Can a clinical assessment predict the functional status progression in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome?

BACKGROUND: Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is a hip joint motion-related clinical disorder with a triad of symptoms, clinical signs, and imaging findings. However, scientific evidence is still unclear regarding the best treatment for FAIS. OBJECTIVES: To assess the value of a physical therapy evaluation in predicting the progression of functional status over the subsequent years in patients with FAIS who are candidates for hip arthroscopy surgery. METHODS: In this case-series study, patients with FAIS, candidates for hip arthroscopy surgery, underwent a standard physical therapy evaluation. Baseline data were collected between 2013 and 2019. In 2020/2021, the patients' functional status was assessed through the International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33). Functional status progression was calculated as the difference between the follow-up and baseline iHOT-33 scores. A multivariate forward stepwise regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between baseline characteristics and the functional status progression. RESULTS: From 353 patients who completed the baseline assessment, 145 completed the iHOT-33 follow-up. The mean (±SD) follow-up time was 58.7 (27.2) months (minimum 12 and maximum 103 months). The iHOT-33 scores increased 20.7 (21.8) points on average, ranging from -39.8 to 76.9 points. Among the 15 potential predictive factors assessed in this study, only baseline iHOT-33 score (ß -0.44; -0.061, -0.27), femoral version (ß 9.03; 1.36, 16.71), and body mass index (ß -0.99; -1.98, -0.01) had the ability to predict the functional status progression. CONCLUSION: Patients with a lower baseline iHOT-33 score, lower body mass index, and normal femoral version were more likely to increase their functional status after a minimum of one year of follow-up.

Single-Leg Squat Test in the Clinical Setting Does Not Discriminate Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome From Asymptomatic Individuals.

CONTEXT: Laboratorial 3-dimensional kinematic analyses have shown changes in the single-leg squat's (SLS) pattern of patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). However, it is unknown whether clinicians are able to detect these changes using 2-dimensional kinematics. OBJECTIVE: To compare the frontal plane 2-dimensional kinematics of patients with FAIS and asymptomatic individuals in the SLS test performed in a clinical setting. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Physical therapy clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty men with bilateral FAIS and 20 asymptomatic men. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Two-dimensional kinematic analysis was collected in the frontal plane during the execution of the SLS test. The outcomes were squat depth, pelvic drop (pelvis angle relative to the horizontal plane), hip adduction (femur angle relative to the pelvis), and knee valgus (femur angle relative to the tibia). RESULTS: Most and least painful limbs of patients with FAIS had squat depth (9.8% [2.9%] and 9.5% [3.1%] of height), pelvic drop (4.2° [3.9°] and 3.7° [4.2°]), hip adduction (74.9° [5.8°] and 75.9° [5.7°]), and knee valgus (4.0° [11.0°] and 5.0° [9.9°]) similar to asymptomatic individuals (9.0% [2.3%], 4.8° [2.6°], 73.7° [4.9°], and -1.7° [8.5°]; P > .05 for all). CONCLUSION: The frontal plane 2-dimensional kinematic analysis of the SLS test in the clinical setting is not able to distinguish patients with FAIS from asymptomatic individuals.

Are the Harris Hip Score and the Hip Outcome Score valid patient-reported outcome measures for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome?

BACKGROUND: The International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33) is a reference instrument among the Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) to assess people with hip disorders, including femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome. Older questionnaires such as the Harris Hip Score, or its modified version (mHHS), and the Hip Outcome Score (HOS), through the full version or its subscales (Activities of Daily Living-ADL; and Sports) are still used in the clinical setting and their construct validity is so far underexplored. OBJECTIVE: To assess the construct validity of mHHS and HOS-ADL compared with iHOT-33 by hypothesis testing in a large sample of patients with FAI syndrome. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted with data records from patients with FAI syndrome seeking care at a private physical therapy clinic between 2013 and 2018. All participants completed the three questionnaires (mHHS, HOS-ADL, and iHOT-33) during the physical therapy initial assessment. RESULTS: From the 523 patients with FAI syndrome found in the clinic's database, 373 were eligible for this study. An acceptable agreement (r>0.70) was found between HOS-ADL and iHOT-33 (r = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.73, 0.81), but not between mHHS and iHOT-33 (r = 0.68, 95%CI: 0.62, 0.73). HOS-ADL score presented an acceptable agreement with iHOT-Symptoms subscale score (r = 0.78, 95%CI: 0.73, 0.81), while mHHS score did not (r = 0.68, 95%CI: 0.62, 0.73). Neither HOS-ADL or mHHS presented an acceptable agreement with iHOT-Sport, iHOT-Job, or iHOT-Social scores. CONCLUSION: The HOS-ADL score, but not mHSS score, is an acceptable measure of health-related quality of life in patients with FAI syndrome.

Do femoral version abnormalities play a role in hip function of patients with hip pain?

BACKGROUND: A high prevalence of femoral version abnormalities has been observed in hip pain patients, with impact on hip range of motion and muscle strength that should be elucidated. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Thirty-one patients with hip pain (16 men and 15 female) were subjected to Biplanar X-Rays to quantify femoral version using three-dimensional measurements. The 62 hips were divided into normal version (10-20°, n = 18), anteverted (>20°, n = 19), and retroverted (<10°, n = 25). Joint range of motion for flexion, internal rotation, and external rotation was assessed through digital goniometry. Maximal isometric hip strength (flexion, extension, internal rotation, external rotation at 0° and 30°, abduction, adduction) was evaluated through hand-held dynamometry. Hip rotation index was calculated as external rotation minus internal rotation. FINDINGS: Anteverted hips had greater internal rotation, while retroverted hips had greater external rotation (p = 0.001). Anteverted hips were weaker than retroverted hips for external rotation at 30° (p < 0.001), abduction (p = 0.006) and adduction (p < 0.001), and weaker than normal version hips for extension (p = 0.018). All three groups had different rotation index: retroverted>normal>anteverted (p < 0.001). The ordinal logistic regression found higher values of rotation index with higher probability of being retroverted (common odds ratio = 1.20). There was a strong correlation between femoral version group and rotation index (rS = 0.76, p < 0.001). There was probability >70% of a hip being anteverted if the rotation index was <11°, and being retroverted if the index was >40°. INTERPRETATION: Range of motion and muscle strength differed in hips with different femoral versions. The hip rotation index was a strong femoral version predictor.

Assessing the Sensitivity of Dual-Energy Computed Tomography 3-Material Decomposition for the Detection of Gout.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy and precision of a novel application of 3-material decomposition (3MD) with virtual monochromatic images (VMIs) in the dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) assessment of monosodium urate (MSU) and hydroxyapatite (HA) phantoms compared with a commercial 2-material decomposition (2MD) and dual-thresholding (DT) material decomposition methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Monosodium urate (0.0, 3.4, 13.3, 28.3, and 65.2 mg/dL tubes) and HA (100, 400, and 800 mg/cm 3 tubes) phantoms were DECT scanned individually and together in the presence of the foot and ankle of 15 subjects. The raw data were decomposed with 3MD-VMI, 2MD, and DT to produce MSU-only and HA-only images. Mean values of 10 × 10 × 10-voxel volumes of interest (244 µm 3 ) placed in each MSU and HA phantom well were obtained and compared with their known concentrations and across measurements with subjects' extremities to obtain accuracy and precision measures. A statistical difference was considered significant if P < 0.05. RESULTS: Compared with known phantom standards, 3MD-VMI was accurate for the detection of MSU concentrations as low as 3.4 mg/dL ( P = 0.75). In comparison, 2MD was limited to 13.3 mg/dL ( P = 0.06) and DT was unable to detect MSU concentrations below 65.2 mg/L ( P = 0.16). For the HA phantom, 3MD-VMI and 2MD were accurate for all concentrations including the lowest at 100 mg/cm 3 ( P = 0.63 and P = 0.55, respectively). Dual-thresholding was not useful for the decomposition of HA phantom. Precision was high for both 3MD-VMI and 2MD measurements for both MSU and HA phantoms. Qualitatively, 3MD-VMI MSU-only images demonstrated reduced beam-hardening artifact and voxel misclassification, compared with 2MD and DT. CONCLUSIONS: Three-material decomposition-VMI DECT is accurate for quantification of MSU and HA concentrations in phantoms and accurately detects a lower concentration of MSU than either 2MD or DT. For concentration measurements of both MSU and HA phantoms, 3MD-VMI and 2MD have high precision, but DT had limitations. Clinical implementation of 3MD-VMI DECT promises to improve the performance of this imaging modality for diagnosis and treatment monitoring of gout.

Proximal and distal muscle thickness is different in women with patellofemoral pain but is not associated with knee frontal plane projection angle.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare proximal and distal muscle thickness between patellofemoral pain (PFP) and asymptomatic women (CG) and to verify the possible association between morphology and lower limb alignment during single leg-squat. METHODS: Thirty women (PFP, n = 15 and CG, n = 15) performed the following evaluations: (i) muscle thickness of external oblique (EO), gluteus medius (GMed), tensor fascia latae (TFL), peroneus (PER) and tibialis anterior (TA); (ii) knee frontal plane projection angle (FPPA) during single-leg squat. RESULTS: Compared with the CG, PFP showed: (1) smaller GMed (-10.02%; p = 0.04; effect size = 0.82), greater TFL (+18.44%; p = 0.02; effect size = 0.92) and PER (+14.23%; p = 0.02; effect size = 0.87) muscle thickness and greater knee FPPA during single-leg squat (+31.8%; p = 0.04; effect size = 1.12). No differences were observed in EO (+7.17%; p = 0.37; effect size = 0.34) and TA (-1.35%; p = 0.81; effect size = 0.12) muscle thickness. Additionally, we failed to observe significant associations between muscle morphology and knee FPPA in both groups. CONCLUSION: PFP patients showed alterations in proximal and distal muscle thickness, despite the lack of association with poor lower limb alignment. Prospective studies are necessary to determine if differences in muscle morphology are the cause or the consequence of PFP and to confirm the absence of relationship with lower limb alignment.

Alternating Current Is More Fatigable Than Pulsed Current in People Who Are Healthy: A Double-Blind, Randomized Crossover Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Tolerance level and rapid fatigue onset are limitations in the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) as an electrotherapeutic resource in rehabilitation and training protocols; however, it is unclear if pulsed current (PC) and alternating current (AC) produce different fatigue levels when applied at submaximal contraction level. The purpose of this study was to compare fatigue and discomfort levels between PC and AC during a submaximal contraction protocol in people who are healthy. METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized crossover trial conducted in a laboratory setting, 30 male volunteers [23.23 years of age (SD = 4.59)] performed 2 submaximal fatigue protocols (with a 7-day interval) in a randomized order: PC (pulse duration = 2 milliseconds, pulse frequency = 100 Hz) and AC (2.5 kHz, pulse duration = 0.4 milliseconds, burst frequency = 100 Hz). NMES currents were applied to the knee extensor motor point of the dominant limb. The NMES protocol consisted of 80 evoked contractions (time on:off = 5:10 seconds) and lasted 20 minutes. The current was maintained at a constant intensity throughout the NMES protocol. The primary outcome measures were maximal voluntary isometric contraction, fatigue index (evoked torque decline), fatigability (number of contractions for a 50% drop in evoked-torque from the protocol start), total evoked torque-time integral (TTI), decline in TTI, and discomfort level. RESULTS: AC at 2.5 kHz demonstrated higher maximal voluntary isometric contraction decline post-fatigue, higher fatigue index, higher fatigability (ie, fewer contractions to reach the 50% evoked torque decline from the protocol start), smaller total TTI, and higher TTI decline compared with PC. No between-currents difference was observed in discomfort level. CONCLUSION: PC is less fatigable than AC at 2.5 kHz. IMPACT: Based on this study, PC is the preferred current choice when the NMES goal is to generate higher muscle work, higher mechanical load, and smaller fatigability during training both for athletes who are healthy and for rehabilitation programs for people with disease or injury.

Hip muscle weakness and reduced joint range of motion in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome is a hip joint motion-related clinical disorder characterized by abnormal contact between the hip joint structures. Abnormal hip morphology and joint pain may impair the hip joint range of motion (ROM) and muscle function. However, FAI effects on hip joint ROM and muscle strength remain controversial. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare hip joint ROM and muscle strength between FAI syndrome patients and healthy controls. METHODS: Twenty FAI syndrome male patients and 20 healthy male controls (CG) matched for age (FAI=28±6 years; CG=27±5 years), body mass (FAI=81±12kg; CG=80±13kg) and height (FAI=177±6cm; CG=178±6cm), participated in the study. Hip joint ROM for flexion, internal rotation and external rotation were assessed through goniometry. Maximal isometric strength for hip flexion, extension, abduction and adduction were evaluated through hand-held dynamometry. RESULTS: Hip joint ROM was significantly lower in FAI syndrome patients compared with CG for passive flexion (-4%; effect size - ES=0.65), active internal rotation (-42%; ES=1.60), active external rotation (-28%; ES=1.46) and passive external rotation (-23%; ES=1.63). FAI patients' hip extensors (-34%; ES=1.46), hip adductors (-33%; ES=1.32), and hip flexors (-25%; ES=1.17) were weaker compared to the CG subjects. CONCLUSIONS: FAI syndrome patients presented both hip muscle weakness and reduced joint ROM compared to match CG.

Low-Frequency Pulsed Current Versus Kilohertz-Frequency Alternating Current: A Scoping Literature Review.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness of low-frequency pulsed current versus kilohertz-frequency alternating current in terms of evoked force, discomfort level, current intensity, and muscle fatigability; to discuss the physiological mechanisms of each neuromuscular electrical stimulation type; and to determine if kilohertz-frequency alternating current is better than low-frequency pulsed current for clinical treatment. DATA SOURCES: Articles were obtained from PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and SPORTSDiscus databases using the terms Russian current or kilohertz current or alternating current or pulsed current or Aussie current and torque or discomfort or fatigue or current intensity, and through citation tracking up to July 2017. STUDY SELECTION: Two independent reviewers selected studies comparing the use of the 2 neuromuscular electrical stimulation currents. Studies describing maximal current intensity tolerated and the main effects of the 2 different current types on discomfort, muscle force, and fatigability were independently reviewed. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were systematized according to (1) methodology; (2) electrical current characteristics; and (3) outcomes on discomfort level, evoked force, current intensity, and muscle fatigability. DATA SYNTHESIS: The search revealed 15 articles comparing the 2 current types. Kilohertz-frequency alternated current generated equal or less force, similar discomfort, similar current intensity for maximal tolerated neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and more fatigue compared with low-frequency pulsed current. Similar submaximal levels of evoked force revealed higher discomfort and current intensity for kilohertz-frequency alternated current compared with low-frequency pulsed current. CONCLUSIONS: Available evidence does not support the idea that kilohertz-frequency alternated current is better than low-frequency pulsed current for strength training and rehabilitation.

The structural and mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon 2 years after surgical repair.

BACKGROUND: Acute ruptures of the Achilles tendon affect the tendon's structural and mechanical properties. The long-term effects of surgical repair on these properties remain unclear. PURPOSE: To evaluate effects of early mobilization versus traditional immobilization rehabilitation programs 2 years after surgical Achilles tendon repair, by comparing force-elongation and stress-strain relationships of the injured tendon to those of the uninjured tendon. METHODS: A group of males with previous Achilles tendon rupture (n=18) and a group of healthy male controls (n=9) participated. Achilles tendon rupture group consisted of patients that had received early mobilization (n=9) and patients that had received traditional immobilization with a plaster cast (n=9). Comparisons of tendon structural and mechanical properties were made between Achilles tendon rupture and healthy control groups, and between the uninjured and injured sides of the two rehabilitation groups in Achilles tendon rupture group. Ultrasound was used to determine bilaterally tendon cross-sectional area, tendon resting length, and tendon elongation as a function of torque during maximal voluntary plantar flexion. From these data, Achilles tendon force-elongation and stress-strain relationships were determined. FINDINGS: The Achilles tendon rupture group uninjured side was not different from healthy control group. Structural and mechanical parameters of the injured side were not different between the Achilles tendon rupture early mobilization and the immobilization groups. Compared to the uninjured side, the injured side showed a reduction in stress at maximal voluntary force, in Young's modulus and in stiffness. INTERPRETATION: Two years post-surgical repair, the Achilles tendon mechanical properties had not returned to the uninjured contralateral tendon values.

Desequilíbrios musculares entre flexores dorsais e plantares do tornozelo apóstratamento conservador e acelerado da ruptura do tendão calcâneo / Muscle imbalance between ankle dorsiflexors and plantarflexors after conservative and accelerated treatment of Achilles tendon rupture

A ruptura do tendão calcâneo (TC) reduz a sobrecarga mecânica dos flexoresplantares (FP) do tornozelo. Essa alteração muda o equilíbrio natural entre os FP eflexores dorsais (FD) do tornozelo. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar as razões isocinéticas concêntricas convencionais de torque de pacientes submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico de ruptura aguda do TC após dois protocolos diferentes de reabilitação. Após procedimento cirúrgico para reconstrução do TC, a amostra foi dividida de forma intencional em dois grupos: conservador (GC, 11 homens, 41,3±7,9 anos) e grupo acelerado (GA, 13 homens, 43,5±13,7 anos). O GC permaneceu com imobilização gessada no tornozelo por seis semanas (tratamento tradicional), enquanto o GA usou uma órtese robofoot em posição neutra e, após duas semanas, iniciou mobilização e apoio precoce do tornozelo, com reabilitação por seis semanas. Após 3 meses de pós-operatório, a razão do torque concêntrico máximo dos FD pelos FP do tornozelo foi avaliada por dinamômetro isocinético. As razões de torque do lado operado se mantiveram superiores às do lado saudável mesmo após 3 meses de pós-operatório (p<0,05). Não foi encontrada diferença no equilíbrio muscular entre os grupos. Pode-se concluir que os dois grupos requerem um período mais longo de reabilitação para recuperar o equilíbrio natural do tornozelo no lado operado.

Achilles tendon rupture reduces ankle plantarflexor (PF) muscles mechanical overload. This change in the ankle joint mechanics changes the natural muscle balance between dorsiflexor (DF) and PF muscles. The purpose of this study was toassess such imbalance by concentric conventional isokinetic torque ratios of patients who underwent different rehabilitation protocols after surgical repair of the Achilles tendon. After surgery, subjects were assigned to either a conservative or to an accelerated rehabilitation group. The conservative group (11 men, 41.3±7.9 years old) remained with a plaster cast for 6 weeks after surgery. The accelerated group (13 men, 43.5±13,7 years old) used a “robofoot” cast for 2 weeks and under wentankle mobilization and early weight bearing for a period of 6 weeks post immobilization. At 3 months post-surgery the ratio between the maximal concentric DF torque and the maximal concentric PF torque was evaluated with an isokinetic dynamometer. Torque ratios on the surgery side were higher (p<0.05) than on the sound side in both groups. No differences of muscle balance could be found between the groups. These results suggest that both groups require further rehabilitation to regain the natural muscle balance between surgery-side ankle DF and PF muscles.

Influência do treinamento excêntrico nas razões de torque de flexores/extensores de joelho / Knee torque ratio after eccentric training

O treinamento excêntrico (Texc) produz adaptações musculares que minimizam a ocorrência de lesões e é usado em reabilitação e treinamento de força, mas pouco se sabe sobre seus efeitos no equilíbrio entre músculos antagonistas do joelho. As razões de torque permitem determinar esses desequilíbrios musculares. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de 12 semanas de Texc nas razões de torque excêntrico (Iexc:Qexc) entre os músculos isquiotibiais (I) e quadríceps (Q). Vinte e quatro sujeitos saudáveis do sexo masculino foram distribuídos nos grupos controle (GC, n=13, idade 27,74,6 anos) e experimental (GE, n=11, idade 28,59,5 anos), submetido ao treinamento. Um dinamômetro isocinético foi utilizado para o Texc (velocidade de -60 º/s) e para as avaliações (uma a cada quatro semanas). As razões de torque medidas foram comparadas estatisticamente entre os grupos e intragrupos entre as avaliações, com nível de significância de 5%. No GE, foi observada redução das razões de torque da avaliação (AV) inicial para as demais: AV1x AV2, p=0,005; AV1x AV3, p=0,001; e AV1x AV4, p<0,001. Na avaliação final, as razões do GE foram menores quando comparadas às do GC (p=0,041). O Texc altera pois o equilíbrio dos músculos flexores e extensores do joelho: doze semanas de Texc levam à redução da razão Iexc:Qexc e ao aumento do torque extensor, sem alteração significativa do torque flexor, podendo ser usado na reabilitação para fortalecimento dos músculos extensores do joelho...

Eccentric training produces skeletal muscle adaptations that help preventing muscle injuries, being often used in rehabilitation and physical fitness programs, but little is known of the effects of this training in the balance between knee antagonistic muscles. Torque ratios allow determining such balance. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a 12-week eccentric training program on the eccentric torque ratio between hamstring and quadriceps muscles (Hecc:Qecc). Twenty-four healthy male subjects were assigned to either a control group (CG, n=13, aged 27.74.6 years) or an experimental group (EG, n=11, aged 28.59.5 years). An isokinetic dinamometer was used (angular velocity -60º/s) for both the eccentric training and the assessments, performed every four weeks. Torque ratios measured were statistically compared between groups and intragroups between assessments, with (significance level set at p<0.05. In EG a reduction in torque ratios was found from the initial assessment (AS1) to the other three ones: AS1x AS2, p=0.005; AS1x AS3, p=0.001; and AS1x AS4, p<0.001. At the last evaluation, EG torque ratios were lower than those of CG’s (p=0.041). Eccentric training hence changes balance between knee flexor and extensor muscles: a 12-week training program leads to lower Hecc:Qecc ratio and to extensor torque increase, with no significant change in flexor torque, being thus suitable for rehabilitation aimed at strengthening knee extensor muscles...

Comparative study of anthropometric variables in female classical ballet dancers, volleyball players and physically active subjects / Estudo comparativo das variáveis antropométricas em bailarinas clássicas e jogadoras de voleibol

O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar medidas antropométricas(massa corporal, estatura e percentual de gordura) e a amplitude de movimento (ADM) de dorsiflexão e plantiflexão entre três diferentes grupos: bailarinas clássicas (n=14), jogadoras de voleibol (n=22) e mulheres fisicamente ativas (n=13). Assumiu-se que diferentes demandas funcionais deveriam produzir alterações nas medidas antropométricas e de ADM entre os três grupos. A massa corporal e a estatura foram maiores nas atletas de voleibol (66,42 ± 5,8 kg; 174,77 ± 5,6 cm), seguidasdas mulheres fisicamente ativas (59,93 ± 10,3 kg; 164 ± 7,5 cm) e das bailarinas clássicas (49,25 ± 4,5 kg; 157,03 ± 3,6 cm), respectivamente (p<0,05). O percentual de gordura foi maior nas mulheres ativas (30,67 ± 4,6%) quando comparadas aos outros dois grupos, que foram semelhantes entre si (jogadoras de voleibol = 24,93 ± 4,1%; bailarinas = 21,94 ± 4,3%, respectivamente). Os três grupos apresentaramsemelhante ADM entre os lados direito e esquerdo e para a amplitude de movimento ativa de dorsiflexão. Entretanto, para a plantiflexão a amplitude de movimento ativa foi maior nas bailarinas (~83°), seguidas das mulheres fisicamente ativas (~68°) e, por fim, pelas jogadoras de voleibol que apresentaram a menor amplitude de flexão plantar (~60°). As diferentes demandas impostas pelas três distintas atividades parecem ser responsáveis pelas mudanças em algumas variáveis antropométricas ena ADM da articulação do tornozelo.

The objective of this study was to compare anthropometric variables (bodyweight, height, and percent body fat) and plantarflexion and dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) between three different groups of women: classical ballet dancers (n=14), volleyball players (n=22) and physically active subjects (n=13). The assumption was that different functional requirements should produce differences in the anthropometric variablesand ROM between the three groups. Body weight and height were higher in volleyball players (66.42 ± 5.8 kg; 174.77 ± 5.6 cm), followed by physically active women (59.93 ± 10.3 kg; 164 ± 7.5 cm) and ballet dancers (49.25 ± 4.5 kg; 157.03 ± 3.6 cm) (p<0.05). Percent body fat was higher in physically active women (30.67 ± 4.6%) compared to theother two groups, which showed similar percentages (volleyball players: 24.93 ± 4.1%; ballet dancers: 21.94 ± 4.3%). The three groups were similar in terms of total ankle ROM and active dorsiflexion ROM between the right and left sides. However, plantarflexion ROM was higher in ballet dancers (~83°), followed by physically active women (~68°)and volleyball players who presented the smallest ROM (~60°). The different requirements imposed by the three distinct physical activities seem to be responsible for changes in some of the anthropometric variables and ankle joint ROM.