Adolescent Growth Plate Injuries May Be Related to Overuse

American Orthopaedic Society Release:

ROSEMONT, IL – Early diagnosis and immobilization of growth plate injuries is key to putting an adolescent athlete back in the game, according to a recent study published in the May/June issue of Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach.

“Overuse injuries in immature athletes are commonly seen in orthopaedic practices. Our analysis illustrates that early recognition and treatment of common overuse injuries such as stress fractures and “Little League Elbow” can lead to quicker recovery and may prevent season or even career ending events from occurring,” said lead author, Todd J. Frush, MD, orthopaedic surgeon and clinical fellow at Cincinnati Sports Medicine.

The study analyzed more than 75 published clinical, outcome and biomechanical studies of adolescent growth plate and overuse injuries through 2008 in order to increase recognition and provide treatment recommendations.

Current research shows that adolescent athletes are more prone to overuse injuries, especially in the wrist, elbow and foot due to their immature musculoskeletal system and not completely fused growth plates. According to researchers, these growing regions in the growth plates allow for the impacts of certain sports such as gymnastics, running and baseball to be absorbed and cause injury at an increased rate.

“Even though growth plate overuse injuries occur frequently in adolescents, it is equally important for clinicians and parents to realize that not all overuse injuries are related to the growth plate and will be something that a child will “grow out of” or play through. Certain growth plate injuries may continue to be symptomatic over a long period of time. If early diagnosis is missed, then healing and significant restrictions on athletic participation can occur. Neglect may also result in long-term problems,” said Frush.”It’s important for athletes to work with trainers and their sports medicine specialists to create a rehabilitation program that safely returns them to an appropriate level of play once healing occurs.”

Study Shows Strength Training Beneficial for Young Athletes

American Orthopaedic Society Release:

Importance of a well-designed, adult supervised strength program emphasized

ROSEMONT, IL – Participating in even a short-duration strength-training program during childhood and especially during adolescence may not only improve one’s body composition, but also increase self-esteem and improve blood lipid profiles, according to a study published in the May/June issue of Sports Health A Multidisciplinary Approach.

The most recent research in this area has found that child and pre-adolescent athletes can improve their strength by 30-50 percent after just 8-12 weeks in a strength-training program. Other benefits also include improved bone mineral density and body composition, balance, lipid profiles and self-esteem,” reports co-authors Katherine Stabenow Dahab, MD and Teri Metcalf McCambridge, MD, FAAP from Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.

The study reviewed relevant research, consensus guidelines, and position statements to present a comprehensive review and guidelines for safe and effective youth strength training. The study recommends an individualized program based on age, maturity, and personal goals and objectives of the youth athlete. A comprehensive youth strength-training routine should incorporate:

• Ten to 20 minutes of warm up and cool down (5-10 minutes for each segment)
• A variety of resistance types (free weights, weight machines, rubber tubing, and medicine balls)
• Training the major muscle groups (chest, shoulders, back, arms, legs, abdomen, and lower back)
• A balanced effort between flexion and extension of the upper and lower body joints

“The goal is to perform two to three exercises per muscle group. Start with one to two sets per exercise, with 6 to 15 repetitions in each set,” explains Dahab. “The participant should rest one to three minutes between sets. Appropriate weight should allow 10-15 repetitions to be completed with proper form, some fatigue, but not complete exhaustion.”

In addition, the study suggests that adult supervision is a central part of the strength training program’s success or failure. “Injuries that do occur to the youth athlete are a direct result of lack of supervision, misuse of equipment, lifting inappropriate amounts of weight, or use of improper techniques. It is crucial that a trained professional teach youth athletes proper form, as well as how and when to add weight.” Dahab warns. As with any form of exercise a physician’s clearance is important to obtain and a pre-training physical is recommended.

“The health benefits of strength training far outweigh the potential risks. Strength training, when done correctly, can improve the strength, and overall health of children and adolescents of all athletic abilities. This is especially important in today’s society where childhood obesity rates continue to rise.” Dahab concludes.

Publication explains urban forestry benefits

Indiana DNR Release:

The U.S. Forest Service’s Center for Urban Forest Research has released a guidebook describing how trees benefit cities in the lower Midwest states, including Indiana.

“The Lower Midwest Community Tree Guide: Benefits, Costs and Strategic Planting” is the latest in a series of publications showing how urban forests improve air quality, conserve energy, filter storm water and reduce carbon dioxide in the nation’s cities.

“This guide can help homeowners and municipal forestry managers determine the costs and benefits of the trees on their lawns and in their community,” said Pam Louks, Indiana Urban Forestry coordinator.

Center for Urban Forest Research scientists found that reduction in storm water runoff is the most significant benefit urban trees in the lower Midwest provide. A mature hardwood tree in this region can yield annual savings of $30 in storm water runoff reduction, intercept 4,800 gallons each year, sequester six tons of carbon dioxide, and provide about $940 in aesthetic, social and economic benefits during its life.

This average annual benefit differs with size and location. After accounting for purchase, planting, and maintenance, scientists found net benefits of $15 to $21 for a small hardwood tree, $27 to $35 for a medium one, and $58 to $73 for a large.

“Individually, this net annual benefit may not sound like much, but, when a municipality considers the annual net benefit of 500 to 1,000 trees, the dollar value and positive environmental impact add up significantly,” Louks said.

The guide also tells how to maximize energy savings from shading, select the right tree for the right place, avoid conflicts with above- and under-ground infrastructure, and reduce storm water runoff.

Get an electronic copy by calling (317) 591-1170 or e-mailing plouks@dnr.IN.gov. The US Forest Service, (970) 498-1392 or e rschneider@fs.fed.us, has printed copies available.

Pike Lake attracting Indiana anglers

Indiana DNR Release:

A recent Indiana Department of Natural Resources fisheries survey report shows angler numbers are up Pike Lake. The report summarizes the results of an angler creel survey conducted last summer by DNR fisheries biologists.

Pike Lake is a 228-acre natural lake located in the City of Warsaw. A city park on the south shoreline of the south basin provides a handicap accessible boat ramp, swimming beach, restrooms and campground. The accessibility the park provides makes Pike Lake a popular fishing destination for both boat and shore anglers.

“The amount of angler effort measured at Pike Lake in 2008 was nearly double what we observed in our previous surveys in 1995 and 2000,” said Rod Edgell, DNR assistant fisheries biologist. “As expected with more people fishing, we also observed more fish being taken home as well.”

Angler creel surveys provide the IDNR with detailed information about the fishery and how it’s being utilized, and they are essential in evaluating the success of management decisions.

From April through September anglers fished for an estimated total of 21,691 hours and harvested an estimated 10,434 fish.

Bluegills were most commonly targeted and harvested species. Bluegills averaged 7 inches in length, and included several fish more than 9 inches long. Walleye also were found to be popular with Pike Lake anglers and could be one reason why more anglers are visiting the lake.

Bluffton Baseball at Fort Wayne

Interview with Bluffton baseball coach Todd Morgan after a game on Saturday at Fort Wayne. (Video by Paul Beitler)

Southern Wells vs Fort Wayne

Listen to Southern Wells baseball coach Jim Stoffel after a game on Saturday at Fort Wayne.

Take Mom on a family fishing trip

Indiana DNR Release:

Fishing for a perfect Mother’s Day gift? Sure, literally. Flowers and candy are played. Try something different—take Mom fishing.

Mother’s Day is about bonding with family and celebrating appreciation for all Mom does. Sure, Mom would probably be happy enough receiving another basket of lotion, but what gift could be better than bonding with those she loves while spending a spring day soaking up the soothing effects of nature?

Fishing is a great way to combine many elements of the outdoors. Time spent fishing can also provide opportunity to observe birds, wildlife, wildflowers, and many more of Indiana’s natural gifts. Spring is a special time outdoors.

Pack a lunch. Bring out the lawn chairs. Plan everything. Make sure all Mom has to do is show up and have fun. Remember, fishing isn’t just about catching fish. It's fun even if no one catches any. Talking, laughing, and just spending quality time make the day.

To stack your odds in favor of catching fish, visit IN.gov/dnr/fishwild/. Explore the Indiana Department of Natural Resource’s “Where to Fish Finder.” This online tool provides information on fishing spots across the state.

While online, buy a fishing license for anyone who needs one. Indiana resident annual licenses are $17. A one-day license is $9. A license is required to fish in Indiana for anyone older than 16. Licenses also may be bought at most places fishing equipment is sold. The 2009 Indiana Fishing Guide also lists places to fish. The free guides are available at license vendors, DNR properties and online at IN.gov/dnr/fishwild.