Smartphone Technology to Remotely Measure Postural Sway during Double- and Single-Leg Squats in Adults with Femoroacetabular Impingement and Those with No Hip Pain.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the demand for utilising telehealth as a major mode of healthcare delivery, with increasing interest in the use of tele-platforms for remote patient assessment. In this context, the use of smartphone technology to measure squat performance in people with and without femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome has not been reported yet. We developed a novel smartphone application, the TelePhysio app, which allows the clinician to remotely connect to the patient's device and measure their squat performance in real time using the smartphone inertial sensors. The aim of this study was to investigate the association and test-retest reliability of the TelePhysio app in measuring postural sway performance during a double-leg (DLS) and single-leg (SLS) squat task. In addition, the study investigated the ability of TelePhysio to detect differences in DLS and SLS performance between people with FAI and without hip pain. METHODS: A total of 30 healthy (nfemales = 12) young adults and 10 adults (nfemales = 2) with diagnosed FAI syndrome participated in the study. Healthy participants performed DLS and SLS on force plates in our laboratory, and remotely in their homes using the TelePhysio smartphone application. Sway measurements were compared using the centre of pressure (CoP) and smartphone inertial sensor data. A total of 10 participants with FAI (nfemales = 2) performed the squat assessments remotely. Four sway measurements in each axis (x, y, and z) were computed from the TelePhysio inertial sensors: (1) average acceleration magnitude from the mean (aam), (2) root-mean-square acceleration (rms), (3) range acceleration (r), and (4) approximate entropy (apen), with lower values indicating that the movement is more regular, repetitive, and predictable. Differences in TelePhysio squat sway data were compared between DLS and SLS, and between healthy and FAI adults, using analysis of variance with significance set at 0.05. RESULTS: The TelePhysio aam measurements on the x- and y-axes had significant large correlations with the CoP measurements (r = 0.56 and r = 0.71, respectively). The TelePhysio aam measurements demonstrated moderate to substantial between-session reliability values of 0.73 (95% CI 0.62-0.81), 0.85 (95% CI 0.79-0.91), and 0.73 (95% CI 0.62-0.82) for aamx, aamy, and aamz, respectively. The DLS of the FAI participants showed significantly lower aam and apen values in the medio-lateral direction compared to the healthy DLS, healthy SLS, and FAI SLS groups (aam = 0.13, 0.19, 0.29, and 0.29, respectively; and apen = 0.33, 0.45, 0.52, and 0.48, respectively). In the anterior-posterior direction, healthy DLS showed significantly greater aam values compared to the healthy SLS, FAI DLS, and FAI SLS groups (1.26, 0.61, 0.68, and 0.35, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The TelePhysio app is a valid and reliable method of measuring postural control during DLS and SLS tasks. The application is capable of distinguishing performance levels between DLS and SLS tasks, and between healthy and FAI young adults. The DLS task is sufficient to distinguish the level of performance between healthy and FAI adults. This study validates the use of smartphone technology as a tele-assessment clinical tool for remote squat assessment.

Validity and Reliability of a Novel Smartphone Tele-Assessment Solution for Quantifying Hip Range of Motion.

BACKGROUND: Tele-health has become a major mode of delivery in patient care, with increasing interest in the use of tele-platforms for remote patient assessment. The use of smartphone technology to measure hip range of motion has been reported previously, with good to excellent validity and reliability. However, these smartphone applications did not provide real-time tele-assessment functionality. We developed a novel smartphone application, the TelePhysio app, which allows the clinician to remotely connect to the patient's device and measure their hip range of motion in real time. The aim of this study was to investigate the concurrent validity and between-sessions reliability of the TelePhysio app. In addition, the study investigated the concurrent validity, between-sessions, and inter-rater reliability of a second tele-assessment approach using video analysis. METHODS: Fifteen participants (nfemales = 6) were assessed in our laboratory (session 1) and at their home (session 2). We assessed maximum voluntary active hip flexion in supine and hip internal and external rotation, in both prone and sitting positions. TelePhysio and video analysis were validated against the laboratory's 3-dimensional motion capture system in session 1, and evaluated for between-sessions reliability in session 2. Video analysis inter-rater reliability was assessed by comparing the analysis of two raters in session 2. RESULTS: The TelePhysio app demonstrated high concurrent validity against the 3D motion capture system (ICCs 0.63-0.83) for all hip movements in all positions, with the exception of hip internal rotation in prone (ICC = 0.48, p = 0.99). The video analysis demonstrated almost perfect concurrent validity against the 3D motion capture system (ICCs 0.85-0.94) for all hip movements in all positions, with the exception of hip internal rotation in prone (ICC = 0.44, p = 0.01). The TelePhysio and video analysis demonstrated good between-sessions reliability for hip external rotation and hip flexion, ICC 0.64 and 0.62, respectively. The between-sessions reliability of hip internal and external rotation for both TelePhysio and video analysis was fair (ICCs 0.36-0.63). Inter-rater reliability ICCs for the video analysis were 0.59 for hip flexion and 0.87-0.95 for the hip rotation range. CONCLUSIONS: Both tele-assessment approaches, using either a smartphone application or video analysis, demonstrate good to excellent concurrent validity, and moderate to substantial between-sessions reliability in measuring hip rotation and flexion range of motion, but less in internal hip rotation in the prone position. Thus, it is recommended that the seated position be used when assessing hip internal rotation. The use of a smartphone to remotely assess hip range of motion is an appropriate, effective, and low-cost alternative to the face-to-face assessments. This method provides a simple, cost effective, and accessible patient assessment tool with no additional cost. This study validates the use of smartphone technology as a tele-assessment tool for remote hip range of motion assessment.

Architectural anatomy of the quadriceps and the relationship with muscle strength: An observational study utilising real-time ultrasound in healthy adults.

Quadriceps atrophy and morphological change is a known phenomenon that can impact significantly on strength and functional performance in patients with acute or chronic presentations conditions. Real-time ultrasound (RTUS) imaging is a noninvasive valid and reliable method of quantifying quadriceps muscle anatomy and architecture. To date, there is a paucity of normative data on the architectural properties of superficial and deep components of the quadriceps muscle group to inform assessment and evaluation of intervention programs. The aims of this study were to (1) quantify the anatomical architectural properties of the quadriceps muscle group (rectus femoris, vastus intermedius, and vastus lateralis) using RTUS in healthy older adults and (2) to determine the relationship between RTUS muscle parameters and measures of quadriceps muscle strength. Thirty middle aged to older males and females (age range 55-79 years; mean age =59.9 ± 7.08 years) were recruited. Quadriceps muscle thickness, cross-sectional area, pennation angle, and echogenicity were measured using RTUS. Quadriceps strength was measured using hand-held dynamometry. For the RTUS-derived quadriceps morphological data, rectus femoris mean results; circumference 9.3 cm; CSA 4.6 cm2 ; thickness 1.5 cm; echogenicity 100.2 pixels. Vastus intermedius mean results; thickness 1.8 cm; echogenicity 99.1 pixels. Vastus lateralis thickness 1.9 cm; pennation angle 17.3°; fascicle length 7.0 cm. Quadriceps force was significantly correlated only with rectus femoris circumference (r = 0.48, p = 0.007), RF echogenicity (r = 0.38, p = 0.037), VI echogenicity (r = 0.43, p = 0.018), and VL fascicle length (r = 0.43, p = 0.019). Quadriceps force was best predicted by a three-variable model (adjusted R2  = 0.46, p < 0.001) which included rectus femoris echogenicity (B = 0.43, p = 0.005), vastus lateralis fascicle length (B = 0.33, p = 0.025) and rectus femoris circumference (B = 0.31, p = 0.041). Thus respectively, rectus femoris echogenicity explains 43%, vastus lateralis fascicle length explains 33% and rectus femoris circumference explains 31% of the variance of quadriceps force. The study findings suggest that RTUS measures were reliable and further research is warranted to establish whether these could be used as surrogate measures for quadriceps strength in adults to inform exercise and rehabilitation programs.

Diagnostic conundrums in antenatal presentation of a skeletal dysplasia with description of a heterozygous C-propeptide mutation in COL1A1 associated with a severe presentation of osteogenesis imperfecta.

Prompt and accurate diagnosis of skeletal dysplasias can play a crucial role in ensuring appropriate counseling and management (both antenatal and postnatal). When a skeletal dysplasia is detected during the antenatal period, especially early in the pregnancy, it can be associated with a poor prognosis. It is important to make a diagnosis in antenatal presentation of skeletal dysplasias to inform diagnosis, predict prognosis, provide accurate recurrence risks, and options for prenatal genetic testing in future pregnancies. Prenatal ultrasound scanning is a useful tool to detect several skeletal dysplasias and sonographic measurements serve as reliable indicators of lethality. The lethality depends on various factors including gestational age at which features are identified, size of the chest and progression of malformations. Although, it is important to type the skeletal presentation as accurately as possible, this is not always possible in an antenatal presentation and it is important to acknowledge this uncertainty. In the case of a live birth, it is always important to reassess the infant. Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by fragile bones. Here, we report an infant with severe OI born following a twin pregnancy in whom the bone disease is caused by a heterozygous pathogenic mutation, c.4160C >T, p.(Ala1387Val) located in the C-propeptide region of COL1A1. An assumption of lethality antenatally complicated his management in early life. We discuss this patient with particular emphasis on the neonatal presentation of a severe skeletal dysplasia and the lessons that may be learned in such situations. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

User-Centered Value Specifications for Technologies Supporting Chronic Low-Back Pain Management.

Low-back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability globally. It is complex and multifactorial, with a miriad of factors interwining and interacting to burden healthcare and individuals. Self-management support is central as part of best-practice to improve outcomes. In recent years, informatics has increasingly been considered to support care; however, due to its complex nature, several factors need to be unpacked in order to consider how technologies might support LBP. The present study utilised semi-structured interviews involving N = 20 participants (n = 10 practicing clinicains and n = 10 indidivuals living with chronic LBP (cLBP)) to collect user-centered perceptions and considerations for key factors central to technology succeeding in supporting cLBP. Six themes were identified: tracking, alterts, user-experience, communication, feedback, and content. Findings lay groundwork for future research aimed at developing technologies that can encourage shared-decision making in supporting cLBP management in a particpatory health paradigm.

Body weight support through a walking cane in inexperienced users with knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Walking canes are a self-management strategy recommended for people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) by clinical practice guidelines. Ensuring that an adequate amount of body-weight support (%BWS) is taken through the walking cane is important as this reduces measures of knee joint loading. RESEARCH QUESTION: 1) How much body weight support do people with knee OA place through a cane? 2) Do measures of body weight support increase following a brief simple training session? METHODS: Seventeen individuals with knee pain who had not used a walking cane before were recruited. A standard-grip aluminum cane was then used for 1 week with limited manufacturer instructions. Following this, participants were evaluated using an instrumented force-measuring cane to assess body weight support (% total body weight) through the cane. Force data were recorded during a 430-metre walk undertaken twice; once before 10 min of cane training administered by a physiotherapist, and once immediately after training. Measures of BWS (peak force, average force, impulse equal to the average cane force times duration, and cane-ground contact duration) were extracted. Using bathroom scales, training aimed to take at least 10% body weight support through the cane. RESULTS: Before training, the average peak BWS was 7.2 ± 2.5% of total body weight. Following 10 min of training, there was a significant increase in average peak BWS by 28%, average BWS by 25%, and BWS impulse by 54% (p < 0.05). However, individual BWS responses to training were variable. Duration of cane placement increased by 22% after training (p = 0.02). Timing of peak BWS through the cane occurred at 51% of contact phase before training, and at 53% after training (p = 0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: A short training session can increase the transfer of body weight through a walking cane. However, more sophisticated feedback may be needed to achieve target levels of BWS.

Does a Web-Based Exercise Programming System Improve Home Exercise Adherence for People With Musculoskeletal Conditions?: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate whether a web-based exercise programming system improves adherence to a home exercise program for people with musculoskeletal conditions. DESIGN: Eligible patients with a musculoskeletal condition presenting to a physical therapist in private practice were randomized to the following: (a) control (home exercise prescribed by therapist's usual methods) or (b) intervention (home exercise prescribed using a web-based exercise programming system). The primary outcome was self-rated exercise adherence measured at week 3 via 11-point Numeric Rating Scales. Secondary outcomes were satisfaction with exercise delivery and confidence in ability to undertake prescribed exercise. Process measures were also included. RESULTS: We enrolled 305 participants, with loss to follow-up of 14.5% (22/152) and 13.7% (21/153) in intervention and control groups, respectively. Compared with controls, the intervention group reported higher exercise adherence (mean difference Numeric Rating Scale units (95% confidence intervals): adherence overall -1.0 [-1.6 to -0.3] and regarding number of exercises in session -0.7 [-1.3 to -0.1], number of repetitions -0.8 [-1.4 to -0.2], and number of sessions -1.0 [-1.6 to -0.3]). The intervention group showed greater confidence to exercise than control, with no difference in satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: A web-based exercise programming system improved home exercise adherence and confidence in ability to undertake exercise, although the clinical relevance of the results needs to be established.

Impact of Cane Use on Bone Marrow Lesion Volume in People With Medial Knee Osteoarthritis (CUBA Trial).

BACKGROUND: No effective cure exists for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Low-burden self-management strategies that can slow disease progression are needed. Bone marrow lesions (BMLs) are a source of knee pain and accelerate cartilage loss. Importantly, they may be responsive to biomechanical off-loading treatments. OBJECTIVE: The study objective is to investigate whether, in people with medial tibiofemoral OA, daily cane use for 12 weeks reduces the volume of medial tibiofemoral BMLs and improves pain, physical function, and health-related quality of life. DESIGN: This study will be an assessor-masked, 2-arm, parallel-group, multisite randomized controlled trial. SETTING: The community will serve as the setting for this study. PARTICIPANTS: The study participants will be people who are 50 years old or older and have medial tibiofemoral OA and at least 1 medial tibiofemoral BML. INTERVENTION: The participants will be allocated to either the cane group (using a cane daily whenever walking for 12 weeks) or the control group (not using any gait aid for 12 weeks). MEASUREMENTS: Outcomes will be measured at baseline and 13 weeks. The primary outcome will be total medial tibiofemoral BML volume measured from magnetic resonance imaging. Secondary outcomes will include BML volume of the medial tibia and/or femur, knee pain overall and on walking, physical function, participant-perceived global change, and health-related quality of life. Additional measures will include physical activity, cointerventions, adverse events, participation, participant demographics, cane training process measures and feasibility, barriers to and facilitators of cane use, and loss to follow-up. LIMITATIONS: People who are morbidly obese will not be included because of difficulties with magnetic resonance imaging. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study will help to determine whether cane use can alter disease progression in people with medial tibiofemoral OA and/or influence clinical symptoms. This study may directly influence clinical guidelines for the management of knee OA.