Stratification of Outpatient Physical Therapy Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: Knee Arthroplasty Physical Therapy Pathways (KAPPA) Nonrandomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Outpatient physical therapy following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is often considered crucial for an effective recovery. However, recent evidence suggests that a self-directed pathway may yield similar benefits to supervised care. Despite this, there appear to be no established criteria to determine who can successfully self-direct their rehabilitation versus those who would benefit from outpatient physical therapy. This study aimed to determine if early postoperative criteria can stratify TKA patients into a self-directed or supervised physical therapy pathway without compromising outcomes. METHODS: Overall, 60 TKA patients were initially allocated to a self-directed, unsupervised protocol for their postoperative rehabilitation. Baseline demographics, along with functional and self-reported outcomes, were assessed preoperatively and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 4 months following surgery. Patients were referred to supervised outpatient physical therapy if they met any of the following Knee Arthroplasty Physical Therapy Pathways (KAPPA) criteria: (1) knee flexion range of motion <90 degrees; (2) knee extension range of motion lacking >10 degrees; or (3) dissatisfaction with the progress of their rehabilitation. RESULTS: At 2 weeks post-TKA, 28 participants met the KAPPA criteria for supervised physical therapy for reasons of knee flexion <90 degrees (61%), a lack of knee extension >10 degrees (36%), or not being satisfied with the progress of their recovery (3%). The remaining 32 participants continued with a self-directed rehabilitation pathway. All outcomes assessed favored the self-directed group at 2 weeks, however, after an average of 4 supervised physical therapy sessions at 4 months there were no longer any differences between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Over half of the included participants could self-direct their rehabilitation following TKA without supervised physical therapy while also maintaining excellent clinical outcomes. For those who met KAPPA criteria at 2 weeks post-TKA, 4 supervised physical therapy sessions appeared to be beneficial when outcomes were reassessed at 4 months.

Response to the Letter to the Editor-in-Chief.

Author response to the JOSPT Letter to the Editor-in-Chief "A Second Look at the Risks of Serious Adverse Events with Orthopaedic Manual Therapy, Paracetamol, and NSAID Treatment of Neck Pain" J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2023;53(6):1-2. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.0202-R.

International Framework for Examination of the Cervical Region for Potential of Vascular Pathologies of the Neck Prior to Musculoskeletal Intervention: International IFOMPT Cervical Framework.

SYNOPSIS: This position statement, stemming from the International IFOMPT (International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists) Cervical Framework, was developed based upon the best contemporary evidence and expert opinion to assist clinicians during their clinical reasoning process when considering presentations involving the head and neck. Developed through rigorous consensus methods, the International IFOMPT Cervical Framework guides assessment of the cervical spine region for potential vascular pathologies of the neck in advance of planned interventions. Within the cervical spine, events and presentations of vascular pathologies of the neck are rare but are an important consideration as part of patient examination. Vascular pathologies may be recognizable if the appropriate questions are asked during the patient history-taking process, if interpretation of elicited data enables recognition of this potential, and if the physical examination can be adapted to explore any potential vasculogenic hypothesis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2023;53(1):7-22. Epub: 14 September 2022. doi:10.2519/jospt.2022.11147.

The clinical diagnosis of Achilles tendinopathy: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Achilles tendinopathy describes the clinical presentation of pain localised to the Achilles tendon and associated loss of function with tendon loading activities. However, clinicians display differing approaches to the diagnosis of Achilles tendinopathy due to inconsistency in the clinical terminology, an evolving understanding of the pathophysiology, and the lack of consensus on clinical tests which could be considered the gold standard for diagnosing Achilles tendinopathy. The primary aim of this scoping review is to provide a method for clinically diagnosing Achilles tendinopathy that aligns with the nine core health domains. METHODOLOGY: A scoping review was conducted to synthesise available evidence on the clinical diagnosis and clinical outcome measures of Achilles tendinopathy. Extracted data included author, year of publication, participant characteristics, methods for diagnosing Achilles tendinopathy and outcome measures. RESULTS: A total of 159 articles were included in this scoping review. The most commonly used subjective measure was self-reported location of pain, while additional measures included pain with tendon loading activity, duration of symptoms and tendon stiffness. The most commonly identified objective clinical test for Achilles tendinopathy was tendon palpation (including pain on palpation, localised tendon thickening or localised swelling). Further objective tests used to assess Achilles tendinopathy included tendon pain during loading activities (single-leg heel raises and hopping) and the Royal London Hospital Test and the Painful Arc Sign. The VISA-A questionnaire as the most commonly used outcome measure to monitor Achilles tendinopathy. However, psychological factors (PES, TKS and PCS) and overall quality of life (SF-12, SF-36 and EQ-5D-5L) were less frequently measured. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant variation in the methodology and outcome measures used to diagnose Achilles tendinopathy. A method for diagnosing Achilles tendinopathy is proposed, that includes both results from the scoping review and recent recommendations for reporting results in tendinopathy.

Patient and surgical prognostic factors for inpatient functional recovery following THA and TKA: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of enhanced recovery pathways has demonstrated both patient and organisational benefits. However, enhanced recovery pathways implemented for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) vary between health-care organisations, as do their measures of success, particularly patient-related outcomes. Despite inpatient functional recovery being essential for safe and timely hospital discharge, there is currently no gold standard method for its assessment, and the research undertaken to establish prognostic factors is limited. This study aimed to identify prognostic factors and subsequently develop prognostic models for inpatient functional recovery following primary, unilateral THA and TKA; identify factors associated with acute length of stay; and assess the relationships between inpatient function and longer-term functional outcomes. METHODS: Correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to determine prognostic factors for functional recovery (assessed using the modified Iowa Level of Assistance Scale on day 2 post-operatively) in a prospective cohort study of 354 patients following primary, unilateral THA or TKA. RESULTS: For the overall cohort and TKA group, significant prognostic factors included age, sex, pre-operative general health, pre-operative function, and use of general anaesthesia, local infiltration analgesia, and patient-controlled analgesia. In addition, arthroplasty site was a prognostic factor for the overall cohort, and surgery duration was prognostic for the TKA group. For the THA group, significant prognostic factors included pre-operative function, Risk Assessment and Prediction Tool score, and surgical approach. Several factors were associated with acute hospital length of stay. Inpatient function was positively correlated with functional outcomes assessed at 6 months post-operatively. CONCLUSIONS: Prognostic models may facilitate the prediction of inpatient flow thus optimising organisational efficiency. Surgical prognostic factors warrant consideration as potential key elements in enhanced recovery pathways, associated with early post-operative functional recovery. Standardised measures of inpatient function serve to evaluate patient-centred outcomes and facilitate the benchmarking and improvement of enhanced recovery pathways.

Gradual-onset surfing-related injuries in New Zealand: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Gradual-onset injuries associated with surfing have not previously been closely examined. This study investigated the duration, mechanisms, body locations and types of gradual-onset injuries in a sample of New Zealand surfers. DESIGN: Retrospective, cross-sectional online survey. METHODS: Self-identified surfers reported gradual-onset surfing-related injuries experienced in the preceding 12 months. RESULTS: Respondents (n=1473, age range 8-74 years) reported a total of 550 gradual-onset major injuries: 44% acute duration (<3 months) and 56% chronic (≥3 months). The injury incidence proportion was 27%. Shoulder (146 injuries, 64% chronic), low back (115 injuries, 58% chronic) and neck (105 injuries, 46% chronic) were the most commonly reported injury locations. Prolonged paddling was the most commonly reported mechanism of injury (40% of all injuries). Incidence proportion for gradual-onset major injuries was 6% higher for greater surfing abilities compared to lower abilities (p=0.01), and 13% higher for long boarders compared to short boarders (p=0.001). Respondents reporting any gradual-onset surfing injury, compared to those with no injury, averaged 3 more years surfing experience (p<0.001), were 3 years older (p<0.001), and reported 43h more surfing exposure in the preceding 12 months (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The most common gradual-onset surfing injuries involved the shoulder, low back, and neck, most frequently attributable to paddling. Risk factors for these injuries included board type, higher ability, older age, more hours/year, and years of surfing. These findings affirm the existence of sufficient injury burden to justify investigation of surfing injury prevention initiatives.

Which Patient Factors Best Predict Discharge Destination After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty? The ARISE Trial.

BACKGROUND: The role of inpatient rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains uncertain, with evidence suggesting no better functional outcomes for those who discharge to rehabilitation to those who discharge home. The aim of this study is to develop and implement a pre-operative predictive tool, ARISE (Arthroplasty Rehabilitation Initial Screening Evaluation), that incorporated psychological, functional, and socio-demographic factors to determine discharge destination. METHODS: One week prior to TKA, the ARISE tool was administered to 100 patients, in addition to an EQ-5D-5L survey and other demographic data being recorded. The primary outcome was discharge destination. An enhanced recovery pathway, which included an anesthetic protocol designed to optimize early mobilization, was utilized. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the likelihood of discharge destination. RESULTS: Patients in the rehabilitation group were, on average, 4.5 years older than the home group (P = .036). After multivariable regression, ARISE questions were predictive of discharge destination related to beliefs around the superiority of inpatient rehabilitation (odds ratio = 9.9 [2.6-37.9]) and post-discharge level of support (odds ratio = 6.3 [1.5-26.8]). No question around self-reported physical function was predictive. CONCLUSION: Pre-operative patient beliefs regarding rehabilitation and future home support are highly predictive of discharge destination after primary TKA. Pre-operative patient-reported functional status and demographic variables, with the exception of increasing age, were not shown to be predictive. Predicting those that are most likely to discharge to rehabilitation allows for early, targeted interventions to optimize resources and increase likelihood of home discharge.

Bone health of middle-aged and older surfers.

PURPOSE: Given the lack of research investigating surfing and bone health, we aimed to assess the bone mineral density (BMD) of middle-aged and older surfers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional observational design, we compared a group of middle-aged and older surfers to a group of non-surfers, age- and sex-matched controls. Participants were males, aged between 50 and 75 years. Volunteers were assessed for body mass index, bone-specific physical activity questionnaire (BPAQ) scores, daily calcium intake, and alcohol intake. Primary outcomes included BMD at the femur and lumbar spine (LS), and T-score, assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Bone biomarkers were also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 104 participants (59 surfers and 45 controls) were assessed. Groups were similar with regards to all demographic characteristics except for percentage of lean mass (higher in surfers, mean difference [MD] +2.57%; 95% CI 0.05-5.09; p=0.046) and current BPAQ score (lower in surfers; MD -0.967; 95% CI -0.395 to -1.539; p=0.001). Surfers had a mean surfing experience of 41.2 (SD ±11.8) years and mean surfing exposure of 26.9 (SD ±15.0) hours/month. Controls were divided into two groups, according to their main physical activity: weight-bearing/high intensity (WBHI) and non-weight-bearing/low intensity (NWBLI). When compared to NWBLI controls, surfers had higher LS BMD (MD +0.064; 95% CI 0.002-0.126; p=0.041) and higher T-score (MD +0.40; 95% CI 0.01-0.80; p=0.042); however, surfers had a lower T-score than the WBHI group (MD -0.52; 95% CI -0.02 to -1.0; p=0.039). No other differences were found between groups. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study support our hypothesis that regular surfing may be an effective physical activity for middle-aged and older men to decrease bone deterioration related to aging, as we identified positive results for surfers in relation to primary outcomes.

Kettlebell training in clinical practice: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: A scoping review of scientific literature on the effects of kettlebell training. There are no authoritative guidelines or recommendations for using kettlebells within a primary care setting. Our review objectives were to identify the extent, range and nature of the available evidence, to report on the types of evidence currently available to inform clinical practice, to synthesise key concepts, and identify gaps in the research knowledge base. METHODS: Following the PRISMA-ScR Checklist, we conducted a search of 10 electronic databases from inception to 1 February 2019. There were no exclusions in searching for publications. A single reviewer screened the literature and abstracted data from relevant publications. Articles were grouped and charted by concepts and themes relevant to primary care, and narratively synthesised. Effect sizes from longitudinal studies were identified or calculated, and randomised controlled trials assessed for methodological quality. RESULTS: Eight hundred and twenty-nine records were identified to 1 February 2019. Four hundred and ninety-six were screened and 170 assessed for eligibility. Ninety-nine publications met the inclusion criteria. Effect sizes were typically trivial to small. One trial used a pragmatic hardstyle training program among healthy college-age participants. Two trials reported the effects of kettlebell training in clinical conditions. Thirty-three studies explicitly used 'hardstyle' techniques and 4 investigated kettlebell sport. Also included were 6 reviews, 22 clinical/expert opinions and 3 case reports of injury. Two reviewers independently evaluated studies using a modified Downs & Black checklist. CONCLUSIONS: A small number of longitudinal studies, which are largely underpowered and of low methodological quality, provide the evidence-informed therapist with little guidance to inform the therapeutic prescription of kettlebells within primary care. Confidence in reported effects is low to very low. The strength of recommendation for kettlebell training improving measures of physical function is weak, based on the current body of literature. Further research on reported effects is warranted, with inclusion of clinical populations and investigations of musculoskeletal conditions common to primary care. There is a need for an externally valid, standardised approach to the training and testing of kettlebell interventions, which better informs the therapeutic use of kettlebells in primary care.

Lifetime prevalence of exostoses in New Zealand surfers.

INTRODUCTION External auditory exostosis (EAE) is a benign, irreversible bony outgrowth that arises from the temporal bone. EAE projects into the external ear canal, potentially causing recurrent otitis externa and conductive hearing loss. AIM To determine lifetime prevalence of EAE in New Zealand (NZ) surfers. METHODS This study used an online national survey. RESULTS Respondents were 1376 NZ surfers (recreational = 868, competitive = 508). Mean surfing experience was 16.2 years. Most self-classified as advanced surfers (36.5%), followed by intermediate (30.2%), expert (20.1%) and beginner (13.2%). Surfers reported an average of 214.2 h surfing (28.6% during winter) for the previous year. Overall lifetime prevalence of EAE was 28.9% (32.1% male, 14.6% female; P < 0.001), with the highest proportion of EAE was observed bilaterally (21.3%). Competitive surfers reported a significantly (P < 0.001) higher lifetime prevalence of EAE than recreational surfers (45.3% vs. 19.2%). A significantly higher (P < 0.001) lifetime prevalence of EAE was identified as skill level increased (7.1% in beginners to 55.6% in experts) and a two-fold increase (P < 0.001) of EAE in the highest (vs. lowest) quartile of surfing exposure. Neither winter surfing exposure nor which Island surfed were associated with EAE prevalence. DISCUSSION Although not as prevalent as in previous NZ research using otologic examinations, this study indicated that almost one-third of NZ surfers reported having had a diagnosis of EAE. Regular general practitioner otologic assessment and advice on appropriate prevention strategies for patients who surf may help prevent large lesions, recurrent ear infections and progressive hearing loss.

Physiological Profile of Male Competitive and Recreational Surfers.

Furness, J, Hing, W, Sheppard, JM, Newcomer, S, Schram, B, and Climstein, M. Physiological profile of male competitive and recreational surfers. J Strength Cond Res 32(2): 372-378, 2018-Surfing consists of both high- and low-intensity paddling of varying durations, using both the aerobic and anaerobic systems. Surf-specific physiological studies lack adequate group sample sizes, and V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak values are yet to determine the differences between competitive and recreational surfers. The purpose of this study was therefore to provide a comprehensive physiological profile of both recreational and competitive surfers. This multisite study involved 62 male surfers, recreational (n = 47) and competitive (n = 15). Anthropometric measurements were conducted followed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, anaerobic testing and finally aerobic testing. V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak was significantly greater in competitive surfers than in recreational surfers (M = 40.71 ± 3.28 vs. 31.25 ± 6.31 ml·kg·min, p < 0.001). This was also paralleled for anaerobic power (M = 303.93 vs. 264.58 W) for competitive surfers. Arm span and lean total muscle mass was significantly (p ≤ 0.01) correlated with key performance variables (V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak and anaerobic power). No significant (p ≥ 0.05) correlations were revealed between season rank and each of the variables of interest (V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak and anaerobic power). Key performance variables (V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak and anaerobic power) are significantly higher in competitive surfers, indicating that this is both an adaptation and requirement in this cohort. This battery of physiological tests could be used as a screening tool to identify an athlete's weaknesses or strengths. Coaches and clinicians could then select appropriate training regimes to address weaknesses.

A Performance Analysis of a Stand-Up Paddle Board Marathon Race.

Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a rapidly growing sport and recreational activity in which little scientific research exists. A review of the literature failed to identify a single article pertaining to the physiological demands of SUP competition. The purpose of this study was to conduct a performance analysis of a national-level SUP marathon race. Ten elite SUP athletes (6 male and 4 female athletes) were recruited from the Stand Up Paddle Surfing Association of Australia to have their race performance in the Australian Titles analyzed. Performance variables included SUP speed, course taken, and heart rate (HR), measured with a 15-Hz global positioning system unit. Results demonstrated that there was a variation in distance covered (13.3-13.9 km), peak speed (18.8-26.4 km·h), and only moderate correlations (r = 0.38) of race result to distance covered. Significantly greater amounts of time were spent in the 5- to 10-km·h speed zones (p ≤ 0.05) during the race. Peak HR varied from 168 to 208 b·min among the competitors with the average HR being 168.6 ± 9.8 b·min. Significantly higher durations were spent in elevated HR zones (p ≤ 0.05) with participants spending 89.3% of their race within 80-100% of their age-predicted HRmax. Marathon SUP races seem to involve a high aerobic demand, with maintenance of near-maximal HRs required for the duration of the race. There is a high influence of tactical decisions and extrinsic variables to race results. These results provide a greater understanding of the physiological demands of distance events and may assist in the development of specialized training programs for SUP athletes.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Clinical Examination and Imaging Findings for Identifying Subacromial Pain.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of subacromial pathology is limited by the poor accuracy of clinical tests for specific pathologies. The aim of this study was to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of clinical examination and imaging features for identifying subacromial pain (SAP) defined by a positive response to diagnostic injection, and to evaluate the influence of imaging findings on the clinical diagnosis of SAP. METHODS AND FINDINGS: In a prospective, diagnostic accuracy design, 208 consecutive patients presenting to their primary healthcare practitioner for the first time with a new episode of shoulder pain were recruited. All participants underwent a standardized clinical examination, shoulder x-ray series and diagnostic ultrasound scan. Results were compared with the response to a diagnostic block of xylocaineTM injected into the SAB under ultrasound guidance using ≥80% post-injection reduction in pain intensity as the positive anaesthetic response (PAR) criterion. Diagnostic accuracy statistics were calculated for combinations of clinical and imaging variables demonstrating the highest likelihood of a PAR. A PAR was reported by 34% of participants. In participants with no loss of passive external rotation, combinations of three clinical variables (anterior shoulder pain, strain injury, absence of symptoms at end-range external rotation (in abduction)) demonstrated 100% specificity for a PAR when all three were positive (LR+ infinity; 95%CI 2.9, infinity). A full-thickness supraspinatus tear on ultrasound increased the likelihood of a PAR irrespective of age (specificity 98% (95%CI 94, 100); LR+ 6.2; 95% CI 1.5, 25.7)). Imaging did not improve the ability to rule-out a PAR. CONCLUSION: Combinations of clinical examination findings and a full-thickness supraspinatus tear on ultrasound scan can help confirm, but not exclude, the presence of subacromial pain. Other imaging findings were of limited value for diagnosing SAP.

Perceptions towards aqua-based exercise among older adults with osteoarthritis who have discontinued participation in this exercise mode.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate reasons for ceasing participation in aqua-based exercise among older adults with osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Eleven adults over 60 years of age with OA participated in one of two focus groups, during which they discussed barriers to aqua-based exercise and the potential benefits of this exercise mode. Each focus group was audiotaped, transcribed and then analysed using the general inductive thematic approach. The investigators reached a consensus on all coding categories and then identified themes. RESULTS: Key barriers identified were: a lack of suitable classes; insufficient instructor knowledge, which often led to increased pain; cold water and the changing facilities. Key perceived benefits included increased physical ability in water and social interaction. CONCLUSIONS: A greater understanding of reasons for ceasing participation in aqua-based exercise among older adults with OA may help facilitate development of suitable exercise programs that minimise barriers for this group.

Perceived benefits, motives, and barriers to aqua-based exercise among older adults with and without osteoarthritis.

This study aimed to (a) identify factors that motivate older adults to participate in aqua-based exercise; (b) identify potential barriers; and (c) compare perceptions between older adults with and without osteoarthritis (OA). Fifteen adults above 60 years of age participated in one of three focus groups during which they discussed perceived benefits, motives, and barriers to aqua exercise. Pain reduction was considered a major benefit among those with OA, improved health and fitness was a principal benefit for those without OA. All participants felt that the instructor could act as both a motivator and barrier; the most significant barrier was cold changing facilities in winter. With the exception of pain reduction, perceived benefits, motivators, and barriers to aqua-based exercise are similar among older adults with and without OA. A greater understanding of these factors may help us to facilitate older adults with OA to initiate and adhere to aqua-based exercise.

Virtual rehabilitation in a school setting: is it feasible for children with cerebral palsy?

PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility of a school-based virtual rehabilitation intervention for children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: A feasibility study was conducted using a mixed method approach. Participants were five children with cerebral palsy who were currently attending a rural school. Each child received an 8-week rehabilitation programme involving an Interactive Virtual Reality Exercise (IREX) system. The IREX was placed in the child's school for the duration of the intervention. Each child's programme was designed by a physiotherapist but supervised by a teacher aide at the school. Feasibility of the intervention was assessed through a questionnaire completed by the child and an interview conducted with the teacher supervisor. RESULTS: The children all rated the IREX intervention as fun, easy to use, and beneficial for their arm. Categories from the supervisor interviews centred on resolving technical issues, the enjoyment of taking part due to the child's progress, and the central role of interacting with the child. Input from the research physiotherapist was critical to the success of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The IREX is feasible to implement in a school-based setting supervised by teachers. This provides an option for delivering physiotherapy to children in isolated areas who do not receive on-going therapy. Implication for Rehabilitation Virtual rehabilitation programmes using the IREX are feasible in a school-based setting. The negative impact of technical difficulties is likely to be overcome by the user's enjoyment and rehabilitation benefits gained. Input from a therapist in designing and monitoring the programme is critical.

Comparative effects of 2 aqua exercise programs on physical function, balance, and perceived quality of life in older adults with osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease, which affects a large number of older adults. Many older adults with OA are physically inactive, which can contribute to reduced functional capability, quality of life, and an increased risk of falls. Although hydrotherapy is often recommended for older adults with OA, less is known about aqua fitness (AF), a widely available form of aqua-based exercise. PURPOSE: To compare the effect of an AF program and a seated aqua-based exercise program on a range of functional measures and quality of life among older adults with OA. METHODS: Thirty-five older adults with OA were allocated to an AF group or an active control group who performed seated exercises in warm water for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the timed up-and-go (TUG) test; other measures included step test, sit-to-stand (STS) test, handgrip strength test, 400-m walk test, Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale-Short Form (AIMS2-SF), and Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). RESULTS: FES-I scores improved significantly in the AF group compared with the control group (P=0.04). Within-group analysis indicated both groups significantly improved their 400-m walk time (P=0.04) and that the AF group significantly improved its step test right (P=0.02) and left (P=0.00) and the AIMS2-SF total score (P=0.02). No significant change in TUG, STS, or handgrip strength was observed for either group. CONCLUSIONS: Aqua fitness may offer a number of positive functional and psychosocial benefits for older adults with OA, such as a reduced fear of falling and increased ability to perform everyday tasks.

Comparison of longitudinal sciatic nerve movement with different mobilization exercises: an in vivo study utilizing ultrasound imaging.

STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study using a single-group, within-subjects comparison. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether different types of neural mobilization exercises are associated with differing amounts of longitudinal sciatic nerve excursion measured in vivo at the posterior midthigh region. BACKGROUND: Recent research focusing on the upper limb of healthy subjects has shown that nerve excursion differs significantly between different types of neural mobilization exercises. This has not been examined in the lower limb. It is important to initially examine the influence of neural mobilization on peripheral nerve excursion in healthy people to identify peripheral nerve excursion impairments under conditions in which nerve excursion may be compromised. METHODS: High-resolution ultrasound imaging was used to assess sciatic nerve excursion at the posterior midthigh region. Four different neural mobilization exercises were performed in 31 healthy participants. These neural mobilization exercises used combinations of knee extension and cervical spine flexion and extension. Frame-by-frame cross-correlation analysis of the ultrasound images was used to calculate nerve excursion. A repeated-measures analysis of variance and isolated means comparisons were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Different neural mobilization exercises induced significantly different amounts of sciatic nerve excursion at the posterior midthigh region (P<.001). The slider exercise, consisting of the participant performing simultaneous cervical spine and knee extension, resulted in the largest amount of sciatic nerve excursion (mean ± SD, 3.2 ± 2.0 mm). The amount of excursion during the slider exercise was slightly greater (mean ± SD, 2.6 ± 1.5 mm; P = .002) than it was during the tensioner exercise (simultaneous cervical spine flexion and knee extension). The single-joint neck flexion exercise resulted in the least amount of sciatic nerve excursion at the posterior midthigh (mean ± SD, -0.1 ± 0.1 mm), which was significantly smaller than the other 3 exercises (P<.001). CONCLUSION: These findings are consistent with the results of previous research that has examined median nerve excursion associated with different neural mobilization exercises. Such nerve excursion supports theories of nerve motion associated with cervical spine and extremity movement, as generalizable to the lower limb.

A prospective study of shoulder pain in primary care: prevalence of imaged pathology and response to guided diagnostic blocks.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of imaged pathology in primary care has received little attention and the relevance of identified pathology to symptoms remains unclear. This paper reports the prevalence of imaged pathology and the association between pathology and response to diagnostic blocks into the subacromial bursa (SAB), acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) and glenohumeral joint (GHJ). METHODS: Consecutive patients with shoulder pain recruited from primary care underwent standardised x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound scan and diagnostic injections of local anaesthetic into the SAB and ACJ. Subjects who reported less than 80% reduction in pain following either of these injections were referred for a magnetic resonance arthrogram (MRA) and GHJ diagnostic block. Differences in proportions of positive and negative imaging findings in the anaesthetic response groups were assessed using Fishers test and odds ratios were calculated a for positive anaesthetic response (PAR) to diagnostic blocks. RESULTS: In the 208 subjects recruited, the rotator cuff and SAB displayed the highest prevalence of pathology on both ultrasound (50% and 31% respectively) and MRA (65% and 76% respectively). The prevalence of PAR following SAB injection was 34% and ACJ injection 14%. Of the 59% reporting a negative anaesthetic response (NAR) for both of these injections, 16% demonstrated a PAR to GHJ injection. A full thickness tear of supraspinatus on ultrasound was associated with PAR to SAB injection (OR 5.02; p < 0.05). Ultrasound evidence of a biceps tendon sheath effusion (OR 8.0; p < 0.01) and an intact rotator cuff (OR 1.3; p < 0.05) were associated with PAR to GHJ injection. No imaging findings were strongly associated with PAR to ACJ injection (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Rotator cuff and SAB pathology were the most common findings on ultrasound and MRA. Evidence of a full thickness supraspinatus tear was associated with symptoms arising from the subacromial region, and a biceps tendon sheath effusion and an intact rotator cuff were associated with an intra-articular GHJ pain source. When combined with clinical information, these results may help guide diagnostic decision making in primary care.

Variation and reliability of ultrasonographic quantification of the architecture of the medial gastrocnemius muscle in young children.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of ultrasonography for the quantification of gastrocnemius muscle architecture in healthy young children. The variation and reliability of measurement of muscle thickness, pennation angle and fibre length of the medial gastrocnemius were determined, using stationary and portable ultrasound machines, in 13 boys and eight girls aged 4-10. Ultrasound images were obtained from each leg, in duplicate, with the ankle at 90 degrees , then at maximal plantar flexion, with the two machines within the same session. The same set of 16 scans was repeated in four children 4-6 weeks later. The mean muscle thickness, pennation angle and fibre length differed between ankle positions and between legs. Measurements obtained using the two machines established similar values with no significant differences in absolute values and coefficients of variation (CV). For duplicate images taken during the same session for the same leg, ankle position and machine, the CV and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) ranged, respectively, from 2.1% to 3.1% and 0.94-0.98 for muscle thickness, from 4.1% to 6.0% and 0.85-0.96 for pennation angle and from 4.5% to 6.3% and 0.87-0.96 for fibre length. Corresponding values for variables for the same child measured on two separate occasions were within the same ranges, all being similar to reliability data reported previously for adult muscle. Muscle thickness, pennation angle and fibre length of the medial gastrocnemius can therefore be quantified reliably, using either a stationary or portable ultrasound machine, in healthy young children.