Sports Medicine

Sprint acceleration strategy links to site-specific non-contact lower-limb injuries in pro rugby

In 85 professional male rugby players over seven seasons (63,786 exposure hours), acceleration strategy correlated with injury patterns. High step-rate with short flight time was associated with over 2.5× greater hamstring injury risk. Long step length with long flight time was associated with over 2.5× greater calf injury risk. Authors conclude sprint mechanics should be integrated into multifactorial monitoring and prevention, not used alone to dictate management. 1

Acute and chronic physical exercise can improve esports cognitive-motor performance

Systematic review of 12 experimental studies found acute exercise (6–30 minutes) consistently improved executive function, reaction time, and aiming accuracy. Chronic programs (mostly 8–10 weeks, ~30 min, 3×/week) showed mixed effects on direct esports performance but some cognitive and coordination gains. Rest intervals up to 30 minutes between exercise and play did not erase acute benefits, supporting practical pre-match routines. Evidence supports integrating structured physical exercise into esports training, though long-term performance effects remain heterogeneous. 2

High prevalence of RED-S risk among Finnish female national/international athletes, worst in endurance

Cross-sectional cohort found 70% of female athletes at risk of RED-S, with 82% prevalence in endurance athletes. Endurance athletes had 2.4-fold higher odds of RED-S and worse clinical indicators, including amenorrhea and low T3. Severe risk occurred in 17.9% of endurance athletes; bone stress injury rates were high in endurance and speed/power groups. These results support proactive screening and targeted energy availability interventions in female endurance athletes. 3