Clinical care ratios for allied health practitioners: an update and implications for workforce planning.

ObjectiveClinical care ratios are used to quantify and benchmark the activity of allied health professionals. This study aims to review previous recommendations and identify what variables may influence them.MethodData was collected from the core allied health professions (audiology, nutrition and dietetics, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry, prosthetics and orthotics, psychology, social work and speech pathology) across eight Australian hospitals. Data for 113 staff who were casual or from smaller professions (audiology, podiatry, prosthetics and orthotics and psychology) were excluded due to insufficient numbers for analysis. The remaining data were analysed according to profession, seniority (tiers 1, 2 and 3) and employment status (permanent versus casual staff). A two-way ANOVA was performed to assess the association of clinical care ratios with tier, profession, employment status and gender.ResultsData from 1246 staff from the five larger professions at participating hospitals were analysed. There were no interactions between profession and gender (P=0.185) or employment status (P=0.412). The relationship between clinical care ratio and profession was modified by tier (interaction term, P=0.014), meaning that differences in clinical care ratios between professions depended on the tier.ConclusionThis research has confirmed that clinical care ratios are a useful tool in workload management and determining staffing levels for allied health professionals. The recommendations from this research provide a starting point that can be finessed with reference to profession, model of care, workforce structure, governance and training requirements. This will lead to increased staff wellbeing and improved patient outcomes.

Exercise compared to a control condition or other conservative treatment options in patients with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the effectiveness of exercise at end of treatment and long-term follow-up compared to a control condition or other conservative treatments in patients with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS). METHODS: Databases were searched September 2021 and updated September 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing exercise interventions for patients with GTPS, to a control condition; corticosteroid injection; shock wave therapy; or other types of exercise programs were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROB2 tool. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model. The certainty of the evidence was rated by the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Six RCTs including a total of 733 patients with GTPS were included. Three trials compared exercise to sham exercise or wait-and-see control groups, two trials compared exercise to corticosteroid injection, two trials compared exercise to shockwave therapy, and one trial compared exercise to another type of exercise. Meta-analyses showed that in the long term, exercise slightly reduces hip pain and disease severity, while slightly improving patient-reported physical function and global rating of change compared to a control condition. No serious adverse events were reported. Compared to corticosteroid injection, exercise improves long-term global rating of change. CONCLUSION: The current evidence supports a strong recommendation for exercise as first line treatment in patients clinically diagnosed with GTPS. Compared to corticosteroid injection, exercise is superior in increasing the likelihood that a patient experiences a meaningful global improvement. These results are based on few trials and a moderate number of patients. REGISTRATION: This review was prospectively registered in the PROSPERO database of systematic reviews (ID: CRD42021261380). CONTRIBUTION OF PAPER.

Proportion of unplanned tube replacements and complications following gastrostomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: Gastrostomy feeding represents a vital component of supportive care provided to people with swallowing or feeding difficulties; however, the rate of specific long-term complications is currently unknown in the adult population. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of specific long-term gastrostomy-related complications and unplanned replacements in adults. METHODS: A prospective systematic review of Medline, CINAHL and Embase databases was performed. Key complications of hypergranulation, infection and displacement among studies relevant to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes, radiologically inserted gastrostomy tubes and balloon replacement tubes were critically appraised by two independent reviewers. Results were synthesised quantitatively in a meta-analysis using random effects where the population and condition were sufficiently homogeneous. RESULTS: In total, 453 studies were identified, of which 17 met inclusion criteria. 8.5% of adults with a gastrostomy were found to have had an infection ≥42 days after initial tube insertion (p < 0.01), while 13% had hypergranulation (p < 0.01). Displacement occurred in 10.8% of adults (p < 0.01), with age (p < 0.001) and sex (p < 0.001) presenting as a risk factor (R2 = 75%) following meta-regression. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 1 in 10 people with a gastrostomy will experience a complication related to either hypergranulation, infection or dislodgement. Age, in combination with sex, may provide a guide for risk of displacement among adult female cohorts, though further studies reporting prevalence of gastrostomy-related complications along with participant demographics are required.

Football Players With Hip Dysplasia: The Relationship Between Muscle Strength, Functional Performance, Self-reported Sport and Recreation, Cartilage Defects, and Sex. A Cross-sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: In symptomatic football players with hip dysplasia, we aimed to explore the relationships between self-reported sport and recreation ability and (1) hip muscle strength, (2) functional performance, and investigate if these relationships were modified by sex or cartilage defects. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, football players (n = 50) with longstanding (>6 months) hip and/or groin pain, a positive flexion/adduction/internal rotation test, and a lateral-center-edge angle <25° were included. Hip muscle strength and functional performance were assessed. Self-reported sport and recreation ability was quantified using the sports and recreational subscales from the International Hip Outcome Tool-33 (iHOT-Sport) and the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS-Sport). Relationships were evaluated using regression models with sex and cartilage defects as potential effect modifiers. RESULTS: There was a positive linear relationship between the one-leg-rise test and the iHOT-Sport subscale (ß = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.09, 1.14). A polynomial (concave) relationship was found between peak eccentric adduction strength and the HAGOS-Sport subscale (ß = -30.88; 95% CI: -57.78, -3.99). Cartilage defects modified the relationship between peak isometric adduction strength and HAGOS-Sport, with those with cartilage defects having a polynomial (convex) relationship (ß = 36.59; 95% CI: 12.74, 60.45), and those without cartilage defects having no relationship. CONCLUSION: One-leg-rise performance and adduction strength were associated with self-reported sport and recreation ability, indicating a possible relationship between physical function, hip joint structure, and sport and recreation ability in football players with hip dysplasia. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2023;53(10):1-8. Epub: 8 September 2023. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.12026.

Does hip muscle strength and functional performance differ between football players with and without hip dysplasia?

OBJECTIVE: To compare hip muscle strength and functional performance in football players with and without hip dysplasia and investigate if the relationships were modified by sex. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: This study compared football players with hip dysplasia (HD group) and without hip dysplasia (control group). Hip muscle strength (Nm/kg) and functional task performance were assessed in both groups. Linear regression with generalized estimating equations were used to assess differences between groups. Sex was assessed as a potential effect modifier. RESULTS: 101 football players were included (HD group, n = 50, control group, n = 51). There was no difference in hip muscle strength or functional performance between the HD group and the control group. Results ranged from hip extension strength (Estimate -0.13.95%CI: 0.29 to 0.02, P = 0.087) to hip external rotation strength (Estimate 0.00.95%CI: 0.05 to 0.05, P = 0.918). No relationships were modified by sex or age. CONCLUSIONS: Similar levels of hip muscle strength and functional performance were found in active football players with and without hip dysplasia. These findings differ from other studies. This may be due to our cohort having less advanced hip dysplasia than the surgical populations that have been previously investigated, or due to a beneficial effect of football participation on muscle strength and functional performance in people with hip dysplasia.

Gluteal Muscle Size and Quality in Professional Ballet Dancers Compared to Non-Dancing Athletes.

INTRODUCTION: Professional ballet dancers load their hips in extreme ranges of motion and commonly report hip pain. Evaluating gluteal muscle size and quality may help guide exercise programs. Objectives of this study were to compare gluteal muscle size and quality (fatty infiltration) in ballet dancers compared to athletes; and to investigate the relationship between gluteal muscle size and quality, and reports of hip-related pain. METHODS: This study was a case-control design. Professional ballet dancers (current and retired, n = 49, mean age 35 years, range 19-63) and age and sex-matched athletes (current and retired, n = 49) underwent magnetic resonance imaging of both hips. Muscle cross-sectional areas (CSA) were obtained at standardized landmarks for gluteus maximus (GMax) and gluteus medius (GMed). Full muscle volume was calculated for gluteus minimus (GMin). Fatty infiltration was rated using the Goutallier classification system. Muscle size was compared between groups using linear mixed models. Fatty infiltration was compared using a mixed model binary logistic regression. Hip-related pain, participation status, limb side and sex were included as covariates. RESULTS: Ballet dancers had significantly larger GMax (upper P < .01, middle P < .01, lower P = .01) and GMed (level of anterior inferior iliac spine P < .01, greater sciatic foramen P < .01) CSA and larger GMin volume (P < .01), when normalized to weight. There was no difference in fatty infiltration ratings between dancers and non-dancing athletes. Retired dancers and athletes reporting hip-related pain were more likely to have fatty infiltration in GMax lower (P = .04). CONCLUSION: Gluteal muscles are larger in ballet dancers compared to athletes suggesting high-level loading of these muscles. There is no relationship between hip-related pain and gluteal muscle size. Dancers and athletes have comparable muscle quality.

Vestibular dysfunction in people who fall: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence and associated factors.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with vestibular dysfunction in people who fall. DATA SOURCES: All electronic records from MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase and psycINFO databases were searched to 9 December 2022. REVIEW METHODS: Participants were adults with at least one fall within the previous year who were exposed to at least one vestibular function test. Any published peer reviewed trial designs were accepted. Included studies were assessed for risk of bias using a modified Epidemiological Appraisal Instrument. The quality of each meta-analysis was assessed using modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). RESULTS: Ten trials (468 participants) were identified, six of which had high methodological quality. Vestibular dysfunction was found in 61% (48.01-72.32) I2 = 78% of participants. The most prevalent type of dysfunction was from tests of vestibulo-ocular reflex at 61% (49.79 to 70.49) I2 = 68%, followed by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo at 22% (10.30-40.32) I2 = 87% and central dysfunction at 11% (2.24-37.76) I2 = 50%. People who fall with vestibular dysfunction had reduced walking function compared to those without dysfunction -0.51 (-0.85 to -0.16) I2 = 11%. Dizziness was not related to vestibular dysfunction in people who fall 0.25 (-0.10 to 0.60), I2 = 0%. The quality of the body of evidence ranged from very low to high. CONCLUSION: More than one in two people who fall have vestibular dysfunction. Clinicians cannot rely on dizziness report to indicate need for vestibular screening in those who fall. A vestibular screen should be incorporated into a comprehensive falls assessment.

Outcome measures in the management of gluteal tendinopathy: a systematic review of their measurement properties.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate properties of outcome measures for gluteal tendinopathy. DESIGN: Multistage scoping/systematic review. DATA SOURCES: Cochrane, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, CINAHL, SPORTDISCUS were searched (December 2021) to identify measures used to evaluate gluteal tendinopathy. Measures were mapped to the core health domains for tendinopathy. Medline, CINAHL, Embase and PubMed were searched (December 2021) for studies evaluating measurement properties of gluteal tendinopathy outcome measures captured in the initial search. Both reviews included studies that evaluated a treatment in participants with gluteal tendinopathy, diagnosed by a professional. Consensus-based-Standards for the Selection of Health Instruments methodology were followed-including bias assessment and synthesis of findings. RESULTS: Six studies reported on the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Gluteal Tendinopathy (VISA-G). One study reported on the Hip Outcome Score (HOS)-activities of daily living (ADL) and Sport.The VISA-G had moderate-quality evidence of sufficient construct validity (known group) and responsiveness (pre-post intervention), low-quality evidence of sufficient reliability, measurement error, comprehensibility and insufficient construct validity (convergent), and very low-quality evidence of sufficient comprehensiveness, relevance and responsiveness (comparison with other outcome measures).Both the HOS(ADL) and HOS(Sport) had very low-quality evidence of sufficient reliability, relevance and insufficient construct validity and comprehensiveness. The HOS(ADL) had very low-quality evidence of sufficient comprehensibility and insufficient measurement error. The HOS(Sport) had very low quality evidence of inconsistent comprehensibility and sufficient measurement error. CONCLUSION: Rigorously validated outcome measures for gluteal tendinopathy are lacking. The VISA-G is the preferred available option to capture the disability associated with gluteal tendinopathy.

Does Menopausal Hormone Therapy, Exercise, or Both Improve Pain and Function in Postmenopausal Women With Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome? A 2 × 2 Factorial Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a debilitating chronic condition, most prevalent in postmenopausal women. A positive association between high estrogen levels and tendon health may exist, and postmenopausal women have reduced estrogen. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) may reduce the incidence of tendon abnormality, particularly when combined with exercise. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of MHT and exercise on tendon pain and function in postmenopausal women with GTPS. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: Postmenopausal women (N = 132; n = 12, lost to follow-up) with GTPS were randomized into MHT and placebo transdermal cream groups combined with tendon-specific or sham exercise. All groups received education about avoiding gluteal tendon compression and load management throughout 12 weeks of intervention. The primary outcome was the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment for gluteal tendinopathy (VISA-G), and secondary outcomes were measured at baseline and at 12 and 52 weeks. The Global Rating of Change was assessed at 12 and 52 weeks. A linear mixed-effects model was used to assess differences. Body mass index (BMI) was included as a covariate. RESULTS: All participant groups improved over time (baseline vs 12 weeks, P < .001; baseline vs 52 weeks, P < .001). There was no difference among exercise groups measured by all outcomes (VISA-G: baseline, P = .97, mean difference [MD] = 0.10; 12 weeks, P = .49, MD = 2.15; 52 weeks, P = .32, MD = -3.08). There was a significant interaction effect between cream and BMI; therefore, the population was stratified by BMI levels (<25, <30, ≥30). The MHT groups (with exercise and education) had significantly better VISA-G outcomes (baseline, P = .04, MD = -11.20, 95% CI = -21.70 to -0.70; 12 weeks, P < .001, MD = -20.72, 95% CI = -31.22 to -10.22; 52 weeks, P = .002, MD = -16.71, 95% CI = -27.21 to -6.22) and secondary measure scores as compared with placebo at all time points when BMI was <25. CONCLUSION: MHT or placebo combined with tendon-specific or sham exercise plus education reduced pain and increased function for this population. For women with a BMI <25, MHT with any exercise plus education was better than placebo. A targeted exercise or sham exercise strategy is effective when prescribed with education about avoiding gluteal tendon compression and load management. REGISTRATION: ACTRN12614001157662 (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry).

Prefabricated contoured foot orthoses to reduce pain and increase physical activity in people with hip osteoarthritis: protocol for a randomised feasibility trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this randomised feasibility trial is to determine the feasibility of conducting an adequately powered randomised controlled trial (RCT) investigating the efficacy of prefabricated contoured foot orthoses in people with hip osteoarthritis (OA). The secondary aims of the trial are to compare the effect of prefabricated contoured foot orthoses to a flat shoe insert comparator on outcomes of hip-related pain, physical activity and quality of life. We hypothesise that the demand, implementation, acceptability and practicality of foot orthoses as a treatment option for people with hip OA will be deemed feasible, informing the development of an adequately powered RCT to evaluate the efficacy and long term outcomes. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will recruit 28 people with hip OA who will be randomised to receive either prefabricated contoured foot orthoses or flat shoe inserts to use for a 6-week period. Both groups will receive standardised education on hip OA and physical activity. The study's primary outcome is the feasibility domains of demand, implementation, acceptability and practicality. The secondary outcomes include the change in Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-12, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Brief Fear of Movement Scale for OA, Physical activity accelerometry and the Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form. Descriptive statistics will be used to describe feasibility outcomes with limited efficacy analysis used for the secondary outcomes. Linear mixed models will be used to analyse between-group differences at 6 weeks, with baseline values used as covariates, treatment allocation as a fixed factor and participant as a random factor. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This trial has been approved by the La Trobe University Human Research Ethics Committee (HEC20427), St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC 266/20) and Northern Health Research Governance (NH-2021-292862). The results will be disseminated via a peer-reviewed journal and presented at international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05138380.

Does the use of i-FACTOR bone graft affect bone healing in those undergoing periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)? A retrospective study.

The aims of this study were to compare, in patients with and without the use of i-FACTOR bone graft during periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) surgery for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), (i) bone healing at six-weeks post-operatively (ii) rate of complications. This was a retrospective review of case records. Participants were people aged 15-50 years undergoing rectus-sparing minimally invasive PAO surgery for DDH. Group 1: patients with i-FACTOR, Group 2: No i-FACTOR. The primary outcome was the rate of bone healing on radiographs at 6 weeks. The likelihood of bone healing was compared using logistic regression with Generalised Estimating Equations (GEE) and expressed as odds ratios (95% confidence intervals (CIs; P < 0.05)). The occurrence of complications was extracted from surgical records. The i-FACTOR group had 3-times greater odds of partial/full union than those without [adjusted odds ratio (95% CIs, P-value)]: [3.265 (1.032 to 10.330, P = 0.044)]. The i-FACTOR group had 89% partial/full union at 6-weeks, compared to 69% of the non-i-FACTOR group. Half of the patients had leaking of bone graft in the i-FACTOR group versus 10% in the non-i-FACTOR group, 26% of the i-FACTOR group and 12% of the non-i-FACTOR group had neuropraxia of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). Complication rates were low, and similar between groups. However, the rate of LFCN neuropraxia and bone graft leakage was higher in the i-FACTOR. These findings should be confirmed in a future prospective randomised clinical trial and include outcomes such as pain and quality of life.

Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review of Interventions.

BACKGROUND: Proximal hamstring tendinopathy affects athletic and non-athletic populations and is associated with longstanding buttock pain. The condition is common in track and field, long distance running and field-based sports. Management options need to be evaluated to direct appropriate clinical management. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate surgical and non-surgical interventions used in managing proximal hamstring tendinopathy. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched to January 2019. Studies (all designs) investigating interventions for people with proximal hamstring tendinopathy were eligible. Outcomes included symptoms, physical function, quality of life and adverse events. Studies were screened for risk of bias. Reporting quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (Randomized Controlled Trials [RCT]) and the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist (Case Series). Effect sizes (Standard mean difference or Standard paired difference) of 0.2, 0.5 and 0.8 were considered as small, medium and large respectively. Overall quality of evidence was rated according to GRADE guidelines. RESULTS: Twelve studies (2 RCTs and 10 case series) were included (n=424; males 229). RCTs examined the following interventions: platelet-rich plasma injection (n=1), autologous whole-blood injection (n=1), shockwave therapy (n=1) and multi-modal intervention (n=1). Case series included evaluation of the following interventions: platelet-rich plasma injection (n=3), surgery (n=4), corticosteroid injection (n=2), multi-modal intervention + platelet-rich plasma injection (n=1). Very low-level evidence found shockwave therapy was more effective than a multi-modal intervention, by a large effect on improving symptoms (-3.22 SMD; 95% CI -4.28, -2.16) and physical function (-2.42 SMD; 95% CI-3.33, -1.50) in the long-term. There was very low-level evidence of no difference between autologous whole-blood injection and platelet-rich plasma injection on physical function (0.17 SMD; 95% CI -0.86, 1.21) to (0.24 SMD; 95% CI -0.76, 1.24) and quality of life (-0.04 SMD; 95%CI -1.05, 0.97) in the medium-term. There was very low-quality evidence that surgery resulted in a large reduction in symptoms (-1.89 SPD; 95% CI -2.36, -1.41) to (-6.02 SPD; 95% CI -8.10, -3.94) and physical function (-4.08 SPD; 95%CI -5.53, -2.63) in the long-term. CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to recommend any one intervention over another. A pragmatic approach would be to initially trial approaches proven successful in other tendinopathies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2a.

Impact of COVID-19 on emergency department attendance in an Australia hospital: a parallel convergent mixed methods study.

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way people are accessing healthcare. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of COVID-19 on emergency department (ED) attendance for frequent attenders and to explore potential reasons for changes in attendance. DESIGN: This convergent parallel mixed methods study comprised two parts. SETTING: An interrupted time-series analysis evaluated changes in ED presentation rates; interviews investigated reasons for changes for frequent ED users in a culturally and linguistically diverse setting. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 4868 patients were included in the time series. A subgroup of 200 patients were interviewed, mean age 66 years (range 23-99). RESULTS: Interrupted time-series analysis from 4868 eligible participants showed an instantaneous decrease in weekly ED presentations by 36% (p<0.001), with reduction between 45% and 67% across emergency triage categories. 32% did not know they could leave home to seek care with differences seen in English versus non-English speakers (p<0.001). 35% reported postponing medical care. There was a high fear about the health system becoming overloaded (mean 4.2 (±2) on 6-point scale). Four key themes emerged influencing health-seeking behaviour: fear and/or avoidance of hospital care; use of telehealth for remote assessment; no fear or avoidance of hospital care; not leaving the house for any reason. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated reduced ED use by a vulnerable population of previously frequent attenders. COVID-19 has resulted in some fear and avoidance of hospitals, but has also offered new opportunity for alternative care through telehealth.

Proximal hamstring tendinopathy; expert physiotherapists' perspectives on diagnosis, management and prevention.

OBJECTIVES: To explore and summarise expert physiotherapists' perceptions on their assessment, management and prevention of proximal hamstring tendinopathy (PHT). METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews with expert physiotherapists until data saturation was met (n = 13). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and data were analysed systematically and organised into categories and sub-categories according to study aims. RESULTS: Experts report using a clinical reasoning-based approach, incorporating information from the patient interview and results of clinical load-based provocation tests, in the physical examination to diagnose PHT. Experts manage the condition through education and progressive loading targeting the hamstring unit and kinetic chain, avoiding provocative activities in positions of compression in early-mid stage rehab and a gradated and controlled return to sport. Passive therapies including injection therapies and surgery were believed to have limited utility. Prevention of recurrence primarily involved continuation of hamstring and kinetic chain strengthening programs and management of physical workload. CONCLUSION: Experts rely on a combination of information from the patient interview and a battery of pain provocation tests to diagnose PHT. Education and graded exercise of the hamstring group and synergists, minimising early exposure to hip flexion, were the foundation of management of the condition.

Muscle Size and Quality of the Gluteal Muscles and Tensor Fasciae Latae in Women with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome.

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is prevalent in women and severely impacts quality of life. A key muscle group demonstrating reduced strength are the hip abductors. An understanding of specific muscles affected will help guide targeted rehabilitation. Objectives of this case-control study were to compare gluteal and tensor fasciae latae (TFL) muscle size and quality (fatty infiltration) in women with symptomatic GTPS to asymptomatic age-matched female controls. Magnetic resonance imaging of 16 women with GTPS (mean age 55.75 years, range 23-69) and 15 asymptomatic controls (mean age 55.60 years, range 31-66) was undertaken. Muscle volumes of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and TFL were calculated. Fatty infiltration was rated using the Goutallier classification system for all muscles in their entirety, as well as anterior and posterior segments of gluteus medius and minimus. Muscle volumes and fatty infiltration were compared between groups. Significantly smaller muscle volumes were identified in the symptomatic group for the upper (P = 0.01) and lower (P = 0.04) portions of gluteus maximus, gluteus medius (P = 0.03), and gluteus minimus (P = 0.02). There was no difference in TFL (P = 0.18). Symptomatic participants displayed significantly greater fatty infiltration in gluteus maximus upper (P = 0.021) and lower (P = 0.049) when adjusted for BMI, and gluteus minimus (P = 0.018), particularly in the posterior portion (P = 0.04). Anterior gluteus minimus demonstrated high amounts of fatty infiltration in both groups. Gluteal muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration in women with GTPS suggests gluteus maximus and minimus may be an important target for rehabilitation. Clin. Anat., 33:1082-1090, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Does adding hip exercises to quadriceps exercises result in superior outcomes in pain, function and quality of life for people with knee osteoarthritis? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine, in people with knee osteoarthritis (KOA): i) the effectiveness of adding hip strengthening exercises to quadriceps exercises and ii) the type of hip strengthening exercise with the greatest evidence for improving pain, function and quality of life. DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Medline, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL and SportDiscus databases were searched from inception to January 2018. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Randomised controlled trials investigating the effect of adding hip exercises to quadriceps exercises in people with KOA on pain, function and/or quality of life were included. Three subgroups of hip exercises were included: resistance, functional neuromuscular or multimodal exercise. RESULTS: Eight studies were included. Pooled data provide evidence that combined hip and quadriceps exercise is significantly more effective than quadriceps exercise alone for improving walking function (standardised mean difference -1.06, 95% CI -2.01 to -0.12), but not for outcomes of pain (-0.09, 95% CI -0.96 to 0.79), patient-reported function (-0.74, 95% CI -1.56 to 0.08) or stair function (-0.7, 95% CI -1.67 to 0.26). Subgroup analyses reveal that hip resistance exercises are more effective than functional neuromuscular exercises for improving pain (p<0.0001) and patient-reported function (p<0.0001). Multimodal exercise is no more effective than quadriceps strengthening alone for pain (0.13, 95% CI -0.31 to 0.56), patient-reported function (-0.15, 95% CI -0.58 to 0.29) or stair function (0.13, 95% CI -0.3 to 0.57). CONCLUSION: Walking improved after the addition of hip strengthening to quadriceps strengthening in people with KOA. The addition of resistance hip exercises to quadriceps resulted in greater improvements in patient-reported pain and function.

Targeted gluteal exercise versus sham exercise on self-reported physical function for people with hip osteoarthritis (the GHOst trial - Gluteal exercise for Hip Osteoarthritis): a protocol for a randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines recommend exercise as the first line of management for hip osteoarthritis, yet high-quality evidence from Cochrane reviews suggest only slight benefits for pain and physical function; and no benefit on quality of life (low-quality evidence). However, the scope of physical impairments identified in people with hip osteoarthritis may not have been adequately addressed with targeted rehabilitation options in previous randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Potential targeted options include gait retraining to address spatio-temporal impairments in walking; motor control training to address deep gluteal (gluteus minimus) dysfunction; and progressive, high-intensity resistance exercises to address atrophy of the gluteal muscles. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a targeted gluteal rehabilitation programme that incorporates gait retraining, motor control and progressive, high-intensity resistance-strength training, to address physical activity levels and self-reported physical function in people with mild to moderate disability from hip osteoarthritis. METHODS: Ninety people diagnosed with mild to moderately disabling hip osteoarthritis will be recruited and randomised to receive one of two exercise programmes (sham or GHOst programme). Interventions will be 12 weeks in duration, with weekly, supervised physiotherapy sessions, and daily home exercises. Both groups will receive standardised education. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 7 weeks, 13 weeks (primary time-point) and 25 weeks. The primary outcome will be self-reported physical function measured with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Secondary outcomes include physical activity measured with a tri-axial accelerometer, physical function tests, self-reported physical activity, isometric hip-muscle strength tests, hip-related patient-reported outcome measures, pain thoughts and depressive symptoms, quality of life, global rating of change, gluteal-muscle activity (electromyography (EMG)) and gluteal-muscle size and adiposity (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)). DISCUSSION: This will be the first study to compare a targeted gluteal rehabilitation programme to a sham exercise programme. The targeted GHOst programme includes exercises designed to address gait impairments as well as gluteal-muscle atrophy and dysfunction. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ID: ACTRN12617000970347 . Registered retrospectively on 5 July 2017. Protocol version 3.0.

The Effect of Open- Versus Closed-Kinetic-Chain Exercises on Anterior Tibial Laxity, Strength, and Function Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background There is controversy surrounding the early use of open-kinetic-chain (OKC) quadriceps-strengthening exercises following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) due to the belief that increased strain on the graft could cause damage. Objectives To determine whether OKC quadriceps exercises result in differences in anterior tibial laxity, strength, function, quality of life, or adverse events in the ACLR population, when compared to closed-kinetic-chain (CKC) quadriceps exercises. Methods Seven electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, AMED, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, PEDro, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched through April 2017. A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted on randomized controlled trials comparing OKC versus CKC exercises following ACLR. Outcomes of interest were tibial laxity, strength, and function. A methodological quality assessment of the included studies was completed, and the results were synthesized using meta-analysis and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Results Ten studies were included in the review. The meta-analysis demonstrated low- to moderate-quality evidence of no between-group differences in anterior tibial laxity, strength, or patient-reported function at any time point. Meta-analysis was unable to be performed for functional outcomes. Conclusion There was limited to moderate-quality evidence of no difference in anterior tibial laxity, strength, patient-reported function, or physical function with early or late introduction of OKC exercises in the ACLR population, when compared to CKC exercises, at all follow-up time points. Level of Evidence Therapy, level 1a. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2018;48(7):552-566. Epub 23 Apr 2018. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.7656.

Iliocapsularis: Technical application of fine-wire electromyography, and direction specific action during maximum voluntary isometric contractions.

The iliocapsularis muscle of the anterior hip may play an important role in hip function, but no electromyographic (EMG) recordings have been made. This muscle provides the most substantial muscular attachment to the anterior hip capsule and is hypothesised to have a dynamic role to limit capsular impingement and to augment joint stability. Current understanding of the function of iliocapsularis is based on limited cadaveric and radiographic studies. Located deep over the hip joint it would require intramuscular fine-wire EMG to evaluate its activity directly with limited cross-talk from overlying muscles. The primary aim of this study was to describe a new technique for insertion of intramuscular EMG electrodes into iliocapsularis and to report its activation during different directions of hip maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). Fifteen healthy volunteers (10M, mean age (SD) 22 (2) years) who were free from hip pain were recruited for electrode insertion and to perform MVIC's in six directions at 0° and three directions at 90° of hip flexion. Intramuscular electrodes were successfully inserted into the iliocapsularis muscle with guidance from real-time ultrasound imaging. The greatest muscle activity occurred during resisted hip flexion at 90° (Median (IQR); 100.0 (1.2) % MVIC) and lowest activity during hip extension, 0° (0.5 (0.3) % MVIC). These findings have implications for our understanding of iliocapsularis' functional role. This paper provides the first report of intramuscular electrode insertion into iliocapsularis with guided technical instructions for future EMG investigations in other populations and tasks.

Clinical care ratios: quantifying clinical versus non-clinical care for allied health professionals.

Objective Clinical care ratios (CCRs) are a useful tool that can be used to quantify and benchmark the clinical and non-clinical workloads of allied health professionals. The purpose of this study was to determine if CCRs are influenced by level of seniority, type of role or profession. This will provide meaningful information for allied health service managers to better manage service demand and capacity. Method Data was collected from 2036 allied health professionals from five professions across 11 Australian tertiary hospitals. Mean (95% confidence intervals) CCRs were calculated according to profession, seniority and role type. A two-way ANOVA was performed to assess the association of CCRs (dependent variable) with seniority level and profession (independent variables). Post-hoc pairwise comparisons identified where significant main or interaction effects occurred (α=0.05). Results Significant main effects for seniority level and profession were identified (P<0.05), but there was no interaction effect. Post-hoc comparisons revealed significant differences between all tier combinations (P<0.05) with more senior staff having the lowest CCRs. Conclusion The direct and non-direct clinical components of the allied health professional's workload can be quantified and benchmarked with like roles and according to seniority. The benchmarked CCRs for predominantly clinical roles will enable managers to compare and evaluate like roles and modify non-direct clinical components according to seniority and discipline. What is known about the topic? CCRs are a useful tool to quantify, monitor and compare workloads of allied health professionals. They are thought to change with increased seniority of roles. The CCRs for different allied health professional roles has yet to be defined in the literature. What does this paper add? CCRs decrease as level of seniority increases, indicating higher seniority increases non-clinical time. CCRs differ across professions, suggesting that benchmarking with CCRs must be profession specific. What are the implications for practitioners? The direct and non-direct clinical components of a workload can be quantified, defined and benchmarked with like roles to ensure cost-effective and optimal service delivery and patient outcomes.