Well-being fluctuations and injuries during an entire season in male professional soccer players: an observational study.

This study aimed to describe and relate the well-being perception and injury incidence of soccer players in an entire soccer season. For 37 weeks, twenty-eight male professional soccer players (25.2 ± 4.3 years old; 22.8 ± 1.4 kg/m2) daily scored (from 1: bad; to 5: perfect) well-being perception (fatigue, sleep, muscle soreness, stress and mood and Hooper Index (HI) as general status). Injuries were also registered. Results showed that players had the lowest well-being perception during Preseason (in terms of HI, fatigue, muscle soreness and stress), being lower than EarlySeason (ps < 0.05, ds > 1.0) and/or InSeason (ps < 0.05, ds > 1.0). The injury incidence was 8.3 ± 9.2/1000 h, being always higher in training compared to competition (35.0 vs 11.1/1000 h). A lower stress perception (worse) correlated with a higher rate of new injuries during PreSeason (r = -0.84), while a greater muscle soreness and fatigue correlated with the new injuries occurring in the following week during the whole season (r = -0.38 and r = -0.39, respectively). As a conclusion, the well-being perception of professional soccer players was especially low during Preseason, with fatigue, muscle soreness and stress as the most affected items that correlated with injury incidence.

Effects of a six-week multimodal training programme on the sprinting ability of adolescent rugby sevens players.

This study evaluated the effects of 6-week multimodal training on the sprinting performance and biomechanics of adolescent rugby players. Twenty-four players were assigned to control group (CG) or intervention group (IG). For 6 weeks, CG maintained their training routine, while IG completed a training programme consisting of unresisted sprints, as well as heavy-resisted sprints, running technique drills and lumbopelvic stability. Before and after, sprint performance, horizontal force-velocity profile (FV-h), sprinting kinematics and spatiotemporal data were obtained. After the training, IG reduced the 0-5 m (p = 0.044), 0-10 m (p = 0.046) and 25-30 m (p = 0.035) split times compared with CG. In FV-h, IG displayed a higher maximal theoretical horizontal force (p = 0.035) and ratio of force (p = 0.048) than CG. Regarding kinematic and spatiotemporal variables, only IG improved step length (p < 0.001), step rate (p = 0.005) and distance between knees (p = 0.048) compared with baseline, but there were no between-group differences. Six weeks of multimodal training improved sprinting acceleration and mechanical variables of force application during sprinting of adolescent rugby players. Although IG improved some biomechanical variables compared with baseline, these changes were similar to those observed in CG.

Blood flow restriction during training for improving the aerobic capacity and sport performance of trained athletes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: /Objective: Combining blood flow restriction (BFR) with endurance training is exponentially increasing although the benefits are unclear in trained athletes. We aimed to describe the effects of aerobic and/or anaerobic training programmes combined with BFR on the aerobic capacity and related sport performance of trained athletes. Methods: Databases used were MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, LILACS, IBECS, CINHAL, COCHRANE, SCIELO and PEDro, through October 2021. For study selection, criteria included (a) clinical trials that recruited trained healthy athletes, that (b) proposed BFR in combination with aerobic/anaerobic training programmes (≥8 sessions) and that (c) evaluated either aerobic capacity or related sport performance. For data extraction, a reviewer extracted the data, and another reviewer independently verified it. The tool RoB 2 (Risk of bias 2) was used to assess risk of bias. Results: Ten studies met the eligibility criteria, capturing a total of 207 participants. Although it did not reveal any significant effects from training with BFR on aerobic capacity compared to the same training without BFR, effect sizes were extremely high. Subgroup analyses according to the intensity of the training programmes found similar results for low-to-moderate or high-intensity training compared to the same sessions without BFR. Conclusion: Although adding BFR to training sessions always produce benefits from baseline in aerobic capacity and sport performance of trained athletes, these results are not better than those observed after the same training sessions without BFR. The reduced number of studies, small sample sizes and some concerns regarding risk of bias should be highlighted as limitations. Registration number: CRD42021248212.

The emotional impact of COVID-19 on Spanish nurses and potential strategies to reduce it.

Background: Although the emotional and psychological impact of nurses' work had been identified before the COVID-19 pandemic, the pandemic aggravated risk indicators for their mental health. Aim: The objective of this study was to analyse the levels of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress and burnout of nurses in the Balearic Islands (Spain) during the pandemic to identify possible sociodemographic and related occupational factors. Design: A cross-sectional study of 892 nurses was conducted during four weeks from February to March 2021. Methods: Sociodemographic data related to the pandemic were collected and anxiety, depression, burnout and post-traumatic stress were measured with validated scales. A multivariate and predictive analysis was carried out with risk estimates. Findings: About 75.6% of the nurses had experience in COVID-19 units, and 49.1% had worked for more than 10 months in a COVID-19 unit. Nurses in COVID-19 units (hospital ward or ICU) were more likely to report emotional fatigue (OR 1.9, p < 0.001) and anxiety (OR 1.5, p = 0.021). In general, moderate post-traumatic stress was evident in general nurses (p = 0.027), and severe post-traumatic stress was evident in ICU nurses (p = 0.027). A 1.24-month reduction in COVID-19 patient care predicted reduced levels of emotional fatigue (5.45 points), depersonalisation (1.87 points) and post-traumatic stress (4.65 points) in nurses. Conclusion: Given the occurrence of new waves of COVID-19, the need to establish preventive strategies that focus on the personal and occupational characteristics related to these indicators and to implement urgent psychological support strategies is demonstrated. Impact: Given these findings, it is imperative solutions are urgently applied in order to prevent compounding risk to the health system.

e-Health as a tool to improve the quality of life of informal caregivers dealing with stroke patients: Systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to elucidate the evidence related to utilizing e-Health as a tool in improving the quality of life of informal caregivers of dependent patients due to cerebrovascular accident (CVA). METHODS: This systematic review with meta-analysis includes 13 studies. For these studies, seven databases were searched between 2009 and 2019. A random-effects model was adopted for overall estimation and to explain the heterogeneity. RESULTS: A random-effects model was adopted for overall estimation and to explain heterogeneity. The results did not demonstrate statistical significance (p<0.05) and low heterogeneity (I2  = 0). CONCLUSIONS: There is a tendency toward improvement in psychological health, solving care-related problems, as well as better prevention of problems arising from the burden. Therefore, new studies with larger sample size and primarily to conduct them for more than 6 months for the accuracy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study reflects a trend toward improving psychological health, solving care-related problems, as well as improved the prevention of problems arising from the burden.

Fluorescence Liquid Biopsy for Cancer Detection Is Improved by Using Cationic Dendronized Hyperbranched Polymer.

(1) Background: Biophysical techniques applied to serum samples characterization could promote the development of new diagnostic tools. Fluorescence spectroscopy has been previously applied to biological samples from cancer patients and differences from healthy individuals were observed. Dendronized hyperbranched polymers (DHP) based on bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid (bis-MPA) were developed in our group and their potential biomedical applications explored. (2) Methods: A total of 94 serum samples from diagnosed cancer patients and healthy individuals were studied (20 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, 25 blood donor, 24 ovarian cancer, and 25 benign ovarian cyst samples). (3) Results: Fluorescence spectra of serum samples (fluorescence liquid biopsy, FLB) in the presence and the absence of DHP-bMPA were recorded and two parameters from the signal curves obtained. A secondary parameter, the fluorescence spectrum score (FSscore), was calculated, and the diagnostic model assessed. For pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and ovarian cancer, the classification performance was improved when including DHP-bMPA, achieving high values of statistical sensitivity and specificity (over 85% for both pathologies). (4) Conclusions: We have applied FLB as a quick, simple, and minimally invasive promising technique in cancer diagnosis. The classification performance of the diagnostic method was further improved by using DHP-bMPA, which interacted differentially with serum samples from healthy and diseased subjects. These preliminary results set the basis for a larger study and move FLB closer to its clinical application, providing useful information for the oncologist during patient diagnosis.

Concurrent Validity and Reliability of a Low-Cost Dynamometer to Assess Maximal Isometric Strength in Neck Movements.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the concurrent validity and reliability of a low-cost digital dynamometer to assess maximal isometric strength in neck movements. METHODS: Twelve recreationally active participants (6 women, 6 men; age: 24.1 ± 3.4 years; height: 1.71 ± 0.06 m; weight: 64.6 ± 11.7 kg) performed neck flexion, extension, and lateral flexion, and maximal isometric strength was simultaneously measured using an isokinetic dynamometer (gold standard) and a digital dynamometer to evaluate the concurrent validity of the latter. One week later, all the participants repeated 3 trials of each neck movement (3 minutes apart) registered only with the digital dynamometer. The first and second trial were guided by tester 1 and the third trial was guided by tester 2. RESULTS: The concurrent validity of the digital dynamometer showed a nearly perfect correlation between both devices (r > 0.986, P < .001), with Bland-Altman plots showing absolute agreement. Intertester and intratester reliability were nearly perfect for all neck movements (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.86). CONCLUSION: The low-cost digital dynamometer showed valid and reliable measurements of maximal isometric strength in neck movements.

Pacing strategies during male 1500 m running world record performances.

The aim was to determine the pacing strategies used to achieve male 1500 m running world record performances. Lap times (three first laps and the last 300 m) for the last 37 male 1500 m world record performances achieved since 1917 until 1998 were collected. An analysis of variance with repeated measures and a Bonferroni post hoc test were conducted to determine differences between the percentages of race average speed at each lap. Lap 1 and last 300 m differed from lap 2 and 3, being the latter slower (P < 0.001, 1.44 ≤ ES ≤ 1.95), and displaying a U-shaped pacing profile. Whereas the pacing strategies observed differed from those previously determined for major championship races, a fast endspurt was always present and therefore athletes aiming for a world standard performance should train for developing their anaerobic capacity in addition to a high aerobic power.

Effects of Combining Running and Practical Duration Stretching on Proprioceptive Skills of National Sprinters.

Romero-Franco, N, Párraga-Montilla, JA, Molina-Flores, EM, and Jiménez-Reyes, P. Effects of combining running and practical duration stretching on proprioceptive skills of national sprinters. J Strength Cond Res 34(4): 1158-1165, 2020-Practical duration stretching after aerobic activities is a recommended component of the first part of warm-up because of its effects on performance. However, its effects on proprioceptive skills are unknown. This study aimed to analyze the effects of running and practical duration static stretching (SS) and dynamic stretching (DS) on postural balance and the joint position sense (JPS) of national sprinters. Thirty-two national sprinters were randomly classified into a SS group (n = 11), DS group (n = 11), or control group (n = 10). Static stretching performed 5 minutes of running and short-duration (20 seconds) static stretches; DS performed 5 minutes of running and short-duration dynamic (20 seconds) stretches; and the control group performed 5 minutes of running. Before and after the intervention, unipedal static postural balance and knee JPS were evaluated. Static stretching exhibited a more centralized center of pressure in the medial-lateral plane for unipedal static postural balance in right-leg support after stretching (p = 0.005, d = 1.24), whereas DS showed values further from the center after stretching for the same unipedal support compared with baseline (p = 0.042, d = 0.49), and the control group remained stable (p > 0.05). Joint position sense did not show significant differences in any group (p > 0.05). In conclusion, combining running and practical duration SS may be beneficial for right-leg postural stabilization, whereas DS may be partly and slightly deleterious. Both SS and DS combined with running and running alone have neutral effects on knee JPS. Sports professionals should consider running and practical duration SS as part of the warm-up of sprinters to partly improve unipedal static postural balance.

Loss of hepatic PPARα promotes inflammation and serum hyperlipidemia in diet-induced obesity.

Agonists for PPARα are used clinically to reduce triglycerides and improve high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in patients with hyperlipidemia. Whether the mechanism of PPARα activation to lower serum lipids occurs in the liver or other tissues is unknown. To determine the function of hepatic PPARα on lipid profiles in diet-induced obese mice, we placed hepatocyte-specific peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) knockout (PparaHepKO) and wild-type (Pparafl/fl) mice on high-fat diet (HFD) or normal fat diet (NFD) for 12 wk. There was no significant difference in weight gain, percent body fat mass, or percent body lean mass between the groups of mice in response to HFD or NFD. Interestingly, the PparaHepKO mice on HFD had worsened hepatic inflammation and a significant shift in the proinflammatory M1 macrophage population. These changes were associated with higher hepatic fat mass and decreased hepatic lean mass in the PparαHepKO on HFD but not in NFD as measured by Oil Red O and noninvasive EchoMRI analysis (31.1 ± 2.8 vs. 20.2 ± 1.5, 66.6 ± 2.5 vs. 76.4 ± 1.5%, P < 0.05). We did find that this was related to significantly reduced peroxisomal gene function and lower plasma ß-hydroxybutyrate in the PparaHepKO on HFD, indicative of reduced metabolism of fats in the liver. Together, these provoked higher plasma triglyceride and apolipoprotein B100 levels in the PparaHepKO mice compared with Pparafl/fl on HFD. These data indicate that hepatic PPARα functions to control inflammation and liver triglyceride accumulation that prevent hyperlipidemia.

Concurrent validity and reliability of an iPhone app for the measurement of ankle dorsiflexion and inter-limb asymmetries.

The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the validity and reliability of an iPhone app (named: Dorsiflex) for the measurement of weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion. To do this, twelve healthy participants (age=28.6±2.3 years) performed a weight-bearing lunge test with each leg in five separate occasions, while dorsiflexion angle was simultaneously registered using a professional digital inclinometer and the Dorsiflex iPhone app, which was specifically developed for this study. A total of 120 angles measured both with the digital inclinometer and the app were then compared for validity, reliability and accuracy purposes using several statistical tests. There was an almost perfect correlation between the digital inclinometer and the Dorsiflex app for the measurement of ankle dorsiflexion (r=0.989, 95% CI=0.986-0.993, SEE=0.48º), with trivial, non-significant differences between devices (SMD=0.17, p=0.10). When analyzing the reliability of the app for the measurement of five different trials for each participant, similar coefficients of variation (CV) were observed in comparison with those obtained with the digital inclinometer (Dorsiflex app: CV=5.1±2.3 %; Digital inclinometer: CV=4.9±2.5 %). The results of the present study show that weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion can be easily, accurately, and reliably evaluated using the Dorsiflex iPhone app.

Validity and reliability of a low-cost dynamometer to assess maximal isometric strength of upper limb.

Muscle imbalance and deficit are key parameters for guiding rehabilitation and sports sessions and avoiding injuries. However, the high cost and non-portable nature of most instruments employed for muscle strength assessment frequently hamper an affordable evaluation in field conditions. This study evaluated the validity and reliability of a low-cost digital dynamometer to assess the maximal isometric strength of upper limb muscles. Fourteen physically active volunteers performed the main movements of the upper limb at maximal isometric strength: flexion-extension, internal-external rotation and abduction-adduction of the shoulder; and flexion-extension of both elbow and wrist. Validity was examined by comparing the strength values from the low-cost digital dynamometer and those measured by an isokinetic dynamometer, assumed as the gold standard. The correlation between both devices was perfect (r > 0.913), while Bland-Altman plots showed absolute agreement between both devices, the maximum range of the values of bias was -0.99-1.00 N in wrist extension. Inter-tester and intra-tester reliability were excellent for all movements (ICC ≥ 0.855). The low-cost digital dynamometer showed strong validity and excellent reliability in assessing maximal isometric strength during the main movements of the upper limb. Professionals may use it for an affordable isometric muscle strength assessment in field situations.

Validity and Reliability of a Digital Inclinometer to Assess Knee Joint Position Sense in an Open Kinetic Chain.

Context: New methods are being validated to easily evaluate the knee joint position sense (JPS) due to its role in the sports movement and the risk of injury. However, no studies to date have considered the open kinetic chain (OKC) technique, despite the biomechanical differences compared with closed kinetic chain movements. Objective: To analyze the validity and reliability of a digital inclinometer to measure the knee JPS in the OKC movement. Design: The validity and intertester and intratester reliability of a digital inclinometer for measuring knee JPS were evaluated. Setting: Sports research laboratory. Participants: A total of 18 athletes (11 males and 7 females; 28.4 [6.6] y; 71.9 [14.0] kg; 1.77 [0.09] m; 22.8 [3.2] kg/m2) voluntary participated in this study. Main Outcomes Measures: Absolute angular error (AAE), relative angular error (RAE), and variable angular error (VAE) of knee JPS in an OKC. Results: Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of the mean (SEM) were calculated to determine the validity and reliability of the inclinometer. Data showed excellent validity of the inclinometer to obtain proprioceptive errors compared with the video analysis in JPS tasks (AAE: ICC = .981, SEM = 0.08; RAE: ICC = .974, SEM = 0.12; VAE: ICC = .973, SEM = 0.07). Intertester reliability was also excellent for all the proprioceptive errors (AAE: ICC = .967, SEM = 0.04; RAE: ICC = .974, SEM = 0.03; VAE: ICC = .939, SEM = 0.08). Similar results were obtained for intratester reliability (AAE: ICC = .861, SEM = 0.1; RAE: ICC = .894, SEM = 0.1; VAE: ICC = .700, SEM = 0.2). Conclusions: The digital inclinometer is a valid and reliable method to assess the knee JPS in OKC. Sport professionals may evaluate the knee JPS to monitor its deterioration during training or improvements throughout the rehabilitation process.

Validity and reliability of a low-cost digital dynamometer for measuring isometric strength of lower limb.

Lower limb isometric strength is a key parameter to monitor the training process or recognise muscle weakness and injury risk. However, valid and reliable methods to evaluate it often require high-cost tools. The aim of this study was to analyse the concurrent validity and reliability of a low-cost digital dynamometer for measuring isometric strength in lower limb. Eleven physically active and healthy participants performed maximal isometric strength for: flexion and extension of ankle, flexion and extension of knee, flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, internal and external rotation of hip. Data obtained by the digital dynamometer were compared with the isokinetic dynamometer to examine its concurrent validity. Data obtained by the digital dynamometer from 2 different evaluators and 2 different sessions were compared to examine its inter-rater and intra-rater reliability. Intra-class correlation (ICC) for validity was excellent in every movement (ICC > 0.9). Intra and inter-tester reliability was excellent for all the movements assessed (ICC > 0.75). The low-cost digital dynamometer demonstrated strong concurrent validity and excellent intra and inter-tester reliability for assessing isometric strength in the main lower limb movements.

Effectiveness of Nerve Gliding Exercises on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to review the literature regarding the effectiveness of neural gliding exercises for the management of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: A computer-based search was completed through May 2014 in PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Web of Knowledge, Cochrane Plus, and CINAHL. The following key words were included: nerve tissue, gliding, exercises, carpal tunnel syndrome, neural mobilization, and neurodynamic mobilization. Thirteen clinical trials met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, which were: nerve gliding exercise management of participants aged 18 years or older; clinical or electrophysiological diagnostics of CTS; no prior surgical treatment; and absence of systemic diseases, degenerative joint diseases, musculoskeletal affectations in upper limbs or spine, or pregnancy. All studies were independently appraised using the PEDro scale. RESULTS: The majority of studies reported improvements in pain, pressure pain threshold, and function of CTS patients after nerve gliding, combined or not with additional therapies. When comparing nerve gliding with other therapies, 2 studies reported better results from standard care and 1 from use of a wrist splint, whereas 3 studies reported greater and earlier pain relief and function after nerve gliding in comparison with conservative techniques, such as ultrasound and wrist splint. However, 6 of the 13 studies had a quality of 5 of 11 or less according to the PEDro scale. CONCLUSION: Limited evidence is available on the effectiveness of neural gliding. Standard conservative care seems to be the most appropriate option for pain relief, although neural gliding might be a complementary option to accelerate recovery of function. More high-quality research is still necessary to determine its effectiveness and the subgroups of patients who may respond better to this treatment.

Validity and Reliability of a Digital Inclinometer to Assess Knee Joint-Position Sense in a Closed Kinetic Chain.

CONTEXT: Knee joint position sense (JPS) is a key parameter for optimum performance in many sports but is frequently negatively affected by injuries and/or fatigue during training sessions. Although evaluation of JPS may provide key information to reduce the risk of injury, it often requires expensive and/or complex tools that make monitoring proprioceptive deterioration difficult. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the validity and reliability of a digital inclinometer to measure knee JPS in a closed kinetic chain (CKC). DESIGN: The validity and intertester and intratester reliability of a digital inclinometer for measuring knee JPS were assessed. SETTING: Biomechanics laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: 10 athletes (5 men and 5 women; 26.2 ± 1.3 y, 71.7 ± 12.4 kg; 1.75 ± 0.09 m; 23.5 ± 3.9 kg/m2). INTERVENTION: Knee JPS was measured in a CKC. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Absolute angular error (AAE) of knee JPS in a CKC. RESULTS: Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of the mean (SEM) were calculated to determine the validity and reliability of the inclinometer. Data showed that the inclinometer had a high level of validity compared with an isokinetic dynamometer (ICC = 1.0, SEM = 1.39, p < 0.001), and there was very good intra- and inter-tester reliability for reading the inclinometer (ICC = 1.0, SEM = 0.85, p < 0.001). Compared with AutoCAD video analysis, inclinometer validity was very high (ICC = 0.980, SEM = 3.46, p < 0.001) for measuring AAE during knee JPS in a CKC. In addition, the intertester reliability of the inclinometer for obtaining AAE was very high (ICC = .994, SEM = 1.67, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The inclinometer provides a valid and reliable method for assessing knee JPS in a CKC. Health and sports professionals could take advantage of this tool to monitor proprioceptive deterioration in athletes.

Validation and cultural adaptation of "Kujala Score" in Spanish.

PURPOSE: To translate the patellofemoral disorder questionnaire "Kujala Score" into Spanish and to adapt it for Spanish culture . METHODS: International recommendations were followed to translate the "Kujala Score" into Spanish together with a cultural adaptation and validation. We analysed the following parameters: internal consistency, agreement construct validity, test-retest reliability, ceiling and floor effects, and responsiveness. The reproducibility and responsiveness were tested in 72 patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome in a test-retest design with follow-up testing at 7 days. The "Kujala Score" and the VISA-P were administered to 98 patients and 30 patients, respectively, who completed the "Kujala Score" and VISA-P after physiotherapy treatment, which consisted of rest, ice, proprioceptive exercise and manual therapy. RESULTS: The Spanish "Kujala Score" had high internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.8; if an item was deleted, Cronbach α = 0.77-0.80), excellent reliability and agreement (interclass correlation coefficient = 0.99), and good construct validity that was significantly correlated with the outcome of the Spanish VISA-P (Spearman rho = 0.7; P < 0.001). No ceiling or floor effects was detected for the Spanish "Kujala Score" or the responsiveness of the participants based on 40 patients receiving physical therapy, rest, ice and proprioceptive exercises for 1 month, demonstrating that it is a good determinant of changes in the symptomatology of patients with knee pain. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish adaptation of the patellofemoral disorder questionnaire "Kujala Score" proved to be valid and sensitive to clinical changes and to be a reliable instrument to assess the severity of pain and disability in patients with patellofemoral disorders. This questionnaire will be useful in clinical practice and research as an appropriate tool to evaluate and record the symptomatology of patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome among Spanish population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic study, Level I.

Reliability and minimal detectable change of three functional tests: forward-lunge, step-up-over and sit-to-stand.

[Purpose] To examine the intrasession and intersession reliability and the absolute reliability of three functional dynamic tests-forward-lunge, step-up-over and sit-to-stand tests-using computerized dynamic posturography. [Subjects and Methods] An intra-test and test-retest, repeated measure study was designed. Forty-five healthy subjects twice carried out the forward-lunge test, step-up-over test, and sit-to-stand test on two days, one week apart. The intrasession and intersession reliabilities as judged by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the minimal detectable change of the three functional tests were calculated. [Results] Excellent to very good intrasession reliability of the forward-lunge test (ICC range of 0.9-0.8) was found. Very good to good intrasession reliability of the step-up-over test (ICC range of 0.9-0.5) was found and very good intrasession reliability of the sit-to-stand test (ICC range of 0.8-0.7) was found. The minimal detectable change at the 95% confidence level of most of the measures was lower than 30%. [Conclusion] The forward-lunge, step-up-over and sit-to-stand tests are reliable measurement tools.

Effectiveness of dry needling on the lower trapezius in patients with mechanical neck pain: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of dry needling into a myofascial trigger point (MTrP) in the lower trapezius muscle of patients with mechanical idiopathic neck pain. DESIGN: A single-center, randomized, double-blinded controlled study. SETTING: Patients were recruited from the student population of a local hospital by advertisement in the university clinic from January 2010 to December 2011. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N=72) with unilateral neck pain, neck pain for ≥3 months, and active trigger points in the lower trapezius muscle were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups. All the patients completed the study. INTERVENTIONS: Dry needling in an MTrP in the lower trapezius muscle, or dry needling in the lower trapezius muscle but not at an MTrP. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The visual analog scale (VAS), Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ), and pressure-pain threshold (PPT) were assessed before the intervention and 1 week and 1 month postintervention. RESULTS: Treatment with dry needling of the lower trapezius muscle close to the MTrP showed decreases in pain and PPT as well as an improvement in the degree of disability (P<.001) compared with the baseline and control group measurements (P<.001). The dry-needling technique performed in the MTrP showed more significant therapeutic effects (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The application of dry needling into an active MTrP of the lower trapezius muscle induces significant changes in the VAS, NPQ, and PPT levels compared with the application of dry needling in other locations of the same muscle in patients with mechanical neck pain.

Unipedal Postural Balance and Countermovement Jumps After a Warm-up and Plyometric Training Session: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the immediate effects of a plyometric training protocol on unipedal postural balance and countermovement jumps. In addition, we analyzed the effects of a warm-up on these parameters. Thirty-two amateur male sprinters (24.9 ± 4.1 years; 72.3 ± 10.7 kg; 1.78 ± 0.05 m; 22.6 ± 3.3 kg·m) were randomly sorted into a control group (n = 16) (they did not perform any physical activity) and a plyometric training group (n = 16) (they performed a 15-minute warm-up and a high-intensity plyometric protocol consisting of 10 sets of 15 vertical jumps). Before and after the warm-up, and immediately after and 5 minutes after the plyometric protocol, all athletes indicated the perceived exertion on calf and quad regions on a scale from 0 (no exertion) to 10 (maximum exertion). They also carried out a maximum countermovement jump and a unipedal postural balance test (athletes would remain as still as possible for 15 seconds in a left leg and right leg support stance). Results showed that, in the plyometric group, length and velocity of center-of-pressure movement in right leg support stance increased compared with baseline (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively) and to the control group (p = 0.035 and p = 0.029, respectively) immediately after the plyometric protocol. In addition, the countermovement jump height decreased right after the plyometric protocol (p < 0.001). The perceived exertion on calf and quad regions increased after the plyometry (p < 0.001). Five minutes later, these parameters remained deteriorated despite a slight recovery (length: p = 0.044; velocity: p = 0.05; countermovement jump height: p < 0.001; local exertion: p < 0.001). Data also showed that countermovement jump height improved after the warm-up (p = 0.021), but unipedal postural balance remained unaltered. As a conclusion, high-intensity plyometric exercises blunt unipedal postural balance and countermovement jump performance. The deterioration lasts at least 5 minutes, which may influence future exercises in the training session. Coaches should plan the training routine according to the immediate effects of plyometry on postural balance and vertical jumps, which play a role in injury prevention and sports performance.