Validity and Reliability of an Inertial Measurement Unit-based 3-Dimensional Angular Measurement of Cervical Range of Motion.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of an inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based 3-dimensional (3D) angular measurement system for evaluating cervical range of motion. METHODS: Thirty-three healthy participants (21.9 ± 2.1 years; 162.0 ± 6.0 cm; 55.8 ± 9.0 kg; 21.2 ± 2.4 kg/m2) were evaluated. Kinematic data of the cervical joints were simultaneously obtained using the IMU 3D angular, goniometer, and photographic measurements during cervical flexion (0°, 30°, and 50°), extension (30°, 50°), side-bending (0°, 20°, 40°), and rotation (45°). Test-retest reliability was investigated in each measurement method. Concurrent validity was assessed with the direct comparison between the IMU 3D angular measurement and other methods. RESULTS: The IMU 3D angular measurement showed mostly good to high test-retest reliability with relatively small standard error of measurement and the minimal detectable change values. The concurrent validity of IMU 3D angular measurements in the cervical range of motion was mostly reasonable. However, the measurement bias between the 2 methods tended to be larger at the end range of each plane. CONCLUSION: Using the IMU 3D angular measurement in cervical spine is recommended because of its mostly good to high reliability and reasonable validity. However, using the IMU 3D angular measurement at the end range of each plane should be carefully considered owing to the poorer validity.

Effective Treatment for Chronic Ankle Instability During Lateral Step-Down-Kinesiology Tape, Resistance Exercise, or Both Accompanied With Heel Raise-Lower Exercise?

CONTEXT: Kinesiology tape (KT), multidirectional resistance exercise, and interventions for decreased ankle dorsiflexion range of motion are gaining popularity in the treatment of patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). However, there is limited evidence of the effectiveness of combined interventions in patients with CAI. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of KT alone, KT with resistance exercise (KT + resistance), and KT with resistance and heel raise-lower exercise (KT + resistance + heel) on the results of the dynamic balance test (star excursion balance test [SEBT]), functional performance (lateral step-down test), and ankle muscle activation in patients with CAI. DESIGN AND SETTING: This study used a repeated-measures design in a laboratory setting. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The participants completed 3 different interventions with a 24-hour rest period between interventions. The SEBT, lateral step-down test, and ankle muscle activation results were used as the outcome measures. All outcomes were assessed before and immediately after the 3 interventions. RESULTS: The results of the SEBT-anteromedial direction significantly increased with KT + resistance (78.61 [16.11] cm, P = .01, ES = 0.50) and KT + resistance + heel (76.94 [16.00] cm, P = .03, ES = 0.33) in comparison with the baseline values (73.68 [12.84] cm). Additionally, the result of the SEBT-anteromedial direction was significantly greater with KT + resistance (78.61 [16.11] cm) than with KT alone (76.00 [14.90] cm, P = .05, ES = 0.18). The number of errors during the lateral step-down test was significantly lower for the KT alone (2.16 [0.90] errors, P = .02, ES = 0.46), KT + resistance (2.10 [0.79] errors, P = .01, ES = 0.54), and KT + resistance + heel (2.03 [0.75] errors, P = .003, ES = 0.61) interventions than the baseline values (2.55 [0.85] errors). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CAI should be encouraged to perform KT + resistance to improve balance.

Different weight bearing push-up plus exercises with and without isometric horizontal abduction in subjects with scapular winging: A randomized trial.

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the application of isometric horizontal abduction (IHA) differentially affected two weight-bearing push-up plus exercises by examining activation of the scapulothoracic muscles in subjects with scapular winging. Fifteen male subjects performed standard push-up plus (SPP) and wall push-up plus (WPP), with and without IHA. Two-way analyses of variance using two within-subject factors were used to determine the statistical significance of observed differences in upper trapezius (UT), pectoralis major (PM), and serratus anterior (SA) muscle activities and UT/SA and PM/SA muscle activity ratios. UT and SA muscle activities were greater during SPP than WPP. PM muscle activity was lower with IHA application. The UT/SA and PM/SA muscle activity ratios were lower during SPP than WPP. The PM/SA muscle activity ratio was lower with IHA application. The results suggest that IHA application using a Thera-Band can effectively reduce PM muscle activity during SPP and WPP exercises. Moreover, the SPP exercise can be used to increase UT and SA muscle activity and reduce the UT/SA and PM/SA muscle activity ratios in subjects with scapular winging.

Predictor variables for forward scapular posture including posterior shoulder tightness.

The purpose of this study was (1) to determine the relationships between the degree of forward scapular posture and the pectoralis minor index, the strength of the serratus anterior, the thoracic spine angle, and posterior shoulder tightness, and (2) to identify predictors of forward scapular posture, including posterior shoulder tightness. The study recruited eighteen subjects with forward scapular posture and objectively measured the acromion distance, the pectoralis minor index, and the strength of the serratus anterior muscle of each participant. The amount of glenohumeral horizontal adduction and internal rotation were evaluated to measure posterior shoulder tightness. There were high intra-rater reliabilities in all measurements. The measurement results showed a statistically strong negative correlation between the degree of forward scapular posture and the pectoralis minor index. They also revealed a moderate positive correlation between the degree of forward scapular posture and the thoracic spine angle and a moderate negative relationship between the degree of forward scapular posture and the amount of the glenohumeral horizontal adduction. A multiple regression analysis indicated that a total multiple regression model explained 93% of the amount of forward scapular posture. All predictor variables, including posterior shoulder tightness, should be considered while assessing, managing, and preventing forward scapular posture.