Interaction of Biomechanical, Anthropometric, and Demographic Factors Associated with Patellofemoral Pain in Rearfoot Strike Runners: A Classification and Regression Tree Approach.

BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is among the most common injuries in runners. While multiple risk factors for patellofemoral pain have been investigated, the interactions of variables contributing to this condition have not been explored. This study aimed to classify runners with patellofemoral pain using a combination of factors including biomechanical, anthropometric, and demographic factors through a Classification and Regression Tree analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-eight runners with PFP and 38 healthy controls (CON) were selected with mean (standard deviation) age 33 (16) years old and body mass index 22.3 (2.6) kg/m2. Each ran at self-selected speed, but no between-group difference was identified (PFP = 2.54 (0.2) m/s x CON = 2.55 (0.1) m/s, P = .660). Runners with patellofemoral pain had different patterns of interactions involving braking ground reaction force impulse, contact time, vertical average loading rate, and age. The classification and regression tree model classified 84.2% of runners with patellofemoral pain, and 78.9% of healthy controls. The prevalence ratios ranged from 0.06 (95% confidence interval: 0.02-0.23) to 9.86 (95% confidence interval: 1.16-83.34). The strongest model identified runners with patellofemoral pain as having higher braking ground reaction force impulse, lower contact times, higher vertical average loading rate, and older age. The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated high accuracy at 0.83 (95% confidence interval: 0.74-0.93; standard error: 0.04; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The classification and regression tree model identified an influence of multiple factors associated with patellofemoral pain in runners. Future studies may clarify whether addressing modifiable biomechanical factors may address this form of injury.

Effects of two gait retraining programs on pain, function, and lower limb kinematics in runners with patellofemoral pain: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral Pain (PFP) is one of the main injuries in runners. Consistent evidence support strengthening programs to modulate symptoms, however, few studies investigated the effects of gait retraining programs. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of two different two-week partially supervised gait retraining programs on pain, function, and lower limb kinematics of runners with PFP. METHODS: Randomized controlled trial. Thirty runners were allocated to gait retraining groups focusing on impact (n = 10) or cadence (n = 10), or to a control group (n = 10). Impact group received guidance to reduce tibial acceleration by 50%, while cadence group was asked to increase cadence by 7.5-10%. The control group did not receive any intervention. Usual and running pain, knee function, and lower limb kinematics (contralateral pelvic drop, hip adduction, knee flexion, ankle dorsiflexion, tibia inclination, and foot inclination) were evaluated before (T0), immediately after the intervention (T2), and six months after the protocol (T24). RESULTS: A significant group x time interaction was found for running pain (p = 0.010) and knee function (p = 0.019). Both programs had greater improvements in running pain compared to no intervention at T24 (Impact x Control-mean difference (MD) -3.2, 95% CI -5.1 to -1.3, p = 0.001; Cadence x Control-MD -2.9, 95% CI -4.8 to -1.0, p = 0.002). Participants of the impact group had greater improvements in knee function compared to no intervention at T2 (Impact x Control-MD 10.8, 95% CI 1.0 to 20.6, p = 0.027). No between-group differences in usual pain and lower limb kinematics were found (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared to no intervention, both programs were more effective in improving running pain six months after the protocol. The program focused on impact was more effective in improving knee function immediately after the intervention. Clinical trial registry number: RBR-8yb47v.

Comparison of the upper extremity physical performance tests between asymptomatic adults with and without scapular dyskinesis

Abstract Introduction Physical performance tests (PPTs) are screening tools widely available, easy to apply, and that can be performed in different environments and contexts. Scapular dyskinesis can be related to changes in glenohumeral angulation, acromioclavicular joint strain, subacromial space dimension, shoulder muscle strength/activation and humeral position/motion. Few studies were developed to understand the influence of aspects such as strength, stability mobility, and scapular dyskinesis on the scores of the upper extremity PPTs. Objective To compare the performance in the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST), Seated Medicine Ball Throw Test (SMBT) and Upper Quarter Y Balance Test (UQYBT) between asymptomatic adults with and without scapular dyskinesis. Methods Cross-sectional study with 20 asymptomatic individuals: 10 with scapular dyskinesis and 10 without scapular dyskinesis. The average number of touches, number of touches normalized by height, and power score in the CKCUEST, distance covered by the ball in the SMBT, reach in the medial, inferolateral, and superolateral directions, total excursion and composite score of the UQYBT were compared between both groups. Results No significant differences were found for all variables (p > 0.05). Small to moderate effect sizes were found for the scores of the CKCUEST (d = 0.16-0.78), a small effect size was found for the distance in the SBMT (d = 0.12), and small to moderate effect sizes were found for the scores of the UQYBT (d = 0.02-0.43). The scapular dyskinesis group presented better performance in all tests. Conclusion The presence of scapular dyskinesis in asymptomatic individuals is not a factor related to worse scores in upper extremity physical performance tests.

Resumo Introdução Os testes de desempenho físico (PPTs) são instrumentos de triagem amplamente disponíveis, de fácil aplicação e que podem ser realizados em diferentes ambientes e contextos. A discinesia escapular pode estar relacionada a alterações na angulação glenoumeral, tensão na articulação acromioclavicular, dimensão do espaço subacromial, força/ativação muscular do ombro e posição/movimento umeral. Poucos estudos foram desenvolvidos para entender a influência de aspectos como força, estabilidade, mobilidade e discinese escapular nos escores dos PPTs de membros superiores. Objetivo Comparar o desempenho no Teste de Estabilidade de Extremidade Superior de Cadeia Cinética Fechada (CKCUEST), Teste de Arremesso de Medicine Ball Sentada (SMBT) e Teste de Equilíbrio em Y do Quarto Superior (UQYBT) entre adultos assintomáticos com e sem discinesia escapular. Métodos Estudo transversal com amostra de 20 indivíduos assintomáticos: 10 com discinesia escapular e 10 sem discinesia escapular. Comparou-se o número médio de toques, número de toques normalizados pela altura e pontuação de potência no CKCUEST, distância percorrida pela bola no SMBT, alcance nas direções medial, inferolateral e superolateral, excursão total e escore composto do UQYBT entre ambos os grupos. Resultados Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas para todas as variáveis (p > 0,05). Tamanho de efeito pequeno a moderado foi encontrado para os escores do CKCUEST (d = 0,16-0,78), tamanho de efeito pequeno foi encontrado para a distância no SBMT (d = 0,12) e tamanho de efeito pequeno a moderado foi encontrado para as pontuações do UQYBT (d = 0,02-0,43). O grupo com discinesia escapular apresentou melhor desempenho em todos os testes. Conclusão A pre-sença de discinesia escapular em indivíduos assintomáticos não é um fator relacionado a piores escores em testes de desempenho físico de membros superiores.

Conhecimento, interesse e preferência por programas de retreinamento de corrida em corredores de rua: estudo transversal / Conocimiento, interés y preferencia por programas de reentrenamiento de corrida en los corredores de calle: un estudio transversal / Knowledge, interest, and preference for gait retraining programs in street runners: a cross-sectional study

RESUMO Com o intuito de prevenir ou reabilitar lesões musculoesqueléticas relacionadas à corrida, algumas modalidades de tratamento têm sido utilizadas, entre elas o retreinamento de corrida. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o conhecimento, o interesse e a preferência acerca de programas de retreinamento de corrida por parte de corredores de rua e verificar se esses aspectos diferem entre corredores sem e com histórico de lesão. Trata-se de estudo transversal feito com 100 corredores. Inicialmente, um texto mostrando do que se tratava o retreinamento de corrida foi apresentado aos participantes, que então responderam com relação ao conhecimento (sim ou não) e ao interesse na realização (sim ou não). Posteriormente, um texto mostrando como seria a realização de um programa supervisionado e outro parcialmente supervisionado foi apresentado aos participantes, que responderam acerca de sua preferência por um deles (supervisionado ou parcialmente supervisionado). Constatou-se que a maioria desconhece os programas de retreinamento de corrida (69,8%), porém houve um alto interesse (87,1%) na realização do programa após a leitura do texto. Os participantes não apresentaram preferência por um protocolo totalmente supervisionado (48,2%) ou parcialmente supervisionado (51,8%). Foi encontrada uma diferença estatística quanto ao conhecimento (p=0,029) a favor dos participantes com histórico de lesão. Apesar das crescentes evidências disponíveis, observou-se que a maioria dos corredores não tem conhecimento prévio sobre esta modalidade. Devido ao alto interesse e à ausência de preferência por diferentes protocolos, sugere-se que os programas descritos sejam apresentados aos pacientes por profissionais da saúde que trabalhem com essa população.

RESUMEN Con el propósito de prevenir o rehabilitar las lesiones musculoesqueléticas relacionadas con la carrera, el reentrenamiento de carrera es una de las modalidades de tratamiento. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el conocimiento, el interés y la preferencia por los programas de reentrenamiento de carrera por parte de corredores de calle, así como verificar si estos aspectos difieren entre los corredores sin antecedentes de lesiones o con. Se trata de un estudio transversal, realizado con 100 corredores. Inicialmente, los participantes recibieron un texto sobre el reentrenamiento de corrida y, luego, respondieron acerca del conocimiento (sí o no) y el interés por hacerlo (sí o no). Enseguida, los participantes recibieron un texto sobre cómo aplicar un programa supervisado y otro sobre el programa parcialmente supervisado, y respondieron su preferencia por uno de ellos (supervisado o parcialmente supervisado). Se constató que la mayoría de los respondientes desconoce los programas de reentrenamiento de corrida (69,8%), pero hubo un gran interés (87,1%) por aplicar el programa después de la lectura del texto. Los participantes no mostraron preferir un protocolo totalmente supervisado (48,2%) o parcialmente supervisado (51,8%). Se encontró una diferencia estadística en cuanto al conocimiento (p=0,029) sobre los participantes con antecedentes de lesión. A pesar de la creciente y disponible evidencia, se observó que la mayoría de los corredores no tienen conocimiento previo de esta modalidad. Debido al gran interés y la falta de preferencia por uno de los protocolos, los programas descritos deberían de ser presentados a los pacientes por los profesionales de la salud que trabajan con esta población.

ABSTRACT Some treatment modalities have been used to prevent or treat running-related musculoskeletal injuries, among them, gait retraining. This study aimed to evaluate street runners' knowledge, interest, and preference for gait retraining programs and assess if these aspects differ between runners with and without history of injury. This is a cross-sectional study with 100 runners. Initially, a text showing what gait retraining was about was presented to participants. Then, they answered questions about their knowledge (yes x no) and interest (yes x no) on the programs. Subsequently, a text showing how fully and partially supervised programs would be conducted was offered to participants. Then, they reported their preference for one of them (fully x partially supervised). We found that most athletes were unaware of gait retraining programs (69.8%), though they showed great interest in performing them after explanation (87.1%). We observed no preference for a fully (48.2%) or partially supervised (51.8%) protocol. We also found a statistical difference in knowledge (p=0.029) in favor of participants with history of injury. Despite the growing evidence available, we observed that most runners lack any prior knowledge of this modality. Due to the great interest and lack of preference for different protocols shown, we suggest that healthcare providers who treat this population offer the programs described to patients.

Reliability and validity of the One Arm Hop Test and Seated Medicine Ball Throw Test in young adults: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Functional performance tests are inexpensive, accessible, and easy to apply tools that can be used to help practitioners in daily decision making process. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the One Arm Hop Test (OAHT) and Seated Medicine Ball Throw Test (SBMT) in young adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with a sample consisted of 59 young adults. The subjects performed the OAHT and SMBT in two moments separated by seven days and by two examiners. The Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST) was performed at the second moment. The time in OAHT, distance in SMBT, mean number of touches, normalized score, and power of the CKCUEST were measured. Reliability was determined using Intraclass Correlation Coeficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman Plots. Validity was assessed via Pearson's Correlation Coefficient (r) between these tests and CKCUEST. RESULTS: We found good reliability of the OAHT between different raters (dominant limb - ICC = 0.83; non-dominant limb - ICC = 0.80) and moderate reliability between the same rater (dominant limb - ICC = 0.63; non-dominant limb - ICC = 0.62). In the SMBT we found good reliability inter-examiner (ICC = 0.84) and intra-examiner (ICC = 0.77). Low to moderate correlations with the CKCUEST were found (r < 0.70; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The OAHT and the SMBT show moderate/good reliability intra and inter-examiner, however these tests are poorly correlated with CKCUEST. The SMBT presented higher values of ICC than OAHT. A combination of the SMBT and CKCUEST is recommended in clinical practice.

Influência do estímulo visual e posição dos membros superiores no controle postural ortostático de crianças e adolescentes / Influence of visual stimulus and upper limbs' position in the orthostatic postural control of children and adolescents

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a influência do estímulo visual e posicionamento dos membros superiores no controle postural ortostático e avaliar o efeito do sexo e idade nas respostas posturais de crianças e adolescentes. Estudo transversal, com amostra de 84 participantes com idade entre 11 e 14 anos, ambos os sexos (55 meninas), de escola pública de Goiânia (GO). Além do exame físico, o controle postural foi avaliado na posição ortostática pela baropodometria computadorizada em três condições: olhos abertos, olhos fechados e olhos abertos com ombros a 90° de abdução. A ausência do estímulo visual gerou maior instabilidade postural em comparação à condição de olhos abertos. Em relação as diferenças existentes entre os sexos, foi observado que as meninas tiveram menores valores de deslocamento anteroposterior e área da elipse que os meninos. Comparando-se os olhos abertos e fechados, as meninas apresentaram maiores valores na área da elipse e os meninos nos deslocamentos anteroposterior e látero-lateral. Ao analisar o efeito da idade foi observado que o grupo com 13 e 14 anos apresentou maiores valores em todas as variáveis analisadas. A ausência do estímulo visual aumentou os valores da área da elipse no grupo com 11 e 12 e dos deslocamentos no grupo com 13 e 14 anos. Não foi verificado efeito interativo entre sexo e idade. Na condição de abdução dos membros superiores não houve diferença no controle postural. Conclui-se que a ausência do estímulo visual foi mais impactante na manutenção do controle postural ortostático em crianças e adolescentes em relação as outras condições avaliadas, existindo diferença entre os sexos e a idade, em que os meninos e o grupo com 13 e 14 anos realizaram mais ajustes para manter o controle postural. (AU)

The aim of this study was to verify the influence of visual stimulus and positioning of the upper limbs in the orthostatic postural control, and to assess the effects of gender and age in the postural responses of children and adolescents. This was a transversal study involving 84 participants (of which 55 were girls) from public schools in Goiania (GO - Brazil) with age between 11 and 14 years. Besides physical examination, the participants' postural control was assessed in the orthostatic position by computerized baropodometry in three different conditions: eyes-open, eyes-closed, and eyes-open with shoulders at 90º abduction. The absence of visual stimulus generated more postural instability in relation to the eyes-open condition. Regarding gender differences, the girls had lower anteroposterior and ellipse area displacement than boys. Comparing the eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions, the girls presented higher values in the ellipse area and the boys presented higher values in the anteroposterior and laterolateral displacements. Analyzing the effect of age, the participants between 13 and 14 years old presented higher values in all variables. The absence of visual stimulus increased the values of the ellipse area in the participants between 11 and 12 years of age and the values of displacements in the participants between 13 and 14 years of age. Interactive effect between genders and age has not been verified. There were no postural control differences in the upper limbs abduction condition. Conclusion: The absence of visual stimulus was more impacting in the support of orthostatic postural control in children and adolescents than the other conditions assessed; the boys and the participants between 13 and 14 years of age made more adjustments in order to maintain postural control. (AU)

Effects of gait retraining with focus on impact versus gait retraining with focus on cadence on pain, function and lower limb kinematics in runners with patellofemoral pain: Protocol of a randomized, blinded, parallel group trial with 6-month follow-up.

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is one of the most prevalent injuries in runners. Unfortunately, a substantial part of injured athletes do not recover fully from PFP in the long-term. Although previous studies have shown positive effects of gait retraining in this condition, retraining protocols often lack clinical applicability because they are time-consuming, costly for patients and require a treadmill. The primary objective of this study will be to compare the effects of two different two-week partially supervised gait retraining programs, with a control intervention; on pain, function and lower limb kinematics of runners with PFP. It will be a single-blind randomized clinical trial with six-month follow-up. The study will be composed of three groups: a group focusing on impact (group A), a group focusing on cadence (group B), and a control group that will not perform any intervention (group C). The primary outcome measure will be pain assessed using the Visual Analog Pain scale during running. Secondary outcomes will include pain during daily activities (usual), symptoms assessed using the Patellofemoral Disorders Scale and lower limb running kinematics in the frontal (contralateral pelvic drop; hip adduction) and sagittal planes (foot inclination; tibia inclination; ankle dorsiflexion; knee flexion) assessed using the MyoResearch 3.14-MyoVideo (Noraxon U.S.A. Inc.). The study outcomes will be evaluated before (t0), immediately after (t2), and six months (t24) after starting the protocol. Our hypothesis is that both partially supervised gait retraining programs will be more effective in reducing pain, improving symptoms, and modifying lower limb kinematics during running compared with the control group, and that the positive effects from these programs will persist for six months. Also, we believe that one gait retraining group will not be superior to the other. Results from this study will help improve care in runners with PFP, while maximizing clinical applicability as well as time and cost-effectiveness.

Effect of visual condition and physical activity on the plantar pressure distribution in adult and older women / Efeito do sistema visual e atividade física na distribuição da pressão plantar em mulheres adultas e idosas

Abstract The aging process causes changes in the physical and functional conditions, as well as in the foot structure and function. This study aimed to analyze the plantar pressure variation with respect to visual information and physical activity in adult and older women. This was a cross-sectional study that included 142 women (mean age of 67.8 years). Participants responded the anamnesis questionnaire, Mini Mental State Examination, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Plantar pressure was assessed using computerized baropodometry. Weight distribution was observed in semitandem positions for the right foot forward and then the left foot forward . Data analysis showed that foot type had no correlation with age (p = 0.37 right foot; p = 0.93 left foot) or level of physical activity (p = 0.28 right foot; p = 0.96 left foot). Moreover, plantar pressure variation showed no significant relationship with age (R2 = 0.2; p = 0.6). In conclusion, plantar pressure variation is not associated with the morphological foot type in women analyzed, as the visual condition did not generate plantar pressure variations when compared to its effect on the classification of plantar arches. Furthermore, level of physical activity was not associated with plantar pressure variation .

Resumo O processo de envelhecimento acarreta alterações nas condições físico-funcionais e na estrutura e função do pé. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a variação da pressão plantar quanto a informação visual e atividade física em mulheres adultas e idosas. Estudo transversal, com uma amostra de 142 mulheres (média de idade de 67,8 anos). As mulheres responderam ao questionário de anamnese, Mini Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM) e o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ). O exame da pressão plantar foi realizado pela baropodometria computadorizada. A distribuição da pressão plantar foi observada na posição semitandem com o pé direito na frente e com o pé esquerdo à frente. O tipo de pé não teve relação com a variação da pressão plantar, idade (p = 0,37 pé direito e p = 0,93 pé esquerdo) ou atividade física (p = 0,28 pé direito e p = 0,96 pé esquerdo). A variação da pressão plantar também não mostrou relação significativa com idade (R2 = 0,2 e p = 0,6). Conclui-se que a variação da pressão plantar não está associada com o tipo morfológico do pé das mulheres analisadas, pois a condição visual não gerou variação da pressão plantar quando comparada ao seu efeito na classificação dos arcos plantares. O nível de atividade física não apresentou relação na variação da pressão plantar.

Effects of Kinesio Taping on peak torque and muscle activity in women with low back pain presenting fears and beliefs related to physical activity.

BACKGROUND: KT is an elastic taping that has been widely used as an adjunct to conventional physiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Kinesio Taping on peak torque, muscle fatigue index and muscle activity of erector spinae in women with low back pain presenting fears and beliefs related to physical activity. METHODS: This is a pilot controlled clinical trial. The subjects were divided into two groups according to the Fear Beliefs Avoidance Questionnaire (FABQ): Group A (Patients with no fears and/or beliefs related to physical activity) and Group B (Patients with fears and/or beliefs related to physical activity). The Kinesio Taping was applied in "I" in order to facilitate erector spinae. An isokinetic dynamometer and a surface electromyography were used to evaluate the outcomes. The evaluations were performed without and with the KT. RESULTS: Sample of 16 women equally divided into two groups with similar characteristics regarding age, weight, height, body mass index, functional capacity and pain levels in the evaluations without and with Kinesio Taping. There were within-groups and between-groups differences in the peak torque (p ≤ .05), with better results in the Group B. No differences were found on muscle fatigue index and muscle activity in both groups (p > .05). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that Kinesio Taping had immediate effects in the peak torque of the erector spinae of women with nonspecific chronic low back pain presenting fears and beliefs related to physical activity. It is suggested that such results occurred by placebo effect. NCT: RBR-5xh3ch.

Hyperelastic tape modifies the kinematics of the pronated foot in young women: self-controlled clinical trial / A bandagem hiperelástica modifica a cinemática do pé pronado em mulheres jovens: ensaio clínico autocontrolado

Abstract Introduction: Excessive pronation has been linked to increased risk of developing lower limb injuries. In this respect, assessing the effectiveness of therapeutic resources, such as hyperelastic taping, becomes relevant. Objective: evaluate the influence of adhesive hyperelastic taping on excessive pronation of the ankle-foot complex in young women. Method: Self-controlled clinical trial of ten women with excessive pronation (Foot Posture Index ≥ 6). Three-dimensional gait was assessed according to the Vicon Oxford Foot Model before and after taping. Hyperelastic tape was applied on the side with greater pronation (experimental side) and the opposite side was used as control (control side). The segments evaluated were the hindfoot, midfoot and forefoot. The Shapiro-Wilk normality, paired t and Wilcoxon tests were applied and Significance was set at p <0.05. Results: No change (p> 0.05) was observed in the hindfoot on the experimental or control side; the midfoot showed a decrease in arch height (p <0.05) only on the experimental side; forefoot eversion (p <0.05) declined only on the experimental side. Conclusion: The use of hyperelastic tape reduced forefoot eversion; however, this decrease is not clinically desirable, since excessive pronation in a closed chain increased in the sample of young women studied.

Resumo Introdução: A pronação excessiva tem sido relacionada ao aumento do risco de desenvolver lesões nos membros inferiores. Nesse sentido, verificar a efetividade de recursos terapêuticos, como a bandagem hiperelástica, tornou-se relevante. Objetivo: Avaliar a influência da bandagem hiperelástica na pronação excessiva do pé em mulheres jovens. Método: Ensaio clínico autocontrolado, no qual participaram dez mulheres com pronação excessiva (Foot Posture Index ≥ 6). Realizou-se então a avaliação tridimensional da marcha de acordo com o modelo Oxford Foot Model da Vicon em dois momentos: antes e após a bandagem. Foi aplicada bandagem hiperelástica no lado com maior pronação (lado experimental) e o lado oposto foi utilizado como controle (lado controle). Quanto aos segmentos avaliados, estes foram o retropé, antepé e mediopé. Para análise dos dados aplicou-se o teste de normalidade Shapiro Wilk, testes t pareado e Wilcoxon. E o nível de significância foi considerado como p<0,05. Resultados: No retropé não foi verificada mudança (p>0,05) no lado experimental ou controle; no mediopé foi observado redução da altura do arco (p<0,05) somente no lado experimental, porém sem diferença entre grupos (p>0,05); e no antepé foi observado redução da eversão (p<0,05) somente no lado experimental. Conclusão: A aplicação utilizada de bandagem hiperelástica reduziu a eversão do antepé, porém essa redução não é desejável clinicamente, uma vez que em cadeia fechada a pronação excessiva aumenta na amostra de mulheres jovens estudadas.

Fear of Falling Contributing to Cautious Gait Pattern in Women Exposed to a Fictional Disturbing Factor: A Non-randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the gait pattern of elderly women with and without fall-history, with high and low fear of falling, when exposed to a disturbing factor. Materials and Methods: Forty-nine elderly women without cognitive impairment agreed to participate. Participants were divided into four groups, considering the history of falls and fear of falling. Three-dimensional gait analysis was performed to assess gait kinematics before and after exposure to the fictional disturbing factor (psychological and non-motor agent). Results: After being exposed to the perturbation, all showed shorter step length, stride length and slower walking speed. Those without fall-history and with high fear of falling showed greater changes and lower Gait Profile Score. Conclusion: The gait changes shown in the presence of a fear-of-falling causing agent led to a cautious gait pattern in an attempt to increase protection. However, those changes increased fall-risk, boosted by fear of falling. Clinical Trial Registration: www.residentialclinics.gov.br, identifier: RBR-35xhj5.

Effects of Kinesio Taping on the muscular performance of women with chronic lower back pain / Efeitos da Kinesio Taping no desempenho muscular de mulheres com dor lombar crônica

Nonspecific chronic back pain is defined as a pain in the lumbar region lasting more than 12 weeks, that is not relatedto specific pathologies. Several resources have been used to treat the different aspects of these patients (pain, disability,mobility, strength, endurance, psychological factors, limitation of activities and restrictions in participation), amongthese, elastic bandages such as Kinesio Taping (KT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the immediate effects ofKinesio Taping on muscle strength, activity, and fatigue of spinal erectors of subjects with nonspecific chronic lowerback pain. An isokinetic dynamometer and a surface electromyograph were used to evaluate the study outcomes. Theforce was measured by means of the peak torque, the activity was through the Root Mean Square and the muscularfatigue was by the median frequency. The Kinesio Taping elastic bandage was applied in an “I” for aiding the spineerectors according to the recommendations of the method. The subjects were evaluated with and without the KTbandage. The data were analyzed in the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 23.0 considering p0.05). It was concluded that elastic bandaging does notpresent immediate effects on muscle strength, activity, and fatigue of the spinal erectors of subjects with nonspecific chronic lower back pain

A dor lombar crônica inespecífica é definida como uma dor na região lombar com duração maior que 12 semanas, quenão está relacionada a patologias específicas. Diversos recursos têm sido utilizados para tratar os diferentes aspectosdestes pacientes (dor, incapacidade, mobilidade, força, resistência, fatores psicológicos, limitações nas atividades erestrição à participação), entre estes as bandagens elásticas como a Kinesio Taping (KT). O objetivo do estudo foi avaliaros efeitos imediatos da Kinesio Taping sobre a força, atividade e fadiga muscular dos eretores da espinha de sujeitos comdor lombar crônica inespecífica. Utilizou-se um dinamômetro isocinético e um eletromiógrafo de superfície para avaliaros desfechos do estudo. A força foi mensurada por meio do pico de torque, a atividade por meio do Root Mean Square ea fadiga muscular pela frequência mediana. A bandagem elástica Kinesio Taping foi aplicada em “I” para facilitação doseretores da espinha seguindo as recomendações do método. Os sujeitos foram avaliados sem e com a bandagem KT. Osdados foram analisados no SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) versão 23.0 considerando-se p0,05). Conclui-se que a bandagem elástica não apresenta efeitos imediatos sobre a força, atividade efadiga muscular dos eretores da espinha de sujeitos com dor lombar crônica inespecífica

Kinesio Taping effects with different directions and tensions on strength and range of movement of the knee: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the Kinesio Taping effects with different directions and tensions on the strength of rectus femoris and range of movement of the knee in healthy individuals, but with a muscle imbalance caused by exposure to a continuous vibration. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled trial. The subjects were randomly allocated into two groups: Group application of the Kinesio Taping using origin to insertion and Group application of the Kinesio Taping using insertion to origin. In both groups the dominant limb received the application of Kinesio Taping on rectus femoris (experimental limb) while the non-dominant limb was used as control of the study (control limb). Three assessments were carried out with each subject at different time-points (baseline, post-application, 24h later). These evaluations were performed with 0%, 10% and 75% of tension. The continuous vibration was conducted on the patella tendon for 20min before the first evaluation on each subject. A handheld dynamometer and a digital goniometer were used to evaluate the strength of the rectus femoris and the range of movement of the knee. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 42 subjects, 79% women and 21% men, mean age 20.5 (SD=4.6), body mass index average of 18.7 (SD=2.34). There were no between-group differences for all outcomes. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the use of Kinesio Taping in healthy individuals did not change muscle strength or increase range of movement. Future clinical trials are recommended for symptomatic patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02501915 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT025019150).

Comparison of the mechanical properties of therapeutic elastic tapes used in sports and clinical practice.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional laboratory study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the mechanical properties of different therapeutic elastic tapes used in sports and clinical practice. BACKGROUND: Therapeutic tapes have been used since around the 1800s. They are composed of cotton, elastic filaments and adhesive glue that provides an effect of tactile and mechanical stimulation. However, as taping has evolved, manufacturers have implemented new materials and claim that the tensile properties and adhesion of tapes contribute more significantly in the rehabilitation process. METHODS: Fifty samples of elastic tapes (5 different manufacturers; 10 samples from each manufacturer) were submitted to longitudinal traction until rupture as well as surface adherence assays. Information was recorded on maximum deformation, maximum load, maximum tension and relative stiffness. RESULTS: In tensile testing the bandages brand Kinesio Tex Gold - FP® showed higher rates, 3 in 4 properties. During surface adherence tests on the therapeutic elastic tapes the brand Premium Kinesiology 3 NS Tex® showed higher rates, 3 in 4 properties analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Tapes from different manufacturers exhibit different characteristics regarding traction and adherence mechanics. Knowledge of these characteristics is fundamental for the optimized use of each tape based on specific therapeutic needs.

Safety and tolerability of Kinesio Taping in patients with arm lymphedema: medical device clinical study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to assess the safety and tolerability of Kinesio Taping (KT) in patients with arm lymphedema. METHOD: Medical device clinical study in women with arm lymphedema. Kinesio Tex Gold bandage was applied by the KT technique. Assessments and interviews were carried out both at the beginning and 4 days after intervention. Skin disorders, reported tolerance and modification of limb volume and function after intervention were assessed. Changes in limb volume and functionality before and after intervention were compared by the Student's t test and the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test, considering significant p value <0.05. RESULTS: Twenty-four women were studied. After intervention, no patient had cutaneous lesions, vesicle or limb hyperthermia, and 4.2% presented skin peeling and redness. Most patients reported no change in social life and that they felt safer in the daily activity and were very pleased with the treatment. The patients presented improvement of upper limb functionality after intervention (p < 0.001). No difference of limb volume was found after intervention (p = 0.639). CONCLUSIONS: Kinesio Tex Gold bandage by the KT technique proved to be safe and tolerable in patients with lymphedema, with improved functionality and no change of the affected limb volume.

The effect of Kinesio Taping on handgrip strength.

[Purpose] The purpose of this research was to evaluate the change in muscle function induced by a Kinesio Tape application with no or moderate tension, to the dominant and non-dominant arms. [Subjects and Methods] This research was a quantitative study, in which 75 women participated. The subjects, aged 18-30 years, were divided into 3 groups, Kinesio, Kinesio without Tension, and Control, and they were assessed before the taping intervention and after 30 minutes, 24 hours, and 48 hours of taping. [Results] The Kinesio group subjects demonstrated an increase in handgrip strength after 30 minutes, 24 hours, and 48 hours of tape application compared to control. A statistically significant increase in strength was observed in the Kinesio group comparison to the Control after 24 hours and 48 hours for the right hand, and after 48 hours for the left hand. Improvement in the Kinesio group compared to the Kinesio without Tension was observed only after 24 hours of taping application, and only in the right hand. [Conclusion] The Kinesio Taping method augmented the handgrip strength of healthy women, and the increase in grip strength was maintained for 48 hours after its application; the dominant hand demonstrated the greatest strength values.

The effect of kinesio taping in forward bending of the lumbar spine.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a lumbar fascia Kinesio Taping(®) technique forward bending range of motion. [Subjects and Methods] This was a longitudinal study with a randomized clinical trial composed of 39 subjects divided into three groups (control, Kinesio Without Tension-KWT, and Kinesio Fascia Correction-KFC). The subjects were assessed by Schober and fingertip-to-floor tests and left the tape in place for 48 hours before being reassessed 24 hours, 48 hours and 30 days after its removal. [Results] In all three experimental groups no significant differences were observed with the Schober test, but it was possible to observe an increase in lumbar flexion after 30 days. With the fingertip-to-floor distance assessment, the KFC and KWT groups showed significantly improved flexibility 24 hours and 48 hours after tape removal. [Conclusion] The Kinesio Taping(®) influenced fascia mobility, allowing for slight improvement of lumbar flexibility.

A influência da Kinesio® Taping na correção da protrusão de ombro avaliado por meio da biofotogrametria computadorizada / The influence of Kinesio®Taping in shoulders protraction evaluated using computerized photogrammetry

Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da aplicação da bandagem KinesioTaping® na postura da cintura escapular em pacientes com protrusãode ombros. Material e métodos: A amostra foi constituída por 30voluntárias do gênero feminino, idade entre 18 e 23 anos, que apresentavamprotrusão de ombros, acadêmicas do curso de fisioterapiada Universidade Estadual de Goiás, pólo ESEFFEGO, em Goiânia/GO. Foram realizadas quatro avaliações por meio da Biofotogrametria,analisadas pelo Software de Avaliação Postural (SAPo), sendo aprimeira antes da aplicação da bandagem, depois de cinco dias foirealizada nova avaliação e reaplicação da bandagem, ficando por maiscinco dias, seguido de nova avaliação. A última avaliação foi realizadaapós dez dias da retirada da segunda aplicação para verificar o seuefeito crônico. Resultados: Houve melhora significativa na posturade protrusão de ombros após a primeira aplicação, após a segundasomente em relação às distâncias inferiores e, após dez dias sem abandagem, também houve melhoras significantes na correção postural.Conclusão: A bandagem KinesioTaping® apresentou influênciapositiva na correção mecânica da postura de protrusão de ombro deforma imediata, também mantendo essa melhora após os dez dias.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Kinesio Taping® in scapularwaist posture in patients with protruding shoulders. Methods: Thesample consisted of 30 female volunteers, aged 18 to 23, who hadprotruding shoulders, students attending Physical Therapy courseof State University of Goiás, ESEFFEGO, in Goiânia/GO. Fourevaluations were done by photogrammetry, analyzed by Postural AssessmentSoftware (SAPo), the first was carried out before applyingthe bandage, after five days was held reassessment and reapply thebandage, staying for five days, and then another reassessment. Thelast evaluation was performed ten days after the withdrawal of thesecond application to check the chronic effect. Results: There was asignificant improvement in posture protrusion shoulders after firstbandage, after the second only in relation to inferior distances, andafter ten days without the bandage, also showed significant improvementsin postural correction. Conclusion: Kinesio Taping® bandageshowed positive influence on mechanical correction of protrudingshoulder posture immediately, also maintaining that improvementafter ten days.