Sex- and age-related differences in kinetics and tibial accelerations during military-relevant movement tasks in U.S. Army trainees.

Lower extremity injuries are prevalent in military trainees, especially in female and older trainees. Modifiable factors that lead to higher injury risk in these subgroups are not clear. The purpose of this study was to identify whether external loading variables during military-relevant tasks differ by age and sex in U.S. Army trainees. Data was collected on 915 trainees in the first week of Basic Combat Training. Participants performed running and ruck marching (walking with 18.1 kg pack) on a treadmill, as well as double-/single-leg drop landings. Variables included: vertical force loading rates, vertical stiffness, first peak vertical forces, peak vertical and resultant tibial accelerations. Comparisons were made between sexes and age groups (young, ≤19 years; middle, 20-24 years; older, ≥25 years). Significant main effects of sex were found, with females showing higher vertical loading rates during ruck marching, and peak tibial accelerations during running and ruck marching (p ≤ 0.03). Males showed higher vertical stiffness during running and peak vertical tibial accelerations during drop landings (p < 0.01). A main effect of age was found for vertical loading rates during running (p = 0.03), however no significant pairwise differences were found between age groups. These findings suggest that higher external loading may contribute to higher overall injury rates in female trainees. Further, higher stiffness during running may contribute to specific injuries, such as Achilles Tendinopathy, that are more prevalent in males. The lack of differences between age groups suggests that other factors contribute more to higher injury rates in older trainees.

EgoActive: Integrated Wireless Wearable Sensors for Capturing Infant Egocentric Auditory-Visual Statistics and Autonomic Nervous System Function 'in the Wild'.

There have been sustained efforts toward using naturalistic methods in developmental science to measure infant behaviors in the real world from an egocentric perspective because statistical regularities in the environment can shape and be shaped by the developing infant. However, there is no user-friendly and unobtrusive technology to densely and reliably sample life in the wild. To address this gap, we present the design, implementation and validation of the EgoActive platform, which addresses limitations of existing wearable technologies for developmental research. EgoActive records the active infants' egocentric perspective of the world via a miniature wireless head-mounted camera concurrently with their physiological responses to this input via a lightweight, wireless ECG/acceleration sensor. We also provide software tools to facilitate data analyses. Our validation studies showed that the cameras and body sensors performed well. Families also reported that the platform was comfortable, easy to use and operate, and did not interfere with daily activities. The synchronized multimodal data from the EgoActive platform can help tease apart complex processes that are important for child development to further our understanding of areas ranging from executive function to emotion processing and social learning.

Relationships between tibial accelerations and ground reaction forces during walking with load carriage.

Peak tibial accelerations (TAs) during running are strongly related to early stance vertical ground reaction forces (GRFs), which are associated with musculoskeletal injury. However, few studies have examined these correlations during walking, and none have evaluated them during walking with loads, a relevant activity for military personnel. Our purpose was to determine the relationships between GRFs and TAs in US Army trainees (n = 649) walking with loads. An inertial measurement unit was attached over their distal antero-medial tibia. Participants walked on an instrumented treadmill at 1.21-1.34 m/s, with a pack loaded with 18.1 kg, for a 3-min warm-up followed by a minimum of 14 strides of data collection. Simple linear regression models were calculated for peak vertical and resultant TAs with vertical and posterior GRF loading rates and peak forces. The strongest relationships were between vertical loading rates and peak vertical TA (R = 0.43-0.50), however the relationships were weaker than has been reported for unloaded walking and running (R > 0.7). All other relationships were trivial to small (R = 0.06-0.27). The weaker relationships for vertical GRFs and TAs may be due to methodological differences between studies, or differences in gait mechanics, such as a longer double-limb support phase in loaded vs. unloaded walking.

The effects of concurrent biomechanical biofeedback on novel skill acquisition.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of concurrent biomechanical biofeedback on the ability of novices to modify relative knee, spine, and elbow motions during a rowing-type task. After six non-instructed practice sessions, novices were assigned to a biofeedback (BFb; n = 7) or control group (Con; n = 7), before six, ten-minute sessions of continuous rowing were performed over 2 weeks. The BFb group received concurrent, visual biofeedback for developing sequential timing of knee, spine, and elbow motions during the pull. Following the intervention, the BFb group demonstrated delayed elbow flexion initiation (pre-intervention, 46 ± 11% pull; post-intervention, 78 ± 3% pull; p = 0.001). The biofeedback further promoted the consecutive ending of joint rotations (BFb: knee, 69 ± 4% pull; spine, 73 ± 7% pull; elbow, 85 ± 3% pull; Con: knee, 79 ± 8% pull; spine, 28 ± 6% pull; elbow, 79 ± 4% pull) and a move towards the sequential sequencing pattern. Concurrent biomechanical biofeedback during short-term training altered technique, possibly by providing guidance towards the desired movement pattern and increasing error detection and correction capabilities.

The effects of concurrent biomechanical biofeedback on rowing performance at different stroke rates.

The aims of this study were to assess the effects of stroke rate (SR) on the ability of trained rowers to: a) comply with concurrent biomechanical biofeedback on knee-back-elbow joint sequencing; and b) transfer any changes to competition-intensity conditions (maximal rowing task). Following a five-minute maximal rowing task (Baseline), 30 trained rowers were randomised to four groups. Two groups rowed at high SRs (90% maximum SR with biofeedback (BFb90) or control), while others rowed at low SRs (60% maximum SR with biofeedback (BFb60) or control) for 3 sessions. All rowers then completed another maximal rowing task (Transfer). Rowers complied with the biofeedback at both SRs, which promoted coordinative changes to knee-elbow motions during the pull. During Transfer, control rowers did not improve whereas those receiving biofeedback covered significantly greater distances (increase from Baseline: BFb60 = 6 ± 5%; BFb90 = 5 ± 4%; p < 0.05). However, movement adaptations were temporally different between SRs and were better maintained into Transfer by those that rowed at higher rates. This indicated biofeedback specificity, as transference of modified movement patterns appeared better when acquisition and transfer conditions were similar. These findings have practical implications for assimilating biofeedback into training programmes.

Effects of biofeedback on whole lower limb joint kinematics and external kinetics.

Biofeedback (BFb) is a useful tool to accelerate the skill development process. Limited research has applied BFb to the whole lower-limb in a complex skill therefore the aim of this research was to assess the effectiveness of a biofeedback intervention targeting whole lower limb kinematics. Thirty-two healthy participants were randomized to a BFb (n = 16) and a Control group (n = 16). Participants visited a motion capture laboratory on three occasions during one week, and returned for retention testing at 4-6 weeks. Following introduction to a novel lunge-touch task, visual BFb on lower limb joint kinematic extension angular velocities (ω) and timing were provided following each lunge. BFb was effective in increasing Hipω (F = 3.746, p = 0.03) and Kneeω (F = 10.241, p = 0.01). Peak Ankleω remained unchanged (F = 1.537, p = 0.23, η2 = 0.05), however Peak Ankleθ (F = 10.915, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.27) and AnkleROM (F = 9.543, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.24) significantly increased. Despite kinematic changes, there were no significant changes in any external kinetics. No significant correlations were found between Hipω, Kneeω or Ankleω and horizontal impulse (ImpulseY: r = 0.20, p = 0.26; r = -0.11, p = 0.24; and r = 0.22, p = 0.28, respectively). Findings demonstrate that BFb can be used to alter multiple kinematic variables in a complex skill, but do not necessarily alter associated kinetic variables not directly targeted by BFb.

Exerted running results in altered impact mechanics and footstrike patterns following gait retraining.

Exertion may alter running mechanics and increase injury risk. Effects of exertion following gait-retraining are unknown. OBJECTIVES: To determine how exertion effects load rates, footstrike, and cadence in runners following a transition to forefoot strike (FFS) or increased cadence (CAD) gait-retraining. METHODS: 33 (9 M, 24 F) healthy rearfoot strike runners were randomized into CAD or FFS groups. All runners received strengthening exercises and gait-retraining. 3D kinetic and kinematic motion analysis with instrumented treadmill at self-selected speed was performed at baseline & 1-week post-intervention, including an exerted run. Exertion was ≥17 on Borg's Rating of Perceived Exertion scale or voluntary termination of running. RESULTS: Within group comparisons between fresh and exerted running: Cadence not affected in either group. Foot angle at contact became less plantarflexed in FFS (-2.2°, ±0.4) and was unchanged in CAD. Both groups increased vertical average load rate (FFS +16.9%, CAD +13.6%). CAD increased vertical stiffness (+8.6 kN/m). FFS reduced ankle excursion (1.8°). (p ≤ 0.05 for all values listed). CONCLUSION: Both FFS and CAD exhibited increased load rates with exertion. Variables that may have increased load rates were different for each group. CAD runners had increased vertical stiffness while FFS runners had reduced plantarflexion at contact and reduced ankle dorsiflexion excursion.

Lower limb biomechanics before and after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review.

This review aimed to synthesise the findings of literature that have assessed the changes in lower limb biomechanics following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructive surgery. Systematic searches of CINHAL, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and SPORTDiscus databases were run. All included studies had presented biomechanical variables pre- and post-surgery for the same participants. Articles were categorised by the analysed movement, and effect sizes were calculated. Fifty-four studies met the inclusion criteria, providing data on gait (n = 31), balance (n = 12), joint position sense (n = 5), stair ambulation (n = 4), pivoting (n = 6), and landing (n = 5). Measures of balance performance and joint position sense showed improvements from pre- to post-surgery. Changes in joint kinematics were inconsistent between studies, however increased knee flexion excursion, and reduced tibial anterior translation and internal rotation post reconstruction were identified. Joint kinetics reduced in magnitude in the early stages after surgery (≤5 weeks), then increased later in recovery (≥24 weeks). Risk of bias assessment identified most articles had a moderate or high risk (low = 5; moderate = 21; high = 11) resulting from participant retention and surgical intervention differences. The results of the review identified that although lower limb biomechanics did alter following reconstruction, few variables provided consistent results across studies and tasks. The low methodological quality of some articles may have contributed to these inconsistent findings. Alternatively, differences across studies may have resulted from individual coping strategies of participants that have previously been suggested to be present before reconstructive surgery, and future research should look to explore individual coping strategies to ACL reconstruction.

Transition to forefoot strike reduces load rates more effectively than altered cadence.

BACKGROUND: Excessive vertical impacts at landing are associated with common running injuries. Two primary gait-retraining interventions aimed at reducing impact forces are transition to forefoot strike and increasing cadence. The objective of this study was to compare the short- and long-term effects of 2 gait-retraining interventions aimed at reducing landing impacts. METHODS: A total of 39 healthy recreational runners using a rearfoot strike and a cadence of ≤170 steps/min were randomized into cadence (CAD) or forefoot strike (FFS) groups. All participants performed 4 weeks of strengthening followed by 8 sessions of gait-retraining using auditory feedback. Vertical average load rates (VALR) and vertical instantaneous load rates (VILR) were calculated from the vertical ground reaction force curve. Both cadence and foot strike angle were measured using 3D motion analysis and an instrumented treadmill at baseline and at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months post retraining. RESULTS: ANOVA revealed that the FFS group had significant reductions in VALR (49.7%) and VILR (41.7%), and changes were maintained long term. Foot strike angle in the FFS group changed from 14.2° dorsiflexion at baseline to 3.4° plantarflexion, with changes maintained long term. The CAD group exhibited significant reduction only in VALR (16%) and only at 6 months. Both groups had significant and similar increases in cadence at all follow-ups (CAD, +7.2% to 173 steps/min; and FFS, +6.1% to 172 steps/min). CONCLUSION: Forefoot strike gait-retraining resulted in significantly greater reductions in VALR and similar increases in cadence compared to cadence gait-retraining in the short and long term. Cadence gait-retraining resulted in small reductions in VALR at only the 6-month follow-up.

Quantifying Neonatal Sucking Performance: Promise of New Methods.

Neonatal feeding has been traditionally understudied so guidelines and evidence-based support for common feeding practices are limited. A major contributing factor to the paucity of evidence-based practice in this area has been the lack of simple-to-use, low-cost tools for monitoring sucking performance. We describe new methods for quantifying neonatal sucking performance that hold significant clinical and research promise. We present early results from an ongoing study investigating neonatal sucking as a marker of risk for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. We include quantitative measures of sucking performance to better understand how movement variability evolves during skill acquisition. Results showed the coefficient of variation of suck duration was significantly different between preterm neonates at high risk for developmental concerns (HRPT) and preterm neonates at low risk for developmental concerns (LRPT). For HRPT, results indicated the coefficient of variation of suck smoothness increased from initial feeding to discharge and remained significantly greater than healthy full-term newborns (FT) at discharge. There was no significant difference in our measures between FT and LRPT at discharge. Our findings highlight the need to include neonatal sucking assessment as part of routine clinical care in order to capture the relative risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes at discharge.

CI2 for creating and comparing confidence-intervals for time-series bivariate plots.

Currently no method exists for calculating and comparing the confidence-intervals (CI) for the time-series of a bivariate plot. The study's aim was to develop 'CI2' as a method to calculate the CI on time-series bivariate plots, and to identify if the CI between two bivariate time-series overlap. The test data were the knee and ankle angles from 10 healthy participants running on a motorised standard-treadmill and non-motorised curved-treadmill. For a recommended 10+ trials, CI2 involved calculating 95% confidence-ellipses at each time-point, then taking as the CI the points on the ellipses that were perpendicular to the direction vector between the means of two adjacent time-points. Consecutive pairs of CI created convex quadrilaterals, and any overlap of these quadrilaterals at the same time or ±1 frame as a time-lag calculated using cross-correlations, indicated where the two time-series differed. CI2 showed no group differences between left and right legs on both treadmills, but the same legs between treadmills for all participants showed differences of less knee extension on the curved-treadmill before heel-strike. To improve and standardise the use of CI2 it is recommended to remove outlier time-series, use 95% confidence-ellipses, and scale the ellipse by the fixed Chi-square value as opposed to the sample-size dependent F-value. For practical use, and to aid in standardisation or future development of CI2, Matlab code is provided. CI2 provides an effective method to quantify the CI of bivariate plots, and to explore the differences in CI between two bivariate time-series.

Development of 1RM Prediction Equations for Bench Press in Moderately Trained Men.

Macht, JW, Abel, MG, Mullineaux, DR, and Yates, JW. Development of 1RM prediction equations for bench press in moderately trained men. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2901-2906, 2016-There are a variety of established 1 repetition maximum (1RM) prediction equations, however, very few prediction equations use anthropometric characteristics exclusively or in part, to estimate 1RM strength. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop an original 1RM prediction equation for bench press using anthropometric and performance characteristics in moderately trained male subjects. Sixty male subjects (21.2 ± 2.4 years) completed a 1RM bench press and were randomly assigned a load to complete as many repetitions as possible. In addition, body composition, upper-body anthropometric characteristics, and handgrip strength were assessed. Regression analysis was used to develop a performance-based 1RM prediction equation: 1RM = 1.20 repetition weight + 2.19 repetitions to fatigue - 0.56 biacromial width (cm) + 9.6 (R = 0.99, standard error of estimate [SEE] = 3.5 kg). Regression analysis to develop a nonperformance-based 1RM prediction equation yielded: 1RM (kg) = 0.997 cross-sectional area (CSA) (cm) + 0.401 chest circumference (cm) - 0.385%fat - 0.185 arm length (cm) + 36.7 (R = 0.81, SEE = 13.0 kg). The performance prediction equations developed in this study had high validity coefficients, minimal mean bias, and small limits of agreement. The anthropometric equations had moderately high validity coefficient but larger limits of agreement. The practical applications of this study indicate that the inclusion of anthropometric characteristics and performance variables produce a valid prediction equation for 1RM strength. In addition, the CSA of the arm uses a simple nonperformance method of estimating the lifter's 1RM. This information may be used to predict the starting load for a lifter performing a 1RM prediction protocol or a 1RM testing protocol.

A study of isokinetic strength and laxity with and without anterior cruciate ligament injury.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to provide useful information for future treatments and to organize rehabilitation programs for anterior cruciate ligament injury by assessing isokinetic muscle strength and laxity of knee joints in athletes with anterior cruciate ligament injuries. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-one high school athletes with anterior cruciate ligament injuries participated in this study. Isokinetic muscle strength at 60°/sec and anterior cruciate ligament laxity for non-involved and involved sides, classified on the basis of the severity of anterior cruciate ligament injury, were assessed. [Results] A comparison of isokinetic muscle strength measured from the non-involved and involved sides showed a significant difference in the maximum strength and knee flexor muscle strength. For laxity, a significant difference was observed in the anterior drawer test results obtained with a force of 88 N. [Conclusion] In conclusion, this study has shown that the assessment of isokinetic muscle strength and ligament laxity from athletes with anterior cruciate ligament injury should be utilized to provide baseline data for prevention and prediction of injury.

Greater vertical impact loading in female runners with medically diagnosed injuries: a prospective investigation.

BACKGROUND: Running has been critical to human survival. Therefore, the high rate of injuries experienced by modern day runners is puzzling. Landing on the heel, as most modern day shod runners do, results in a distinct vertical impact force that has been shown to be associated with running-related injuries. However, these injury studies were retrospective in nature and do not establish cause and effect. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether runners with high impacts are at greater risk for developing medically diagnosed injuries. METHODS: 249 female runners underwent a gait analysis to measure vertical instantaneous loading rate, vertical average loading rate (VALR), vertical impact peak (VIP) and peak vertical force. Participants then recorded their mileage and any running-related injuries monthly in a web-based, database programme. Variables were first compared between the entire injured (INJ; n=144) and uninjured (n=105) groups. However, the focus of this study was on those injured runners seeking medical attention (n=103) and those who had never injured (n=21). RESULTS: There were no differences between the entire group of injured and uninjured groups. However, all impact-related variables were higher in those with medically diagnosed injuries compared with those who had never been injured. (effect size (ES) 0.4-0.59). When VALR was >66.0 body weight (BW)/s, the odds of being DX_INJ were 2.72 (95% CI 1.0 to 7.4). Impact loading was associated with bony and soft-tissue injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Vertical average loading rate was lower in female runners classified as 'never injured' compared with those who had been injured and sought medical attention.

Elbow joint variability for different hand positions of the round off in gymnastics.

The aim of the present study was to conduct within-gymnast analyses of biological movement variability in impact forces, elbow joint kinematics and kinetics of expert gymnasts in the execution of the round-off with different hand positions. Six international level female gymnasts performed 10 trials of the round-off from a hurdle step to a back-handspring using two hand potions: parallel and T-shape. Two force plates were used to determine ground reaction forces. Eight infrared cameras were employed to collect the kinematic data automatically. Within gymnast variability was calculated using biological coefficient of variation (BCV) discretely for ground reaction force, kinematic and kinetic measures. Variability of the continuous data was quantified using coefficient of multiple correlations (CMC). Group BCV and CMC were calculated and T-test with effect size statistics determined differences between the variability of the two techniques examined in this study. The major observation was a higher level of biological variability in the elbow joint abduction angle and adduction moment of force in the T-shaped hand position. This finding may lead to a reduced repetitive abduction stress and thus protect the elbow joint from overload. Knowledge of the differences in biological variability can inform clinicians and practitioners with effective skill selection.

Comparison of isokinetic hip abduction and adduction peak torques and ratio between sexes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate hip abductor and adductor peak torque outputs and compare their ratios between sexes. DESIGN: A cross-sectional laboratory-controlled study. SETTING: Participants visited a laboratory and performed an isokinetic hip abductor and adductor test. All participants performed 2 sets of 5 repetitions of concentric hip abduction and adduction in a standing position at 60 degrees per second. Gravity was determined as a function of joint angle relative to the horizontal plane and was corrected by normalizing the weight of the limb on an individual basis. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 36 collegiate athletes. INDEPENDENT VARIABLES: Sex (20 females and 16 males). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Bilateral peak hip abductor and adductor torques were measured. The 3 highest peak torque values were averaged for each subject. RESULTS: Independent t tests were used to compare sex differences in hip abductor and adductor peak torques and the abductor:adductor peak torque ratios. Males demonstrated significantly greater hip abductor peak torque compared with females (males 1.29 ± 0.24 Nm/kg, females 1.13 ± 0.20 Nm/kg; P = 0.03). Neither hip adductor peak torque nor their ratios differed between sexes. CONCLUSIONS: Sex differences in hip abductor strength were observed. The role of weaker hip abductors in females deserves further attention and may be a factor for higher risk of knee pathologies.

Patient-oriented and performance-based outcomes after knee autologous chondrocyte implantation: a timeline for the first year of recovery.

CONTEXT: It is well established that autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) can require extended recovery postoperatively; however, little information exists to provide clinicians and patients with a timeline for anticipated function during the first year after ACI. OBJECTIVE: To document the recovery of functional performance of activities of daily living after ACI. PATIENTS: ACI patients (n = 48, 29 male; 35.1 ± 8.0 y). INTERVENTION: All patients completed functional tests (weight-bearing squat, walk-across, sit-to-stand, step-up/over, and forward lunge) using the NeuroCom long force plate (Clackamas, OR) and completed patient-reported outcome measures (International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Evaluation Form, Lysholm, Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC], and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey) preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 mo postoperatively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A covariance pattern model was used to compare performance and self-reported outcome across time and provide a timeline for functional recovery after ACI. RESULTS: Participants demonstrated significant improvement in walk-across stride length from baseline (42.0% ± 8.9% height) at 6 (46.8% ± 8.1%) and 12 mo (46.6% ± 7.6%). Weight bearing on the involved limb during squatting at 30°, 60°, and 90° was significantly less at 3 mo than presurgery. Step-up/over time was significantly slower at 3 mo (1.67 ± 0.69 s) than at baseline (1.49 ± 0.33 s), 6 mo (1.51 ± 0.36 s), and 12 mo (1.40 ± 0.26 s). Step-up/over lift-up index was increased from baseline (41.0% ± 11.3% body weight [BW]) at 3 (45.0% ± 11.7% BW), 6 (47.0% ± 11.3% BW), and 12 mo (47.3% ± 11.6% BW). Forward-lunge time was decreased at 3 mo (1.51 ± 0.44 s) compared with baseline (1.39 ± 0.43 s), 6 mo (1.32 ± 0.05 s), and 12 mo (1.27 ± 0.06). Similarly, forward-lunge impact force was decreased at 3 mo (22.2% ± 1.4% BW) compared with baseline (25.4% ± 1.5% BW). The WOMAC demonstrated significant improvements at 3 mo. All patient-reported outcomes were improved from baseline at 6 and 12 mo postsurgery. CONCLUSIONS: Patients' perceptions of improvements may outpace physical changes in function. Decreased function for at least the first 3 mo after ACI should be anticipated, and improvement in performance of tasks requiring weight-bearing knee flexion, such as squatting, going down stairs, or lunging, may not occur for a year or more after surgery.

Coupling angle variability in healthy and patellofemoral pain runners.

BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral pain is hypothesized to result in less joint coordination variability. The ability to relate coordination variability to patellofemoral pain pathology could have many clinical uses; however, evidence to support its clinical application is lacking. The aim was to determine if vector coding's coupling angle variability, as a measure of joint coordination variability, was less for runners with patellofemoral pain than healthy controls as is commonly postulated. METHODS: Nineteen female recreational runners with patellofemoral pain and eleven healthy controls performed a treadmill acclimation protocol then ran at a self-selected pace for 15min. 3-D kinematics, force plate kinetics, knee pain and rating of perceived exertion were recorded each minute. Data were selected for the: pain group at the highest pain reached (pain≥3/10) in a non-exerted state (exertion<14/20), and; non-exerted healthy group from the eleventh minute. Coupling angle variability was calculated over several portions of the stride for six knee-ankle combinations during five non-consecutive strides. FINDINGS: 46 of 48 coupling angle variability measures were greater for the pain group, with 7 significantly greater (P<.05). INTERPRETATION: These findings oppose the theory that less coupling angle variability is indicative of a pathological coordinate state during running. Greater coupling angle variability may be characteristic of patellofemoral pain in female treadmill running when a larger threshold of pain is reached than previously observed. A predictable and directional response of coupling angle variability measures in relation to knee pathology is not yet clear and requires further investigation prior to considerations for clinical utility.

Effect of a 2-week joint mobilization intervention on single-limb balance and ankle arthrokinematics in those with chronic ankle instability.

CONTEXT: A single talocrural joint-mobilization treatment has improved spatiotemporal measures of postural control but not ankle arthrokinematics in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). However, the effects of multiple treatment sessions on these aspects of function have not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of a 2-wk anterior-to-posterior joint-mobilization intervention on instrumented measures of single-limb-stance static postural control and ankle arthrokinematics in adults with CAI. DESIGN: Repeated measures. SETTING: Research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: 12 individuals with CAI (6 male, 6 female; age 27.4 ± 4.3 y, height 175.4 ± 9.78 cm, mass 78.4 ± 11.0 kg). INTERVENTION: Subjects received 6 treatments sessions of talocrural grade II joint traction and grade III anterior-to-posterior joint mobilization over 2 wk. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Instrumented measures of single-limb-stance static postural control (eyes open and closed) and anterior and posterior talar displacement and stiffness were assessed 1 wk before the intervention (baseline), before the first treatment (preintervention), 24-48 h after the final treatment (postintervention), and 1 wk later (1-wk follow-up). Postural control was analyzed as center-of-pressure velocity, center-of-pressure range, the mean of time-to-boundary minima, and standard deviation of time-to-boundary minima in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions for each visual condition. RESULTS: No significant differences were identified in any measures of postural control (P > .08) or ankle arthrokinematics (P > .21). CONCLUSIONS: The 2-wk talocrural joint-mobilization intervention did not alter instrumented measures of single-limb-stance postural control or ankle arthrokinematics. Despite the absence of change in these measures, this study continues to clarify the role of talocrural joint mobilization as a rehabilitation strategy for patients with CAI.