International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy

BACKGROUND: After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) athletes face the challenge of regaining their previous competitive level while avoiding re-injury and early knee joint cartilage degeneration. Quadriceps and hamstrings strength reductions and neuromuscular alterations potentially related to risk of re-injury are present after ACLR and relate to deficits in muscle activation. DESIGN: Cross-sectional laboratory study. PURPOSE: To examine quadriceps and hamstrings muscle activation during repeated hops in healthy pivoting-sport athletes and those who had undergone ACLR (bone-tendon-bone and semitendinosus graft) who had met functional criteria allowing return to training...

UNLABELLED: The squat is one of the most frequently prescribed exercises in the rehabilitative setting. Performance of the squat can be modified by changing parameters such as stance width, foot rotation, trunk position, tibia position, and depth. An understanding of how the various squatting techniques can influence joint loading and muscular demands is important for the proper prescription of this exercise for various clinical conditions. The purpose of this clinical commentary is to discuss how the biomechanical demands of the squat can be influenced by various modifiable parameters...

BACKGROUND: Static balance is often impaired in patients after ankle sprains. The ability to identify static balance impairments is dependent on an effective balance assessment tool. The Sway Balance Mobile Application (SWAY App) (Sway Medical, Tulsa, OK) uses a smart phone or tablet to assess postural sway during a modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS) assessment and shows promise as an accessible method to quantify changes in static balance after injury. PURPOSE: The primary purposes of this study were to determine the ability to differentiate between those with ankle sprain versus controls (construct validity) and ability to detect change over time (responsiveness) of a mBESS assessment using a mobile device application to evaluate static balance after an acute ankle sprain...

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), is a frequently encountered condition in clinical settings, typically arising from static or dynamic compression of the ulnar nerve. CTS is characterized by the irritation of the ulnar nerve within the cubital tunnel and is a common neuropathic condition that can significantly impact functional abilities and quality of life. This article explores the utility of diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK-US) in the evaluation of the cubital tunnel and the ulnar nerve. The cubital tunnel syndrome, a common entrapment neuropathy of the ulnar nerve, often presents diagnostic challenges...

Isokinetics is a proven method to train and objectively assess the capability of muscle groups, particularly at the knee. The current re-injury rates and less than optimal return to sport percentages seen following anterior cruciate ligament surgery highlights the need for greater focus on what tests and methods are used to make these critical decisions. Isokinetics remains the best single method to objectively determine dynamic muscle strength, power, rate of force development and endurance. These factors make it well-suited to play a crucial role in influencing the appropriate patient progression through a rehabilitation program and assisting in determining return to play readiness following injury or surgery...

UNLABELLED: Tissue flossing is an emerging myofascial intervention used by sports medicine professionals with a growing body of research evidence. Sports medicine professionals may use tissue flossing to increase myofascial mobility, improve joint ROM, enhance athletic performance, and reduce pain. Despite the increasing use, there is no consensus on clinical practice recommendations for this intervention. The purpose of this commentary is to discuss proposed clinical practice recommendations for tissue flossing and to encourage sports medicine professionals and researchers to contribute their expertise to further develop best practices...

BACKGROUND: Spatiotemporal parameters of gait are useful for identifying pathological gait patterns and presence of impairments. Reliability of the pressure-sensitive ZenoTM Walkway has not been established in young, active individuals without impairments, and no studies to this point have included running. PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to 1) determine if up to two additional trials of walking and running on the ZenoTM Walkway are needed to produce consistent measurements of spatiotemporal variables, and 2) establish test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC) values for common spatiotemporal variables measured during walking and running...

BACKGROUND: A strong body of literature has been published outlining muscle activity differences during sports performance in groups of overhead athletes. However, there are limited studies that have directly compared the muscle activity in overhead athletes with and without history of shoulder injury during functional everyday tasks. PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify muscle activities across fourteen upper extremity and core muscles during three functional everyday movements in athletes with and without history of shoulder injury...

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: No studies have observed the effects of a collegiate lacrosse season on movement pattern quality, dynamic postural control, or the accuracy of athletes' perceived movement pattern quality. The purpose was to examine the effects of a nontraditional fall season on movement pattern quality, perceived movement pattern quality, and dynamic postural control in collegiate lacrosse athletes. DESIGN: Cross-sectional laboratory study. METHODS: Fifty men's (age=19...

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

UNLABELLED: The anticipated timeline for muscle strength as well as return to running and sports are some of the most common inquiries by patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Despite the popularity of this procedure, the answers to these inquiries are not well described in the literature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the range of quadriceps strength percentage and function benchmarks at various points after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery based on sex, age, and graft...

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is common in sports, impairing performance and increasing injury risk, yet little is known regarding fatigue and concussion. Impaired neck neuromuscular function may contribute to concussion at baseline, where central fatigue may further impair neck function resulting in increased concussion risk. These effects may be magnified in athletes with a history of concussion. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of exercise induced central fatigue on neck joint position error, strength, and endurance in healthy subjects and those with a history of concussion...

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are one of the most common knee injuries experienced by active individuals engaging in cutting sports. Despite improved surgical techniques and rehabilitation, the return to sport rate and re-tear rates remain unsatisfactory. Lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) is a procedure that has been growing in interest when performed in conjunction with ACL reconstruction. The benefits of adding an LET procedure to an ACL surgery may include greater rotational stability, decreased re-tear rates, and improved return to play...

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

BACKGROUND: The benefit of performing the Nordic Hamstring Exercise (NHE) on an inclined board has been described, however, isometric hamstring activation in different knee and hip angles has not yet been thoroughly explored. PURPOSE: This study investigated the effect of variations in knee and hip angles during the isometric performance of the NHE on electromyographic activity of the hamstring muscles. STUDY DESIGN: Crossover study. METHODS: Thirteen male volunteers performed isometric contractions during the NHE with the knee (30°, 50°, 60°) and the hip (0°, 30°, and 45°) in various angles of flexion on a leg support platform which was inclined at 30°...

BACKGROUND: Adolescent dancers are at high risk for injuries due to the physical demands of dance training and the physiological changes that occur during adolescence. Though studies report high injury rates, there are few standardized screening tools available for adolescent dancers. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: To develop and describe a standardized, feasible, evidence-based, and clinically relevant screen for adolescent dancers. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive Epidemiology Study...

Hip OA is becoming more common, with a greater number of younger individuals undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). These individuals have the desire to return to considerable loading and in some instances return to sport. The purpose of this review was to investigate the current guidelines and/or protocols for hypertrophy or strengthening in individuals who have undergone total hip arthroplasty. A total of 16 papers were identified, some of which also addressed total knee arthroplasty. There is no consensus for the best practice for a hypertrophy program following THA especially regarding when a direct anterior approach was used during hip arthroplasty...

Deon Bührs, Managing Director of Genie Health SA, on launching a hybrid healthcare delivery model in South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Isokinetic dynamometers are widely used when assessing neuromuscular function including knee extension kinetics. However, these dynamometers are often prohibitively expensive and are not portable. Thus strain-gauge technology has grown in popularity. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare kinetic data captured via an isokinetic dynamometer against an affordable and portable strain-gauge with a treatment plinth during maximal isometric knee extensions...

BACKGROUND: Verbal and tactile cues can increase muscle activity, force production, and kinematics. Several studies demonstrate the effects of verbal and tactile cues on upper extremity muscles, while relatively few examined lower extremity muscles, specifically the gluteals. Studies that observed changes in gluteal function from verbal and tactile cues examined muscle activity via electromyography rather than force production or functional activities such as jumping. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of verbal and tactile cues on gluteal force production and broad jump distance...