Psychological factors show limited association with the severity of Achilles tendinopathy.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the association between psychosocial factors and the severity of Achilles tendinopathy, along with exploring their potential link to the pain's duration. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 111 individuals with Achilles tendon pain was conducted. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 111 individuals with Achilles tendon pain was conducted. Various psychological factors were assessed using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Chronic Pain Self-Efficacy Scale (CPSS), Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD). Additionally, the severity of Achilles tendon pain was evaluated using the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A-Br). Regression analyses were employed to determine the association of these psychosocial factors with pain severity and duration. RESULTS: Self-efficacy for chronic pain showed a slight association with Achilles tendon pain severity (ß = 0.42 [95% CI: 0.06 to 0.16], p = 0.001), explaining only 19% of the dependent variable. The other variables, including anxiety, depression, pain catastrophizing, and fear of movement, did not exhibit significant associations. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that psychological factors demonstrate limited association with the severity of Achilles tendinopathy. While self-efficacy for chronic pain was weakly associated, its clinical relevance remains uncertain. Future research, particularly longitudinal studies, should explore the influence of psychosocial factors on treatment adherence and response to enhance management strategies for Achilles tendon pain.

Physiotherapy Questionnaires App to Deliver Main Musculoskeletal Assessment Questionnaires: Development and Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) translate subjective outcomes into objective data that can be quantified and analyzed. Nevertheless, the use of PROs in their traditional paper format is not practical for clinical practice due to limitations associated with the analysis and management of the data. To address the need for a viable way to group and utilize the main functioning assessment tools in the field of musculoskeletal disorders, the Physiotherapy Questionnaires app was developed. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explain the development of the app, to validate it using two questionnaires, and to analyze whether participants prefer to use the app or the paper version of the questionnaires. METHODS: In the first stage, the app for an Android operational system was developed. In the second stage, the aim was to select questionnaires that were most often used in musculoskeletal clinical practice and research. The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) questionnaire were selected to validate the app. In total, 50 participants completed the paper and app versions of the AOFAS and 50 completed the FAOS. The study's outcomes were the correlation of the data between the paper and app versions as well as the preference of the participants between the two versions. RESULTS: The app was approved by experts after the adaptations of the layout for mobile phones and a total of 18 questionnaires were included in the app. Moreover, the app allows the generation of PDF and Excel files with the patients' data. In regards to validity, the mean of the total scores of the FAOS were 91.54% (SD 8.86%) for the paper version and 91.74% (SD 9.20%) for the app. There was no statistically significant differences in the means of the total scores or the subscales (P=.11-.94). The mean total scores for the AOFAS were 93.94 (SD 8.47) for the paper version and 93.96 (SD 8.48) for the app. No statistically significant differences were found for the total scores for the AOFAS or the subscales (P>.99). The app showed excellent agreement with the paper version of the FAOS, with an ICC value of 0.98 for the total score (95% CI 0.98-0.99), which was also found for the AOFAS with the ICC for the total score of 0.99 (95% CI 0.98-0.99). For compliance, 72% (36/50) of the participants in the FAOS group and 94% (47/50) in the AOFAS group preferred the app version. CONCLUSIONS: The Physiotherapy Questionnaires app showed validity and high levels of compliance for the FAOS and AOFAS, which indicates it is not inferior to the paper version of these two questionnaires and confirms its viability and feasibility for use in clinical practice.

The association of ankle dorsiflexion and dynamic knee valgus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the association between ankle dorsiflexion (ADF) and dynamic knee valgus (DKV). METHODS: Electronic searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus. A modified Downs and Black checklist was used for quality assessment and meta-analysis was performed to compare standardised mean differences (SMD) of ADF. RESULTS: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed that reduced ADF is associated with participants presenting with DKV compared to controls (SMD -0.65, 95% CI -0.88 to -0.41). Subgroup analysis showed consistent results regarding different forms of ADF measurement; restriction in ADF measured in weight-bearing position (SMD -1.25, 95% CI -2.24 to -0.25), non-weight-bearing with knee flexed (SMD -0.56, 95% CI -0.97 to -0.16) or non-weight-bearing with knee extended (SMD -0.54, 95% CI -0.80 to -0.28) was significantly associated with DKV. CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis results provide evidence that reduced ADF is correlated with DKV. The assessment of ADF in the clinical setting is important, as it may be related to harmful movement patterns of the lower limbs.

Resistance jump training may reverse the weakened biomechanical behavior of tendons of diabetic Wistar rats / O treinamento de salto de resistência pode reverter o comportamento biomecânico enfraquecido dos tendões de ratos Wistar diabéticos / El entrenamiento de salto de resistencia puede revertir el comportamiento biomecánico debilitado de los tendones de las ratas Wistar diabéticas

ABSTRACT Background: resistance training is widely applied in non-diabetic physical protocol showing effectiveness in improving the tendon tissue. To address this gap, we assessed the effects of resistance training on aquatic environment, on the biomechanical properties of the calcaneal tendon of diabetic Wistar rats. Methods: 59 male Wistar rats were evaluated for 60 days, they were randomly divided into the following groups: Sedentary Control Group (SCG, n=15), Sedentary Diabetic Group (SDG, n=15), Trained Control Group (TCG, n=14) and Trained Diabetic Group (TDG, n=15). After randomization the animals from the SDG and the TDG were induced to Diabetes Mellitus by intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). The animals on the trained groups performed resistance exercise that consisted of jumping in an aquatic environment. After nine weeks the calcaneal tendons were collected and tractioned on a conventional mechanical testing machine. Results: the analysis of biomechanical parameters showed lower values in elastic modulus (p=0.000), maximum strength tension (p=0.000) and energy/area (p=0.008) in TDG compared to SDG in addition to an increase on the cross-sectional area (p=0.002). There was no difference for the specific deformation variable. Conclusion: the training protocol used restored some biomechanical parameters of the calcaneal tendon in rats induced to diabetes, thus, resulting in an improvement of its mechanical efficiency.

RESUMO Antecedentes: o treinamento de resistência é amplamente aplicado no protocolo físico não diabético mostrando eficiência na melhoria do tecido do tendão. Para abordar esta lacuna, avaliamos os efeitos do treinamento de resistência no ambiente aquático, nas propriedades biomecânicas do tendão calcâneo de ratos Wistar diabéticos. Métodos: 59 ratos Wistar machos foram avaliados por 60 dias, os quais foram divididos aleatoriamente nos seguintes grupos: Grupo de Controle Sedentário (GCS, n=15), Grupo Diabético Sedentário (GDS, n=15), Grupo de Controle Treinado (GCT, n=14) e Grupo Diabético Treinado (GDT, n=15). Após a randomização, os animais do GDS e do CDT foram induzidos a diabetes mellitus por injeção intraperitoneal de Streptozotocin (60mg/kg). Os animais dos grupos treinados realizaram exercícios de resistência que consistiam em saltar em um ambiente aquático. Após nove semanas, os tendões calcaneares foram coletados e tracionados em uma máquina convencional de teste mecânico. Resultados: A análise dos parâmetros biomecânicos mostrou valores mais baixos em módulo elástico (p=0,000), tensão máxima de força (p=0,000) e energia/área (p=0,008) em GDT em comparação com GDS, além de um aumento na área transversal (p=0,002). Não houve diferença para a variável de deformação específica. Conclusão: o protocolo de treinamento usado restaurou alguns parâmetros biomecânicos do tendão calcâneo em ratos induzidos a diabetes, resultando, assim, na melhoria da eficiência mecânica.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: el entrenamiento de resistencia se aplica ampliamente en el protocolo físico no diabético mostrándose la efectividad en la mejora del tejido del tendón. Para abordar esta brecha, evaluamos los efectos del entrenamiento de resistencia en el ambiente acuático, en las propiedades biomecánicas del tendón calcáneo de las ratas Wistar diabéticas. Métodos: se evaluaron 59 ratas Wistar machos durante 60 días, éstes se dividieron aleatoriamente en los siguientes grupos: Grupo de Control Sedentario (GCS, n=15), Grupo Diabético Sedentario (GDS, n=15), Grupo de Control Entrenado (GCE, n=14) y Grupo Diabético Entrenado (GDE, n=15). Después de la aleatorización, los animales del GDS y del GDE se indujeron a diabetes mellitus por inyección intraperitoneal de Streptozotocin (60mg/kg). Los animales de los grupos entrenados realizaron ejercicios de resistencia que consistían en saltar en un ambiente acuático. Después de nueve semanas, se recogieron y traccionaron los tendones calcaneales en una máquina convencional de prueba mecánica. Resultados: El análisis de los parámetros biomecánicos mostró valores más bajos en módulo elástico (p=0.000), tensión de fuerza máxima (p=0.000) y energía/área (p = 0.008) en GDE en comparación con GDS, además de un aumento en la área transversal (p=0.002). No hubo diferencia para la variable de deformación específica. Conclusión: el protocolo de entrenamiento utilizado restauró algunos parámetros biomecánicos del tendón calcáneo en ratas inducidas a la diabetes, lo que resultó en una mejora de su eficiencia mecánica.

THERE ARE NO BIOMECHANICAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RUNNERS CLASSIFIED BY THE FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT SCREEN.

BACKGROUND: Running has been one of the main choices of physical activity in people seeking an active lifestyle. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) is a screening tool that aims to discern movement competency. PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to compare biomechanical characteristics between two groups rated using the composite FMS™ score, and to analyze the influence of specific individual tests. The hypothesis was that the group that scored above 14 would demonstrate better performance on biomechanical tests than the group that scored below 14. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-Sectional Study. METHODS: Runners were screened using the FMS™ and were dichotomized into groups based on final score: Functional, where the subjects scored a 14 or greater (G≥14, n = 16) and dysfunctional, when the subjects scored less than 14 (G < 14, n = 16). All runners were evaluated using measures for flexibility, postural balance, muscle strength, knee dynamic valgus during forward step down test and time for the electromyographic response of the transversus abdominis and fibularis longus muscles. All data were analyzed with SPSS (p ≤ 0.05) and the index of asymmetry (IS) was calculated with the mean score of nondominant limb divided by the mean score of the dominant limb, multiplied by 100. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in flexibility, muscle strength, knee dynamic valgus, or myoelectric response time of the transversus abdominis and long fibular muscles. Index of asymmetry (IS) of global stability was 3.26 ± 26.79% in G≥14 and 31.72 ± 52.69% in G<14 (p = 0.02). In-line lunge and active straight-leg raise tests showed no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, there were no biomechanical differences between the groups of runners as classified by the FMS™. In addition, in-line lunge and active strength-leg raise tests did not influence on the FMS™ final score. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.

Effectiveness of resistance exercise compared to aerobic exercise without insulin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise has been used to mitigate the metabolic effects of diabetes mellitus. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of resistance exercise when compared to aerobic exercise without insulin therapy on metabolic and clinical outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Papers were searched on the databases MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, LILACS, and SCIELO, without language or date of publication limits. Clinical trials that compared resistance exercise to aerobic exercise in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who did not use insulin therapy were included. The quality of evidence and risk of bias were assessed using the GRADE system and the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, respectively. Meta-analysis was also used, whenever possible. Two reviewers extracted the data independently. Eight eligible articles were included in this study, with a total of 336 individuals, with a mean age of 48-58 years. The protocols of aerobic and resistance exercise varied in duration from eight to 22 weeks, 30-60min/day, three to five times/week. RESULTS: Overall the available evidence came from a very low quality of evidence and there was an increase in Maximal oxygen consumption (mean difference: -2.86; 95% CI: -3.90 to -1.81; random effect) for the resistance exercise and no difference was found in Glycated hemoglobin, Body mass index, High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: Resistance exercise appears to be more effective in promoting an increase in Maximal oxygen consumption in protocols longer than 12 weeks and there is no difference in the control of glycemic and lipid levels between the two types of exercise.

BIOMECHANICAL DIFFERENCES IN BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU ATHLETES: THE ROLE OF COMBAT STYLE.

BACKGROUND: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) athletes can be divided into two combat styles: pass fighters (PFs) and guard fighters (GFs). Flexibility of the posterior chain muscles is highly necessary in these athletes, especially in GFs. On the other hand, isometric strength of the trunk extensors is required in PFs. Handgrip strength is important in holding the kimono of the opponent, and symmetrical lower-limb strength is important for the prevention of injuries due to the overload caused by training. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical profiles of BJJ athletes with different combat styles using the following outcome measures: flexibility, trunk extensor isometric endurance, postural balance, handgrip isometric endurance and lower-limb muscle strength. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using 19 GFs and 19 PFs. The sit-and-reach test was used to evaluate the flexibility of the posterior chain muscles. The Biodex Balance System® was used to evaluate balance. A handgrip dynamometer and a dorsal dynamometer were used to evaluate handgrip and trunk extensor endurance, respectively. Quadriceps and hamstring strength were evaluated with an isokinetic dynamometer at 60 °/s. RESULTS: No differences were observed between groups in terms of flexibility, balance, handgrip isometric endurance or quadriceps and hamstring strength; however, PFs (81.33) showed more isometric trunk extension endurance than GFs (68.85) (p = 0.02). Both groups had low values for hamstring/quadriceps ratio. CONCLUSION: No significant biomechanical differences were observed between PFs and GFs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.

Evaluation of the isokinetic muscle function, postural control and plantar pressure distribution in capoeira players: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Capoeira is a cultural practice with Brazilian roots that combines several elements including dance, fighting and body rhythm. Because of the diverse elements involved in its practice, capoeira is excellent at developing the physical and social abilities of its players. The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical profile of muscle strength, plantar pressure distribution, and postural balance between players and non-players of capoeira. METHODS: We evaluated 51 subjects who were allocated into two groups: capoeira group and control group. Subjects were evaluated using a baropodometer (Diasu®) and an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex®). RESULTS: When comparing plantar pressure distribution between groups and limbs, there were significant differences in mean load of forefoot (p=0.008) and total load (p=0.001). There were no significant differences between groups and limbs in balance and muscle strength; however, a significant difference was found in quadriceps torque peak (p=0.001) and agonist/antagonist ratio (p=0.001) when comparing these variables between the groups. CONCLUSION: Capoeira players displayed a tendency to have an asymmetric profile in plantar pressure distribution. No difference was found in balance between groups. Despite the fact that capoeira players showed increased strength of the quadriceps muscle, their agonist/antagonist ratio was more asymmetrical than the control group. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Previous physical exercise slows down the complications from experimental diabetes in the calcaneal tendon.

BACKGROUND: the complications caused by diabetes increase fragility in the muscle-tendon system, resulting in degeneration and easier rupture. To avoid this issue, therapies that increase the metabolism of glucose by the body, with physical activity, have been used after the confirmation of diabetes. We evaluate the biomechanical behavior of the calcaneal tendon and the metabolic parameters in rats induced to experimental diabetes and submitted to pre- and post-induction exercise. METHODS: 54-male-Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control Group (CG), Swimming Group (SG), Diabetic Group (DG), and Diabetic Swimming Group (DSG). The trained groups were submitted to swimming exercise, while unexercised groups remained restricted to the cages. Metabolic and biomechanical parameters were assessed. RESULTS: the clinical parameters of DSG showed no change due to exercise protocol. The tendon analysis of the DSG showed increased values for the elastic modulus (p<0.01) and maximum tension (p<0.001) and lowest value for transverse area (p<0.001) when compared to the SG, however it showed no difference when compared to DG. CONCLUSION: the homogeneous values presented by the tendons of the DG and DSG show that physical exercise applied in the pre- and post-induction wasn't enough to promote a protective effect against the tendinopathy process, but prevent the progress of degeneration.

Treino moderado de corrida causa alterações nas propriedades biomecânicas do tendão do calcâneo? / Do moderate running training changes the biomechanical properties of the achilles tendon? / ¿Entrenamiento físico moderado causan cambios en las propiedades biomecánicas del tendón de aquiles?

O efeito do treinamento aeróbio ainda apresenta resultados conflitantes com relação às respostas biomecânicas apresentadas pelo tendão após um período de treinamento aeróbio moderado, como a corrida. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar o efeito de um protocolo de corrida de intensidade moderada em esteira sobre as propriedades mecânicas dos tendões do calcâneo de ratos. Para o ensaio mecânico os tendões foram tracionados até o ponto de fracasso do espécime. O treinamento aeróbiode intensidade moderada em ratos não causa alterações nas propriedades biomecânicas do tendão de calcâneo, desta forma, parece não representar risco podendo ser eficaz por não levar o tendão do Calcâneo ao estresse e a fadiga mecânica.

The effect of aerobic training has presented conflicting results regarding the biomechanical responses submitted by the tendon after a period of moderate aerobic training such as running. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a protocol running on a treadmill at moderate intensity on the mechanical properties of the Achilles tendons of rats. For mechanical test the tendons were pulled to the point of failure of the specimen. The moderate-intensity aerobic training in rats does not changes in the biomechanical properties of the Achilles tendon, thus, does not seem to pose a risk can be effective for not taking the Achilles tendon to mechanical stress and fatigue.

El efecto de entrenamiento aerobio ha presentado resultados contradictorios respecto a las respuestas biomecánicas presentado por el tendón después de un período de entrenamiento aerobio moderado, como correr. Este estudio pretende evaluar el efecto de un protocolo de correr en una cinta a una intensidad moderada en las propiedades mecánicas de los tendones de Aquiles de las ratas. Para pruebas mecánicas de los tendones se retiraron hasta el punto de fracaso de la muestra. El entrenamiento aerobio de intensidad moderada en las ratas no provoca cambios en las propiedades biomecánicas del tendón de Aquiles, por lo tanto, no parece representar un riesgo puede ser eficaz para no tomar el tendón de Aquiles a la tensión mecánica y la fatiga.

Aerobic physical training restores biomechanical properties of Achilles tendon in rats chemically induced to diabetes mellitus.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study is to evaluate if the application of a moderate aerobic exercise protocol reverses the damage caused by diabetes on the mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon. METHODS: Forty-four rats were divided randomly into four groups as follows: Sedentary Control Group-SCG, Sedentary Diabetic Group-SDG, Trained Control Group-TCG and Trained Diabetic Group-TDG, the trained groups were submitted to a protocol of moderate physical training on a continuous treadmill. For mechanical testing the tendons were fixed in a conventional mechanical testing machine and pulled to the point of failure of the specimen, the cell load of 500N. The parameters were: Elastic Modulus (MPa), Stress Maximum Strength (MPa), Strain Specific Maximum Force (mm), Energy / Tendon Area (N.mm/mm(2)) and Cross-sectional Area (mm(2)). RESULTS: The evaluation of the biomechanical properties of the Achilles tendon of the SDG indicated that the elastic modulus (MPa) is decreased when compared to the TDG and the other groups (p<0.01). However, the specific deformation (%), the deformation at maximum force (mm), and energy / tendon area (N.mm/mm(2)) of the SDG were significantly higher than in the other groups (p<0.01). Moreover, moderate aerobic training on a treadmill caused the biomechanical property values to move closer to the values shown by the control groups (p>0.01). CONCLUSION: In summary, our study indicates that moderate-intensity aerobic training restored the normal mechanical properties of tendons in diabetic animals, since the elastic modulus (MPa), the specific deformation (%), the deformation of the maximum force (mm) and energy / tendon area (N.mm/mm(2)) approached the values shown by the control groups.