Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2025

Development of a Rabbit Chronic-Like Rotator Cuff Injury Model for Study of Fibrosis and Muscular Fatty Degeneration
Published on: March 31, 2023
Physical characteristics inducing Sever's disease in junior gymnasts
Kazuaki Kinoshita1, Yuichi Hoshino2, Naoko Yokota3
1Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Shijonawate Gakuen University, Osaka, 574-0011, Japan.
Junior gymnasts with Sever's disease show lower arch height and poorer balance. Arch supports and balance training may help prevent this condition in young athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Sever's disease (calcaneal apophysitis) is a common cause of heel pain in adolescents.
- Junior gymnasts are at a higher risk due to intense training and specific biomechanical demands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify characteristics associated with the development of Sever's disease in junior gymnasts.
- To explore potential preventative strategies for Sever's disease in this population.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study involving 37 junior gymnasts (74 limbs).
- Evaluated baseline demographics, flexibility, foot alignment, trunk function, and balance.
- Assessed Sever's disease incidence over six months, categorizing participants into Sever's disease and no-symptom groups.
Main Results:
- Gymnasts diagnosed with Sever's disease exhibited a lower arch height ratio.
- Lower values on the anterior star excursion balance test were observed in the Sever's disease group.
Conclusions:
- Reduced arch height and impaired dynamic balance are linked to Sever's disease in junior gymnasts.
- Medial longitudinal arch supports and dynamic postural balance training may be beneficial for prevention.
Related Concept Videos
Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Signs of Puberty
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...

