Vibration increases multifidus cross-sectional area versus cryotherapy added to chronic non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy eccentric exercise.

OBJECTIVE: To assess multifidus muscle thickness, cross-sectional area (CSA) and disability in patients with chronic non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy (AT) who developed an eccentric exercise (EE) vibration program compared to an EE program with cryotherapy. DESIGN: Single-blinded randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Outpatient clinic. PARTICIPANTS: A total sample of 61 patients diagnosed with chronic non-insertional AT was recruited and randomly divided into two groups. A group (n = 30) developed the EE program plus vibration and B group (n = 31) received the EE program plus cryotherapy for 12 weeks. Multifidus thickness and CSA were measured at rest and during maximal isometric contraction by ultrasound imaging. The Victorian Institute for Sport Assessment (VISA-A) was used to asses functionality. RESULTS: Multifidus CSA was statistically significant increased (P < 0.05) for the EE vibration program group with respect to EE plus cryotherapy during maximal isometric contraction and at rest at 12-weeks after intervention in individuals with chronic non-insertional AT. Despite both interventions showed differences for the multifidus thickness and AT disability variables over time, there were not between-groups differences. CONCLUSIONS: Authors encourage the use of vibration with respect to cryotherapy added to EE programs in order to enhance multifidus CSA in addition to lower limb functionality in individuals who suffer from chronic non-insertional AT.

Effects of eccentric exercise in pressure pain threshold in subjects with functional ankle equinus condition.

Stretching exercises are widely used by the population before sporting activities. One of the most common technique is eccentric exercise. Here, we made a clinical examination of 98 subjects with equinus condition before activity and after 30 min of running (49 participants with previous eccentric exercise and 49 with no previously eccentric exercise). The clinical assessment of the Achilles tendon was based on the pressure pain threshold (PPT). We identified significant PPT changes between the previous eccentric stretching and the non-previous eccentric stretching group in the Achilles tendon evaluations. Based on our findings, we propose that subjects with equinus condition could use eccentric stretching in order to improve the Achilles tendon status.

Effects of eccentric exercise in pressure pain threshold in subjects with functional ankle equinus condition

SUMMARY Stretching exercises are widely used by the population before sporting activities. One of the most common technique is eccentric exercise. Here, we made a clinical examination of 98 subjects with equinus condition before activity and after 30 min of running (49 participants with previous eccentric exercise and 49 with no previously eccentric exercise). The clinical assessment of the Achilles tendon was based on the pressure pain threshold (PPT). We identified significant PPT changes between the previous eccentric stretching and the non-previous eccentric stretching group in the Achilles tendon evaluations. Based on our findings, we propose that subjects with equinus condition could use eccentric stretching in order to improve the Achilles tendon status.

RESUMO Exercícios de alongamento são amplamente utilizados pela população antes da atividade esportiva. Uma das técnicas mais comuns é o exercício excêntrico. Aqui, fizemos um exame clínico de 98 indivíduos com condição de pé equino antes da atividade e após 30 minutos de corrida (49 corredores com exercício excêntrico anterior e 49 sem exercício excêntrico anterior). A avaliação clínica do tendão de Aquiles foi baseada no limiar de dor à pressão (PPT). Identificamos modificações significativas no PPT entre alongamentos prévios excêntricos e nenhum exercício anterior excêntrico de alongamento para as avaliações do tendão de Aquiles. Com base em nossos achados, propomos que sujeitos com condição de pé equino poderiam fazer alongamentos com exercícios excêntricos para melhorar o status do tendão de Aquiles.

Proprioceptive Stabilizer™ training of the abdominal wall muscles in healthy subjects: a quasi-experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: The present quasi-experimental study aimed to assess the transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO) and external oblique (EO) thickness in healthy subjects with the proprioceptive Stabilizer™ training in abdominal wall muscles. METHODS: A sample of 41 healthy participants (age: 31.9 ± 4.5 y; height: 1.7 ± 0.1 m; weight: 68.3 ± 13.1 kg; body mass index, BMI: 22.9 ± 2.7 kg/m2) were recruited to participate in this study. Ultrasound images of the EO, IO, TrA, rectus anterior (RA) and interrecti distance (IRD) were measured and analyzed by the ImageJ software. Measurements were made at rest and during the abdominal drawing-maneuver (ADIM) developed by the patients with the Stabilizer™ located in the low back holding 40 mmHg for 10 seconds with a visual stimulus provided by a circular pressure marker. RESULTS: Ultrasound measurements for the abdominal wall muscles showed statistically significant differences (Π < .05) for a thickness decrease of the EO, IO and a thickness increase of TrA. A proprioceptive Stabilizer™ training produced a thickness increase in TrA muscle and a thickness decrease in EO and IO muscles in healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that a proprioceptive Stabilizer™ training could be useful in individuals with low back pain and lumbopelvic pain.

Ultrasonography features of abdominal perimuscular connective tissue in elite and amateur basketball players: an observational study.

The purpose of this study was to assess and compare with rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) the perimuscular connective tissue (PMCT) and interrecti distance (IRD) between elite and amateur basketball players. A sample of 22 healthy basketball players was included and divided into two groups: elite basketball players from Spanish 1st division (n = 11) and amateur basketball players from an entertainment Spanish division (n = 11). Ultrasound images of the external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), transversus abdominis (TrAb), rectus anterior (RA) and IRD PMCT were measured and analysed by the ImageJ software. Measurements of abdominal wall muscles PMCT present statistically differences (P < .05) for an increase of perimuscular connective tissue of external oblique (PMCTEO), perimuscular connective tissue of transversus abdominis (PMCTTA) of the left side and an increase of PMCTEO on the right side in favor of the elite group. Rather, the study showed statistically differences (P < .05) for a decrease of perimuscular connective tissue between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis (PMCTIO-TA), and a decrease in PMCT total summation of the left side with elite group in respect to amateur group. This study reported an increase of left PMCTEO, left PMCTTAA, right PMCTEO as well as a decrease of left PMCTIO-TA and in PMCT total summation on the left side.

Proprioceptive Stabilizer™ training of the abdominal wall muscles in healthy subjects: a quasi-experimental study

SUMMARY The present quasi-experimental study aimed to assess the transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO) and external oblique (EO) thickness in healthy subjects with the proprioceptive Stabilizer™ training in abdominal wall muscles. A sample of 41 healthy participants (age: 31.9 ± 4.5 y; height: 1.7 ± 0.1 m; weight: 68.3 ± 13.1 kg; body mass index, BMI: 22.9 ± 2.7 kg/m2) were recruited to participate in this study. Ultrasound images of the EO, IO, TrA, rectus anterior (RA) and interrecti distance (IRD) were measured and analyzed by the ImageJ software. Measurements were made at rest and during the abdominal drawing-maneuver (ADIM) developed by the patients with the Stabilizer™ located in the low back holding 40 mmHg for 10 seconds with a visual stimulus provided by a circular pressure marker. Ultrasound measurements for the abdominal wall muscles showed statistically significant differences (Π < .05) for a thickness decrease of the EO, IO and a thickness increase of TrA. A proprioceptive Stabilizer™ training produced a thickness increase in TrA muscle and a thickness decrease in EO and IO muscles in healthy subjects. These findings suggest that a proprioceptive Stabilizer™ training could be useful in individuals with low back pain and lumbopelvic pain.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o transverso abdominal (TrA), o oblíquo interno (OI) e a espessura oblíqua externa (EO) em indivíduos saudáveis com o treinamento proprioceptivo Stabilizer™ nos músculos da parede abdominal. Uma amostra de 41 participantes saudáveis (idade: 31,9±4,5 y, altura: 1,7±0,1 m; peso: 68,3±13,1 kg; índice de massa corporal, IMC: 22,9±2,7 kg / m2) foram recrutados para participar deste estudo. As imagens de ultrassom do EO, IO, TrA, reto anterior (RA) e distância interrecti (IRD) foram medidas e analisadas pelo software ImageJ. As medidas foram feitas em repouso e durante a manobra de desenho abdominal (Adim) desenvolvida pelos pacientes com o StabilizerTM localizado na parte inferior das costas segurando 40 mmHg por 10 segundos com um estímulo visual fornecido por um marcador de pressão circular. As medidas de ultrassom para os músculos da parede abdominal apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas (P<0,05) para uma diminuição da espessura do EO, IO e um aumento de espessura do TrA. Um treinamento proprioceptivo Stabilizer™ produziu um aumento de espessura no músculo TrA e uma diminuição da espessura nos músculos EO e IO em indivíduos saudáveis. Esses achados sugerem que um treinamento de Stabilizer™ proprioceptivo poderia ser útil em indivíduos com dor lombar e dor lombo-pélvica.

Ultrasonography features of abdominal perimuscular connective tissue in elite and amateur basketball players: an observational study

SUMMARY The purpose of this study was to assess and compare with rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) the perimuscular connective tissue (PMCT) and interrecti distance (IRD) between elite and amateur basketball players. A sample of 22 healthy basketball players was included and divided into two groups: elite basketball players from Spanish 1st division (n = 11) and amateur basketball players from an entertainment Spanish division (n = 11). Ultrasound images of the external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), transversus abdominis (TrAb), rectus anterior (RA) and IRD PMCT were measured and analysed by the ImageJ software. Measurements of abdominal wall muscles PMCT present statistically differences (P < .05) for an increase of perimuscular connective tissue of external oblique (PMCTEO), perimuscular connective tissue of transversus abdominis (PMCTTA) of the left side and an increase of PMCTEO on the right side in favor of the elite group. Rather, the study showed statistically differences (P < .05) for a decrease of perimuscular connective tissue between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis (PMCTIO-TA), and a decrease in PMCT total summation of the left side with elite group in respect to amateur group. This study reported an increase of left PMCTEO, left PMCTTAA, right PMCTEO as well as a decrease of left PMCTIO-TA and in PMCT total summation on the left side.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar e comparar com ultrassonografia de reabilitação (IUR) o tecido conjuntivo perimuscular da parede abdominal (PMPA) e interrecti distância (IRD) entre elite e jogadores de basquete amadores. Uma amostra de 22 jogadores de basquete saudáveis foi incluída e dividida em dois grupos: jogadores de basquete de elite da 1ᵃ divisão espanhola (n=11) e jogadores de basquete amadores de uma divisão de entretenimento espanhol (n=11). As imagens de ultrassom do oblíquo externo (OE), oblíquo interno (OI), transverso abdominal (TrAb), recto anterior (RA) e IRD PMPA foram medidas e analisadas pelo software ImageJ. Medições dos músculos da parede abdominal O PMPA apresentam diferenças estatisticamente (P<0,05) para o aumento do tecido conjuntivo perimuscular de oblíquo externo (PMOE), tecido conjuntivo perimuscular de transverso abdominal (PMTA) do lado esquerdo e aumento do PMOE do lado direito a favor do grupo de elite. Em vez disso, o estudo mostrou diferenças estatisticamente (P<0,05) para uma diminuição do tecido conjuntivo perimuscular entre o oblíquo interno e transverso abdominário (PMOI-TA) e uma diminuição no somatório total de PMTA do lado esquerdo do grupo de elite em relação ao amador grupo. Este estudo relatou um aumento do PMTOE esquerdo, PMTA esquerdo, PMCTOE direito, bem como uma diminuição do PMCTOI-TA esquerdo e no somatório total do PMTA no lado esquerdo.

Effectiveness of median nerve neural mobilization versus oral ibuprofen treatment in subjects who suffer from cervicobrachial pain: a randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Oral ibuprofen (OI) and median nerve neural mobilization (MNNM) are first line treatments for patients who suffer cervicobrachial pain (CP). OI may produce side effects which are not tolerated by all subjects who suffer CP, whereas MNNM has no known side effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of both treatments (OI vs. MNNM) in CP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This investigation was a blinded parallel randomized clinical trial (NCT02593721). Sixty-two participants diagnosed with CP were recruited and randomly assigned to 2 groups (n = 31), which received MNNM or 1200 mg/day OI treatment for 6 weeks. The numeric rating scale for pain intensity was the primary outcome. The cervical rotation range of motion (CROM) and the upper limb function were the secondary outcomes. RESULTS: The results showed that OI treatment (η2 = 0.612-0.755) was clearly superior to MNNM (η2 = 0.816-0.821) in all assessments (p < 0.05) except for the CROM device results, which were equivalent to those of the MNNM group (p > 0.05). Three subjects were discharged because of OI side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Oral ibuprofen may be superior to MNNM for pain reduction and upper limb function increase of subjects with CP. Nevertheless, both treatments were effective. Median nerve neural mobilization may be considered an effective non-pharmaceutical treatment option in subjects with CP. Regarding OI adverse effects, our findings challenge the role of pharmacologic versus manual therapy as possible treatments that may improve pain intensity and upper limb functionality in subjects with CP.

Interrater Reliability in the Clinical Evaluation of Myofascial Trigger Points in Three Ankle Muscles.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate interrater reliability in the diagnosis of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the tibialis anterior, peroneus brevis, and extensor digitorum longus muscles. METHODS: A reliability research study was performed. Three physical therapists with clinical experience in myofascial pain functioned as raters and randomly and bilaterally evaluated the ankles of 40 subjects in the Madrid public health care system. The absence or presence of MTrPs, nodules in taut bands, patterns of referred pain, local twitch response (LTR), and jump-sign were evaluated. RESULTS: We calculated the pairwise interrater agreement and κ-value concordance of the presence or absence of trigger points (55%-85%; κ = 0.12-0.60), palpable nodules in taut bands (63%-90%; κ = 0.24-0.60), referred pain (63%-85%; κ = 0.20-0.54), and jump sign (62%-89%; κ = 0.15-0.72) in the 3 studied muscles. The LTR could only be evaluated in the tibialis anterior (43%-70%; κ = 0.05-0.21), and evaluation was not possible for the other muscles. CONCLUSIONS: Three blinded raters were able to reach acceptable pairwise interrater agreement (percentage of agreement value ≥70%) for the presence or absence of MTrPs and LTR in the tibialis anterior, as well as for nodules in taut bands, referred pain, and the jump sign for the extensor digitorum longus. The peroneus brevis showed a wide percentage of agreement value, ranging from 31% to 82%. The results of this study showed that expert raters can agree, with slight-to-moderate concordance, with regard to the clinical testing of muscle trigger points by direct palpation of the 3 muscles studied: the tibialis anterior, the extensor digitorum longus, and the peroneus brevis. Interrater reliability seems to be muscle dependent, especially with regard to the depth of the muscle.

Ultrasound evaluation of intrinsic plantar muscles and fascia in hallux valgus: A case-control study.

A cross-sectional area (CSA) and thickness reduction of the abductor hallucis (AbH) is shown in subjects with hallux valgus (HV). To date, other soft-tissue structures have not been researched in relation with HV. The aim of this study was to compare the CSA and thickness of the intrinsic plantar muscles and fascia (PF) between feet with and without HV. Therefore, a cross-sectional and case-control study was performed using B-mode with an iU22 Philips ultrasound system and a 5 to 17-MHz transducer. The CSA and thickness were measured for the AbH, flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) and flexor hallucis brevis (FHB), and also the thickness for the anterior, middle, and posterior PF portions. A convenience sample of 40 feet, 20 with HV and 20 without HV, was recruited from a clinical and research center. A multivariate regression analysis using linear regression was performed to evaluate the ultrasound imaging measurements (α = 0.05). Consequently, statistically significant differences were observed between the groups (P < 0.05) for the AbH and FHB thickness, and CSA reduction, and also the plantar fascia thickness increase in favor of the HV group. On the contrary, the FDB thickness and CSA did not show statistically significant differences (P ≥ 0.05). In conclusion, the CSA and thickness of the AbH and FHB intrinsic plantar muscles are reduced, whereas the thickness of the anterior, middle, and posterior PF portions are increased, in subjects with HV compared with those without HV.

Ultrasonography Comparison of Peroneus Muscle Cross-sectional Area in Subjects With or Without Lateral Ankle Sprains.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to quantify the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the peroneus brevis, the peroneus longus, and connective tissue; to compare these measures in participants with and without lateral ankle sprains (LAS); and to determine the intraexaminer reliability of the protocol used to acquire these measures. METHODS: A cross-sectional case-control study was undertaken. B-mode ultrasound imaging was performed to measure the resting CSA and circular perimeter of the muscles and connective tissue and the total area and ratio between the CSA of the peroneus longus and the peroneus brevis. The imaging was performed for 56 feet, 28 with LAS and 28 without LAS (the mean numbers ± SD of total LAS, grade-I LAS and grade-II LAS were 4.1 ± 3.6, 2.71 ± 3.2, and 1.39 ± 0.9, respectively). A univariate correlation analysis using Pearson (r) and the Kendall tau_b (τB) coefficients was performed to evaluate the ultrasound imaging measurements (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences (P < .05) were observed between the 2 groups, with a moderate negative correlation for the circular perimeter of the peroneus longus (P = .001; r = -0.444) and a weak association for the CSA of the peroneus longus (P = .002; τB = - 0.349), the ratio between the CSA of the peroneus longus and the peroneus brevis (P = .008; τB = -0.293), and the circular perimeter of connective tissue (P = .013; τB = -0.277). CONCLUSIONS: The peroneus longus CSA is reduced in participants with LAS compared with that in participants without LAS. The intraexaminer reliability of the ultrasonography protocol was excellent when quantifying the peroneus brevis and the peroneus longus muscle tissues and acceptable when quantifying connective tissue.

Quality of Life Impact Related to Foot Health in a Sample of Older People with Hallux Valgus.

Hallux Valgus (HV) is a highly prevalent forefoot deformity in older people associated with progressive subluxation and osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint and it is believed to be associated with varying degrees of HV effect on the quality of life related to foot health. The aim of this study is to compare the impact of varying degrees of HV on foot health in a sample of older people. The sample consisted of 115 participants, mean age 76.7 ± 9.1, who attended an outpatient center where self-report data were recorded. The degree of HV deformity was determined in both feet using the Manchester Scale (MS) from stage 1 (mild) to 4 (very severe). Scores obtained on the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) were compared. This has 13 questions that assess 4 health domains of the feet, namely pain, function, general health and footwear. The stage 4 of HV shown lower scores for the footwear domain (11.23 ± 15.6); general foot health (27.62 ± 19.1); foot pain (44.65 ± 24.5); foot function (53.04 ± 27.2); vigour (42.19 ± 16.8); social capacity (44.46 ± 28.1); and general health (41.15 ± 25.5) compared with stage 1 of HV (P<0.05) and there were no differences of physical activity (62.81 ± 24.6). Often, quality of life decreases in the elderly population based in large part on their foot health. There is a progressive reduction in health in general and foot health with increasing severity of hallux valgus deformity which appears to be associated with the presence of greater degree of HV, regardless of gender.