How effective are exercises delivered digitally (requiring internet), amongst patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to describe the effect of digitally delivered exercise on pain, physical function and quality of life (QoL) for people with knee or hip osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Articles were eligible for inclusion if they were of a randomized control trial that evaluated the prescription of digitally delivered exercise (requiring the internet) in people with symptomatic primary hip and/or knee OA. Risk of bias was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale, and levels of evidence were assessed according to Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. RESULTS: Digitally delivered exercise was delivered via synchronous and asynchronous methods (or a combination of both). Digitally delivered exercise was superior to education only for pain and physical function, with high-quality evidence for quality-of-life outcomes in the long-term (standardized mean difference -0.35, 95% confidence interval -0.59 to -0.12, P = 0.003) in people with knee OA. Furthermore, there was very low to low-quality evidence that digitally delivered exercise was comparable to face-to-face delivery in the short and long-term for people with hip or knee OA and comparable in the medium-term for people with knee OA only. DISCUSSION: The review demonstrated very low to low-quality evidence that digitally delivered exercise was comparable to face-to-face delivery for pain, function and QoL. In the absence of higher-level evidence, we would provisionally recommend that healthcare providers offer the choice of face-to-face or digitally delivered exercise intervention for people with hip or knee OA. Further work is required to understand these programs' reach, access, uptake and implementation across diverse population groups.

Patient and Staff Insights on Digital Care Pathways for Patients With Low Back Pain in the Emergency Department: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Back pain is a huge global problem. For some people, the pain is so severe that they feel the need to present to an emergency department (ED). Our aim was to explore patient and staff perspectives for the development of a digital care pathway (DCP) for people with back pain who have presented to ED, including acceptability, barriers and facilitators. METHODS: We used a descriptive phenomenology approach using semi-structured interviews with patient and staff participants at a tertiary hospital. Interviews were transcribed and data codes were developed using inductive thematic analysis. Themes were discussed between researchers until consensus was achieved. RESULTS: A total of 16 interviews were carried out, half of which involved patient participants. We identified three major themes: (i) expectations and experiences of staff and patients with low back pain in ED; (ii) a digital care pathway can empower patients and support clinicians in providing care; and (iii) acceptability, barriers, facilitators and recommendations of engaging with a DCP to track the trajectory of back pain. Each theme was further categorised into subthemes. CONCLUSION: Introducing a DCP was perceived as acceptable and beneficial by patients and staff. Both groups were aware of the potential participant burden if surveys were too long. Introducing a DCP could be a valuable adjunct to current management care models, providing a standardised source of education with the potential for individualised tracking and monitoring. The design and development of a DCP will need to consider reported facilitators and address perceived barriers for engagement. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This project sought insights from patients and staff about a digital care pathway. This forms the first step of patient and consumer consultation before implementing a digital care pathway. All consumers were offered the opportunity to review their responses and our interpretation.

BackTrAC: A Digital Care Pathway for People Presenting to Emergency with Lower Back Pain. A Development and Feasibility Study Protocol.

OBJECTIVES: Back pain is a prevalent condition that affects 1 in 6 Australians at any time, with high associated health care costs. To date, there is limited information relating to symptom severity and recovery trajectory in people with back pain who present to the emergency department for care. A digital care pathway (DCP) can track patient outcomes following presentation with back pain. The primary aim of this protocol is to outline the co-development, implementation, and evaluation of a DCP for back pain patients who present to the emergency department. METHODS: The primary aim will be addressed in 3 overlapping phases: Phase 1 (co-design) will include interviews with back pain patients and health care professionals from the Northern Hospital Emergency Department. Interview findings will inform education resources featured on the DCP and establish questionnaire content and frequency acceptability. Phase 2 (implementation) will include the rollout of the DCP and tracking of patient-reported outcome measures, which will be collected over 12 weeks. Phase 3 (evaluation) will include interviews with a subset of back pain patients who have participated in Phase 2 to evaluate the acceptability of the DCP and the barriers and facilitators of using the DCP. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This project has been approved via the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia's National Mutual Acceptance Scheme by St Vincent's Hospital Human Ethics Committee (2022/PID06476), La Trobe University Research Governance (HEC#206/22), and Northern Health Research Governance (NH-2023-372687). We plan to publish the findings in a peer-reviewed journal and present them at conferences.

Let's talk about sex (and gender) after ACL injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis of self-reported activity and knee-related outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate sex/gender differences in self-reported activity and knee-related outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Seven databases were searched in December 2021. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Observational or interventional studies with self-reported activity (including return to sport) or knee-related outcomes after ACL injury. RESULTS: We included 242 studies (n=123 687, 43% females/women/girls, mean age 26 years at surgery). One hundred and six studies contributed to 1 of 35 meta-analyses (n=59 552). After ACL injury/reconstruction, very low-certainty evidence suggests females/women/girls had inferior self-reported activity (ie, return to sport, Tegner Activity Score, Marx Activity Scale) compared with males/men/boys on most (88%, 7/8) meta-analyses. Females/women/girls had 23%-25% reduced odds of returning to sport within 1-year post-ACL injury/reconstruction (12 studies, OR 0.76 95% CI 0.63 to 0.92), 1-5 years (45 studies, OR 0.75 95% CI 0.69 to 0.82) and 5-10 years (9 studies, OR 0.77 95% CI 0.57 to 1.04). Age-stratified analysis (<19 years) suggests female athletes/girls had 32% reduced odds of returning to sport compared with male athletes/boys (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.13, I2 0.0%). Very low-certainty evidence suggests females/women/girls experienced inferior knee-related outcomes (eg, function, quality of life) on many (70%, 19/27) meta-analyses: standardised mean difference ranging from -0.02 (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, KOOS-activities of daily living, 9 studies, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.02) to -0.31 (KOOS-sport and recreation, 7 studies, 95% CI -0.36 to -0.26). CONCLUSIONS: Very low-certainty evidence suggests inferior self-reported activity and knee-related outcomes for females/women/girls compared with males/men/boys after an ACL injury. Future studies should explore factors and design targeted interventions to improve outcomes for females/women/girls. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021205998.

Are cam morphology size and location associated with self-reported burden in football players with FAI syndrome?

Cam morphology size and location might affect the severity of reported burden in people with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome. We investigated the relationship between cam morphology size (i.e., alpha angle) and self-reported hip/groin burden (i.e., scores for the International Hip Outcome Tool-33 (iHOT-33) and Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS)), examined separately for the anteroposterior pelvis (AP) and Dunn 45° radiographs in football players with FAI syndrome. In total, 118 (12 women) subelite football (soccer or Australian football) players with FAI syndrome with cam morphology (alpha angle ≥60°) participated. One blinded assessor quantified superior and anterosuperior cam morphology size by measuring alpha angles for the AP and Dunn 45° radiographs, respectively. Linear regression models investigated relationships between alpha angle (continuous independent variable, separately measured for the AP and Dunn 45° radiographs) and iHOT-33 and HAGOS scores (dependent variables). Larger anterosuperior cam morphology (seen on the Dunn 45° radiograph) was associated with lower (i.e., worse) scores for the iHOT-Total, iHOT-Symptoms, iHOT-Job, and iHOT-Social subscales (unadjusted estimate range -0.553 to -0.319 [95% confidence interval -0.900 to -0.037], p = 0.002 to 0.027), but not the iHOT-Sport (p = 0.459) nor any HAGOS scores (p = 0.110 to 0.802). Superior cam morphology size (measured using the AP radiograph) was not associated with any iHOT-33 or HAGOS scores (p = 0.085 to 0.975). Larger anterosuperior cam morphology may be more relevant to pain and symptoms in football players with FAI syndrome than superior cam morphology, warranting investigation of its effects on reported burden and hip disease over time.

May the force be with you: understanding how patellofemoral joint reaction force compares across different activities and physical interventions-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and synthesise patellofemoral joint reaction force (PFJRF) in healthy individuals and those with patellofemoral pain and osteoarthritis (OA), during everyday activities, therapeutic exercises and with physical interventions (eg, foot orthotics, footwear, taping, bracing). DESIGN: A systematic review with meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Medline, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, SportDiscus and Cochrane Library databases were searched. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Observational and interventional studies reporting PFJRF during everyday activities, therapeutic exercises, and physical interventions. RESULTS: In healthy individuals, the weighted average of mean (±SD) peak PFJRF for everyday activities were: walking 0.9±0.4 body weight (BW), stair ascent 3.2±0.7 BW, stair descent 2.8±0.5 BW and running 5.2±1.2 BW. In those with patellofemoral pain, peak PFJRF were: walking 0.8±0.2 BW, stair ascent 2.5±0.5 BW, stair descent 2.6±0.5 BW, running 4.1±0.9 BW. Only single studies reported peak PFJRF during everyday activities in individuals with patellofemoral OA/articular cartilage defects (walking 1.3±0.5 BW, stair ascent 1.6±0.4 BW, stair descent 1.0±0.5 BW). The PFJRF was reported for many different exercises and physical interventions; however, considerable variability precluded any pooled estimates. SUMMARY: Everyday activities and exercises involving larger knee flexion (eg, squatting) expose the patellofemoral joint to higher PFJRF than those involving smaller knee flexion (eg, walking). There were no discernable differences in peak PFJRF during everyday activities between healthy individuals and those with patellofemoral pain/OA. The information on PFJRF may be used to select appropriate variations of exercises and physical interventions.

Consensus recommendations on the classification, definition and diagnostic criteria of hip-related pain in young and middle-aged active adults from the International Hip-related Pain Research Network, Zurich 2018.

There is no agreement on how to classify, define or diagnose hip-related pain-a common cause of hip and groin pain in young and middle-aged active adults. This complicates the work of clinicians and researchers. The International Hip-related Pain Research Network consensus group met in November 2018 in Zurich aiming to make recommendations on how to classify, define and diagnose hip disease in young and middle-aged active adults with hip-related pain as the main symptom. Prior to the meeting we performed a scoping review of electronic databases in June 2018 to determine the definition, epidemiology and diagnosis of hip conditions in young and middle-aged active adults presenting with hip-related pain. We developed and presented evidence-based statements for these to a panel of 37 experts for discussion and consensus agreement. Both non-musculoskeletal and serious hip pathological conditions (eg, tumours, infections, stress fractures, slipped capital femoral epiphysis), as well as competing musculoskeletal conditions (eg, lumbar spine) should be excluded when diagnosing hip-related pain in young and middle-aged active adults. The most common hip conditions in young and middle-aged active adults presenting with hip-related pain are: (1) femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome, (2) acetabular dysplasia and/or hip instability and (3) other conditions without a distinct osseous morphology (labral, chondral and/or ligamentum teres conditions), and that these terms are used in research and clinical practice. Clinical examination and diagnostic imaging have limited diagnostic utility; a comprehensive approach is therefore essential. A negative flexion-adduction-internal rotation test helps rule out hip-related pain although its clinical utility is limited. Anteroposterior pelvis and lateral femoral head-neck radiographs are the initial diagnostic imaging of choice-advanced imaging should be performed only when requiring additional detail of bony or soft-tissue morphology (eg, for definitive diagnosis, research setting or when planning surgery). We recommend clear, detailed and consistent methodology of bony morphology outcome measures (definition, measurement and statistical reporting) in research. Future research on conditions with hip-related pain as the main symptom should include high-quality prospective studies on aetiology and prognosis. The most common hip conditions in active adults presenting with hip-related pain are: (1) FAI syndrome, (2) acetabular dysplasia and/or hip instability and (3) other conditions without distinct osseous morphology including labral, chondral and/or ligamentum teres conditions. The last category should not be confused with the incidental imaging findings of labral, chondral and/or ligamentum teres pathology in asymptomatic people. Future research should refine our current recommendations by determining the clinical utility of clinical examination and diagnostic imaging in prospective studies.

Physiotherapist-led treatment for young to middle-aged active adults with hip-related pain: consensus recommendations from the International Hip-related Pain Research Network, Zurich 2018.

The 1st International Hip-related Pain Research Network meeting discussed four prioritised themes concerning hip-related pain in young to middle-aged adults: (1) diagnosis and classification of hip-related pain; (2) patient-reported outcome measures for hip-related pain; (3) measurement of physical capacity for hip-related pain; (4) physiotherapist-led treatment for hip-related pain. Thirty-eight expert researchers and clinicians working in the field of hip-related pain attended the meeting. This manuscript relates to the theme of physiotherapist-led treatments for hip-related pain. A systematic review on the efficacy of physiotherapist-led interventions for hip-related pain (published separately) was conducted and found that strong evidence for physiotherapist-led treatments was lacking. Prior to the meeting, draft consensus recommendations for consideration in the meeting were also developed based on the systematic review. The draft consensus recommendations were presented to all of the meeting participants via email, at least 1 week prior to the meeting. At the meeting, these recommendations were discussed, revised and voted on. Six recommendations for clinical practice and five recommendations for research were included and all gained consensus. Recommendations for clinical practice were that (i) Exercise-based treatments are recommended for people with hip-related pain. (ii) Exercise-based treatment should be at least 3 months duration. (iii) Physiotherapist-led rehabilitation after hip surgery should be undertaken. (iv) Patient-reported outcome measures, measures of physical impairment and measures of psychosocial factors should be used to monitor response to treatment. (v) Physical activity (that may include sport) is recommended for people with hip-related pain. (vi) Clinicians should discuss patient expectations, use shared-decision making and provide education. Recommendations for research were (i) Reporting of exercise programmes: Exercise descriptors such as load magnitude, number of repetitions and sets, duration of whole programme, duration of contractile element of exercise, duration of one repetition, time under tension, rest between repetitions, range of motion through which the exercise is performed, and rest between exercise sessions should be reported. (ii) Research should investigate the optimal frequency, intensity, time, type, volume and progression of exercise therapy. (iii) Research should examine the effect of patient education in people with hip-related pain. (iv) Research should investigate the effect of other treatments used in people with hip-related pain (for example: manual therapy, medications, injections). (v) Research should examine the impact of comorbidities and social determinants on treatment effectiveness in people with hip-related pain. Clinicians and researchers working with young to middle-aged active adults with hip-related pain may use these consensus recommendations to guide, develop, test and implement individualised, evidence-based physiotherapist-led rehabilitation programmes.

Lower limb biomechanics in femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: (1) Identify differences in hip and pelvic biomechanics in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) compared with controls during everyday activities (eg, walking, squatting); and (2) evaluate the effects of interventions on hip and pelvic biomechanics during everyday activities. DESIGN: Systematic review. DATA SOURCES: Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus and SPORTDiscus until February 2017. METHODS: Primary aim: studies that investigated hip or pelvic kinematics and/or joint torques of everyday activities in patients with FAIS compared with the asymptomatic contralateral limb or a control group. Secondary aim: studies that evaluated effects of conservative or surgical interventions on patients with FAIS using pre-post or controlled clinical trial designs. Biomechanical data must have been collected using three-dimensional motion capture devices. Reporting quality was assessed using the Epidemiological Appraisal Instrument and data were pooled (standardised mean difference (SMD), 95% CI) where populations and primary outcomes were similar. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included (11 cross-sectional and three pre/post intervention), varying between low and moderate reporting quality. Patients with FAIS walked with a lower: peak hip extension angle (SMD -0.40, 95% CI -0.71 to -0.09), peak internal rotation angle (-0.67, 95% CI -1.19 to -0.16) and external rotation joint torque (-0.71, 95% CI -1.07 to -0.35), and squatted to a lesser depth with no difference in hip flexion range. Pre/post intervention data were limited in number and quality, and to surgical cohorts. CONCLUSION: This review suggests that patients with FAIS may demonstrate hip biomechanical impairments during walking and squatting, with minimal literature available to comment on other tasks. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The information presented in the review provides insight into the biomechanical differences associated with FAIS; however, the between-group differences were small to moderate. This information may aid in the development of management strategies for people with the condition. PROSPEROREGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42016038677.

Sex-related differences in gait characteristics and their associations with symptoms in individuals with patellofemoral osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral osteoarthritis (OA) is an important subgroup of knee OA. However, the influence of sex on gait characteristics in patients with patellofemoral OA is unknown. RESEARCH QUESTION: Compare gait characteristics in females and males with patellofemoral OA and investigate their associations with patellofemoral joint-related symptoms and limitations. METHODS: Mixed effects polynomial regression models compared knee flexion-extension and adduction moments, knee flexion angles, and vertical ground reaction forces over 100% of stance between 26 females and 22 males with patellofemoral OA, with and without adjustment for walking speed and body mass. Multivariable linear regression models were then used to investigate the associations of gait characteristics with symptoms and limitations measured with the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Patellofemoral Pain and Osteoarthritis (KOOS-PF) Subscale. Models included a sex-by-gait interaction term, and if significant, separate models were built for females and males. RESULTS: While controlling for walking speed and body mass, females had lower knee flexion moment (6-19% and 97-100% of stance), knee extension moment (45-86% of stance), knee adduction moment (3-37% and 69-99% of stance), vertical ground reaction force (1-97% of stance) and knee flexion angle (90-100% of stance) compared with males, when fitted over 100% of stance. Lower cadence, lower knee flexion angular impulse, and higher peak knee flexion angle were associated with worse KOOS-PF scores. Associations were not modified by sex. SIGNIFICANCE: There are distinct sex-based differences in gait characteristics throughout stance with patellofemoral OA when adjusting for body mass and walking speed. Lower cadence and knee flexion angular impulse, and higher peak knee flexion angle were associated with more extreme patellofemoral joint-related symptoms and limitations.

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

BACKGROUND: Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent and burdensome condition that leads to impaired quality of life and a substantial economic burden. Encouraging physical activity, particularly walking, is crucial for OA management, but many individuals with hip OA fail to meet recommended activity levels. Prefabricated contoured foot orthoses have shown promise in improving hip muscle efficiency during walking in laboratory settings, but their real-world feasibility and efficacy remain uncertain. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of conducting a fully powered randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of prefabricated contoured foot orthoses, prescribed via telehealth, in people with hip OA. METHODS: This feasibility trial randomised 27 participants with hip OA into two groups: prefabricated contoured foot orthoses or flat shoe inserts. Feasibility outcomes were assessed, including recruitment rate, adherence, logbook completion, and dropout rate. Patient-reported outcomes and accelerometer-measured physical activity were collected as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: While the recruitment rate was low (0.88 people/week), adherence to the intervention (59%), logbook completion (93%), and dropout rates (7%) met or exceeded our predefined feasibility parameters. Participants found the intervention acceptable, and practicality was demonstrated with minor adverse events. Preliminary efficacy testing indicated that prefabricated contoured foot orthoses positively affected physical activity (adjusted mean difference = 2590 [260 to 4920] steps/day), with comparable outcomes for hip-related quality of life and pain. CONCLUSION: This trial supports proceeding to a fully powered RCT to assess the effect of teleheath prescribed prefabricated contoured foot orthoses on physical activity in people with hip OA. STUDY REGISTRATION NUMBER: National Institutes of Health Trial Registry (NCT05138380).

The association between lateral hip muscle size/intramuscular fat infiltration and hip strength in active young adults with long standing hip/groin pain.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate associations between lateral hip muscle size/intramuscular fat infiltration (MFI) and hip strength in active young adults with longstanding hip/groin pain. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: University/Clinical. PARTICIPANTS: Sub-elite soccer and Australian Football players (n = 180; 37 female) with long standing hip/groin pain. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Muscle size (volume) and MFI of gluteus maximus, medius, and minimis, and tensor fascia latae (TFL) were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging. Isometric hip strength was measured with handheld dynamometry. Associations between muscle size/MFI were assessed using linear regression models, adjusted for body mass index and age, with sex-specific interactions. RESULTS: Positive associations were identified between lateral hip muscle volume and hip muscle strength, particularly for gluteus maximus and gluteus minimus volume. For all muscles, hip abduction was associated with an increase in strength by up to 0.69 N (R2 ranging from 0.29 to 0.39). These relationships were consistent across sexes with no sex interactions observed. No associations were found between MFI and strength measures. CONCLUSION: Greater lateral hip muscle volumes are associated with greater hip strength in active young adults with long standing hip/groin pain, irrespective of sex. Gluteus maximus and minimus volume showed the most consistent relationships with hip strength across multiple directions.

Hip muscle activity in people with hip-related pain compared to asymptomatic controls: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Altered hip and thigh muscle activity have been observed across a spectrum of articular hip pathologies, including hip osteoarthritis, femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, and labral pathology. No systematic reviews have examined muscle activity associated with hip pathology and hip-related pain across the life span. A greater understanding of impairments in hip and thigh muscle activity during functional tasks may assist in the development of targeted treatment strategies. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review using the PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was performed in five databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Sports Discuss, and PsychINFO). Studies were included that (i) investigated people with hip-related pain (femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, labral tears) or hip osteoarthritis; and (ii) reported on muscle activity using electromyography of hip and thigh muscles during functional tasks such as walking, stepping, squatting, or lunging. Two independent reviewers performed data extraction and assessed risk of bias using a modified version of the Downs and Black checklist. RESULTS: Non-pooled data demonstrated a limited level of evidence. Overall, differences in muscle activity appeared to be more prevalent in people with more advanced hip pathology. CONCLUSIONS: We found that impairments in muscle activity in those with intra-articular hip pathology measured using electromyography were variable but appeared to be greater in severe hip pathology (e.g., hip OA).

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.

Are hip biomechanics during running associated with symptom severity or cam morphology size in male football players with FAI syndrome?

BACKGROUND: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome is considered a motion-related condition. Little is known about the influence of symptom severity and cam morphology on hip biomechanics for individuals with FAI syndrome. RESEARCH QUESTION: Are hip biomechanics during running associated with symptom severity or cam morphology size in male football players with FAI syndrome? METHODS: Forty-nine male, sub-elite football (soccer or Australian football) players (mean age= 26 years) with FAI syndrome completed the International Hip Outcome Tool-33 (iHOT-33) and Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) and underwent radiographic evaluation. Biomechanical data were collected during overground running (3-3.5 m∙s-1) using three-dimensional motion capture technology and an embedded force plate. Various discrete hip angles and impulses of joint moments were analysed during the stance phase. Linear regression models investigated associations between running biomechanics data (dependent variables) and iHOT-33 and HAGOS scores and cam morphology size (independent variables). RESULTS: Hip joint angles during running were not associated with symptom severity in football players with FAI syndrome. A positive association was found between the impulse of the hip external rotation moment and HAGOS-Sport scores, such that a smaller impulse magnitude occurred with a lower HAGOS-Sport score (0.026 *10-2 [95%CI <0.001 *10-2 to 0.051 *10-2], P = 0.048). Larger cam morphology was associated with a greater peak hip adduction angle at midstance (0.073 [95%CI 0.002-0.145], P = 0.045). SIGNIFICANCE: Hip biomechanics during running did not display strong associations with symptom severity or cam morphology size in male football players with FAI syndrome who were still participating in training and match play. Future studies might consider investigating associations during tasks that utilise end range hip joint motion or require greater muscle forces.

Co-development and evaluation of the Musculoskeletal Telehealth Toolkit for physiotherapists.

INTRODUCTION: In-person physiotherapy services are not readily available to all individuals with musculoskeletal conditions, especially those in rural regions or with time-intensive responsibilities. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted that telehealth may facilitate access to, and continuity of care, yet many physiotherapists lack telehealth confidence and training. This project co-developed and evaluated a web-based professional development toolkit supporting physiotherapists to provide telehealth services for musculoskeletal conditions. METHODS: A mixed-methods exploratory sequential design applied modified experience-based co-design methods (physiotherapists [n = 13], clinic administrators [n = 2], and people with musculoskeletal conditions [n = 7]) to develop an evidence-informed toolkit. Semi-structured workshops were conducted, recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed, refining the toolkit prototype. Subsequently, the toolkit was promoted via webinars and social media. The usability of the toolkit was examined with pre-post surveys examining changes in confidence, knowledge, and perceived telehealth competence (19 statements modelled from the theoretical domains framework) between toolkit users (>30 min) and non-users (0 min) using chi-squared tests for independence. Website analytics were summarised. RESULTS: Twenty-two participants engaged in co-design workshops. Feedback led to the inclusion of more patient-facing resources, increased assessment-related visual content, streamlined toolkit organisation, and simplified, downloadable infographics. Three hundred and twenty-nine physiotherapists from 21 countries completed the baseline survey, with 172 (52%) completing the 3-month survey. Toolkit users had greater improvement in knowledge, confidence, and competence than non-users in 42% of statements. Seventy-two percentage of toolkit users said it changed their practice, and 95% would recommend the toolkit to colleagues. During the evaluation period, the toolkit received 5486 total views. DISCUSSION: The co-designed web-based Musculoskeletal Telehealth Toolkit is a professional development resource that may increase physiotherapist's confidence, knowledge, and competence in telehealth.