Thanks for tuning in to the first issue of JSAMS Plus for 2024. In this issue, Williams and colleagues examine the epidemiology of injuries in elite male academy cricket in the UK [1]. Looking at the 18 First-Class County Cricket clubs in England and Wales over 4 years, they report the average injury incidence was 115.0 injuries/100 players/year, with bowling being the highest risk activity and the lumbar spine the most prevalent injury area.
On the topic of heading in football, Pereira et al. look at the effect of ball pressure and maximal isometric neck strength on head acceleration during heading drills in adult players [2]. Their findings, based on laboratory tests, suggest lower ball pressure and higher neck strength result in lower head acceleration during drills.
Gardner and Gilbert delve into the topic of mental performance for athletes in their piece titled The ultra mentality – Foundations for maximising athletic mental performance. [3] They present 11 core beliefs and their application in the real-world sport settings. There are some words of wisdom in this article (such as: “There's no failure, just feedback”), relevant for sport and research alike.
Also in this issue, Spicer and Dennis present data to support reference values for 6 min walk test evaluation in healthy young women aged 18–40 years [4]. These results will hopefully prove useful for those using this functional evaluation test.
Upcoming virtual special issues …
There are currently two virtual special issues in preparation for 2024. The first, on exercise oncology, is led by Dr David Mizrahi (Lead Guest Editor) together with Professor Rob Newton, Dr Carolina Sandler and Dr Erika Rees-Punia. ‘Exercise oncology’ is an emerging field and refers to the role of exercise in both cancer prevention and treatment. We have had a range of really interesting papers submitted and are in the process of finalising the remaining manuscripts in this special issue. Stay tuned.
Our second topic, Physical Activity for People Living with Disability, is led by Associate Professor Leanne Hassett (Lead Guest Editor), Professor Catherine Sherrington, Professor Nora Shields and also Rae Anderson PLY, a dual Paralympic athlete. This special issue will focus on the role of physical activity for people living with disability across the lifespan, looking at health and societal outcomes together with influences on physical activity participation. The World Health Organization reports that about 16% of the global population experience disability [5], and those with disability are less likely to meet physical activity guidelines, highlighting the importance of this area of research. The call for papers is currently open until September 2024.
We look forward to receiving your upcoming submissions.
References
- 1.Williams A., Peirce N., Griffin S., et al. Annual incidence and prevalence of injuries in elite male academy cricketers: a 4-year prospective cohort study. JSAMS Plus. 2024;3 doi: 10.1016/j.jsampl.2023.100050. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 2.Pereira E., Peek K., McLean C., et al. The effect of ball pressure and maximal isometric neck strength on head acceleration during purposeful heading in adult football players during heading drills. JSAMS Plus. 2024;3 doi: 10.1016/j.jsampl.2023.100051. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 3.Gardner A.J., Gilbert R. The ultra mentality – Foundations for maximising athletic mental performance. JSAMS Plus. 2024;3 doi: 10.1016/j.jsampl.2024.100054. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 4.Spicer M.G., Dennis A.T. The six minute walk test in healthy young women. JSAMS Plus. 2024;3 doi: 10.1016/j.jsampl.2023.100052. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 5.World Health Organisation . 2023. Disability.https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/disability-and-health Available from: accessed 10 June 20. [Google Scholar]