Potential neurophysiological and biomechanical risk factors for sport-related back problems:A scoping review

This scoping review aims(1)to map the literature dealing with neurophysiological and biomechanical aspects of back problems in athletes in order to identify valid risk-factors for their prevention,plus(2)to identify gaps in the existing research and propose suggestions for future studies.A literature search conducted with Scopus,Web of Science,MEDLINE and Cochrane Library was completed by Elsevier,SpringerLink and Google Scholar.The main neurophysiological risk factors identified leading to back problems in athletes are neuromuscular imbalance,increased muscle fatigability,muscle dysfunction and impaired motor control,whilst biomechanical risk factors include maladaptive spinal,spinopelvic and lower limb kinematics,side-to-side imbalances in axial strength and hip rotation range of motion,spinal overloading and deficits in movement pattern.However,most studies focused on back pain in the lumbar region,whereas less attention has been paid to thoracic and cervical spine problems.The range of sports where this topic has been studied is relatively small.There is a lack of research in sports in which the core muscles are highly involved in specific movements such as lifting weights or trunk rotations.A limited number of studies include female athletes and master athletes of both genders.In addition to chronic back pain patients,it is equally important to conduct research on healthy athletes with a predisposition to spine problems.Investigators should focus their empirical work on identifying modifiable risk factors,predict which athletes are at risk for back problems,and develop personalized sport-specific assessment tools and targeted prevention strategies for them.

Real-time mechanical characterization of DNA degradation under therapeutic X-rays and its theoretical modeling

The killing of tumor cells by ionizing radiation beams in cancer radiotherapy is currently based on a rather empirical understanding of the basic mechanisms and effectiveness of DNA damage by radiation.By contrast,the mechanical behaviour of DNA encompassing sequence sensitivity and elastic transitions to plastic responses is much better understood.A novel approach is proposed here based on a micromechanical Silicon Nanotweezers device.This instrument allows the detailed biomechanical characterization of a DNA bundle exposed to an ionizing radiation beam delivered here by a therapeutic linear particle accelerator(LINAC).The micromechanical device endures the harsh environment of radiation beams and still retains molecular-level detection accuracy.In this study,the first real-time observation of DNA damage by ionizing radiation is demonstrated.The DNA bundle degradation is detected by the micromechanical device as a reduction of the bundle stiffness,and a theoretical model provides an interpretation of the results.These first real-time observations pave the way for both fundamental and clinical studies of DNA degradation mechanisms under ionizing radiation for improved tumor treatment.