Clinical presentation of anterior pelvic tilt and trunk muscle endurance among patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) significantly affects the physical function and quality of life of the young and middle-aged population. Pelvic tilt and trunk muscle endurance are physical features poorly studied in FAIS. AIM: This study aimed to compare the anterior pelvic tilt and anterior, lateral, and posterior trunk muscles endurance between people with FAIS and healthy individuals, within FAIS sub types and between the symptomatic and asymptomatic hip in people with FAIS. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTINGS: Participants were recruited and screened for potential eligibility at the Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine, and Physiotherapy Unit between April 2021 and February 2022. POPULATION: Sixty-nine patients with FAIS and 69 controls. METHODS: A study adhering to STROBE guidelines recruited 138 participants (69 FAIS, 69 controls). The degree of pelvic tilt was measured by the palpation meter (PALM) tool. To assess trunk musculature endurance, isometric trunk tests described by McGill were performed (extension resistance test, flexion resistance test, and side plank test). Cases were classified based on FAIS subtypes. Differences between groups and subgroups were performed using t-tests and ANCOVA, respectively. RESULTS: Significant differences in anterior pelvic tilt were observed between the control and FAIS groups (P<0.001, d=0.72). Participants with FAIS exhibited greater pelvic tilt (MD=1.57, 95% CI=0.83 to 2.3). Trunk muscle endurance showed statistically significant differences (P<0.001, d=0.72) for posterior muscles. In comparisons between symptomatic and asymptomatic hips, significant differences were found in pelvic tilt (P<0.001, d=0.26) and lateral trunk muscle endurance (P<0.001, d=0.43). FAIS subtypes demonstrated significant differences in lateral trunk muscle endurance (P=0.002, ηp2=0.209). CONCLUSIONS: This study found that patients with FAIS present large anterior pelvic tilt and lower posterior trunk muscle endurance. Although anterior pelvic tilt was comparable for all FAIS subtypes, Pincer-type with or without labral tear exhibited lower lateral trunk muscle endurance compared with Cam-type with or without labral tear. In addition, the symptomatic hip of FAIS patients showed lower lateral trunk muscle endurance compared to the asymptomatic hip. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Incorporating rehabilitation strategies that address pelvic tilt and trunk muscle strengthening in individuals with FAIS might be considered as a potential means to improve these physical impairments, pending careful evaluation of their effectiveness.

Evaluation of Abdominal Musculature Thickness, Pelvic Tilt, and Trunk Mobility in Women with Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

Background: This cross-sectional observational study aimed to investigate differences in abdominal musculature thickness, pelvic tilt, and trunk mobility between women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and a control group (CG). Methods: Participants included 44 women (22 with PD and 22 controls) aged over 18, nulliparous, and of reproductive age. Ultrasound imaging was used to measure the thickness of the transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), external oblique (EO), and rectus abdominis (RA) muscles at rest and during contraction. Additionally, anterior pelvic tilt was assessed using the Palpation Meter (PALM), and trunk flexion and extension were measured using an accelerometer (activForce2). Results: Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in RA and EO muscle thickness, with lower values in the PD group compared to CG. However, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in TrA and IO muscle thickness, anterior pelvic tilt, or trunk mobility between groups. Conclusions: These findings contribute to understanding the musculoskeletal factors potentially involved in dysmenorrhea. Further research is needed to explore associations between PD and structural and alignment parameters.

Effects of technological running shoes versus barefoot running on the intrinsic foot muscles, ankle mobility, and dynamic control: a novel cross-sectional research.

BACKGROUND: Technological running shoes have become increasingly popular, leading to improvements in performance. However, their long-term effects on foot musculature and joint mobility have not been thoroughly studied. OBJECTIVE: To compare the activation of the intrinsic foot muscles between runners wearing technological footwear and barefoot runners. Secondary objectives included assessing ankle dorsiflexion (DF) range of motion (ROM) and dynamic postural control in both groups. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 22 technological footwear runners and 22 barefoot runners. Ultrasonography was used to measure the thickness of the plantar fascia (PF) and the quadratus plantae (QP), abductor digiti minimus (ADM), abductor hallucis (AH), and flexor hallucis longus (FHL) muscles. Ankle mobility and dynamic postural control were also recorded. RESULTS: Ultrasonography measurements showed statistically significant differences for PF thickness (mean difference [MD]: -0.10 cm; 95% CI: -0.13, -0.05 cm), QP cross-sectional area (CSA) (MD: -0.45 cm2; 95% CI: -0.77, -0.12 cm2), ADM CSA (MD: -0.49 cm2; 95% CI: -0.70, -0.17 cm2), and FHL thickness (MD: 0.82 cm; 95% CI: 0.53, 1.09 cm), with all measurements being lower in the group wearing technological footwear compared to the barefoot runners. Ankle DF ROM was also significantly greater for the barefoot runners (MD: -5.1°; 95% CI: -8.6, -1.7°). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest potential implications for the foot musculature and ankle mobility in runners using technological footwear.

Associations between respiratory function, balance, postural control, and fatigue in persons with multiple sclerosis: an observational study.

Introduction: Fatigue, postural control impairments, and reduced respiratory capacities are common symptoms in persons diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). However, there is a paucity of evidence establishing correlations among these factors. The aim of this study is to analyze respiratory function in persons with MS compared to the control group as well as to analyze the relationship between fatigue, respiratory function and postural control in persons with MS. Materials and methods: A total of 17 persons with MS and 17 healthy individuals were enrolled for this cross-sectional study. The evaluated parameters included fatigue assessed using the Visual Analog Scale-fatigue (VAS-F) and the Borg Dyspnea Scale, postural control assessed through the Mini Balance Evaluation System Test (Mini-BESTest), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS); and respiratory capacities measured by Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP), Maximum Expiratory Pressure (MEP), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, Diaphragmatic excursion and diaphragmatic thickness. Results: A very high correlation was observed between the Borg Dyspnoea Scale and the BBS (r = -0.768), TUG (0.867), and Mini-BESTest (r = -0.775). The VAS-F exhibited an almost perfect correlation solely with the TUG (0.927). However, none of the variables related to fatigue exhibited any correlation with the respiratory variables under study. Balance-related variables such as BBS and Mini-BESTest demonstrated a very high and high correlation. Respectively, with respiratory function variables MEP (r = 0.783; r = 0.686), FVC (r = 0.709; r = 0.596), FEV1 (r = 0.615; r = 0.518). BBS exhibited a high correlation with diaphragmatic excursion (r = 0.591). Statistically significant differences were noted between the persons with MS group and the control group in all respiratory and ultrasound parameters except for diaphragmatic thickness. Conclusion: The findings suggest that decreased postural control and balance are associated with both respiratory capacity impairments and the presence of fatigue in persons with MS. However, it is important to note that the alterations in respiratory capacities and fatigue are not mutually related, as indicated by the data obtained in this study. Discrepancies were identified in abdominal wall thickness, diaphragmatic excursion, and respiratory capacities between persons with MS and their healthy counterparts.

Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 on Amateur Runners' Performance: An Analysis through Monitoring Devices.

This retrospective study aimed to analyze the return to running of non-professional runners after experiencing asymptomatic or mild COVID-19. Participants aged 18-55 years who maintained a training load of ≥10 km/week for at least three months prior to diagnosis and utilized Garmin/Polar apps were included. From these devices, parameters such as pace, distance, total running time, cadence, and heart rate were collected at three intervals: pre-COVID, immediately post-COVID, and three months after diagnosis. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for analysis (significance was set at ≤0.05). Twenty-one participants (57.1% male; mean age 35.0 ± 9.8 years) were included. The results revealed a significant decrease in running duration and distance two weeks after diagnosis, without significant changes in other parameters. Three months after infection, no differences were observed compared to pre-infection data, indicating a return to the pre-disease training load. These findings underscore the transient impact of COVID-19 on training performance among non-professional runners with mild or asymptomatic symptoms, highlighting the importance of tailored strategies for resuming running after infection.

Effects of Minimalist vs. Traditional Running Shoes on Abdominal Lumbopelvic Muscle Activity in Women Running at Different Speeds: A Randomized Cross-Over Clinical Trial.

This study aimed to investigate if the characteristics of different running shoes could influence intra-abdominal pressure during running. A single-centre, randomized, prospective cross-over clinical trial was performed measuring activity patterns of internal oblique (IO), lumbar erector (LE), and gluteus maximus (GM) muscles in healthy women when running with minimalist shoes (MS). Participants were randomly allocated into two-sequence (MS/TS or TS/MS) treadmill running at six, nine, and eleven km/h. The surface electromyographic activity of IO, LE, and GM muscles were recorded while running. A repeated measures ANOVA explored the interaction effects of three-muscle x three speeds x two shoes. Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Fifty-one healthy nulliparous women (mean age: 26.55 ± 5.11 years; body mass index: 21.29 ± 2.07 Kg/m2) were included. Our findings revealed lower activations of the LE compared to the internal oblique IO and GM, irrespective of running speed and footwear used. Electromyographic activation significantly increased with higher running speeds (p < 0.001) for all muscles, regardless of the type of footwear. Although electromyographic records with MS consistently showed higher values than those with TS, the differences were not statistically significant for all muscles at all speeds. Our results indicate that electromyographic activation patterns vary according to the muscle group, exhibiting higher values with increased running speed. No significant differences were observed between MS and TS.

Assessing the effect of prophylactic ankle taping on ankle and knee biomechanics during landing tasks in healthy individuals: A cross-sectional observational study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Current research supports the fact that prophylactic ankle taping (AT) is effective in preventing ankle injuries in amateur and elite sports athletes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of AT on balance, knee valgus during drop jump and single-leg countermovement jump (SL-CMJ) landings, and ankle range of motion (ROM) restriction in healthy participants. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. METHODS: Participants: Thirty-nine healthy individuals participated in this study and performed the movements under two conditions (with and without tape). Outcome measurements: ankle ROM, balance, SL-CMJ height, flight time, ground time, and knee valgus. Before any intervention, a random process was developed with a 1:1 allocation ratio, and the participants were assigned to groups A (tape-no tape) and B (no tape-tape). RESULTS: Significant differences between tape and no-tape moments were observed for drop jump knee valgus flexion (P = 0.007), with an increase in knee valgus in participants with ankle taping. Similarly, the Y-balance testshowed a significant decrease in all variables (P = 0.001 and), ankle dorsiflexion (P = 0.001) in participants with ankle taping. CONCLUSIONS: AT is effective for immediate ankle ROM restriction. However, an increase in knee valgus during drop jump task and a decrease in lower limb balance were observed during drop jump task. Based on these results, it can be concluded that AT application in healthy individuals should not be recommended as it results in increase in injury risk factors.

Effects of usual yoga practice on the diaphragmatic contractility: A cross-sectional controlled study.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to observe and compare the effects of regular yoga practice on the main inspiratory muscle, the diaphragm, by analyzing its thickness, excursion, velocity and contraction time, using ultrasound. Design: A Cross-Sectional Controlled Study. Participants: 80 healthy subjects (40 habitual yoga practitioners and 40 non-practitioners), without previous respiratory pathology participated in this study. During maximum diaphragmatic breathing, the diaphragmatic thickness (at rest and after maximum inspiration), excursion, velocity and contraction time were measured by ultrasound. Results: in the experimental group, practicing yoga, statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed compared to the control group, not practicing, in the thickness of the diaphragm at rest (0.26 ± 0.02 vs 0.22 ± 0.01 cm); the diaphragmatic thickness in maximum inspiration (0.34 ± 0.03 vs 0.28 ± 0.03 cm); contraction velocity (1.54 ± 0.54 vs 2.23 ± 0.86 cm/s), contraction time (3.28 ± 0.45 vs 2.58 ± 0.49 s) and Borg scale of perceived exertion (1.05 ± 1.6 vs 1.70 ± 1.34), p = 0.05. However, the diaphragmatic excursion was greater in the control group (5.45 ± 1.42 vs 4.87 ± 1.33 cm) with no statistically significant differences (p = 0.06). Conclusions: the regular practice of yoga improves the parameters of diaphragm thickness, speed and contraction time measured in ultrasound and the sensation of perceived exertion during a maximum inspiration. So it can be considered as another method for training the inspiratory muscles in clinical practice.

Effects of combined treatment with transcranial and peripheral electromagnetic stimulation on performance and pain recovery from delayed onset muscle soreness induced by eccentric exercise in young athletes. A randomized clinical trial.

Background: There is a common interest in finding a common consensus in the approach of athletes suffering from DOMS with the aim of accelerating recovery and thereby enhancing performance. The objective of this study was to observe the effects of a paired-associative transcranial and peripheral electromagnetic stimulation on young athletes suffering from DOMS, induced by 1 h of eccentric and plyometric exercises. Methods: Forty-eight young athletes participated in this randomized control trial: 13 were assigned to the peripheral group (P); 12 were in the control group (Cont); 11 were assigned to the transcranial group (T) and 12 were included in the paired-associative group (Comb). The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of pain perception and the mechanical Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) were the tools used to analyze the symptoms of DOMS. On the other hand, the Half Squat (HS) test evaluated with an accelerometer, and the 30 m sprint velocity (30-mSP) test were used to observe the evolution of the sports performance of the lower limbs. All evaluations were performed before and after the eccentric exercise session that caused DOMS, as well as at 24-48, and 72 h afterward. Results: The AS group improved the symptoms of the induced DOMS, since significant positive differences were observed in the VAS and PPT compared to the other groups (p < 0.001). In addition, the AS group showed a significant improvement in the HS and the 30-mSP tests (p < 0.001). Based on the results a treatment with both peripheral and transcranial electromagnetic stimulation improves recovery and performance in athletes at 72 h, although these data would need to be verified in future research with a larger sample size. Conclusion: Paired-associative electromagnetic stimulation improved DOMS symptomatology, velocity, and sports performance in the lower limbs.

Assessing the effect of prophylactic ankle taping on ankle and knee biomechanics during landing tasks in healthy individuals: A cross-sectional observational study.

BACKGROUND: Current research supports the fact that prophylactic ankle taping (AT) is effective in preventing ankle injuries in amateur and elite sports athletes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of AT on balance, knee valgus during drop jump and single-leg countermovement jump (SL-CMJ) landings, and ankle range of motion (ROM) restriction in healthy participants. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. METHODS: Participants: Thirty-nine healthy individuals participated in this study and performed the movements under two conditions (with and without tape). Outcome measurements: ankle ROM, balance, SL-CMJ height, flight time, ground time, and knee valgus. Before any intervention, a random process was developed with a 1:1 allocation ratio, and the participants were assigned to groups A (tape-no tape) and B (no tape-tape). RESULTS: Significant differences between tape and no-tape moments were observed for drop jump knee valgus flexion (P = 0.007), with an increase in knee valgus in participants with ankle taping. Similarly, the Y-balance testshowed a significant decrease in all variables (P = 0.001 and), ankle dorsiflexion (P = 0.001) in participants with ankle taping. CONCLUSIONS: AT is effective for immediate ankle ROM restriction. However, an increase in knee valgus during drop jump task and a decrease in lower limb balance were observed during drop jump task. Based on these results, it can be concluded that AT application in healthy individuals should not be recommended as it results in increase in injury risk factors.

Electromyographic Activity of the Pelvic Floor Muscles and Internal Oblique Muscles in Women during Running with Traditional and Minimalist Shoes: A Cross-Over Clinical Trial.

The study aimed to investigate the effects of footwear on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) and internal oblique (IO) muscles during running at different speeds. The study also aimed to explore the correlation between EMG activity of PFMs and IO muscles and participants' morphological characteristics. Ten nulliparous female runners were included in the study. The participants ran for 90 s at speeds of 9, 11, and 13 km/h wearing both traditional and minimalist shoes. EMG outcomes were presented as a percentage of maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC). Comparative analysis was conducted using the Wilcoxon rank test. Correlational analysis was performed using the Rho-Spearman correlation coefficient. The %MVC for the IO muscles was significantly lower when using minimalist shoes compared to traditional shoes (p = 0.04). No statistically significant differences were found for the PFMs (p > 0.05). The study also observed large correlations between age and %MVC of the PFMs and IO muscles (rho = -0.64; p = 0.04). Minimalist shoes decreased the activity of IO muscles in female runners. However, no significant differences in EMG activity of PFMs were found when comparing traditional and minimalist footwear. The long-term effects of minimalist footwear on EMG activity of PFMs and IO muscles, as well as their relationship to morphological characteristics, require further investigation.

Effects of minimalist shoes on pelvic floor activity in nulliparous women during running at different velocities: a randomized cross-over clinical trial.

In the last decade, minimalist shoes have gained popularity as an alternative to traditional shoes. The aim of the present study was to determine the short-term effects of minimalist shoes in femur range of motion (ROM) and cadence. The secondary objectives were the assessment of the electromyographic activity of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) in nulliparous women. A randomized, prospective cross-over clinical trial design was used for the study. A total of 51 participants were randomly allocated into a two-sequence crossover design (AB/BA crossover design). Femur ROM, cadence and PFM activity were recorded. The femur ROM at 6 km/h was greater with the minimalist shoes by 1.62 degrees than with the traditional ones (p = 0.001). There was a main effect of the type of shoe (p = 0.015) systematically observing a higher running cadence with the minimalist shoe compared to the traditional one. Electromyographic activity of the PFM revealed significant differences for 11 km/h for the total average (p = 0.027) and the minimum peaks at 9 km/h (p = 0.011) and 11 km/h (p = 0.048) for the minimalist shoe with respect to the traditional shoes. Minimalist shoes produce immediate effects on the biomechanical variables of running. An increase was observed in the femur ROM at 6 km/h and in the cadence at 11 km/h with the use of minimalist shoes. The use of minimalist shoes increased the electromyographic activation of the PFM in the minimum peaks at speeds of 9 and 11 km/h and in the total average at speeds of 11 km/h compared to the traditional shoe.