Showing papers in "Journal of Sport Rehabilitation in 2020"
TL;DR: Six-week short-foot exercises provided a reduction in navicular drop, foot pronation, foot pain, and disability and increment in plantar force of medial midfoot in pes planus.
Abstract: Context: Pes planus is a prevalent chronic condition that causes foot pain, disability, and impaired plantar load distribution. Short-foot exercises are often recommended to strengthen intrinsic fo...
39 citations
TL;DR: Most football players present multiple risk factors for sustaining an HSI, but the teams should also be aware of deficits in flexibility, core stability, functional movements, and hamstring fascicle length.
Abstract: Context: Hamstring strain injury (HSI) is the most prevalent injury in football (soccer), and a few intrinsic factors have been associated with higher injury rates. Objective: To describe the preva...
38 citations
TL;DR: The implementation of an IRTPP can reduce the presence of injuries by identifying players potentially at risk and as a result, reducing the injury severity and days lost as a consequence.
Abstract: Context Infrared thermography has been used to detect skeletal muscle overload and fatigue in athletes, but its use in injury prevention in professional soccer has not been studied to date. Objectives To establish a novel injury prevention program based on infrared thermography and to determine its influence on the injury incidence in professional soccer players in the preseason. Design A cross-sectional, prospective study design was used to compare a conventional injury prevention program (CPP) applied over the first preseason and an infrared thermography injury prevention program (IRTPP) carried out in the following preseason. Setting Soccer training ground. Participants Twenty-four players belonging to a first division soccer team from Spain. Main outcome measures Injury incidences of each player were recorded according to the Orchard Sports Injury Classification System (version 10.0) convention to determine the injury classification, location, and type. Results The incidence of injuries decreased from 15 injuries in the CPP preseason (0.63 [0.77] injuries per player) to 6 injuries in the second preseason when the IRTPP was applied (0.25 [0.53] injuries per player). The days of absence due to injuries also decreased from the CPP preseason (156 d, 10.4 [11.0] d per injury) to the IRTPP preseason (14 d, 2.3 [2.8] d per injury). The injury severity also decreased from the first preseason to the second preseason, and fewer musculoskeletal injuries in the thigh, hip, and groin were reported. Conclusions The implementation of an IRTPP can reduce the presence of injuries by identifying players potentially at risk and as a result, reducing the injury severity and days lost as a consequence.
35 citations
TL;DR: RTS decisions following LAS should be based on sport specific movement, static balance, patient reported outcomes, range of motion, and strength, and future research needs to determine assessments and cut-off thresholds within these domains to minimize recurrent LAS risk.
Abstract: Context Lateral ankle sprains (LAS) have one of the highest recurrence rates of all musculoskeletal injuries. An emphasis on rapid return to sport (RTS) following LAS likely increases reinjury risk. Unfortunately, no set of objective RTS criteria exist for LAS, forcing practitioners to rely on their own opinion of when a patient is ready to RTS. Purpose To determine if there was consensus among published expert opinions that could help inform an initial set of RTS criteria for LAS that could be investigated in future research. Evidence acquisition PubMed, CINHL, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched from inception until October 2018 using a combination of keywords. Studies were included if they listed specific RTS criteria for LAS. No assessment of methodological quality was conducted because all included papers were expert opinion papers (level 5 evidence). Extracted data included the recommended domains (eg, range of motion, balance, sport-specific movement, etc) to be assessed, specific assessments for each listed domain, and thresholds (eg, 80% of the uninjured limb) to be used to determine RTS. Consensus and partial agreement were defined, a priori, as ≥75% and 50% to 75% agreement, respectively. Evidence synthesis Eight domains were identified within 11 included studies. Consensus was reached regarding the need to assess sport-specific movement (n = 9, 90.9%). Partial agreement was reached for the need to assess static balance (n = 7, 63.6%). The domains of pain and swelling, patient reported outcomes, range of motion, and strength were also partially agreed on (n = 6, 54.5%). No agreement was reached on specific assessments of cutoff thresholds. Conclusions Given consensus and partial agreement results, RTS decisions following LAS should be based on sport-specific movement, static balance, patient reported outcomes, range of motion, and strength. Future research needs to determine assessments and cutoff thresholds within these domains to minimize recurrent LAS risk.
29 citations
TL;DR: Suboptimal performance on a battery of functional performance tests is associated with a significantly greater risk of noncontact time-loss injury to the lower quadrant in female Division III college volleyball (VB) players.
Abstract: Context: Preseason functional performance test measures have been associated with noncontact time-loss injury in some athletic populations. However, findings have been equivocal with many studies c...
25 citations
TL;DR: Investigating if self-myofascial release of the plantar surface of the foot in addition to the hamstring group was more effective at improving flexibility of the hamstrings when compared to either intervention alone found no significant differences found.
Abstract: Context:Decreased hamstring flexibility can lead to a plethora of musculoskeletal injuries, including low back pain, hamstring strains, and patellofemoral pain. Lack of flexibility may be the resul...
23 citations
TL;DR: There is a moderate level ofevidence that patients have impaired NPC up to several months postconcussion, and a low level of evidence that impairments can be successfully treated with oculomotor therapy.
Abstract: Context Convergence dysfunction following concussion is common. Near point of convergence (NPC) is a quick and easy assessment that may detect oculomotor dysfunction such as convergence insufficiency (CI), but NPC measurements are rarely reported. Convergence dysfunction is treatable in otherwise healthy patients; the effectiveness of oculomotor therapy following concussion is unclear. Objectives The purpose of this article was to systematically review the literature and answer the following clinical questions: (1) Is performance on NPC negatively affected in patients diagnosed with a concussion compared with pre-injury levels or healthy controls? (2) In patients diagnosed with concussion, what is the effect of oculomotor/vision therapy on NPC break measurements? Evidence acquisition The search was conducted in CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE, and PubMed using terms related to concussion, mild traumatic brain injury, convergence, vision, and rehabilitation. Literature considered for review included original research publications that collected measures of NPC break in concussion patients, with a pretest-posttest comparison or comparison with a healthy control group. A literature review was completed; 242 relevant articles were reviewed, with 18 articles meeting criteria for inclusion in the review. Evidence synthesis Articles were categorized according to the clinical question they addressed. The patient or participant sample (number, sex, age, and health status), study design, instrumentation, or intervention used, and main results were extracted from each article. Conclusions The authors' main findings suggest that there is a moderate level of evidence that patients have impaired NPC up to several months postconcussion, and a low level of evidence that impairments can be successfully treated with oculomotor therapy. These findings should be cautiously evaluated; the studies are limited by weak/moderate quality, small sample sizes, varied methodology, and nonrandomized treatment groups. Future research should explore factors affecting convergence postconcussion and include randomized, controlled studies to determine if performing vision therapy improves visual measures and promotes recovery.
22 citations
TL;DR: In sports that need linear sprinting, KT seems to be a suitable intervention for the improvement of sports performance, as it provides increased ankle ROM.
Abstract: Background:Taping is a preventive measure commonly used for protecting and strengthening the ankle joint to prevent further musculoskeletal damage. Ankle taping prevents excessive range of motion (...
22 citations
TL;DR: Contoured full-length insoles are more effective in relieving symptoms related to plantar fasciitis than heel cups and Combining night splints or rocker shoes with insoles enhances improvement in pain relief and function compared with rocker Shoes, nightsplints, or insoles alone.
Abstract: Context Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot injuries. Several mechanical treatment options, including shoe inserts, ankle-foot orthoses, tape, and shoes are used to relieve the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Objectives To investigate the effectiveness of mechanical treatment in the management of plantar fasciitis. Evidence acquisition The review was reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane up to March 8, 2018. Two independent reviewers screened eligible articles and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. Evidence synthesis A total of 43 articles were included in the study, evaluating 2837 patients. Comparisons were made between no treatment and treatment with insoles, tape, ankle-foot orthoses including night splints and shoes. Tape, ankle-foot orthoses, and shoes were also compared with insoles. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 5 days to 12 months. Cointerventions were present in 26 studies. Conclusions Mechanical treatment can be beneficial in relieving symptoms related to plantar fasciitis. Contoured full-length insoles are more effective in relieving symptoms related to plantar fasciitis than heel cups. Combining night splints or rocker shoes with insoles enhances improvement in pain relief and function compared with rocker shoes, night splints, or insoles alone. Taping is an effective short-term treatment. Future studies should aim to improve methodological quality using blinding, allocation concealment, avoid cointerventions, and use biomechanical measures of treatment effects.
21 citations
TL;DR: The first study that demonstrates the beneficial effects of DN on hamstring flexibility, muscle compliance, and stretch tolerance without added stretching is demonstrated, encouraging clinicians to use DN as a novel strategy for increasing muscle flexibility.
Abstract: Context: There are numerous studies on the benefits of dry needling (DN) for pain relief. No studies exist examining the effects of DN on hamstring flexibility. Objective: To determine the immediat...
20 citations
TL;DR: KT is favorable in the recovery of muscle soreness after DOMS and has beneficial effects on horizontal jump performance and dynamic balance.
Abstract: Context:Kinesio taping (KT) is a popular taping technique used in the recovery process; however, in the relevant literature, there is no real consensus on its efficacy.Objective:To investigate whet...
TL;DR: VR-based assessments can provide a sport-specific context in which to assess biomechanical deficits that predispose athletes for lower-extremity injury and offer a promising approach to better evaluate skill transfer to sport that can guide future injury prevention efforts.
Abstract: Context: Laboratory-based biomechanical analyses of sport-relevant movements such as landing and cutting have classically been used to quantify kinematic and kinetic factors in the context of injur...
TL;DR: A more erect landing posture following training suggests that the core training program may be beneficial for improving core stability, and the long-term effect of core training for knee injury prevention needs further investigation.
Abstract: Context: Core control and strength are important for reducing the risk of lower-extremity injury. Current evidence on the effect of core training in male adolescent athletes is limited, and other i...
TL;DR: Findings from the current study suggest minimal benefits of tissue flossing when applied to the ankle joint in elite athletes for up to 30 minutes following their application.
Abstract: Context: Given the relatively novel technique of tissue flossing is currently lacking in the research literature despite some positive findings in preliminary studies, the modality clearly requires...
TL;DR: Until further studies are conducted, the selection of technique to increase ankle DF range of motion should be based on each individual patient's ability, preference, and response to treatment.
Abstract: Context: Limited ankle dorsiflexion (DF) range of motion has been correlated with decreased flexibility of the gastrocnemius/soleus complex. Decreased ankle DF range of motion can lead to an increa...
TL;DR: This study demonstrates a significant short-term decrease of connective tissue stiffness in EA, which may have an impact on the biomechanical output of the connective tissues.
Abstract: Context Foam rolling (FR) has been developed into a popular intervention and has been established in various sports disciplines. However, its effects on target tissue, including changes in stiffness properties, are still poorly understood. Objective To investigate muscle-specific and connective tissue-specific responses after FR in recreational athletes with different FR experience. Design Case series. Setting Laboratory environment. Participants The study was conducted with 40 participants, consisting of 20 experienced (EA) and 20 nonexperienced athletes (NEA). Intervention The FR intervention included 5 trials per 45 seconds of FR of the lateral thigh in the sagittal plane with 20 seconds of rest between each trial. Main outcome measures Acoustic radiation force impulse elastosonography values, represented as shear wave velocity, were obtained under resting conditions (t0) and several times after FR exercise (0 min [t1], 30 min [t2], 6 h [t3], and 24 h [t4]). Data were assessed in superficial and deep muscle (vastus lateralis muscle; vastus intermedius muscle) and in connective tissue (iliotibial band). Results In EA, tissue stiffness of the iliotibial band revealed a significant decrease of 13.2% at t1 (P ≤ .01) and 12.1% at t3 (P = .02). In NEA, a 6.2% increase of stiffness was found at t1, which was not significantly different to baseline (P = .16). For both groups, no significant iliotibial band stiffness changes were found at further time points. Also, regarding muscle stiffness, no significant changes were detected at any time for EA and NEA (P > .05). Conclusions This study demonstrates a significant short-term decrease of connective tissue stiffness in EA, which may have an impact on the biomechanical output of the connective tissue. Thus, FR effects on tissue stiffness depend on the athletes' experience in FR, and existing studies have to be interpreted cautiously in the context of the enrolled participants.
TL;DR: The findings of this study suggest that specific preventive strategies must be implemented to try to reduce the injury incidence in Spanish elite young soccer players attending to the characteristics of each age group.
Abstract: CONTEXT As the number of injuries in young soccer players increases, an epidemiological study is the first step in improving preventive strategies. OBJECTIVES To analyze the injury profile of a Spanish professional soccer club's academy during 4 consecutive seasons and to examine the injury incidence across different chronological age groups. DESIGN Prospective cohort design. SETTING Aggregate injury and exposure data collected during 4 consecutive seasons. PARTICIPANTS Three hundred nine elite male young soccer players. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES Injuries that led to participation time missed from training and match play prospectively reported by medical or coaching staff of the club. RESULTS A total of 464 time-loss injuries were observed during this study period. The overall injury incidence was 2.93 injuries per 1000 hours, with higher incidence during matches than during training (10.16 vs 2.10 injuries/1000 h; rate ratio [RR] = 0.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17-0.25; P < .05), with the U14 age group presenting the lowest injury rate (2.39 injuries/1000 h; RR = 1.15-1.57; P < .05). In terms of injury severity, moderate injuries were the most frequent (1.42 injuries/1000 h). Muscle injuries were the most common type of injuries (57.7%; 2.75 injuries/1000 h; RR = 1.84-13.4; P < .05), and hamstrings (93/268) were the most affected muscle group (0.58 injuries/1000 h; RR = 1.58-2.91; P < .05). Injury incidence showed a seasonal variation as indicated by peaks in August and October. In matches, specifically, the match period between 75 and 90 minutes showed the highest injury incidence (10.29 injuries/1000 h; RR = 1.89-6.38; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study suggest that specific preventive strategies must be implemented to try to reduce the injury incidence in Spanish elite young soccer players attending to the characteristics of each age group.
TL;DR: Delayed activation of the VM registered in females determines an increase in anterior shear force, which is an important risk factor for incurring an ACL injury.
Abstract: Context Activation time of the quadriceps is important in determining injury risk in professional soccer players. Objective To compare the activation time of the quadriceps and hamstrings muscles during a movement that puts stress on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) to assess the risk of ACL injury. Design Case series. Setting University laboratory for movement analysis. Patients or other participants Twenty (10 males and 10 females) professional soccer players. Intervention(s) An inertial sensor and 4 electrodes positioned on the quadriceps and hamstrings muscles were used for the surface electromyography. The athlete resting on 1 leg dropped, from a 32-cm-high platform, on the suspended foot (testing leg), without jumping or lowering his center of gravity and maintaining single-leg landing for 5 seconds. Using a software, it is possible to calculate the activation time of the rectus femoris, vastus medialis (VM), biceps femoris, and semimembranosus muscles before ground contact. Main outcome measures To evaluate the activation times of the rectus femoris, VM, biceps femoris, and semitendinosus muscles before ground contact in comparison with the range of normality calculated by the manufacturer. Results All male soccer players demonstrated a low risk related to the correct activation of all the examined muscles, while female soccer players demonstrated delayed activation of the VM. Conclusions Delayed activation of the VM registered in females determines an increase in anterior shear force, which is an important risk factor for incurring an ACL injury. This testing protocol becomes adequate for the screening of high-risk athletes and for targeting interventions to specific imbalances that may increase injury risk.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the epidemiology of exertional heat illness in high school sports and identify specific settings with the highest risk of EHI, using data from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NHEHS).
Abstract: Context: Recent data on exertional heat illness (EHI) in high school sports are limited yet warranted to identify specific settings with the highest risk of EHI. Objective: To describe the epidemio...
TL;DR: Performing stretching exercises at high or low intensity acutely promotes similar gains in flexibility, that is, there are short-term/immediate gains in ROM but does not modify passive torque and muscle architecture.
Abstract: Context: Although stretching exercises are commonly used in clinical and athletic practice, there is a lack of evidence regarding the methodological variables that guide the prescription of stretch...
TL;DR: Current results suggest that an external focus directed toward a visual target produces more brain activity in regions associated with vision and ventral streaming pathways, whereas an internal focus manipulated through instruction increases activation in brain regions that are responsible for motor control.
Abstract: CONTEXT Although the beneficial effects of using an external focus of attention are well documented in attainment and performance of movement execution, neural mechanisms underlying external focus' benefits are mostly unknown. OBJECTIVE To assess brain function during a lower-extremity gross motor movement while manipulating an internal and external focus of attention. DESIGN Cross-over study. SETTING Neuroimaging center Participants: A total of 10 healthy subjects (5 males and 5 females) Intervention: Participants completed external and internal focus of attention unilateral left 45° knee extension/flexion movements at a rate of 1.2 Hz laying supine in a magnetic resonance imaging scanner for 4 blocks of 30 seconds interspersed with 30-second rest blocks. During the internal condition, participants were instructed to "squeeze their quadriceps." During the external condition, participants were instructed to "focus on a target" positioned above their tibia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES T1 brain structural imaging was performed for registration of the functional data. For each condition, 3T functional magnetic resonance imaging blood oxygenation level dependent data representing 90 whole-brain volumes were acquired. RESULTS During the external relative to internal condition, increased activation was detected in the right occipital pole, cuneal cortex, anterior portion of the lingual gyrus, and intracalcarine cortex (Zmax = 4.5-6.2, P < .001). During the internal relative to external condition, increased activation was detected in the left primary motor cortex, left supplementary motor cortex, and cerebellum (Zmax = 3.4-3.5, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Current results suggest that an external focus directed toward a visual target produces more brain activity in regions associated with vision and ventral streaming pathways, whereas an internal focus manipulated through instruction increases activation in brain regions that are responsible for motor control. Results from this study serve as baseline information for future prevention and rehabilitation investigations of how manipulating focus of attention can constructively affect neuroplasticity during training and rehabilitation.
TL;DR: There was strong evidence that Achilles tendon thickness do not decrease in parallel to improved clinical outcomes, and future studies should investigate whether exercise can be tailored to optimize tendon adaptation and function, and whether this relates to clinical outcomes.
Abstract: Context: Exercise is seen as the most evidence based treatment for managing tendinopathy and although the type of exercise used to manage tendinopathy may induce adaptation in healthy tendons, it is not clear whether these adaptations occur in tendinopathy and if so whether they are associated with improved clinical outcomes.
Objective: The aim of the study was to synthesise available evidence for adaptation of the Achilles tendon to eccentric exercise and the relationship between adaptation (change in tendon thickness) and clinical outcomes among people with Achilles tendinopathy.
Evidence Acquisition: The search was performed in September 2018 in several databases. Studies investigating the response (clinical outcome, imaging on US/MRI) of pathological tendons (tendinopathy, tendinosis, partial rupture) to at least 12 weeks of eccentric exercise were included. Multiple studies that investigated the same interventions and outcome were pooled and presented in effect size estimates, mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals if measurement scale were the same, or standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals if measurements scales were different. Where data could not be pooled the studies were qualitatively synthesised based on van Tulder et al.
Evidence Synthesis: Eight studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in the review. There was strong evidence that Achilles tendon thickness do not decrease in parallel to improved clinical outcomes.
Conclusions: Whether a longer time to follow up is more important than the intervention (i.e. just the time per se) for a change in tendon thickness as is still unknown? Future studies should investigate whether exercise (or other treatments) can be tailored to optimize tendon adaptation and function, and whether this relates to clinical outcomes.
Keywords: tendinopathy, tendinosis, exercise, tendon adaptation
TL;DR: Remote exercise interventions may increase ROM at distant body segments, however, effect sizes are small and the current evidence base is limited by selection and measurement bias.
Abstract: Context Anatomical and in vivo studies suggest that muscles function synergistically as part of a myofascial chain. A related theory is that certain myofascial techniques have a remote and clinically important effect on range of motion (ROM). Objective To determine if remote myofascial techniques can effectively increase the range of motion at a distant body segment. Evidence acquisition In November 2018, the authors searched 3 electronic databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and PEDro) and hand-searched journals and conference proceedings. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials comparing remote myofascial techniques with passive intervention (rest/sham) or local treatment intervention. The primary outcome of interest was ROM. Quality assessment was performed using the PEDro Scale. Three authors independently evaluated study quality and extracted data. RevMan software was used to pool data using a fixed-effect model. Evidence synthesis Eight randomized controlled trials, comprising N = 354 participants were included (mean age range 22-36 y; 50% female). Study quality was low with PEDro scores ranging from 2 to 7 (median scores 4.5/10). None of the studies incorporated adequate allocation concealment and just 2 used blinded assessment of outcomes. In all studies, treatments and outcomes were developed around the same myofascial chain (superficial back line). Five studies included comparisons between remote interventions to sham or inactive controls; pooled results for ROM showed trends in favor of remote interventions (standard mean difference 0.23; 95% confidence intervals; -0.09 to 0.55; 4 studies) at immediate follow-ups. Effects sizes were small, corresponding to mean differences of 9% or 5° in cervical spine ROM, and 1 to 3 cm in sit and reach distance. Four studies compared remote interventions to local treatments, but there were few differences between groups. Conclusions Remote exercise interventions may increase ROM at distant body segments. However, effect sizes are small and the current evidence base is limited by selection and measurement bias.
TL;DR: The findings showed that using the proposed training protocol, low FMS scores could be improved to 14 and higher, and considering the high injury rate of firefighters, the authors suggest administering FMS periodically to increase functional fitness and reduce injury risk.
Abstract: Purpose: Firefighters require a high level of functional fitness to operate safely, effectively, and efficiently. The authors studied the distribution of functional movement screen (FMS) scores in ...
TL;DR: The increase of stiffness (reduction of muscle creep) and tendon thickness (simultaneous to the reduction of AHD) may indicate rotator cuff overloading as a primary intrinsic tendon pathology process.
Abstract: Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate supraspinatus tendon thickness, acromiohumeral distance (AHD), and stiffness/creep measures of the shoulder girdle in overhead asymptomatic athletes in muscle fatigue conditions. Design Observational, case series study. Setting Biomechanics and motion analysis lab. Participants Twenty-four male overhead volleyball (n = 8), handball (n = 8), and tennis (n = 8) athletes. All subjects were without shoulder injury history. Main outcome measure The subjects were tested for supraspinatus tendon thickness (in short and long axis), AHD using ultrasound scans and stiffness/creep of upper trapezius, infraspinatus, anterior and posterior deltoid, and pectoralis major using the myotonometer device before and immediately after a fatigue protocol. Intervention The fatigue protocol consisted of 3 sets of 32 maximum isokinetic concentric contractions performing shoulder internal and external rotation at isokinetic speed of 120°/s. Results A significant increase in supraspinatus tendon thickness (both in short and long axis) (P = .045 and P = .01, respectively) and a reduction in AHD (P = .01) were found after an isokinetic protocol. The stiffness increased significantly in upper trapezius (P ≤ .01), infraspinatus (P = .003), posterior deltoid (P = .047), and pectoralis major (P = .01), whereas the creep showed a significant decrement for upper trapezius (P = .001) and infraspinatus (P = .003). Conclusion The present study has demonstrated the postexercise fatigue in overhead athletes. The increase of stiffness (reduction of muscle creep) and tendon thickness (simultaneous to the reduction of AHD) may indicate rotator cuff overloading as a primary intrinsic tendon pathology process.
TL;DR: Clinicians and coaches should not focus on the rest duration when SS intervention is performed, as this study revealed that DF ROM and shear elastic modulus were changed after 300 s SS; however no effects of the restduration between sets of SS were observed.
Abstract: Context In clinical and sports settings, static stretching (SS) is usually performed to increase range of motion (ROM) and decrease passive muscle stiffness. Recently, the shear elastic modulus were measured by ultrasonic shear wave elastography as an index of muscle stiffness. Previous studies reported that the shear elastic modulus measured by ultrasound shear wave elastography decreased after SS and the effects of SS on shear elastic modulus was likely affected by rest duration between sets of SS. Objective This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of SS with different rest durations on ROM and shear elastic modulus of gastrocnemius and to clarify whether the rest duration between sets of SS decreases the shear elastic modulus. Design a randomized, repeated-measures experiment design. Setting University laboratory. Participants Sixteen healthy males volunteered to participate in the study (age, 21.3 ± 0.8 years; height, 171.8 ± 5.1 cm; weight, 63.1 ± 4.5 kg). Main outcome measures Sixteen healthy males volunteered to participate in the study. Each participant underwent three different rest interval durations during SS (i.e., long rest duration: 90 s, normal rest duration: 30 s, short rest duration: 10 s). This SS technique was repeated 10 times, thus lasting a total of 300 s with different rest durations in each protocol. The dorsiflexion (DF) ROM and shear elastic modulus were measured before and after SS. Results Our results revealed that DF ROM and shear elastic modulus were changed after 300 s SS; however no effects of the rest duration between sets of SS were observed. Conclusion In terms of decreasing the shear elastic modulus, clinicians and coaches should not focus on the rest duration when SS intervention is performed.
TL;DR: Muscle activation was affected by the loading devices in squat but not affected in lunge, and kettlebell squat could be suggested for targeting in strengthening medial hamstring.
Abstract: Context: Squats and lunges are common exercises frequently applied in muscle-strengthening and therapeutic exercises. The loading devices are often used to increase the training intensity. Objective: To determine the effect of loading devices on muscle activation in squat and lunge and to compare the differences in muscle activation between squat and lunge. Design: Cross-sectional cohort. Participants: Nineteen healthy, male, recreationally active individuals without a history of lower limb injury. Interventions: Each participant performed 10 repetitions of a squat under 5 conditions: unloaded, barbell, dumbbell, loaded vest, and kettlebell, and 10 repetitions of a lunge under 4 conditions: unloaded, barbell, dumbbell, and loaded vest. Main Outcome Measures: The electromyography signals of quadriceps, hamstrings, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius lateralis and medialis were measured. One-way repeated-measure analysis of variance was used to compare the difference among different loading conditions. Paired t test was used to compare the difference between squat and lunge. Results: The muscle activation in the loaded conditions was significantly higher than that in nonloaded conditions in squat and lunge. Compared with the barbell, dumbbell, and loaded vest conditions, the semitendinosus showed significantly higher activation, and the tibialis anterior showed significantly lower activation in kettlebell condition in squat. No significant difference in muscle activation was found among barbell, dumbbell, and kettlebell conditions in lunge. In addition, quadriceps and hamstring activities were significantly higher in lunge than in squat. Conclusions: Muscle activation was affected by the loading devices in squat but not affected in lunge. Kettlebell squat could be suggested for targeting in strengthening medial hamstring. Progressive strengthening exercise could be recommended from squat to lunge based on sequential activation level.
TL;DR: It was found that many riders presented a sagittal imbalance for the thoracic and lumbar curves and exercise programs to prevent or rehabilitate these imbalances in young riders will be needed.
Abstract: Context:Previous research has analyzed how the sport influences sagittal spinal curvatures in young athletes and has found that spinal curves may be modified as a consequence of repeated movement p...
TL;DR: The use of the perceived tightness scale does not provide reliable estimates of relative pressures over multiple visits and may preclude the use of this scale to set the pressure for those implementing practical blood flow restriction in the laboratory, gym, or clinic.
Abstract: CONTEXT The perceived tightness scale is suggested to be an effective method for setting subocclusive pressures with practical blood flow restriction. However, the reliability of this scale is unknown and is important as the reliability will ultimately dictate the usefulness of this method. OBJECTIVE To determine the reliability of the perceived tightness scale and investigate if the reliability differs by sex. DESIGN Within-participant, repeated-measures. SETTING University laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-four participants (12 men and 12 women) were tested over 3 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) and the pressure at which the participants rated a 7 out of 10 on the perceived tightness scale in the upper arm and upper leg. RESULTS The percentage coefficient of variation for the measurement was approximately 12%, with no effect of sex in the upper (median δ [95% credible interval]: 0.016 [-0.741, 0.752]) or lower body (median δ [95% credible interval]: 0.266 [-0.396, 0.999]). This would produce an overestimation/underestimation of ∼25% from the mean perceived pressure in the upper body and ∼20% in the lower body. Participants rated pressures above their AOP for the upper body and below for the lower body. At the group level, there were differences in participants' ratings for their relative AOP (7 out of 10) between day 1 and days 2 and 3 for the lower body, but no differences between sexes for the upper or lower body. CONCLUSIONS The use of the perceived tightness scale does not provide reliable estimates of relative pressures over multiple visits. This method resulted in a wide range of relative AOPs within the same individual across days. This may preclude the use of this scale to set the pressure for those implementing practical blood flow restriction in the laboratory, gym, or clinic.
TL;DR: Evidence is provided of the usefulness of the FIFA 11+ program for reducing risk factors associated with noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injuries and the authors' results suggest that soccer players with the higher risk profile would benefit more than those with lower risk profiles and that targeting them may improve the efficacy of the Fifa 12+ program.
Abstract: CONTEXT There is no evidence regarding the effect of the FIFA 11+ on landing kinematics in male soccer players, and few studies exist regarding the evaluating progress of interventions based on the initial biomechanical profile. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of the FIFA 11+ program on landing patterns in soccer players classified as at low or high risk for noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injuries. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. SETTING Field-based functional movement screening performed at the soccer field. PARTICIPANTS A total of 24 elite male youth soccer players participated in this study. INTERVENTION The intervention group performed the FIFA 11+ program 3 times per week for 8 weeks, whereas the control group performed their regular warm-up program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Before and after the intervention, all participants were assessed for landing mechanics using the Landing Error Scoring System. Pretraining Landing Error Scoring System scores were used to determine risk groups. RESULTS The FIFA 11+ group had greater improvement than the control group in terms of improving the landing pattern; there was a significant intergroup difference (F1,20 = 28.86, P < .001, ηp2=.591). Soccer players categorized as being at high risk displayed greater improvement from the FIFA 11+ program than those at low risk (P = .03). However, there was no significant difference in the proportion of risk category following the routine warm-up program (P = 1.000). CONCLUSIONS The present study provides evidence of the usefulness of the FIFA 11+ program for reducing risk factors associated with noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injuries. The authors' results also suggest that soccer players with the higher risk profile would benefit more than those with lower risk profiles and that targeting them may improve the efficacy of the FIFA 11+ program.