Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping and Night Splinting Along With Physical Therapy Intervention on Symptoms and Functionality: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial for Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to compare the effects of Kinesio taping and night splinting along with physical therapy intervention on symptoms in patients with moderate carpal tunnel syndrome undergoing rehabilitation. DESIGN: In this double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 45 patients with moderate carpal tunnel syndrome were included and randomly assigned to three groups: Kinesio taping group ( n = 15), night splinting group ( n = 15), and control group ( n = 15). All patients received 20 physical therapy intervention sessions. The primary outcome was self-reported disability status measured by the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, and secondary outcomes were pain and paresthesia (rest, activity, and night) measured by the Numeric Rating Scale. Outcomes were recorded at baseline and 4 wks. RESULTS: All patients showed clinically meaningful improvements for all outcome measures over time ( P < 0.05). The intergroup analysis revealed that the Kinesio taping group demonstrated better results in all measures than the night splinting ( P < 0.05) except for pain during activity ( P = 0.054), at night ( P = 0.191), and paresthesia at rest ( P = 0.575). In addition, the Kinesio taping group showed better outcomes than the control group ( P < 0.05) except for the activity pain ( P = 0.022). However, there were negligible differences between night splinting and control group ( P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Kinesio taping in combination with physical therapy intervention is more effective than night splinting in combination with physical therapy intervention or physical therapy intervention alone and may be recommended.

Short-time Effect of Sterile Kinesio Tape applied during Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction on Edema, Pain and Range of Motion.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of edema, pain, and range of motion of knee by sterile kinesio taping within 3 days after ACLR. We hypothesized that sterile taping which is a new material of kinesio taping reduces knee pain and swelling and improves knee range of movement after ACLR. Fifty-sixth subjects who underwent an elective ACLR with were randomized into intervention(n=28) and control groups(n=28). Subjects from both groups received standardized postoperative physiotherapy. Pain by VAS, total ROM of the knee, and circumferential girth were measured at the first, second- and third-day post-surgery. There were found statistically significant differences in all study parameters within each group. Comparison of the study parameters between both groups revealed a statistical significance at various time points except the reduction of pain in the taping group in the early postoperative phase (between the first and second day) (P<0.05). There was no statistical significance in the reduction of swelling or improvement of knee total ROM with kinesio taping. This study showed that sterile kinesio taping reduced pain, improved ROM of the knee and decreased edema in the early post-operative period after ACLR.

Does kinesio taping have an effect on kinetics and kinematics after lower limb musculoskeletal injuries? Systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The systematic review aimed to investigate the effects of kinesio taping on the lower extremity kinetics and kinematics after a musculoskeletal disorder. METHOD: Randomized controlled studies reported kinetic or kinematic outcomes (such as joint moment force or angular displacement) in the lower extremity with musculoskeletal disorders were included. A systematic literature search of Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, EBSCO, and PEDro databases was performed up to 28 February 2021. Meta-analysis was performed, when possible, by using mean difference (MD) and standard mean difference (SMD). RESULTS: Ten randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. The results of a meta-analysis based on included studies show that the use of kinesio taping has similar effects on the kinetics of the lower extremities with musculoskeletal disorders or the control group. These effects do not change between 0 and 24 h, 1 and 15 days, and 15 and 30 days (SMD = 0.01, 95% CI -0.30 to 0.31, p = 0.21). CONCLUSION: This study provides insufficient evidence to prove the effect of kinesio taping on lower extremity kinetics and kinematics on patients with musculoskeletal disorders in shorter and longer terms. Methodologically well-designed studies are needed to show the effectiveness of kinesio tape on lower extremity kinetics and kinematics after a musculoskeletal disorder in short and longer terms.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe present evidence does not support the effects of Kinesio tape on lower extremity kinetics in patients with a musculoskeletal pathologyMore evidenced based studies are still needed to show the effects of kinesio taping on lower extremity kinetics in patients with a musculoskeletal pathologyThis meta-analysis demonstrated that kinesio taping had no effect for up to 30 days within the scope of the results obtained from the studies, except for the immediate effect of the application.

Effects of Kinesio Taping on Muscle Contractile Properties: Assessment Using Tensiomyography.

CONTEXT: Although functional effects of kinesio taping (KT) have been widely studied, its effects on contractile properties of the target muscle remain unclear. Tensiomyography is suitable for quantifying muscle stiffness and rate of force development upon imposed twitch contraction. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that KT has effects on contractile properties of targeted muscle using tensiomyography. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTINGS: Performance laboratory of a sports rehabilitation center. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 11 healthy volunteers. INTERVENTIONS: Tensiomyography measurements before KT facilitation technique applied (pre-KT), 45 minutes, and 24 hours after KT (post-KT1 and post-KT2, respectively) without removing the tape. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Maximal radial displacement, contraction time, delay time, sustain time, relaxation time, and velocity of contraction. RESULTS: Significant effects were shown for maximal radial displacement (P = .004), contraction time (P = .013), relaxation time (P = .035), and velocity of contraction (P = .0033), but not for delay time (P = .060) and sustain time (P = .078). Post hoc testing indicated a significant decrease in maximal radial displacement for post-KT1 only (from 6.33 [1.46] to 4.87 [2.14] mm), and a significant increase in contraction time for both post-KT1 and post-KT2 (from 30.87 [11.39] to 39.71 [13.49] ms, and 37.41 [14.73] ms, respectively). Post hoc testing also showed a significant decrease in relaxation time for post-KT2 (from 65.97 [53.43] to 47.45 [38.12] ms), and a significant decrease in velocity of contraction for both post-KT1 and post-KT2 (from 0.22 [0.08] to 0.15 [0.09] mm/s, and 0.16 [0.07] mm/s), respectively. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that KT leads to an increased muscle stiffness and a reduced muscle rate of force production despite the facilitation technique applied.

The Dynamic Innovative Balance System Improves Balance Ability: A Single Blind, Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Functional balance training is crucial for both rehabilitation and prevention. A Dynamic Innovative Balance System (DIBA) is readily available for utilization in both functional and postural control training in a wide variety of dynamic conditions. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the DIBA and standard balance training tools on dynamic and static balance. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Thirty-six healthy males (18 to 32 years) were randomly assigned to group DIBA (n=18) or to the control group (n=18) who performed balance training using a balance board, a wobble board, the BOSU, or a soft cushion block for eight weeks. Each participant was assessed before training, at the end of the fourth and eighth week by using the Flamingo balance test (FBT) for assessing static balance ability and using Y-Balance Test (YBT) for dynamic balance ability. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in FBT and YBT between the DIBA and control groups at the end of fourth week (p>0.05). However, at the end of the eighth week, the DIBA group demonstrated statistically significantly better balance ability on the anterior component of YBT (p=0.001) and FBT (p=0.024) than controls. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the DIBA was effective in both static and dynamic balance training and it may be used alongside other balance tools in a clinical setting. Further studies should include in lower extremity problems to confirm that DIBA training adaptations are transferred to clinical improvements in performance and balance qualities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2d.

Shoulder Range of Motion, Rotator Strength, and Upper-Extremity Functional Performance in Junior Tennis Players.

PURPOSE: Repetitive and asymmetric movements in tennis can result in biomechanical adaptation in shoulder joint. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in shoulder range of motion (ROM), strength, and functional performance tests between the dominant and nondominant shoulders, as well as to identify gender differences in junior tennis players. METHODS: Forty-two junior tennis players (age mean: 11.3 [1.2] y, body mass index 18.3 [2.4] kg/m2) were included in the study. Shoulder internal rotation (IR), external rotation (ER) ROM, and total ROM, IR and ER isokinetic strength and closed kinetic chain upper-extremity stability, seated medicine ball throw used, grip hold tests were applied bilaterally. Paired sample t test and Student t test were used to compare the differences. RESULTS: ER ROM was greater, while IR ROM and total ROM were lower on the dominant shoulder (all P values < .05). Nineteen players had glenohumeral IR deficit (IR ROM difference >13°). The players had a greater ER strength on the dominant side and similar IR strength between shoulders. There was significant difference in seated medicine ball throw results between the dominant and nondominant sides (P < .001). The mean distance for bilateral seated medicine ball throw was 377.02 (85.70) m, and closed kinetic chain upper-extremity stability results were calculated as a mean of 15.85 (1.72) touches. Differences between the genders: total ROM of the dominant shoulder was higher in female players (P = .045), the IR PT/BW at 60°/s angular speed was higher in male players' dominant shoulder (P = .030), and closed kinetic chain upper-extremity stability performance was higher in male players (P = .019). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent tennis players demonstrated differences in strength, ROM, and functional performance results between the dominant and nondominant shoulders. Gender differences were also seen in the aforementioned parameters in junior tennis players. Determining these differences may improve our understanding of sport-specific shoulder joint adaptations in tennis.

Comparison of Physiotherapy Approaches in Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of rehabilitation approaches in individuals with low back pain (LBP) on pain, spinal mobility, disability, and muscular strength. METHODS: Ninety volunteers were included and divided into four groups depending on the rehabilitation approach: group 1, soft tissue mobilization techniques and stabilization exercises (n=24; 11 females [F], 13 males [M]); group 2, Kinesio Taping and stabilization exercises (n=24; 12F, 12M); group 3, stabilization exercises (n=22; 11F, 11M); and group 4, reflex therapy and stabilization exercises (n=20; 10F, 10M). Visual Analog Scale for pain intensity, an isokinetic evaluation for strength at 60°/s and a side-plank position test for trunk stabilization were measured before and assessed at the beginning, after a 4-week treatment and during 4 weeks of follow-up. The functional status was evaluated with the Oswestry Disability Index. RESULTS: Individuals in all groups showed similar decrease in pain after the treatment and at 1-month follow-up, but there were no significant differences in pain levels between the groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: All therapeutic approaches were found to be effective in diminishing pain and thus helpful in increasing strength and stabilization in patients with LBP.

Effects of Kinesio Taping and compression stockings on pain, edema, functional capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic venous disease: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Kinesio Taping and compression stockings on pain, edema, functional capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic venous disease (CVD). DESIGN: This is a prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial. SETTING: The study was conducted in a physiotherapy and rehabilitation unit of a university hospital. SUBJECTS: A total of 62 patients with early-stage CVD were allocated to either an experimental group or a control group. INTERVENTIONS: Experimental group (n = 29) received Kinesio Taping intervention once a week for four weeks, while control group (n = 29) received compression stockings for four weeks. All patients additionally undertook an exercise training programme including calf muscle pump exercises, flexibility exercises and diaphragmatic breathing. MAIN MEASURES: Visual analogue scale, lower limb circumference measurements, 6-minute walk test and Short Form 36 questionnaire were applied before and after four weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Control group showed statistically significant improvements in pain (P < 0.001), ankle circumferences (right, P = 0.002; left, P = 0.037), calf circumferences (right, P = 0.020; left, P = 0.022), knee circumference (left, P = 0.039) and thigh circumferences (right, P = 0.029; left, P = 0.002) compared with experimental group. There were no significant differences between groups with respect to functional capacity and quality of life (P > 0.05). Both groups significantly improved 6-minute walk distance (P < 0.001) and Short Form 36 physical component summary (experimental group, P = 0.002; control group, P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that Kinesio Taping and compression stockings revealed similar improvements of functional capacity and quality of life in patients with CVD. The symptoms of pain and edema caused by CVD can be decreased more efficiently with compression stockings than Kinesio Taping intervention.

Effect of a Core Stabilization Training Program on Performance of Ballet and Modern Dancers.

Kalaycioglu, T, Apostolopoulos, NC, Goldere, S, Duger, T, and Baltaci, G. Effect of a core stabilization training program on performance of ballet and modern dancers. J Strength Cond Res 34(4): 1166-1175, 2020-The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a core stabilization training (CST) program on performance of university-level ballet and modern dancers. Twenty-four dancers between the ages of 18 and 24 years participated in the study. Core stabilization training was performed for 45-60 minutes per day, 3 days a week, for 8 weeks. For 2 days, the training was conducted by an experienced physiotherapist, and the other day, each participant exercised on his or her own. Evaluation of physical fitness parameters included vertical jump performance, flexibility, dynamic balance, coordination, proprioception, muscle, and hip flexion isokinetic strength measures. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare pre- and post-test values. Statistically significant increases in vertical jump performance, dynamic balance, proprioception, and coordination parameters between pre- and post-training (p < 0.05) were observed. After the CST program, peak torque values for the hip flexor muscle isokinetic test of the dancers decreased (p < 0.05). Therefore, the results suggest that the CST program might be used to improve several physical fitness parameters such as jumping, proprioception, coordination, and dynamic balance. Such improvements will aid in the development of artistic skills for university modern dancers.

Higher Body Mass Index Adversely Affects Knee Function After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Individuals Who Are Recreationally Active.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate the effect of body mass index (BMI) levels on quadriceps and hamstring strength and functional outcomes up to 6 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with hamstring tendon autograft (HTG). DESIGN: Prospective, controlled study. SETTING: University clinical laboratory. PATIENTS: Ninety-one participants who had undergone unilateral ACLR with HTG were divided into 2 groups according to their BMI. The participants whose BMI were between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m were included in group 1 (n = 50, age: 27.2 ± 6.7 years, BMI: 22.3 ± 1.6 kg/m) and those whose BMI > 24.9 kg/m were included in group 2 (n = 41, age: 30.2 ± 6.9 years, BMI: 28.0 ± 2.4 kg/m). INTERVENTIONS: Quadriceps and hamstring strength, functional performance including hop, jump, and balance performance, and IKDC score. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Maximum voluntary isometric contraction of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles and the body mass were measured at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Absolute peak torques and normalized peak torques to body weight for both limbs were recorded. Functional outcomes were evaluated at 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Normalized quadriceps strength improvement was lower in group 2 when compared with group 1 (F(2,178) = 6.23, P = 0.003). Group 2 also demonstrated lower scores in functional performance (P < 0.05). Normalized hamstring and absolute quadriceps and hamstring strength improvement was not affected by higher BMI level (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Higher BMI levels adversely affect quadriceps strength capacity and performance in patients who have undergone ACLR with HTG. Clinicians should consider BMI levels of patients when assessing and targeting muscle recovery because it could negatively affect the success of the ACLR rehabilitation.

The Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping in Recovering From Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness: A Crossover Study.

CONTEXT: Kinesio taping (KT) is a popular taping technique used in the recovery process; however, in the relevant literature, there is no real consensus on its efficacy. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether rectus femoris KT application after delayed onset muscle soreness enhances recovery of muscle soreness, edema, and physical performance. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 22 healthy amateur male athletes participated in this study. DESIGN: Randomized, crossover study. SETTING: Human performance laboratory of the university. INTERVENTIONS: Participants performed an exercise protocol inducing delayed onset muscle soreness. They accomplished 2 distinct trials, with or without KT. The washout period between trials was 6 weeks. For the KT condition, KT inhibition technique was used and applied immediately after exercise bilaterally on rectus femoris. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Range of motion, muscle soreness, and edema were measured at baseline, 30 minutes, 24, 48, and 72 hours postexercise. Dynamic balance, sprint, and horizontal jump were evaluated at similar time frame except for 30-minute postexercise. RESULTS: The findings showed that there were no significant differences between the KT group (KTG) and control group for all outcome variables (P > .05). Muscle soreness returned to baseline values 72 hours postexercise only within the KTG (P > .05). Although the horizontal jump performance decreased substantially from baseline to 24 and 48 hours postexercise only within the control group (P < .05), the performance increased significantly from 24 to 72 hours postexercise within the KTG (P < .05). Balance increased significantly from baseline to 48 hours postexercise (P < .05) in both groups. Balance also increased significantly from baseline to 72 hours postexercise only within the KTG (P < .05). The effect size of soreness which is our primary outcome was large in both groups (r > .5). CONCLUSIONS: KT is favorable in the recovery of muscle soreness after delayed onset muscle soreness. KT has beneficial effects on horizontal jump performance and dynamic balance.

Does Kinesio® taping improve balance and functional performance in older adults? A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The foot and ankle are important factors that provide balance and functional performance in older adults at risk of falling. It is important that proper posture of the foot via techniques such as taping and orthoses to increase contact with the ground. The purpose of this study was to investigate for a two-week period and prolonged effects (fourteen days) of Kinesio tape on the level of functional performance, balance, muscle strength of the lower extremities, pain, and functional independence when Kinesio tape was applied to the foot and ankle of older adults. METHODS: Randomized trial. Forty-two older adults aged 65 years or more were selected randomly into one of two groups (KT: N.=22, control: N.=20). KT was used on the ankle and food of older adults for a two-week period. Participants were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, Mini-Mental State Examination, 30-Second Sit to Stand test and Functional Independent Measurement instrument. RESULTS: A significant difference was found between baseline and following application in the TUG and the BBS scores (P=0.001 and P<0.0001, respectively) in the Kinesio tape group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that KT improves balance and functional performance and reduces the risk of falling among older adults.

Angle-specific knee muscle torques of ACL-reconstructed subjects and determinants of functional tests after reconstruction.

The purposes of this study were to analyse (a) if "angle-specific" (AS) flexor and extensor torques were different between ACL-reconstructed and uninvolved limbs, (b) the difference in peak torque occurrence angles for concentric and eccentric knee flexor and extensor torques between involved and uninvolved limbs and (c) if AS concentric and eccentric knee flexor and extensor torques are determinants of performance in the "single-leg hop test" (SLHT) and "vertical jump and reach test" (VJRT) in ACL-reconstructed legs. Twenty-seven male ACL-reconstructed volunteers were included in the study. Isokinetic knee muscle strength, SLHT and VJRT were performed 6 months after ACL reconstruction. No difference was found in extremity and knee joint angle interaction for concentric and eccentric flexor and extensor torques (p > 0.05). Peak torque occurrence angles were not different between involved and uninvolved limbs (p > 0.05). In involved extremities, concentric knee extensor strength at 90° was a determinant of SLHT performance (R2 = 0.403, p < 0.05), and concentric knee extensor strength at 60° was a determinant of VJRT (R2 = 0.224, p < 0.05). Assessment of AS concentric knee extensor strength at 60° and 90° might be important, because these were determinants of functional test performance.

"Ballistic Six" Upper-Extremity Plyometric Training for the Pediatric Volleyball Players.

Turgut, E, Cinar-Medeni, O, Colakoglu, FF, and Baltaci, G. "Ballistic Six" upper-extremity plyometric training for the pediatric volleyball players. J Strength Cond Res 33(5): 1305-1310, 2019-The Ballistic Six exercise program includes commonly used upper-body exercises, and the program is recommended for overhead throwing athletes. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week the Ballistic Six upper-extremity plyometric training program on upper-body explosive power, endurance, and reaction time in pediatric overhead athletes. Twenty-eight female pediatric volleyball players participated in the study. The participants were randomly divided into 2 study groups: an intervention group (upper-extremity plyometric training in addition to the volleyball training; n = 14) and a control group (the volleyball training only; n = 14). All the participants were assessed before and after a 12-week training program for upper-body power, strength and endurance, and reaction time. Statistical comparison was performed using an analysis of variance test. Comparisons showed that after a 12-week training program, the Ballistic Six upper-body plyometric training program resulted in more improvements in an overhead medicine ball throwing distance and a push-up performance, as well as greater improvements in the reaction time in the nonthrowing arm when compared with control training. In addition, a 12-week training program was found to be effective in achieving improvements in the reaction time in the throwing arm for both groups similarly. Compared with regular training, upper-body plyometric training resulted in additional improvements in upper-body power and strength and endurance among pediatric volleyball players. The findings of the study provide a basis for developing training protocols for pediatric volleyball players.

Scapular motion adaptations in junior overhead athletes: a three-dimensional kinematic analysis in tennis players and non-overhead athletes.

Adult overhead athletes without a history of shoulder injury show scapular adaptations. There is a lack of detailed assessment of scapular kinematics in junior overhead athletes. This study aims to investigate three-dimensional scapular kinematics in junior overhead athletes. We recruited a total of 20 junior tennis players and 20 healthy children without participation in any overhead sports in this study. Bilateral scapular kinematic data were recorded using an electromagnetic tracking device for scapular plane glenohumeral elevation. The data were further analysed at 30°, 45°, 60°, 90° and 120° during glenohumeral elevation and lowering. Statistical comparisons of the data between groups (junior overhead athletes and non-overhead athletes) and sides (serve dominant and non-dominant shoulders of the overhead athletes) were analysed with the ANOVA. Comparisons showed that, in general, the scapula was more upwardly rotated and anteriorly tilted in overhead athletes when compared to non-overhead athletes, however there was no side-to-side differences when serve dominant and non-dominant shoulders compared in junior overhead athletes. The serve dominant arm of junior overhead athletes had alternations in scapular kinematics when compared with the non-overhead athletes. These findings provide clinical evaluation implications and the need for clinicians to assess for potential adaptations in junior overhead athletes.

Balance Training in Modern Dancers: Proprioceptive-Neuromuscular Training vs Kinesio Taping.

Kinesio tape and proprioceptive exercises are both used for increasing balance in dancers. The purposes of this study were to: a) determine the acute effect of kinesio tape (KT) application on the ankle joint on balance performance, b) investigate the effects of an 8-week proprioceptive-neuromuscular (PN) training program on balance performance, and c) compare their effects vs modern dance technique classes alone. Thirty-three trained, university-level modern dance students (9 male, 24 female) were divided randomly into three groups: kinesio tape (KT, n=11), proprioceptive-neuromuscular (PN, n=11), or control (n=11). Static (turn-out passé-opened eyes/relevé and turn-out passé-closed eyes/flat foot), semi-dynamic (airplane), and dynamic balance (monopodalic-straight and -transverse in a turn-out passé-eyes opened/flat foot) tests were performed before and after the intervention. One day after pre-tests, KT mechanical correction technique was applied to the left ankle joint (supporting leg) in the KT group, and tests were repeated to determine the acute effect of KT. The PN group participated in an 8-week balance training program (2 days/wk, 60 min/day) involving exercises using stable and unstable surfaces. Significant improvements were observed for all static and dynamic balance tests in the PN group; semi-dynamic airplane and dynamic monopodalic-straight and transverse tests improved in the KT group; and only semi-dynamic airplane test scores changed significantly for the control group (p<0.05). Our findings suggest that with the exception of the semi-dynamic airplane test, both PN training and KT application were more effective at improving balance performance for modern dancers than modern dance technique classes alone.

Self-reported outcomes are associated with knee strength and functional symmetry in individuals who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-reported knee outcomes and limb symmetry indices (LSIs) for hip and knee strength, postural control and single-leg hop distance in individuals who had undergone an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction via hamstring tendon autograft (HTG). METHODS: A total of 72 participants with a history of unilateral ACL reconstruction via HTG (mean ±â€¯standard deviation (SD) age: 28.0 ±â€¯7.6 years; height: 178.4 ±â€¯6.7 cm; mass 76.9 ±â€¯14.9 kg) were included. International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 Subjective Knee Form (IKDC), Lysholm, Knee Osteoarthritis Outcomes Scores (KOOS) and Tampa scores were used to evaluate self-reported outcomes. Concentric and eccentric knee extensor and flexor, and hip strength, postural control and single leg hop distance were evaluated for performance-based outcomes. The relationships between the LSI scores and the performance measures were explored using the Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The IKDC, Lysholm and KOOS scores were positively correlated with knee extensor and flexor strength LSIs (P < 0.05, r = 0.34 to r = 0.50), and the Tampa score was negatively correlated with eccentric extensor LSI (P = 0.02, r = -0.34). Single-leg hop distance LSI was correlated with IKDC and Lysholm scores (P = 0.003, r = 0.50; P = 0.04, r = 0.29) respectively, while postural control was only correlated with the KOOS scores (P < 0.001, r = 0.51 to r = 0.52). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to Lysholm and Tampa scores, KOOS and IKDC scores were more likely to be correlated with performance-based outcomes. Therefore, KOOS and IKDC scores may help clinicians in return to sport decision making when there is a limited time to perform extensive evaluations or access equipment.

Radiological and functional comparison of single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: transtibial versus anteromedial technique

Background/aim: This study aimed to compare radiological and functional outcomes of patients who had single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with autologous hamstring tendon grafts using transtibial (TT) versus anteromedial (AM) femoral tunnel drilling techniques. Materials and methods: Sixty patients who had been operated on between 2010 and 2013 were enrolled in this study. Tunnel positions and widenings in the femur and tibia were evaluated with radiographs, arthrometric measurements with a Rolimeter arthrometer (Aircast, Summit, NJ, USA), stability assessment with Lachman and reverse pivot shift tests, and functional assessment with the International Knee Documentation Committee and Tegner and Lysholm scoring systems. Results: Tunnel enlargement in the sagittal and coronal planes of the femur was higher with the TT technique (P < 0.0001) and that of the coronal planes of the tibia was also higher with the TT technique (P = 0.01). During the assessment with the Rolimeter, the difference between sides was significant with the TT technique (P = 0.013). Positive results of the Lachman and reverse pivot shift tests were more frequent with the TT technique (P < 0.05), and the Lysholm scores were higher with the AM technique (P = 0.001). Conclusion: ACL reconstruction with hamstring autografts by either TT or AM technique demonstrated similar and excellent results in terms of functional outcomes at the end of the first postoperative year. The TT group had increased tunnel enlargement, which may have uncertain long-term outcomes, compared with the AM group.

Short-Term Results of Flexor Hallucis Longus Transfer in Delayed and Neglected Achilles Tendon Repair.

Flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer to the calcaneus in the repair of delayed or neglected Achilles tendon (AT) injuries is a viable and dynamic option. Nineteen patients (18 males, 1 female; mean age 47.4 ± 12.4, range 24 to 74, years; body mass index 27.5 ± 4.5, range 23.2 to 38.9, kg/m2; interval from injury to surgery 40.8 ± 11.6, range 28 to 60, days) with delayed or neglected repair of AT rupture were included in the present study. FHL transfer to the calcaneus through a single incision and repair of the defect with native tendon lengthening or a tendinous turndown flap was performed. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot and hallux scale scores, balance and jump performance, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, and lower extremity concentric and eccentric strength were evaluated 6 months postoperatively. Student's t test was used to compare the outcomes between the operated and nonoperated sides. AOFAS hindfoot and hallux scale scores were 93.83 and 86.9, respectively. No significant difference was found in vertical jump (p = .60), forward jump (p = .68), or balance performance (p > .05). However, less ankle dorsiflexion on the operated side was recorded compared with the nonoperated side (p = .008). Concentric/eccentric muscle strength between the operated and nonoperated side was similar (p > .05). The concentric strength of the operated side reached 92% and eccentric strength reached 101.7% of the nonoperated side's strength. All the patients were satisfied with their results and return to preinjury daily activities. AT repair of a delayed and neglected injury using FHL transfer to the calcaneus in a dynamic fashion provided excellent outcomes.