More articles from Volume 17, Issue 2, 2025
Sport-specific patterns of vascular compression in athletes with entrapment syndrome: A comparative analysis of endurance versus non-endurance athletes
Effectiveness of pilates exercise on quality of life in older adult women: A scoping review
Influence of sociodemographic variables on patient and practitioner knowledge of non-pharmacological management options for Parkinson's disease
Effect of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on recovery from fatiguing exercise
The impact of hormonal contraceptives on skeletal muscle hypertrophy
Sport-specific patterns of vascular compression in athletes with entrapment syndrome: A comparative analysis of endurance versus non-endurance athletes
,
University of Novi Sad,Faculty of Medicine , Novi Sad , Serbia
,
Faculty of Sport and Physical Education , University of Novi Sad , Novi Sad , Serbia
,
University of Novi Sad. Faculty of medicine , Novi Sad , Serbia
,
University of Novi Sad, Faculty of sport and physical education , Novi Sad , Serbia
,
University of Novi Sad, Faculty of medicine , Novi Sad , Serbia
University of Novi Sad, Faculty of medicine , Novi Sad , Serbia
Editor: Danilo Radanović
Abstract
Vascular entrapment syndromes of the lower extremities represent a diagnostic challenge in athletes, with emerging evidence suggesting sport-specific presentations. This study aimed to characterize and compare patterns of vascular compression, anatomical variants, and hemodynamic consequences across different sporting disciplines. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 210 athletes with confirmed vascular entrapment syndrome from a 10-year cohort (2014-2023). Athletes were categorized as long-distance runners (n=87), cyclists (n=71), triathletes (n=24), soccer players (n=19), and other sports (n=9). All participants underwent standardized clinical assessment and vascular imaging during provocative maneuvers. Multivariable analyses and latent class analysis were performed to identify independent predictors and distinct phenotypes. Sport-specific patterns of vascular compression were identified. Long-distance runners exhibited highest compression during plantarflexion (85.7±8.6%), predominantly with Type III gastrocnemius variants (60.9%). Cyclists demonstrated highest compression during knee extension (79.2±11.4%), with predominant Type II variants (49.3%). Soccer players exhibited primarily Type I variants (57.9%) with lower compression severity. Latent class analysis identified three distinct phenotypes: "runner phenotype" (43.8%), "cyclist phenotype" (37.1%), and "low compression phenotype" (19.0%), each with characteristic anatomical, hemodynamic, and clinical features. Sport category remained an independent predictor of compression severity after adjusting for potential confounders (p<0.001). Vascular entrapment syndrome manifests with distinct sport-specific patterns reflecting the interplay between anatomical predisposition and functional demands. The identification of sport-specific phenotypes provides a framework for tailored diagnostic approaches and management strategies. Recognition of these characteristics may enhance diagnostic accuracy, inform individualized treatment, and improve outcomes for affected athletes across diverse sporting disciplines.
Keywords
References
Citation
Data Availability
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Funding Statement
This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Copyright
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Article metrics
The statements, opinions and data contained in the journal are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publisher and the editor(s). We stay neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
