South African Journal of Sports Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Electrocardiographic profile of South African Premier League football players: A descriptive cross-sectional study.","authors":"L Maqina, T C Muluvhu, P Nongogo","doi":"10.17159/2078-516X/2026/v38i1a22987","DOIUrl":"10.17159/2078-516X/2026/v38i1a22987","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>High-intensity soccer participation induces benign structural and functional cardiac adaptations collectively known as the athlete's heart. However, sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains an important concern, emphasising the need for appropriate cardiovascular screening among competitive soccer players, particularly in settings where routine pre-participation cardiac screening protocols are not consistently implemented across all levels of competition nationally.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To assess resting sport electrocardiogram (ECG) profiles of South African professional soccer players using international consensus standards for ECG interpretation in athletes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study included 105 male South African Premier Soccer League players aged 17-39 years. Resting ECGs were recorded using the Custo-med Diagnostic Sport ECG device and interpreted according to international consensus criteria for athlete ECG interpretation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Age and weight were not significantly associated with cardiac risk level (p=0.867 and p=0.400, respectively). Heart rate was significantly associated with risk level (p=0.002), with players presenting heart rates ≥76 bpm showing a higher proportion of moderate risk (63.6%). No significant associations were observed between age, weight, or heart rate and T-wave inversion. Heart rate was significantly associated with right atrial enlargement (p=0.037), particularly among players with heart rates ≥76 bpm, whereas age and weight showed no significant associations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Resting ECG screening may assist with the early identification of potentially important cardiac abnormalities in South African soccer players. Annual ECG screening should be considered for both development and senior squads, together with appropriate clinical follow-up and emergency preparedness. These findings support broader cardiovascular screening strategies aligned with international football medicine recommendations.</p>","PeriodicalId":31065,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"38 1","pages":"v38i1a22987"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13644802/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149138180","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Common injuries and risk factors in South African long-distance runners over a 12-month period.","authors":"T Nadar, L Lategan","doi":"10.17159/2078-516X/2026/v38i1a22710","DOIUrl":"10.17159/2078-516X/2026/v38i1a22710","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The 12-month incidence of injuries in long-distance running is high, and injury rates vary between 17% and 90%.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of this study was to describe injury incidence, type, location and risk factors in long-distance runners over the last 12 months.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective, descriptive, quantitative research design was used. Participants (n=215) were drawn from South African long-distance runners. A previously used online one-year injury recall questionnaire was used to investigate injury incidence, type, location and risk factors. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to develop a model explaining the risk of injury in runners based on significant risk factors. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 157 injuries were reported by 110 runners (51%). When comparing by sex, 54% of males and 48% of females reported an injury. The sex comparison also showed that males ran significantly faster than females (p=0.04). Most injuries were due to overuse (79%). Common injury locations included the knee (26%), the ankle/foot complex (19%), and the lower leg (18%). There was no significant difference in injury location between male and female runners (p=0.13). Significant injury risk factors identified included: low BMI (p=0.002), greater height (p=0.05), lack of running experience (p=0.05), not warming up (p<0.001), not cooling down (p=0.01), not stretching before running (p=0.004), not stretching after running (p=0.01), and previous injury (p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis, using only the significant injury risk factors, yielded an injury prediction accuracy of 78% (p<0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The 12-month incidence of injury in long-distance runners was 51%, and several significant risk factors were identified. These risk factors explained or predicted 78% of the injuries sustained. Most injuries were due to overuse and occurred in the lower limbs. In the current sample of runners, not stretching and not warming up prior to running were statistically significant risk factors for overuse injuries.</p>","PeriodicalId":31065,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"38 1","pages":"v38i1a22710"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13644804/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149138192","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From policy to practice: A South African clinical toolkit for SRY gene screening in sport.","authors":"P Zondi, E Kotzé, J A Dave, L Gordon","doi":"10.17159/2078-516X/2026/v38i1a27032","DOIUrl":"10.17159/2078-516X/2026/v38i1a27032","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The recent implementation of SRY (sex-determining region Y) gene screening by international sporting federations has introduced new clinical responsibilities for practitioners involved in athlete care. Recent policy developments, including updated guidance from the International Olympic Committee, further signal the expanding role of genetic screening in elite sport. While federation-level policies exist, there is limited clinician-focused guidance on how to operationalise screening, manage results, and ethically support athletes, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. This paper presents a practical toolkit and a step-by-step clinical pathway to support clinicians involved in SRY gene screening. Informed by clinical implementation and refined through multidisciplinary peer feedback, the proposed framework emphasises role clarity, informed consent, confidentiality, appropriate referral, and athlete-centred communication. It is intended as a clinical support tool rather than a formal guideline, consensus statement, or legal interpretation. By translating policy into a structured clinical process, the framework supports consistent, ethical, and contextually relevant practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":31065,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"38 1","pages":"v38i1a27032"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13644805/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149138290","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigation of the knowledge of safeguarding in sports among medical and paramedical professionals in Rugby Africa, at Mauritius 7s 2024.","authors":"A Bholah, J Somanah, M Putteeraj, N Sewry, H B Baptiste, L Gordon, M Hlávek, D Garnett","doi":"10.17159/2078-516X/2026/v38i1a24286","DOIUrl":"10.17159/2078-516X/2026/v38i1a24286","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Safeguarding in sports has emerged as a critical issue globally, particularly for elite athletes in high-risk environments. Despite the presence of operationalised policy frameworks for safeguarding athletes from injury, violence, or harm, limited evidence exists on how well frontline medical professionals in Africa implement these practices. This study, therefore, investigates the extent of safeguarding knowledge, the degree of professional readiness, and the barriers to reporting among medical and paramedical personnel across Rugby Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted at the 2024 Rugby Africa Men's 7s in Mauritius. This study involved 19 Immediate Care in Rugby Level 2-certified medical and paramedical professionals from 11 African countries. Data were collected using a modified version of the Safeguarding Officer Pulse Survey, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative items. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were applied to assess knowledge, confidence, procedural awareness, and perceived organisational support regarding safeguarding responsibilities.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Over half (53%) of the respondents reported familiarity with safeguarding policies, yet only a small proportion (21%) had received formal training on how to apply those policies in practice. Confidence in identifying abuse was fair (63%), but awareness of designated safeguarding officers and reporting procedures was low. Environmental factors such as fear of retaliation (69%) and cultural silence (68%) were major barriers to effective reporting of safeguarding. Participants identified themselves (89%) as key protectors of athlete welfare, but lacked procedural clarity. Gaps in organisational education, policy implementation, and surveillance measures suggest systemic weaknesses in safeguarding infrastructure across Rugby Africa medical teams.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Enhancing safeguarding awareness, procedural training, and cultural shifts are essential for creating a safe sporting environment for African Rugby. Structured education and transparent reporting frameworks are recommended for similar tournament contexts. Additional multi-country research is necessary to guide broader policy decisions.</p>","PeriodicalId":31065,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"38 1","pages":"v38i1a24286"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13644803/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149138492","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Case report-Stumped: back pain in a cricketer.","authors":"L Lamote, J H Kirby","doi":"10.17159/2078-516X/2026/v38i1a26132","DOIUrl":"10.17159/2078-516X/2026/v38i1a26132","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A 19-year-old collegiate fast bowler presented with chronic low back pain that acutely worsened during a tournament. Examination suggested a mechanical origin, but plain radiographs showed subtle lucency at L5 and bilateral sacroiliac sclerosis. MRI was interpreted as bilateral sacroiliitis with effusion, raising concern for axial spondyloarthropathy. Laboratory tests, including HLA-B27, were unremarkable, and rheumatological evaluation did not support a seronegative spondyloarthropathy. Computed tomography ultimately demonstrated stress fractures with developing spondylolysis at L4 and L5. The player was managed conservatively with physiotherapy, core strengthening, and a phased return to sport, including modification of his bowling technique. Full return to sport was achieved at six months after initial presentation. This case highlights the diagnostic pitfalls of interpreting MRI findings in young athletes, where mechanical changes may mimic inflammatory sacroiliitis. CT remains a valuable adjunct in detecting lumbar stress fractures when MRI findings are equivocal.</p>","PeriodicalId":31065,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"38 1","pages":"v38i1a26132"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13502522/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148814395","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Manipulation under anaesthesia versus arthroscopic capsular release in stiff shoulder: A prospective multicentre study.","authors":"A S Abutaleb, A I Eltarawy, M T Elshewy, H Amin","doi":"10.17159/2078-516X/2026/v38i1a25790","DOIUrl":"10.17159/2078-516X/2026/v38i1a25790","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) and arthroscopic capsular release (ACR) are common modalities of management in shoulder stiffness, yet no robust clinical evidence demonstrates the superiority of one over the other.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Comparing functional results, complications, and operative time between MUA and ACR.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this prospective multicentre cohort study, 62 patients with primary shoulder stiffness of at least 6 months' duration, forward elevation less than 100°, and external rotation limited by more than 50% compared with the contralateral side, despite conservative management, were included. Exclusion criteria were glenohumeral osteoarthritis, periarticular fractures, mechanical block, and skeletal immaturity. Patients treated in centre 1 underwent MUA (group A: n=31) and those in centre 2 underwent ACR (group B: n=31), with standardised anaesthesia, rehabilitation, and follow-up at 4 and 6 months.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Baseline demographics were comparable between groups. Both MUA and ACR produced significant improvements in Constant score, VAS, and ROM across all planes at 4 and 6 months, with no significant between-group differences. No major intra-operative or post-operative complications were observed in either cohort during the 6-month follow-up period. The operative time was significantly lower in the MUA group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>MUA and ACR are both effective in improving pain and shoulder function in refractory shoulder stiffness, but MUA offers a shorter operative time. In the management of shoulder stiffness, MUA has comparable functional outcomes with ACR but with shorter operative duration.</p>","PeriodicalId":31065,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"38 1","pages":"v38i1a25790"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13502523/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148814368","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis for musculoskeletal injuries: A scoping review considering implications for athletic populations.","authors":"K Mashida, K Marsden, M Freschi, S Carmody","doi":"10.17159/2078-516X/2026/v38i1a24229","DOIUrl":"10.17159/2078-516X/2026/v38i1a24229","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE) is an emerging minimally invasive technique used for musculoskeletal (MSK) injury management. Despite its growing use in clinical practice, the literature reports mixed findings regarding efficacy, safety, and optimal application in athletic populations.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This scoping review examines the current literature on PNE for MSK injuries in athletes, evaluating its effectiveness in reducing pain, improving functional recovery, and enhancing return-to-play outcomes. The review also explores its safety profile and comparative advantages over conventional rehabilitation strategies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2024 were selected based on relevance to PNE, MSK injury management, and athlete populations. Studies were analysed for intervention protocols, outcome measures, and follow-up durations. Eligible articles included randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, pilot studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Data were charted for study design, population, intervention protocols, outcome measures, and follow-up duration. Findings were synthesised descriptively in line with a scoping review approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, pilot studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Findings indicate that PNE significantly reduces pain and enhances functional recovery, particularly when combined with eccentric exercise. The most commonly treated conditions include patellar tendinopathy, supraspinatus tendinopathy, and lateral epicondylitis. While adverse effects are generally mild (e.g., transient soreness, hematoma), variations in treatment protocols hinder standardisation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>PNE demonstrates promise as an effective treatment for MSK injuries in athletes, particularly when integrated with rehabilitation programs. However, methodological heterogeneity and limited long-term data necessitate further research to establish standardised protocols and optimise treatment outcomes. Expanding the evidence base through high-quality trials will be essential for its broader implementation in sports medicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":31065,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"38 1","pages":"v38i1a24229"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13502524/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148814439","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Running-related injuries and risks among runners in township running clubs in Soweto, Johannesburg.","authors":"V Masilana, S Kunene","doi":"10.17159/2078-516X/2026/v38i1a20618","DOIUrl":"10.17159/2078-516X/2026/v38i1a20618","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The growing popularity of running has led to a rise in running-related injuries (RRIs), with runners in under-resourced communities facing heightened risks.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with RRIs among recreational and advanced runners in a township area of South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving runners from six running clubs in Soweto township (south of Johannesburg, South Africa). Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire via the RedCap online platform and analysed using STATA software. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were generated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 84 runners participated, comprising 51% females (n = 43) and 49% males (n = 41). The overall prevalence of RRIs was high (63%, n = 53), with a slightly higher injury rate among females (51%, n = 27) compared to males (49%, n = 26). Age (runners over 25 years) (odds = 1.11, p = 0.004), increased running load (particularly among medium and long distances) (odds = 1.47, p = 0.053; and odds = 2.65, p = 0.021, respectively), and running terrain (varied running inclines) (odds = 1.42, p-value = 0.032) were identified as significant risk factors.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study revealed a high prevalence of RRIs and identified multiple risk factors. These findings underscore the need for targeted intervention studies focusing on injury prevention and rehabilitation to reduce the burden of RRIs.</p>","PeriodicalId":31065,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"38 1","pages":"v38i1a20618"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13299699/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148346505","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of self-reported shoulder pain and shoulder function among uninjured CrossFit athletes in Pretoria, South Africa.","authors":"M Dawood, E Meyer, T P Moatshe","doi":"10.17159/2078-516X/2026/v38i1a25440","DOIUrl":"10.17159/2078-516X/2026/v38i1a25440","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>CrossFit is a rapidly growing sport characterised by high-intensity functional movements that place substantial demands on the shoulder complex. Although shoulder injuries are frequently reported, the prevalence of self-reported shoulder pain and shoulder function among uninjured CrossFit athletes remains unclear.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To determine the prevalence of self-reported shoulder pain and to describe shoulder function among uninjured CrossFit athletes in Pretoria, Gauteng.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among CrossFit athletes recruited from gyms in Pretoria. Participants completed a sociodemographic and training questionnaire. Pain presence and severity were assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), based on current shoulder pain intensity. Shoulder function was assessed using the Penn Shoulder Score (PSS). Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages) were used to summarise the data. Chi-square tests were used to explore associations between shoulder pain and selected demographic and training-related variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sixty-eight participants provided valid responses for pain analysis, while all participants completed the PSS. The prevalence of self-reported shoulder pain was 76% (95% CI: 64%-85%), with a mean NPRS score of 2.97 ± 2.75/10, indicating predominantly low-intensity pain. Shoulder function was generally preserved, with a mean total PSS of 87.8 ± 12.2 (out of 100). Shoulder pain was significantly associated with previous shoulder injury (p < 0.05). No significant associations were found between demographic or training-related variables and shoulder function.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Self-reported shoulder pain is highly prevalent among uninjured CrossFit athletes despite largely preserved shoulder function. These findings suggest that athletes may continue training despite experiencing pain, highlighting the importance of routine screening and early intervention strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":31065,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"38 1","pages":"v38i1a25440"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13299702/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148346443","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Association Between Persisting Symptoms after Concussion (PSaC) and Symptoms of Depression and/or Anxiety in the Athletic Population: A Scoping Review.","authors":"M J Lumb, K E Welman, N Snegireva","doi":"10.17159/2078-516X/2026/v38i1a24812","DOIUrl":"10.17159/2078-516X/2026/v38i1a24812","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;The association between persisting symptoms after concussion (PSaC) and symptoms of depression and/or anxiety is a growing concern in athlete populations. However, the evidence base is complex and inconsistent, creating significant diagnostic challenges and uncertainty regarding appropriate screening protocols. This scoping review maps the literature from the past five years to examine the evidence for this association in adult athletes and to identify the screening tools employed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objectives: &lt;/strong&gt;The objectives of this scoping review were: (1) to systematically map the extent, range, and nature of the empirical literature on the association between PSaC and symptoms of depression and/or anxiety in adult athletic populations; (2) to identify and categorize the screening tools used to assess symptoms of depression and/or anxiety; and (3) to identify gaps and limitations in the existing body of research to provide direction for future investigations. This review was guided by the following questions: 1) What is the nature of the reported association between PSaC and symptoms of depression and/or anxiety in adult athletes? 2) What screening tools are most frequently utilized in the literature to assess symptoms of depression and/or anxiety in this population?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;This scoping review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology, incorporating the framework by Arksey and O'Malley and subsequent JBI refinements. A systematic search of English-language literature was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Studies were included if they: (1) involved adult populations (≥18 years); (2) focused on sport-related concussion (SRC) as a mechanism of injury; (3) assessed symptoms persisting for four weeks or more (i.e., PSaC); and (4) explored the association between PSaC and symptoms of depression and/or anxiety.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The review identified 14 studies. A majority (n=9) reported a positive association between PSaC and symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, the overall evidence base was marked by significant methodological heterogeneity, including a wide range of study designs, participant numbers (ranging from single case reports to large surveys (n = 1-3406), populations (from active to retired athletes), and time since injury (28 days to 55 years). There was a lack of consensus in assessment methods, with an inconsistent collection of 13 different screening tools used across the included studies to measure symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. Furthermore, a foundational challenge identified was the inconsistent terminology used across studies to describe persisting symptoms.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;While the evidence suggests a link between PSaC and symptoms of depression and/or anxiety in athletes, a lack of consensus on terminology and screening tools severely limits the comparability of research and th","PeriodicalId":31065,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"38 1","pages":"v38i1a24812"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13299698/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148346473","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}