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Background: Deep dry needling (DDN) and ischemic compression technic (ICT) may be considered as interventions used for the treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) in latent myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). The immediate effectiveness of both DDN and ICT on pressure pain threshold (PPT) and skin temperature of the latent MTrPs of the triceps surae has not yet been determined, especially in athletes due to their treatment requirements during training and competition. Objective: To compare the immediate efficacy between DDN and ICT in the latent MTrPs of triathletes considering PPT and thermography measurements. Method: A total sample of 34 triathletes was divided into two groups: DDN and ICT. The triathletes only received a treatment session of DDN (n = 17) or ICT (n = 17). PPT and skin temperature of the selected latent MTrPs were assessed before and after treatment. Results: Statistically significant differences between both groups were shown after treatment, showing a PPT reduction (p < 0.05) in the DDN group, while PPT values were maintained in the ICT group. There were not statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) for thermographic values before and treatment for both interventions. Conclusions: Findings of this study suggested that ICT could be more advisable than DDN regarding latent MTrPs local mechanosensitivity immediately after treatment due to the requirements of training and competition in athletes' population. Nevertheless, further studies comparing both interventions in the long term should be carried out in this specific population due to the possible influence of delayed onset muscle soreness and muscle damage on PPT and thermography values secondary to the high level of training and competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postural balance and fall efficacy (self-perceived confidence in performing daily physical activities) have been found to be risk factors associated with falls in older adults. Stretching is one intervention that has been investigated to improve balance and therefore reduce fall risk. Various forms of stretching have been evaluated with different outcomes, but there is a lack of knowledge about the effect of stretching (continuous and intermittent) on plantar pressures and balance. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of stretching (continuous and intermittent) of the bilateral ankle plantar flexors on plantar pressures and static balance. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was carried out. Forty-eight healthy subjects (42 females and 6 males) were recruited in an outpatient clinic. Subjects were randomly assigned to an intermittent stretching group (five sets of 1 min; 15 s of rest) or a continuous stretching group (2 min of continuous stretching) of the plantar flexors. Plantar pressures and balance using stabilometry were measured before and after stretching. Results: There were significant differences between intermittent and continuous stretching in rearfoot maximum pressure, forefoot surface area, and center of pressure surface area with eyes open. Conclusions: Bilateral intermittent stretching of the ankle plantar flexors was found to be more effective than continuous stretching for the reduction of rearfoot maximum pressure and improved balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess clinical differences in the Achilles tendons of runners with ankle equinus wearing either compressive or standard stockings. Design: Case–control study. Methods: In this study, we conducted clinical examinations of 98 sportsmen (runners) with equinus, before and after 30 min of running on a treadmill; 49 runners wore compressive stockings and 49 wore standard stockings. Clinical assessments of the runners' Achilles tendons were based on the pressure pain threshold (PPT) and skin temperature analysis. Results: Achilles tendon evaluations identified significant differences in skin temperature modification and PPT between the compressive and standard stocking groups. Conclusions: Based on our findings, we propose that higher skin temperatures are associated with lower pressure pain thresholds in the Achilles tendons of runners with ankle equinus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]