South African Journal of Sports Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Sleep interventions in elite sport - a systematic review.","authors":"S C Bilgoe, S den Hollander, Dc Janse van Rensberg, S Hendricks, G Kerkhoffs, V Gouttebarge","doi":"10.17159/2078-516X/2025/v37i1a18811","DOIUrl":"10.17159/2078-516X/2025/v37i1a18811","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Elite athletes encounter various situations and conditions that may disrupt their sleep, a crucial factor for optimal performance and well-being.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of this study was to synthesise existing research on the effect of sleep interventions on sleep quantity and quality in elite sports and to provide evidence-based guidance for athletes, coaches, and other stakeholders in elite sports who seek to enhance sleep quantity and quality.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This review followed the PRISMA guidelines, whereas the search was executed in September 2023 utilising the electronic databases SCOPUS, PubMed and Web of Science. Studies were included if they met the inclusion criteria.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 1014 studies were retrieved from the databases, and data extraction was performed on 32 studies. The included studies evaluated sleep hygiene education/strategies, acute cold exposure, light therapies, supplementation, neurostimulation/neurofeedback, and other (mindfulness and massage therapy) strategies. Sleep hygiene education was the most effective intervention to improve sleep quantity. Supplementation and light therapy interventions showed improved sleep quality and quantity. Additionally, cold water immersion and mindfulness showed improved sleep quality, but further studies are required for confirmation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Future research should use reliable and valid methods to improve the quality of evidence and ensure conclusive findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":31065,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"37 1","pages":"v37i1a18811"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11824781/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143433982","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":"A comparison of weighted countermovement jumps loading modes using wearable accelerometers.","authors":"V Radulovic, D Kwong, A Green","doi":"10.17159/2078-516X/2024/v36i1a16929","DOIUrl":"10.17159/2078-516X/2024/v36i1a16929","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The countermovement jump (CMJ) is an integral part of force and velocity profiling; a movement that is regularly implemented in training protocols and testing of athletic performance. Adding external loads to CMJs may have an added benefit for assessing gains in power and, in turn, monitoring progressive development. However, these added loads can displace the centre of mass of individuals, which may alter jump kinetics.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The study aimed to evaluate kinetics across various incremental modes of loading (barbell, trapezius barbell, and dumbbell) CMJs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thirty-two male athletes (age: 19±2 years; height: 1.86±0.06 m, mass: 90.4±5.3 kg) completed three weighted CMJs (20, 40, 60 kg) across three bar-type modes of loading (barbell, trapezius barbell, and dumbbell). Jump metrics were measured using a wearable accelerometer. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare jump metrics (p<0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results indicated changes in jump kinetics as added loads increased across all bar-type jump modes (p<0.001). Additionally, jump modes yielded different jump kinetics (p<0.001). Specifically, dumbbell CMJs produced the greatest force (2559 ± 462 N) and power (4861±1632 W) outputs. In contrast, the trapezius barbell consistently produced significantly (p<0.001) higher velocity (2.52±0.44 m.s^-1) and acceleration (12.59±4.49 m.s^-2), with the barbell never producing the highest kinetic metrics. The athletes' ranges of movement and comfort loading levels during the CMJs may be influential factors affecting vertical jump output metrics.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overall, jump kinetics were altered by loads and jump types. Practically, different loading methods may target distinct jump variables allowing for individualised training programs specific for the athletes' needs.</p>","PeriodicalId":31065,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"36 1","pages":"v36i1a16929"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11444488/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142362180","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":"Pain, impairment, medication use and health-related quality of life of retired professional rugby players.","authors":"J Le Roux, Dc Janse van Rensburg, S den Hollander, Gmmj Kerkhoffs, V Gouttebarge","doi":"10.17159/2078-516X/2024/v36i1a17651","DOIUrl":"10.17159/2078-516X/2024/v36i1a17651","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Rugby is a physically demanding sport with a high injury rate. Professional male rugby players have a notably greater risk of sustaining injuries that require hospitalisation or surgery than male athletes from non-contact sports. Retired elite male rugby players experience physical and mental health conditions as well as varying levels of pain, negatively impacting their quality of life. Retired rugby players could use medication or substances as a coping mechanism to deal with chronic pain and a lower quality of life. However, research is scarce on how retired rugby players manage pain and how this affects their quality of life.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to understand joint pain and impairment, mental and physical quality of life, and pain medication use in retired professional male rugby players.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire completed by retired professional male rugby players. Joint pain and impairment were explored through three questions, health-related quality of life was assessed through the PROMIS-GH, and medication use was explored through 12 questions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Retired rugby players (N=142) reported higher scores than matched controls (N=49) for joint pain and impairment, including significantly higher scores for joint impairments for activities of daily living (<i>p</i>=0.047). The global mental health scores of retired rugby players were significantly lower compared to matched controls (p=0.043) and the global physical health scores were also lower in retired rugby players. Most retired rugby players reported not using prescription pain medication (75%) or over-the-counter pain medication (56%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Professional rugby careers have a considerable impact on the joint health and overall well-being of retired players, resulting in unique challenges. The findings of this study emphasise the need for specific after-career support for challenges faced by retired rugby players.</p>","PeriodicalId":31065,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"36 1","pages":"v36i1a17651"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11444486/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142362181","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":"Regional morphological adaptations of vastus lateralis muscle in response to different progressive resistance training programs: A randomised controlled trial.","authors":"R Longrak, W Sonchan, W Jaidee","doi":"10.17159/2078-516X/2024/v36i1a18549","DOIUrl":"10.17159/2078-516X/2024/v36i1a18549","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Resistance training often increases muscle size, a phenomenon known as muscle hypertrophy. These morphological adaptations were typically documented to occur in a non-uniform pattern. Investigating the specific morphological adaptations to different training programs was of interest.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to investigate two resistance training programs, a high-intensity program (HI) and a combined high-intensity with low-intensity blood flow restriction program (MIX), on morphological adaptations of vastus lateralis muscle in healthy young men.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Eighteen active participants were recruited and randomly assigned to the HI (n = 10) or MIX (n = 8) groups, undergoing different 6-week resistance training programs. The training volume set was equated and progressively increased from three sets in weeks 1 and 2 to six sets, and eight sets in weeks 3-4 and 5-6, respectively. Three specific regions of vastus lateralis were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound imaging (US) during pre-and post-intervention.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Statistical analysis revealed statistically significant increases in muscle area at the proximal (HI: Δ12%, MIX: Δ9.2%), middle (HI: Δ8.7%, MIX: Δ9.0%), and distal (HI: Δ14%, MIX: Δ13%) regions. Additionally, both HI and MIX groups showed statistically significant increases in the sum of muscle thickness post-intervention (HI: Δ12%, MIX: Δ19%) and in the sum of fascia thickness post-intervention (HI: Δ27%, MIX: Δ54%). Despite the MIX group training with higher volume load, no statistical differences were observed between groups for any week.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings suggested that both HI and MIX programs effectively induced increases in muscle area and sums of muscle and fascia thickness in healthy young men, allowing practitioners to choose either program based on individual preferences and constraints.</p>","PeriodicalId":31065,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"36 1","pages":"v36i1a18549"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11444487/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142362182","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 point prevalence of South African male soccer players' injuries in the Gauteng province.","authors":"K B De Wet, T J Ellapen, Y Paul, M P Mahlangu","doi":"10.17159/2078-516X/2024/v36i1a17653","DOIUrl":"10.17159/2078-516X/2024/v36i1a17653","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The ever-evolving game of soccer is a complex physical contact team sport, exposing its participants to injury.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To identify the point prevalence of soccer injuries among young amateur, semi-professional, and professional South African male soccer players.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The participation of male amateur (n=54), semiprofessional (n=34), and professional (n=57) players provided a cross-sectional overview of the nature of the most predominant types and anatomical sites of injuries affecting soccer players (average age 23.9±4.7 years). All participants completed the Fuller soccer injury questionnaire, ISAK somatotype profiling and knee flexion/extension isokinetic concentric peak torque (Nm) evaluations at 60°/s.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifty per cent of the players sustained soccer injuries (<i>X</i> <i>2</i>=0.9). Knee (20%) and ankle (19%) were the most vulnerable sites (<i>X</i> <i>2</i>=0.00001). Knee-injured players' right quadriceps torque (199±37 vs 223±38 Nm) and percentage right quadriceps torque relative to body mass (286±54 vs 311 ±39%) was significantly weaker than the non-injured players (p<0.01). The injured players' right hamstrings/quadriceps (H/Q) torque ratio further significantly differed from the non-injured players' H/Q torque ratios (79±17 vs 70±9%) (p<0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Male soccer players experience neuromusculoskeletal injuries, with their knees and ankles being the most vulnerable. Knee-injured players had weaker quadriceps isokinetic strength than non-injured players.</p>","PeriodicalId":31065,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"36 1","pages":"v36i1a17653"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11374314/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142134017","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":"Immediate effects of Global Active Stretching on strength and flexibility: Randomised Controlled Trial.","authors":"E Rodrigues, A R Pontes, G Brochado, I Bessa, P Carvalho, C Crasto","doi":"10.17159/2078-516X/2024/v36i1a16618","DOIUrl":"10.17159/2078-516X/2024/v36i1a16618","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Global Active Stretching is a relatively recent yet little studied stretching method. It differs from the most popular methods by targeting muscle chains and integrating stretching with muscle contractions, which may eventually avoid the post-stretching reduction of strength that occurs in other methods.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To verify the immediate effects of Global Active Stretching on muscle strength and flexibility in individuals with short hamstrings.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A single-blind randomised controlled trial was carried out on 30 volunteers with more than 20° in the active knee extension test, randomly assigned to three groups: the experimental group (Global Active Stretching exercise); the placebo group (Global Active Stretching initial position without stretching); and the control group (lying down). The active knee extension and fingertip-to-floor tests assessed hamstring and posterior chain flexibility. Hamstring and quadriceps strength were assessed using the peak torque evaluation in the Biodex System 4PRO^®. Assessments took place before and immediately after the 15-minute intervention. The ANOVA and the paired t test were used (α = 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The experimental group had a significant increase in flexibility in both the fingertip-to-floor test (8.3 cm) and the active knee extension test (6.3°) when compared to the placebo and control groups (p < 0.05), while no differences in strength were observed (p > 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Global Active Stretching immediately increased hamstring flexibility without significantly reducing muscle strength. Thus, individuals seeking to enhance their short-term flexibility can benefit from this programme in a single session without compromising performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":31065,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"36 1","pages":"v36i1a16618"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11374315/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142134016","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":"Contact load practices and perceptions in elite English rugby league: an evaluation to inform contact load guidelines.","authors":"J Parmley, D Weaving, S Whitehead, J Brown, L Fairbank, S Flahive, A J Gardner, S Hendricks, R D Johnston, P Mackreth, J Peacock, G Phillips, S Scantlebury, J Stein, K Stokes, K Till, B Jones","doi":"10.17159/2078-516X/2024/v36i1a17646","DOIUrl":"10.17159/2078-516X/2024/v36i1a17646","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Athlete exposure to contact could be a risk factor for injury. Governing bodies should provide guidelines preventing overexposure to contact.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Participants (n=450 players, n=46 coaching staff, n=32 performance staff, n=23 medical staff) completed an online survey of 27 items, assessing the current contact load practices and perceptions within four categories: \"current contact load practices\" (n=12 items), \"perceptions of required contact load\" (n = 6 items), \"monitoring of contact load\" (n=3 items), and \"the relationship between contact load and recovery\" (n=6 items).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>During men's Super League pre-season, full contact and controlled contact training was typically undertaken for 15-30 minutes per week, and wrestling training for 15-45 minutes per week. During the in-season, these three training types were all typically undertaken for 15-30 mins per week. In women's Super League, all training modalities were undertaken for up to 30 minutes per week in the pre- and in-season periods. Both men's and women's Super League players and staff perceived 15-30 minutes of full contact training per week was enough to prepare players for the physical demands of rugby league, but a higher duration may be required to prepare for the technical contact demands.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Men's and women's Super League clubs currently undertake more contact training during pre-season than in-season, which was planned by coaches and is deemed adequate to prepare players for the demands of rugby league. This study provides data to develop contact load guidelines to improve player welfare whilst not impacting performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":31065,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"36 1","pages":"v36i1a17646"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11374316/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142134015","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 physical demands of the match according to playing positions in a South African Premier Soccer League team","authors":"Mduduzi Rhini, Robert Hickner, R. Naidoo, T. Sookan","doi":"10.17159/2078-516x/2024/v36i1a16752","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17159/2078-516x/2024/v36i1a16752","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Evidence indicates that international soccer players cover a total distance of between eight and 14 km in a match. Approximately 80 - 90% of this distance constitutes low-intensity actions, and about 10 - 20% is high-intensity. These data are influenced by playing position, formation, league standard, and national differences in different countries.\u0000Objective: To quantify the physical demands of competitive matches on the different playing positions in a South African Premier Soccer League team.\u0000Methods: A descriptive study design included 21 players on the same team. Data were collected over 23 official matches during the 2019/2020 season using PlayerTek GPS devices (10Hz). The data collected included total distance covered, high-intensity running distance, power plays, top-end speed, and distance per minute.\u0000Results: Statistical differences were evident only in the high-intensity running distance and power plays.  The centre-forwards (p<0.001), attacking central midfielders (p=0.006), and full-backs (p=0.01) covered the most high-intensity running distance (p<0.001) than centre-backs. The attacking central midfielders and centre-forwards recorded more power plays than the centre-backs.  Total distance (p=0.01), power plays (p=0.004) and distance per minute (p=0.001) were lower in the second half than in the first half of the match.\u0000Conclusion: Centre-forwards performed more high-intensity actions, whereas the centre-backs sprinted less than all the other positions. These data provide insight into the positional differences that exist and could help coaches to prescribe position-specific training programmes.","PeriodicalId":31065,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"29 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141804320","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Concussion risk and symptomology severity in adolescents are associated with pre-season drowsiness and emotional complaints","authors":"D. Stevens, Catharina Grant, T. Botha, Gerhard Vosloo, Herman Rossouw, Philda De Jager, L. Holtzhausen","doi":"10.17159/2078-516x/2024/v36i1a16255","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17159/2078-516x/2024/v36i1a16255","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Concussions are an ever present risk for many sports. Underlying emotional disturbances and drowsiness are associated with worse post-concussion symptom scores. Yet, not study has examined associations of both emotional disturbances and drowsiness on concussion severity and symptomology.\u0000Objectives: Examine the associations between baseline sleepiness, emotional complaints, and concussion risk and symptom severity in adolescent athletes.\u0000Methods: A cohort of 626 adolescent athletes underwent baseline/pre-season concussion screening. Those who experienced a physician diagnosed concussion underwent follow up concussion symptomology assessment. Over 90% of players were seen within two weeks of the concussion incident. Linear regression examined for associations between concussion symptom scores and baseline drowsiness and baseline emotional symptoms. Logistic regression examined for association between each symptom and baseline drowsiness and baseline emotional symptoms.\u0000Results: Of the 626 athletes that underwent baseline testing, 292 experienced a concussion. Of those 292 athletes, 174 (59.6%) reported baseline drowsiness and 183 (62.7%) baseline emotional symptoms. Baseline drowsiness and emotional complaints were associated with a 2.6 (95% confidence interval = 1.9 to 3.6) and 2.8 (95% confidence interval = 2.0 to 3.9) times greater odds of sustaining a concussion respectively. Increased symptomology after concussion was associated with both baseline drowsiness (unstandardised b = 4.6, p < 0.01) and baseline emotional complaints (unstandardised b = 6.0, p < 0.01).\u0000Conclusion: Preseason drowsiness and emotional complaints in adolescent athletes are associated with higher risk of adverse clinical outcomes following concussion. Therefore, clinicians and coaches should be aware, and properly screen, for sleep and emotional problems as part of pre-season/baseline health screening.","PeriodicalId":31065,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"60 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141652523","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Expert consensus on the terminology, diagnostics and management of persisting symptoms after concussion with a focus on mental health, postural stability, electroencephalogram and balance testing: A cross-sectional Delphi-like survey","authors":"Michael James Lumb, Nadja Snegireva, K. Welman","doi":"10.17159/2078-516x/2024/v36i1a17870","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17159/2078-516x/2024/v36i1a17870","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Persisting symptoms after concussion (PSaC) are a pathological manifestation of head injuries that present with symptoms after the acute phase of head trauma has subsided. Insufficient research about PSaC has led to gaps in knowledge and incorrect terminology being applied. Furthermore, gaps exist in standardised assessment protocols and understanding of mental health symptoms associated with sports.\u0000Objectives: The study aimed to; 1) Determine expert consensus on appropriate terminology for symptoms lasting >4 weeks, 2) Investigate associations with mental health and postural stability symptoms, 3) Evaluate experts’ views on quantitative balance and electroencephalogram (EEG) testing.\u0000Methods: A Delphi-like survey was designed in REDCap and sent to identified experts in the field of sports-related concussions (SRC). Expert consensus was defined as ≥ 75% agreement.\u0000Results: Expert consensus identified the following mood and motor control symptoms being associated with PSaC:  increases in emotional state (80%), irritability (87%), nervousness (87%), sadness (80%), balance impairment (80%), dizziness (87%) and feeling slow (80%). Numbness and tingling were not considered longer-term effects (80%). Additionally, 93% of respondents acknowledged mental health symptoms as potential longer-term effects, with 80% agreeing on inadequate current management. Respondents indicated PSaC are only somewhat adequately managed (73%) or not managed well enough (27%). The use of EEG and quantitative balance testing remains open for debate. The survey response rate was 21%.\u0000Conclusion: Improving mental health management for athletes with PSaC and standardising terminology is crucial. Future research is required to establish effective diagnosis and treatment methods. Addressing these issues may result in better care and safer return to play for athletes.","PeriodicalId":31065,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"21 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141661116","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}