Simple verbal instructions are able to improve quality of movement during the lateral step-down test in healthy females.

INTRODUCTION: Altered movement patterns during weight-bearing activities have been associated with knee injuries and can be clinically assessed using the lateral step-down test (LSD). It is possible that verbal feedback can improve movement patterns, but it remains unknown whether verbal feedback can improve movement quality during the LSD. PURPOSE: To investigate whether verbal feedback can immediately improve visual movement quality and trunk, pelvis and lower limb kinematics in healthy females during the LSD. METHODS: 34 healthy females were assessed visually and with 3D kinematics while performing the LSD. Participants were divided into Good Movement Group (GG; n = 18) and Poor Movement Group (PG; n = 16) based on the LSD score. The feedback involved verbal instructions aimed at improving trunk, pelvis, hip and knee alignment during the test. Lower limb flexibility and strength were assessed for group comparisons and to investigate associations between all variables. Data analyses were performed using repeated-measures two-way ANOVAs and Spearman correlation tests. RESULTS: Feedback immediately improved movement quality, especially in participants of the GG [mean difference (MD) = 2.2 points; P < 0.001]. The PG showed greater pelvic drop (MD = 5.1°; P = 0.012), greater hip adduction (MD = 5.4°; P = 0.028) and less hip flexion (MD = 8.4°; P = 0.016) than the GG. Quality of movement had positive correlations with pelvic drop (r = 0.39; P = 0.02), hip adduction (r = 0.45; P = 0.01) and hip flexion (r = 0.49; P < 0.01) kinematics. CONCLUSIONS: Verbal feedback improved movement quality during the LSD in healthy females. Females with worst movement quality showed greater pelvic drop and hip adduction, which are often found in individuals with knee disorders.

Does current evidence support the use of kinesiology taping in people with knee osteoarthritis?

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the current evidence about the effects of kinesiology taping (KT) with different amounts of tension in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE (via PUBMED), SciELO, COCHRANE Library, Scopus, PEDro, Web of Science and EMBASE were used as search databases. STUDY SELECTION: Two independent researchers searched these databases from inception until June 2020 using the descriptors "kinesiotaping", "kinesio taping", "kinesiotape", "tape", "taping", "kinesiology taping", "kinesiology tape", "kinesthetic taping" or "elastic therapeutic tape" associated with "knee osteoarthritis". We included clinical trials that compared the application of KT with and without tension in people with knee OA. DATE EXTRACTION AND QUALITY ANALYSIS: Data extraction included sample description, KT tension used in the study groups, duration of KT application, area of KT application, outcome measures and study methodological quality. The quality of the studies was evaluated by means of the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) score. DATA SYNTHESIS: Of the 850 studies identified, eight met the inclusion criteria and were ultimately included in this review. Most studies had moderate quality, with a satisfactory PEDro score. Results showed that KT application with tension was not superior to the application without tension for the outcomes of pain, physical function, range of motion and muscle strength. Evidence for edema, balance and quality of life is still limited. CONCLUSION: Current evidence does not support the use of kinesiology taping in people with knee OA.