Background: The Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow Score (KJOC) originally developed in English, assesses the functional status of the shoulder and elbow in overhead athletes. To date, no German version of the questionnaire exists. Objective: The aim of the study was to translate and to culturally adapt the KJOC into German (KJOC-G) and to test its psychometric properties. Methods: The first part of the study consisted of a translation and cross-cultural adaptation process which was performed in six stages according to international recommendations: Initial translations, synthesis, back translations, expert committee review, pretesting of the prefinal version, and final adaptations. Secondly, reliability, validity, and feasibility of the KJOC-G were assessed in German overhead athletes. Results: The translation and adaptation process led to minor alterations due to cultural differences while maintaining the general structure and content of the original score. A total of 152 overhead athletes (age 25.0 ± 6.6 years; 87 men/65 women) were included in the main analyses. The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.93) and test-retest reliability (ICC 2.1 = 0.94) of the overall questionnaire were excellent. Moderate correlations with the German version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire (r = −0.51, p < .05) as well as the DASH-sports module (r = −0.54, p < .05) suggest moderate construct validity. Known-group method analysis showed the ability of the KJOC-G to discriminate between actively playing symptomatic (score: 71.2 ± 16.0) and asymptomatic (score: 93.1 ± 8.7) athletes. Conclusion: The KJOC-G score is valid, reliable, and suitable for assessing the functional shoulder and elbow status in German-speaking overhead athletes.

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It is time to take on the challenge of investigating the complex effect of fluctuating female hormones on injury risk as this offers a chance to improve female athletes’ health and performance. During the recent decade, the body of knowledge on female hormones and injury risk has largely been increased. New insights have been offered regarding the association of certain phases of the menstrual cycle and injury prevalence as well as regarding relationships between hormone levels and musculoskeletal changes such as, for example, ligamentous stiffness and knee laxity. However, current research often follows the theme of a causal relationship between estrogen levels and musculoskeletal function or injury and thus—one might argue—further enhances a rather simplistic approach, instead of uncovering complex relationships which could help in establishing more nuanced ways of preventing female injuries. To uncover real effects and to truly understand the physiological responses, we suggest to reflect on potential bias regarding research questions and current approaches. It may enhance future studies to apply a more nuanced approach to causation, to include multidimensional perspectives and to implement an interdisciplinary methodology.

Abstract:After the long summer of migration, strong social and political movements of solidarity with and resistance against refugees developed in Europe. Expressions of solidarity and resistance were also recognisable in the sport system, especially in voluntary sport clubs (VSCs). As a result of this observation, the following article addresses the question: "Which organisational conditions of VSCs promote or hinder the implementation of sport activities for refugees?" To this aim, the article analyses and discusses the results of three research projects concerning sport offers for refugees in Germany. The interview material (n=49) collected in these projects was examined through the qualitative technique of thematic analysis and interpreted through a systems theoretical framework. The results show that conditions that promote and hinder the implementation of sport offers for refugees were identified in all formal (decision programmes, communication channels, and human resources) and informal (organisation culture) decision premises. Furthermore, the implementation of sport offers for refugees is particularly dependent on human resources within the sport clubs. The data shows that the resolute will of individuals or small groups of people is highly relevant for the implementation of these sport offers. Finally, when it comes to organizing support for refugees, VSCs display an unexpected dynamic and a high capacity to mobilise resources within a short period of time. The discussion reflects these results and articulates strategies to safeguard, foster, and facilitate the social engagement of VSCs in relation to refugees.

Empirical studies show that first- and second-generation immigrants are less likely to be members of sports clubs than their non-immigrant peers. Common explanations are cultural differences and socioeconomic disadvantages. However, lower participation rates in amateur sport could be at least partly due to ethnic discrimination. Are minority ethnic groups granted the same right to belong as their non-immigrant peers? To answer this question, this paper uses publicly available data from a field experiment in which mock applications were sent out to over 1,600 football clubs in Germany. Having a foreign-sounding name significantly reduces the likelihood of being invited to participate. The paper concludes that amateur football clubs are not as permeable as they are often perceived to be. It claims that traditional explanations for lower participation rates of immigrants need to be revisited.