Showing papers by "Christian J Barton published in 2020"

Is Motorized Treadmill Running Biomechanically Comparable to Overground Running? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cross-Over Studies

Abstract: Background Treadmills are often used in research, clinical practice, and training. Biomechanical investigations comparing treadmill and overground running report inconsistent findings. Objective This study aimed at comparing biomechanical outcomes between motorized treadmill and overground running. Methods Four databases were searched until June 2019. Crossover design studies comparing lower limb biomechanics during non-inclined, non-cushioned, quasi-constant-velocity motorized treadmill running with overground running in healthy humans (18-65 years) and written in English were included. Meta-analyses and meta-regressions were performed where possible. Results 33 studies (n = 494 participants) were included. Most outcomes did not differ between running conditions. However, during treadmill running, sagittal foot-ground angle at footstrike (mean difference (MD) − 9.8° [95% confidence interval: − 13.1 to − 6.6]; low GRADE evidence), knee flexion range of motion from footstrike to peak during stance (MD 6.3° [4.5 to 8.2]; low), vertical displacement center of mass/pelvis (MD − 1.5 cm [− 2.7 to − 0.8]; low), and peak propulsive force (MD − 0.04 body weights [− 0.06 to − 0.02]; very low) were lower, while contact time (MD 5.0 ms [0.5 to 9.5]; low), knee flexion at footstrike (MD − 2.3° [− 3.6 to − 1.1]; low), and ankle sagittal plane internal joint moment (MD − 0.4 Nm/kg [− 0.7 to − 0.2]; low) were longer/higher, when pooled across overground surfaces. Conflicting findings were reported for amplitude of muscle activity. Conclusions Spatiotemporal, kinematic, kinetic, muscle activity, and muscle-tendon outcome measures are largely comparable between motorized treadmill and overground running. Considerations should, however, particularly be given to sagittal plane kinematic differences at footstrike when extrapolating treadmill running biomechanics to overground running. Protocol registration CRD42018083906 (PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews).

What are the Benefits and Risks Associated with Changing Foot Strike Pattern During Running? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Injury, Running Economy, and Biomechanics

Abstract: Running participation continues to increase. The ideal strike pattern during running is a controversial topic. Many coaches and therapists promote non-rearfoot strike (NRFS) running with a belief that it can treat and prevent injury, and improve running economy. The aims of this review were to synthesise the evidence comparing NRFS with rearfoot strike (RFS) running patterns in relation to injury and running economy (primary aim), and biomechanics (secondary aim). Systematic review and meta-analysis. Consideration was given to within participant, between participant, retrospective, and prospective study designs. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus. Fifty-three studies were included. Limited evidence indicated that NRFS running is retrospectively associated with lower reported rates of mild (standard mean difference (SMD), 95% CI 3.25, 2.37–4.12), moderate (3.65, 2.71–4.59) and severe (0.93, 0.32–1.55) repetitive stress injury. Studies prospectively comparing injury risk between strike patterns are lacking. Limited evidence indicated that running economy did not differ between habitual RFS and habitual NRFS runners at slow (10.8–11.0 km/h), moderate (12.6–13.5 km/h), and fast (14.0–15.0 km/h) speeds, and was reduced in the immediate term when an NRFS-running pattern was imposed on habitual RFS runners at slow (10.8 km/h; SMD = − 1.67, − 2.82 to − 0.52) and moderate (12.6 km/h; − 1.26, − 2.42 to − 0.10) speeds. Key biomechanical findings, consistently including both comparison between habitual strike patterns and following immediate transition from RFS to NRFS running, indicated that NRFS running was associated with lower average and peak vertical loading rate (limited-moderate evidence; SMDs = 0.72–2.15); lower knee flexion range of motion (moderate-strong evidence; SMDs = 0.76–0.88); reduced patellofemoral joint stress (limited evidence; SMDs = 0.63–0.68); and greater peak internal ankle plantar flexor moment (limited evidence; SMDs = 0.73–1.33). The relationship between strike pattern and injury risk could not be determined, as current evidence is limited to retrospective findings. Considering the lack of evidence to support any improvements in running economy, combined with the associated shift in loading profile (i.e., greater ankle and plantarflexor loading) found in this review, changing strike pattern cannot be recommended for an uninjured RFS runner. CRD42015024523.

It is time to move beyond ‘body region silos’ to manage musculoskeletal pain: five actions to change clinical practice

Abstract: Current clinical research, education and practice commonly approaches musculoskeletal pain conditions in silos. A focus on body regions such as knee, hip, neck, shoulder and back pain as separate entities is manifest by region-specific clinical guidelines, conferences and working groups. Emerging evidence demonstrates that musculoskeletal pain disorders are frequently comorbid and share common biopsychosocial risk profiles for pain and disability.1–5 There is broad consensus across clinical guidelines on the recommendations for best practice, irrespective of body region.3 We contend that a shift to focus on the person is needed. This best practice approach will encourage clinicians to (1) focus on patients’ context and modifiable biopsychosocial factors that influence their pain and disability3; (2) use education to facilitate active management approaches (targeted exercise therapy, physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits) and reduce reliance on passive interventions; and (3) consider evidence-based surgical procedures only for those with a clear indication and where guideline-based non-surgical approaches have been rigorously adhered to. To adopt a person-centred active approach to treating musculoskeletal pain and disability, clinicians should: ### 1. Screen for biopsychosocial factors and health comorbidities Clinicians need to communicate clearly with the patient to identify potential biopsychosocial drivers of …

Patient Education for Patellofemoral Pain: A Systematic Review

Abstract: Objective To evaluate the effect of education interventions compared with any type of comparator on managing patellofemoral pain (PFP). Design Intervention systematic review. PROSPERO identifier: C...

Three steps to changing the narrative about knee osteoarthritis care: a call to action.

Abstract: Knee osteoarthritis (OA), characterised by knee pain and functional limitation,1 2 is widely understood to imply that symptoms are due to structural damage. This view leads to the belief that non-surgical approaches are futile and the structural damage needs to be ‘fixed’.3 4 In contrast, contemporary evidence supports knee OA as a ‘whole person condition’ in which knee health is influenced by the interaction of different biopsychosocial factors that modulate inflammatory processes and tissue sensitivity, as well as behavioural responses that lead to pain and disability.5 6 This contrasting view reinforces the critical role of non-surgical approaches to manage knee OA. To promote this conceptual shift in understanding knee OA, clinicians must take three key actions. Clinicians must explain that knee pain is a modifiable symptom related to sensitised knee structures and influenced by a variety of biopsychosocial factors, rather than solely related to damaged structures. This message is underpinned by knowledge that levels of pain and disability are often poorly explained by the degree of structural change on imaging; and that symptoms are influenced by a person’s individual context, including life stage, psychological, social, physical and lifestyle factors, and health comorbidities. Clinicians should deliver this message with a focus on the person’s own narrative and …

Poor functional performance 1 year after ACL reconstruction increases the risk of early osteoarthritis progression.

Abstract: Background Not meeting functional performance criteria increases reinjury risk after ACL reconstruction (ACLR), but the implications for osteoarthritis are not well known. Objective To determine if poor functional performance post-ACLR is associated with risk of worsening early osteoarthritis features, knee symptoms, function and quality of life (QoL). Methods Seventy-eight participants (48 men) aged 28±15 years completed a functional performance test battery (three hop tests, one-leg-rise) 1 year post-ACLR. Poor functional performance was defined as Results Only 14 (18%) passed (≥90% LSI on all tests) the functional test battery. Poor functional performance on the battery (all four tests Conclusion Only one in five participants met common functional performance criteria (≥90% LSI all four tests) 1 year post-ACLR. Poor function on all four tests was associated with a 3.66 times increased risk of worsening patellofemoral BMLs, and generally not associated with decline in self-reported outcomes.

Barriers and enablers to uptake of a contemporary guideline-based management program for hip and knee osteoarthritis: A qualitative study

Abstract: Summary Objective To explore barriers and enablers for referral to, and participation in, a contemporary guideline-based osteoarthritis management program – Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark (GLA:D Australia). Design A qualitative design was used, involving semi-structured interviews with patients with osteoarthritis and medical professionals. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, coded and thematically analysed. Barrier and enabler themes were mapped to the theoretical domains framework and used to inform the development of recommendations for improving uptake of guideline-based osteoarthritis management programs. Results Twenty patients with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis and 15 medical professionals (5 general practitioners, 4 rheumatologists, 6 orthopaedic surgeons) were included. Across both groups, three themes emerged as barriers (program access; misinformation about osteoarthritis; patient and program factors), one theme emerged as a barrier and enabler (health professional trust, feedback and advice), and two themes emerged as enablers (opportunity to achieve positive outcomes and potentially avoid joint replacement surgery; better program promotion, patient and health professional education, and efficient referral processes). Conclusions Optimising uptake of guideline-based osteoarthritis management programs requires improved reimbursement models, and better promotion and educational initiatives for patients and medical professionals. A particular focus of education should include dispelling misinformation about osteoarthritis, and highlighting the safety and value of physiotherapist delivered exercise-therapy.

Implementing a national first-line management program for moderate-severe knee osteoarthritis in Australia: A budget impact analysis focusing on knee replacement avoidance

Abstract: Summary Objective To model potential cost savings associated with implementing a first-line management program for moderate-severe knee osteoarthritis (OA) at a national level in Australia. Methods A budget impact analysis was undertaken using published trial data and publically available data. Australian population projections and OA prevalence data were used to forecast likely need for total knee replacement (TKR) surgery for 2019–2029. Published data were sourced on TKR avoidance following a 12-week non-surgical knee OA management program (exercise therapy, education, insoles, dietary advice, analgesia) and cost per TKR in Australia. The cost of providing the first-line program was estimated on a sliding scale ($AUD750-$3000), with a base case of $AUD1,500. These inputs were used to model potential annual savings associated with national implementation of the program. Results The number of people in Australia with moderate-severe knee OA requiring TKR was estimated to be 56,007 in 2019, rising to 69,038 by 2029. Avoidance of TKR by 34%–68% of people after the first-line management program could translate to savings of $AUD303million-690 million in 2019. Successively lowering the proportion of people who avoided TKR demonstrated that only 1 in 12 program recipients would need to avoid surgery for the program to generate savings. Conclusions National implementation of a first-line OA management program as an alternative to TKR could produce substantial cost savings for the Australian healthcare system. Longer term data on TKR avoidance is needed to establish whether cost savings are realised or simply shifted to later years.

Lived Experience and Attitudes of People With Plantar Heel Pain: A Qualitative Exploration

Abstract: Plantar heel pain is a common source of pain and disability. Evidence-based treatment decisions for people with plantar heel pain should be guided by the best available evidence, expert clinical reasoning, and consider the needs of the patient. Education is a key component of care for any patient and needs to be tailored to the patient and their condition. However, no previous work has identified, far less evaluated, the approaches and content required for optimal education for people with plantar heel pain. The aim of this study was to gather the patients’ perspective regarding their lived experience, attitudes and educational needs in order to inform the content and provision of meaningful education delivery approaches. Using a qualitative descriptive design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants with a clinical diagnosis of plantar heel pain. A topic guide was utilised that focused on the experience of living with plantar heel pain and attitudes regarding treatment and educational needs. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the Framework approach. Each transcription, and the initial findings, were reported back to participants to invite respondent validation. Eighteen people with plantar heel pain were interviewed. Descriptive analysis revealed eight themes including perceptions of plantar heel pain, impact on self, dealing with plantar heel pain, source of information, patient needs, patient unmet needs, advice to others and interest in online education. Participants revealed doubt about the cause, treatment and prognosis of plantar heel pain. They also expressed a desire to have their pain eliminated and education individually tailored to their condition and needs. Respondent validation revealed that the transcripts were accurate, and participants were able to recognise their own experiences in the synthesised themes. Plantar heel pain has a negative impact on health-related quality of life. Participants wanted their pain eliminated and reported that their expectations and needs were frequently unmet. Health professionals have an important role to be responsive to the needs of the patient to improve their knowledge and influence pain and behaviour. Our study informs the content needed to help educate people with plantar heel pain.

Pain and disability in women with patellofemoral pain relate to kinesiophobia, but not to patellofemoral joint loading variables

Abstract: Background Altered patellofemoral joint (PFJ) loading and elevated kinesiophobia are commonly reported in people with patellofemoral pain (PFP). However, the relative relationship of these physical-psychological variables with pain and disability in people with PFP is unknown. Aim To explore the relationship of PFJ loading during stair ascent and kinesiophobia, with self-reported pain and disability in women with PFP. Methods Fifty-seven women with PFP completed the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, a Visual Analog Scale (0-100 mm) for pain during stair ascent, and the Anterior Knee Pain Scale (disability). Stair ascent mechanics were assessed via three-dimensional motion analysis while participants ascended an instrumented seven-step staircase. Peak PFJ contact force and stress, and PFJ contact force and stress loading rates were estimated using a musculoskeletal model. The relationships of PFJ kinetics during stair ascent and kinesiophobia, with the Anterior Knee Pain Scale (disability) and pain during stair ascent, were evaluated with Spearman rank correlation. Variables (kinetics and kinesiophobia) significantly correlating with the dependent variables (pain and disability) were inserted in linear regression models. Results Kinesiophobia was moderately associated with self-reported pain (rho = 0.37) and disability (rho = -0.58) in women with PFP. No PFJ loading variables were found to be associated with self-reported pain or disability (P > .05). Kinesiophobia explained 14% of the variance of participants' pain while ascending stairs and 33% of the variance of participant's self-reported disability. Conclusion Addressing kinesiophobia during treatment of women with PFP may be important to reduce self-reported pain and disability.

Patient-Reported Outcomes One to Five Years After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: The Effect of Combined Injury and Associations With Osteoarthritis Features Defined on Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Abstract: Objective Persistent symptoms and poor quality of life (QoL) are common following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). We aimed to determine the influence of a combined ACL injury (i.e., concomitant meniscectomy and/or arthroscopic chondral defect at the time of ACLR and/or secondary injury/surgery to ACLR knee) and cartilage defects defined on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), bone marrow lesions (BMLs), and meniscal lesions on patient-reported outcomes 1 to 5 years after ACLR. Methods A total of 80 participants (50 men; mean ± SD age 32 ± 14 years) completed the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaires as well as a 3T MRI assessment at 1 and 5 years after ACLR. Median patient-reported outcome scores were compared between isolated and combined ACL injuries and with published normative values. Using multivariate regression, we evaluated the association between compartment-specific MRI cartilage, BMLs, and meniscal lesions and patient-reported outcomes at 1 and 5 years. Results Individuals with a combined injury had significantly worse scores in the KOOS subscale of function in sport and recreation (KOOS sport/rec) and in the IKDC questionnaire at 1 year, and worse scores in the KOOS subscales of pain (KOOS pain), symptoms (KOOS symptoms), and QoL (KOOS QoL) and in the IKDC questionnaire at 5 years compared to those with an isolated injury. Although no feature on MRI was associated with patient-reported outcomes cross-sectionally at 1 year, patellofemoral cartilage defects at 1 year were significantly associated with worse 5-year KOOS symptoms (β = -9.79, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] -16.67, -2.91), KOOS sport/rec (β = -7.94, 95% CI -15.27, -0.61), KOOS QoL (β = -8.29, 95% CI -15.28, -1.29), and IKDC (β = -4.79, 95% CI -9.34, -0.24) scores. Patellofemoral cartilage defects at 5 years were also significantly associated with worse 5-year KOOS symptoms (β = -6.86, 95% CI -13.49, -0.24) and KOOS QoL (β = -11.71, 95% CI -19.08, -4.33) scores. Conclusion Combined injury and patellofemoral cartilage defects shown on MRI are associated with poorer long-term outcomes. Clinicians should be vigilant and aware of individuals with these injuries, as such individuals may benefit from targeted interventions to improve QoL and optimize symptoms.

Step Rate and Worsening of Patellofemoral and Tibiofemoral Joint Osteoarthritis in Women and Men: The Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study.

Abstract: Objective To determine the association of self-selected walking step rate with worsening of cartilage damage in the patellofemoral (PF) joint and tibiofemoral (TF) joint compartments at a 2-year follow-up visit. Methods The Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST) is a prospective cohort of men and women with or at risk of knee osteoarthritis. Self-selected step rate was measured using an instrumented GAITRite walkway (CIR Systems) at the 60-month visit. Cartilage damage was semiquantitatively graded on magnetic resonance images at the 60- and 84-month visits in the medial and lateral PF and TF compartments. Step rate was divided into quartiles, and logistic regression was used to determine the association of step rate with the risk of worsening cartilage damage in men and women separately. Analyses were adjusted for age, body mass index, and knee injury/surgery. Results A total of 1,089 participants were included. Mean ± SD age was 66.9 ± 7.5 years, mean ± SD body mass index was 29.6 ± 4.7 kg/m2 , and 62.3% of the participants were women. Women with the lowest step rate had increased risk of lateral PF (risk ratio [RR] 2.1 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.1-3.8]) and TF (RR 1.8 [95% CI 1.1-2.9]) cartilage damage worsening 2 years later compared to those with the highest step rate. Men with the lowest step rate had increased risk of medial TF cartilage damage worsening 2 years later (RR 2.1 [95% CI 1.1-3.9]). Conclusion Lower step rate was associated with increased risk of cartilage damage worsening in the lateral PF and TF compartments in women and worsening medial TF joint damage in men. Future research is necessary to understand the influence of step rate manipulation on joint biomechanics in women and men.

Novel Stepped Care Approach to Provide Education and Exercise Therapy for Patellofemoral Pain: Feasibility Study.

Abstract: Background: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) impairs joint- and health-related quality of life and may be associated with knee osteoarthritis. We developed a novel, 2-phase, stepped-care approach for PFP, combining (1) self-directed web-based education and exercise therapy with (2) physiotherapist-supported education and exercise therapy. Physiotherapy sessions can be provided using 2 different modalities: face-to-face and telerehabilitation. Objective: This study aims to (1) determine the feasibility of our stepped-care approach, (2) explore patient-reported outcomes following self-directed web-based education and exercise therapy in people with PFP (phase 1), and (3) estimate the differences in treatment effects between face-to-face and telerehabilitation to support further education and exercise therapy (phase 2) in those who had not completely recovered following self-directed care. Methods: Phase 1 involved 6 weeks of self-directed web-based education and exercise therapy. Phase 2 involved random allocation to a further 12 weeks of physiotherapist-led (up to 8 sessions) education and exercise therapy delivered face-to-face or via telerehabilitation to participants who did not rate themselves as completely recovered following phase 1. Feasibility indicators of process, adherence, and participant retention were collected as primary outcomes alongside patient-reported outcomes on Global Rating of Change and knee pain, disability, knee-related quality of life, pain catastrophism, kinesiophobia, and knee self-efficacy. All participants were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 18 weeks. Results: A total of 71 participants were screened to identify 35 participants with PFP to enter the study. Overall, 100% (35/35) and 88% (31/35) of the participants were followed up with at 6 and 18 weeks, respectively. In phase 1 of the study, participants accessed the My Knee Cap website for an average of 6 (7.5) days and performed the exercises for an average of 2.5 (3.6) times per week. A total of 20% (7/35) of the participants reported that they had completely recovered at 6 weeks. Furthermore, 93% (26/28) of the participants who were followed up and had not completely recovered at 6 weeks agreed to be enrolled in phase 2. No statistically significant differences were found between the face-to-face and telerehabilitation groups for any outcome. The novel stepped-care approach was associated with marked improvement or complete recovery in 40% (14/35) of the participants following phase 1 and 71% (25/35) of the participants following phase 2. Conclusions: Self-directed web-based education and exercise therapy for people with PFP is feasible, as noted by the high rate of participant retention and home exercise adherence achieved in this study. Furthermore, 20% (7/35) of people reported complete recovery at 6 weeks. Both face-to-face and telerehabilitation physiotherapy should be considered for those continuing to seek care, as there is no difference in outcomes between these delivery modes. Determining the efficacy of the stepped-care model may help guide more efficient health care for PFP.

Telerehabilitation for Knee Osteoarthritis in Brazil: A Feasibility Study.

Abstract: Background: The effectiveness of telerehabilitation for a patient with knee osteoarthritis may depend upon the person’s adherence to intervention. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether people with knee osteoarthritis would adhere to exercise-therapy facilitated via multiple media in Brazil, a newly industrialized country. Method: This is a feasibility study, pre-post intervention. Middle aged (40-50 years) and elderly (?70 years) people with knee osteoarthritis received in-person exercise-therapy instructions on the first day, along with a booklet and DVD (videos) to take home. Participants also received six motivational phone calls throughout the 12-week treatment. Satisfaction and adherence were assessed one week after intervention with the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale (EARS), sections B and C. Preference on the method used to adhere to exercises was recorded. Conclusion: Telerehabilitation was well accepted by middle-aged and elderly Brazilians with knee osteoarthritis. The preferred media to enhance adherence, was a booklet with descriptions of the exercises, especially for the elderly cohort.

Impaired Knee Muscle Capacity Is Correlated With Impaired Sagittal Kinematics During Jump Landing in Women With Patellofemoral Pain.

Abstract: Nunes, GS, Barton, CJ, and Serrao, FV. Impaired knee muscle capacity is correlated with impaired sagittal kinematics during jump landing in women with patellofemoral pain. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-Knee and hip muscle capacity is impaired in women with patellofemoral pain (PFP), but little is known about the rate of force development (RFD) at the knee. Impaired muscle capacity may contribute to reduced sagittal plane movement at the knee and hip during jump landing in women with PFP. This study aimed to (a) compare knee extensor muscle capacity (including RFD), and hip abductor and extensor muscle capacity between women with and without PFP; and (b) evaluate the relationship between hip/knee muscle capacity and sagittal kinematics during single-legged drop jump landing in women with PFP. Fifty-two physically active women (26 with PFP and 26 controls) participated. Rate of force development (in %/ms), isometric, concentric, and eccentric torque (in N·m·kg × 100) were evaluated using isokinetic dynamometry, and knee and hip kinematics were evaluated using three-dimensional motion capture. Compared with the control group (CG), the PFP group (PFPG) presented lower isometric (12%, PFPG = 217.2 ± 46.0; CG = 246.5 ± 38.8; p = 0.02), concentric (21%, PFPG = 133.0 ± 42.6; CG = 169.2 ± 28.8; p < 0.01), and eccentric (17%, PFPG = 172.9 ± 56.7; CG = 208.4 ± 59.4; p = 0.03) knee extension torque; lower RFD until 30% (30%, PFPG = 0.57 ± 0.27; CG = 0.83 ± 0.37; p < 0.01) and 60% (31%, PFPG = 0.47 ± 0.24; CG = 0.67 ± 0.33; p = 0.01) of maximal isometric torque; and lower concentric hip abduction (13%, PFPG = 94.7 ± 19.1; CG = 108.4 ± 17.5; p = 0.01) and extension (17%, PFPG = 134.4 ± 34.3; CG = 162.6 ± 38.0; p < 0.01) torque. Significant correlations between reduced RFD for knee extension and reduced sagittal plane knee/hip range of motion during landing were identified (r = 0.39-0.49). In conclusion, women with PFP have impaired knee extensor isometric and dynamic strength, and RFD. Impaired knee extensor RFD is associated with a stiffer landing strategy (reduced movement).

Fear of movement and (re)injury is associated with condition specific outcomes and health-related quality of life in women with patellofemoral pain

Abstract: Investigate the association of fear of movement and (re)injury with clinical outcomes in women with patellofemoral pain (PFP). This cross-sectional study included 92 women with PFP who completed th...

Infographic. Therapeutic exercise relieves pain and does not harm knee cartilage nor trigger inflammation.

Abstract: OA is a leading cause of disability worldwide and associated with pain, impaired mobility and quality of life.1 Physical activity, including therapeutic exercise, patient education and weight control are recommended in key OA treatment guidelines.2 Nevertheless, the belief that therapeutic exercise may harm knee joint cartilage remains common among people with knee OA, and health professionals treating the condition, creating a prevailing barrier to implementing evidence-based care.3–5 The current discord between evidence and persistent beliefs highlights the need for better education. Providing a clear and engaging summary of the evidence to communicate the positive impact of therapeutic exercise and physical activity on the knee joint is crucial to encourage greater acceptance of, and participation in exercise and physical activity to …

High‐ and low‐value care in sport and exercise medicine: areas for consideration

Abstract: High‐value care and low‐value care are concepts failing to receive attention in sport and exercise medicine. High‐value care refers to an intervention that provides a benefit or where the probable benefit exceeds the risk of harm. Low‐value care refers to an intervention that provides little‐to‐no benefit or where the risk of harm exceeds the probable benefit. To start the conversation, we apply the concepts of high‐ and low‐value care to the use of imaging, opioids, injections, surgery, and exercise therapy in sport and exercise medicine. We conclude with suggestions to help sport and exercise medicine clinicians replace low‐value care with high‐value care. In summary: (a) Only order imaging if you suspect findings that will positively guide the direction of treatment; (b) To reduce opioid use, ensure an adequate trial of non‐pharmacological and non‐opioid treatments; (c) Only provide injections when an adequate trial of non‐pharmacological treatments has failed, and the short‐term benefits outweigh the risk of long‐term harms; (d) Consider initial non‐surgical management for cases where evidence suggests early surgery is not necessary (eg, anterior cruciate ligament tears); and (e) Promote independence with exercise therapy (instead of extensive supervision) when feasible, acceptable, and evidence suggests it has equivalent outcomes (eg, post‐surgery).

Infographic. Running myth: strength training should be high repetition low load to improve running performance

Abstract: The important performance benefits of strength training, including heavy resistance, explosive resistance and plyometric training for endurance runners have been well documented in recent systematic reviews.1–5 As such, strength training should be considered an important addition to a well-planned training programme for middle and long distance runners of all levels. The key benefits runners can obtain from a strength training programme include: 1. Improved running economy. 2. Faster time trial performance. 3. Faster maximal sprint speed. Strength training interventions lasting 6–20 weeks, added to the training programme of a distance runner with >6 months running experience, have been reported to enhance running economy by 2%–8%.5 Running economy improvements will theoretically enhance endurance running performance by allowing the runner to run at a lower oxygen or energy cost during training and racing.5 These benefits have been reported in runners from a recreational level through …

Medical Interventions for Patellofemoral Pain and Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review.

Abstract: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) and patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) are common, persistent conditions that may lie along a pathological spectrum. While evidence supports exercise-therapy as a core treatment for PFP and PFOA, primary care physicians commonly prescribe medication, or refer for surgical consults in persistent cases. We conducted a systematic review of medical interventions (pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and surgical) for PFP and PFOA to inform primary care decision making. Methods: Following protocol registration, we searched seven databases for randomized clinical trials of our target interventions for PFP and PFOA. Our primary outcome was pain. We assessed risk of bias, calculated standardized mean differences (SMDs) and determined the level of evidence for each intervention. Results: We included 14 publications investigating pharmaceutical or nutraceutical interventions, and eight publications investigating surgical interventions. Two randomized control trials (RCTs) provided moderate evidence of patellofemoral arthroplasty having similar pain outcomes compared to total knee arthroplasty in isolated PFOA, with SMDs ranging from −0.3 (95% CI −0.8, 0.2, Western Ontario McMaster Pain Subscale, 1 year post-surgery) to 0.3 (−0.1, 0.7, SF-36 Bodily Pain, 2 years post-surgery). Remaining studies provided, at most, limited evidence. No efficacy was demonstrated for oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories or arthroscopic surgery. Conclusions: Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical prescriptions, and surgical referrals are currently being made with little supporting evidence, with some interventions showing limited efficacy. This should be considered within the broader context of evidence supporting exercise-therapy as a core treatment for PFP and PFOA.

Osteoarthritis Hip and Knee Service (OAHKS) in a community health setting compared to the hospital setting: A feasibility study for a new care pathway.

Abstract: Aim OsteoArthritis Hip and Knee Service (OAHKS) clinics involve assessment and triage by advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapists for patients referred to orthopaedic clinics in public hospitals. This study explored the feasibility of implementing an OAHKS clinic in a community setting. Methods The domains of feasibility explored in this mixed methods study were acceptability (patient, general practitioner and orthopaedic surgeon), demand (referrals, waiting times) efficacy potential (management decision, conversion-to-surgery rates) and practicality (number and type of discussions between advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapist and doctors, adverse events). Results from a community-based OAHKS were compared with hospital-based OAHKS over a 9-month period in the same metropolitan health region. Results A total of 91 eligible patients attended an OAHKS clinic (40 community-based, 51 hospital-based). Both the community-based and hospital-based OAHKS had high patient and general practitioner satisfaction, with small differences in favour of community-based OAHKS. Waiting times were significantly shorter in community-based OAHKS for both initial appointment [community-based OAHKS mean 17 days (SD11), hospital-based OAHKS mean 155 days (SD38)] and commencing non-surgical management [community-based OAHKS mean 32 days (SD22), hospital-based OAHKS mean 67 days (SD32)]. Referral rate to orthopaedics was substantially lower from community-based OAHKS (3%) compared with hospital-based OAHKS (33%) [odds ratio 0.05 (95% CI 0.01–0.41)]. There were no adverse events. Conclusion Community-based OAHKS is feasible, and acceptable to patients and general practitioners, with potential benefits indicated in this study including shorter waiting times for assessment and commencing non-surgical management programs.

Authors' Reply to Dewolf et al.: "Is Motorized Treadmill Running Biomechanically Comparable to Overground Running? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cross-Over Studies".

Abstract: We would like to thank Dewolf et al. [1] for their interest in our review [2] and for providing additional insights into the effects of belt-speed fluctuations on treadmill running biomechanics. We believe that their commentary offers an interesting explanation for some of the biomechanical differences observed between treadmill and overground running. As also stated in our conclusion, we, therefore, agree with Dewolf et al. [1] that researchers, clinicians and athletes should assess belt-speed fluctuations and take their effects on running biomechanics into consideration.

Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide synthesising systematic review with expert clinical reasoning and patient values

Abstract: Objective To develop a Best Practice Guide for managing people with plantar heel pain (PwPHP)Design a mixed methods designData sources Medline, Embase, CINAHL, SportsDiscus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), trial registries, reference lists, and citation tracking. Semi-structured interviews with world experts and a patient survey.Eligibility criteria RCTs evaluating any intervention for PwPHP in any language were included subject to strict quality criteria. Trials with a sample size greater than 38 were considered for proof of efficacy. International experts were interviewed using a semi-structured approach and PwPHP surveyed online.Results Forty PwPHP completed the survey and 14 experts were interviewed resulting in 7 themes and 38 sub-themes. Fifty-one eligible trials enrolled 4351 participants, with 10 interventions suitable to determine proof of efficacy. There was good agreement between the interview data and systematic review findings about taping (SMD: -0.47, 95% CI -0.88 to -0.05) and stretching (SMD: 1.21, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.63) for first step pain in the short term, with clinical reasoning guidance to combine these interventions with education and footwear advice as a core approach. There was good agreement to stepped care with focussed shockwave for first step pain in the short term (OR: 1.72, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.61), medium term (SMD -1.31, 95% CI -2.01 to – 0.61) and long term (SMD -1.67, 95% CI -2.45 to -0.88) and radial shockwave for first step pain in the short term (OR: 1.66, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.76) and long term (OR: 1.78, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.96). Good agreement for stepped care was also revealed for custom foot orthoses for pain in the short term (SMD: -0.41, 95% CI -0.74 to – 0.07) and medium term (SMD: -0.55, 95% CI -1.02 to -0.09).ConclusionA best practice guide was formulated based on robust evidence, with application guided by expert reasoning and patients’ perspectives.Systematic review registration Prospero CRD42018102227