Welcome to Vol 5 (Issue 1) of the JST

Welcome to Issue 1 (Volume 5) of the Journal of Sports Therapy. This issue includes contributions from a range of professionals and academics. On-going features on osteoporosis and research methods continue; focusing on diagnostic techniques, and concepts relating to quantitative inputs and outputs, respectively. A paper on the characteristics of professional footballers pre- and post- season fitness levels continues recent coverage of the monitoring and assessment of sports performers. A case study of an adverse event following acupuncture and an article discussing the muscle recruitment of the scapulae during therapeutic exercise should provide interesting reading for those in practice; while articles regarding weight loss and dehydration in futsal and ankle bracing in basketball should appeal to those with a passion for performance enhancement and injury reduction. Once again, the diversity of the papers presented in this issue continues to highlight the inter- and multi- disciplinary aspirations of the journal, while its volume is an indication of the journal's continuing development and popularity. With an imminent improvement and enhancement of the website and services offered by the JST, and with our inaugural conference/symposia in the pipeline, it is a very exciting time for all those involved with the journal. We are therefore keen to further involve our readers in this development. Also, the next issue will be our first pre-Olympic publication; therefore we especially welcome any Olympic/Paralympic-related articles/features. We, as an editorial team, continue to encourage JST readers to contribute to the journal in a number of ways; be this through submitting articles (original research, reviews or case studies), commenting on previous issues, or providing book and product reviews. We particularly encourage you to have your say regarding the current, and future, state of sports therapy. Inviting scholarly and professional input creates a forum for discussion and a means to connecting with the wider community. For further details or comments, please contact the editor.

Yours in science and health