Kamilla Arp, Thomas Frydendal, Troels Kjeldsen, Ulrik Dalgas, Signe Timm, Bjarke Viberg, Kim Ingwersen, Claus Varnum
{"title":"Validity, Agreement and Reliability of the ForceFrame Dynamometer in Patients with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury.","authors":"Kamilla Arp, Thomas Frydendal, Troels Kjeldsen, Ulrik Dalgas, Signe Timm, Bjarke Viberg, Kim Ingwersen, Claus Varnum","doi":"10.26603/001c.122486","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.122486","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Restoring maximal muscle strength of the knee extensors (KE) and knee flexors (KF) following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and ACL reconstruction is of great importance to reduce the re-injury rate after ACL reconstruction and to reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis. Therefore, it is essential that clinicians and healthcare providers use valid and reliable measures to assess knee muscle strength to ensure a safe return to sport.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To evaluate the reliability (test-retest reliability, inter-tester reliability and test-retest agreement) and validity (concurrent validity, convergent validity and ForceFrame (FF) vs. isokinetic dynamometer (ID) agreement) of the ForceFrame (FF) dynamometer during isometric testing of the knee extensors and flexors.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Cross-sectional study.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Twenty-seven participants with ACL injury or reconstruction were recruited for participation in this study. maximal voluntary isometric contration (MVIC) of the knee extensors and flexors was tested on two separate days. Day one included validity assessments with FF, a gold-standard ID and a handheld dynamometer (HHD). Day two included reliability assessments with FF performed by two assessors. Main outcome measures were day-to-day test-retest reliability and agreement and inter-tester reliability of FF, and concurrent validity (FF vs. an ID and a HHD). Reliability was tested as test-retest and inter-tester reliability using interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), while agreement was tested using Bland & Altman plots with limits of agreement (LOA), standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest detectable change (SDC). Concurrent validity between FF, ID, and HHD was assessed using Pearson's correlations and mean difference was evaluated by Bland & Altman plots.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-seven participants (10 females, 17 males) with a median age of 25 years (range 19-60) were included in this study. There was a good day-to-day test-retest reliability for MVIC of KE (ICC=0.77, CI95:0.48-0.90) and KF (ICC=0.83, CI95:0.61-0.92) and excellent inter-tester reliability for MVIC of KE (ICC=0.97, CI95:0.94-0.98) and KF (ICC=0.93, 95CI:0.85-0.97). Standard error of measurement (SEM) was 8% and 9%, while the smallest detectable change (SDC) was 22% and 27% for KE and KF, respectively. FF showed fair concurrent validity compared to ID for KE (r=0.56), poor concurrent validity for knee flexors (KF (r=0.24) and compared to HHD a moderate correlation for KE (r=0.74) and poor correlation for KF (r=0.12). Bland & Altman plots between FF and the ID showed a mean difference of -0.51 Nm/kg for KE and -0.32Nm/kg for KF.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>FF can be used to obtain reliable and valid results to assess MVIC of the KE, but not the KF. It should be noted that absolute results produced by the FF may be considered an underes","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11368445/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142127004","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}
Robert C Manske, Michael Voight, Chris Wolfe, Phil Page
{"title":"Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound for Medial Collateral Ligament Injuries: Applications in Rehabilitation.","authors":"Robert C Manske, Michael Voight, Chris Wolfe, Phil Page","doi":"10.26603/001c.122931","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.122931","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries are prevalent in sports and other physical activities and constitute a significant cause of knee pain and dysfunction. Traditional diagnostic modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are often utilized for their detailed visualization capabilities. However, musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK-US) has emerged as a pivotal diagnostic tool in the evaluation of MCL injuries due to its non-invasive nature, cost-effectiveness, and dynamic imaging capabilities. This article reviews the utility and advantages of MSK-US in diagnosing MCL injuries, with a specific focus on its implications for rehabilitation providers. We discuss the technical aspects of ultrasound (US) imaging, including the sonographic appearance of MCL injuries across various grades, and compare its diagnostic accuracy with other imaging modalities such as MRI. Additionally, the role of US in monitoring the healing process and guiding rehabilitation strategies is explored. This review emphasizes the practical application of MSK-US in clinical settings, offering rehabilitation providers a comprehensive understanding of how US can be integrated into patient management protocols to enhance outcomes in patients with MCL injuries.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11379498/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142156382","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}
Paul Kuwik, Erin Florkiewicz, Timothy Benedict, John Mason, Jamie Morris, Michael Crowell
{"title":"Assessing the Relationship of Psychological Sport Readiness, Single-leg Vertical Jump, and Non-Sagittal Single-Leg Hops to Quadriceps Strength After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.","authors":"Paul Kuwik, Erin Florkiewicz, Timothy Benedict, John Mason, Jamie Morris, Michael Crowell","doi":"10.26603/001c.121597","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.121597","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Limitations exist with current ACLR functional testing assessments that may be mitigated by including single-leg multi-directional testing.</p><p><strong>Hypothesis/purpose: </strong>To compare Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport after Injury Scale (ACL-RSI) scores, limb symmetry index (LSI) of the single-leg vertical jump (SLVJ), single-leg medial rotation hop (SLMRH), single-leg lateral hop (SLLH), and isokinetic quadriceps strength between participants with an ACLR and healthy controls and assess predictors of quadriceps strength asymmetry. It was hypothesized that ACL-RSI scores and LSIs for all tests would differ between ACLR and healthy control groups and within the ACLR group a strong correlation would exist between all outcome measures and quadriceps strength.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Cross-Sectional Study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty-six participants with an ACLR (median 13 months after surgery) and twenty-six matched healthy controls were recruited to participate in this study. Performance was assessed via SLVJ, SLMRH, SLLH, and isokinetic quadriceps strength. Between-group comparisons were made with independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney U test. Within the ACLR group, bivariate correlation and multivariate regression analysis were performed to assess the relationship between the outcome measures and quadriceps strength asymmetry.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant between-limb differences were only identified in the ACLR group (p< 0.05): SLVJ LSI: 88.5%, SLMRH LSI: 93.6%, SLLH LSI: 92.7%, quadriceps strength LSI 80.9% - 83.9%, which were significantly lower (p <0.05) than the healthy control group. Within the ACLR group, a moderate-strong significant (p < 0.05) correlations existed with quadriceps strength and SLVJ (r=0.44-0.65), SLMRH (r =0.43-0.83), and SLLH (r=0.54-0.63); while ACL-RSI had a weak non-significant (p > 0.05) correlation with quadriceps strength (r= 0.12-0.30).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Single-leg multidirectional test LSIs were less in ACLR participants than matched healthy controls and all were directly related to quadriceps strength. Psychological readiness to return to sport was not related to quadriceps strength.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11297365/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141890424","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}
Stefano Di Paolo, Naoaki Ito, Kayla D Seymore, Haraldur B Sigurðsson, Laura Bragonzoni, Stefano Zaffagnini, Lynn Snyder-Mackler, Karin Gravare Silbernagel
{"title":"Hop Distance Symmetry Moderately Reflects Knee Biomechanics Symmetry During Landing But Not For Controlled Propulsions.","authors":"Stefano Di Paolo, Naoaki Ito, Kayla D Seymore, Haraldur B Sigurðsson, Laura Bragonzoni, Stefano Zaffagnini, Lynn Snyder-Mackler, Karin Gravare Silbernagel","doi":"10.26603/001c.121599","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.121599","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Landing with poor knee sagittal plane biomechanics has been identified as a risk factor for Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury. However, it is unclear if the horizontal hop test battery reflects knee function and biomechanics.</p><p><strong>Hypothesis/purpose: </strong>To investigate the correlation between clinical limb symmetry index (LSI) and landing and propulsion knee biomechanics during the hop test battery using markerless motion capture.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Cross-sectional biomechanics laboratory study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Forty-two participants with and without knee surgery (age 28.0 ± 8.0 years) performed the hop test battery which consisted of a single hop for distance, crossover hop, triple hop, and 6-m timed hop in the order listed. Eight high speed cameras were used to collect simultaneous 3D motion data and Theia 3D (Theia Markerless Inc.) was used to generate 3D body model files. Lower limb joint kinematics were calculated in Visual3D. Correlation (Spearman's ρ) was computed between clinical LSI and symmetry in peak and initial contact (IC) knee flexion angle during propulsion and landing phases of each movement.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the single hop, clinical LSI showed positive correlation with kinematic LSI at peak landing (ρ= 0.39, p=0.011), but no correlation at peak propulsion (ρ= -0.03, p=0.851). In the crossover hop, non-significant correlations were found in both propulsion and landing. In the triple hop, positive correlation was found at peak propulsion (ρ= 0.38, p=0.027), peak landing (ρ= 0.48 - 0.66, p<0.001), and last landing IC (ρ= 0.45, p=0.009). In the timed hop, peak propulsion showed positive correlation (ρ= 0.51, p=0.003).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Single hop and triple hop distance symmetry reflected landing biomechanical symmetry better than propulsion symmetry. Poor scores on the hop test battery reflect asymmetrical knee landing biomechanics, emphasizing the importance of continuing to use the hop test battery as part of clinical decision making.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>3b.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11392465/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142298734","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":"Acute Effects of Handheld Vibration Massage on Posterior Shoulder Soft Tissues.","authors":"Takaki Imai, Takashi Nagamatsu, Yushin Yoshizato, Kodai Miyara, Megumi Sumizono, Masatoshi Nakamura","doi":"10.26603/001c.121299","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.121299","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Interventions using vibration stimulation have been recognized for their potential for increasing range of motion (ROM) without compromising muscle strength. Handheld vibration massagers can efficiently deliver vibration therapy to the shoulder joint and may be a potential treatment.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To evaluate the effects of vibration massage using a handheld device on the soft tissues of the posterior shoulder joint, particularly on internal rotation (IR) passive ROM and external rotation (ER) muscle strength.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Crossover study design.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A crossover study with a 5-min vibration massage and passive control condition was conducted in healthy male volunteers (mean age 20.5 ± 1.7 years). Vibration massage was applied to the posterior shoulder soft tissues of the dominant arm, with no intervention under control conditions. IR-ROM (vertebral level and in abduction) and strength of the external rotators (isometric and isokinetic) were measured before and immediately after the intervention. Vertebral levels were calculated as a ratio of lengths (ratio decreases with increased mobility). IR-ROM in abduction, the angle was measured. Statistical analysis was performed with two-way repeated measures ANOVA and paired t-test (Bonferroni correction).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Vibration application decreased (improved) vertebral level IR ROM by -4.1% (p < 0.01, d = 0.445) and increased abduction position IR ROM by 11.4° (p < 0.01, d = 0.694). These changes exceeded the 95% confidence interval for the minimum detectable change. By contrast, the control condition produced no changes. IR-ROM (vertebral level and abduction) immediately after the intervention showed significant differences between the control and vibration conditions (p = 0.036, d = 0.273; p = 0.048, d = 0.483, respectively). Muscle strength did not show any interaction, time, or between-condition effects.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A massage using a handheld vibration massager applied to the posterior shoulder soft tissues increased IR-ROM without negatively affecting muscle strength, suggesting its potential use as a means of warming up.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>Level 3.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11297558/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141890423","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":"Point of Care Ultrasound Guided Management of Lateral Ankle Sprains: A Case Series.","authors":"Matthew Bush, Jon Umlauf, Bryan Pickens","doi":"10.26603/001c.121601","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.121601","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is a common injury with incidence rates reported at 7.2 per 1000 person-years. Physical examination strategies provide limited information to guide rehabilitation that can maximize clinical outcomes. Early and accurate diagnostic information using ultrasound imaging enables individualized care and the ability to monitor healing along with its response to activity and rehabilitation.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The purpose of this study was to describe and observe the outcomes associated with Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) guided early management of acute and sub-acute lateral ankle sprains.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Case series.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Individuals with a LAS within the prior 28 days underwent a clinical evaluation to include a POCUS exam to assess ligamentous integrity. Objective and POCUS findings were integrated to classify each LAS into one of four categories. Each grade of ankle sprain corresponded to levels of bracing for the protection of injured structures with each patient receiving physical therapy care based on rehabilitation guidelines. Participants completed the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) activities of daily living and Sports subscale, the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information Systems Global Health, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11), Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT), and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale as well as the Ankle Lunge Test and Figure 8 measurements at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks post enrollment. The FAAM Sport subscale, all FAOS subscales, and the TSK-11 were also collected at 24 weeks while the CAIT was collected at baseline and 24 weeks.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fourteen participants were enrolled with 11 participants completing all data collection. FAAM Sport scores significantly improved at 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks. All components of the FAOS significantly increased except for Sport scores at four weeks and Quality of Life scores at four and eight weeks.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>POCUS guided early management and ligamentous protection of LASs resulted in significant short and long-term improvement in function and return to sporting activity. This case series highlights the feasibility of using ultrasound imaging to assess the severity of ligamentous injury and align bracing strategies for ligamentous protection. The observations from this case series suggest that functional bracing strategies focused on ligamentous protection to promote healing and reduce re-injury rates does not delay improvement in functional outcomes.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>Level IV, Case Series.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11297534/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141890425","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":"A Pre and Postnatal Physical Therapy Protocol for Recreational Athletes: A Case Series.","authors":"Rachel Selman, Kate S Early","doi":"10.26603/001c.121421","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.121421","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and purpose: </strong>Recent changes to medical recommendations for exercise in pregnancy and postpartum have expanded to include recreational athletes. While women are transitioning into motherhood at the height of their athletic careers, there is limited guidance on musculoskeletal training from pregnancy through safe return to activity. The lack of education and support in this population may lead to increased prevalence of symptoms and delay of treatment, ultimately hindering athletic performance. The purpose of this case series is to assess pelvic floor symptoms through implementing a new pre- and postnatal exercise training paradigm in a group of women aiming to return to recreational athletics.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Case series.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Six recreationally athletic women between 25-35 years of age were referred to physical therapy during pregnancy to participate in this protocol. The women completed a standardized pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation plan focused on core and pelvic floor control in addition to specific strength and mobility training.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Pain, urinary dysfunction, and pelvic floor muscle strength were assessed at six weeks postpartum and at discharge. Meaningful improvement was noted in pain, urinary dysfunction, and muscle strength by the time of discharge.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The decrease in symptoms and improvements in measures of musculoskeletal health suggests that a physical therapist guided rehabilitation protocol may be useful as part of the standard of care to reduce prevalence of pain and dysfunction, particularly in the recreational athlete population. Improving understanding of exercise training in this population may minimize musculoskeletal symptoms and encourage additional research to improve the standard of care for this group of patients.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>Level 4.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11297362/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141890422","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}
Kira Eimiller, Emma Stoddard, Briana Janes, Mason Smith, Andrew Vincek
{"title":"Reliability of Goniometric Techniques for Measuring Hip Flexor Length Using the Modified Thomas Test.","authors":"Kira Eimiller, Emma Stoddard, Briana Janes, Mason Smith, Andrew Vincek","doi":"10.26603/001c.120899","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.120899","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The modified Thomas test (MTT) is commonly used to assess the flexibility of hip musculature, including the iliopsoas, rectus femoris, and tensor fascia latae. This measurement is important to include in a comprehensive musculoskeletal examination. However, existing research shows conflicting results regarding its reliability, particularly due to variations in controlling pelvic tilt during testing, which may lead to inaccurate measurements of hip extension when quantifying the test outcomes.</p><p><strong>Purpose/hypothesis: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the Modified Thomas Test (MTT) in assessing hip flexor length using a goniometer. It was hypothesized that controlling for pelvic tilt would enhance the reliability of these measurements.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Intra- and inter-rater reliability study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Sixty-four healthy individuals were recruited to participate in this study. The MTT was performed twice on each leg by both an experienced and a student physical therapist. Blinded goniometric measurements for hip extension range of motion (ROM) in the MTT position were taken with neutral pelvic tilt being enforced via palpation. A double-blind protocol was used where both examiners were unaware of each other's measurements and the goniometer was covered to blind the measuring therapist to the values as well. ROM values were entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and quantified using SPSS software. Statistical analysis included calculating Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) and Standard Errors of Measurement (SEMs) using SPSS software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study included 64 participants (mean age = 23.7 ± 4.34 years). The MTT demonstrated high intra-rater reliability (ICC = 0.911) and inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.851). The SEMs indicated minimal variability around the mean scores. The average hip extension ROM measured was 5.43± 9.73 degrees.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These results suggest that the MTT is a reliable tool for assessing hip flexor length in clinical practice, particularly when pelvic tilt is controlled. These results have important implications for accurately testing orthopedic limitations that can contribute to low back, hip, and knee pain.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>3.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11297360/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141890428","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}
Brian D Stirling, Jonathan C Sum, Lisa Baek, Lori A Michener, Adam J Barrack, Angela R Tate
{"title":"Shoulder Pain in Competitive Swimmers: A Multi-Site Survey Study.","authors":"Brian D Stirling, Jonathan C Sum, Lisa Baek, Lori A Michener, Adam J Barrack, Angela R Tate","doi":"10.26603/001c.121114","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.121114","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>There are 2.8 million youth competitive swimmers in the United States (US), and shoulder pain is the most common complaint among swimmers.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To determine prevalence of shoulder pain, disability, and dissatisfaction in youth competitive swimmers. A secondary purpose was to determine influence of age, competitive swimming experience, and previous history of shoulder pain or injury on shoulder pain, disability, and dissatisfaction, and finally to determine if sex, geographic area, and participation in a second sport relate to shoulder pain, disability, and dissatisfaction.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Multi-site cross-sectional design.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Six-hundred and seventy-one swimmers aged 9-17 years from six states in the US completed surveys which included demographics, the Penn Shoulder Score (PSS), and the Disability of Arm Shoulder Hand (DASH) Sports. Independent t-tests were used to compare pain, disability, dissatisfaction, the influence of age, sex, participation in second sport, geographic region, and history of shoulder pain. Linear regression analyses were performed to determine the interaction of these variables with reported pain and disability.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Forty-nine percent of swimmers had shoulder symptoms. Greater shoulder pain and disability were reported in 15 to 17-year-olds compared to 9 to 10-year-olds (pain and disability: p<0.001), in swimmers with greater versus less years of experience (pain and disability: p<0.001), and in swimmers from eastern versus western states (pain: p=0.001, disability: p=0.0014). Swimmers not participating in a second sport had higher shoulder dissatisfaction (p=0.002). History of prior shoulder pain/traumatic injury was the best indicator of increased pain, disability, and dissatisfaction (p<0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Almost half of swimmers surveyed had shoulder pain, with a higher prevalence found in older age groups, those with greater experience, and in those with prior shoulder pain or traumatic injury. Further research should investigate shoulder pain prevention programs, and surveillance methods are recommended to identify symptomatic swimmers who may benefit from referral to prevent further pain and disability.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>III.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11297363/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141890474","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}
Ayrton Moiroux-Sahraoui, Florian Forelli, Jean Mazeas, Alexandre Jm Rambaud, Andreas Bjerregaard, Jérôme Riera
{"title":"Quadriceps Activation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: The Early Bird Gets the Worm!","authors":"Ayrton Moiroux-Sahraoui, Florian Forelli, Jean Mazeas, Alexandre Jm Rambaud, Andreas Bjerregaard, Jérôme Riera","doi":"10.26603/001c.121423","DOIUrl":"10.26603/001c.121423","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition (AMI) is a phenomenon observed in individuals with joint injury or pathology, characterized by a reflexive inhibition of surrounding musculature, altered neuromuscular control, and compromised functional performance. After anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) one of the most obvious consequences of AMI is the lack of quadriceps activation and strength. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of AMI is crucial for developing effective therapeutic interventions. The surgical procedure needed to reconstruct the ACL has biochemical et physiological consequences such as inflammation, pain, and altered proprioception. These alterations contribute to the development of AMI. Therapeutic interventions aimed at addressing AMI encompass a multidimensional approach targeting pain reduction, inflammation management, proprioceptive training, and quadriceps activation. Early management focusing on pain modulation through modalities like ice, compression, and pharmacological agents help mitigate the inflammatory response and alleviate pain, thereby reducing the reflexive inhibition of quadriceps. Quadriceps activation techniques such as neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and biofeedback training aid in overcoming muscle inhibition and restoring muscle strength. NMES elicits muscle contractions through electrical stimulation, bypassing the inhibitory mechanisms associated with AMI, thus facilitating muscle activation and strength gains. Comprehensive rehabilitation programs tailored to individual needs and stage of recovery are essential for optimizing outcomes in AMI. The objective of this clinical viewpoint is to delineate the significance of adopting a multimodal approach for the effective management of AMI, emphasizing the integration of pain modulation, proprioceptive training, muscle activation techniques, and manual therapy interventions. Highlighting the critical role of early intervention and targeted rehabilitation programs, this article aims to underscore their importance in restoring optimal function and mitigating long-term complications associated with AMI.</p>","PeriodicalId":47892,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11297573/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141890426","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}