Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Physical profiling in elite professional men's football: Academy, reserve and first team variations in fitness and performance.","authors":"Thomas Carpels, Ole J Kemi","doi":"10.1080/11791543.2026.2697533","DOIUrl":"10.1080/11791543.2026.2697533","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We profiled the physical fitness and training and match performance of elite academy (under-18 (U18, <i>n</i> = 23), reserve (RES, <i>n</i> = 15)), and first teams (FT, <i>n</i> = 25) to assess physical readiness for academy-FT progression. Further, we segregated players into player positions, ages, and current versus former academy players that had successfully progressed to FT. Aerobic capacity, anthropometry, and global positioning system- and heart rate-derived performance profiles in training and matches quantified external and internal loads. FT demonstrated 10% more body mass (<i>p</i> < 0.01) with similar adiposity, and ~10% higher aerobic capacity (<i>p</i> < 0.01) versus academy. In training, U18 covered more distances: 727 m (16%) total distance, 115 m (48%) high-speed, and 65 m (79%) sprint distance, and generated 0.63  m/s (8%) higher peak speeds versus FT (all <i>p</i> < 0.01), while FT displayed higher mean speeds: 8 m/min (11%) and 18 m/min (24%) versus U18 and RES (all <i>p</i> < 0.05). In terms of matches, U18 and RES covered more distance: total 539 m (5%) and 567 m (6%) and high-speed distance: 111 m (18%) and 121 m (20%), and displayed higher mean speeds: 13 m/min (11%) and 14 m/min (12%), versus FT (all <i>p</i> <  0.05). Thus, in this club, FT players demonstrated higher aerobic capacity, but not physical performance in training or matchplay. Academy players were not inferior, but displayed different performance behaviours.</p>","PeriodicalId":51644,"journal":{"name":"Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"17 1","pages":"2697533"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13536958/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148888984","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":"Declines in endurance swimming performance with age: Analysis of 40 years of Masters one-hour distance swims.","authors":"Robert T Rubin, Sosi Dzhugarian, Jason Clague, Jordan Young, Gina Karimi","doi":"10.1080/11791543.2026.2641292","DOIUrl":"10.1080/11791543.2026.2641292","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Masters swimmers' sprint performance decrements with age have been <1% per year from ages 30-35 to ages 65-75, with an accelerated decline thereafter. We studied participants in the U.S. Masters swimming 1-hour virtual championship, which represents endurance rather than sprint swimming. We hypothesised a similar pattern of performance decline with age in this endurance event. We analyzed 40 years of 1-hour swims, 1985-2024, >50,000 entries total, using segmented regression analysis. Women's performance decline (distance covered) with age was linear at approximately 0.5% per year until age 69 ± 1.8 (the transition age), after which their decline accelerated in a quadratic fashion. Men's performance decline with age was linear at approximately 0.9% per year until age 75 ± 3.8, after which their decline also accelerated in a quadratic fashion. Our analysis of Masters 1-hour endurance swimming is consistent with earlier studies of Masters sprint swimming. The average transition age was approximately 6 years earlier for women (age 69) than for men (age 75), suggesting better training or tolerance for endurance swims among men. Some of the best swimmers continued their top performances for 10-13 years.</p>","PeriodicalId":51644,"journal":{"name":"Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"17 1","pages":"2641292"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13536963/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148889024","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":"Sport expertise and visuomotor performance: Evidence from 598 athletes aged 14-39 years.","authors":"Viktor Veselý, Pavel Kolář, Martin Macaš, Jáchym Kolář, Alena Kobesová","doi":"10.1080/11791543.2026.2630457","DOIUrl":"10.1080/11791543.2026.2630457","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Visuomotor functions are critical to athletes' perception, decision-making, and motor execution. This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed 598 athletes (365 male, 233 female; 14-39 years) assessed with a unique combination of standard optometric tests and a digital battery across 10 visuomotor domains. Participants were categorized by competitive level (professional/non-professional) and sport type (strategic/interceptive). A semiparametric Bayesian model examined associations between athlete characteristics and visuomotor scores, and a self-organizing map visualized multivariate profiles. Professionals showed credible advantages in six of ten domains, including depth perception, perception span, reaction time, multiple object tracking, and near-far quickness by both methods. Visual clarity and contrast sensitivity did not differ, and binocular vergence facility and binocular accommodation facility showed small, non-credible differences. Female athletes showed better depth perception and binocular accommodation facility, whereas male athletes performed better in contrast sensitivity and multiple object tracking. Strategic sport athletes outperformed interceptive athletes in multiple object tracking. Multivariate results showed close links between perception span and multiple object tracking and between binocular vergence and binocular accommodation facilities. These findings indicate that higher competitive status is associated with superior dynamic and cognitively demanding visuomotor functions, although the cross-sectional design precludes causal inference. The results support targeted visuomotor profiling in athletes.</p>","PeriodicalId":51644,"journal":{"name":"Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"17 1","pages":"2630457"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13536965/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148888999","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":"Cardiac Screening in Athletes: Current Status and Future Challenges.","authors":"Francesca Graziano, Claudia Vecchio, Domenico Corrado, Alessandro Zorzi","doi":"10.2147/OAJSM.S523274","DOIUrl":"10.2147/OAJSM.S523274","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pre-participation screening (PPS) is a primary-prevention strategy used in competitive sports to identify athletes at risk for cardiac diseases that can present with malignant arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Although compelling evidence supports the ability of PPS to lower SCD rates among athletes, no universal protocol has been adopted. Over time, however, key elements have emerged as common denominators: medical history, physical examination, and a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Research on ECG interpretation continues to evolve in search of the most accurate criteria for detecting cardiac disease, yet significant challenges persist. A major difficulty is the overlap between physiological remodeling in well-trained hearts and early manifestations of cardiomyopathy. In addition, some subgroups (female athletes, master athletes, and pediatric athletes) remain underrepresented in current studies. To ensure broad and equitable implementation, PPS must be supported by public-health policies and recognized as cost-effective, with the expectation that early identification of at-risk individuals will ultimately reduce the burden of advanced treatments on healthcare systems. Achieving this goal requires improving the sensitivity and specificity of existing screening tools to minimize misdiagnosis and avoid unnecessary secondary investigations or unwarranted disqualification from competition. This review summarizes the current status of cardiac screening in athletes, highlights persistent challenges, and outlines future directions to enhance its effectiveness and long-term sustainability.</p>","PeriodicalId":51644,"journal":{"name":"Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"523274"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12930252/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147291897","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":"Deciding Between ACL Reconstruction, Repair, and Conservative Treatment in Young Athletes: A Systematic Narrative Review.","authors":"Jonathon Lewis, Essa H Gul, Stephanie Boden, John Nyland","doi":"10.2147/OAJSM.S534937","DOIUrl":"10.2147/OAJSM.S534937","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The best pediatric and adolescent athlete anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury management method remains unknown. This systematic narrative review examined ACL reconstruction (ACLR), ACL repair, and conservative brace, or rehabilitation-based therapeutic exercise interventions with a delayed ACLR option for pediatric and adolescent ACL injury management. The primary purpose was to compare failure rates, return to sport (RTS) rates, and perceived knee function.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The PubMed, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, Sage Journals, and OVID (Medline) databases were searched. The Modified Coleman Methodology Score (MCMS) assessed study methodological quality and bias risk.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifty-six studies were included. Group 1 (ACLR) studies were published before Group 2 (ACL repair) or Group 3 (conservative brace, or rehabilitation-based therapeutic exercise intervention with a delayed ACLR option) studies (Group 1 = 2010.8 ± 9; Group 2 = 2015.9 ± 10; Group 3 = 2018.0 ± 4, p = 0.05). Group 2 displayed \"good\" quality (MCMS = 70.2 ± 7.9), while Group 1 (MCMS = 63.3 ± 6.8) and Group 3 (MCMS = 59.8 ± 6.4) displayed \"fair\" quality (p ≤ 0.03). Group 2 had more level 1 or 2 studies, and Group 1 had more level 4 studies (p = 0.007). Lysholm scores were similar (Group 1 = 94.4 ± 2.7, Group 2 = 92.1 ± 6.8, Group 3 = 95, p = 0.51). Group RTS rates were similar (Group 1 = 88.8 ± 14%, Group 2 = 94.1 ± 10%, Group 3 = 78.6 ± 21%; p = 0.22). Group 1 failure rates (7.4 ± 6.6%) were < Group 2 (17.0 ± 19%) (p = 0.02) and Group 3 (32.4 ± 18%) (p < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although ACLR had lower failure rates, neurocognitive, reactive strength, and psychological readiness assessments were underreported. The stronger methodological rigor for ACL repair studies was encouraging but long-term outcomes are lacking.</p>","PeriodicalId":51644,"journal":{"name":"Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"534937"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12912102/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146222005","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":"Inguinal-Related Groin Pain and/or Disruption in Athletes: Current Understanding, Assessment and Management Strategies.","authors":"Kristian Thorborg, Aali Jan Sheen","doi":"10.2147/OAJSM.S510774","DOIUrl":"10.2147/OAJSM.S510774","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Inguinal-related pain and/or disruption involve the abdominal tendinous and fascial tissues that connect to the inguinal ligament and the pubic tubercle. Epidemiological studies show these issues comprise 5-20% of groin problems in male athletes but rarely occur in female athletes. In this narrative review, we aim to synthesize the current understanding, assessment and management strategies for inguinal-related pain and/or disruption in athletes. Although inguinal-related pain and/or disruption is less common than adductor-related problems, it is vital not to overlook it. While the condition is often referred to as \"sports hernia\" or \"incipient hernia\", it is now agreed that true hernias are rarely found in this context. Instead, these conditions are classified as muscle-tendon injuries, and our understanding of their pathology has evolved significantly over the past few decades. Key anatomical structures include the external and internal oblique muscles, transversus abdominis, rectus abdominis, inguinal ligament, fascia transversalis, conjoined tendon, and the inguinal canal, which contains important nerves and vessels. Clinically, inguinal-related groin pain is diagnosed from detailed history and physical examination. Consensus statements now clearly define inguinal-related groin pain and disruption providing a solid foundation for a clinical diagnosis. Pathological findings may include subtle abdominal wall deficiencies to more overt abdominal tears and overuse injuries and imaging may aid in establishing differential and more specific diagnoses. A standardized \"one-size fits all\" treatment algorithm does not exist; however, a multidisciplinary approach is essential. Collaboration among sports physiotherapists, sports medicine specialists, and experienced abdominal surgeons has proven effective, informed by data from randomized controlled trials. First-line treatment typically includes non-surgical strategies, such as targeted physical therapist-led rehabilitation and activity modification with a graded return to sports approach. If non-surgical approaches fail, laparoscopic repair techniques demonstrate higher success rates. Central to effective management is shared decision-making that weighs the athlete's goals, competition calendar, and overall health-status.</p>","PeriodicalId":51644,"journal":{"name":"Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"510774"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12912169/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146221991","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":"Patellofemoral Pain is a Multifactorial Complex Condition; Are We Missing a Multidisciplinary Approach to its Management? Time for a Paradigm Shift.","authors":"Bruno C Gragnani, Harvi F Hart, Adrienne Forsyth, Christian J Barton, Danilo De Oliveira Silva","doi":"10.2147/OAJSM.S517971","DOIUrl":"10.2147/OAJSM.S517971","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Patellofemoral pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition characterized by persistent anterior knee pain, often exacerbated by activities that increase patellofemoral joint stress. The aetiology of patellofemoral pain is multifactorial, involving biomechanical, muscular, and psychological factors. Altered movement patterns and muscle weaknesses, particularly in the hip and knee regions, are commonly observed in people with patellofemoral pain. These impairments can either contribute to or result from the condition. Psychological factors, such as kinesiophobia and pain catastrophizing, also play a significant role in the persistence and severity of patellofemoral pain, highlighting the need for a comprehensive treatment approach.</p><p><strong>The problem: </strong>Patellofemoral pain imposes a considerable burden on those who leave with the condition, leading to high pain levels, impaired physical function, and reduced quality of life. The condition's persistent nature and potential progression to patellofemoral osteoarthritis underscore the critical need for effective management strategies. Current best practices include exercise therapy and adjunct treatments, but adherence and long-term effectiveness remain challenges.</p><p><strong>Take-home message: </strong>Emerging evidence suggests that addressing obesity and incorporating patient education and self-management strategies could enhance outcomes. Additionally, integrating dietary interventions targeting systemic inflammation presents a promising avenue for reducing pain and improving function. A multidisciplinary approach, involving various health professionals, is advocated to provide holistic and patient-centered care for those affected by patellofemoral pain.</p>","PeriodicalId":51644,"journal":{"name":"Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"517971"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13069577/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147678540","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":"Rapid method to identify the boundary speed for metabolic stability from race performances.","authors":"Samuel N Cheuvront, Jamie Ferris, Ben Hazelwood, Shawn E Bearden, Jinger S Gottschall","doi":"10.1080/11791543.2026.2613468","DOIUrl":"10.1080/11791543.2026.2613468","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Develop and validate a rapid method for estimating metabolic stability from race performances. Nineteen runners (12 male, 7 female) provided ≥1 race times for distances from 1.5 to 42 km. Race times were used to estimate the boundary speed for metabolic stability (MS_lim) from six regression equations. Twelve males ran for 5-min at a self-selected speed between 60-90% of the estimated MS_lim. Seven females ran for 5-min at 90% and 110% of estimated MS_lim. Oxygen uptake (V̇O2) was measured and the slope of the line describing the final two minutes of gas sampling was used to quantify metabolic stability. Runners self-selecting speed (79 ± 10% of estimated MS_lim) exhibited metabolic stability (zero slope; <i>p =</i> 0.88) with a mean 2-min change in V̇O2 of 35 ± 28 mL/min. Runners at 90% of estimated MS_lim also exhibited metabolic stability (zero slope; <i>p =</i> 0.31) with a mean 2-min change in V̇O2 of 66 ± 43 mL/min. Respiratory exchange ratios were <0.90, also consistent with steady state metabolism. Metabolic stability was not possible at 110% of MS_lim. A rapid method for estimating the boundary speed for MS_lim from race performances is provided for when more extensive metabolic testing is not possible.</p>","PeriodicalId":51644,"journal":{"name":"Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"17 1","pages":"2613468"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13536774/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148889017","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":"Hip Microinstability: Current Concepts in Diagnosis, Surgical Management, and Outcomes A Narrative Review.","authors":"Alan D Villegas Meza, Michael Nocek, Nicholas A Felan, Alyson Speshock, Ioanna K Bolia, Marc J Philippon","doi":"10.2147/OAJSM.S505874","DOIUrl":"10.2147/OAJSM.S505874","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hip microinstability-subtle, symptomatic femoral head translation without dislocation-compromises the labral suction seal and accelerates chondrolabral wear. Clinical overlap with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and borderline dysplasia delays recognition.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To synthesize contemporary evidence on definitions, diagnosis, imaging, management, and outcomes in hip microinstability and to propose a phenotype-guided framework grounded in the labrum-capsule-ligamentum teres (LT) stability continuum.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Narrative review.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Peer-reviewed literature (2000-2025) focusing on biomechanical investigations, comparative cohorts, meta-analyses, and consensus statements on microinstability, hip capsular management, borderline dysplasia, and LT pathology.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A four-pillar diagnostic approach improves accuracy. The Abduction-Hyperextension-External Rotation (AB-HEER) and Hyperextension-External Rotation (HEER) tests provide the highest single-test accuracy among exam maneuvers, whereas the prone instability test offers high specificity to rule in. The femoroepiphyseal acetabular roof (FEAR) index aids in risk stratification for borderline dysplasia but is position-sensitive. Arthroscopy with labral preservation and complete hip capsular closure improves patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and survivorship relative to non-closure. Iatrogenic cam over-resection can precipitate microinstability; femoral head-neck remplissage is a revision option to restore contour and sealing mechanics. In borderline dysplasia, both arthroscopy and periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) improve PROs when selection is phenotype-guided; PAO trends toward lower total hip arthroplasty (THA) conversion when undercoverage is the primary driver. Early postoperative circumduction is associated with lower rates of adhesion-related reoperation. Return-to-sport (RTS) decisions are criteria-based rather than time-based across successful programs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A seal-first, close-second strategy, situated within a stability continuum, underpins contemporary care. Standardized definitions, objective laxity metrics, multicenter registries, and microinstability-specific rehabilitation/RTS batteries are needed to refine indications and improve durability; evidence specific to labral augmentation in microinstability remains limited.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>Precise phenotyping and capsular stewardship reduce the risk of revision hip arthroscopy and conversion to total hip arthroplasty, inform sport-specific counseling, and align with joint-preservation goals in young, active patients.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>V (Narrative Review).</p>","PeriodicalId":51644,"journal":{"name":"Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"205-221"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12765602/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145907197","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":"Growth, Maturation and Health Profiles of Youth Triathletes; Associations with Training Load, Injury and Illness.","authors":"Alison S Fitch, Jocelyn Mara, Gordon Waddington","doi":"10.2147/OAJSM.S562434","DOIUrl":"10.2147/OAJSM.S562434","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To examine the health history, growth and maturation profiles, and current health status of youth triathletes prior to entry into a National Institute Network (NIN); and determine associations between growth, training load, and health problem severity to inform developmental training strategies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Youth triathletes (ages 12-18) were monitored over one year. Data was collected on athletic health history, growth (height, weight, arm spam) and maturation (bone age (BA); peak height velocity (PHV), predicted adult height (PAH), PAH%). Over 10 weeks the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre questionnaire (OSTRC-H2 questionnaire), training load and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded across triathlon disciplines.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Estimated PHV occurred later than population norms (Female 12.5 ± 0.7; Male 13.3 ± 0.6). Estimated BA exceeded chronological age (CA) in both sexes. Males showed higher height tempo (<i>B</i> = 0.09, PD = 0.85), and arm span tempo than females (<i>B</i> = 0.20, PD = 0.96). Higher maturity offset was associated with greater total health problem severity (<i>B</i> = 0.23, PD = 0.98), reflecting a 25% increase per 1-year in maturity offset, and males typically had higher total severity (<i>B</i> = 0.52, PD = 0.90). Illnesses (n = 22) exceeded injuries (n = 14) and resulted in more total time-loss (3 vs 2 weeks). Swimming had the highest training volume, 24% higher than the bike (<i>B</i> = -0.28, PD = 0.99) and 44% higher than the running (<i>B</i> = -0.58, PD = 1.00), although more lower limb injuries were reported.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Sex-based maturation differences in youth triathletes require tailored training; high illness and injury prevalence identify the need for growth monitoring and balanced training to support long term athlete performance progression.</p>","PeriodicalId":51644,"journal":{"name":"Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"187-204"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12755103/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145890157","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}