Jaouher Dhouibi

Background: Myofascial pain syndrome is a common condition characterized by localized muscular discomfort and trigger points. Dry needling mechanically disrupts trigger points, while magnesium infiltration relaxes muscles and reduces inflammation. Evidence directly comparing these treatments is scarce. This study aimed to compare their effectiveness in reducing pain, improving quality of life, and alleviating anxiety and depression.Methods: A randomized controlled trial included 45 patients assigned to dry needling (Group A) or magnesium infiltration (Group B). Interventions were evaluated at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months. The primary outcome was pain intensity measured with the Visual Analog Scale. Secondary outcomes were physical and mental health (12-Item Short-Form Health Survey) and anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale).Results: Both treatments significantly improved pain, mental and physical health, and reduced anxiety and depression at 1 and 3 months. By 6 months, improvements were maintained but not statistically significant. No significant differences were observed between groups at any time point.Conclusion: Dry needling and magnesium infiltration were both effective in the short to medium term for reducing pain and enhancing quality of life in patients with myofascial pain syndrome. Although each treatment improved outcomes, neither demonstrated superior effectiveness. Both approaches remain viable therapeutic options. Further long-term studies are needed to clarify sustained benefits and guide clinical use (trial registration: PACTR202309751113430).

Introduction. Le Ramadan, un mois sacré pour les musulmans, présente un défi unique pour les sportifs de cette confession, combinant exigences religieuses et performance sportive. Cette période nécessite des ajustements en matière de nutrition, hydratation, sommeil et récupération. Le staff médical, composé de divers professionnels de santé, joue un rôle crucial dans l'accompagnement des sportifs pour maintenir leur bien-être et leurs performances. Méthodes. Ce document analyse les rôles des différents membres du staff médical, notamment le médecin, le physiothérapeute, le préparateur physique, et le nutritionniste. L'accent est mis sur la prévention, le diagnostic, et la gestion des effets du jeûne sur les sportifs. Résultats. Le médecin de sport se concentre sur la prévention des risques liés au jeûne, tels que la déshydratation et la fatigue, en réalisant des évaluations médicales approfondies avant le Ramadan. Il assure également un suivi continu pour diagnostiquer rapidement les problèmes potentiels. Le physiothérapeute adapte les programmes de réhabilitation pour prévenir les blessures liées aux contraintes physiques du jeûne. Le préparateur physique ajuste les horaires et l'intensité des entraînements pour maximiser les performances sans compromettre la santé. Le nutritionniste élabore des plans alimentaires spécifiques pour garantir un apport énergétique adéquat. Le soutien multidisciplinaire est essentiel pour permettre aux sportifs de concilier leurs pratiques religieuses et leurs performances sportives durant le Ramadan. Chaque membre du staff médical contribue à cette adaptation par des stratégies spécifiques, allant de la prévention des blessures à l'optimisation de la nutrition et de l'entraînement. Conclusion. Le succès des sportifs musulmans durant le Ramadan repose sur une approche collaborative, où chaque professionnel de santé joue un rôle clé pour équilibrer les exigences religieuses et sportives.

Spondylolysis, or isthmic lysis, is the dissolution of the continuity of the pars interarticularis, which is the bone bridge between the inferior and superior articular surfaces of a single vertebra. The prevalence of spondylolysis in the general pediatric and adolescent populations ranges from 4.4 to 4.7%. Many factors have been theorized, but there is general agreement that young athletes practicing sports involving high levels of axial loading of the lumbar spine are at a higher risk. Although asymptomatic spondylolysis is more prevalent, clinicians generally face the challenge of diagnosing the condition earlier and prior to its aggravation. Commonly the course of the condition is favorable under conservative treatment allowing the patient to resume his prior activities. We present a case of bilateral spondylolysis in a 13-year-old boy with a history of chronic low back pain.

Introduction: To enhance players' performance and implement effective injury prevention protocols and surveillance programs in football, it is essential to conduct epidemiological studies. Since significant disparities in injury rates across various football competitions were reported, it is important to characterize injuries in the context of the African cup of nation (AFCON) competition. Aim: To determine the incidence and factors associated with injuries among African footballers during the 2024 AFCON competition, which will be held in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11, 2024. Methods: Two expert physician in sports medicine will perform an analytical study (i.e.; a video-based analysis) of the 52 matches that will be played during the 2024 AFCON. The following parameters will be noted: i) Injury incidence, ii) Characteristics of injured players such as age, on-field position, and player league continent, iii) Characteristics ofinjuries such as mechanism, body location, moment of injury in terms of the minute of play and the round of the match, place of the injury in term of stadium zone, replacement consequent to the injury, absence next match, re-injury, recurrence of the injury with the same location during the competition, referee decision, and stoppage time for on-field injury, and iv) Characteristics of matches such as the match’ schedule, ambient temperature, humidity, and wind speed. Conclusion: This study will allow enriching the existing literature with additional data regarding the injuries and the players’ characteristics in the African context.