International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy最新文献

{"title":"Lumbopelvic-hip Control, Upper Extremity Joint Moments, and Drive Leg Ground Reaction Force in Adolescent Baseball Pitchers.","authors":"Joshua Cayme, Kevin Laudner, Sakiko Oyama","doi":"10.26603/001c.143378","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.143378","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Poor lumbopelvic-hip control has been linked to higher shoulder and elbow joint moments and injury risk in collegiate and professional baseball pitchers. The purpose of this study was to investigate if lumbopelvic-hip control was correlated with shoulder and elbow joint moments and drive leg ground reaction force (GRF) in high school baseball pitchers. The hypothesis was that poorer lumbopelvic-hip control would be correlated with higher joint moments and lower drive leg GRF. Study design: Cross-sectional study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Lumbopelvic-hip control was assessed based on the anterior-posterior pelvis angular displacement using the single-leg lift test (SLLT) on each limb. Peak shoulder horizontal adduction and internal rotation and elbow varus moments during pitching were calculated using inverse dynamics. The correlations between lumbopelvic-hip control and the biomechanical variables (i.e., normalized joint moments, peak anterior GRF, and anterior GRF impulse) were analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sixty healthy high school pitchers (age: 15.8 ± 1.3) recruited from local baseball training facilities participated. The lumbopelvic-hip control while standing on the drive leg had a moderate correlation with the peak shoulder horizontal adduction moment during pitching (r=.301, p=0.02) but not with peak shoulder internal rotation moment (p=0.19), elbow varus moment (p=0.95), peak anterior GRF (p=0.95), or anterior GRF impulse during the drive (p=0.61). Lumbopelvic-hip control while standing on the lead leg was not correlated with any variables.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Poorer lumbopelvic-hip control was moderately correlated with greater shoulder horizontal adduction moment during throwing among high school baseball pitchers. These results support and extend the understanding of the influence of lumbopelvic-hip control on pitching mechanics in high school-aged pitchers.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>Level 3.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"20 9","pages":"1330-1337"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12404577/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144993762","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":"Patient-Perceived Benefits and Adverse Events of Dry Needling.","authors":"Melissa Tolbert, K Suzanne Leach, Matthew P Condo, Anthony Mancini, Rachel Tinius","doi":"10.26603/001c.143187","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.143187","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Dry needling (DN) has emerged as a safe and effective physical therapy technique to address neuromusculoskeletal pain and dysfunctions; however, a gap in the literature exists regarding the experience from the patient's perspective, with most studies focusing on clinician-reported outcomes.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The purpose of this study was to investigate patients' perspectives of self-reported adverse events and clinical outcomes from DN within the first 24 hours following the technique.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Cross-sectional retrospective study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>From April to May 2022, 123 participants were recruited through word of mouth, university-wide emails, and social media to complete an electronic survey. Inclusion criteria included those >18 years of age and who had received DN in the prior three months by a licensed physical therapist. The survey consisted of three sections: knowledge and experience with DN, location and perceived effects of DN, and participant demographics. Perceived effects focused on localized (e.g., pain, soreness, bruising) and generalized adverse events (e.g., shortness of breath, fatigue, fever), as well as outcomes (pain, gait, strength, mobility). Descriptive statistics were used for participant demographics and item responses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>One hundred twenty-three participants completed the electronic survey (77.2% aged 18-50 years; 53.7% female). Soreness (52.0%) and pain (33.0%) were the most reported localized adverse events. Fatigue (21.7%) and headache (15.4%) were the most reported generalized adverse events. Following DN, patient-reported improvements in pain occurred in 73.8% of the selected body regions, while improved mobility occurred in 70.6%, improved strength in 38.5%, and improved gait in 46.2%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Practitioners who utilize DN have a responsibility to communicate the possible benefits and adverse events post-DN. At least one localized event was reported in over 80% of the cases and one generalized adverse event in 40%, while positive improvements in pain or physical impairment occurred 38.5-73.8% of the time. Taken together, patients' self-reported benefits and adverse events in response to DN should both be carefully considered and discussed by practitioners when making clinical decisions about its use as a therapeutic intervention.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>3.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"20 9","pages":"1355-1363"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12404588/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144993858","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":"The Reliability and Validity of the ArmCare Strength and Range of Motion Sensor and Mobile Application in Baseball Players.","authors":"Kyle A Matsel, Megan Burns, Jon Newbold, Stephanie Sherwood, Phillip J Plisky","doi":"10.26603/001c.142905","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.142905","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Baseball players and coaches may not have the personnel resources to monitor the pathological declines in shoulder function throughout the season. The ArmCare Strength and Range of Motion Sensor and Mobile Application (ArmCare testing system) was designed to allow players to test and monitor their shoulder range of motion (ROM) and strength.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To establish the reliability and concurrent validity of the ArmCare testing system for measuring ROM and strength in high school and college baseball players.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Cross-sectional.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Fifty-one baseball players self-tested their shoulder ROM and strength using the ArmCare testing system protocols and instructional video guidance. Participants repeated the testing following a 30-minute washout period and were blinded to their results. Intra-rater reliability measures were established by comparing ArmCare testing system scores between two same-day trials. Concurrent validity was assessed by comparing ArmCare testing system ROM and strength measures with standardized goniometric ROM and hand-held dynamometry measures performed by clinicians who were blinded to the results. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to assess the intra-rater reliability of the ArmCare self-testing system and Pearson correlation coefficients evaluated the concurrent validity among goniometric ROM and strength dynamometry.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Intra-rater reliability ranged from poor to moderate (0.19 to 0.67) for AROM and moderate to good (0.73 to 0.87) for strength measures. For validity, poor overall agreement (ICC = 0.17 to 0.37) and correlation (r = 0.23 to 0.47) was found between the ArmCare testing system and all shoulder AROM measures. The ArmCare testing system demonstrated moderate to good agreement (ICC = 0.72 to 0.79) and correlation (r range = 0.72 to 0.81) compared to dynamometry for all strength measures.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The ArmCare testing system may be a reasonable self-guided examination for high school and college baseball players to measure shoulder strength. However, ROM testing using the ArmCare testing system lacks consistency and accuracy warranting further investigation.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>Level 3.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"20 9","pages":"1345-1354"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12404575/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144993786","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":"Development and Implementation of a Critical Care Transport Physical Ability Test: An Administrative Case Report.","authors":"Brian Bradley, Gary Diny, Michael Van Veghel, Trevor Johnson, Marc Sherry","doi":"10.26603/001c.143487","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.143487","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong>Emergency medical service and critical care transport teams are considered tactical athletes due to the significant physical demands of their job. Injury rates are high in these populations. A lack of proper physical fitness puts individuals and their team members at risk of injury and may create risk of inadequate care in emergency situations. The University of Wisconsin (UW) Med Flight team identified the need to implement physical testing as a condition of employment and annual compliance. The purpose of this case report was to develop and implement a physical ability test for a med flight team. # Methods Members of the University of Wisconsin Health (UW Health) Sports Rehab department collaborated with the UW Med Flight team. The coordinator of the Sports Rehab Tactical Athlete Specialty Clinic performed an onsite assessment to evaluate the distances and heights traveled, size and weight of equipment managed, and duties of providers who are part of the critical care transport team. Analysis of other institutions' testing procedures was performed via online searches and professional communication. Pilot practice sessions of the assessment were performed. Practice sessions and town hall meetings were offered to the staff. The new health assessment referenced as the Med Flight Physical Ability Test (MFPAT) commenced in January 2023.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sixty-nine of 71 team members passed the MFPAT. One team member did not pass due to a known knee condition that limited her physical abilities. An incoming med flight physician fellow failed to pass the test due to a recent hand injury.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>While other critical care transport physical ability tests exist, there is an overall lack of industry wide testing procedures, nor have these tests been widely published. Without this standard, a critical care transport team lacks accountability of crew members to maintain adequate fitness levels needed for their positions. Therefore, the MFPAT was developed to establish a physical assessment for a specific med flight team. The development and application of such a test could set a precedent for other institutions.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>4.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"20 9","pages":"1401-1406"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12404570/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144993424","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":"Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test Reference Values for NCAA American Football.","authors":"Nicole Assef, Cassie Endsley, Connor Skoumal, Jessica Schlafke, Matt Dewald","doi":"10.26603/001c.143374","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.143374","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST) is a valid and reliable test commonly used during return to sport testing. While reference values have been determined for multiple sports, few have specifically considered National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) American football players.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To provide reference values on the CKCUEST for NCAA football players with considerations for position, history of upper extremity injury, year in school, and division of college football.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Cross-sectional study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Eighty football players from three NCAA schools were recruited to participate in this study. Height, mass, position, year in school, and history of upper extremity injury were collected. Subjects completed three trials of the CKCUEST with their means recorded. Means were compared using ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni tests. A T-test was used for a secondary comparison of mean touches of linemen versus all other positions. Pearson correlation coefficients assessed the relationship between number of touches and subject characteristics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Subjects were all males with a mean of 2.5 years in school (95% CI 2.18-2.85). Subjects of the study averaged 27.3 touches. There were no statistically significant performance differences between players from NCAA divisions, with/without injury history, years in school, or athlete demographics. Linebackers had significantly more touches compared to offensive linemen, 29.7 and 24.8 (p<0.03), respectively. Additionally, linemen as a group (offensive and defensive) averaged 25.7 touches, which was significantly lower compared to all other positions combined (28.1 touches, p<0.01). The minimal detectable change was 1.2 touches.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A reference value of 27 touches was found for the CKCUEST in NCAA football players. A change of at least two touches would indicate a measurable change. Position differences should play a role in clearance for return to sport; specifically, linemen may produce less touches than other non-lineman positions.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>Level 2c: Cross-sectional study.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"20 9","pages":"1338-1344"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12404576/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144994006","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":"Return to Competitive Sport After Anterior Shoulder Stabilization: A Scoping Review of Current Outcomes and Clearance Decision-Making Criteria.","authors":"Alex Fails, Adam Popchak","doi":"10.26603/001c.143184","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.143184","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Reported rates of return to sport at prior levels (RTSP) and recurrent instability are varied after anterior shoulder stabilization procedures and standardized criteria for clearance decision-making are lacking.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To 1) describe the current state of RTSP and recurrence rates for competitive athletes undergoing the most frequently performed anterior shoulder stabilization procedures and the factors potentially associated with these outcomes and to 2) describe RTS clearance timeframes and how RTS clearance decisions were made in the included studies.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Scoping review.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic literature search over the past 10 years was conducted using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and OVID databases to find articles that analyzed RTSP and recurrent instability with at least two-year follow-up in competitive athletes after common anterior shoulder stabilization procedures. The Methodological Index for Non-randomized studies (MINORS) scale was used to assess study quality.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-nine articles were included, analyzing a total of 2,237 shoulders in 2,187 competitive athletes. Overall, 82.3% were able to RTSP and 7.0% had recurrent instability. For those undergoing Bankart repair, the RTSP rate was 79.7% and 9.2% had recurrent instability. For the Latarjet procedure, these rates were 87.4% and 3.1%, respectively. Reported times for return ranged from 11 weeks to 8.4 months and ten unique criteria for clearance were identified by the included articles. Strength and range-of-motion (44.8% each) were the most common criteria. The average MINORS score for non-comparative studies was 8.58 ± 1.35 (maximum score of 16). For comparative studies, the average MINORS score was 14.00 ± 1.56 (maximum score of 24).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Competitive athletes may RTSP at relatively high rates after anterior shoulder stabilization. However, high-level prospective evidence is lacking and there is a need to standardize clearance decision-making processes and reporting in the literature.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>Level 4 (Scoping Review).</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"20 9","pages":"1292-1310"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12404572/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144993866","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":"Characteristics of High-Impact Movements Observed in High School Handball Players During Games.","authors":"Nana Kanoshima, Yasuharu Nagano, Hiroshi Ichikawa, Shogo Sasaki, Makoto Suzukawa","doi":"10.26603/001c.143375","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.143375","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In handball, injury occurs more frequently during actual games than during handball practice. However, mechanical loading during actual games is unknown.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The purpose of this study was to describe body impact characteristics during handball games using accelerometers, and to investigate sex differences in these characteristics.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Comparative observational study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Acceleration data were measured during practice games in 24 high school handball players (12 males, 12 females). The acceleration was set to 1 gravitational acceleration (G) when each axis direction was aligned with the direction of gravity during data collection. High-impact movements with a resultant acceleration of ≥ 6G were extracted, and video images was used to identify movements and plays during which the high-impact movements occurred. The number of cases, percentage, frequency (cases/min ･ person), and 95% confidence interval of the frequency were calculated for the movement classification, play classification, and movement classification × play classification. The peak acceleration values of resultant accelerations of ≥ 6G were also obtained.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The frequencies of resultant acceleration ≥ 6G were 5.3 cases/min ･ person for males and 4.7 cases/min ･ person for females. Deceleration and sprinting were the most frequent motion categories in both sexes. High-impact movements were more frequent in fast attack-related play in males and attack-to-defense transitions in females.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>High-impact movements are more frequent in plays related to fast attacks in males and when switching from attack to defense in females. High-impact movements are more likely to occur during the switch from attack to defense in females.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>3.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"20 9","pages":"1311-1320"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12404582/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144994060","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":"Dual-Task Predictors in Graduate Healthcare Students with Athletic Backgrounds.","authors":"Fernando Castillo, Brittani Freund, Ryan Hulla, Janis Henricksen, Neeraj Kumar, Chad Schmeeckle, Shannon Estes, Priya Karakkattil","doi":"10.26603/001c.142435","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.142435","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Graduate healthcare students may have athletic backgrounds with history of concussion. Since these students spend much time multi-tasking while guarding, transferring, and treating patients in clinical settings, understanding the potential impact of external factors on dual-task abilities may help better equip them for success. # Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between concussion history, concussion education, and athletic history on academic performance and different single- and dual-task assessments among graduate healthcare students. # Study Design A cross-sectional, repeated measures study. # Methods A convenience sample of 33 graduate healthcare students, between the ages of 21-31 years old, were recruited from a health sciences institution. Inclusion criteria included enrollment at the institution and being between the ages of 18 and 35 years old. Exclusion criteria included a concussion within the past 30 days, current post-concussion symptoms, an upper and/or lower extremity injury, and/or pregnancy. Investigators collected subjective sport, concussion, and academic history before data collection. Then, participants were randomly assigned to perform single- and dual-task cognitive and walking activities. Parameters of gait and cognitive activity scores were measured to calculate dual-task cost (DTC). Next, principle component analyses were conducted to incorporate all measured variables into a single model for linear regression. Linear regressions were used to model the relationships between sport and concussion history and each component. # Results Data were collected for 32 participants (aged 25 ± 2.46 years). A lack of concussion history was a significant predictor for experiencing greater DTC for performing a memory/recall task while walking backward. Additionally, lacking formal concussion education was a significant predictor for a higher DTC associated with the visuospatial task while walking backward. Finally, a longer history of athletic play predicted a lower undergraduate GPA. # Conclusions Lacking concussion history and education as well as having a longer athletic history significantly predicted aspects of DTC and academic achievement in graduate healthcare students. These data may influence future decision-making criteria and processes when supporting and guiding students with athletic backgrounds through healthcare education programs involving psychomotor activities. Further studies with a larger sample and control for plausible confounding variables may provide additional insight. # Level of Evidence 2b.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"20 8","pages":"1243-1255"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12317802/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144776622","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":"Kinematic Sequencing of the Football Pass Using Inertial Motion Analysis.","authors":"Andre Labbe, William Foret, Madison Troy, Phil Page, Felix Buddy Savoie","doi":"10.26603/001c.142488","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.142488","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The kinematic sequencing of overhead throwing demonstrates a series of joint motions to generate the throwing force. The biomechanics of the overhead throw have been heavily researched in baseball players; however, more research is needed on the biomechanics of passing in football quarterbacks.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The purpose of this pilot descriptive study was to identify the kinematic sequencing of a football quarterback's pass using wireless inertial motion technology.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Pilot descriptive cross-sectional study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Eight young, healthy, right-handed, pain-free quarterbacks (four high school, four collegiate) performed three drop back passes each at three increasing distances (9 total passes at 10, 20 and 30 yards) while wearing Ultium wireless IMUs (Noraxon, Scottsdale AZ) as part of their pre-season assessment. Kinematic data of each pass were identified and marked at four points of interest: foot contact, maximal external rotation, ball release, and maximal internal rotation. Data were analyzed with Noraxon MyoMotion 3.18 using a customized kinematic sequence algorithm to provide mean angles at specific points of interest over the nine throws of each quarterback.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Subjects were male, mean age 16.4 +/- 1.8 years (range 14-20). Kinematic sequencing of the extremities revealed shoulder abduction and external rotation peaked respectively at an average of 112° and 134° at the beginning of the acceleration phase, as did elbow flexion (100°). Stride knee flexion remained relatively consistent, increasing from 29° to 46° after maximal shoulder external rotation. The trunk remained relatively upright; however, quarterbacks experienced an average of 23° of lumbar extension at maximal shoulder external rotation. The trunk initiated rotation with an average of 40° to the right at foot contact, which reversed during the acceleration phase to a maximum of 21° to the left. Hip-shoulder separation remained about 20°, initially favoring right trunk rotation in the cocking phase, but quickly reversed to 20° favoring left trunk rotation in the follow-through. Minimal hip-shoulder separation (11°) occurred at ball release.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In the kinematic sequence from lower to upper extremity, stride knee flexion remains relatively unchanged, while trunk movement tends to shift away from the throwing side, converging toward a near-neutral position in all three planes just before ball release. This pilot study provided insight into the kinematic sequencing of football quarterbacks. Further research is warranted in evaluating the quarterback pass with inertial motion units.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>3.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"20 8","pages":"1214-1221"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12317801/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144776627","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":"How Downhill and Uphill Running Interfere Posture and Muscle Activity: A Descriptive Laboratory Study.","authors":"Nadine Engeler, Eric Lichtenstein, Oliver Faude, Ralf Roth","doi":"10.26603/001c.142485","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.142485","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Downhill and uphill running alter running kinematics, changing force distributions and muscle activities. While changes in the lower limbs have received more attention, research on the back and pelvis remains scarce. Understanding grade-specific changes in the trunk is crucial for developing injury prevention strategies and return-to-activity protocols after back injuries.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study examined how running on six different gradients (ranging from -15% downhill to +15% uphill) affects back and pelvic posture, as well as muscle activity in trunk and lower limb muscles.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twelve healthy recreational runners (6 women, 6 men) participated in a descriptive laboratory study. Kinematic variables (lumbar lordosis, hip drop, pelvic tilt, and trunk inclination) were assessed via 3D motion capture. Surface electromyography recorded muscle activity, normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), in selected trunk and lower limb muscles, including the medial gastrocnemius, semitendinosus, biceps femoris, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, vastus lateralis, rectus abdominis, external oblique, and erector spinae. A linear mixed-effects model with random intercepts was used to compare each gradient to level running. Cohen's d was calculated to quantify effect sizes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared to level running lumbar lordosis was increased at -15% (mean difference [MD]: 1.2 ± 4.9 degrees, Cohen's d = 0.73, p-value = 0.007) and decreased at +15% (MD: -1 ± 3.6 degrees, d = 0.39, p = 0.290). Total hip drop decreased at -15% (MD: 14.2 ± 11 mm, d = 1.93, p < 0.001). Muscular activity of certain lower limb muscles was higher at steep downhill and uphill gradients. While the abdominals showed no consistent changes across gradients, activity of erector spinae was reduced at -10% and -5%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Downhill running increases lumbar lordosis, potentially elevating the risk of lumbar spine overload. When attempting to prevent and rehabilitate lower back injuries, a progression starting with uphill, followed by level and lastly by downhill running, may be advisable. Gradient-specific training should be considered due to the distinct neuromuscular demands across inclines.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>3b.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":"20 8","pages":"1186-1197"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12317792/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144776626","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}