South African Journal of Sports Medicine

1 week ago | journals.assaf.org.za | Germari Deysel |Mariaan van Aswegen |Mark Kramer

Abstract Background: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is prevalent across various age and activity groups and poses a risk for developing patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Since load on the patellofemoral joint is greatest during jumping manoeuvres, validating affordable measuring instruments to extract jumping-related variables is important for guiding rehabilitation.

Aug 16, 2024 | journals.assaf.org.za | James Parmley |Dan Weaving |Sarah Whitehead |James Brown

Abstract Background: Athlete exposure to contact could be a risk factor for injury. Governing bodies should provide guidelines preventing overexposure to contact. Objectives: Describe the current contact load practices and perceptions of contact load requirements within men’s and women’s rugby league to allow the Rugby Football League (RFL) to develop contact load guidelines.

May 22, 2024 | journals.assaf.org.za | Thembisile T. Jolingana-Seoka |Henriette V. Hammill |Yolandi Willemse |Mark Kramer

Abstract Background: Safe landing in netball is fundamental. Research on the biomechanics of multidirectional landings is lacking, especially among netball players. Furthermore, few studies reporting the associations between ankle kinematics, isokinetic ankle muscle strength, muscle activities, and injury prevalence in South African netball have been undertaken.

Oct 2, 2023 | journals.assaf.org.za | Lervasen Pillay |Jeroen Swart |Sharief Hendricks |Craig Thompson

Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have become easily available to athletes over the years. Using these substances may inadvertently expose an athlete to the possibility of an adverse analytical finding (a ”positive” test) and a sanction. Athletes need to understand the risk of an antidoping rule violation or adverse analytical finding should these products be used, especially if no therapeutic use exemption exists.

Sep 14, 2023 | journals.assaf.org.za | James Burger |Bonginkosi Mafuze

Elite athletes and their entourage are exposed to intense stressors and commonly experience mental health symptoms and disorders. While there is limited literature on prevalence rates in a South African setting, initial data show that both current and retired athletes may experience these symptoms, but with low treatment rates. There is a need to improve mental health literacy and mental health care in athletes.