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Diagnostics
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Diagnosis and Management of Sports Medicine
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Diagnosis and Management of Sports Medicine

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Clinical Diagnosis and Prognosis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 13098

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Luis Manuel Martínez Aranda

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Guest Editor
1. Physical and Sports Performance Research Centre, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
2. SEJ-680: Science-Based Training (SBT) Research Group, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
Interests: strength; resistance exercise; isoinertial training; training optimization; physical performance; skeletal muscle; sports injuries; sports medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jacobo Á. Rubio Arias

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Health Research Center, Department of Education, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
Interests: exercise science; sports science; human movement; meta-analysis; body composition; gerontology; muscle contraction; exercise; electromyography; resistance training; multiple sclerosis; women's health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the present day, engaging in physical activity and sports undoubtedly offers a myriad of benefits to those who participate, both from a physical standpoint (improvement in cardiorespiratory parameters, physical fitness, and the preservation of bone density, among others) and from a psychological perspective (reduced stress and anxiety levels, improved self-confidence and self-esteem, among other benefits).

Nevertheless, on the other hand, when engaging in sports, especially those with high demands and even more so in high-performance sports, the occurrence of various types of injuries is highly probable and, in many cases, even inevitable. In this context, establishing a prompt and appropriate diagnosis of the injury along with a concurrent and coordinated treatment and rehabilitation program are fundamental elements for the recovery of the injured individual and their return to the physical activity or sporting discipline they are involved in. Gaining fresh insights into these vital aspects is of great interest to professionals in sports medicine and related fields.

All these circumstances are addressed from a multifactorial perspective in sports medicine, with particular emphasis on the processes of injury diagnosis and its management across the necessary stages until complete recovery.

Therefore, the primary goal of this Special Issue, entitled “Diagnosis and Management of Sports Medicine”, is to present recent advances in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries or conditions incurred during physical activity and sport practice. Original research papers, clinical cases, and literature reviews on exciting and innovative topics are welcome.

Dr. Luis Manuel Martínez Aranda
Dr. Jacobo Á. Rubio Arias
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diagnostics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • diagnosis
  • sports injuries
  • injury frequency
  • ligaments
  • strain
  • tendon injuries
  • sport-related concussion
  • injury treatment
  • return to play
  • musculoskeletal rehabilitation

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 791 KB  
Article
Influence of Graft Type on Muscle Contractile Dynamics After ACL Reconstruction: A 9-Month Tensiomyographic Follow-Up
by Georges Kakavas, Florian Forelli, Yoann Demangeot, Vasileios Korakakis, Nikolaos Malliaropoulos and Nicola Maffulli
Diagnostics 2025, 15(15), 1920; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15151920 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 372
Abstract
Background: Persistent neuromuscular deficits following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are frequently attributed to arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI). The type of autologous graft used may influence the trajectory of neuromuscular recovery. Objective: To investigate the influence of graft type—bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB), [...] Read more.
Background: Persistent neuromuscular deficits following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are frequently attributed to arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI). The type of autologous graft used may influence the trajectory of neuromuscular recovery. Objective: To investigate the influence of graft type—bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB), hamstring tendon (HT), and quadriceps tendon (QT)—on the contractile properties of periarticular knee muscles over a 9-month post-operative period. Hypothesis: Each graft type would result in distinct recovery patterns of muscle contractility, as measured by tensiomyography (TMG). Methods: Thirty-one patients undergoing ACLR with BPTB (n = 8), HT (n = 12), or QT (n = 11) autografts were evaluated at 3, 6, and 9 months post-operatively. TMG was used to measure contraction time (Tc) and maximal displacement (Dm) in the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, and biceps femoris. Results: Significant within-group improvements in Tc and Dm were observed across all graft types from 3 to 9 months (Tc: p < 0.001 to p = 0.02; Dm: p < 0.001 to p = 0.01). The QT group showed the most pronounced Tc reduction in RF (from 30.16 ± 2.4 ms to 15.44 ± 1.6 ms, p < 0.001) and VM (from 31.05 ± 2.6 ms to 18.65 ± 1.8 ms, p = 0.004). In contrast, HT grafts demonstrated limited Tc recovery in BF between 6 and 9 months compared to BPTB and QT (p < 0.001), indicating a stagnation phase. BPTB exhibited persistent bilateral deficits in both quadriceps and BF at 9 months. Conclusions: Autograft type significantly influences neuromuscular recovery patterns after ACLR. TMG enables objective, muscle-specific monitoring of contractile dynamics and may support future individualized rehabilitation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Sports Medicine)
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12 pages, 475 KB  
Article
Pelvic Floor Health and Urinary Incontinence in Female Soccer Players: A Comparative Analysis Between Professionals and Physically Active Women: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Protocol
by Julia M. Sebastian-Rico, María Jesús Muñoz-Fernández, Luis Manuel Martínez-Aranda, África Calvo-Lluch and Manuel Ortega-Becerra
Diagnostics 2025, 15(15), 1881; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15151881 - 26 Jul 2025
Viewed by 501
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Urinary incontinence (UI), defined as the involuntary loss of urine, is common among female athletes. As more women engage in competitive sports, numerous studies have explored UI in young, nulliparous, and physically active women. The objectives of this study were (i) to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Urinary incontinence (UI), defined as the involuntary loss of urine, is common among female athletes. As more women engage in competitive sports, numerous studies have explored UI in young, nulliparous, and physically active women. The objectives of this study were (i) to analyze the prevalence, severity, and characteristics of UI in professional nulliparous female soccer players and (ii) to compare the status of the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) between professional soccer players and physically active young women. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included professional soccer players (n = 18) and physically active women (n = 14). UI was assessed using the ICIQ-SF questionnaire, and PFM function was evaluated through intracavitary examination using the PERFECT method. Additional data were collected on body composition and on urinary, bowel, and sexual health. Results: UI affected 35.7% of physically active women and 50% of professional soccer players. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) was the most common type, present in 100% of affected soccer players and 60% of affected active women. The severity of UI was mostly mild, with no significant differences between groups. PFM assessment revealed deficiencies in control, relaxation, endurance, and rapid contractions, as well as difficulties performing an effective perineal locking (PL) maneuver during increased intra-abdominal pressure. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for targeted programs focused on strengthening and educating athletes about their PFMs, aiming to prevent UI and improve both performance and quality of life. The study reinforces the importance of preventive strategies for pelvic floor health in sports. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Sports Medicine)
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15 pages, 1898 KB  
Article
Standardizing and Classifying Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: An International Multicenter Study Using a Mobile Application
by Nadia Karina Portillo-Ortíz, Luis Raúl Sigala-González, Iván René Ramos-Moctezuma, Brenda Lizeth Bermúdez Bencomo, Brissa Aylin Gomez Salgado, Fátima Cristal Ovalle Arias, Irene Leal-Berumen and Edmundo Berumen-Nafarrate
Diagnostics 2025, 15(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15010019 - 25 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1248
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This international multicenter study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the Pivot-Shift Meter (PSM) mobile application in diagnosing and classifying anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, emphasizing the need for standardization to improve diagnostic precision and treatment outcomes. Methods: ACL evaluations [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This international multicenter study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the Pivot-Shift Meter (PSM) mobile application in diagnosing and classifying anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, emphasizing the need for standardization to improve diagnostic precision and treatment outcomes. Methods: ACL evaluations were conducted by eight experienced orthopedic surgeons across five Latin American countries (Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico). The PSM app utilized smartphone gyroscopes and accelerometers to standardize the pivot-shift test. Data analysis from 224 control tests and 399 standardized tests included non-parametric statistical methods, such as the Mann–Whitney U test for group comparisons and chi-square tests for categorical associations, alongside neural network modeling for injury grade classification. Results: Statistical analysis demonstrated significant differences between standardized and control tests, confirming the effectiveness of the standardization. The neural network model achieved high classification accuracy (94.7%), with precision, recall, and F1 scores exceeding 90%. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis yielded an area under the curve of 0.80, indicating reliable diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions: The PSM mobile application, combined with standardized pivot-shift techniques, is a reliable tool for diagnosing and classifying ACL injuries. Its high performance in predicting injury grades makes it a valuable addition to clinical practice for enhancing diagnostic precision and informing treatment planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Sports Medicine)
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Review

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17 pages, 11605 KB  
Review
Emerging Innovations in Preoperative Planning and Motion Analysis in Orthopedic Surgery
by Julien Berhouet and Ramy Samargandi
Diagnostics 2024, 14(13), 1321; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14131321 - 21 Jun 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2763
Abstract
In recent years, preoperative planning has undergone significant advancements, with a dual focus: improving the accuracy of implant placement and enhancing the prediction of functional outcomes. These breakthroughs have been made possible through the development of advanced processing methods for 3D preoperative images. [...] Read more.
In recent years, preoperative planning has undergone significant advancements, with a dual focus: improving the accuracy of implant placement and enhancing the prediction of functional outcomes. These breakthroughs have been made possible through the development of advanced processing methods for 3D preoperative images. These methods not only offer novel visualization techniques but can also be seamlessly integrated into computer-aided design models. Additionally, the refinement of motion capture systems has played a pivotal role in this progress. These “markerless” systems are more straightforward to implement and facilitate easier data analysis. Simultaneously, the emergence of machine learning algorithms, utilizing artificial intelligence, has enabled the amalgamation of anatomical and functional data, leading to highly personalized preoperative plans for patients. The shift in preoperative planning from 2D towards 3D, from static to dynamic, is closely linked to technological advances, which will be described in this instructional review. Finally, the concept of 4D planning, encompassing periarticular soft tissues, will be introduced as a forward-looking development in the field of orthopedic surgery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Sports Medicine)
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Other

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13 pages, 2077 KB  
Systematic Review
Can Blood Flow Restriction Be the Key to Reducing Quadriceps Weakness in the Early and Mid-Phases After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with a Hamstring Graft? A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
by Ayrton Moiroux--Sahraoui, Jean Mazeas, Marine Blossier, Maurice Douryang, Georges Kakavas, Timothy E. Hewett and Florian Forelli
Diagnostics 2025, 15(3), 382; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15030382 - 6 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2665
Abstract
Background: Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament is one of the most common knee injuries. Following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, strength deficits and reduced quadriceps and hamstring muscle mass are common. Traditional strengthening protocols recommend the use of heavy loads. However, following surgery, [...] Read more.
Background: Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament is one of the most common knee injuries. Following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, strength deficits and reduced quadriceps and hamstring muscle mass are common. Traditional strengthening protocols recommend the use of heavy loads. However, following surgery, heavy-load exercises are contraindicated to protect the joint and graft. Blood flow restriction resistance training is an alternative that optimizes muscle recovery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of blood flow restriction resistance training on muscle mass and strength after ACLR. Methods: The Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and PEDro databases were used to constitute the corpus of this systematic review. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration’s analysis grid. Results: Thirty-four articles were identified in the initial search, and five randomized controlled trials were included in this review. Not all studies reported significant results regarding strength and muscle mass. Two of these studies observed a significant improvement in strength associated with blood flow restriction resistance training compared with the control group. A significant increase in muscle mass was observed in one study. Conclusions: The blood flow restriction resistance training method shows superior efficacy to training without occlusion, yet this device has not been shown to be more effective than heavy-load resistance training in terms of muscular strength and muscle mass. Blood flow restriction resistance training shows superior efficacy in both these variables when used with low loads. However, there are still few random controlled trials on this subject, and this review presents their limitations and biases. Future research is needed on guidelines for the application of blood flow restriction resistance training in clinical populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Sports Medicine)
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12 pages, 659 KB  
Systematic Review
Prevention of Overhead Shoulder Injuries in Throwing Athletes: A Systematic Review
by Ayrton Moiroux--Sahraoui, Jean Mazeas, Numa Delgado, Cécile Le Moteux, Mickael Acco, Maurice Douryang, Andreas Bjerregaard and Florian Forelli
Diagnostics 2024, 14(21), 2415; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14212415 - 30 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4328
Abstract
(1) Background: Shoulder pathologies are mostly found in overhead sports. Many risk factors have been identified, in particular a deficit in the kinetic chain. The aim of this review was to find out whether prevention by strengthening the kinetic chain can have an [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Shoulder pathologies are mostly found in overhead sports. Many risk factors have been identified, in particular a deficit in the kinetic chain. The aim of this review was to find out whether prevention by strengthening the kinetic chain can have an impact on the rate of shoulder injury in overhead pitching athletes. (2) Methods: A systematic review of the literature was carried out, including studies on the role of the kinetic chain in the prevention of overhead athletes. The studies used were works published over the last 10 years searched on PubMed, Cochrane Library, PEDro and Science Direct. They were also analyzed by methodological quality scales: the PEDro scale and the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. (3) Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies analyzed revealed a significant correlation between the use of the kinetic chain and the prevention of shoulder injuries, associating factors such as muscle strength, physical performance in tests (CMJ, FMS), static and dynamic balance and the ability to transfer energy from the lower to the upper body. (4) Conclusions: It is important to integrate core stability work and lower limb strengthening to minimize excessive stress on the shoulder complex, while optimizing force production and performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Sports Medicine)
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