Conservative treatment for iliotibial band syndrome: Are we facing a research gap? A scoping review of 98 studies with clinical perspectives.

OBJECTIVES: To identify which treatment modalities are described in the literature for the conservative management of ITBS (1) and to identify research gap (2). DATABASES: The following electronic databases were searched: MEDLINE/Pubmed, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Library. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: The included studies had to report at least one conservative treatment on a human population suffering from ITBS. RESULTS: 98 studies reached the included criteria and seven categories of treatment were identified, i.e., stretching, adjuvants, physical modalities, injections, strengthening, manual techniques and education. Only 32 studies were designed as original clinical studies within which only 7 were randomized controlled trials, while 66 were review studies. Education, injections and medications as well as stretching were the most cited therapies. However, there was a clear discrepancy design. For example, stretching modalities were reported in 31% and 78% for clinical and review studies, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There is an objective research gap in the literature concerning conservative ITBS management. The recommendations are mostly based on expert opinions and review article. More high-quality research studies should be performed for enhancing the ITBS conservative management understanding.

Characteristics of return to running programs following an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A scoping review of 64 studies with clinical perspectives.

OBJECTIVE: To (1) describe return to running (RTR) programs used during rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR); and (2) provide clinical guidelines for RTR program after ACLR. DESIGN: Scoping review. LITERATURE SEARCH: We searched the MEDLINE (Pubmed), EMBASE, Web of Science and PEDro databases. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trial (RCT), cases series, meta-analyses, both scoping and systematic reviews including a rehabilitation program after ACLR with a specific RTR program. A "Running program checklist" (RPC) was elaborated based on the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR), and on the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) checklist. DATA SYNTHESIS: The percentage and number of studies specifying each of the running program checklist items in their RTR program were reported. Number of items reported in each study and specific analysis item-by-item were also proposed. RESULTS: The "When (2)" item was the most frequently found (92.19%) and, conversely, the "Who (1)" item appeared only in four studies (6.2%). One-third of the studies presented only one item of the RPC, and 48 of the 64 articles discussed less than three items. Two studies described in detail their RTR program by reporting 8 and 9 items out of the 10, respectively. No study presented 10 of the PRC items. CONCLUSION: There is a serious lack of information concerning RTR program following ACLR in the literature and further studies are needed to establish a program based on the best evidence.

Study of the Kinetics of the Determinants of Performance During a Mountain Ultramarathon: Multidisciplinary Protocol of the First Trail Scientifique de Clécy 2021.

BACKGROUND: The growing interest of the scientific community in trail running has highlighted the acute effects of practice at the time of these races on isolated aspects of physiological and structural systems; biological, physiological, cognitive, and muscular functions; and the psychological state of athletes. However, no integrative study has been conducted under these conditions with so many participants and monitoring of pre-, per-, and postrace variables for up to 10 days over a distance close to 100 miles. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the kinetics of the performance parameters during a 156 km trail run and 6000 m of elevation gain in pre-, per-, and postrace conditions. The general hypothesis is based on significant alterations in the psychological, physiological, mechanical, biological, and cognitive parameters. METHODS: The Trail Scientifique de Clécy took place on November 11, 2021. This prospective experimental study provides a comprehensive exploration of the constraints and adaptations of psychophysiological and sociological variables assessed in real race conditions during a trail running of 156 km on hilly ground and 6000 m of elevation gain (D+). The study protocol allowed for repeatability of study measurements under the same experimental conditions during the race, with the race being divided into 6 identical loops of 26 km and 1000 m D+. Measurements were conducted the day before and the morning of the race, at the end of each lap, after a pit stop, and up to 10 days after the race. A total of 55 participants were included, 43 (78%) men and 12 (22%) women, who were experienced in ultra-trail-running events and with no contraindications to the practice of this sport. RESULTS: The launch of the study was authorized on October 26, 2021, under the trial number 21-0166 after a favorable opinion from the Comité de Protection des Personnes Ouest III (21.09.61/SIRIPH 2G 21.01586.000009). Of the 55 runners enrolled, 41 (75%) completed the race and 14 (25%) dropped out for various reasons, including gastric problems, hypothermia, fatigue, and musculoskeletal injuries. All the measurements for each team were completed in full. The race times (ie, excluding the measurements) ranged from 17.8206 hours for the first runner to 35.9225 hours for the last runner. The average time to complete all measurements for each lap was 64 (SD 3) minutes. CONCLUSIONS: The Trail Scientifique de Clécy, by its protocol, allowed for a multidisciplinary approach to the discipline. This approach will allow for the explanation of the studied parameters in relation to each other and observation of the systems of dependence and independence. The initial results are expected in June 2022. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR1-10.2196/38027.

Reintroduction of Running After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With a Hamstrings Graft: Can We Predict Short-Term Success?

CONTEXT: Return to running (RTR) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a crucial milestone. However, how and when to start a running program are uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility of a structured program to reintroduce running after ACLR and evaluate the predictive value of potential predictors of short-term success. DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study. SETTING: Local research center and participants' homes. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-five participants were recruited after ACLR. INTERVENTION(S): Program with a progression algorithm to reintroduce running (10 running sessions in 14 days). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The criterion for short-term success was no exacerbation of symptoms. Potential predictors were (1) the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee form score, (2) ACL Return to Sport after Injury questionnaire score, (3) quadriceps and hamstrings strength, (4) step-down endurance test, and (5) modified Star Excursion Balance test. Descriptive statistics were performed to study the feasibility of the RTR program, and Poisson regression analysis was used to evaluate predictors of success. RESULTS: Of the 34 participants, 33 completed the RTR program. Sixteen participants experienced some temporary exacerbation of symptoms, but only 1 had to stop the program. The initial IKDC score was the only significant predictor of a successful RTR, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 80.4%. An IKDC cut-off of 63.7/100 differentiated responders and nonresponders with the highest sensitivity and specificity (77.8% and 75.0%, respectively). A participant with an IKDC score above this threshold had a 3-fold greater chance of success. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm the feasibility of our RTR program and progression algorithm after ACLR. Clinicians should use an IKDC score of >64 as a criterion to reintroduce running after ACLR to increase the likelihood of short-term success.

Reliability of the Modified CKCUEST and correlation with shoulder strength in adolescent basketball and volleyball players.

BACKGROUND: Physical performance tests provide a more complete picture of the functional status of the athlete's upper extremity. OBJECTIVES: The primary purpose was to evaluate the reliability of the Modified Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (MCKCUEST) in adolescent volleyball and basketball players. The secondary objective was to evaluate the relationship between the MCKCUEST and shoulder rotation isometric strength in this population. METHODS: Seventy-three healthy basketball (n=39) and volleyball (n=34) players participated to establish the reliability and correlations of the MCKCUEST. We used a two-session measurement design to evaluate the reliability of the MCKCUEST. Shoulder rotation isometric strength was performed to determine relationships with the MCKCUEST. RESULTS: The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,1) for intra-session reliability of the MCKCUEST ranged from 0.86 to 0.89, and the between days test-retest reliability (ICC3,1) was 0.93. The standard error of measurement (1 touch) and the minimal detectable change (3 touches) showed clinically acceptable absolute reliability values. A weak correlation was found between the MCKCUEST power score and shoulder rotation isometric strength (r values between 0.3 and 0.4). CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrated good to excellent relative reliability and clinically acceptable absolute reliability values for the MCKCUEST on adolescent basketball and volleyball athletes. Performances on the MCKCUEST were weakly associated with shoulder rotation strength.

RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF THE HIP ABDUCTOR ISOMETRIC ENDURANCE TEST: A NEW METHOD TO ASSESS THE ENDURANCE OF THE HIP ABDUCTORS.

BACKGROUND: Substantial deficits in the performance of the hip abductor muscles are reported in females with common lower extremity conditions. In this context, the hip abductor isometric test (HAIE) test has been developed to assess the endurance of the hip abductors. PURPOSES: The aims of the study were: 1) to assess the test-retest reliability of the HAIE test and 2) to determine if the HAIE test is valid for the measuring hip abductor muscle fatigue. DESIGN: Diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests; test retest reliability and validity. METHODS: Fifty-two healthy females, aged 18-30 years, were recruited. In two identical sessions, spaced by seven days, the participants performed the HAIE test and the test-retest reliability (ICC, SEM and MDC) was calculated. In ten subjects, surface EMG was used during the test in order to observe the change in the median frequency of EMG output of the gluteus medius and to determine if decrease of the median frequency is correlated with performance on the test, in order to discern validity. RESULTS: The HAIE test demonstrated good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.84, SEM = 11.5 seconds and MDC = 32.8 seconds). Significant differences were noted between the average median frequency of participants for the last four fifteen second intervals (p = 0.02). Moderate correlation between MFslope and endurance time (r = 0.56, p = 0.008) and strong correlation between MFslope75s and endurance time (r = 0.71, p = 0.001) were found. CONCLUSION: The results from this study support that the HAIE test is a reliable test for evaluating the endurance of the hip abductors. Further investigations should continue to explore the validity of the test, especially to determine which muscles limit the endurance time in healthy and unhealthy subjects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.

Quadriceps strengthening with blood flow restriction for the rehabilitation of patients with knee conditions: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to compare the effects of low load resistance combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) versus conventional quadriceps strengthening on knee symptoms and function as well as knee extensor strength and muscle thickness in adults with knee conditions. LITERATURE SURVEY: Guidelines based on the latest evidence highlight the importance of quadriceps strengthening to reduce pain and improve function in patients with knee conditions. Blood flow restriction is based on brief periods of vascular occlusion which cause muscle hypertrophy and increased strength. Before it can be recommended for individuals with knee conditions, quadriceps strengthening with low load resistance combined with BFR (LL-BFR) must show beneficial effects on clinical outcomes in addition to quadriceps strength and mass. METHODS: A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to identify relevant studies through PubMed, PEDro, and ScienceDirect up to January 2019. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42019121306). Differences in pre- and post-intervention means and standard deviations were extracted to calculate the standardized mean difference for each intervention in each included study. SYNTHESIS: Eight studies were included. Limited evidence suggests that LL-BFR is more beneficial on quadriceps strength and thickness in patients with knee conditions than LL training alone or in addition to a rehabilitation program. Limited evidence indicates that LL-BFR training is equally effective in improving function and muscle thickness compared with a HL quadriceps strengthening program but elicits less knee pain, corresponding to additional benefits of 22 (95% confidence interval 1 to 43) mm on a 0-100 mm visual analogue scale. CONCLUSIONS: BFR could be a useful option for patients with knee conditions where conventional quadriceps strengthening program exacerbate knee symptoms. Future investigations should compare different BFR protocols to help establish better guidelines for clinicians.

The Effects of Eccentric Training on Biceps Femoris Architecture and Strength: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of an eccentric hamstrings strength-training program, performed for at least 4 weeks by healthy adults, on muscle architecture and eccentric strength. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search was performed up to October 2018 in the following electronic databases: PubMed, PEDro, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus. Combinations of the following search terms were used: eccentric strength training, eccentric loading, nordic hamstring, hamstring strength, fascicle length, pennation angle, muscle thickness, muscle architecture, biceps femoris long head, biceps femoris, and hamstring muscles. STUDY SELECTION: Included articles were randomized controlled trials that allowed comparisons between isolated eccentric strength training of the biceps femoris muscle and other programs. DATA EXTRACTION: Data from the included studies were extracted by 2 independent reviewers. These data included the study design, participant characteristics, inclusion and exclusion criteria of clinical studies, exercise and intervention characteristics, outcome measures, and the main results of the study. When meta-analysis was possible, we performed quantitative analysis. Ten randomized controlled trials were included. DATA SYNTHESIS: Limited to moderate evidence indicated that eccentric strength training was associated with an increase in fascicle length (mean difference [MD] = 1.97; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.48, 2.46), an increase in muscle thickness (MD = 0.10; 95% CI = 0.06, 0.13), and a decrease in pennation angle (MD = 2.36; 95% CI = 1.61, 3.11). Conflicted to moderate evidence indicated that eccentric hamstrings strength was increased after eccentric strength training compared with concentric strength training (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 1.06; 95% CI = 0.26, 1.86), usual level of activity (SMD = 2.72; 95% CI = 1.68, 3.77), and static stretching (SMD = 0.39; 95% CI = -0.97, 1.75). CONCLUSIONS: In healthy adults, an eccentric strength-training program produced architectural adaptations on the long head of the biceps femoris muscle and increased eccentric hamstrings strength.

The Self-Assessment Corner for Shoulder Strength: Reliability, Validity, and Correlations With Upper Extremity Physical Performance Tests.

CONTEXT: Rotator cuff weakness and rotation ratio imbalances are possible risk factors for shoulder injury among overhead athletes. In consensus statements, organizations have highlighted the importance of a screening examination to identify athletes at risk of injury. The screening should be portable and designed to be feasible in many different environments and contexts. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Self-Assessment Corner (SAC) for self-assessing shoulder isometric rotational strength and examining whether performance on 2 physical performance tests was correlated with isometric shoulder rotational strength using the SAC in handball players. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Sport setting. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: A first sample of 42 participants (18 men, 24 women) was recruited to determine the reliability and validity of the SAC. In a second sample of 34 handball players (18 men, 16 women), we examined correlations between physical performance tests and the SAC. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The SAC was used to measure isometric rotational strength with the upper extremity at 90° of abduction in the frontal plane and 90° of external rotation and the elbow flexed to 90° with neutral rotation of the forearm. The SAC findings were compared with those from manual testing. Results from the seated medicine ball throw (SMBT) and closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test (CKCUEST) were used to establish relationships with the SAC. We calculated intraclass correlation coefficients to determine relative reliability and used standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change to quantify absolute reliability. Relationships among the different strength-testing procedures and with the physical performance tests were determined using the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient (r) or Spearman rank correlation coefficient (rs). RESULTS: We observed good to excellent reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [2,k] range = 0.89 to 0.92). The standard error of measurement varied from 3.45 to 3.48 N. The minimal detectable change with 95% confidence intervals ranged from 8.06 to 8.13 N. Strong correlations were present among strength procedures (r = 0.824, rs range = 0.754-0.816). We observed moderate to strong correlations between the CKCUEST findings and rotational strength (r range = 0.570-0.767). Moderate correlations were found between rotational strength and SMBT (r range = 0.573-0.626). CONCLUSIONS: The SAC is a clinically applicable and standardized protocol for self-assessing rotational strength in young healthy adults without pathologic conditions. Performance on the SMBT and CKCUEST may be valuable as a screening tool to further assess shoulder strength.

Hip abductor, trunk extensor and ankle plantar flexor endurance in females with and without patellofemoral pain.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported strength deficit in hip abduction, extension and external rotation in females with patellofemoral pain (PFP) when compared with healthy control; however, there is conflicting evidence for a decrease in hip muscle endurance. Therefore, it seems important to evaluate hip muscle endurance in females with PFP. Moreover, trunk extensor and ankle plantar flexor endurance have not yet been evaluate in females with PFP. OBJECTIVE: To compare hip abductor, trunk extensor and ankle plantar flexor endurance between females with and without PFP. METHODS: Twenty females with PFP (mean age, 21.1 years) and 76 healthy females (mean age, 20.5 years) were recruited. Subject performed three endurance clinical tests: (1) The hip abductor isometric endurance test, (2) The Sorensen test and (3) The heel rise test. Group differences were assessed using an independent t tests, or Mann-Whitney U tests for non-normally distributed data. RESULTS: Subjects with PFP exhibited significantly lower hip abductor, trunk extensor and ankle plantar flexor endurance than healthy controls. On average, subjects with PFP had deficits of 16% in hip abduction, 14% in trunk extension and 26% in ankle plantar flexion. CONCLUSION: Females with PFP exhibited diminished hip abductor, trunk extensor and ankle plantar flexor endurance compared to healthy controls.

TEST-RETEST RELIABILITY OF TWO CLINICAL TESTS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF HIP ABDUCTOR ENDURANCE IN HEALTHY FEMALES.

BACKGROUND: Substantial deficits in performance of hip abductor in patients with common lower extremity injuries are reported in literature. Therefore, assessing hip abductor endurance might be of major importance for clinicians and researchers. PURPOSES: The purpose of this study was to examine the test-retest reliability of two hip abductor endurance tests in healthy females. Learning effect, systematic difference in the rate of perceived exertion and relationship between endurance performance and some clinical characteristics of participants were also investigated. DESIGN: Observational study, with a test-retest design. METHODS: Thirty-six healthy females, aged 18-30 years, were recruited. In two identical assessment sessions, the participants performed an isometric hip abductor strength test and two different hip abductor endurance tests. RESULTS: Isometric and dynamic endurance tests demonstrated good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) = 0.73 and 0.78, respectively). The standard errors of measurement (SEM) and the minimal detectable changes (MDC) were, respectively, 19.8 and 54.9 seconds for isometric endurance test and 21.2 and 58.7 repetitions for dynamic endurance test. Moderate correlation between both endurance tests (r = 0.60, p = 0.0001) and weak correlation between dynamic endurance test and strength (r = 0.44, p = 0.008) were found. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study demonstrate good test-retest reliability of two non-instrumented clinical tests of hip abductor endurance in healthy females. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.

Hip muscle strength and endurance in females with patellofemoral pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a common knee conditions experienced by adolescents and young adults, seen particularly in women. Clinicians and researchers need to understand how proximal, local, or distal factors may influence the development of PFP and affect individuals once they have developed PFP. Proximal factors are the focus of recent studies and the purpose of this systematic review was to determine if females with PFP have hip muscle strength or endurance deficits when compared to their unaffected leg and to comparison groups. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to identify relevant studies in the databases PubMed, PEDro, ScienceDirect and EBSCOhost up to June 2013. Data including study design, participants demographic data, and assessments of hip muscle strength or endurance were extracted from individual trials. The mean differences of hip muscles strength or endurance between females with PFP and healthy controls or unaffected side were extracted or calculated from individual trials and, when possible, a meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: Ten cross-sectional studies were included in this review. Concerning isometric strength, pooled data reported deficit in hip abduction, extension, external rotation and flexion but no deficit in adduction and internal rotation when compared with healthy controls. When compared with the unaffected side, deficit in hip abduction was reported in two studies and deficit in extension and external rotation in one study. Studies with isokinetic strength evaluation reported deficit in abduction but contradictory results for extensors and rotators in females with PFPS. Finally, one study reported hip endurance deficit in extension and one found no significant differences in hip endurance compared to control subjects. CONCLUSION: The results of this systematic review confirm that females with PFPS have deficit in hip muscle strength compared with healthy controls and the unaffected side but are contradictory concerning endurance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2a.