RELATIONSHIP OF PRESEASON MOVEMENT SCREENS WITH OVERUSE SYMPTOMS IN COLLEGIATE BASEBALL PLAYERS.

BACKGROUND: The shoulder mobility screen of the Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) and the upper extremity patterns of the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) assess global, multi-joint movement capabilities in the upper-extremities. Identifying which assessment can most accurately determine if baseball players are at an increased risk of experiencing overuse symptoms in the shoulder or elbow throughout a competitive season may reduce throwing-related injuries requiring medical attention. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if preseason FMS™ or SFMA scores were related to overuse severity scores in the shoulder or elbow during the preseason and competitive season. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. METHODS: Sixty healthy, male, Division III collegiate baseball players (mean age = 20.1 ± 2.0 years) underwent preseason testing using the FMS™ shoulder mobility screen, and SFMA upper extremity patterns. Their scores were dichotomized into good and bad movement scores, and were compared to weekly questionnaires registering overuse symptoms and pain severity in the shoulder or elbow during the season. RESULTS: Poor FMS™ performance was associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing at least one overuse symptom during the preseason independent of grade and position (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 5.14, p = 0.03). Poor SFMA performance was associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing at least one overuse symptom during the preseason (adjusted OR = 6.10, p = 0.03) and during the competitive season (adjusted OR = 17.07, p = 0.03) independent of grade and position. CONCLUSION: FMS™ shoulder mobility and SFMA upper extremity pattern performance were related to the likelihood of experiencing overuse symptoms during a baseball season. Participants with poor FMSTM performances may be more likely to experience at least one overuse symptom in their shoulder or elbow during the preseason. Additionally, individuals with poor SFMA performances may be more likely to report overuse symptoms during the preseason or competitive season. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Muscle activation and force production in Parkinson's patients during sit to stand transfers.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the kinematics, muscle activation, and force production between Parkinson's patients and healthy, age-matched participants during sit-to-stand transfers. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study employed a 2x2x3 multivariate analysis of variance to test for significant differences between and within groups. BACKGROUND: The underlying mechanisms that predispose an individual to lose strength during the clinical progression of Parkinson's disease have proved to be elusive, especially during performance of functional tasks such as the sit to stand transfer. METHODS: Twenty-four men (mean age: 71.5 years) categorized as Parkinson's patients (n = 13) and healthy adults (n = 11) participated in this study. Two force platforms measured antero-posterior and vertical force components as well as peak torque. Muscle activation was measured by a six channel, bilateral electromyography system. A lower-body kinematic assessment was conducted utilizing a high-speed motion analysis system. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between groups for the outcome variables measured. However, Parkinson's patients did exhibit significant within-group bilateral differences for the variables of knee angle at seat-off, peak vertical force and peak torque. CONCLUSION: Data from this study reveal that persons with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease exhibit moderately altered bilateral mechanics when performing a sit to stand transfer compared to their healthy peers. RELEVANCE: The inability to produce constant equilateral force when performing functional tasks could be an indicator for the increased propensity of falls or other instabilities in this population.