Amanda Paula Ricardo Rodrigues da Cunha , Marieli Araujo Rossoni Marcioli , Maurício Rodrigues Miyasaki , Dylleyne Kryss de Souza , Christiane de Souza Guerino Macedo
{"title":"Muscle strength and activation patterns during static and dynamic single-leg support tasks in women with greater trochanteric pain syndrome","authors":"Amanda Paula Ricardo Rodrigues da Cunha , Marieli Araujo Rossoni Marcioli , Maurício Rodrigues Miyasaki , Dylleyne Kryss de Souza , Christiane de Souza Guerino Macedo","doi":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.08.031","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.08.031","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The Greater trochanter pain syndrome (GTPS) is characterized by functional and biomechanical changes. This study aimed to compare hip strength and hip and trunk activation during single-leg support in women with GTPS and controls, exploring their correlation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>36 females were divided into two groups: the GTPS group (<em>n</em> = 18) and the control group (<em>n</em> = 18). A portable dynamometer was used to assess the isometric strength hip muscles, whereas surface electromyography was used to measure muscle activation in the hip and trunk muscles during static and dynamic single-leg support. The data were analyzed using the Student's <em>t</em>-test, Mann–Whitney <em>U</em> test, and Spearman correlation coefficient. The effect size was determined.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The GTPS group has lower strength in all hip muscles (p ≤ 0.001). In static single-leg support, GTPS group showed greater activation of the rectus abdominis (<em>p</em> ≤ 0.01, ES = 0.48) and gluteus maximus (<em>p</em> ≤ 0.01, ES = 0.45). In dynamic single-leg support, women with GTPS had high activation of the rectus abdominis (<em>p</em> = 0.01, ES = 0.42), gluteus maximus (<em>p</em> ≤ 0.01, ES = 0.49), and trunk extensors (<em>p</em> = 0.01, ES = 0.39). <strong>Discussion</strong>: The findings show that women with GTPS had higher pain, lower muscle strength, and changes in muscle activation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Women with GTPS demonstrated decreased muscle strength and increased muscle activation. Evaluation of all hip muscles, along with interventions focused on improving strength across these groups, could enhance pelvic control and minimizing discrepancies in muscle activation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51431,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES","volume":"45 ","pages":"Pages 174-180"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144916652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Samuel Egyakwa Ankomah , Michael Kyei Amoah , Adam Fusheini , Emmanuel Kumah , Foster Abrampa Opoku Mensah , Samuel Kofi Agyei , Akua Kusiwaa Karikari
{"title":"Ergonomic risk factors and musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare professionals in Ghana","authors":"Samuel Egyakwa Ankomah , Michael Kyei Amoah , Adam Fusheini , Emmanuel Kumah , Foster Abrampa Opoku Mensah , Samuel Kofi Agyei , Akua Kusiwaa Karikari","doi":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.08.027","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.08.027","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Globally, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have been on the increase, especially among health professionals in Ghana. This is the highest reason for health worker absenteeism in Ghana. While a number of studies may have been conducted in this area, there is little scientific knowledge assessing the enormity of the problem, especially among different cadres of healthcare professionals in Ghana.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design among 192 health professionals. Self-administered structured questionnaires were used to collect data and SPSS (version 26.0) was used to analyse data.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Findings from the study revealed all health workers had experienced Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) in their line of duty at the hospital with lower and upper back pain (90.7 %) and neck pain (89.3 %) being the most reported. The study again noted that older healthcare professionals were more likely to have MSDs than those of younger ages (Odds Ratio = 1.87; 95 % CI = 1.62, 2.21; p = 0.002). Females were also more likely to get MSDs than males (Odds Ratio = 1.66; 95 % CI = 1.49, 1.89; p = 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study concludes that while MSD is high among Ghanaian healthcare professionals, this area has received little attention from all the key stakeholders in addressing it. The research therefore recommends significant investments in modern technology and retooling of the healthcare sector to reduce the physical strength or manual involvement in performing their duties. The study also recommends regular occupational health and safety training to improve knowledge of MSD among healthcare professionals in Ghana.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51431,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES","volume":"45 ","pages":"Pages 167-173"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144912295","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effects of smart walker-assisted gait in real-world vs. virtual reality on heart rate variability and blood pressure in elderly: A randomized cross-over study","authors":"P.E.M Rohor , Anselmo Frizera , Carla Zimerer , Maria Eduarda Franchine , Matheus Loureiro , Fabiana Machado , Ricardo Mello , Luciana Carletti","doi":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.08.028","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.08.028","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Integrating smart walkers and virtual reality (VR) holds promise for gait rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of understanding their physiological effects to optimize treatment protocols.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Compare Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Blood Pressure (BP) in a smart walker-assisted gait session: in real-world (SWS) and in an immersive VR scenario (VRS) in elderly.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Thirteen physically active elderly (66.00 ± 3.96 years) performed SWS and VRS (4 × 90s; 90s passive rest). HRV (baseline, recovery) and Maximum Heart Rate Percentage (%HRmax) were established (Polar®H10). BP (baseline, rest, recovery) was assessed with an aneroid sphygmomanometer. Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and Cognitive Load (CL) were recorded (rest, recovery).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>HRV significantly decreased HF (High-Frequency) and significantly increased LF/HF after VRS (p ≤ 0.05). Compared to baseline, systolic BP (bouts 2, 3: Δ% = 6.27, 7.94), and Double Product (bouts 1–4: Δ% = 34.70–42.43) significantly increased during SWS (p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, systolic BP (bout 4: Δ% = 6.71) and Double Product (bouts 1–4: Δ% = 34.87–43.18) significantly increased during VRS (p ≤ 0.05). No significant differences in HRV, BP, and %HRmax were observed between SWS and VRS (p > 0.05). The intensity of the sessions was “very light” (%HRmax = SWS: 52.3–55.7%; VRS: 53.9–56.0%), RPE = SWS: “Very, Very Easy”; VRS: “Easy” and CL = “Very Low Mental Effort”.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Integrating a smart walker and an immersive VR scenario does not appear to substantially elevate the physiological demand on HRV and BP in elderly, suggesting a safe strategy for gait rehabilitation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51431,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES","volume":"45 ","pages":"Pages 319-331"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145049400","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mehdi Aslani , Farhad Ranjbarzadeh Yamchi , Esmaeil Mozafaripour
{"title":"The efficacy of an eight-week core stability exercise program in suspended and stable conditions on the muscle activation and functional disability of amateur soccer players with non-specific chronic low back pain","authors":"Mehdi Aslani , Farhad Ranjbarzadeh Yamchi , Esmaeil Mozafaripour","doi":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.08.020","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.08.020","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder in soccer players. Core stability exercises are suggested to be effective in alleviating LBP, but the most effective method remains unclear. This study aims to compare the effects of eight weeks of core stability exercises in unstable and stable conditions on trunk muscle activation and functional disability in soccer players with non-specific chronic LBP.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Forty-five athletes with non-specific chronic LBP were randomly divided into three groups: unstable condition exercises, stable condition exercises, and a control group. Subjects in the intervention groups trained three times a week for 8 weeks. Electromyography activity of selected muscles and functional disability levels were assessed using athletes' disability assessment questionnaire. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>After eight weeks of interventions, there was a significant difference in electromyography activity and functional disability among the three groups (p < 0.05). Exercises in unstable conditions showed superior results compared to stable exercises and the control group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Exercises performed under unstable conditions were more effective in improving muscle activity and functional disability in subjects with LBP compared to stable exercises and no intervention. Incorporating instability into exercise routines may be beneficial for managing LBP.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51431,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES","volume":"45 ","pages":"Pages 190-198"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144916651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The team agility plus test: A novel three-dimensional approach for assessing agility in multidirectional sports","authors":"Imed Gandouzi , Wissem Dhahbi , Hatem Ghouili , Houda Bougrine , Noomen Guelmami , Katja Weiss , Thomas Rosemann , Ismail Dergaa , Beat Knechtle , Abderraouf Ben Abderrahman","doi":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.08.021","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.08.021","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study established the concurrent validity, intrinsic reliability, sensitivity, and discriminant validity of the Team Agility Plus Test (TAPT), a novel three-dimensional agility assessment integrating horizontal change-of-direction movements with sport-specific vertical jump components to address the ecological validity gap in traditional two-dimensional agility testing.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>One hundred and nine athletes (age: 19.95 ± 1.17 years, height: 1.73 ± 0.07 m, mass: 64.69 ± 7.48 kg, BMI: 21.51 ± 1.88 kg⋅m<sup>−2</sup>) from multidirectional sports participated. Participants completed the TAPT, T-test, Modified-T-test, 10-m-sprint, and counter-movement jump in a randomized order, with the best of five trials used for analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>TAPT scores correlated significantly (<em>p</em> < 0.05) with other tests (<em>r</em>: −0.34 - 0.79). Test-retest reliability was excellent across groups (ICC<sub>[3,1]</sub>: 0.96–0.97). SEM% values (1.64–1.67 %) were below the smallest worthwhile change (SWC<sub>0.2</sub>), and CV% values were also <5 %. Bland-Altman 95 % limits of agreement ranged from 0.03 to 0.07 s. The TAPT discriminated between sexes (AUC: 0.76, <em>p</em> < 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The TAPT addresses limitations of existing horizontal-only assessments by incorporating three-dimensional movement patterns that reflect actual game demands, where athletes perform 10 to 50 jumps per match depending on sport specialization. This three-dimensional approach, combined with strong criterion and ecological validity, excellent reliability, good sensitivity, and successful sex discrimination, positions the TAPT as a comprehensive evaluation tool for athletes in multidirectional sports where both horizontal agility and vertical explosiveness are critical.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51431,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES","volume":"45 ","pages":"Pages 215-224"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144925541","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A study protocol on experiences and outcomes of neural mobilization and high intensity laser therapy in individuals with chronic sensorimotor diabetic peripheral neuropathy","authors":"Rittu Sharma , Manu Goyal","doi":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.08.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.08.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Neural mobilization and Laser therapy are proven to be effective in improving functional impairments in Chronic Sensorimotor Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (CSMDPN). Still, there is hardly any qualitative study that has investigated the experiences and outcomes of patients with CSMDPN regarding Neural mobilization and High Intensity Laser therapy as therapeutic interventions. So, this study aims to estimate and explore the experiences and outcomes of Neural mobilization and High Intensity Laser therapy in patients with Chronic Sensorimotor Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>A mixed-method approach will be conducted on 16 patients with CSMDPN. Group-1 and group-2 will undergo Neural mobilization of the tibial and common peroneal nerve, and High Intensity Laser therapy for 4 times/week for 3 weeks and after a washout period of 1 week, intervention will be reversed in both groups. Pre-post assessment will be taken after completion of each intervention with quantitative outcome measures S-LANSS for neuropathic pain, static balance & proprioception by Pedalo-Sensamove Balance Test Pro with Miniboard, Plantar pressure distribution by using Harris mat, Nerve Conduction Velocity of tibial and common peroneal nerve, Sympathetic Skin Response (SSR), and NeuroQoL-H questionnaire for quality of life. After the completion of each intervention depth face to face, semi-structured interviews will be conducted to explore the experiences of patients having CSMDPN about Neural Mobilization and High Intensity Laser therapy.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The results achieved after the completion of this study may provide both quantitative and qualitative information which helps in collecting broad information about the facilitators and barriers of interventions for the benefit of CSMDPN patients for future implementation in clinical practice.</div><div>CTRI/2023/12/060929 [Registered on: December 29, 2023].</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51431,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES","volume":"45 ","pages":"Pages 181-189"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144916653","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bruna Thamyres Ciccotti Saraiva , Diego Giuliano Destro Christofaro , William Rodrigues Tebar , Paula Alves Monteiro , Claudia de Carvalho Brunholi , Diego Kanashiro Sonvenso , Jefferson de Souza Dias , Stefany Carolaine Bezerra Silva , Luiz Carlos Marques Vanderlei , Ismael Forte Freitas Júnior
{"title":"Effects of high-intensity intermittent training on cardiac autonomic modulation of adolescents with obesity","authors":"Bruna Thamyres Ciccotti Saraiva , Diego Giuliano Destro Christofaro , William Rodrigues Tebar , Paula Alves Monteiro , Claudia de Carvalho Brunholi , Diego Kanashiro Sonvenso , Jefferson de Souza Dias , Stefany Carolaine Bezerra Silva , Luiz Carlos Marques Vanderlei , Ismael Forte Freitas Júnior","doi":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.08.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.08.012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To investigate the impact of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on autonomic regulation in obese adolescents.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study sample included 26 adolescents with obesity, of both sexes, aged 12 ± 2 years, divided into a control group (n = 11) and a training group (n = 15). Anthropometric assessments included body weight and height for the calculation of body mass index (BMI), as well as sitting height to estimate Maturity Offset. Body fat percentage was obtained through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Heart rate variability (HRV) was analyzed with the Polar RS800 heart rate monitor, using time-domain, frequency-domain, and Poincaré plot parameters. The intervention involved an HIIT protocol on a treadmill over 20 weeks, performed three times a week, consisting of a warm-up, followed by six 40-s high-intensity bouts at a running speed equivalent to 100 % of the peak heart rate determined by a maximal effort test, interspersed with 20-s passive recovery intervals. Each session also included 4 min of passive recovery at a constant speed of 5 km/h or 50 % of the training speed, after which the training cycle was repeated. Statistical tests included the Shapiro-Wilk test, independent t-tests, and repeated measures ANOVA, conducted using SPSS version 13.0.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>After the 20-week training period, no significant changes were found in HRV indices across the time-domain, frequency-domain, or Poincaré plot analyses.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>A 20-week HIIT protocol did not lead to measurable changes in cardiac autonomic modulation in adolescents with obesity<strong>.</strong></div></div>","PeriodicalId":51431,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES","volume":"45 ","pages":"Pages 160-166"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144907559","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Iã Ferreira Miranda, William Dhein, Edgar Wagner Neto, Jefferson Fagundes Loss
{"title":"Comparison of maximum voluntary isometric contraction to normalize superficial neck muscle EMG","authors":"Iã Ferreira Miranda, William Dhein, Edgar Wagner Neto, Jefferson Fagundes Loss","doi":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.08.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.08.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different strategies to obtain the highest value during a maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the sternocleidomastoid and anterior scalene muscles. Fourteen healthy subjects without neck disability were evaluated with surface EMG on the sternocleidomastoid and anterior scalene muscle with the BTS FreeEMG 1000. Three MVIC techniques were performed, one was the Conventional MVIC with neck flexion, a Rotated MVIC with neck lateral flexion with a rotated neck, and also the Lateral Flexion MVIC in a side position performing a neck lateral flexion. All MVIC's were randomly performed three times with the head and trunk resisted by an adjustable band. A 0.5s RMS moving window was used to smooth the signal and the peak value was acquired. Non-parametric Friedman Test was used to compare MVIC and also a Wilcoxon test for two-by-two MVIC comparisons with a Bonferroni correction. Statistically, the highest EMG activation was reached in the Rotated MVIC for the sternocleidomastoid and in the Conventional MVIC for the Anterior Scalene. Therefore, it is suggested to perform these two types of MVIC in order to normalize both sternocleidomastoid and anterior scalene muscles.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51431,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES","volume":"45 ","pages":"Pages 238-243"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144931976","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Natalia Devechio Aleixo, Caroline Cateno Pena, Letícia Maciel de Freitas, Joelma Queiroz da Silva, Aura Maria Paternina de la Ossa, Elaine Caldeira de Oliveira Guiro, Cristine Homsi Jorge
{"title":"Intra-rater reliability of vaginal palpation, vaginal manometry and dynamometry in assessing pelvic floor muscle contraction and discomfort between these methods","authors":"Natalia Devechio Aleixo, Caroline Cateno Pena, Letícia Maciel de Freitas, Joelma Queiroz da Silva, Aura Maria Paternina de la Ossa, Elaine Caldeira de Oliveira Guiro, Cristine Homsi Jorge","doi":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.08.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.08.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To assess the intra-rater reliability and comfort level of three methods of evaluating the pelvic floor muscles: vaginal palpation, vaginal manometry and vaginal dynamometry in women with or without reports of urinary incontinence.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Test-retest reliability study with assessment and reassessment carried out by vaginal palpation, vaginal manometry and dynamometry, in random order and by the same examiner, with an interval of seven days. The visual numerical scale was used to check the level of discomfort of the assessment methods. The Weighted Kappa Coefficient was used to analyze the reliability of vaginal palpation, while the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was used for vaginal manometry and dynamometry. To establish the difference between the level of discomfort of the methods, the Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were used.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results showed almost perfect intra-rater reliability for vaginal palpation (k = 0.8443; p < 0.001), excellent reliability for dynamometry (ICC3.3 = 0.789; p < 0.001) and high reliability for manometry (ICC3. 3 = 0.967; p < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant difference was observed in the level of discomfort between vaginal palpation and vaginal manometry (p = 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The three methods of assessing pelvic floor muscles demonstrated an excellent intra-rater reliability. However, vaginal palpation was considered the most comfortable.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51431,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES","volume":"45 ","pages":"Pages 153-159"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144904493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gabriela dos Santos de Souza PhD , Rose Löbell MSc , Gustavo do Nascimento Petter MSc , Michele Forgiarini Saccol PhD , Carlos Bolli Mota PhD
{"title":"An instruction as a modifier of dynamic knee valgus in adolescents with patellofemoral pain","authors":"Gabriela dos Santos de Souza PhD , Rose Löbell MSc , Gustavo do Nascimento Petter MSc , Michele Forgiarini Saccol PhD , Carlos Bolli Mota PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.08.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.08.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a prevalent condition among adolescents. An altered neuromuscular control, particularly poor control of dynamic knee valgus (DKV), can potentially exacerbate or trigger PFP. The present study aimed to analyze the effects of instruction in a functional test on DKV control, gluteus medius (Gmed) muscle activity, and pain in adolescents with PFP.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Quasi-experimental design. Fourteen lower limbs with PFP (PFPG) and 12 lower limbs in the control group (CG) were evaluated. The Frontal Plane Projection Angle (FPPA) and Gmed activation were evaluated during the Lateral Step Down test through a motion analysis system and surface electromyography, respectively, before and after the DKV instruction. Pain was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. The CG was assessed only in the pre-test condition.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The instruction decreased (−72 %) the FPPA value (p < 0.001, effect size = 1.8, power = 0.99). Responsiveness was noted in 92.9 % of the lower limbs. Post-test, the PFPG demonstrated a similar pattern to the CG regarding DKV (p = 0.388). Activation of Gmed was higher in the PFPG compared to the CG in the pre-instruction (p = 0.03) but did not change post-instruction (p = 0.08, effect size = 0.44, power = 0.20). The responsiveness for Gmed activation was 71.4 %. Reported pain did not changed (p = 0.172, effect size = 0.46, power = 0.22).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>An instruction promotes better control of DKV movements. However, the instruction did not alter Gmed muscle activity or reported pain.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51431,"journal":{"name":"JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES","volume":"45 ","pages":"Pages 119-126"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144889297","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}