Assessing the efficacy of the Stop OsteoARthritis (SOAR) program: A randomized delayed-controlled trial in persons at increased risk of early onset post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the efficacy of an 8-week virtual, physiotherapist (PT)-guided knee health program (Stop OsteoARthritis (SOAR)) to improve knee extensor strength in individuals at risk of post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis (PTOA). METHOD: In this superiority, randomized delayed-control trial, persons aged 16-35 years, 1-4 years after a self-reported knee joint injury were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive the SOAR program immediately (experimental group) or after a 9-week delay (control group). SOAR includes 1) one-time Knee Camp (virtual PT-guided group education, knee assessment, 1:1 exercise and physical activity (PA) goal-setting); 2) Weekly personalized home-based exercise and PA program with tracking; 3) Weekly 1:1 PT counseling (virtual). The primary outcome was a change in isokinetic knee extensor strength (baseline to 9-weeks). Additional outcomes included change in self-reported knee-related quality-of-life (QOL), self-efficacy, self-management and kinesiophobia, and PA (accelerometer) at 9 and 18-weeks. Linear regression models estimated the effect of the 8-week intervention at the primary endpoint (9-week). RESULTS: 49 of 54 randomized participants completed the study (91%). Participants were a mean ± standard deviation age of 27 ± 5.0 years, and 2.4 ± 0.9 years post-injury. No mean between group differences for the primary (0.05; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.10, 0.19) or other outcomes were seen at 9 weeks except for greater improvements in perceived self-management (Partner in Health Scale; 11.3/96, 95%CI: 5.5, 17.1) and kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia; -4.4/33, 95%CI: -7.0, -1.8). CONCLUSION: For active persons with elevated risk of PTOA, an 8-week SOAR program did not change knee-related strength, QOL, self-efficacy, or PA, on average, but may benefit the ability to self-manage knee health and kinesiophobia.

Toward designing human intervention studies to prevent osteoarthritis after knee injury: A report from an interdisciplinary OARSI 2023 workshop.

Objective: The global impact of osteoarthritis is growing. Currently no disease modifying osteoarthritis drugs/therapies exist, increasing the need for preventative strategies. Knee injuries have a high prevalence, distinct onset, and strong independent association with post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Numerous groups are embarking upon research that will culminate in clinical trials to assess the effect of interventions to prevent knee PTOA despite challenges and lack of consensus about trial design in this population. Our objectives were to improve awareness of knee PTOA prevention trial design and discuss state-of-the art methods to address the unique opportunities and challenges of these studies. Design: An international interdisciplinary group developed a workshop, hosted at the 2023 Osteoarthritis Research Society International Congress. Here we summarize the workshop content and outputs, with the goal of moving the field of PTOA prevention trial design forward. Results: Workshop highlights included discussions about target population (considering risk, homogeneity, and possibility of modifying osteoarthritis outcome); target treatment (considering delivery, timing, feasibility and effectiveness); comparators (usual care, placebo), and primary symptomatic outcomes considering surrogates and the importance of knee function and symptoms other than pain to this population. Conclusions: Opportunities to test multimodal PTOA prevention interventions across preclinical models and clinical trials exist. As improving symptomatic outcomes aligns with patient and regulator priorities, co-primary symptomatic (single or aggregate/multidimensional outcome considering function and symptoms beyond pain) and structural/physiological outcomes may be appropriate for these trials. To ensure PTOA prevention trials are relevant and acceptable to all stakeholders, future research should address critical knowledge gaps and challenges.

Social support and therapeutic relationships intertwine to influence exercise behavior in people with sport-related knee injuries.

OBJECTIVE: Explore how social support influences exercise therapy participation and adherence before and after enrolling in an education and exercise therapy intervention (Stop OsteoARthritis, SOAR). METHODS: Study design: Interpretative description. We sampled participants with sport-related knee injuries from the SOAR randomized controlled trial. SOAR is a virtual, physiotherapist-guided, education and exercise therapy-based knee health program that targets individuals at risk of early osteoarthritis. One-on-one semi-structured interviews were completed, and an inductive approach was guided by Braun & Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Fifteen participants (67% female, median age 26 [19-35] years) were interviewed. Three themes were generated that encapsulated participants' social support experiences that fostered exercise participation: 1) Treat me as a whole person represented the value of social support that went beyond participants' physical needs, 2) Work with me highlighted the working partnership between the clinician and the participant, and 3) Journey with me indicated a need for on-going support is necessary for the long-term management of participants' knee health. A theme of the therapeutic relationship was evident across the findings. CONCLUSIONS: Insight was gained into how and why perceived support may be linked to exercise behavior, with the therapeutic relationship being potentially linked to perceived support. Social support strategies embedded within an education and exercise therapy program may boost exercise adherence after sport-related knee injuries.

A cross-sectional observational study comparing individuals with a symptomatic full-thickness rotator cuff tear with age-matched controls.

Background: A full-thickness rotator cuff tear (FTRCT) is defined as a complete tear of one of the four rotator cuff muscle tendons (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis or teres minor). This condition can lead to pain and reduced function. However, not all FTRCT are symptomatic. A better understanding of the characteristics that lead some individuals with FTRCT to experience pain is fundamental to improve strategies used to manage this condition. This level II descriptive study aimed to explore potential sociodemographic, anatomical, psychosocial, pain sensitivity, biomechanical and neuromuscular variables that may differ between individuals with symptomatic FTRCT and age-matched individuals with asymptomatic shoulders. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, adults aged 50 to 80 years of age, either with symptomatic FTRCT or no shoulder pain, were recruited via convenience sampling. Participants filled out questionnaires on sociodemographic and psychosocial variables. Then, various tests were performed, including pain pressure threshold, shoulder range of motion, shoulder muscle strength, shoulder ultrasound and radiologic examination, and sensorimotor functions testing. Each variable was compared between groups using univariate analyses (independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, exact probability Fisher tests). Significance was set at 0.05. Results: FTRCT (n = 30) and Control (n = 30) groups were comparable in terms of sex, age, and number of comorbidities. The symptomatic FTRCT group showed a higher proportion of smokers (P = .026) and more participants indicated consuming alcohol or drugs more than they meant to (P = .010). The FTRCT group had a significantly higher prevalence of glenohumeral osteophytes (48% vs. 17%; P = .012). Participants in the FTRCT group were significantly more stressed (P = .04), anxious (P = .003) and depressed (P = .002). The FTRCT group also showed significantly higher levels of pain catastrophisation (P < .001) and sleep disturbance (P < .001). The FTRCT group showed significantly lower range of motion for flexion (P < .001), and external rotation at 0° (P < .001) and 90° (P < .001) of abduction. Isometric strength in both abduction and external rotation were weaker (P = .005) for the FTRCT group. Conclusion: Sociodemographic, anatomical, psychosocial and biomechanical variables showed statistically significant differences between the FTRCT and Control groups.

Current practice, guideline adherence, and barriers to implementation for Achilles tendinopathy rehabilitation: a survey of physical therapists and people with Achilles tendinopathy.

Objective: To explore clinical practice patterns of physical therapists (PTs) who treat people with Achilles tendinopathy (AT), and identify perceived barriers and facilitators for prescribing and engaging with therapeutic exercise among PTs and people with AT. Methods: Two cross-sectional surveys were electronically distributed between November 2021 and May 2022; one survey was designed for PTs while the second was for people with AT. Survey respondents answered questions regarding their physical therapy training and current practice (PTs), injury history and management (people with AT), and perceived barriers and facilitators (PTs and people with AT). Results: 341 PTs and 74 people with AT completed the surveys. In alignment with clinical practice guidelines, more than 94% of PTs surveyed (97% of whom had some form of advanced musculoskeletal training) prioritise patient education and therapeutic exercise. Patient compliance, patient knowledge, and the slow nature of recovery were barriers to prescribing therapeutic exercise reported by PTs, while time, physical resources, and a perceived lack of short-term treatment effectiveness were barriers for people with AT. Conclusions: Consistent with clinical practice guidelines, PTs with advanced training reported prioritising therapeutic exercise and education for managing AT. However, both PTs and people with AT identified many barriers to prescribing or engaging with therapeutic exercise. By addressing misconceptions about the time burden and ineffectiveness of exercise, and by overcoming access issues to exercise space and equipment, PTs may be able to improve intervention adherence and subsequently outcomes for people with AT.

Knee Confidence, Fear of Movement, and Psychological Readiness for Sport in Individuals With Knee Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To (1) compare activity-related psychological factors between individuals with and without knee conditions, and (2) assess associations between these factors and objective measures of function in individuals with knee conditions. DESIGN: A priori registered systematic review with meta-analysis. LITERATURE SEARCH: MEDLINE-Ovid, Embase-Ovid, Scopus-Elsevier, CINAHL-EBSCO, SPORTDiscus-EBSCO, and Cochrane Library were searched to May 27, 2022. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: We included peer-reviewed primary data studies (observational and experimental) of human participants with and without knee conditions reporting knee confidence, fear of movement/avoidance beliefs, and/or psychological readiness to return to sport (RTS) or reporting correlations between these factors and objective measures of function in knee conditions. DATA SYNTHESIS: Where possible, data were pooled by knee conditions, otherwise performed narrative syntheses. The Downs and Black checklist assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. RESULTS: Forty studies (3546 participants with knee conditions; 616 participants without knee conditions) were included. There was very low-certainty evidence of higher fear of movement in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41, 0.52), but not in individuals with patellofemoral pain (SMD, 0.66; 95% CI: -7.98, 9.29) when compared with those without knee conditions. There was very low-certainty evidence of no differences in psychological readiness to RTS after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (SMD, -1.14; 95% CI: -2.97, 0.70) compared to no knee condition, and negligible to weak positive correlations between psychological readiness to RTS and objective measures of function. CONCLUSION: There was very low-certainty evidence of higher fear of movement in individuals with knee osteoarthritis compared to those without, and very low-certainty evidence of no correlations between these factors and objective measures of function following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2024;54(4):1-14. Epub 29 January 2024. doi:10.2519/jospt.2024.12070.

Patellofemoral joint geometry and osteoarthritis features 3-10 years after knee injury compared with uninjured knees.

In this cross-sectional study, we compared patellofemoral geometry in individuals with a youth-sport-related intra-articular knee injury to uninjured individuals, and the association between patellofemoral geometry and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-defined osteoarthritis (OA) features. In the Youth Prevention of Early OA (PrE-OA) cohort, we assessed 10 patellofemoral geometry measures in individuals 3-10 years following injury compared with uninjured individuals of similar age, sex, and sport, using mixed effects linear regression. We also dichotomized geometry to identify extreme (>1.96 standard deviations) features and assessed likelihood of having extreme values using Poisson regression. Finally, we evaluated the associations between patellofemoral geometry with MRI-defined OA features using restricted cubic spline regression. Mean patellofemoral geometry did not differ substantially between groups. However, compared with uninjured individuals, injured individuals were more likely to have extremely large sulcus angle (prevalence ratio [PR] 3.9 [95% confidence interval, CI: 2.3, 6.6]), and shallow lateral trochlear inclination (PR 4.3 (1.1, 17.9)) and trochlear depth (PR 5.3 (1.6, 17.4)). In both groups, high bisect offset (PR 1.7 [1.3, 2.1]) and sulcus angle (PR 4.0 [2.3, 7.0]) were associated with cartilage lesion, and most geometry measures were associated with at least one structural feature, especially cartilage lesions and osteophytes. We observed no interaction between geometry and injury. Certain patellofemoral geometry features are correlated with higher prevalence of structural lesions compared with injury alone, 3-10 years following knee injury. Hypotheses generated in this study, once further evaluated, could contribute to identifying higher-risk individuals who may benefit from targeted treatment aimed at preventing posttraumatic OA.

The association between knee muscle performance and clinical outcomes of knee function 1-4 years after a sport-related knee joint injury.

OBJECTIVE: Estimate the association between index leg knee muscle strength and rate of torque development (RTD), and self-reported and performance-based (i.e., hop) knee function in persons 1-4 years after a sport-related knee joint injury. METHODS: Data were collected at baseline of a clinical trial. Assessments included the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Sport & Recreation subscale (KOOSsport), 6-m timed hop (TH), and peak concentric isokinetic knee extensor and flexor torque and isometric RTD. Associations between peak torque and RTD with KOOSsport and TH were assessed using multivariable regression with nonlinear transformations. RESULTS: 53 participants (64.2% female) were included. Knee extensor peak torque was nonlinearly related to TH time, with a strong inverse relationship at lower torque values that changed as torque increased. Results were inconsistent for flexor peak torque, extensor RTD and flexor RTD, with inconsistencies in relationship shape and estimates of association between primary and sensitivity analyses. There was no association between strength/RTD and KOOSsport. CONCLUSION: There was a nonlinear relationship between knee extensor strength and hop function, with lower strength being associated with a stronger relationship. As strength values increased, the relationship attenuated. Knee extensor and flexor strength, or RTD, were not associated with self-reported function.

Evaluating a Wearable Solution for Measuring Lower Extremity Asymmetry During Landing.

Purpose: Force plates can be used to monitor landing asymmetries during rehabilitation, but they are not widely available. Accelerometer-based wearable technology may be a more feasible solution. The purpose of this article was to determine the agreement between impact accelerations measured with force plates and accelerometer-derived measures of (1) centre of mass (COM) acceleration and (2) tibial acceleration asymmetries during bilateral landings. Method: Participants completed three countermovement jumps (CMJ) and three squat jumps (SJ) on dual force plates with triaxial accelerometers attached to each tibia and lower back, near the COM. Bland and Altman 95% limits of agreement (95% LOA) were calculated. Results: 19 adults (n = 11; 58% women, n = 8; 42% men) participated in the study. The mean differences between impact and COM accelerations were 0.24 g (95% LOA: -1.34 g to 1.82 g) and 0.38 g (95% LOA: -1.15 to 1.91 g) for the CMJ and SJ, respectively. The mean differences between the impact and tibial acceleration-based lower limb asymmetries in the CMJ and SJ were -6% (95% LOA: -32% to 19%) and 0% (95% LOA: -45% to 45%), respectively. Conclusions: Our findings show acceptable agreement between impact acceleration and accelerometer-based COM acceleration and lack of agreement between impact accelerations and accelerometer-based tibial acceleration asymmetries. COM acceleration could be used to quantify landing impacts during rehabilitation, but we do not consider the accelerometer-based asymmetry measures to be a suitable alternative for force plate-based measures. Future work should focus on determining normative values for lower extremity asymmetries during landing tasks.

Objectif: les plateformes de force peuvent être utilisées pour surveiller les asymétries à l'atterrissage pendant la réadaptation, mais elles ne sont pas largement accessibles. Le recours à la technologie portable sous forme d'accéléromètres serait peut-être plus réalisable. Le présent article visait à déterminer la concordance entre les mesures d'accélération à l'impact à l'aide des plateformes de force et à l'aide des accéléromètres pour connaître 1) l'accélération au centre de gravité (CdG) et 2) les asymétries d'accélération tibiale lors des atterrissages bilatéraux. Méthodologie: les participants ont effectué trois sauts avec contre-mouvement (SCM) et trois sauts groupés (SG) sur des plateformes de double force conjuguées à l'installation d'accéléromètres triaxiaux à chaque tibia et à la colonne lombaire, près du CdG. Les chercheurs ont calculé les limites de concordance à 95 % de Bland et Altman (LdC à 95 %). Résultats: au total, 19 adultes (n = 11; 58 % de femmes, n = 8; 42 % d'hommes) ont participé à l'étude. Les chercheurs ont établi que les principales différences entre l'accélération à l'impact et l'accélération au CdG étaient de 0,24 g (LdC à 95 %; −1,34 g à 1,82 g) et de 0,38 g (LdC à 95 %; −1,15 g à 1,91 g) lors des SCM et des SG, respectivement. Les différences moyennes entre l'impact et les asymétries des membres inférieurs à l'accélération tibiale lors des SCM et des SG correspondaient à −6 % (LdC à 95 %; −32 % à 19 %) et à 0 % (LdC à 95 %; −45 % à 45 %), respectivement. Conclusions: selon les observations des chercheurs, la concordance est acceptable entre l'accélération à l'impact et l'accélération au CdG à l'aide des accéléromètres, mais pas entre les accélérations à l'impact et les asymétries d'accélération tibiale à l'aide des accéléromètres. L'accélération au CdG pourrait être utilisée pour quantifier les impacts à l'atterrissage pendant la réadaptation, mais les chercheurs ne considèrent pas que les mesures d'asymétrie à l'aide des accéléromètres peuvent remplacer convenablement les mesures obtenues à l'aide des plateformes de force. Les futurs travaux devraient viser à déterminer les valeurs normatives des asymétries des membres inférieurs pendant des tâches d'atterrissage.

An early care void: The injury experience and perceptions of treatment among knee-injured individuals and healthcare professionals - A qualitative interview study.

OBJECTIVES: To better comprehend the initial injury experience and care requirements of knee-injured individuals, as well as healthcare professionals' interactions with early care. DESIGN: Qualitative interviews. SETTING: Public healthcare in Denmark. PARTICIPANTS: Ten individuals (6 women) with major knee injuries (6 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscal tears, 2 isolated ACL tears, 1 isolated meniscal tear, 1 patella dislocation), aged 16-33 years (median 19 years), 1-26 months post-injury (median 3 months). Thirteen HCPs (5 physiotherapists, 5 orthopedic surgeons, 3 general practitioners). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Semi-structured individual and focus group interviews, transcribed verbatim and with latent thematic analysis. RESULTS: The three main themes were: 1) Emotional struggles in solitude - knee-injured individuals dealing with emotions alone due to limited HCP resources for emotional support. 2) Blurry beginning - knee-injured individuals finding initial care frustrating, a sentiment shared by HCPs. 3) A journey with no map - knee-injured individuals holding varied outcome expectations, while HCPs hesitate to discuss long-term knee health. CONCLUSION: Early care for knee-injured individuals is filled with worries and unmet emotional and information support needs. HCPs need more support and training to deliver timely and appropriate care.

Identifying characteristics of resistance-based therapeutic exercise interventions for Achilles tendinopathy: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: This scoping review describes resistance-based therapeutic exercise intervention characteristics for Achilles tendinopathy (AT) treatment (e.g., therapeutic dose, underlying mechanisms targeted by exercise) and assesses participant reporting characteristics. METHODS: Seven electronic databases were searched; studies delivering a resistance exercise-focused treatment for individuals with AT were included. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) and the ICON 2019 'Recommended standards for reporting participant characteristics in tendinopathy research' checklists framed data extraction, and study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool 2018 version. RESULTS: 68 publications (describing 59 studies and 72 exercise programs) were included. Results demonstrate that therapeutic exercise interventions for AT are well reported according to the TIDieR checklist, and participant characteristics are well reported according to the ICON checklist. Various underlying therapeutic mechanisms were proposed, with the most common being increasing tendon strength, increasing calf muscle strength, and enhancing collagen synthesis. CONCLUSIONS: While evidence suggests that resistance-based therapeutic exercise interventions are effective in treating AT, more reporting on program fidelity, adherence, and compliance is needed. By summarizing currently published AT exercise programs and reporting key intervention characteristics in a single location, this review can assist clinicians in developing individualized resistance training programs for people with AT.

Knee- and Overall Health-Related Quality of Life Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Cross-sectional Analysis of Australian and Canadian Cohorts.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the knee- and overall health-related quality of life (QOL) 3 to 12 years after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, and to assess the association of clinical and structural features with QOL after ACL tear. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of combined data from Australian (n = 76, 5.4 years postinjury) and Canadian (n = 50, 6.6 years postinjury) prospective cohort studies. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of patient-reported outcomes and index knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquired in 126 patients (median 5.5 [range: 4-12] years postinjury), all treated with ACL reconstruction. Outcomes included knee (ACL Quality of Life questionnaire [ACL-QOL]) and overall health-related QOL (EQ-5D-3L). Explanatory variables were self-reported knee pain (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS-Pain subscale]) and function (KOOS-Sport subscale), and any knee cartilage lesion (MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score). Generalized linear models were adjusted for clustering between sites. Covariates were age, sex, time since injury, injury type, subsequent knee injuries, and body mass index. RESULTS: The median [range] ACL-QOL score was 82 [24-100] and EQ-5D-3L was 1.0 [-0.2 to 1.0]. For every 10-point higher KOOS-Sport score, the ACL-QOL score increased by 3.7 points (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7, 5.7), whereas there was no evidence of an association with the EQ-5D-3L (0.00 points, 95% CI: -0.02, 0.02). There were no significant association between KOOS-Pain and ACL-QOL (4.9 points, 95% CI: -0.1, 9.9) or EQ-5D-3L (0.05 points, 95% CI: -0.01, 0.11), respectively. Cartilage lesions were not associated with ACL-QOL (-1.2, 95% CI: -5.1, 2.7) or EQ-5D-3L (0.01, 95% CI: -0.01, 0.04). CONCLUSION: Self-reported function was more relevant for knee-related QOL than knee pain or cartilage lesions after ACL tear. Self-reported function, pain, and knee structural changes were not associated with overall health-related QOL. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2023;53(7):1-12. Epub: 8 June 2023. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.11838.

Youth With a Sport-Related Knee Injury Exhibit Significant and Persistent Knee-Related Quality-of-Life Deficits at 12-Month Follow-up Compared to Uninjured Peers.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare knee-related quality of life (QOL) between youth with and without an intra-articular, sport-related knee injury at baseline (≤4 months postinjury), 6-month, and 12-month follow-up, and assess the association between clinical outcomes and knee-related QOL. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: We recruited 86 injured and 64 uninjured youth (similar age, sex, sport). Knee-related QOL was assessed with the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) QOL subscale. Linear mixed models (95% confidence interval [CI]; clustered on sex and sport) compared KOOS QOL between study groups over the study period, considering sex-based differences. We also explored the association of injury type (anterior cruciate ligament [ACL]/meniscus injury or other), knee extensor strength (dynamometry), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (accelerometer), intermittent knee pain (Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain [ICOAP] measure), and fear of reinjury (17-item Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia) with knee-related QOL. RESULTS: Participant median (range) age was 16.4 (10.9-20.1) years, 67% were female, and 56% of injuries were ACL ruptures. Injured participants had lower mean KOOS QOL scores at baseline (-61.05; 95% CI: -67.56, -54.53), 6-month (-41.37; 95% CI: -47.94, -34.80), and 12-month (-33.34; 95% CI: -39.86, -26.82) follow-up, regardless of sex. Knee extensor strength (6- and 12-month follow-up), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (12-month follow-up), and ICOAP (all time points) were associated with KOOS QOL in injured youth. Additionally, having an ACL/meniscus injury and higher Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia scores were associated with worse KOOS QOL in injured youth. CONCLUSION: Youth with a sport-related knee injury have significant, persistent knee-related QOL deficits at 12-month follow-up. Knee extensor strength, physical activity, pain, and fear of reinjury may contribute to knee-related QOL. JOSPT 2023;53(8):1-10. Epub: 20 June 2023. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.11611.

Comparing Short-Term Knee-Related Quality of Life and Associated Clinical Outcomes Between Youth With and Without a Sport-Related Knee Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To compare short-term changes in knee-related quality of life (QOL) and associated clinical outcomes between youth with and without a sport-related knee injury. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Sport medicine and physiotherapy clinics. PARTICIPANTS: Youth (11-19 years old) who sustained an intra-articular, sport-related knee injury in the past 4 months and uninjured youth of similar age, sex, and sport. INDEPENDENT VARIABLE: Injury history. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Knee-related QOL (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, KOOS), knee extensor and flexor strength (dynamometry), physical activity (accelerometer), fat mass index (FMI; bioelectrical impedance), and kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, TSK) were measured at baseline (within 4 months of injury) and at 6-month follow-up. Wilcoxon rank sum tests assessed between-group differences for all outcomes. Regression models assessed the association between injury history and outcome change (baseline to 6-month follow-up), considering sex. The influence of injury type, baseline values, and physiotherapy attendance was explored. RESULTS: Participants' (93 injured youth, 73 uninjured control subjects) median age was 16 (range 11-20) years and 66% were female. Despite greater improvements in KOOS QOL scores (20; 95% confidence interval, 15-25), injured participants demonstrated deficits at 6-month follow-up (z = 9.3, P < 0.01) compared with control subjects, regardless of sex. Similar findings were observed for knee extensor and flexor strength and TSK scores but not for physical activity or FMI. Lower baseline values were associated with greater outcome changes in injured youth. CONCLUSIONS: Youth have worse knee-related QOL, muscle strength, and kinesiophobia early after a sport-related knee injury than control subjects. Despite improvements, deficits persist 6 months later.

Description, Prediction, and Causation in Sport and Exercise Medicine Research: Resolving the Confusion to Improve Research Quality and Patient Outcomes.

SYNOPSIS: Researchers often assign a label (such as a risk factor or predictor) to a characteristic that is statistically associated with an outcome (such as future injury). Labeling signifies that the characteristic has an established clinical value. More often than not, these labels are assigned prematurely and haphazardly. The rampant practice conflates research goals, the ultimate clinical value of the findings, and many risk factors/predictors that may not warrant the label. To address these issues and improve injury prevention research, we (1) outline the problem; (2) clarify the key differences between the research goals of description, causation, and prediction/prognosis (along with labeling conventions); (3) differentiate the clinical implications for each label; and (4) frame an appropriate scientific process to follow before applying a label. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2023;53(7):1-7. Epub: 26 April 2023. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.11773.

Combined hormonal contraceptive use is not protective against musculoskeletal conditions or injuries: a systematic review with data from 5 million females.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the association between combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) use and musculoskeletal tissue pathophysiology, injuries or conditions. DESIGN: Systematic review with semiquantitative analyses and certainty of evidence assessment, guided by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL searched from inception to April 2022. ELIGIBILITY: Intervention and cohort studies that assessed the association between new or ongoing use of CHC and an outcome of musculoskeletal tissue pathophysiology, injury or condition in postpubertal premenopausal females. RESULTS: Across 50 included studies, we assessed the effect of CHC use on 30 unique musculoskeletal outcomes (75% bone related). Serious risk of bias was judged present in 82% of studies, with 52% adequately adjusting for confounding. Meta-analyses were not possible due to poor outcome reporting, and heterogeneity in estimate statistics and comparison conditions. Based on semiquantitative synthesis, there is low certainty evidence that CHC use was associated with elevated future fracture risk (risk ratio 1.02-1.20) and total knee arthroplasty (risk ratio 1.00-1.36). There is very low certainty evidence of unclear relationships between CHC use and a wide range of bone turnover and bone health outcomes. Evidence about the effect of CHC use on musculoskeletal tissues beyond bone, and the influence of CHC use in adolescence versus adulthood, is limited. CONCLUSION: Given a paucity of high certainty evidence that CHC use is protective against musculoskeletal pathophysiology, injury or conditions, it is premature and inappropriate to advocate, or prescribe CHC for these purposes. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: This review was registered on PROSPERO CRD42021224582 on 8 January 2021.

Let's talk about sex (and gender) after ACL injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis of self-reported activity and knee-related outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate sex/gender differences in self-reported activity and knee-related outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Seven databases were searched in December 2021. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Observational or interventional studies with self-reported activity (including return to sport) or knee-related outcomes after ACL injury. RESULTS: We included 242 studies (n=123 687, 43% females/women/girls, mean age 26 years at surgery). One hundred and six studies contributed to 1 of 35 meta-analyses (n=59 552). After ACL injury/reconstruction, very low-certainty evidence suggests females/women/girls had inferior self-reported activity (ie, return to sport, Tegner Activity Score, Marx Activity Scale) compared with males/men/boys on most (88%, 7/8) meta-analyses. Females/women/girls had 23%-25% reduced odds of returning to sport within 1-year post-ACL injury/reconstruction (12 studies, OR 0.76 95% CI 0.63 to 0.92), 1-5 years (45 studies, OR 0.75 95% CI 0.69 to 0.82) and 5-10 years (9 studies, OR 0.77 95% CI 0.57 to 1.04). Age-stratified analysis (<19 years) suggests female athletes/girls had 32% reduced odds of returning to sport compared with male athletes/boys (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.13, I2 0.0%). Very low-certainty evidence suggests females/women/girls experienced inferior knee-related outcomes (eg, function, quality of life) on many (70%, 19/27) meta-analyses: standardised mean difference ranging from -0.02 (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, KOOS-activities of daily living, 9 studies, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.02) to -0.31 (KOOS-sport and recreation, 7 studies, 95% CI -0.36 to -0.26). CONCLUSIONS: Very low-certainty evidence suggests inferior self-reported activity and knee-related outcomes for females/women/girls compared with males/men/boys after an ACL injury. Future studies should explore factors and design targeted interventions to improve outcomes for females/women/girls. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021205998.

The Effects of Different Management Strategies or Rehabilitation Approaches on Knee Joint Structural and Molecular Biomarkers Following Traumatic Knee Injury: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials for the OPTIKNEE Consensus.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the effectiveness of management strategies and rehabilitation approaches for knee joint structural and molecular biomarker outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and/or meniscal tear. DESIGN: Intervention systematic review. LITERATURE SEARCH: We searched the MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and SPORTDiscus databases from their inception up to November 3, 2021. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effectiveness of management strategies or rehabilitation approaches for structural/molecular biomarkers of knee joint health following ACL and/or meniscal tear. DATA SYNTHESIS: We included 5 RCTs (9 papers) with primary ACL tear (n = 365). Two RCTs compared initial management strategies (rehabilitation plus early vs optional delayed ACL surgery), reporting on structural biomarkers (radiographic osteoarthritis, cartilage thickness, meniscal damage) in 5 papers and molecular biomarkers (inflammation, cartilage turnover) in 1 paper. Three RCTs compared different post-ACL reconstruction (ACLR) rehabilitation approaches (high vs low intensity plyometric exercises, accelerated vs nonaccelerated rehabilitation, continuous passive vs active motion), reporting on structural biomarkers (joint space narrowing) in 1 paper and molecular biomarkers (inflammation, cartilage turnover) in 2 papers. RESULTS: There were no differences in structural or molecular biomarkers between post-ACLR rehabilitation approaches. One RCT comparing initial management strategies demonstrated that rehabilitation plus early ACLR was associated with greater patellofemoral cartilage thinning, elevated inflammatory cytokine response, and reduced incidence of medial meniscal damage over 5 years compared to rehabilitation with no/delayed ACLR. CONCLUSION: Very low-certainty evidence suggests that different initial management strategies (rehabilitation plus early vs optional delayed ACL surgery) but not postoperative rehabilitation approaches may influence the incidence of meniscal damage, patellofemoral cartilage loss and cytokine concentrations over 5 years post-ACL tear. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2023;53(4):1-22. Epub: 20 February 2023. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.11576.

"I feel I'm leading the charge." Experiences of a virtual physiotherapist-guided knee health program for persons at-risk of osteoarthritis after a sport-related knee injury.

Objective: Describe participants' perspectives about the feasibility of a virtual, physiotherapist-guided knee health program for people at risk of post-traumatic osteoarthritis after a sport-related knee injury. Design: Qualitative description study nested within a quasi-experimental study evaluating the feasibility of the Stop OsteoARthritis (SOAR) with persons with sport-related knee injuries. SOAR includes: 1) one-time Knee Camp (group education, 1:1 exercise/activity goal-setting); 2) weekly home-based exercise/activity program with tracking, and; 3) weekly 1:1 physiotherapy-guided action-planning. Upon program completion, semi-structured 1:1 interviews were conducted with participants identified by convenience and maximum variation sampling (age, gender, program satisfaction). Open-ended questions elicited participants' experiences with the program. Content analysis was conducted. Results: 12 women and 4 men [median (min-max) age; 30 (19-46) years] were interviewed. Four categories depicted participants' experiences: 1) 'SOAR satisfies an unmet need' portrayed the perceived relevance and need for a program that promotes knowledge about knee health and self-efficacy for independent exercise behaviour, 2) 'Regaining control of knee health' described how SOAR empowered participants and fostered a sense of 'leading the charge' to their own knee health, 3) 'Social support encourages exercise participation' highlighted that weekly physiotherapy interactions provided accountability for achieving exercise goals, and that relating to other participants was inspirational, 4) 'Program refinements and barriers' suggested enhancements to meet the needs of future participants. Conclusions: Participants report the SOAR program to be acceptable, relevant, and empowering. Improved knowledge about one's knee health, self-efficacy, autonomy, and social support may encourage exercise adherence and self-management of future knee OA risk.