Limited total arc range of motion increases sheer stress in the shoulder while pitching in collegiate baseball pitchers.

CONTEXT: Upper extremity injuries in baseball pitchers cause significant time-loss from competing and decreased quality of life. Although shoulder range of motion (ROM) is reported as a key factor to prevent potential injury, it remains unclear how limited glenohumeral ROM affects pitching biomechanics which may contribute to upper extremity injuries. OBJECTIVE: To investigate how pitchers with decreased total arc glenohumeral ROM of the throwing arm differed in upper extremity pitching kinematics and kinetics as well as ball velocity compared to pitchers with greater levels of glenohumeral ROM. DESIGN: Cross-sectional Study. SETTING: Laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-seven baseball pitchers (ages 18-24) were divided into either control (≧160° total arc) or lower ROM (<160° total arc) groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The mean glenohumeral ROM deficits, pitching kinematic and kinetic outcomes, and ball velocity were compared between groups. RESULTS: The control group demonstrated significantly less deficit in total arc ROM between arms than the lower ROM (Control: -1.5±10.0°, Lower ROM: -12.4±13.9°, p<.001). While, the lower ROM group displayed less maximal shoulder external rotation (ER) while pitching, the control group had significantly less difference in ROM between maximal shoulder ER while pitching and clinically-measured ER (Lower ROM: 64.4±12.1°, Control: 55.8±16.6°, p=.025). The control group had significantly faster ball velocity compared to the lower ROM group (Control: 85.0 ± 4.3mph, Lower ROM: 82.4 ± 4.8mph, p=.024). CONCLUSION: Pitchers with decreased total arc glenohumeral ROM (<160° total arc) may undergo over-stretching toward ER in the shoulder during the late cocking phase. Pitchers with higher total arc ROM can pitch the same or faster ball without increasing loading in the upper extremity. Total arc glenohumeral ROM measurement can be a clinical screening tool to monitor shoulder condition over the time, and pitchers with limited total arc ROM might be at higher risk of shoulder injury.

Dual-task differences in individuals with chronic ankle instability: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI) demonstrate altered gait mechanics, impaired proprioception, and decreased postural control. In addition, individuals with CAI have been found to have complex neurophysiological changes, including during dual-task perturbations. However, the results of studies on whether cognitive tasks affect postural control are inconclusive. RESEARCH QUESTION: Do individuals with CAI have worse dual-task performance compared to healthy controls? METHODS: We searched 4 electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and SPORTDiscus) from inception to October 2022. Search terms consisted of: ("dual-task*" OR "dual task*" OR dual-task OR Multitask* OR Multi-task* OR attention OR cognit*) AND (balance OR "postural control" OR "postural sway" OR kinetics OR kinematics OR gait) NOT (concussion OR "traumatic brain injury") combined using the operator "AND" ("ankle sprain" OR "ankle instability" OR CAI). Studies were included if the physical task was postural control or gait, and if they compared control and CAI groups. RESULTS: A total of 9 studies were included in the systematic-review portion, 5 of which were included in the meta-analysis. Due to assessing multiple types of dual-tasks, 10 effects were assessed for meta-analysis across postural control studies. A random-effects model for the control group in the mediolateral direction indicated a significant overall Fisher's Z mean effect size (Δ = 0.732, p = 0.029) with high heterogeneity between studies (Q=76.61; I2 = 88.25% P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between dual-tasking in the CAI group individually or when comparing control to CAI groups. SIGNIFICANCE: The results of our study indicate that cognitive loading did not affect the postural control except for the control group in the mediolateral direction. Variations in dual-task results may be due to the difficulty of the task as well as the heterogeneity of CAI groups.

Development, validity, and test-retest reliability of a new neurocognitive functional performance test: The choice-reaction hop test.

OBJECTIVES: To validate a choice-reaction hop test (CRHT) by assessing differences in timing versus the side-hop test (SHT), and to determine the CRHT's test-retest reliability. DESIGN: Test-retest reliability. SETTING: Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-nine healthy adults participated (16 female; age = 22.7 ± 3.4 years; height = 174.9 ± 9.1 cm; mass = 75.4 ± 14.8 kg). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants completed three trials each of the SHT and the CRHT in a counterbalanced order. Participants returned one-week later to repeat the CRHT. The fastest and the mean of the three trials were compared. RESULTS: Participants took significantly longer to complete the CRHT (Mean across 3 trials = 21.4 ± 3.4s, Fastest trial = 19.7 ± 3.0s) compared to the traditional SHT (10.4 ± 2.0s, p < 0.001). The CRHT demonstrated good-excellent test-retest reliability across testing days for both the mean across 3 trials (r = 0.890, p < 0.001, SEM = 1.13) and the fastest trial (r = 0.828, p < 0.001, SEM = 1.24). CONCLUSION: Compared to the SHT, the CRHT took longer to complete indicating its ability to stress neurocognitive function during an FPT. The CRHT demonstrated good-excellent test-retest reliability, which may allow it to be a useful measure in serial evaluations such as during rehabilitation benchmarking. The CRHT may be an effective FPT to assess combined physical and neurocognitive function to assist clinicians in evidence-based decision-making.

Participant-Level Analysis of the Effects of Interventions on Patient-Reported Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability.

CONTEXT: Intervention studies for chronic ankle instability (CAI) often focus on improving physical impairments of the ankle complex. However, using an impairments-focused approach may miss psychological factors that may mediate function and recovery. Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures can be used to assess several dimensions of the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and deliver enhanced patient-centered care. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to evaluate group-level improvements in HRQoL and treatment response rates following various interventions in patients with CAI. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: Data from 7 previous studies were pooled by the chronic ankle instability outcomes network for participant-level analysis, resulting in 136 patients with CAI. Several interventions were assessed including balance training, gait biofeedback, joint mobilizations, stretching, and strengthening, with treatment volume ranging from 1 to 4 weeks. Outcome measures were PROs that assessed ankle-specific function (Foot and Ankle Ability Measure), injury-related fear (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia and Fear Avoidance Belief Questionnaire), and global well-being (Disablement in the Physically Active); the PROs assessed varied between studies. Preintervention to postintervention changes were evaluated using separate Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and effect sizes, and a responder analysis was conducted for each PRO. RESULTS: Significant, moderate to large improvements were observed in PROs that assessed ankle-specific function, injury-related fear, and global well-being following intervention (P < .001). Responder rates ranged from 39.0% to 53.3%, 12.8% to 51.4%, and 37.8% for ankle specific function, injury-related fear, and global well-being, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Various interventions can lead to positive improvements in HRQoL in patients with CAI. Treatment response rates at improving HRQoL are similar to response rates at improving impairments such as balance, further reinforcing the need for individualized treatment approaches when treating a patient with CAI.

A Comparison of Pitching Biomechanics and Sport Specialization in High School Pitchers.

Background: The prevalence of sport specialization in high school athletes continues to rise, particularly among baseball players. Previous research has focused on the incidence of injury among specialized and non-specialized athletes but has yet to examine the level of sport specialization and pitching biomechanics. Hypotheses/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in pitching volume and biomechanics between low-, moderate-, and high-level specialized baseball pitchers. It was hypothesized that high-level specialized pitchers would have the most pitching volume within the current and previous years while low-level specialized pitchers would exhibit the least amount. The second hypothesis states that kinematics and kinetics commonly associated with performance and injury risk would differ between low-, moderate-, and high-level specialized pitchers. Study Design: Case-Control Study. Methods: Thirty-six high school baseball pitchers completed a custom sport specialization questionnaire before participating in a three-dimensional pitching motion analysis. Sport specialization was based off current guidelines and categorized as low-, moderate-, and high-level specialized based upon self-reported outcomes. Pitchers then threw ≈10 fastballs from a mound engineered to professional specifications. Data averaged across fastballs was used for biomechanics variables. Key pitching biomechanical and pitching volume variables were compared between low-, moderate-, and high-level specialized pitchers. Results: High-level specialized pitchers were older (p = 0.003), had larger body mass (p = 0.05) and BMI (p = 0.045), and threw faster (p = 0.01) compared to low-level specialized pitchers. Pitching volume and pitching biomechanics were similar across groups. Conclusions: Pitching biomechanics were similar across groups, although high-level specialized pitchers threw with significantly higher throwing velocity compared to low-level pitchers. The low amount of pitching volume throughout the season may be responsible for the lack of additional observed differences. Further research should examine the relationship between pitching biomechanics, upper extremity strength and flexibility, and sport specialization. Level of Evidence: Level III.

Association of Ankle Sprain Frequency With Body Mass and Self-Reported Function: A Pooled Multisite Analysis.

CONTEXT: Ankle sprains result in pain and disability. While factors such as body mass and prior injury contribute to subsequent injury, the association of the number of ankle sprains on body anthropometrics and self-reported function are unclear in this population. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to assess differences in anthropometric measurements and self-reported function between the number of ankle sprains utilizing a large, pooled data set. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: Data were pooled from 14 studies (total N = 412) collected by the Chronic Ankle Instability Outcomes Network. Participants were categorized by the number of self-reported sprains. Anthropometric data and self-reported function were compared between those who reported a single versus >1 ankle sprain as well as among groups of those who had 1, 2, 3, 4, and ≥5 ankle sprains, respectively. RESULTS: Those who had >1 ankle sprain had higher mass (P = .001, d = 0.33) and body mass index (P = .002, d = 0.32) and lower Foot and Ankle Ability Measure-Activities of Daily Living (P < .001, r = .22), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure-Sport (P < .001, r = .33), and Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (P < .001, r = .34) scores compared to the single ankle sprain group. Those who had a single ankle sprain weighed less than those who reported ≥5 sprains (P = .008, d = 0.42) and had a lower body mass index than those who reported 2 sprains (P = .031, d = 0.45). CONCLUSIONS: Some individuals with a history of multiple ankle sprains had higher body mass and self-reported disability compared to those with a single sprain, factors that are likely interrelated. Due to the potential for long-term health concerns associated with ankle sprains, clinicians should incorporate patient education and interventions that promote physical activity, healthy dietary intake, and optimize function as part of comprehensive patient-centered care.

Comparison of Physical Activity Between Children With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Lower levels of physical activity (PA) are often observed among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to children without ASD; however, some studies have demonstrated few to no PA differences between the two groups. The purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to compare the differences in PA between children (2-18 years) with and without ASD. An exhaustive search of five online databases was completed, and 31 studies met the inclusion criteria. A pooled random-effects Hedges's g model was used to determine differences in PA between children with and without ASD. Children with ASD were found to be significantly less physically active than children without ASD (Δ = -0.62, p < .001). Subgroup analyses revealed significant moderate to large differences in PA by intensity level, age, setting, and measurement methods. Future studies are needed to further explore the underlying mechanisms associated with lower levels of PA among children with ASD.

Clinical Management of Patellar Tendinopathy.

Patellar tendinopathy is a common yet misunderstood condition that afflicts a variety of patient populations. This lack of understanding affects the ability of clinicians to provide effective treatment interventions. Patients with tendinopathy often report long-term and low to moderate levels of pain, diminished flexibility, and reduced strength, as well as decreased physical function. Load-management strategies combined with exercise regimens focused on progressive tendon loading are the most effective treatment options for patients with patellar tendinopathy. This review will provide an evidence-based approach to patellar tendinopathy, including its pathoetiology, evaluation, and treatment strategies.

Effect of isolated hip abductor fatigue on single-leg landing mechanics and simulated ACL loading.

BACKGROUND: Altered movement biomechanics are a risk factor for ACL injury. While hip abductor weakness has been shown to negatively impact landing biomechanics, the role of this musculature and injury risk is not clear. The aim of this musculoskeletal simulation study was to determine the effect of hip abductor fatigue-induced weakness on ACL loading, force production of lower extremity muscles, and lower extremity biomechanics during single-leg landing. METHODS: Biomechanical data from ten healthy adults were collected before and after a fatigue protocol and used to derive subject-specific estimates of muscle forces and ACL loading using a 5-degree of freedom (DOF) model. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in knee joint angles and ACL loading between pre and post-fatigue. However, there were significant differences, due to fatigue, in lateral trunk flexion angle, total excursion of trunk, muscle forces, and joint moments. CONCLUSION: Altered landing mechanics, due to hip abductor fatigue-induced weakness, may be associated with increased risk of ACL injury during single-leg landings. Clinical assessment or screening of ACL injury risk will benefit from subject-specific musculoskeletal models during dynamic movements. Future study considering the type of the fatigue protocols, cognitive loads, and various tasks is needed to further identify the effect of hip abductor weakness on lower extremity landing biomechanics.

The Effect of Split-Belt Treadmill Interventions on Step Length Asymmetry in Individuals Poststroke: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Individuals poststroke experience gait asymmetries that result in decreased community ambulation and a lower quality of life. A variety of studies have utilized split-belt treadmill training to investigate its effect on gait asymmetry, but many employ various methodologies that report differing results. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine the effects of split-belt treadmill walking on step length symmetry in individuals poststroke both during and following training. METHODS: A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus was conducted to find peer-reviewed journal articles that included individuals poststroke that participated in a split-belt treadmill walking intervention. Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) was used to assess risk of bias. Pooled Hedge's g with random effects models were used to estimate the effect of split-belt training on step length symmetry. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies were assessed and included in the systematic review with 11 of them included in the meta-analysis. Included studies had an average STROBE score of 16.2 ± 2.5. The pooled effects for step length asymmetry from baseline to late adaptation were not significant (g = 0.060, P = .701). Large, significant effects were found at posttraining after a single session (g = 1.04, P < .01), posttraining after multiple sessions (g = -0.70, P = .01), and follow-up (g = -0.718, P = .023). CONCLUSION: Results indicate split-belt treadmill training with the shorter step length on the fast belt has the potential to improve step length symmetry in individuals poststroke when long-term training is implemented, but randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of split-belt treadmill training.

The effects of visual biofeedback and visual biofeedback scale size on single limb balance.

BACKGROUND: Controlling postural sway relies on the assessment and integration of external sensory stimuli by the central nervous system. When there is a loss of one or more of the sensory stimuli, there is often a decrease in balance performance. Visual biofeedback (VBF) has become a popular method to improve balance because of the supplementation to natural visual information with visual cues of the center of pressure. It is also possible to improve balance even further by increasing the scale of VBF. The aim of this investigation was to determine the effects of VBF and increasing VBF scale on single-limb balance in healthy adults. METHODS: Twenty healthy young adults were recruited. Participants underwent 24, 20-s single limb balance trials on both the right and the left leg. These trials were collected under 4 conditions: 1) eyes-open (EO) with no VBF, 2) EO with 1:1 scale VBF, 3) EO with 2:1 scale VBF, 4) EO with 5:1 scale VBF. Force plate outcomes included resultant, anterior-posterior, and medial-lateral Sway. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was performed and a Bonferonni post-hoc test was used to determine the effects of VBF and VBF scale size on balance. RESULTS: Differences were noted in AP Sway and Resultant Sway when VBF was present and the scale size was increased (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Providing VBF decreases Sway in single-limb stance for young healthy adults, especially when the scale was increased beyond 1:1 VBF. These results may be clinically applicable for balance rehabilitation and training.

Comparison of Biomechanical Factors Before and After UCL Surgery in Baseball Athletes: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction (UCLR) and repair (UCLr) are the gold standards in the treatment of UCL injuries. Although return-to-play timelines after UCLR have been established, pitching biomechanical variables are speculated to change after surgical intervention. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: To synthesize the literature and investigate changes in pitching biomechanics in baseball pitchers after UCLR or UCLr. We hypothesized that differences in pitching biomechanics would be observed for both intra- and interpatient comparisons. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: We searched 4 electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Sports Medicine & Education Index) from inception to February 2020. Data extracted included author and year of publication, study design, sample size, study population, and primary outcome variables. Meta-analysis was performed to produce random pooled effect sizes (▵). RESULTS: We identified 1010 original articles for inclusion. A total of 5 studies were included in the systematic review; of these, 3 studies were included in the meta-analysis. No differences were found in shoulder range of motion (ROM) between post-UCLR and control pitchers (dominant arm external rotation ▵, 0.13°; 95% CI, -0.15° to 4.02°; P = .36); dominant arm internal rotation ▵, -0.20°; 95% CI, -0.74° to 0.35°; P = .48). Mean fastball velocity as well as pitches thrown decreased after UCLR in professional pitchers. Significant differences in elbow extension, elbow extension velocity, and shoulder internal rotation velocity were found among amateur pitchers. CONCLUSION: The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis show that limited differences exist in pitchers before and after UCLR as well as in post-UCLR pitchers and healthy, age-matched controls. UCLR may influence throwing velocity, but it had no effect on either the throwing biomechanics or theROM of baseball pitchers. Although trends appear to be forming, further evidence is needed to understand the effect of UCLR on throwing biomechanics.

Paid Sick Leave and Healthcare Utilization in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: The U.S. is the only industrialized country in the world with no national policy mandating paid sick leave for workers. This study systematically reviews and quantifies the impact of paid sick leave on the use of healthcare services among employed adults. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Articles published from January 2000 to February 2020 were located in MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS, ScienceDirect, and Embase from March/April 2020. Key search terms included paid sick leave and health care utilization. Articles were assessed for methodologic quality, and qualitative and quantitative data were extracted. From the quantitative data, pooled OR, distribution, and heterogeneity statistics were calculated when possible. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of 12 manuscripts met the criteria for systematic review, and 8 of them had statistics required for meta-analysis. Individuals with paid sick leave had 1.57 (95% CI=1.50, 1.63; p<0.001) odds of having an influenza vaccination, 1.54 (95% CI=1.48, 1.60; p<0.001) odds of having a mammogram, 1.33 (95% CI=1.25, 1.41; p<0.001) odds of seeing a doctor, and 1.29 (95% CI=1.18, 1.39; p<0.001) odds of getting a Pap test compared with individuals without paid sick leave. However, the I2 was relatively high with a significant p-value for most of the services, indicating potential heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: Paid sick leave is likely to be an effective way to increase the use of primary and preventive healthcare services in the U.S. Further studies should be carried out to track outcomes over a longer period and to compare the effect of the number of paid sick days in relation to healthcare utilization.

Males with chronic ankle instability demonstrate deficits in neurocognitive function compared to control and copers.

The purpose of this study was to determine if there were neurocognitive deficits among controls, copers and those with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Participants included those without history of ankle injury (n = 14), ankle sprain copers (n = 13) and patients with self-reported CAI (n = 14). They completed a battery of valid and reliable computer-based neurocognitive tests. The differences between neurocognitive domain scores were compared across the Control, Coper and CAI groups. Patients with CAI had lower composite memory, visual memory and simple attention compared to controls. In males with CAI, large differences in memory and attention were found relative to control participants. These differences may contribute to uncontrolled episodes of giving way through deficits in spatial awareness and/or an inability to identify environmental obstacles. Clinicians should explore ways to provide additional stimuli through innovative rehabilitation protocols aimed at maximizing neurocognitive abilities in patients with CAI.

The reliability and validity of a digital version of the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool.

PURPOSE: The Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool is a common patient reported outcome used to assess those with Chronic Ankle Instability. However, paper versions of the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool have only been assessed for reliability purposes. The purpose of this study was to assess the agreement and reliability of a digital version of the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool-Digital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-eight participants with a history of ankle sprain(s) were recruited to participate in this study. Participants completed a paper version of the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool and a digital version then returned one week later and completed them again. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Kappa coefficients were used to determine the agreement between the paper and digital versions as well as test-retest reliability between the two time periods. RESULTS: The digital version showed excellent reliability (ICC = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.89-0.96) with the paper version. The test-retest reliability between testing sessions was considered good (ICC = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.77-0.92). A majority of individual items on the digital version demonstrated substantial agreement (κ = 0.60-0.81) with the paper version. CONCLUSIONS: A digital version of the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool demonstrated good to excellent psychometric properties. Clinicians who utilize a digital version as part of an electronic medical record system can utilize them confidently to accurately assess patients with Chronic Ankle Instability. Future studies may want to consider assessing a digital version with expanded clinical and research populations.Implications for rehabilitationThe digital version of the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool demonstrated adequate psychometric properties.The digital version of the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool can be considered a reliable instrument for the assessment of Chronic Ankle Instability.A digital version of the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool can provide automated scoring and quick administration for clinicians in a rehabilitation setting.

Clinical management of tendinopathy: A systematic review of systematic reviews evaluating the effectiveness of tendinopathy treatments.

While the pathoetiology is disputed, a wide array of treatments is available to treat tendinopathy. The most common treatments found in the literature include therapeutic modalities, exercise protocols, and surgical interventions; however, their effectiveness remains ambiguous. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of systematic reviews to determine the ability of therapeutic interventions to improve pain and dysfunction in patients with tendinopathy regardless of type or location. Five databases were searched for systematic reviews containing only randomized control trials to determine the effectiveness of treatments for tendinopathies based on pain and patient-reported outcomes. Systematic reviews were assessed via the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) for methodological quality. From the database search, 3,295 articles were found, 107 passed the initial inclusion criteria. After further review, 25 systematic reviews were included in the final qualitative analysis. The AMSTAR scores were relatively high (8.8 ± 1.0) across the 25 systematic reviews. Eccentric exercises were the most common and consistently effective treatment for tendinopathy across systematic reviews. Low-level laser therapy and extracorporeal shockwave therapy demonstrated moderate effectiveness, while platelet-rich plasma injections demonstrated inconclusive evidence on their ability to decrease tendinopathy-related pain and improve function. Corticosteroids also showed some effectiveness for short-term pain, but for the long-term use deemed ineffective and at times contraindicated. Regarding surgical options, minimally invasive procedures were more effective compared to open surgical interventions. When treating tendinopathy regardless of location, eccentric exercises were the best treatment option to improve tendinopathy-related pain and improve self-reported function.

Does the Method of Administration Affect Reliability of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure?

BACKGROUND: Region-specific patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are commonly used in rehabilitation medicine. Digital versions of PROs may be implemented into electronic medical records and are also commonly used in research, but the validity of this method of administration (MOA) must be established. PURPOSE: To determine the agreement between and compare the test-retest reliability of a paper version (FAAM-P) and digital version (FAAM-D) of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, nonblinded, crossover observational study. METHODS: A total of 90 adults were randomized to complete the FAAM-P or FAAM-D first, and then completed the second MOA (first day [D1]). The FAAM-D was a digital adaptation of both FAAM-P subscales on Qualtrics. Identical test procedures were completed 1 week later (D2). Data were removed if a participant scored 100% on both MOA, reported injury between D1 and D2, or did not complete both MOA. Agreement was assessed on 46 participants between the 2 MOA using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) at D1. There was good-to-excellent test-retest reliability for the FAAM activities of daily living. RESULTS: The authors observed good agreement between the FAAM-P and FAAM-D for the activities of daily living (ICC = .88) and sport scales (ICC = .87). Test-retest reliability was good-to-excellent for the FAAM activities of daily living (FAAM-P: ICC = .87; FAAM-D: ICC = .89) and sport (FAAM-P: ICC = .71; FAAM-D: ICC = .91). CONCLUSIONS: The MOA does not appear to affect the responses on the FAAM; however, the authors observed slightly higher reliability on the FAAM-D. The FAAM-D is sufficient to be used for generating practice-based evidence in rehabilitation medicine.

Bimanual load carriage alters sway patterns and step width.

Many workplace falls occur during tasks involving carrying a load with both hands. Successful balance and gait during bimanual load carrying may be attributed to the adaptability of a system to navigate changing environments (e.g. construction site). This study investigates how bimanual load carrying affects adaptability of balance and gait, using 0%, 5%, and 10% of body mass in 14 young adults. Regularity of balance, and measures of range and center of pressure distance, and gait measures of stride length and step width were quantified using sample entropy. When carrying 5% load, anterior-posterior balance became less adaptable relative to 0%. As load increased from 0% to 5%-10%, step width narrowed and variability increased significantly, indicating possible increased fall risk while walking. Healthy, young adults may be at an increased risk of falls when carrying a load due to a loss in adaptability in a dynamic workplace environment.

Return-to-Play and Competitive Outcomes After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Among Baseball Players: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction (UCLR) is very common in baseball. However, no review has compared the return-to-play (RTP) and in-game performance statistics of pitchers after primary and revision UCLR as well as of position players after UCLR. PURPOSE: To review, synthesize, and evaluate the published literature on outcomes after UCLR in baseball players to determine RTP and competitive outcomes among various populations of baseball players. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A literature search including studies between 1980 and November 4, 2019, was conducted for articles that included the following terms: ulnar collateral ligament, elbow, medial collateral ligament, Tommy John surgery, throwing athletes, baseball pitchers, biomechanics, and performance. To be included, studies must have evaluated baseball players at any level who underwent UCLR (primary or revision) and assessed RTP and/or competitive outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 29 studies with relatively high methodological quality met the inclusion criteria. After primary UCLR, Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers returned to play in 80% to 97% of cases in approximately 12 months; however, return to the same level of play (RTSP) was less frequent and took longer, with 67% to 87% of MLB pitchers returning in about 15 months. RTP rates for MLB pitchers after revision UCLR were slightly lower, ranging from 77% to 85%, while RTSP rates ranged from 55% to 78%. RTP rates for catchers (59%-80%) were generally lower than RTP rates for infielders (76%) and outfielders (89%). All studies found a decrease in pitching workloads after UCLR. Fastball usage may also decrease after UCLR. Changes in earned run average and walks plus hits per inning pitched were inconclusive. CONCLUSION: Pitchers returned to play after UCLR in approximately 12 months and generally took longer to return to their same level of play. Pitchers also returned to play less frequently after revision UCLR. After both primary and revision UCLR, professional pitchers experienced decreased workloads and potentially decreased fastball usage as well. Catchers may RTP after UCLR less frequently than pitchers, infielders, and outfielders possibly because of the frequency of throwing in the position. These results will help guide clinical decision making and patient education when treating UCL tears in baseball players.

Cognitive Loading Produces Similar Change in Postural Stability in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability and Controls.

Purpose: While postural stability is compromised in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI), few studies have attempted to examine how performing simultaneous cognitive and balancing tasks may alter the complexity of the center of pressure. The purpose of this study was to compare postural stability in patients with CAI to controls during a dual-task condition via sample entropy. Methods: Thirty participants (15 CAI, 15 healthy control) performed 3-trials of single-leg stance for 60-seconds each under two different conditions: single-task and dual-task (serial subtraction). Sample entropy (SampEn), a measure of pattern regularity, was calculated from the center of pressure excursion in the anterio-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) directions. 2x2 mixed-model ANOVAs determined any differences by task or group (p≤0.05). Results: SampEn-AP decreased in the dual-task condition compared to single-task, single-leg balance across groups (F1,28=8.23, p=0.008, d=0.53). A significant interaction for group by task was found for SampEn-ML (F1,28=4.18, p=0.05), but post hoc testing failed to reveal significant differences. Serial subtraction was completed with significantly fewer errors during dual-task compared to single-task (F1,27=12.75, p=0.001, d=0.66). Conclusions: Patients with CAI do not display differences in regularity of postural stability, even when attention is divided. However, the addition of serial subtraction increased the regularity of AP center-of-pressure motion. Increased regularity may suggest a change in motor control strategy, reducing natural fluctuations and flexibility within movement patterns during more challenging tasks. Clinicians could utilize dual-task situations during rehabilitation of patients with CAI, in order to adequately restore stability and function when attention is divided.