Effect of non-elastic taping on vertical stiffness of healthy athletes during a basketball jump shot.

BACKGROUND: Basketball is a high-risk team sport for lower extremity injuries, with ankle sprains being the most common injury. Non-elastic tape is widely used in injury prevention and quick return to play after ankle sprains, but its impact on stiffness, particularly global stiffness, has not been thoroughly investigated. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of non-elastic ankle taping on vertical stiffness, among basketball players during the jump shot tasks; and to assess the reliability of accelerometers to evaluate vertical stiffness. DESIGN: Single group, repeated measures study. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty healthy semi-professional basketball players (15 males and 15 females) participated in the study. INTERVENTIONS: Vertical stiffness was compared among three conditions: 1) without taping, 2) while the non-elastic tape was applied to their ankles, and 3) after running while taped. Vertical stiffness was calculated from acceleration data using a mass-spring model. RESULTS: The result of a one-way repeated measures ANOVA showed that vertical stiffness was not significantly different between the three conditions (P = 0.162). Within-day and between-day reliability for average measurements were found to be high or very high. CONCLUSION: The findings showed that the vertical stiffness is unaffected by non-elastic taping. Therefore, while non-elastic tape can limit ankle range of motion, it may not have an impact on vertical stiffness, a global parameter which reflects the musculoskeletal performance. On the other hand, the high reliability of the stiffness variable supports the use of an accelerometer as a small portable instrument for outdoor sports measurements.

The effect of movement system impairment-based classification treatment compared to routine physiotherapy on pain, disability, alignment, and movement impairments in individuals with tibiofemoral rotation syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Knee pain is a common musculoskeletal problem. Lower extremity movement impairments could alter stresses in different planes and contribute to knee pain. Classifying these impairments may be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of knee problems. Movement system impairment (MSI)-based classification is a system to evaluate movement impairments. Trials that involve this classification are limited. Therefore, it will be of interest to examine the effect of movement system impairment-based classification treatment compared to routine physiotherapy in individuals with tibiofemoral rotation syndrome. METHODS: Twenty-two individuals with knee pain aged 18-40 years (2 males, 20 females) diagnosed with tibiofemoral rotation (TFR) syndrome were included. After initial evaluation, individuals were randomly assigned into two treatment groups (MSI-based treatment and routine physiotherapy). Both treatment groups contained 8 treatment sessions over 4 weeks. Alignment and movement impairments data form, a numeric rating scale (NRS), and the Kujala Disability Questionnaire were assessed at baseline and after a four-week intervention. Independent samples t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for quantitative variables, and Fisher's exact test was employed for qualitative variables to compare the groups. One-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired samples t-test were utilized to within-group changes of quantitative variables, and qualitative variables were analyzed with the McNemar test. RESULTS: The results showed that pain intensity and disability significantly decreased within and between groups after intervention (P > 0.05). There were also statistically significant differences between treatment groups for 3 out of 6 alignment and movement impairments (PS-FAdd/IR, Step down-Add/Valgus, and STS-Add/Valgus) (P > 0.05). Within-group differences for alignment and movement impairments were significant only for the MSI-based treatment group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that a specific MSI-based treatment, considering a homogenous group of individuals with knee pain, may contribute to pain, disability, and alignment and movement impairments improvement. Therefore, it is important to notice the classification-based treatment for individuals with knee pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER (TRN) AND DATE OF REGISTRATION: The trial was registered at the ( https://www.irct.ir ), (IRCT20210505051181N3) on 17/7/2021.

The immediate effect of synergistic muscles kinesio taping on function and balance of volleyball players with functional ankle instability: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the immediate effect of synergistic muscles Kinesio taping (KT) on the function and balance of volleyball players with functional ankle instability (FAI). DESIGN: Parallel, superiority randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Twenty-six semi-professional volleyball players with FAI were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. All participants received KT of fibularis longus, gastrocnemius, and gluteus maximus muscles for one session. The intervention group received KT with 35 % tension, while the control group received KT without tension. The function was assessed using the side hop and single hop distance tests. Dynamic balance was assessed with the Y Balance test. The outcomes were measured at baseline, 20 min after KT, and 24 h after KT. Statistical analyses were performed using Mixed-model repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: The interactions of time*group for the outcomes of function using the single hop test and stability in the anterior direction of the Y Balance test were significant (p < 0.05). Within-group comparisons showed after KT, both groups experienced significant improvements in all outcomes compared to the baseline. Results of between-group comparisons revealed that the application of KT with tension compared to no tension significantly improved function and balance in the anterior of the Y Balance test. CONCLUSIONS: Kinesio taping can be an effective treatment option to improve function and balance in FAI. Additionally, Kinesio taping with tension compared to KT without tension had superiority.

Reliability of Ultrasound Measurements of the Lumbar Multifidus and Transversus Abdominis Muscles during Lying and Unstable Sitting Positions in Individuals With and Without Chronic Low Back Pain.

Background: The reliability studies are limited to support ultrasound usage during dynamic conditions; for example, unstable sitting position. Objective: This study aims to examine the reliability of ultrasound measurements of the lumbar multifidus and transversus abdominis during lying and unstable sitting positions in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and asymptomatic individuals considering abnormal lumbar lordosis. Material and Methods: In this observational study, intrarater within-day and between-day reliability of muscle thickness and contraction ratio of the lumbar multifidus and transversus abdominis muscles were assessed using ultrasound imaging. In total, 40 participants (27 with CLBP, 13 asymptomatic individuals) with abnormal lumbar lordosis were recruited. The degree of lumbar lordosis has been measured by a flexible ruler. The muscle thickness was assessed at lying and sitting on a gym ball for both muscles in three sessions. Results: Both groups had well to high ICCs of thickness measurement and contraction ratio in the transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus muscles during both static (ICC=0.71-0.99) and semi-dynamic conditions (ICC=0.73-0.98). The standard error of measurements and minimal detectable changes were rather small in both groups. Conclusion: Ultrasound imaging is a highly reliable method to assess muscle thicknesses and contraction ratio of the transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus during different conditions, even in patients with CLBP and abnormal lumbar lordosis.

The effectiveness of Schroth exercises added to the brace on the postural control of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis: Case series.

Background: One of the disorders that may cause changes in body posture and impair postural control is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Scoliosis-specific exercises, such as the three-dimensional Schroth method added to the brace, may be able to help these patients improve their postural control. The aim of this study was evaluating the effect of Schroth physiotherapy scoliosis-specific exercises added to the brace on AIS patients' postural control. Patients and methods: It is a case series study on twenty-three AIS patients. They were treated using the Schroth method and brace for three months, with the first five sessions lasting two weeks and subsequently one session per week. Postural control assessments include center of pressure (COP) range and COP velocity in the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions, and the COP sway area in the standing position with opened eyes and closed eyes by the force plate. The angle of trunk rotation (ATR) was assessed by the scoliometer. The methods are consistent with the PROCESS 2020 guidelines. Results: The Schroth method and brace also significantly improved the variables of postural control variables in terms of COP range (p < 0.001), COP velocity (p < 0.001), and COP sway area in standing positions with opened and closed eyes (p < 0.001, p < 0.001) as well as ATR (p < 0.001) in AIS patients. Conclusion: Schroth method and brace improved the postural control and trunk rotation of AIS patients.

Effect of Chronic Low Back Pain on Lumbar Spine Lordosis During Sit-to-Stand and Stand-to-Sit.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate lumbar lordosis during sit-to-stand (STS) and stand-to-sit (SIT) in individuals with and without chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP). The second objective was to investigate sex-related differences in lumbar lordosis. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with CNLBP and 26 controls were recruited. Controls were matched with cases using a frequency matching method. Reflective markers were placed over the spinous process of T12, L3, S2, and the anterior and posterior superior iliac spines. The participants were instructed to stand up at a self-selected pace and maintain their normal upright standing posture for 3 seconds, and then sit down. Kinematic data were recorded at a sampling frequency of 100 Hz using a motion capture system. Lumbar lordosis angle was calculated from the intersection between the line joining T12 and L3, and the line joining L3 to S2. RESULTS: Lumbar lordosis was decreased in patients with CNLBP during STS and SIT compared with the asymptomatic group (mean difference = 2.68°-9.32°; P ≤ .005). Furthermore, no differences were seen in lumbar lordosis at starting position between CNLBP and asymptomatic groups during STS and SIT (mean difference = 2.68°-3.75°; P ≥ .099). Interestingly, the magnitude of the effect size suggested that the difference in lumbar lordosis values between female and male participants was relatively large (Cohen's d = -1.81 to 0.20). CONCLUSION: Decreased lumbar lordosis in patients with CNLBP during STS and SIT could be considered as an important point during rehabilitation. Moreover, the present study showed that there is a sex-related difference among women and men in lumbar lordosis during STS and SIT tasks.

Effect of Posterior Pelvic Tilt Taping on Abdominal Muscle Thickness and Lumbar Lordosis in Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain and Hyperlordosis: A Single-Group, Repeated-Measures Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of posterior pelvic tilt taping (PPTT) on lumbar lordosis, pain, disability, and abdominal muscle thickness in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain with hyperlordosis. METHODS: A prospective, single-group, repeated-measures design was conducted with 31 individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain (16 men, 15 women) with hyperlordosis (mean ± SD = 59.3° ± 2.9°). Participants' mean age, pain, disability, and lumbar lordosis were, respectively, 35.7 ± 9.9 years, 5.1 ± 1.3, 26.8 ± 11.5, and 59.3° ± 2.9°. The thickness of the abdominal muscles on both sides was measured in the crook lying position by ultrasound imaging. PPTT was performed on both sides. Pain intensity, functional disability, lumbar lordosis angle, and abdominal muscle thickness were measured before PPTT (W0), 1 week after PPTT (W1), and 1 week after PPTT removal (W2). RESULTS: Analysis revealed significant reductions in lumbar lordosis, pain, and disability, and increased abdominal muscle thickness, at W1 and W2 compared with W0 (P < .001). There were no significant differences in lumbar lordosis or abdominal muscle thickness between W1 and W2. CONCLUSION: The current study showed in a small group of participants that 1 week of PPTT may improve lumbar lordosis, pain, disability, and abdominal muscle thickness in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain with hyperlordosis.

Effect of Elastic Therapeutic Taping on Abdominal Muscle Endurance in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized, Controlled, Single-Blind, Crossover Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the immediate effect of elastic therapeutic taping and sham taping of the abdominal musculature on maximum hold time of endurance tests in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP). METHODS: Twenty-six people with CNLBP and 26 asymptomatic individuals were included in this study. The CNLBP participants were allocated to an elastic therapeutic tape group or a sham tape group. Standard adhesive elastic therapeutic tape was utilized for facilitatory application in the elastic therapeutic tape group. The elastic therapeutic tape group received real elastic therapeutic taping on the transversus abdominis and internal obliques, and the sham tape group received sham elastic therapeutic taping application. For the sham group, the elastic therapeutic tape was positioned horizontally above the navel and applied without tension. After a wash-out period, each CNLBP participant was switched to the other group. Outcome measures included maximum hold time of supine isometric chest raise, supine double straight-leg raise, and abdominal drawing in maneuver. RESULTS: The CNLBP participants had lower maximum hold time compared to the asymptomatic individuals (P ≤ .01). Following taping, both groups showed an increase in the maximum hold time (mean difference = 4.43 - 50.69 seconds; P ≤ .02). Although there was no difference between the results of both groups (P ≥ .12), effect sizes were large for the elastic therapeutic tape group (Cohen's d = -1.93 to -1.00). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the maximum hold time of endurance tests was decreased in CNLBP patients compared to healthy participants. The application of both elastic therapeutic tape and sham tape to the transversus abdominis and internal obliques produced short-term improvement in abdominal endurance. There was no statistically significant difference between the results of elastic therapeutic tape and sham tape.

Effectiveness of mobilization with movement (Mulligan concept techniques) on low back pain: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate evidence on the effectiveness of Mulligan techniques on low back pain. DATA SOURCES: PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Ovid, CINAHL, Embase, PEDro, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to 31 March 2018 for randomized clinical trials reporting outcomes of pain or disability in adult patients (⩾18 years) with low back pain. REVIEW METHODS: Two authors screened the results and extracted data for use in this review. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane criteria. Basic information and treatment protocols were also extracted. In addition, the level of evidence of each study and strength of conclusion for pain and disability were determined. RESULTS: A total of 20 studies with 693 patients were included. Nine trials focused on sustained natural apophyseal glide, three on spinal mobilization with limb movement and seven on bent leg raise. The results showed that Mulligan techniques can decrease pain and disability and increase range of motion in patients with low back pain; however, the strength of conclusion for pain and disability was moderate. Furthermore, inconclusive results were observed for the effectiveness of Mulligan techniques on movement speed. In this review, eight studies were categorized as low risk of bias, while 12 studies had high risk of bias. Level of evidence analysis revealed that 17 studies were classified as level of evidence B, while three studies were classified as level of evidence A2. CONCLUSION: Current evidence is insufficient in supporting the benefits of Mulligan techniques on pain, disability, and range of motion in low back pain patients.

Relationships between muscular impairments, pain, and disability in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a cross sectional study.

To clarify the significance of mechanical impairments, pain, and functional limitations as predictors of chronic low back pain (LBP). Ninety patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP) were prospectively studied with clinical tests and questionnaires. Changes in muscle extensibility and endurance tests were evaluated and changes assessed in LBP intensity on numeric rating scale 0-10 and severity with Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) 0-100. In the present study we found significant associations between the 4 muscle extensibility and 2 endurance tests and pain at nonspecific patients with chronic LBP (P<0.005). The 2 muscle extensibility and 1 endurance tests were in complete equilibrium with ODI disability and hence showed similar results (P<0.005). The associations between the muscle extensibility and endurance tests and pain were significantly elevated in patients with nonspecific chronic LBP.

The Effect of Core Stabilization Exercise on the Kinematics and Joint Coordination of the Lumbar Spine and Hip During Sit-to-Stand and Stand-to-Sit in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain (COSCIOUS): Study Protocol for a Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) is among the most prevalent health problems. Lumbar spine and hips kinematics and coordination can be affected in CNLBP. The effects of exercises on the kinematics and coordination of lumbar spine and hips during sit-to-stand (STS) and its reverse have not been evaluated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of core stabilization exercise on the kinematics and joint coordination of the lumbar spine and hip during STS and its reverse in CNLBP patients. METHODS: COSCIOUS is a parallel randomized double-blind controlled trial. A total of 30 CNLBP patients and 15 asymptomatic participants will be included. The kinematics and joint coordination of the lumbar spine and hips will be evaluated during STS and its reverse using a motion capture system. The participants will be asked to sit in their usual posture on a stool. Reflective markers will be placed over the T12, S2, anterior and posterior superior iliac spines, greater trochanters, and lateral femoral epicondyles of both legs. The participants will be instructed to stand up at natural speed, remain in the erect posture for 3 seconds, and then sit down. Kinematic variables of the lumbar spine and hip will be computed. Afterward, the CNLBP participants will be allocated at random to receive one of 2 interventions: core stabilization or general exercise. Treatment sessions will be held 3 times per week for 16 sessions. After intervention, CNLBP participants will be assessed again. RESULTS: Funding for the study was provided in 2016 by Iran University of Medical Sciences. The study is expected to last approximately 12 months, depending on recruitment. Findings on the study's primary outcomes are expected to be finalized by December 2017. The results of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation will evaluate the effects of core stabilization exercise on the kinematics and joint coordination of the lumbar spine and hip during STS and its reverse in patients with CNLBP. In addition, the effects of CNLBP on STS and its reverse will be investigated in COSCIOUS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT2016080812953N2; http://en.search.irct.ir/view/32003?format=xml (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6qjTWd4Az).

Work related neck pain in Iranian dentists: an epidemiological study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for neck pain in dentists of Tehran province and to analyze the association of neck pain with individual and occupational characteristics. DESIGN: Following ethical approval, a cross sectional study was conducted on 300 randomly selected dentists at Tehran city. Different questionnaires were used to collect personal and occupational characteristics as well as the prevalence and risk factors of neck pain. The Iranian validated version of visual analogue scale and neck disability questionnaires were also used to assess the pain intensity and functional disability of neck, respectively. RESULTS: Point, last month, last year and lifetime prevalence of neck pain were 19.3%, 27.3%, 29.9% and 34.7%, respectively. The prevalence of neck pain was significantly correlated with regular exercise, general health condition and having an assistant (P< 0.05 in all instances) and was not significantly correlated with body mass index, age and gender. Prolonged sitting, awkward postures and repeated movements were the most significant aggravating factors. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that the prevalence of neck pain in dentists appears to be high. Therefore, further studies on different preventive strategies in dentists' population seem necessary.

Shoulder pain in Iranian elite athletes: the prevalence and risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: Shoulder sports injuries are relatively common in athletes who perform highly repetitive motions. The purposes of this study were to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for shoulder injuries and to analyze how individual and other sport characteristics contribute to the risk of shoulder injuries among 6 overhead sports, those being swimming, rowing, wrestling, basketball, volleyball, and handball. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 613 Iranian overhead sports athletes in different collegiate sport fields. Data were collected using different questionnaires. A structured questionnaire including demographics, sport characteristics, and also prevalence and risk factors of shoulder pain was used. Visual analogue scale and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaires were used to determine the pain intensity and functional disability, respectively. RESULTS: Point, last 6-month, last year, and lifetime prevalences of shoulder pain were 21.4%, 29%, 38.8%, and 41.6%, respectively. The highest point prevalence was related to the rowing athletes with 31.9% and the lowest for swimming athletes (12.3%). Sex, body mass index, sport level, days of practice per week, and satisfaction with income were found to be significantly correlated with the prevalence of shoulder pain (P < .05 in all instances). For those with shoulder pain, the mean pain intensity and functional disability were 53.8 mm and 15.46%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of shoulder pain in athletes with highly repetitive overhead motions seems to be high.