International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy最新文献

{"title":"Don't Underestimate Pain on Palpation in the Clinical Exam for Achilles Tendinopathy.","authors":"Andy K Smith, Hayley Powell Smitheman, Ryan T Pohlig, Katie A Butera, Karin Grävare Silbernagel","doi":"10.26603/001c.156416","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.156416","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Midportion Achilles tendinopathy is a common injury affecting individuals across various activity levels, characterized by pain, impaired performance, and pathological changes in tendon structure. Although the clinical examination is crucial for diagnosis and management, the relationship between pain measures and tendon pathology remains unclear, prompting further investigation into their diagnostic and prognostic value.</p><p><strong>Hypothesis/purpose: </strong>This study aimed to (1) investigate the relationship between diverse clinical pain measures - pain on palpation, recall pain, pain pressure threshold (PPT), and pain during hopping - and pathological tendon structure in individuals with midportion Achilles tendinopathy, and (2) determine whether these pain measures represent overlapping or distinct features of the pain experience.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Cross-Sectional Study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>One hundred and eighty-two participants with midportion Achilles tendinopathy completed clinical assessments for Achilles tendon pain (pain on palpation, recall pain, PPT, pain with hopping), and ultrasound imaging for Achilles tendon structure (thickness, degree of thickening, and cross-sectional area [CSA]) at a single visit. Spearman correlations were used to analyze the relationships between pain measures and Achilles tendon structure. Linear regression controlling for PPT was used to assess the relationship between pain on palpation and Achilles tendon structure.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All pain measures were significantly related (|r| = .19 - .51, all p<0.018). Pain on palpation was the only pain measure significantly related to Achilles tendon structure (thickness: r =.20, p=0.007; CSA: r =.21, p=0.005). Pain on palpation remained a significant predictor of tendon thickness (b=0.03, p=0.002), CSA (b=0.04, p=0.003), and degree of thickening (b=0.02, p=0.028) in linear regression models.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Pain on palpation is a simple and important clinical measure that captures a unique aspect of the pain experience and relates to pathological Achilles tendon structural changes. This makes pain on palpation an important measure for the diagnosis and prognosis in those with midportion Achilles tendinopathy.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>3.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"21 3","pages":"272-280"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12952932/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147349150","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Determining force-velocity isokinetic capacities to individualize muscle strengthening in sports rehabilitation.","authors":"Ayrton Moiroux-Sahraoui, Florian Forelli, Pierre Samozino","doi":"10.26603/001c.157572","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.157572","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Individualizing muscle strengthening is central to sports rehabilitation, yet clinicians often rely on isolated metrics such as peak torque or limb symmetry. These measures are informative but do not describe how force is expressed across contraction velocities, which is a key determinant of power production and high-velocity functional capacity. Force-velocity profiling provides a practical reasoning framework to classify deficits as force-oriented or velocity-oriented and to tailor exercise selection and loading accordingly. When high-velocity or high-power functional tasks are not yet feasible, torque data collected at multiple angular velocities using isokinetic dynamometry can provide a controlled basis for early assessment of muscle performance, provided these data are interpreted within a clinical reasoning framework. In this context, isokinetic force-velocity capacities do not replace functional testing; rather, their clinical interpretation can help plan and justify progression toward higher-velocity and more sport-specific exposures. The clinical value lies less in utilization of technology than in the interpretive lens of the testing results that links assessment to prescription. From an international perspective, this framework is adaptable across diverse practice settings and may improve coherence between assessment, strengthening prescription, and functional progression after injury.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"21 3","pages":"333-336"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12952931/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147349140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An Exploratory Analysis of Countermovement Jump Variables Between Higher and Lower Performers on the LESS and Y-Balance Tests.","authors":"Carolina Pavlenco, Scott Talpey, Elizabeth C Gardner","doi":"10.26603/001c.156413","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.156413","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Identifying movement dysfunction is critical for optimizing training and injury risk. While functional movement assessments like the Y-Balance Test (YBT) and the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) are widely used, they require dedicated personnel, time, and testing space. The relationship between performance on movement assessments and the countermovement jump (CMJ) variables is unknown.</p><p><strong>Hypothesis/purpose: </strong>The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between CMJ force plate metrics and performance on the YBT and LESS in collegiate athletes. It was hypothesized that CMJ variables would differ between high- and low-performing athletes on the YBT and LESS.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Prospective observational cross-sectional study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Male and female NCAA Division I athletes aged 18-21 years (n = 109) completed the YBT and LESS using standard protocols, and the CMJ on a validated portable force plate during the off-season as part of routine performance monitoring. Movement assessments independently stratified athletes into high- and low-performing groups. Group differences in CMJ metrics of jump height, Left/Right (L/R) peak propulsive force, landing stiffness, peak landing force, L/R average landing force, L/R landing impulse, reactive strength index modified (mRSI), and propulsive phase duration were analyzed using t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Athletes with LESS scores >5 demonstrated significantly greater landing stiffness (mean = -9757.73 ± 16231.15 N/m) compared to those scoring ≤5 (mean = -6555.38 ± 3515.67 N/m) (p = 0.01). Athletes with an anterior limb reach difference > 4 cm on the YBT had higher mRSI (p = 0.004), propulsive phase (p = 0.004), and peak landing force (p = 0.002).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Some CMJ metrics vary by performance on the YBT and LESS, offering insight into movement quality in collegiate athletes. While further research is needed to establish direct links to outcomes, these findings support CMJ testing as a practical, objective complement to traditional movement assessments.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>Level 3.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"21 3","pages":"250-261"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12952933/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147349144","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex.","authors":"Robert C Manske, Chris Wolfe, Phil Page, Michael Voight","doi":"10.26603/001c.157566","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.157566","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The wrist joint is a common site of pain and injury due to either overuse or acute trauma. Many instances of wrist pain occur on the ulnar side of the wrist. This side of the wrist is commonly referred to as the \"black box\" of the wrist due to its small size and complex anatomy. Housed within the ulnar side of the wrist is the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). The TFCC is a complex of soft tissues that serves as a shock absorber and stabilizer of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). This entire complex around the DRUJ and TFCC is composed of a central articular disc, a dorsal/volar radioulnar ligament, ulnar collateral ligament, and the extensor carpi ulnaris sheath. Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) offers a portable, real-time, and cost-effective alternative that is gaining traction in rehabilitation and sports medicine settings. MSKUS has emerged as a valuable, non-invasive imaging modality for evaluating wrist ligaments, discs, and bone. MSKUS is excellent at detecting changes in ligament composition and continuity. This manuscript will review the utility of MSKUS in evaluating TFCC and DRUJ injuries, including anatomy, common injury patterns, sonographic techniques, and clinical implications for rehabilitation professionals. Due to the small size and variety of structures in a confined space, diagnosing acute injury by physical examination is often difficult. By integrating MSKUS into clinical practice, providers can improve diagnostic accuracy, enhance diagnostic confidence, monitor healing progression, and guide rehabilitation strategies to achieve optimal patient outcomes for patients with wrist injuries.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"21 3","pages":"337-341"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12952928/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147349098","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clarifying Scientific Priority and Existing Normative Values for Single-Leg Bridge Endurance.","authors":"B J Lehecka","doi":"10.26603/001c.157580","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.157580","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This correspondence addresses claims of novelty in the recently published article by Worst and Henderson (2026) regarding normative values for the single-leg bridge (SLB) endurance test. While the authors contribute valuable insights into clinician assessment accuracy, their assertion that normative SLB values for healthy young adults are currently \"lacking\" or \"first\" reported in 2026 overlooks foundational data published in 2021 (Lehecka et al.). This letter clarifies the methodological and demographic confluence between the Gluteal Endurance Measure-B (GEM-B) and the SLB test, noting that normative values established via electromyographic median frequency shifts and visual estimation have been available since 2021. Correcting the scientific record ensures accurate attribution and maintains the evidentiary lineage required for evidence-based practice and future meta-analyses.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"21 3","pages":"223-225"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12952940/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147349135","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"ACL Rehabilitation Plateaus Across Athlete Populations: Two Case Reports and a Clinical Framework for Identifying Functional Stagnation.","authors":"E Ram Kumar, Suvathi R, Jenish J Khristi, K Mathipriya, R Nivetha, Aabitha Banu Ubaithullah","doi":"10.26603/001c.156102","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.156102","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong>Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rehabilitation typically follows a structured protocol for progressive recovery. However, not all subjects achieve expected functional milestones, despite adherence. Rehabilitation plateaus-defined as stagnation in physical progress-are often underrecognized in musculoskeletal cases. The concept of rehabilitation plateaus remains underexplored in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, particularly in ACL reconstruction recovery. The purpose of this case series was to explore clinical rehabilitation plateaus that occur during ACL reconstruction recovery, an underrecognized phenomenon in sports rehabilitation. # Design Retrospective case series. # Case DescriptionThe first subject was a 36-year-old recreational badminton player who exhibited psychological resistance to load training and inconsistent rehab compliance. The second was a 16-year-old sub-elite football (soccer) player who experienced a three-month interruption in formal rehabilitation following early discharge from club-based care. In both cases, rehabilitation plateaus were identified as the persistence of deficits in unilateral strength, dynamic control, and return-to-sport progression, based on repeated objective assessments including muscle strength testing, balance tasks, and functional running and sport-specific criteria.</p><p><strong>Outcomes: </strong>Both subjects demonstrated a period of stagnation during the transition from isolated strengthening to functional and sport-specific rehabilitation phases. This was identified through repeated physiotherapist-led assessments showing persistent quadriceps and hamstring strength asymmetry, reduced single-limb control, and delayed progression toward return-to-sport criteria beyond seven months post-operatively. Following targeted rehabilitation modifications-including aquatic therapy to facilitate load tolerance and perceptual-neurocognitive training to address movement control and decision-making, improvements were observed in strength symmetry, dynamic task performance, and functional sport-related activities.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Rehabilitation plateaus represent a significant yet underrecognized challenge in ACL recovery. These clinical checkpoints often arise from mismatches between stimulus and readiness require adaptive, athlete-specific strategies to overcome. Adaptive strategies beyond standard protocols such as contextual movement planning, progressive overload, and perceptual training-may help resolve these plateaus and optimize outcomes. These cases emphasize the need to evolve beyond timeline-driven rehabilitation and embrace outcome-centered, personalized care in ACL physiotherapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"21 3","pages":"291-302"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12952935/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147349077","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trunk and Lower Limb Mechanics during Multi-Directional Cutting in Dominant and Non-dominant Limbs of Athletes: Implications for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk.","authors":"Dimas Sondang Irawan, Komsak Sinsurin, Roongtiwa Vachalathiti, Jim Richards, Ainthira Sonsukong","doi":"10.26603/001c.156412","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.156412","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Understanding the influence of limb dominance and cutting angles on trunk and lower limb biomechanics and trunk muscle activation during multidirectional change of direction (COD) may provide insights into anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk and preventive management.</p><p><strong>Hypothesis/purpose: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the influence of limb dominance and cutting angles on trunk and lower limb biomechanics and trunk muscle activation during multidirectional COD tasks in male athletes. It was hypothesized that the dominant limb (DL) and non-dominant limb (NDL) would exhibit notable variations in muscle activation and biomechanics across cutting angles, which could have implications for training and injury prevention.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Cross-sectional, observational cohort.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty male collegiate athletes performed side-step cutting tasks at 30°, 60°, and 90° angles using their DL and NDL limbs. Three-dimensional motion capture, ground reaction force (GRF) data, and surface electromyography (EMG) of trunk and lower limb muscles were collected. A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA (2 × 3, limb dominance × cutting angle) was used for statistical analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Cutting angles significantly influenced trunk and lower limb biomechanics. Sharper cuts angles (especially 90°) showed significantly diminished trunk and lower limb sagittal-plane motion (p < 0.05) and significantly greater frontal and transverse plane demands (p < 0.05), including increased trunk lean, hip abduction, and internal rotation moments. Limb dominance also demonstrated specific effects; DL showed a significant effect on trunk flexion, trunk rotation, whereas the NDL showed significantly greater ankle external rotation at peak vertical GRF. Muscle activation patterns varied by limb and direction; the NDL exhibited higher gluteus medius and left external oblique activation than the DL.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although cutting angle had the most profound impact on biomechanics, limb dominance demonstrated meaningful differences in trunk control and muscle activation strategies. These asymmetries may influence ACL injury risk profiles and should be considered in sport-specific training and rehabilitation programs.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>3.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"21 3","pages":"237-249"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12952934/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147349457","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Variability in Terminal Phase Timing and Return-to-Sport Criteria in ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation Protocols: A Scoping Review of U.S. Academic Institutions.","authors":"Hailey Calkins, Audrey Lotulelei, Megan Pales Taylor, David J Bennion, Alison Granger, Scott Behjani, Stephan G Bodkin","doi":"10.26603/001c.156105","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.156105","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) plays a critical role in patient recovery and return to sport (RTS). However, substantial variability exists in how rehabilitation is prescribed, particularly in the terminal phases when insurance coverage often wanes and patients face decisions regarding RTS without consistent medical guidance.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To characterize the variability in publicly accessible ACLR rehabilitation protocols from U.S. academic medical centers, with a focus on terminal phase timing and RTS criteria. Study Design: Scoping review.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across 190 Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) institutions to identify publicly available ACLR rehabilitation protocols. Data points extracted included timing of the terminal rehabilitation phase and RTS criteria prescribed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 184 protocols identified, 119 isolated ACLR protocols were included. Among isolated ACLR protocols, the terminal phase began on average at 5.42 ± 1.79 months and ended at 7.38 ± 2.73 months post-ACLR, though 44% had no defined end point. Only 45% of protocols included RTS criteria, with an objective measure of strength (79%) and hopping (91%) being most frequently reported. However, wide variation existed in thresholds for limb symmetry index (LSI) used for these measures, which ranged from 80% to 100% LSI. Less than 40% of protocols included patient-reported outcomes or psychological readiness criteria.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Significant variability exists among publicly available ACLR rehabilitation protocols from U.S. academic institutions regarding terminal phase timing and RTS criteria. Many protocols lack clear endpoint definitions or specific, evidence-based RTS benchmarks. Given the critical role of late-phase rehabilitation in optimizing outcomes and minimizing reinjury risk, these findings highlight the need for ongoing review and refinement of rehabilitation protocols. Enhancing the consistency and clarity of terminal phase goals, particularly around functional testing and psychological readiness, may better support patients and providers in navigating the transition from rehabilitation to sport participation.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>3.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"21 3","pages":"226-236"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12952941/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147349430","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From Challenges to Change: Overcoming Hurdles to Clinician Driven Research.","authors":"Adam P Weaver, Lauren S Butler, Christopher Kuenze","doi":"10.26603/001c.156109","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.156109","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Evidence-based practice is essential in healthcare, combining clinical expertise with research evidence to improve patient care. With advances in technology and increased access to information, clinicians are expected to appraise and critically apply research to clinical practice. However, despite growing demands from professional organizations, third-party payers, and academic institutions for research-backed treatments, clinicians and researchers often operate in isolation due to time constraints, limited resources, and differing priorities. This divide limits the potential for meaningful collaboration that could enhance both patient outcomes and scientific advancements. By exploring successful clinician-driven research models, the authors present solutions for institutions, researchers, and healthcare providers to bridge this gap. Ultimately, the goal is to provide a roadmap for creating and sustaining partnerships that promote impactful scholarship, enhance patient care, and support the development of clinician-scientists who can seamlessly integrate research into everyday clinical practice. The purpose of this commentary is to highlight the barriers clinicians face when engaging in research and proposes practical strategies to foster collaborative partnerships between clinicians and researchers.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"21 3","pages":"324-332"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12952938/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147349124","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perceptions of Biomechanical Devices in Collegiate Baseball Pitchers and Training Staff: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Chelsea L Martin, Linda Truong, Kelly R Evenson, Jakob Wolf, Justin B Moore, Jillian E Urban, Steve W Marshall, Ellen Shanley, Kristen Nicholson, Garrett S Bullock","doi":"10.26603/001c.155478","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.155478","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Baseball players, coaches, and clinicians have sought to leverage biomechanical devices to inform training load and injury prevention. A novel biomechanical pitching sleeve and portable force plate have been proposed to track training load, kinetic, and kinematic data. The objective of this study was to identify the barriers and facilitators for use of wearable and portable biomechanical devices among elite baseball pitchers and training staff.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Qualitative descriptive study nested within a pilot feasibility study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study was conducted at participating team facilities. Collegiate baseball players, coaches, and support staff were recruited. Nine semi-structured focus groups/interviews were conducted using a qualitative guide book and transcribed verbatim. An abductive conventional content analysis was adopted to construct themes for barriers and facilitators for implementation of the novel biomechanical pitching sleeve and portable force plate.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three themes emerged related to facilitators for the use of the devices. First, knowledge users valued individualized data-informed training. Second, athletes felt empowered to make training decisions through self-awareness. Third, users had a new appreciation for injury prevention strategies. Two themes emerged related to barriers for the use of the devices. First, the data interpretation imposed implementation challenges. Second, the addressing challenges in systemization and integration.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study provides insight into barriers and facilitators that may improve future implementation of wearable or portable biomechanical devices among players, coaches, and clinicians to aid in informing training regimens and injury prevention strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"21 2","pages":"135-148"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12863442/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146114744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}