British journal of sports medicine
Audio Summaries

Incidence of injury and illness at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games: post-pandemic trends and sport-specific risks

May 8, 2026

The authors aimed to describe the epidemiology of injuries and illnesses during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. They found that taekwondo and football 5-a-side had significantly higher injury incidences, while triathlon showed the highest illness incidence, particularly among female athletes. Overall, the study highlights sport-specific risks and post-pandemic trends in athlete health during the event.

Mini Symptom Index Tool plus modified Vestibular-Ocular Motor Screening (mSIT Plus) for acute concussion identification: findings from the NCAA-DoD CARE Consortium

May 6, 2026

The study aimed to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) by developing a mini Symptom Index Tool (mSIT) and assessing the utility of additional examinations for acute concussion identification. Results indicated that the mSIT significantly improved the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity compared to the original SCAT, and when combined with the modified Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (mVOMS), further enhanced diagnostic accuracy. The authors recommend using the mSIT and mVOMS for a more efficient and effective concussion evaluation.

Supported implementation enhances injury prevention programme (Prep-to-Play) use in women and girls playing Australian Football: a pragmatic type III hybrid implementation-effectiveness stepped wedge cluster randomised trial

May 6, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the impact of supported implementation on the use of the Prep-to-Play injury prevention program and its effect on injury incidence among women and girls playing Australian Football. The study found that supported implementation significantly increased program use and that higher adherence to the program was linked to fewer injuries, although the effect on specific injury rates was less clear. Overall, in-person workshops and support visits were more effective than online resources alone in promoting program adherence.

Randomised three-armed trial investigation of the Copenhagen Achilles tendon Rupture Treatment Algorithm (CARTA) for individualised treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture

May 4, 2026

The study aimed to determine whether the Copenhagen Achilles Rupture Treatment Algorithm (CARTA) provides superior outcomes compared to standard operative or non-operative treatments for acute Achilles tendon ruptures. While CARTA did not show significant improvement in the primary functional outcome (Heel-Rise Work Test) at 12 months, it significantly reduced rerupture rates and improved patient-reported outcomes compared to non-operative treatment, while also resulting in fewer surgeries than routine operative care.

Physiotherapist-led treatment for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (the PhysioFIRST study): an assessor-blinded, limited disclosure randomised controlled trial

May 4, 2026

The PhysioFIRST study aimed to compare the effectiveness of physiotherapist-led targeted-strengthening treatment (STRENGTH) versus standardised-stretching treatment (STRETCH) on hip-related quality of life and patient-perceived global improvement in individuals with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. The results showed no significant difference in hip-related quality of life between the two groups, but targeted strengthening was associated with greater improvements in perceived pain and hip muscle strength. Both treatment approaches led to clinically meaningful improvements in hip-related quality of life over six months.

ICRS-FIFA-Aspetar consensus on the management of knee cartilage injuries in football players: part 2-appropriateness of specific surgical procedures to address articular cartilage lesions in different clinical scenarios using the RAND/UCLA appropriateness method

Apr 30, 2026

The authors aimed to establish expert-based recommendations for the appropriateness of various surgical treatments for knee articular cartilage lesions in competitive football players, utilizing the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method. They evaluated six surgical procedures across 96 clinical scenarios, finding that patient preference significantly influenced treatment suitability, with debridement plus orthobiologics favored for quick return to play and regenerative techniques preferred for long-term outcomes. The consensus provides broad guidelines for treatment, emphasizing the need for player-specific decisions.

Sudden cardiac arrest preparedness in African football: evidence from Cameroon and implications for global sport

Apr 29, 2026

The authors aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) preparedness among professional football stakeholders in Cameroon, highlighting the critical gaps in training and resources. Their findings revealed that a significant majority of participants had poor knowledge of SCA, low confidence in CPR and AED use, and identified barriers such as fear of harm and legal concerns. The study emphasizes the urgent need for compulsory CPR/AED training, improved access to AEDs, and enforceable emergency action plans to enhance SCA preparedness in African football.

Inflammation and alterations in redox homeostasis precede and persist following musculoskeletal injury in US army trainees

Apr 29, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the relationship between biomarkers of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress with musculoskeletal injuries (MSKI) during Basic Combat Training (BCT) in US Army trainees. They found that elevated levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and the Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) were significantly associated with an increased risk of MSKI, particularly in the week surrounding injury diagnosis. These findings suggest that heightened inflammation and oxidative stress may indicate physiological stress and early responses to tissue injury.

Resting and exercise-induced occult hypertension and coronary atherosclerosis in male masters endurance athletes

Apr 24, 2026

The authors investigate the relationship between occult resting and exercise-induced hypertension and the presence of coronary atherosclerosis in male masters endurance athletes. They find that a significant proportion of these athletes exhibit hypertension, which is linked to higher coronary artery calcification scores and the presence of high-risk plaque features. The study highlights the importance of early detection and management of hypertension to mitigate the risk of coronary atherosclerosis in this population.

Tackle higher or lower? Simulation to evaluate how changing the tackle height would impact the number of concussions and head acceleration events in men's professional rugby league

Apr 14, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate how changing tackle height in men's professional rugby league affects the incidence of concussions and head acceleration events (HAEs). Their simulation, based on data from the 2023 Super League season, revealed that lowering tackle height could reduce concussion and HAE risks for ball-carriers, while potentially increasing risks for tacklers. These findings suggest that policy changes regarding tackle height could be informed by the simulated outcomes, highlighting a protection paradox.