Italian Journal of Sports rehabilitation and Posturology

60 -74

Authors: Joseph A. Giandonato , Christopher D. Policastro

As our planet ages, so do its inhabitants. According to a 2011 Population Reference Bureau report, population groups of those 65 and older are projected to account for 16 percent of the global population by 2050 (14). The number of those aged 65 and older is expected to eclipse the population of those four years and younger. The rapid growth in our global aged population is attributable to concomitant medicinal and technological advances arising in developed countries and an increase infant mortality rates throughout developing parts of the world. By 2030, nearly twenty percent of the US population will be 65 years or older (18). Many expect the already fractured US healthcare system to buckle once the remainder of the baby boomer generation turns 65. (Giandonato J. Policastro C.D. Senior Strength: Programmatic Considerations for Aged Populations - Ita J Sports Reh Po 2 ;2; 60 -74 :2015 ; ISSN 2385-1988 [online ] - IBSN 007-111-19-55 )

86 - 102 :

Authors: Pasquale Tamburrino ,Rosario D’Onofrio ,Michele Martella, Agostino Tucciarone

Handball is classified as a team sport, alternating aerobic-anaerobic, with a metabolic activity dependent mainly on the anaerobic-alactacid system. During a match the athlete makes numerous changes of direction and pace, vertical jump shots or standing shots and shots while falling. We can see that: a) 73-75% of all shots in a match are made during a jump, b) 14-18% standing shooting while running (c) 6-9% penalty d) 2-4% shots while falling e) 0-1% direct free shots (40). Recent studies have analyzed the gestural pattern of shots in handball teams, highlighting different expressive gestural techniques related to different ball velocity (41).Bayios and Boudolos (42) studied the differences in ball velocity and throwing accuracy among handball players in the Greek Elite Championship. The author showed how a different ball velocity is also linked to specific gestures: a) shoot while running without jump (speed 26.3 ± 3.2 m • s-1) b) shot without run nor jump (speed 23.5 ± 2.2 m • s-1) c) jump shot (speed 22.7 ± 2 m • s-1). A complete kinematic analysis of the shot in a handball team (40, 41) showed that angular velocity of shoulder internal rotation to ball release, and maximum elbow extension are important contributors to ball velocity. Contacts-contrasts occur with very high frequency in throwing. Hence it is clear that the risk of traumatic events affecting the osteomyoarticular system is high and unavoidable. The aim of this work is to fathom the existing literature on handball injuries and give an overview of the most important international works, in order to identify the risk factors and the most frequent injuries during agonistic sport activity.

105 -113

Authors: Claudio Civitillo

Background: Achilles Tendon (AT) midportion tendinopathy is a chronic condition which often impairs athletic performances and work capabilities, with a negative impact on people’s overall health and well-being. Since it uses the Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) as therapy, osteopathy is recommended as potentially beneficial in managing pain. The aim of this study was directed at observing the OMT effects on the variation in the intensity of pain and the AT functional disability observed pre-post OMT with the aid of the Sports Assestment-Achilles Questionnaire (VISA-A) Methods: The medical records (MR) of athletes, active during a time frame (January 2012-January 2013) who requested and received OMT sessions, were examined retrospectively. After selecting 20 potential recrutable MRs, (16,80%) were excluded, and (4,20%) which fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 1 female and 3 males, were recruited Results: At the primary end point 4 right AT and 1 left, after administration of 3 OMT sessions distributed in 1 month, showed: a variation in the average score of the intensity and of the functional disability of the VISA-A pre (50,5%) post (74%),a reduction in the duration of pain and stiffness when awakening equal to 32,5 minutes, an average drop in acute-strong pain of 41 points in the 4 cases Conclusions: The observation data of the 4 cases in relation to pain and functional disability of the AT midportion suggest that the OMT can be considered as a conservative approach that induce medical improvements, but further experimental studies need to be ensured to better investigate the OMT potential in active athletes ( C. Civitillo Effects of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment of midportion Achilles tendinopathy among athletes: a series of 4 cases - Ita J Sports Reh Po 2 ; 2 ; 106 -114 : 2015 ; ISSN 2385-1988 [online ] - IBSN 007-111-19-55 )