British journal of sports medicine
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Dose-response interplay between light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on all-cause mortality risk: a causal inference analysis

Mar 23, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the dose-response relationship between light-intensity physical activity (LPA) and all-cause mortality risk, particularly in the context of varying levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Using data from the UK Biobank, they found that while LPA has a non-linear effect on reducing mortality risk, this effect diminishes as MVPA levels increase, suggesting that LPA can be a valuable complement to MVPA, especially for individuals unable to engage in higher-intensity activities. The study underscores the importance of incorporating LPA into public health recommendations to enhance overall physical activity guidelines.

Grading the evidence on the effects of exercise interventions in children and adolescents during and beyond cancer treatment: an umbrella review of systematic reviews with meta-analyses

Mar 18, 2026

The authors aimed to synthesize the evidence regarding the effects of exercise interventions on children and adolescents during and after cancer treatment, while also assessing the methodological quality of the studies involved. Their umbrella review identified 19 systematic reviews with meta-analyses, revealing that exercise significantly improves cardiorespiratory fitness, cognitive function, and muscle strength, although the certainty of evidence varies across outcomes. They conclude that while exercise is beneficial for certain physical and cognitive outcomes in childhood cancer, further high-quality research is needed to enhance clinical recommendations.

ACTIVATE: physical activity assessment, prescription and promotion in clinical practice by healthcare professionals - a consensus study initiated by the International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy

Mar 18, 2026

The ACTIVATE consensus study aimed to establish recommendations for healthcare professionals on assessing, prescribing, and promoting physical activity in patients with non-communicable diseases. Through a comprehensive process involving experts from various fields, the study emphasizes the importance of routine physical activity assessments, tailored prescriptions, and regular follow-ups to enhance patient well-being and adherence to physical activity guidelines.

Role of exercise physiologists in mental health support and recovery: 2026 Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) Consensus Statement

Mar 18, 2026

The authors aim to define the role and best practices for exercise physiologists (EPs) in supporting mental health recovery through structured exercise interventions, addressing the current limitations in their integration into mental health systems. The Consensus Statement outlines key principles and strategies for EPs, emphasizing a collaborative, evidence-based approach to enhance their impact within multidisciplinary mental health teams. This guidance serves as a model for workforce development and policy reform to strengthen the involvement of exercise professionals in mental healthcare.

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry per cent fat Z-score as a predictor of menstrual status in adolescent and young adult female athletes

Mar 11, 2026

The authors aimed to determine whether the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived %fat Z-score can more effectively predict menstrual status in female athletes compared to traditional measures like body mass index (BMI) and percent expected body weight (%EBW). Their findings indicate that a %fat Z-score cut-off of < -1.0 significantly improves sensitivity for identifying amenorrhoea and oligomenorrhoea in athletes, suggesting it may be a more appropriate target for treatment than conventional BMI or %EBW thresholds. However, the %fat Z-score did not enhance specificity compared to traditional measures.

Pre-participation cardiovascular screening among NCAA athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 891 athletes

Mar 3, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of pre-participation cardiovascular screening among NCAA athletes and assess the additional value of history and physical examination (H&P) when combined with electrocardiogram (ECG) screening. Their systematic review and meta-analysis of 27,891 athletes revealed that ECG screening significantly improved the detection of serious cardiovascular conditions compared to H&P alone, with a notably lower false positive rate. The study concluded that ECG is a valuable tool in pre-participation screening, while H&P offers minimal additional benefit in cases with a normal ECG.

Adolescent maturation and injury risk in an elite ballet school: a 7-year cohort study of 506 students

Mar 2, 2026

This study aims to explore the relationship between growth and maturation factors and the risk of growth and bone injuries in elite ballet students over a seven-year period. The findings indicate that both growth rate and maturation stage, particularly at 85%-95% of adult height, are significantly associated with an increased risk of growth-related injuries, suggesting that these factors should be considered in developing proactive injury-reduction strategies for dancers.

Developing a sexual assault emergency action plan: modified Delphi consensus recommendations from the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine

Mar 2, 2026

This study aimed to develop a consensus-based sexual assault emergency action plan (EAP) for sports medicine clinicians to improve their response to sexual assault disclosures among athletes. Through a modified Delphi process involving 24 experts, the authors identified key components across eight domains, achieving consensus on 69% of proposed items. The resulting framework is intended to enhance clinician competency, address barriers to reporting, and ultimately foster a supportive environment for athlete-survivors of sexual violence in sports.

Association of leisure-time physical activity at different phases of life with work ability at the end of working life: a Finland-representative 45-year prospective cohort study

Feb 27, 2026

This study investigates the long-term effects of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) across different life stages on work ability at the end of working life. The findings indicate that higher lifetime LTPA is positively associated with better work ability, with significant contributions from activity levels during adolescence, mid-adulthood, and late adulthood. The authors emphasize the importance of promoting physical activity from a young age to enhance workforce productivity and prevent declines in work ability.

'ACL - wow, this is bad': patients' perspectives on their anterior cruciate ligament injury and its care - a systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis

Feb 26, 2026

The authors aimed to synthesize qualitative studies that explore patients' and parents' perspectives on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and the care received. They identified five main themes reflecting the significant physical, emotional, and social impacts of ACL injuries, emphasizing the importance of understanding patients' beliefs, identity changes, and the need for supportive care to improve recovery outcomes. The findings highlight the necessity for patient-centered approaches in managing ACL injuries.