across measures. Differences across divisions of competition included: shorter return-to-play time at Division I schools than Division III schools (Division I=9.13 days, Division III=10.31 days) and more frequently referring concussed athletes to a physician within 24-hours of diagnosis at Division I schools. Conclusion Concussion management at many U.S. colleges incorporates elements recommended by current guidelines; however, there is room to improve. Increasing the use of a multi-modal baseline and post-injury examination will elevate the concussion care provided to college athletes and better align with best practice guidance.

The association between preexisting anxiety, depression, and/or neurodevelopmental disorders and symptom duration among younger children who sustain concussions is not well known. The authors conducted a prospective cohort study of 569 patients presenting to a pediatric neurology clinic with the diagnosis of concussion. The authors measured associations between symptom duration and premorbid conditions, as well as gender, age, mechanism of injury, and other factors. Premorbid conditions were common in both age groups. On univariate modeling female gender, age >12 years, and premorbid conditions were associated with longer symptom duration. On multivariable modeling, females and patients ≤12 years old with a history of headaches, migraines, or a history of psychiatric conditions took significantly longer to recover than those without such conditions. Premorbid conditions are associated with a prolonged recovery from concussion among those patients ≤12 years old.