Problem: Track and field athletes, along with cross-country athletes have multiple and back to back seasons, creating overuse injuries. Stress fractures or stress reactions to the bone are the overuse injuries focused on in this study and literature review. There is a lack of information in the literature regarding stress reactions. Purpose: The goal of the study is to understand more information about stress reactions to bone and possibly increase the knowledge of health care professionals. Methods: Three case studies were examined through pre-existing medical chart notes and athletic trainer's notes regarding the stress reactions. A literature review was also performed to provide further information about stress fractures and stress reactions. Conclusions: There are multiple risk factors for stress injuries. All three of the athletes in the case studies are female, which is found to be a risk factor. Many risk factors need more studies to provide support. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was obtained in all three case studies where there was found to be a stress reaction. These three females also had a recent increase in activity level and had similar symptoms to each other and what is found in the literature.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Tendinopathy is a common degenerative pathology that is characterized by activity related pain, focal tendon tenderness, intratendinous imaging changes, and typically results in changes in the histological, mechanical, and molecular properties of the tendon. Tendinopathy is difficult to study in humans, which has contributed to limited knowledge of the pathology, and thus a lack of appropriate treatment options. However, most believe that the pathology is degenerative as a result of a combination of both extrinsic and intrinsic factors. In order to gain understanding of this pathology, animal models are required. Because each tendon is naturally exposed to different conditions, a universal model is not feasible; therefore, an appropriate animal model must be established for each tendon susceptible to degenerative changes. While acceptable models have been developed for several tendons, a reliable model for the Achilles tendon remains elusive. The purpose of this dissertation was to develop an animal model of Achilles tendinopathy by investigating the individual and combined effects of an intrinsic and extrinsic factor on the rodent Achilles tendon. Rats selectively bred for high capacity running and Sprague Dawley rats underwent uphill treadmill running (an extrinsic factor) to mechanically overload the Achilles tendon or served as cage controls. Collagenase (intrinsic factor) was injected into one Achilles tendon in each animal to intrinsically break down the tendon. There were no interactions between uphill running and collagenase injection, indicating that the influence of the two factors was independent. Uphill treadmill running alone failed to produce any pathological changes in the histological or mechanical characteristics of the Achilles tendon, but did modify molecular activity. Intratendinous collagenase injection had negative effects on the histological, mechanical, and molecular properties of the tendon. The results of this dissertation demonstrated that the combined introduction of uphill treadmill running and collagenase injection did not lead to degenerative changes consistent with human Achilles tendinopathy. Intratendiouns collagenase injection negatively influenced the tendon; however, these changes were generally transient and not influenced by mechanical overload. Future studies should consider combinations of other intrinsic and extrinsic factors in an effort to develop an animal model that replicates human Achilles tendinopathy.

Thesis (MScPhysio)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Aims: To assess the effect of a vertical height adjustment of the chair and visual display unit (VDU) on work related upper quadrant musculoskeletal pain (WRUQMP) and sitting comfort in computer users. The upper quadrant refers to the occiput, cervical and upper thoracic spine including the clavicles and scapulae. Methods: An N=1 study was conducted using the ABC design whereby an ergonomic workstation adjustment, of VDU and chair height, was compared to the subject’s usual workstation settings. Pain and sitting comfort were measured using visual analogue scales (VAS). The subject was assessed over the four week phases as she performed her typical VDU work. The results were compiled and tabulated. Results: Both the mean and variance in pain intensity decreased after the workstation intervention. A deterioration was noted in sitting comfort. Conclusion: The vertical height adjustment of the chair and VDU may have contributed to a decrease in WRUQMP in this subject. This safe, economical workstation intervention may be a practical management option for the computer user suffering from WRUQMP. Further research into the measurement of comfort whilst sitting at a computer workstation, is recommended. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Doelwitte: Om die effek te bepaal van n vertikale aanpassing van die stoel en beeldskerm van rekenaargebruikers op werksverwandte boonste kwadrant muskuloskeletale pyn en sitgemak. Die boonste kwadrant verwys na die oksiput, servikale en boonste torakale werwelkolom en sluit ook die klavikel en skapula in. Methode: Die N=1 studie is onderneem met gebruik van die ABC ontwerp in terme waarvan n ergonomiese aanpassing van stoel en beeldskerm vergelyk is met die normale gebruik van die deelnemer. Pyn en sitgemak is gemeet deur die gebruik van die Visueel analoogskaal. Die interwensies is ge-evalueer oor vierweekfases tydens normale rekenaar gebruik van die deelnemer. Die resultate is saamgestel en getabuleer. Uitkoms: Beide die gemiddelde en veranderlike pynintensiteit het verminder nadat die werkstasie aangepas is. Geen verbetering in sitgemak is opgemerk nie. Gevolgtrekking: Die vertikale hoogte-aanpassing van die stoel en beeldskerm het moontlik bygedra tot die verminderde pynvlakke in hierdie deelnemer. Hierdie veilige, ekonomiese verstelling is moontlik n praktiese beheeropsie vir rekenaargebruikers wat werksverwandte boonste kwadrant muskuloskeletale pyn verduur. Verder studie in die meet en waarneming van sitgemak tydens rekenaarwerk is nodig.

Psychological factors specific to overuse injury pain in physical activity contexts were explored within a social identity theoretical framework. Study 1 involved development of a method for designating overuse injury pain occurrence of hikers (N = 751), along with exploration of relationships between psychological measures, overuse injury pain occurrence, and effort levels. The findings of this cross-sectional, mixed-methods investigation revealed that social identification, social identity content, and mental toughness differentiated hikers who incurred overuse injury pain or selected a higher-effort behaviour from those who did not. From qualitative analysis, several social identity constructs (i.e., group member's presence, in-group status, social creativity, additional social identity content) emerged as contributors to overuse injury occurrence. The focus of Study 2 was a prospective examination of the aforementioned psychological factors in relation to overuse injury severity of hikers (N = 283). Additionally, the Test of Intentions to Reduce Effort (TIRE) was developed to identify individuals with susceptibility to higher overuse injury severity. Results provided evidence of factorial, construct, and predictive validity of TIRE factor scores. TIRE factors and social identity content significantly predicted higher severity of hikers' overuse injury pain. Mental toughness scores moderated the relationship between social identification and overuse injury severity. Study 3 consisted of a qualitative examination of social identity mechanisms of overuse injury pain in a physical activity context, CrossFit®, involving the presence of group leaders, and in which group members view each other. Findings revealed mechanisms pertaining to social identity content, in-group status, and social threats. Overall, the findings support a new means for assessing overuse injury occurrence and susceptibility to higher overuse injury severity, whilst demonstrating the potential applicability of social identity theory to the study of overuse injury. Knowledge gained may ultimately aid development of interventions to reduce overuse injury occurrence and severity of physical activity participants.

Surgical repair of torn rotator cuff tendons have a high rate of failure and does not address the underlying pathophysiology. Tissue engineering strategies, employing the use of multipotent progenitor cells or growth factors, represent potential therapies to improve the outcome of rotator cuff surgery. The use of glycosaminoglycan-based biomaterials in these therapies may enhance the effectiveness of cell and growth factor delivery techniques. Furthermore, understanding the cellular and molecular mediators in tendon overuse can help elucidate the causes of tendon degeneration. Thus the overall goals of this dissertation were to 1) develop heparin-based biomaterials to enhance cell pre-culture and maintain growth factor bioactivity and 2) characterize the histological and enzymatic changes in a supraspinatus tendon overuse model. To investigate the use of heparin in enhancing dynamic signaling, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were encapsulated in heparin-containing hydrogels and evaluated for differentiation markers when cocultured with a small population of differentiated cells. To probe the effect of sulfation of heparin on the interactions with protein, selectively desulfated heparin species were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to bind and protect proteins. Finally, to develop a tendon overuse model that can become a test bed for testing future targeted therapeutics, an animal model was evaluated for tissue damage and protease activity. Together these studies represent a multi-pronged approach to understanding how tendon tissues become degenerative and for developing technologies to improve the biological fixation of tendon to bone in order to reduce the need for revision surgeries.

O objetivo deste estudo foi elaborar um Protocolo de Avaliação de Fatores de Risco Extralaborais para dor osteomuscular por meio de uma pesquisa do tipo prospectiva, exploratória, realizada com os funcionários efetivos da Câmara Municipal de Curitiba. Metodologia: O estudo foi realizado em duas fases. Na primeira fase, foi elaborado e aplicado o Questionário de Atividades Laborais e Extralaborais que permitiu elencar os fatores laborais de maior risco para desenvolvimento de dor osteomuscular nesta população, além de investigar a presença dos fatores de risco extralaborais mais prevalentes na literatura. Na sequência, foi realizada a correlação entre as respostas do questionário com os dados referentes a dor osteomuscular relatada pelos funcionários no Censo de Ergonomia e elaborado o Diagrama de Causa e Efeito. As análises estatísticas foram efetuadas com o pacote estatístico GRAPHPAD PRISM e foi considerado um nível de significância de 5% (α = 0,05). Na segunda fase da pesquisa, foi desenvolvido o Protocolo de Avaliação de Riscos Extralaborais de LIKS, concebido a partir da estrutura do Questionário de Atividades Laborais e Extralaborais, priorizando os fatores de risco extralaborais, em formato de respostas objetivas, contendo uma escala quantitativa de risco para o desenvolvimento ou agravamento de dor osteomuscular. Resultados: Obteve-se, como causa potencial para a dor osteomuscular a idade acima de 40 anos (p=0,001) e posto de trabalho (p=0,008). Neste estudo, a atividade física e 6 horas de sono ou mais foram consideradas como fator de proteção e a insônia, o uso inadequado de computadores, tablets e celulares em casa e estresse pessoal foram considerados fatores de risco relativo. A avaliação dos quesitos gênero, ocupação, segunda ocupação, posição para dormir, formas de ir e vir ao trabalho e uso de vídeo games não mostrou significância estatística. Conclusões: Os fatores de risco extralaborais provavelmente interagem com o desenvolvimento de dores osteomusculares. Conhecer e obter mais informações do funcionário durante seu exame periódico é importante no processo saúde-doença. Priorizar as causas e fatores envolvidos nas queixas de dor osteomuscular são de suma importância para a prevenção, diagnóstico precoce e encaminhamentos adequados para o tratamento e promoção da saúde. / The aim of this study was to develop an Extra Work Risk Factor Assessment Protocol for musculoskeletal pain through a prospective and exploratory survey conducted with the permanent employees of the Town Hall of Curitiba. Methodology: The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, it was developed and implemented the Work and Extra Work Activities Questionnaire which permitted the determination of the labor factors of increased risk of developing musculoskeletal pain in this population, and to investigate the presence of the most prevalent extra work risk factors in the literature. Further, we made the correlation between the questionnaire answers with the data on musculoskeletal pain reported by employees in Ergonomics Census and the Cause and Effect Diagram was held. Statistical analyzes were performed with the statistical package GRAPHPAD PRISM and was considered a significance level of 5% (α = 0.05). In the second phase of the research, we developed the LIKS Extra Work Risk Assessment Protocol, designed from the structure of the Questionnaire of Work and Extra Work activities, prioritizing extra work risk factors, in the shape of objective responses, containing a quantitative scale of risk for the development or aggravation of the musculoskeletal pain. Results: It was obtained as a potential cause for musculoskeletal pain the age of 40 years (p = 0.001) and workstation (p = 0.008). In this study, physical activity and 6 hours of sleep or more were considered as a protective factor and insomnia, the inappropriate use of computers, tablets and mobile home and personal stress were considered relative risk factors. The evaluation of gender questions, occupation, second occupation, sleeping position, ways to go and come to work and video game use was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Extra work risk factors probably interact with the development of musculoskeletal pain. It is important to know and get more employee information during regular review is important in the health-disease process. Prioritize the causes and factors involved in musculoskeletal pain complaints are of paramount importance for the prevention, early diagnosis and referrals to appropriate treatment and health promotion.

O objetivo deste estudo foi elaborar um Protocolo de Avaliação de Fatores de Risco Extralaborais para dor osteomuscular por meio de uma pesquisa do tipo prospectiva, exploratória, realizada com os funcionários efetivos da Câmara Municipal de Curitiba. Metodologia: O estudo foi realizado em duas fases. Na primeira fase, foi elaborado e aplicado o Questionário de Atividades Laborais e Extralaborais que permitiu elencar os fatores laborais de maior risco para desenvolvimento de dor osteomuscular nesta população, além de investigar a presença dos fatores de risco extralaborais mais prevalentes na literatura. Na sequência, foi realizada a correlação entre as respostas do questionário com os dados referentes a dor osteomuscular relatada pelos funcionários no Censo de Ergonomia e elaborado o Diagrama de Causa e Efeito. As análises estatísticas foram efetuadas com o pacote estatístico GRAPHPAD PRISM e foi considerado um nível de significância de 5% (α = 0,05). Na segunda fase da pesquisa, foi desenvolvido o Protocolo de Avaliação de Riscos Extralaborais de LIKS, concebido a partir da estrutura do Questionário de Atividades Laborais e Extralaborais, priorizando os fatores de risco extralaborais, em formato de respostas objetivas, contendo uma escala quantitativa de risco para o desenvolvimento ou agravamento de dor osteomuscular. Resultados: Obteve-se, como causa potencial para a dor osteomuscular a idade acima de 40 anos (p=0,001) e posto de trabalho (p=0,008). Neste estudo, a atividade física e 6 horas de sono ou mais foram consideradas como fator de proteção e a insônia, o uso inadequado de computadores, tablets e celulares em casa e estresse pessoal foram considerados fatores de risco relativo. A avaliação dos quesitos gênero, ocupação, segunda ocupação, posição para dormir, formas de ir e vir ao trabalho e uso de vídeo games não mostrou significância estatística. Conclusões: Os fatores de risco extralaborais provavelmente interagem com o desenvolvimento de dores osteomusculares. Conhecer e obter mais informações do funcionário durante seu exame periódico é importante no processo saúde-doença. Priorizar as causas e fatores envolvidos nas queixas de dor osteomuscular são de suma importância para a prevenção, diagnóstico precoce e encaminhamentos adequados para o tratamento e promoção da saúde. / The aim of this study was to develop an Extra Work Risk Factor Assessment Protocol for musculoskeletal pain through a prospective and exploratory survey conducted with the permanent employees of the Town Hall of Curitiba. Methodology: The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, it was developed and implemented the Work and Extra Work Activities Questionnaire which permitted the determination of the labor factors of increased risk of developing musculoskeletal pain in this population, and to investigate the presence of the most prevalent extra work risk factors in the literature. Further, we made the correlation between the questionnaire answers with the data on musculoskeletal pain reported by employees in Ergonomics Census and the Cause and Effect Diagram was held. Statistical analyzes were performed with the statistical package GRAPHPAD PRISM and was considered a significance level of 5% (α = 0.05). In the second phase of the research, we developed the LIKS Extra Work Risk Assessment Protocol, designed from the structure of the Questionnaire of Work and Extra Work activities, prioritizing extra work risk factors, in the shape of objective responses, containing a quantitative scale of risk for the development or aggravation of the musculoskeletal pain. Results: It was obtained as a potential cause for musculoskeletal pain the age of 40 years (p = 0.001) and workstation (p = 0.008). In this study, physical activity and 6 hours of sleep or more were considered as a protective factor and insomnia, the inappropriate use of computers, tablets and mobile home and personal stress were considered relative risk factors. The evaluation of gender questions, occupation, second occupation, sleeping position, ways to go and come to work and video game use was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Extra work risk factors probably interact with the development of musculoskeletal pain. It is important to know and get more employee information during regular review is important in the health-disease process. Prioritize the causes and factors involved in musculoskeletal pain complaints are of paramount importance for the prevention, early diagnosis and referrals to appropriate treatment and health promotion.

This study aims to describe what discourses about the illness of the body of the worker diagnosed with RSI/Dort and its relation to social protection devices of the state (accident benefits and wages) and against the state (administrative and legal demands of the workers against the INSS). This is intended to identify the reports about the (in) utility body worker diagnosed with RSI/Dort present in INSS and publications from these publications, map the other social actors that present themselves in these documents in discourses on the concept of body unable to work. Also problematize the relationship between work, body and health in contemporary from the senses that are constructed in discursive play and how the various devices and instances of state crossing in the production of meanings about the subjects that are affected by RSI/WMSD and we are in a situation of inability to work. In an attempt to demarcate the conditions of possibility of these discourses, seeks to emphasize the historicity of brands involved in aspects of production, circulation and consumption of these discourses. Based on the desk research as a methodological strategy, the work is guided in look that takes the analysis of the discursive practices through the production of meanings. Documents are used as the publications of the INSS on your Website that have addressed the issue as RSI/Dort. Examination of documents, notes the consolidation of the publications of the INSS in the production of meanings about RSI/Dort, but also is the recent statement arregimento between the Ministry of Social Security and the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Labour and Employment. Regarding the assessment of incapacity for work, emphasizes the supremacy of medical care for physical examinations, which possibly indicates the importance given to social security expert in the production of truth about this disease. Therapeutic measures are still considered incipient and the prognosis is not favorable to the worker. The reintegration of the worker who has been affected by RSI/Dort and is able to return to work is still a step-confrontational, which has demanded accountability questions about the disease and the social protection of such workers. Shares judicias between worker and company, employee and company and INSS and seem to establish a field conflictive to guarantee rights and social protection for the worker who is marked as unable to work due to RSI/Dort. / O presente estudo objetiva enunciar as discursividades sobre o adoecimento do corpo do trabalhador acometido por LER/Dort e sua relação com os dispositivos de proteção social do Estado (benefícios acidentários e previdenciários) e contra o Estado (demandas administrativas e judiciais dos trabalhadores contra o INSS). Com isso, pretende identificar os relatos sobre a (in)utilidade do corpo do trabalhador acometido por LER/Dort presente nas publicações do INSS e, a partir dessas publicações, mapear os demais atores sociais que se presentificam nesses documentos no discursos sobre o conceito de corpo incapaz para o trabalho. Também se problematizam a relação entre trabalho, corpo e saúde na contemporaneidade a partir dos sentidos que se constroem nesse jogo discursivo e de que forma as diversas instâncias e dispositivos de Estado se atravessam na produção de sentidos sobre os sujeitos que são acometidos pelas LER/DORT e que se encontram numa situação de incapacidade para o trabalho. Na tentativa de demarcar as condições de possibilidade dessas discursividades, busca enfatizar as marcas de historicidade envolvidas nos aspectos de produção, circulação e consumo desses discursos. Partindo da pesquisa documental como estratégia metodológica, o trabalho pauta-se no olhar que assume a análise das práticas discursivas através da produção de sentidos. São utilizados como documentos as publicações do INSS em seu portal eletrônico que têm como assunto abordado as LER/Dort. Na análise dos documentos, observa-se a consolidação das publicações do INSS na produção de sentidos sobre as LER/Dort, mas também é enunciado o recente arregimento entre o Ministério da Previdência e Assistência Social e os Ministério da Saúde e Ministério do Trabalho e do Emprego. No que diz respeito à avaliação da incapacidade para o trabalho, ressalta-se a supremacia do olhar clínico sobre os exames físicos, o que indica possivelmente a importância dada ao perito previdenciário na produção de verdade sobre essa enfermidade. As medidas terapêuticas ainda são consideradas incipientes e o prognóstico é bastante desfavorável ao trabalhador. A reinserção profissional do trabalhador que foi acometido pelas LER/Dort e encontra-se apto ao retorno ao trabalho ainda é uma etapa conflituosa, o que tem demandado questões sobre a responsabilização pelo adoecimento e pela proteção social desse trabalhador. As ações judicias entre trabalhador e empresa, trabalhador e INSS e empresa e INSS parecem estabelecer um campo conflituoso para garantia de direitos e proteção social para o trabalhador que é marcado como incapaz para o trabalho em virtude das LER/Dort.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Department of Chiropractic and Somatology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa. 2017. / Background The growing popularity and competitive nature of the beauty industry has resulted in beauty therapists performing an extensive range of treatments to meet the demand, often at the jeopardy of their own well-being. Treatments include massage, waxing, pedicures and facials. These techniques involve vigorous and repetitive movements that may lead to overuse and strain on the musculoskeletal system, resulting in injury. Work-related activities together with factors such as socio-demographic, psychosocial, environmental and anthropometric can influence the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs). There has been little investigation into the WRMDs of beauty therapists both locally and internationally. Aim The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, selected risk factors and impact of self-reported work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) in beauty therapists working within the hotel spa industry in the eThekwini municipality. Method A cross sectional epidemiological design was used to survey 254 beauty therapists working in the hotel spa industry in the eThekwini municipality of Durban. A pre-validated questionnaire was hand delivered to beauty therapists working at all hotel spas that agreed to participate. Informed consent was obtained. The survey contained questions related to musculoskeletal pain, socio-demographic, psycho-social, lifestyle and occupational factors. Results A response rate of 70% was obtained (n=178). The majority of the respondents were female (94.3%; n=165), the mean age of the respondents was 27.74 (SD±4.83) years. The respondents had been working as beauty therapists for an average of 5.91 (SD±4.19; n=176) years and performed on average 27.89 (SD±13.33; n=170) treatments per week, working 47.38 (SD±13.36; n=175) hours per week. Those working overtime worked on average 5.43 (SD±2.94; n=59) hours of overtime per week. There was a high rate of reported WRMDs with the lifetime, current and 12 month period prevalence being 86% (n=153), 85% (n=151) and 83% (n=148), respectively. The area most affected were the low back followed by the neck, the hand and wrist. Ninety percent of the respondents indicated that their pain was mild to moderate in nature, with half expressing an inability to cope with the pain, and 78% reporting that it interfered with their ability to work. Mental exhaustion (p=0.032), suffering from a concomitant co-morbidity (p=0.031), years worked as a beauty therapist (p˂0.001) and treating clients after hours (p=0.007) were significantly associated with the presence of musculoskeletal pain. Performing manual massage (p=0.043) and reporting feelings of exhaustion whilst performing specialised massage techniques (p=0.014) and applying makeup/eyelashes (p=0.022) were associated with the presence of WRMDs. Those who reported having co-worker (p=0.006) and managerial support (p˂0.001) were less likely to experience musculoskeletal pain. In contrast, feeling frustrated by work (p=0.007), being under pressure (p=0.005) and over worked (p=0.009) increased the chances of experiencing WRMDs. Working with the back in an awkward position (p˂0.001), standing for prolonged periods (p˂0.001), lifting heavy loads (p=0.019) and working in a hot and humid environment (p<0.001) increased the risk of WRMDs. Conclusion WRMDs have a significant impact on beauty therapists’ ability to work. Effective strategies to prevent and manage WRMDs in hotel spa beauty therapists is required, along with governmental regulation. / M

Problemområdet som det här examensarbetet undersöker är frekvensen av överbelastningsskador inom ishockey genom en casestudie med ishockeyklubben ’Malmö Redhawks’. Tidigare forskning har visat att det finns en samband mellan asymmetrisk effektutveckling och överbelastningsskador i andra sporter och den nuvarande studien avser att förtydliga dess roll inom ishockey. Syftet med studien är att undersöka om det finns ett samband mellan asymmetrisk effektutveckling vid tävlingsprestation och frekvensen av överbelastningsskador inom ishockey, och föreslå strategier gällande hur man kan minska skadefrekvensen genom preventivt arbete. Forskningsfrågorna som ligger till grund för studien är: ”Hur har asymmetrisk effektutveckling påverkat de överbelastningsskador som inträffat under säsongen?”; och ”Vilka fysiologiska faktorer är relevanta när man utvecklar riktlinjer för skadepreventivt arbetet med överbelastningsskador inom ishockey?”. För att undersöka syftet genomfördes en sammanställning av tillgänglig empiri från säsongens matcher genom kvantitativ metod som sedan analyserades statistiskt i SPSS genom variansanalysen ’ANOVA’. Resultaten visar att det på gruppnivå inte finns en signifikant korrelation mellan effektutveckling (F=2,554, sig.=0,11), asymmetri (F=0,003, sig.=0,96) och överbelastningsskador. Det finns inte heller någon påvisbar trend när man undersöker skadetillfällena på matchnivå, och en mer komplett förklaringsmodell behöver undersökas i framtida forskningsprojekt med större omfattning. Slutsatsen är att det inte går att använda de generella riktlinjerna för att uppskatta atleters risk för överbelastningsskador. Det finns dock underlag i den tidigare forskningen för att anta att individuella riktlinjer har en relevans vid skadepreventivt arbete inom ishockey som en atlets nuläge kan jämföras med för att belysa avvikelser. Mer forskning krävs för att fastställa vilka fysiologiska faktorer som är relevanta för ishockey och hur idrotten förhåller sig till den tidigare forskningen inom området. / There has been speculations in the scientific community that the frequency of overuse injuries in ice hockey can be attributed in part to asymmetrical power development. Research has shown a correlation between more than ten percent asymmetrical power development and increased injury frequency in several other sports. This phenomenon will be examined through a case study with the elite ice hockey team ‘Malmö Redhawks’. The purpose of this study is to examine if there is a significant correlation between the occurrence of asymmetrical differences and the frequency of overuse injuries in ice hockey, and propose strategies for injury prevention. A quantitative method was used to summarize the empirical data from the previous season, which was then analysed through an ‘ANOVA’ test of variance. The results of the study shows that there is no significant correlation between power development (F=2,554, sig.=0,11), asymmetry (F=0,003, sig.=0,96) and injury frequency at the group level. There is no clear tendencies when examining the individual games either. The conclusion is that general guidelines are rough instruments for assessing an athletes risk of overuse injury in ice hockey. There is some basis in the scientific community for assuming that individual guidelines could be effective as injury prevention, but more research is needed to determine its correlations and which physiological variables that are relevant.