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Purpose Methods Results Conclusions Level of Evidence To compare functional outcomes such as muscle strength, neuromuscular control and patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) between patients with healed rotator cuffs and those with retears after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR).One hundred and nine patients who underwent arthroscopic RCR were included (85 in the healed group, 24 in the retear group). Shoulder muscle strength and neuromuscular control index (acceleration time [AT]) were evaluated using an isokinetic device. PROs were assessed using the pain visual analogue scale (VAS), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) scores. Continuous variables were compared using independent t tests. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the influence of the predictor variables on the dependent variable.The muscle strength and ATs for external rotators (ERs), internal rotators (IRs) and forward flexors as well as PROs including VAS, SST and ASES scores, were not significantly different between the two groups pre‐ and postoperatively (n.s.). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that postoperative ATs for the IRs (p = 0.006) and ERs (p = 0.028) in the operated shoulders were closely associated with the postoperative UCLA score.Compared with the healed group after arthroscopic RCR, the retear group had no clinically relevant differences in muscle strength, ATs and PROs, including VAS, SST, ASES and UCLA scores. However, postoperative ATs for IRs and ERs in the operated shoulders were a significant predictor of postoperative UCLA scores. Therefore, clinicians and therapists need to be aware of the importance of neuromuscular control in patients who have undergone arthroscopic RCR and prioritize therapeutic exercises to restore neuromuscular control.Level III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objective: This study aimed to compare the functional outcomes, such as knee muscle strength, dynamic postural stability, pain scores, and physical activity, in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) on stair climbing training with and without interferential electrotherapy (IFE) for 12 weeks. Methods: A total of 40 knee OA patients with Kellgren–Lawrence (K–L) grade ≤ 2 were enrolled (20 stair-climbing training with IFE vs. 20 stair-climbing training without IFE). The knee quadriceps and hamstring muscle strengths were measured using an isokinetic device. The dynamic postural stability was assessed using postural stabilometry. The pain score was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). Physical activity was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Results: The WOMAC score was significantly different (p < 0.019) between stair-climbing training with and without IFE in patients with knee OA, while knee muscle strength, dynamic postural stability, or pain score were not (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: Stair-climbing training with IFE was more beneficial for physical activity recovery than stair-climbing training without IFE. Therefore, clinicians and therapists should be aware that stair climbing, which can be practiced in daily life for the management of patients with knee OA, and the addition of IFE may improve physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) syndrome is closely associated with muscle tightness. However, studies regarding the effects of stretching exercises on PFP patients with inflexible hamstrings are scarce. The aim of the study was to compare the effects between static and dynamic hamstring stretching in patients with PFP who have inflexible hamstrings. Hypothesis: Compared with static hamstring stretching, dynamic hamstring stretching will improve the parameters of hamstring flexibility, knee muscle strength, muscle activation time, and clinical outcomes in this patient population. Study Design: Prospective randomized controlled trial. Level of Evidence: Level 2. Methods: A total of 46 patients (25, static stretching; 21, dynamic stretching) participated. Hamstring flexibility was assessed according to the popliteal angle during active knee extension. Muscle strength and muscle activation time were measured using an isokinetic device. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the anterior knee pain scale (AKPS). Results: There were no differences in hamstring flexibility and knee muscle strength of the affected knees between the groups (P > 0.05). Significantly improved muscle activation time and clinical outcomes of the affected knees were observed in the dynamic stretching group compared with the static stretching group (all Ps < 0.01 for hamstring, quadriceps, VAS, and AKPS). Conclusion: In patients with PFP who have inflexible hamstrings, dynamic hamstring stretching with strengthening exercises was superior for improving muscle activation time and clinical outcomes compared with static hamstring stretching with strengthening exercises. Clinical Relevance: Clinicians and therapists could implement dynamic hamstring stretching to improve function and reduce pain in patients with PFP who have inflexible hamstrings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]