Immediate Effect of Kinesiology Tape on Functionality, Static and Dynamic Balance, Exercise Capacity, and Posture in Users of High-Heeled Shoes.

BACKGROUND: Using high-heeled shoes in daily life affects the stability of walking, body posture, and functionality. We aimed to determine the immediate effect of kinesiology taping (KT) on functionality, static and dynamic balance, exercise capacity, and posture in young women using high-heeled shoes. METHODS: Thirty-seven women who wore high-heeled shoes (mean ± SD age, 20.32 ± 1.37 years) were divided into control (n = 20) and study (n = 17) groups. Both limbs of study group participants were taped medially, laterally, and dorsally with KT; no application was made to the control group. Balance (TecnoBody postural line), functionality (vertical jump and functional reach tests), exercise capacity (6-Minute Walk Test), and human body posture (New York Posture Rating Chart) were assessed. RESULTS: Median use of high-heeled shoes was 8 hours daily, 5 days weekly, and 3 years in the study group versus 6 hours daily, 4 days weekly, and 4 years in the control group. Significance in functional reach distance was found within the control (P = .010) and study (P = .005) groups but not between the groups. Stabilometric monopedal right foot ellipse area (P = .016) and perimeter (P = .009); left foot ellipse area (P = .016), perimeter (P = .023), and front/back standard deviation (P = .018); and dynamic balance area gap percentage (P = .030) were significant within the study group. Posture, vertical jump distance, exercise capacity, stabilometric test results, and bipedal closed-eye and opened-eye results were similar within and between groups (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Kinesiology taping has no immediate effect on exercise capacity, vertical jump function, posture, and bipedal static balance but can modulate functional reach function, static monopedal leg balance, and dynamic equilibrium. Further studies are recommended to investigate the additive effect of KT with high-heeled shoes and after 45 min, 24 hours, and 72 hours.

Does Total Knee Arthroplasty Positively Affect Body Static-Dynamic Balance and Fall Risk Parameters in Patients With Satisfactory Functional Scores?

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the balance problems and risk of falling by using digital or computerized methods in patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and have satisfactory functional scores in the early postoperative period. Methodology A total of 31 participants (24 women, seven men; mean age: 61.93 ±10.75 years; range: 49-82 years) who underwent unilateral TKA were included. The fall risk was evaluated using the time up-and-go (TUG) test and computerized platforms. Patient-reported pain, stiffness, and physical functional outcome measures [Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Oxford Knee Score (OKS)] and posture (New York Posture Rating Chart) were evaluated. Results Based on the WOMAC scores, there was a significant impact on self-reported pain (p˂0.001), function (p=0.001), and stiffness (p=0.001) between preoperative and postoperative results. The OKS (p=0.006) and the TUG score (p=0.004) improved significantly, but the posture scores remained the same after the surgery. There was a statistically significant difference between the preoperative and third-month postoperative test results of the stabilometric test, bipedal opened eye, bipedal closed eye, monopedal right, and monopedal left foot static balance tests (p˂0.05). However, the disequilibrium and equilibrium dynamic balance values ​​remained unchanged three months after TKA. Conclusions Satisfactory functional scores according to WOMAC or OKS were achieved in the early postoperative period. However, posture and dynamic balance problems related to falling risk continued to persist in the same period. Although the TUG test results were statistically significant, they also showed fall risk values. Fall risk and postural problems should be analyzed objectively using computerized methods. Early rehabilitation programs after TKA in elderly individuals should be designed accordingly and close attention must be paid to fall risks.

Normal hip, knee and ankle range of motion in the Turkish population.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to ascertain the effect of gender and cultural habits on hip, knee and ankle range of motion (ROM) and to determine the differences between the ROM of right and left side symmetric joints of the lower extremities. METHODS: The study included 987 (513 males and 474 females) healthy volunteers. Individuals with a history of illness, prior surgery or trauma involving any joint of either lower extremity were excluded from the study. The terminology and techniques of measurements used were those suggested by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. RESULTS: Left side passive hip flexion and active internal rotation was higher than the right side. Passive flexion of the hip joint was higher in male subjects and internal and external rotation was higher in female subjects. In the knee joint, passive extension was higher in males. Plantarflexion and inversion of the ankle joint were higher in male subjects and dorsiflexion and eversion were higher in female subjects. The differences were considered insignificant in clinical terms as all were less than 3 degrees. CONCLUSION: There is no clinically significantly difference between right and left side hip, knee and ankle joints ROM. Gender and cultural habits do not appear to have clinically significantly effects on lower extremity joint ROM.

A new anchor augmentation technique with a cancellous screw in osteoporotic rotator cuff repair: an in vitro biomechanical study on sheep humerus specimens.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to test a simple technique to augment the pullout resistance of an anchor in an over-drilled sheep humerus model. METHODS: Sixty-four paired sheep humeri were harvested from 32 male sheep aged 18 months. Specimens were divided into an augmented group and non-augmented group. FASTIN RC 5-mm titanium screw anchors (DePuy Mitek, Raynham, MA) double loaded with suture material (braided polyester, nonabsorbable USP No. 2) were used in both groups. Osteoporosis was simulated by over-drilling with a 4.5-mm drill. Augmentation was performed by fixing 1 of the sutures 1.5 cm inferior to the anchor insertion site with a washer screw. This was followed by a pull-to-failure test at 50 mm/min. The ultimate load (the highest value of strength before anchor pullout) was recorded. A paired t test was used to compare the biomechanical properties of the augmented and non-augmented groups. RESULTS: In all specimens the failure mode was pullout of the anchor. The ultimate failure loads were statistically significantly higher in the augmented group (P < .0001). The mean pullout strength was 121.1 ± 10.17 N in the non-augmented group and 176.1 ± 10.34 N in the augmented group. CONCLUSIONS: The described augmentation technique, which is achieved by inferior-lateral fixation of 1 of the sutures of the double-loaded anchor to a fully threaded 6.5-mm cancellous screw with a washer, significantly increases the ultimate failure loads in the over-drilled sheep humerus model. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our technique is simple, safe, and inexpensive. It can be easily used in all osteoporotic patients and will contribute to the reduction of anchor failure. This technique might be difficult to apply arthroscopically. Cannulated smaller screws would probably be more practical for arthroscopic use. Further clinical studies are needed.

Does scapular elevation occur with glenohumeral flexion and abduction? A study through open magnetic resonance imaging and autopsy.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to reveal whether there is an elevation in scapula during flexion and abduction of the glenohumeral joint. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the first stage of our study 32 subjects were randomly divided into two groups. The mobility of the scapular notch was examined using open magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assay when the glenohumeral joint was in flexion in the first group (5 males, 10 females; mean age 21.1 years; range 18 to 24 years) and in abduction in the second group (8 males, 9 females; mean age 22.1 years; range 18 to 27 years) and the motion range was found to be between 0 and 150 degrees. In the second stage of our study, the mobilities of the scapular notch was examined on autopsy during passive humeral mobility. RESULTS: According to the open MRI results, there was no elevation or depression during the passive flexion and abduction of the glenohumeral joint. While the scapular notch migrated slightly to the medial side during abduction of the glenohumeral joint, it did not move during flexion. Also in an autopsy study, we observed that scapula did not move in vertical direction during the glenohumeral abduction and flexion mobilities. CONCLUSION: There is no vertical mobility in the scapula during glenohumeral flexion and abduction. Also, there is no medial mobility during flexion except during abduction.

The effect of combined therapy (spa and physical therapy) on pain in various chronic diseases.

OBJECTIVE: Spa therapy is commonly used in the treatment of daily chronic diseases practice, but its benefits are still the subjects of discussion. This study investigates possible effects of a combined spa and physical therapy program on pain and hemodynamic responses in various chronic diseases. METHODS: The pain intensity and hemodynamic responses of 472 patients involved in a spa and physical therapy program were studied retrospectively. Assessment criteria were pain [Visual Analog Scale (VAS)] and hemodynamic responses (heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate). Assessments took place before, immediately after treatment, and after completion of the spa program (before discharge). RESULTS: The patients with ankle arthrosis, fibromyalgia and cervical disc herniation reported the highest VAS score before treatment program (P < 0.05). After the therapy program, VAS scores were seen to decrease compared to before treatment (P < 0.05). The patients with osteoarthritis of the hip (1.3+/-1.2) and soft tissue rheumatism (1.3+/-1.2) had the lowest VAS score before discharge compared to patients with other pathologies (P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were detected between both sexes in terms of pain improvement (P > 0.05). On discharge, all hemodynamic responses decreased significantly compared to before and immediately after initiation of the therapy program (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: To decrease pain and high blood pressure without hemodynamic risk, a combined of spa and physical therapy program may help to decrease pain and improve hemodynamic response in patients with irreversible pathologies.

Effect of combined spa and physical therapy on pain in various chronic diseases.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to exhibit the effect of combined therapy (spa and physical therapy) on pain in various chronic diseases. METHODS: Retrospectively, 472 (58.1% female and 41.9% male) spa and physical therapy patients with a mean age of 53.4 +/- 12.5 years were evaluated during 2001-2004 from the archives of Dumlupinar University TUTAV Thermal Cure Center. Before, after therapy and before discharging, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, heart and respiratory rates, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured for hemodynamic evaluations. RESULTS: Arthrosis (230 patient, 48.7%) was found to be the main problem in our patients. Ankle arthrosis, fibromyalgia and cervical disc herniation were found with the highest VAS values compared to other pathologies before spa therapy (p<0.05). Immediately after spa therapy and before discharge, VAS values were lower than before treatment (p<0.05). Immediately after spa therapy, the highest decreases in VAS values were observed in coxarthrosis and gonarthrosis patients (p<0.05). Coxarthrosis and nonarticular patients had the lowest VAS values before discharge than other pathologies (p<0.05). No statistical differences were found between male and female VAS values in all stages of treatment (p>0.05). Heart and respiratory rate were statistically increased (p<0.01), diastolic blood pressure was decreased (p<0.01) but not changed in systolic blood pressure (p>0.05) immediately after spa therapy. Before discharging, all hemodynamic parameters were found statistically decreased before treatment and immediately after spa therapy (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: A combination of spa and physical therapy decreases pain and improves functional capacity without any hemodynamic risk in rheumatological, neurological and cardiac patients.

Does scapular elevation accompany glenohumeral abduction in healthy subjects?

INTRODUCTION: Although it is used in clinical practice, there are no data concerning scapular elevation during glenohumeral abduction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Scapular elevation of 30 healthy volunteers in supine and sitting positions were measured at 90-180 deg of glenohumeral abduction by two examiners. In addition, radiographs of the ten subjects were taken in supine position at 0-180 deg of glenohumeral abduction, and the scapular elevation measurements were repeated. Also, the movements of five anatomical landmarks (acromioclavicular joint, center of glenoid cavity, scapular notch, angulus superior and inferior) were measured with regard to transverse and vertical axes. RESULTS: The values obtained for scapular elevation during 90, 120, 150, and 180 deg of glenohumeral abduction were (mean and SD) 26.63 and 3.96, 31.77 and 4.36, 35.97 and 5.15, 40.10 and 5.18 deg, respectively. There were no significant differences with regard to side, gender, and position of the subject. No correlation was found between the clinical and radiological measurements. Movements of certain points did not reveal progressive upward motion. CONCLUSION: There is no scapular elevation but rather rotation during glenohumeral joint abduction. Normal values given in the present study can be used in clinical examinations.