This innovative and intensive home-based exercise intervention was feasible in a small subset of patients with stable gliomas who were interested in exercising. The observed effects suggest that the programme may improve cardiorespiratory fitness. These results support the need for large-scale trials of exercise interventions in brain tumour patients.

The aim of this paper was to provide a descriptive epidemiology of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions in Australia. Data on all ACL reconstructions were collected from July 1, 2003 till June 30, 2008. Main outcome measures were the incidence of ACL reconstructions for Australia, per age group, sex and sport, including estimates of direct costs. There were 50 187 ACL reconstructions over the 5-year period studied. The population-based incidence of ACL reconstructions per 100 000 person-years was 52.0 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 51.6; 52.5], higher than previously published incidences from other western countries (Scandinavia 32-38). The population incidence rose rapidly through adolescence and early adulthood and then gradually declined. Males had a higher population incidence than females. Skiing had the highest incidence of ACL reconstructions per 100 000 person-years, followed by Australian rules football, rugby, netball and soccer. The total estimated hospital costs associated with ACL reconstruction surgery were over A$75 million (€45 million) per year. Further research is necessary to examine the causes for the higher population incidence of ACL reconstructions in Australia compared with other countries. The establishment of a national register of ACL injuries, similar to those developed in Scandinavia should be considered.

BackgroundAnkle sprain is the most common sports-related injury with a high rate of recurrence and associated costs. Recent studies have emphasised the effectiveness of both neuromuscular training and bracing for the secondary prevention of ankle sprains.AimTo evaluate the effectiveness of combined bracing and neuromuscular training, or bracing alone, against the use of neuromuscular training on recurrences of ankle sprain after usual care.Methods384 athletes, aged 18–70, who had sustained a lateral ankle sprain, were included (training group n=120; brace group n=126; combi group n=138). The training group received an 8-week home-based neuromuscular training programme, the brace group received a semirigid ankle brace to be worn during all sports activities for 12 months, and the combi group received both the training programme, as well as the ankle brace, to be worn during all sports activities for 8 weeks. The main outcome measure was self-reported recurrence of the ankle sprain.ResultsDuring the 1-year follow-up, 69 participants (20%) reported a recurrent ankle sprain: 29 (27%) in the training group, 17 (15%) in the brace group and 23 (19%) in the combi group. The relative risk for a recurrent ankle sprain in the brace group versus the training group was 0.53 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.97). No significant differences were found for time losses or costs due to ankle sprains between the intervention groups.ConclusionsBracing was superior to neuromuscular training in reducing the incidence but not the severity of self-reported recurrent ankle sprains after usual care.

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Bracing was found to be the dominant secondary preventive intervention over both neuromuscular training and the combination of both measures.