Sports Medicine

Updated consensus on the adolescent athlete–team physician relationship

This 2025 consensus statement defines adolescent athletes as 12–18 years and outlines age-specific medical and musculoskeletal considerations for sport participation. It emphasizes that growth, maturation, and psychological development modify injury patterns, treatment choices, and return-to-play decisions. The document calls for environments and care that are inclusive, nondiscriminatory, and responsive to underrepresented populations’ unique challenges. Team physicians are urged to prioritize safe participation, access to care, and ongoing education about adolescent-specific risks and needs. 1

Nearly half of Chinese marathon runners report injury; BMI and intensity matter

In a survey of 5668 Chinese marathon runners, 46.5% reported a running-related injury within six months, more often in men. Knees, toes, and ankles were the most commonly affected regions, highlighting typical overuse patterns. Higher BMI and elite-level training independently increased injury risk, identifying modifiable counseling targets. Older age, longer running experience, and lower training levels were protective, suggesting value in gradual progression and realistic performance goals. 2

Once-weekly ‘weekend warrior’ HIIT matches thrice-weekly HIIT for fat loss

This randomized trial assigned centrally obese adults to once-weekly HIIT, thrice-weekly HIIT, or control for 16 weeks, with equal weekly HIIT volume. Both HIIT schedules reduced total fat mass versus control by about 0.8–1.0 kg at 16 weeks. Importantly, there was no difference in fat loss between once- and thrice-weekly HIIT, despite very different scheduling. No study-related adverse events occurred, supporting HIIT as a safe, flexible option for time-limited adults with central obesity. 3

Flywheel devices are not automatically eccentric-overload tools

This mechanistic review explains that flywheel resistance exercises provide eccentric overload only when eccentric forces exceed concentric forces during repetitions. Because eccentric load is constrained by the preceding concentric action, actual overload cannot be assumed from device use alone. The authors highlight difficulties in quantifying eccentric mechanical load with current flywheel technologies in both research and practice. Clinicians and coaches should verify eccentric dominance with appropriate mechanical measures before labeling flywheel programs as eccentric training. 4