International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy最新文献

Objective: The use of an abdominal contraction is a therapeutic maneuver to help stabilize the spine. It is unknown if executive cognitive distraction (ECD or "Stroop effect") influences a participant's ability to perform an abdominal contraction in a unipedal functional situation. The purpose was to determine the effect executive cognitive distraction has on abdominal bracing maneuver (ABM) execution in healthy participants while performing a unipedal functional task.

Design: Repeated measure cohort design.

Methods: Thirty healthy individuals, ranging 20-41 years were recruited from a local university to participate. Participants used an ABM to volitionally stabilize the spine or No-ABM, with and without ECD, while performing the Y-Balance Test (YBT). Surface electromyography (EMG) on participants' moving and stance side lower extremity (LE) internal obliques (IO) and external obliques (EO) while performing YBT in the anterior (ANT), posteromedial (PM), and posterolateral (PL) directions. Surface EMG was reported as a percentage of the participants' maximum voluntary muscle amplitude. Stroop incorporated an established ECD auditory program whereby masculine and feminine terms were discerned and participants responded by motion of their fingers. A 2 (ABM) X 2 (ECD) repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) tested for significant interactions and main effects during each YBT direction.

Results: The participants' age mean was x= 27.2 yrs, with ± 5.1 years SD, 18 females and 12 males. A main effect for ABM strategy in all YBT directions, where both IO and EO muscle amplitudes were significantly greater during the Yes-ABM condition (p<0.001). Also, a main effect for Stroop in the PM YBT direction, where the mean reach distance was significantly greater during the No-ECD condition (p=0.006).

Conclusion: Healthy participants were able to perform a ABM during an LE reaching task, even when cognitively distracted. However, distraction did affect PM reach distances. The findings indicate participants should be able to use an ABM while performing unipedal activities that incorporate dynamic balance. Future research is required to determine the effect cognitive distraction has during an athletic or activity of daily living.

Level of evidence: 3.

Background: Previous research on upper extremity range of motion has compared in-person to virtual measures for sagittal plane motions (flexion/extension) showing good-excellent reliability. Since upper extremity evaluation includes motion in all planes, it is important to assess whether transverse plane motion (rotation, supination, pronation) can be reliably measured during a virtual assessment.

Purpose: To evaluate the reliability (test/re-test inter-rater and intra-rater) of goniometric measurements of shoulder internal rotation and forearm pronation/supination obtained in-person and virtually.

Study design: Observational cohort, Reliability study.

Methods: Subjects 18-60 years of age with no upper extremity injuries were recruited for range of motion (ROM) testing in a standing position with measurements performed with a standard goniometer. Shoulder internal rotation was measured using the Hand-Behind-the-Back method and forearm pronation/supination were measured with shoulder adducted to the body and elbow flexed. Before in-person measurements were obtained, a static image of end range was captured using a mobile device with a camera. Within 10 days of the in-person measurements, clinicians measured the range of motion on the static image using the same standard goniometric methods as the in-person measurements. Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability were determined via intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC) at the 90% and 95% confidence level.

Results: The inter-rater reliability (ICC≥0.94) and intra-rater reliability (ICC≥0.91) for all in-person and virtual measurements were classified as excellent (SEM: 0.79-1.74°, MDC90: 2.12-4.06°, MDC95: 2.20-4.82°). When combining the three examiners' measurements for each motion, there was a statistically significant difference between in-person and virtual internal rotation (77.5±9.0° vs. 75.3±9.0°, p=0.001). The only statistically significant difference found between examiners occurred for the in-person measurement of pronation (examiner 3: 3.9° greater compared to examiner 1, p=0.044).

Conclusion: Virtual assessment compared to in-person goniometric measurements showed excellent inter- and intra-rater reliabilities (ICC >0.75). This suggests clinicians trained in goniometry can utilize this technique either in person or on a virtual platform. Level of Evidence 3b.

Background: Comparing static postural stability between the involved and uninvolved legs in individuals 12 weeks after ACL reconstruction (ACLR), and against healthy controls, may provide insight into rehabilitation progression.

Purpose: To compare static single-leg postural stability between the injured and uninjured legs of individuals 12 weeks post ACLR, and to a control group of healthy, physically active individuals.

Study design: Case-control study.

Methods: Twenty-nine participants (17 male, 12 female; age = 20.9 ± 5.0) 12 weeks post ACLR and 87 healthy controls (51 male, 36 female; age = 19.4 ± 1.2) volunteered. Static single-leg postural stability was assessed using an AMTI force plate under eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions. Ground reaction force in three directions were recorded for each condition. Comparisons were made between the ACLR group and controls, as well as between the involved and uninvolved legs within the ACLR group. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each variable. Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon signed rank tests identified significant differences, and effect sizes were computed.

Results: There were no significant differences within the ACLR group or between the ACLR and control groups for any static postural stability variable.

Conclusions: Under the specific static postural stability test administered, individuals 12 weeks post ACLR did not show significant differences in static postural stability between their involved and uninvolved legs, or when compared to healthy controls. These findings suggest that static postural stability is either not significantly impacted by ACLR or that deficits resolve by 12 weeks post-surgery and may not need to be a primary focus of early rehabilitation. Alternatively, it is also possible that the challenge imposed in the current study was not sufficient to challenge the components required for postural stability and clinicians should consider integrating more difficult tasks.

Level of evidence: 3.

Background: There is a paucity of research examining injury in field hockey athletes compared to other sports such as Australian football and soccer. The injury profile of pre-elite Australian hockey athletes is unknown.

Purpose: The primary aims of this research were to (1) determine the prevalence of injuries/illnesses at the start of a tournament and following an 8-day tournament; (2) describe injuries/illnesses and injury incidence rates at the 2024 U/18 Hockey Australia Championships (HAC). Secondary aims were to (1) assess whether the drag flicking hockey skill is correlated with injury and (2) compare athlete self-report injury/illness surveillance method with first aid observer injury reporting.

Study design: Prospective observational cohort study.

Methods: Four hundred and twenty-nine female and male athletes competing at the 2024 U/18 HAC were invited to participate. Two injury/illness surveillance methods were adopted: 1) athlete self-report and 2) third-party recording. The self-report method involved athletes completing the Modified Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Questionnaire at the start and end of the tournament. The existing third-party method required the first aid officer to record injuries/illnesses they observed. Descriptive analysis of injuries/illnesses was completed. Logistical regression was used to assess the relationship between drag flicking and injury.

Results: Three hundred and ninty-eight athletes participated (16-18yo, 50% male, 50% female). At the end of the tournament, self-report data identified 126 athletes that experienced 203 injuries (96 sports incapacity [SI] injuries) and 44 athletes had an illness (4 SI illnesses). Sixty-nine females sustained 122 injuries (58 SI injuries) and 57 males sustained 81 injuries (38 SI injuries). The third-party method of injury tracking captured 13 injuries during the tournament while the self-report method identified 135 injuries. The most frequently injured area was the lower limb: knee (n = 30), followed by the lower leg/achilles (n = 27) and ankle (n = 23). There was no relationship between drag flicking and injury (aOR 1.44 (95%CI 0.83 to 2.48), p = 0.19).

Conclusion: There was a high injury rate at the 2024 U/18 HAC. Females sustained more injuries and at a higher rate compared to males. Lower limb injuries were most frequent, providing clear direction for injury prevention strategies.

Level of evidence: Level 3.

Over the span of 25 years, the International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy (IFSPT) has grown from its founding in 2000 in the city of Utrecht in the Netherlands to a Federation of more than 40 member organizations. The IFSPT was officially recognized as a member organization of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy in 2003. Since then, it has partnered with the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy (in 2010), defined the core competencies for sports physiotherapists, launched the pathway to become a Registered International Sports Physical Therapist, and inaugurated its own World Congress in 2015, with the sixth congress planned for December 2026. This perspective reviews these milestones, notes remaining global disparities, and outlines priorities in equity, digital health, and sustainability.

Level of evidence: 5.

Background: The specific demands of Taekwon-Do, involving dynamic kicks, hand strikes, controlled breathing, and high- intensity efforts under psychological stress, require athletes to maintain optimal cardiorespiratory fitness.

Hypothesis/purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the reactivity of the cardiopulmonary system in athletes from the Bulgarian National Taekwon-Do (International Taekwon-Do Federation, ITF) team before and after a training camp. The authors hypothesized that intensive training would improve cardiovascular response and recovery.

Study design: Observational cohort; pre-post study.

Methods: Eleven male athletes from the Bulgarian National Taekwon-Do ITF team were evaluated using the Ruffier test and the Master two-step test before and after a three - week training camp. Heart rate and blood pressure were recorded at rest, immediately post-exercise, and during recovery. Cardiovascular reactivity was analyzed using calculated indices from the Ruffier test and workload- and recovery-based metrics from the Master test. Data were analyzed using descriptive and non-parametric statistics to discern changes.

Results: Improvements were found in resting heart rate, post-exercise recovery rate, and Ruffier indices, with significant changes in recovery parameters (p<0.05). Performance metrics from the Master test-such as total workload (in kg) and two- minute recovery heart rate also improved, with a statistically significant increase in workload. (p=0.002) These changes indicate enhanced functional adaptation of the cardiopulmonary system.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate improved cardiopulmonary reactivity after intensive training. Functional tests such as Ruffier and Master are effective tools for evaluating cardiovascular performance and guiding training decisions in elite athletes.

Level of evidence: Level 3.

Background: Patients who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery are at high risk of re-injury and osteoarthritis due to increased impact during landing. The characteristics of patients after reconstruction surgery include significant co-contraction of the knee joint antagonistic muscles, decreased proprioception of the knee joint, and psychological anxiety. However, it is unclear whether these factors are related to shock absorption capacity during landing. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether neuromuscular control and sensory and psychological anxiety are associated with shock absorption capacity during single-leg landing from a 30 cm platform in patients who had undergone ACL reconstruction. It was hypothesized that patients with significant knee co-contraction, knee proprioceptive impairment, and psychological anxiety would have reduced shock absorption capacity during landing.

Study design: Descriptive Laboratory Study.

Methods: This study included 16 patients who had undergone ACL reconstruction surgery after sustaining a sports-related ACL injury involving landing movements. Patients with concomitant meniscal or cartilage injuries were excluded. The subjects performed single-leg landings on a force plate from a height of 30 cm, and the shock absorption capacity and magnitude of co-contraction of the quadriceps and hamstrings were measured, and a co-contraction index (CCI) was calculated. In addition, the degree of knee joint proprioception impairment was measured using a Joint-Position Sense test (JPS test), and the level of psychological anxiety related to return to sport was assessed using the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scale. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine whether there was a relationship between outcomes and the shock absorption capacity during landing.

Results: The participants consisted of 16 patients (6 males and 10 females) with a mean age of 21.1 ± 2.4 years. Both the CCI and proprioceptive ability (JPS test) significantly influenced the loading rate during landing (R² = 0.70, p < 0.01), with a greater effect observed for CCI (β > JPS). No association was observed with the degree of psychological anxiety in the patients.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that greater co-contraction of the knee joint antagonist muscles and reduced proprioceptive ability were associated with decreased shock absorption capacity during single-leg landing in patients after ACL reconstruction. # Level of Evidence 3.

Background and purpose: Quantitative tests are common for documenting transfers and gait status. While qualitative rolling tests have been attempted, a quantitative measurement for rolling does not currently exist.The purpose of this study was to determine if the 30-second Roll to Quadruped test (30RQ) can serve as a measurement of rolling ability and to explore relationships between participants' rolling abilities, rolling strategies, strength, endurance, age, sex, activity levels, and BMI.

Study design: Cross-Sectional Study.

Methods: Eighteen healthy adults (n=18, age range: 20-40 years) without musculoskeletal impairments were recruited for participation in this study. Muscle strength of select muscles of the shoulder, hip, elbow, and knee was assessed using hand-held dynamometry. Core endurance and lower extremity endurance were measured using a maximum duration plank test and the 30-Second Chair Stand test, respectively. The 30RQ test involved participants performing repeated supine-to-quadruped rolls for 30 seconds, with the number of successful rolls recorded. Video recordings were used to capture rolling strategies for qualitative and to record numbers for quantitative analysis and were reviewed by three physical therapists. Correlational analyses were also used to examine the relationships between 30RQ performance, subject characteristics, and all other outcomes.

Results: The 30RQ test performance showed several significant correlations (p < 0.05). Male sex was strongly correlated with increased total number of rolls (r = 0.770) and use of the pivot technique (r = 0.765). Increased total roll count demonstrated strong positive correlations with multiple increased strength measures and the pivot rolling strategy showed a strong positive correlation with an increased total number of rolls completed (r = 0.778).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the 30RQ test may serve as a useful assessment tool for evaluating rolling ability and that increased rolling ability correlates with increased upper and lower extremity strength, lower extremity endurance, male sex, and use of the pivot rolling strategy. Further studies with larger populations are needed.

Level of evidence: Level 3.

The lateral collateral ligament in the knee provides static restraint against varus-directed stress. Lateral collateral ligament injuries are much less common than those of the anterior cruciate or medial collateral ligament. When they do occur, they are more often associated with posterolateral corner injuries or meniscal injuries. A high index of suspicion is required when examining for lateral knee ligaments. An accurate diagnosis of partial tears or ruptures of the lateral collateral ligament is essential for appropriate treatment planning and optimizing patient outcomes. Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) offers a portable, real-time, and cost-effective alternative that is gaining traction in rehabilitation and sports medicine settings. MSKUS has emerged as a valuable, non-invasive imaging modality for evaluating ligament injuries, including sprains, partial tears, and ruptures. MSKUS is excellent at detecting changes in ligament composition and continuity. This article will review the utility of MSKUS in evaluating lateral collateral ligament injuries, including anatomy, common injury mechanisms, sonographic techniques, and clinical implications for rehabilitation professionals. Diagnosis of acute ligament injury by physical examination is often challenging and is frequently misdiagnosed. By integrating MSKUS into clinical practice, providers can improve diagnostic accuracy, enhance diagnostic confidence, monitor healing progression, and guide rehabilitation strategies to achieve optimal patient outcomes for patients with knee ligament injuries.