ECSS Paris 2023: CP-MH07
INTRODUCTION: Emerging evidence suggested the potential remote effect along the fascia chain, such as the superficial back line (SBL). Meanwhile, self-myofascial release (SMR) is widely used, and its potential effects in enhancing flexibility and sports performance are well established. This study aimed to examine the remote effect of SMR on SBL flexibility using a peanut-shaped massage ball to compare the effect of single and dual-region SMR interventions. METHODS: Thirty-two healthy participants (25 males and 7 females) aged 18-40 were randomly assigned to the neck (NEC), calf (CAL), combined (COM), and control (CON) groups. The intervention included the self-massage with a peanut-shaped massage ball on the assigned regions (NEC=neck; CAL=calf; combined=neck and calf; CON=rest) for a total of 90 seconds. Measurements, including the range of motion (ROM) of cervical and lumbar flexion, active knee extension, and ankle dorsiflexion, were adopted for the pre-test. Three post-tests were conducted at 0, 15, and 30 minutes after the intervention. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability showed excellent intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC=0.905 to 0.994) on all tests. The NEC and CAL groups exhibited an increased lumbar flexion (p=0.014) and cervical flexion (p=0.048). The CAL group also showed a significant reduction in active knee extension angle, indicating better hamstring flexibility (p=0.015). The COM group demonstrated a significant improvement in cervical flexion (p<0.01) and reduction in active knee extension (p<0.01). However, ANCOVA did not show any between-group differences. CONCLUSION: The self-myofascial release using a peanut-shaped massage ball can produce beneficial remote effects when the massage is applied on the distal region of the SBL (CAL). However, our results did not support the additional benefits when the massage is applied to dual regions of the SBL. Future studies can focus on the application of self-massage on single or multiple regions of various fascia lines.
Read CV Indy HOECSS Paris 2023: CP-MH07
INTRODUCTION: Sport-related concussion is a major health concern in football, with increasing evidence linking repetitive head impacts to both short-term cognitive impairment and long-term neurodegenerative outcomes. Although international bodies have developed assessment tools and return-to-play guidelines, their implementation remains inconsistent, particularly in resource-limited settings. Little is known about how concussions are recognised and managed in West African football or about the applicability of these international tools in local contexts. The objectives were to explore how sport-related concussions are recognised and managed in elite football settings in West Africa, and to assess the relevance and applicability of international concussion tools within these contexts. METHODS: This study used the grounded theory approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight physicians working with elite clubs and national football teams in Senegal, Mali, and The Gambia. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using iterative open, axial, and selective coding to identify key themes. RESULTS: Six interrelated themes emerged. First, the true burden of concussion remains poorly understood due to under-recognition and under-reporting, with risks often overshadowed by conditions perceived as more immediately life-threatening, such as cardiac events. Second, established protocols and tools, including the SCAT, are rarely implemented in practice. Third, organisational constraints and limited resources restrict optimal care delivery. Fourth, clinical decision-making is frequently influenced by external pressures and the absence of structured federation support. Fifth, concussion education is limited and largely theoretical. Finally, sociocultural factors—including norms surrounding toughness, gender dynamics, spiritual beliefs, and crowd expectations—substantially shape clinical practice. CONCLUSION: Concussion management in West African football is characterised by limited recognition, structural challenges, and strong sociocultural influences, which collectively reduce the practical relevance of existing international guidelines. Expanding access to context-sensitive education, strengthening federation-level governance (e.g., designated concussion leads), and developing culturally adapted strategies appear essential to improving concussion recognition and management in this setting.
Read CV Jean-François KauxECSS Paris 2023: CP-MH07
INTRODUCTION: Exertional heat stroke is one of the leading causes of sudden death in sports. Effective heat stroke emergency responses and management are thus vital. The archetypal features of heat stroke are the presence of high body temperature and neurological symptoms indicative of central nervous system dysfunction [1]. Our brain is a critical organ susceptible to functional impairments and potentially irreversible injuries when one succumbs to heat stroke. Existing guidelines for first aid response to heat stroke focus on rapid body cooling but overlook the importance of cooling the brain. Therefore, we aimed to summarise the current evidence on the impact of heat on brain function and related mechanisms, and to explore the relevance of brain cooling as first aid response to heat stroke. METHODS: We employed a thematic approach where literature was identified based on relevance to the key questions: (1) How is the human brain affected by heat? (2) What are the mechanisms of heat-related brain functional impairment? (3) Is there evidence supporting brain cooling approach? An iterative search of databases (e.g., PubMed, Web of Science) was conducted to identify studies relevant to heat stroke management and brain cooling. RESULTS: Studies have shown that our brain is highly sensitive to thermal stress where increased temperatures impair brain function through neuronal and glial dysfunction, loss of blood-brain-barrier integrity and reduced cerebral perfusion and oxygenation. Impaired thermoregulation due to brain dysfunction can lead to uncontrolled hyperthermia and poor outcomes from heat stroke. Head-cooling intervention via forced convective cooling or cooling cap has been demonstrated to significantly reduce brain temperature and improve neural function. CONCLUSION: We advocate early brain cooling, in addition to whole-body cooling, to be considered as part of heat stroke first aid protocols for neuroprotection. This strategy may promote quicker functional recovery, minimise irreversible brain tissue damage, and reduce neurological complications in heat stroke. Reference: [1] Bouchama A, Abuyassin B, Lehe C, Laitano O, Jay O, O’Connor FG, Leon LR: Classic and exertional heatstroke. Nature Reviews Disease Primers 2022, 8(1):8.
Read CV Xiang Ren TanECSS Paris 2023: CP-MH07