Carryover effect of hip and knee exercises program on functional performance in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

[Purpose] This study was carried out to investigate the carryover effect of hip and knee exercises program on functional performance (single legged hop test as functional performance test and Kujala score for functional activities). [Subjects and Methods] Thirty patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome were randomly assigned into two equal groups. Group (A) consisted of 15 patients undergoing hip strengthening exercises for four weeks then measuring all variables followed by additional four weeks of knee exercises program then measuring all variables again. Group (B): consisted of 15 patients undergoing knee exercises program for four weeks then measuring all variables followed by additional four weeks of hip strengthening exercises then measuring all variables. Functional abilities and knee muscles performance were assessed using Kujala questionnaire and single legged hop test respectively pre and after the completion of the first 4 weeks then after 8 weeks for both groups. [Results] Significantly increase in Kujala questionnaire in group A compared with group B was observed. While, there were significant increase in single legged hop performance test in group B compared with group A. [Conclusion] Starting with hip exercises improve the performance of subjects more than functional activities while starting with knee exercises improve the functional activities of subjects more than performance.

Shoulder muscle weakness and proprioceptive impairments in type 2 diabetes mellitus: exploring correlations for improved clinical management.

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder with systemic implications, potentially affecting musculoskeletal health. This study aimed to assess shoulder muscle strength and joint repositioning accuracy in individuals with T2DM, exploring potential correlations and shedding light on the musculoskeletal consequences of the condition. The objectives were two-fold: (1) to assess and compare shoulder strength and joint repositioning accuracy between individuals with T2DM and asymptomatic counterparts, and (2) to examine the correlation between shoulder strength and joint repositioning accuracy in individuals with T2DM. Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled 172 participants using the convenience sampling method, including 86 individuals with T2DM and an age-matched asymptomatic group (n = 86). Shoulder strength was assessed using a handheld dynamometer, while joint repositioning accuracy was evaluated with an electronic digital inclinometer. Results: Individuals with T2DM exhibited reduced shoulder muscle strength compared to asymptomatic individuals (p < 0.001). Additionally, joint repositioning accuracy was significantly lower in the T2DM group (p < 0.001). Negative correlations were observed between shoulder strength and joint repositioning accuracy in various directions (ranging from -0.29 to -0.46, p < 0.001), indicating that higher muscle strength was associated with improved joint repositioning accuracy in individuals with T2DM. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant impact of T2DM on shoulder muscle strength and joint repositioning accuracy. Reduced strength and impaired accuracy are evident in individuals with T2DM, emphasizing the importance of addressing musculoskeletal aspects in diabetes management. The negative correlations suggest that enhancing shoulder muscle strength may lead to improved joint repositioning accuracy, potentially contributing to enhanced physical functioning in this population.

Effect of pulsed electromagnetic field on nonspecific low back pain patients: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Further research on pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) effects on the different conditions of low back pain was warranted due to lack of studies in this area. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy with 50Hz frequency, with low intensity of 20Gauss compared to conventional non-invasive treatment modalities in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. METHODS: Design - A prospective, randomized, patient-blinded, controlled trial. Setting - The study was conducted at Outpatient Physiotherapy Clinic in Cairo, Egypt. The study was conducted between May 2015 and September 2016. Participants - Fifty participants with non-specific low back pain enrolled into experimental and control groups. Interventions - The experimental group received the Conventional physical therapy Protocol as well as magnetic field, while the control group received the same Conventional physical therapy and sham electromagnetic field. Both groups received 12 sessions over 4 weeks' period. Outcome measures - Primary outcome measures was pain intensity while the secondary outcome measures were disability and lumbar range of motion - ROM. There were no adverse events occurred during the study. RESULTS: Fifty participants with non-specific low back pain (control group n=25; experimental group n=25) were randomized. There were significant between-group differences in pain scores (mean difference - MD 1.52; 95%CI -0.34 to 3.35), function disability (MD 8.14; 95%CI 6.5 to 9.96), Range of Motion (ROM) of lumbar flexion (MD -1.27; 95%CI -1.09 to -1.45), ROM of lumbar extension (MD -1.1; 95%CI -0.97 to -1.23), ROM of lumbar right side bending (MD 8.2; 95%CI 6.56 to 9.84) and ROM of lumbar left side bending (MD 10.4; 95%CI 8.81 to 11.99) in favour of the experimental group. CONCLUSION: Adding pulsed electromagnetic field to Conventional physical therapy Protocol yields superior clinical improvement in pain, functional disability, and lumbar ROM in patients with non-specific low back pain than Conventional physical therapy alone.

Impact of foot pronation on postural stability: An observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of foot pronation on the postural stability through measuring the dynamic balance including overall stability index (OAI), anteroposterior stability index (APSI) and mediolateral stability index (MLSI). METHODS: Forty participants from both sexes were selected from the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, with a mean age of 23.55 ± 1.74 years. Subjects were divided into two groups: group A (8 males and 12 females) with foot pronation, and group B (9 males and 11 females) with normal feet. The Navicular Drop Test (NDT) was used to determine if the feet were pronated and Biodex Balance System was used to assess dynamic balance at level 8 and level 4 for both groups. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in dynamic balance, including OAI, APSI and MLSI at stability level 8 (p> 0.05) but, there was a significant difference at stability level 4 (p< 0.05) between the two groups with lower stability in group A. CONCLUSION: Foot pronation affects the postural stability at stability level four and not affects stability level eight compared with those in the control group.