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Context: Hip and groin injuries are common in field sports such as football, with measurement of hip strength and range of motion (ROM) recommended for assessment of these conditions. We aimed to report hip strength, hip ROM, and functional task performance in young elite Australian football athletes. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Fifty-eight newly drafted Australian Football League athletes completed hip abduction, adduction, internal rotation, external rotation, and flexion strength testing with an adjustable stabilized or hand-held dynamometer. Hip internal rotation and external rotation, bent knee fall out, and ankle dorsiflexion ROM were also measured. Players completed hop for distance, side bridge, and star excursion balance functional tests. We compared findings between the dominant and nondominant limbs. Results: We found small deficits unlikely to be clinically meaningful in the dominant limb for hip abduction and adduction strength, and a small deficit in the nondominant limb for external rotation strength and side bridge time. Athletes had lower hip internal rotation (mean difference 2.56°; 95% confidence interval, 0.87 to 4.26) and total rotation ROM (2.03°; 95% confidence interval, 0.06 to 4.01) on the dominant limb. Conclusions: There were no meaningful differences between dominant and nondominant limbs for hip strength, ROM, or functional tests. Our results may be used for benchmarking young male Australian football athletes when targeting optimal strength and returning from injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have suggested that a reduced length of the biceps femoris long head (BF lh) fascicles may increase the risk of hamstring strain injury (HSI). However, it remains unclear whether the BF lh fascicles of the injured limb are shorter than those of the contralateral limb in athletes with an acute HSI. To investigate the between-limb asymmetry of BF lh fascicle length in amateur athletes with an acute HSI. Male amateur athletes were evaluated using ultrasound scans within five days following an HSI. The BF lh fascicle length was estimated using a validated equation. Eighteen injured athletes participated in this study. There was no significant difference (p = 0.27) in the length of BF lh fascicles between the injured limb (9.53 ± 2.55 cm; 95%CI 8.26 to 10.80 cm) and the uninjured limb (10.54 ± 2.87 cm; 95%CI 9.11 to 11.97 cm). Individual analysis revealed high heterogeneity, with between-limb asymmetries (percentage difference of the injured limb compared to the uninjured limb) ranging from −42% to 25%. Nine out of the 18 athletes had a fascicle length that was more than 10% shorter in the injured limb compared to the uninjured limb, five athletes had a difference of less than 10%, and four athletes had a fascicle length that was more than 10% longer in the injured limb compared to the uninjured limb. The architecture characteristics of injured and uninjured muscles is not consistent among athletes with HSI. Therefore, rehabilitation programs focused on fascicle lengthening should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the severity outcomes of COVID-19 disease between patients with and without regular sports participation. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, the authors investigated all patients who visited the emergency department of Imam Khomeini hospital with signs and symptoms of COVID-19 from February 20 to April 20, 2020. Then the authors assessed all patient outcomes (outpatient vs hospitalization or death). Finally, the authors compared the outcomes between athletes with regular sports participation and others, adjusting for confounding factors of age and sex. Results: Of all 4694 adult patients, 249 individuals (137 males and 112 females with mean [SD] age of 36.45 [9.77] y) had regular participation in different sport disciplines. Overall, 30 (12%) athletes were hospitalized or died (30 and 0, respectively) compared with 957 (21.5%) nonathletes (878 and 79, respectively). Athletes with regular sports participation were 1.49 times less likely to be hospitalized (P = .044). Conclusions: Regular sports participation may positively affect the clinical outcome, regardless of confounding factors of age and sex. The probability of hospitalization in athletes with regular sports participation was 33% lower than nonathletes. However, more longitudinal studies are needed to determine the causal effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effect of Position-Specific Physiotherapy Training on Agility, Speed endurance, and Balance in Indian Football Players. Around 70 football players were approached of which 48 gave consent to participate, and further 30 players sufficing inclusion criteria were recruited. They were divided into three groups, Forwards (Group A, n = 10), Defenders (Group B, n = 10), and Control (Group C, n = 10), according to their On-field Position. These participants underwent Position Specific Physiotherapy Training for 4 weeks. Significant improvement was noted in the Agility of Group A (p ≤ 0.001) and Group B (p ≤ 0.001) as compared to Group C (p = 0.071). Speed Endurance improved for Group A (p ≤0.001) and Group B (p ≤ 0.001) as compared to Group C (p = 0.111). Fatigue Index of Group A (p ≤ 0.001) and Group B (p ≤ 0.001) improved significantly as compared to Group C (p = 0.383). The Balance of Group A (p = 0.0063) and Group B (p = 0.0019) improved significantly as compared to Group C (p = 0.0632). Position-Specific Physiotherapy Training was found to be effective in improving Agility, Speed endurance, and Balance ability of the Indian Football Players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential purpose of this research study is to determine the psychological factors influencing injury rehabilitation also the return to sport. This research study depends upon primary data analysis to determine whether the research used SPSS software and generated informative results related to them. The research describes the systematic review to determine the research used descriptive statistic analysis, correlation coefficients, and regression analysis; it also explains the ANOVA model between psychological factors and injury rehabilitation and sports return. Remember that each individual's return- to-sport schedule and procedure will vary based on the nature and severity of the injury, as well as individual circumstances. Consulting with a healthcare specialist and working closely with a competent sports rehabilitation team can help you design a specific strategy for a safe and successful return to sport. The overall research study found that there are positive and significant influence psychological factors in injury rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential aim of this research study is to determine the role of psychological resilience in athletic injury recovery also that performance. This research study is based on the primary data analysis for measuring the research study using questions wise data and measuring the analysis through smart PLS software and generating informative results. The descriptive statistic analysis, the indicator correlation, the significant analysis, and the co-linearity statistic analysis between them. The result also presents that smart PLS Algorithm model between dependent and independent variables. Psychological resilience is the main independent and, injury recovery shows a mediator role, and performance is the main dependent variable. The findings of this research contribute to a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of cerebral adaptability in the environment of athletic injury recovery and performance. It's hoped that this knowledge informs the development of effective interventions and strategies to enhance cerebral adaptability in athletes, eventually leading to bettered recovery issues and long-term success in sports. The overall research study found positive and significant links between psychological resilience and injury recovery and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Female soccer players have a higher anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury rate than male players, possibly due to sex-specific intrinsic risk factors. The Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) and the Step-Down Test (SDT) have been used for screening the ACL injury risk, but the performance of adult soccer players in these field-based tests remains unclear. Purpose: To compare the performance of well-conditioned male and female soccer players on two field-based tests for screening the ACL injury risk: the LESS and the SDT. Methods: Sixty-seven soccer players from first state division teams were part of this study: 36 men (20 ± 1 years) and 31 women (21 ± 2 years). All players had no ACL injury history, and performed both tests in their clubs' facilities. Results: No significant difference between groups was found for total score on the LESS [male = 2.56 ± 1.25 (2.14; 2.98); female = 2.81 ± 1.64 (2.21; 3.41); p = 0.779] or the SDT [male = 2.61 ± 1.02 (2.26; 2.96); female = 2.97 ± 0.95 (2.62; 3.32); p = 0.280]. A greater percentage of females counted "errors" related to knee medialization and trunk-flexion displacement during LESS execution, while males failed more often in relation to foot positioning. Distribution of "errors" on the SDT was similar between sexes. Conclusions: Male and female professional soccer players presented similar total scores in the LESS and the SDT. However, female players seem to present some landing features potentially harmful to the ACL (related to dynamic knee valgus and poor trunk-flexion displacement) more often than males. Level of evidence: 3a. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symptom modification techniques have been recently dichotomously labeled as either passive or active therapies. Active therapy such as exercise has been rightfully advocated for while "passive" therapies, mainly manual therapy have been regarded as low value within the physical therapy treatment spectrum. In sporting environments where physical activity and exercise are inherent to the athletic experience, the utilization of exercise-only strategies to manage pain and injury can be challenging when considering the demands and qualities of a sporting career which include chronically high internal and external workloads. Participation may be impacted by pain and its influence on related factors such as training and competition performance, career length, financial earning potential, educational opportunity, social pressures, influence of family, friends, and other key stakeholders of their athletic activity. Though highly polarizing viewpoints regarding different therapies create black and white "sides," a pragmatic gray area regarding manual therapy exists in which proper clinical reasoning can serve to improve athlete pain and injury management. This gray area includes both historic positive reported short-term outcomes and negative historical biomechanical underpinnings that have created unfounded dogma and inappropriate overutilization. Applying symptom modification strategies to safely allow the continuation of sport and exercise requires critical thinking utilizing not only the evidence-base, but also the multi-factorial nature of sports participation and pain management. Given the risks associated with pharmacological pain management, the cost of passive modalities like biophysical agents (electrical stimulation, photobiomodulation, ultrasound, etc), and the indications from the evidence-base when combined with active therapies, manual therapy can be a safe and effective treatment strategy to keep athletes active. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy is pleased to publish abstracts from the 4th World Congress of Sports Physical Therapy, which will take place in Nyborg, Denmark, August 26-27, 2022. The theme of the Congress is "Translating Science into Actioon." The variety of presentations during this congress are examples of the contemporary sports physical therapy research activities taking place around the world. The abstracts presented in the following pages were selected by the Scientific Committee, which included members from and from the International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy. It should be noted that abstracts have not been reviewed by the Editorial Board, Associate Editors or Editor-in- Chief of the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. After careful review by an international team of reviewers, research abstracts will be presented by authors at the World Congress. Each abstract presents only a brief summary of a research project / presentation and does not permit full assessment of the scientific rigor with which the work was conducted. While the abstracts offer only preliminary results that may require further refinement and future validation, they do serve an important role of sharing new research ideas from around the world. This sharing of ideas helps to encourage worldwide dialogue among researchers, clinicians, and educators that will ultimately contribute to the sports physical therapy body of knowledge. Notice: The abstracts below are presented as prepared by the authors. The accuracy and content of each abstract remain the responsibility of the authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the biopsychosocial model of sport injury rehabilitation (Brewer, Andersen, & Van Raalte, 2002) is one of the most comprehensive frameworks to address athletes' postinjury responses, there has been little research centralizing the myriad of cultural factors (e.g., nationality, ethnicity, socioeconomic status) that can impact psychological, social/contextual, and biological factors that, in turn, impact athletes' recovery. The purpose of the current study was to explore high-level South Korean athletes' experiences of injury and rehabilitation. Retrospective semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 retired high-level South Korean athletes. Employing Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) methodology (Hill, 2012), four domains were constructed from the data: (a) Experience of the South Korean Sport System, (b) Immediate Post-Injury Perceptions, (c) Experience of Recovery Process, and (d) Post-Injury Reflections. The findings indicated that participants' experiences of the forced hierarchy and power dynamics within the South Korean athletic specialist system influenced perceived sport injury rehabilitation outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Shoulder pain related to the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) tendinopathy can be debilitating and difficult to treat especially in athletes who often elect for surgical intervention. Conservative management is recommended but there are limited established guidelines on the physical therapy (PT) management of the condition. Hypothesis/Purpose The purpose of this study was to establish consensus on conservative, non-surgical physical therapy interventions for individuals with LHBT tendinopathy using the Delphi method approach. Study Design Delphi Study Methods Through an iterative process, experts in the PT field rated their agreement with a list of proposed treatment interventions and suggested additional interventions during each round. Agreement was measured using a four-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics including median and percentage agreement were used to measure agreement. Data analysis at the end of Round III produced, by consensus, a list of PT interventions recommended for the management of individuals with LHBT tendinopathy. Consensus was defined as an a priori cutoff of ≥75% agreement. Results The respondent group included 29 international experts in the PT management of individuals with shoulder pain. At the conclusion of the study 61 interventions were designated as recommended based on consensus amongst experts and 9 interventions were not recommended based on the same criteria, 15 interventions did not achieve consensus. Conclusion There is a lack of well-defined, PT interventions used to treat LHBT tendinopathy. Expert respondents reached consensus on multimodal interventions including exercise, manual therapy and patient education to manage LHBT tendinopathy. Level of Evidence 5 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering individual beliefs and preferences is a pillar of the evidence-based practice and determines compliance and outcomes of an intervention. However, little is known about the professional football (soccer) players' perceptions on injury issues. The aim of this study was to describe the professional football players' perceptions towards injury risk factors and prevention strategies. One-hundred male professional football players answered an online questionnaire. The top-five risk factors included poor muscle strength/power; poor rest/sleep; short interval between matches; high number of matches in season; and excessive training. More than ¾ of football players in our study considered the following strategies as being effective in reducing injury risk: workload monitoring; warm-up; lumbo-pelvic stability training; proprioceptive training; functional training; monitoring diet; flexibility training; and conventional strength training. Perceptions of professional male football players regarding injury risk factors and prevention strategies are only partially in line with current scientific evidence. These perceptions have been usually overlooked, and should be considered by medical/coaching staffs in order to get greater compliance to injury prevention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While research and scholarship on the dynamic interconnections between sport and health has steadily grown in the sociocultural study of sport in the past few decades, this paper focuses more directly on the politics of health within sport. Drawing on a small study of the lived experiences and understandings of health, pain/injury, risk and precaution among 12 male and female high performance youth (16-19 years of age) triathletes and three coaches, we outline the ways in which health becomes depoliticized among high performance athletes as our participants made no connection to health as a political phenomenon—within or outside of sport—or to their own right to health as members of the high performance sport community. We conclude by offering some suggestions as to why health was (and is) rendered apolitical in high performance youth triathlon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background While Athletic Trainers' (ATs) education emphasizes sport event coverage, Physical Therapists' (PTs) education may prepare them for event coverage responsibilities. The objectives of this study were to compare the perceived preparedness and decision-making related to acute injury/medical condition management among ATs and PTs and evaluate the relationship between perceived preparedness and decision-making. Hypothesis ATs would report greater perceived preparedness and appropriate decision-making related to acute injury/medical conditions compared to PTs. Study Design Cross-sectional, Online survey Methods An electronic survey was disseminated to licensed ATs (n=2,790) and PTs (n=10,207). Survey questions focused on perceived preparedness for management of acute injuries/ medical conditions. Respondents also completed questions that assessed clinical decision-making related to acute injury case scenarios. Kruskal-Wallis H-Tests and Spearman's Rho Correlations were used for the analysis. Significance was set to p<0.003 after adjustment for family-wise error. Results Six-hundred and fifty-five respondents (292 ATs, 317 PTs, 46 dual credentialed PT/ATs) completed the entire survey. ATs had the highest level of perceived preparedness of all the groups (p<0.0003). Greater than 75% of PTs responded either "appropriately" or "overly cautious" to 10 of the 17 case scenarios, as opposed to 11 of the 17 case scenarios by ATs. Greater than 75% of the PTs who were board specialty certified in sports responded either "appropriately" or "overly cautious" to 13 case scenarios. Conclusion More ATs than PTs perceived themselves to be prepared to manage acute injuries/ medical conditions. Further, results indicate that PTs may be an effective and safe provider of event coverage. Conditions/injuries with low perceived preparedness or poor performance may offer both ATs and PTs an opportunity to identify areas for future training and education to optimize care for athletes with acute injuries or medical conditions. Level of Evidence Level 3b [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Post-professional residency training in sports physical therapy has undergone rapid growth since its inception over 20 years ago with 58 programs currently accredited. Purpose The purpose of this survey was to describe and contrast the demographics, motivations, and selection influences from the perspective of both potential training applicants and program faculty. Study Design Cross-sectional descriptive survey Methods 156 physical therapists identified as stakeholders in sports residency and fellowship training were invited to participate in a 115-item survey. Descriptive measures of central tendencies to describe the data and Mann Whitney Rank Sum tests were used to detect differences between the perspectives of applicants and faculty. Results 50 program faculty and 57 applicants responded to the survey for a 69% response rate. Motivations for post-professional training categorized as extremely important were largely intrinsic behavioral modifiers centering on improved knowledge, skills, and outcomes while satisfying a passion for sports specialty training and enhancing job opportunities in the field. 7 of the 10 highest rated application motivations were rated as significantly more important by applicants than faculty members (p<0.05). The two most highly rated influences for choosing to apply to a specific residency site were the perception for subsequent job opportunities and perceived relationship and qualifications with the residency director and staff. The importance of job opportunities in sports PT was rated much higher by the applicant than the faculty (p=0.003). Conclusions While the motivations for residency training may be slightly different between groups the importance of information acquisition and methods for residency selection criteria seem more congruent. Residency faculty may underestimate the importance of some of the most important motivations that prompt interest in residency training. Recognition of these factors may alter the presentation and content design of residency curriculums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examine video-based motion analysis (VBMA) use among sports physical therapists. Cross-sectional observation. Survey, online-platform. American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy members (n = 261). VBMA use frequency, reasons for use, facilitators/barriers, tools used, factors associated with use. 194 (74.3%) used VBMA but 163 (84%) use it for ≤ 25% of their caseload. Most (57.7%) used their personal device to capture VBMA. Commonly cited reasons for use were movement analysis (93.8%) and patient education (87.6%). Barriers to use included time (30.7%), unfamiliarity with device/equipment (19.2%), and lack of device/equipment (18.4%). Younger age, advanced training, and greater time spent with return patients were each associated with use. For every 5-year increase of age, there was a 12% reduced likelihood of VBMA use (OR = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.77–1.00). Board-certified sports clinical specialists were more likely to use vs. those without additional certifications/degrees (OR = 3.27; 95% CI = 1.33–8.02). Spending 30–59 (vs. <30) minutes with return patients increased the odds of use (ORs range: 2.71 to 3.85). Most respondents used VBMA, albeit infrequently. Those younger, with advanced training, and spending ≥30 min with return patients were more likely to use VBMA. Future research should investigate whether VBMA use enhances patient outcomes. • Most sports physical therapists in the United States used VBMA, albeit infrequently. • Younger age, advanced training, and time with return patients predicted VBMA use. • Movement analysis and visual feedback for patients were primary reasons for VBMA use. • Time restraint, unfamiliarity, and lack of equipment were common barriers to VBMA use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on most popular modalities in sports physical therapy in memory is blood flow restriction (BFR) training. Topics include the concept of BFR dates back to the 1960's, and BFR-related studies published in the literature started increasing in the early 2000's, the sports physical therapy professionals have a good reason to be excited about this modality, and the many interventions we use or have used have little to no scientific basis or clinical research to support them.

Background: The Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) is an effective strategy to prevent hamstring strain injuries in soccer players. The current literature recommends a 10-week training program with three sessions per week, but the short preseason period and the congested schedule make difficult for high-performance soccer teams to apply the NHE as recommended. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a pragmatic NHE training program during a fourweek preseason period on eccentric knee flexor strength of high-performance soccer players. Study design: Quasi-experimental clinical trial. Methods: This study included 25 under-20 male soccer players from a premier league club. They performed eight sessions of NHE (3 sets of 6-10 repetitions, twice a week) during the four-week preseason period. The eccentric knee flexor strength was evaluated during the NHE execution on a custom-made device, before and after the training program. Results: The NHE training program significantly increased the players' eccentric knee flexor strength in both right (Δ=13%; p<0.001; effect size=0.97) and left limbs (Δ=13%; p<0.001; effect size=0.92). Individual analysis identified 76% of the players as responders to the NHE training program (Δ=16%; effect size=1.60), and 24% as non-responders (Δ=3%; effect size=0.24). Conclusion: A four-week training program with NHE performed twice a week is feasible in the real-world of highperformance soccer clubs and increases the eccentric knee flexor strength of male soccer players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article offers a guide for athletic trainers (ATs) to evaluating and managing chronic shoulder conditions in athletes. It emphasizes the need for ATs to acquire a thorough history of the condition, including the mechanism of injury, specific location of symptoms and quantification of pain level. It explains how posture contributes to the athlete's susceptibility to shoulder injury. It suggests joint mobilization techniques when capsular restrictions are evident in order to restore normal motion.

The article focuses on the development of clinical prediction rules (CPRs) in athletic training and sports therapy. CPRs quantify the probability of a patient's diagnosis, establish a prognosis, indicate injury severity and identify an appropriate treatment plan. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis and CPR accuracy and utility are also discussed.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the initial effects of scapular mobilization (SM) on shoulder range of motion (ROM), scapular upward rotation, pain, and function. Design: Pretest-posttest for 3 groups (SM, sham, and control). Setting: A double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the initial effect of the SM at a sports physiotherapy clinic. Participants: 39 subjects (22 women, 17 men; mean age 54.30 ± 14.16 y, age range 20-77 y). Interventions: A visual analog scale, ROM, scapular upward rotation, and function were assessed before and just after SM. SM (n = 13) consisted of the application of superoinferior gliding, rotations, and distraction to the scapula. The sham (n = 13) condition replicated the treatment condition except for the hand positioning. The control group (n = 13) did not undergo any physiotherapy and rehabilitation program. Main Outcome Measures: Pain severity was assessed with a visual analog scale. Scapular upward rotation was measured with a baseline digital inclinometer. Constant Shoulder Score (CSS) was used to measure shoulder function. Results: After SM, we found significant improvements for shoulder ROM, scapular upward rotation, and CSS between pretreatment and posttreatment compared with the sham and control groups. In the sham group, shoulder-ROM values increased or decreased for the shoulder and scapular upward rotation was not changed. Pain, ROM, and physical function of the shoulder were not significantly different in the sham group than in controls (P > .05). Conclusions: SM may be a useful manual therapy technique to apply to participants with a painful limitation of the shoulder. SM increases ROM and decreases pain intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychological trauma associated with long-term injury can cause athletes to experience intense stress-like symptoms and considerable negative affect (e.g., Tracey, 2003; Udry, 1997). Due to the nature of competitive sport, however, it is thought that injured athletes inhibit these emotions to the detriment of their physical health. The present study examined Pennebaker's (1989) emotional disclosure paradigm within a sporting context. It was hypothesized that writing about a traumatic injury would reduce athletes' mood disturbance and stress during rehabilitation. Further, it was believed that these changes would correspond with an increase in immune expression from pre- to postintervention. Elite injured athletes (N = 9) rehabilitating from anterior cruciate ligament surgery participated in the 3-day writing intervention, consisting of 3 X 20 min writing sessions, during which athletes disclosed negative emotions associated with their injury and rehabilitation experiences. Measures were taken at six time-points (T1-T6), with pre- and postintervention phases lasting for 4 weeks each. Measures consisted of psychological stress (intrusion and avoidance), total mood disturbance, and relative cell-counts/µL for circulating T-cells (CD4/8) and NK cells (CD16/56). Repeated-measures ANOVAs showed a significant main effect of time for intrusion, F(5, 70) = 5.83, p = .001, η² = .29 and avoidance, F(5, 70) = 5.73, p = .002, η² = 0.29 subscales; mood disturbance, F(5, 70) = 3.71, p = 0.005, η² = 0.21; and CD4+, F(5, 65) = 2.39, p = 0.048, η² = .16. Subsequent linear contrasts provided further evidence of significant prepost differences among the stress, mood state, and immune variables. These results suggest that the written disclosure intervention has potential psycho-immunological benefits for athletes rehabilitating from long-term injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the reasons for using a preassessment tool prior to beginning injury rehabilitation with athletes. The preassessment tool helps to determine the extent of any psychological trauma that can occur with sports injuries. Elevated stress levels, depression, and impaired self-image can make it difficult for many athletes to cope with and recover from injuries. The preassessment tool helps to determine if injured athletes are psychologically ready to begin rehabilitation.

Context: Structural and coronal-plane-alignment characteristics of the lower limb are frequently cited as factors contributing to knee pathologies. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy and reliability characteristics of a digital-photographic-goniometric method (DPGM) of measurement for 2-dimensional (2D) coronal-plane lower limb measurements of the quadriceps (Q) angle, tibiofemoral (TF) angle, and femur length in human participants adopting a self-selected- or Rombergstance position. Design: Reliability study. Setting: University motion-analysis laboratory. Participants: A convenience sample of 20 healthy young adult men and women. Main Outcome Measures: Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), 95% confidence intervals, and standard error of the measurements. Results: Intratester- and intertester-reliability coefficients for the Q angle (ICCs .458-845 and .257-737) were consistently lower than those for the TF angle (ICCs .627-904 and .700-839) or femur length (ICCs .867-958 and .866-.944). Q angles were also significantly larger (13.4%) in the Romberg- vs self-selected-stance position (P < .001) and larger (20.2%) in the left limb than the right limb. Conclusions: The DPGM has the potential to produce accurate and reliable measurements of selected 2D lower limb measures. However, the reliability characteristics depend on the ability of the testers to correctly and repeatably landmark the anatomical sites used to define the measurements of interest and might be influenced by other factors such as the stance position adopted, the complexity of the variable (ie, number of anatomical landmarks and segments), and the size of the captured image. Further investigation of these latter factors is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Self-myofascial release (SMR) is a technique used to treat myofascial restrictions and restore soft-tissue extensibility. Purpose: To determine whether the pressure and contact area on the lateral thigh differ between a Multilevel rigid roller (MRR) and a Bio-Foam roller (BFR) for participants performing SMR. Participants: Ten healthy young men and women. Methods: Participants performed an SMR technique on the lateral thigh using both myofascial rollers. Thin-film pressure sensels recorded pressure and contact area during each SMR trial. Results: Mean sensel pressure exerted on the soft tissue of the lateral thigh by the MRR (51.8 ± 10.7 kPa) was significantly (P < .001) greater than that of the conventional BFR (33.4 ± 6.4 kPa). Mean contact area of the MRR (47.0 ± 16.1 cm²) was significantly (P < .005) less than that of the BFR (68.4 ± 25.3 cm²). Conclusion: The significantly higher pressure and isolated contact area with the MRR suggest a potential benefit in SMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are numerous ways to overload the scapular stabilizers. Objectives: To assess scapular stabilizer activity using the Bodyblade and other traditional training devices. Design: Repeated measures analysis of surface EMG data collected from the upper trapezius (UT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA) during shoulder flexion and abduction using Bodyblade®, cuff weight, and Thera-Band resistance. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: Thirty collegiate athletes (20. 0 ± 1. 7 years). Intervention: Participants performed 10 repetitions of shoulder flexion and abduction. Main Outcome Measures: For each movement, normalized root mean square values (NrmsEMG) were computed for each muscle during each repetition under each training condition. Data were analyzed using 3 (condition) x 10 (repetition) repeated measures ANOVAs. Results: During shoulder flexion and abduction, the NrmsEMG of the UT, LT, and SA were significantly greater when using the Bodyblade than the Thera-Band or cuff weight. Conclusion: The Bodyblade produces greater scapular activity than traditional resistance techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throwing injuries. Objective: To study the effects of posterior capsule tightness on humeral head position in late cocking simulation. Design: Eight fresh frozen shoulders were placed in position of "late cocking," 90 degrees abduction, and 10 degrees adduction and maximal external rotation. 3D measurements of humeral head relationship to the glenoid were taken with an infrared motion sensor, both before and after suture plication of the posterior capsule. Plications of 20% posterior/inferior capsule and 20% entire posterior capsule were performed, followed by plications of 40% of the posterior/inferior capsule and 40% entire posterior capsule. Setting: Cadaver Lab. Intervention: Posterior capsular placation. Main Outcome Measures: Humeral head position. Results: 40%, but not 20%, posterior/inferior and posterior plications demonstrated a trend to increased posterior-superior humeral head translation relative to controls. Conclusion: Surgically created posterior capsular tightness of the glenohumeral joint demonstrated a nonsignificant trend to increased posterior/superior humeral head translation in the late cocking position of throwing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stretching prior to activity or as a rehabilitative intervention may promote increased throwing shoulder range of motion (ROM) in baseball pitchers. Objective: To evaluate the acute effects of Fauls modified passive stretching routine on throwing shoulder mobility in collegiate baseball players. Design: Repeated measures. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: Thirty collegiate baseball players with unimpaired shoulders. Interventions: Fauls modified passive stretching routine was performed on the throwing shoulder of each subject. Outcome Measures: Shoulder complex and passive isolated glenohumeral internal and external rotation ROM were measured with a goniometer, and posterior shoulder tightness was assessed with the Tyler'stest method using a carpenter's square. Measurements were made bilaterally. Results: The dominant shoulder displayed significant increases in glenohumeral and shoulder complex internal and external rotation ROM and significantly decreased posterior shoulder tightness following the stretching routine. Conclusion: Application of the Fauls modified passive shoulder stretching routine results in acute gains in throwing shoulder mobility of collegiate baseball players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of tibial rotation after ACL injury have not yet been well determined. Objective: To show whether clinical outcomes such as the amount of tibial rotation can affect functional outcomes in normal and ACL deficient knees. Design: Case control study. Setting: Research laboratory. Participants: Twenty normal subjects (Control) and 20 subjects with ACL deficient knees (ACL). Main Outcome Measures: Tibial rotation at 30 and 90 degrees of knee flexion was measured using an inclinometer. One-legged hop, crossover hop, figure-of-eight running and 10-m running tests were used and determined the effect(s) of tibial rotation on the outcome of the functional tests. Results: There were significant between-group differences in internal and external rotation. The relationship between external tibial rotation and the figure-of-eight index was significantly negatively correlated. Conclusions: The amount of tibial rotation is greater in ACL ruptured knees than in uninjured knees, and these greater amounts of tibial rotation affected the figure-of-eight running index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on various locations throughout the United States in which athletic trainers are employed. The article offers key points on how to gain employment, specific tips on training practices, hours of work, and job skills. Additionally, the personal experiences of athletic trainers are presented.

The article discusses the role of tension in hamstring injuries and associated treatment. Hamstring related injuries are often associated with lumbar spine or hip pathology. Aggressive rehabilitation is often the most effective treatment. Neutral mobilization is one example of a therapy technique as well as stretching in a slump or a long-sitting position. Rehabilitation of minor hamstring strains include hamstring curls or multijoint exercises. Athletes that complain of posterior thigh pain need a thorough examination.

The article presents information about flexibility training. Athletic therapists usually include this type of training when they treat physically active individuals. Its purpose is to improve performance capabilities and prevent injuries. Flexibility is considered as the ability to move a joint through the range of motion, which is needed for performing an activity. In that sense, flexibility is a variable attribute, which is determined by several factors including the nature of the activity.

The article discusses ways to combat force decline across repetitions when using neuromuscular electric simulation (NMES). Athletic therapists use NMES to minimize atrophy and strength loss in players, when voluntary exercise is not possible. The contraction force during training and the resulting strength gains are correlated in NMES. Several authors on the subject have put forward the view that there is a need for a minimum force production for a positive training effect. NMES should start with forceful contractions and throughout the treatment period a high force output should be maintained.

Part III. Introduces the concept of local stabilization and its role in low back pain. Integration of core mobility testing and training into the treatment and prevention of nonspecific low back pain in athletes; Popularity of the concept of local stabilization; Importance of assessing functional movement patterns; Link between local muscle dysfunction and functional movement deficits related to nonspecific back pain.

Objective: To determine the effect of exercise on patients with patellofemoral-pain syndrome (PFPS). Patients: 29 subjects with unilateral PFPS, assigned to control, home-exercise (HE), or physical therapy (PT) group. Intervention: 8-wk exercise program. Main Outcome Measures: A knee survey, visual analog scale (VAS), and 5 weight-bearing tests. Results:MANOVA indicated an overall statistical difference between groups (P < .05). The HE and PT groups experienced less pain than control, and PT experienced less pain than HE (P< .05). in overall knee function and most weight-bearing tests, HE and PT were stronger and more functional than control (P < .05). For anteromedial lunge only PT was stronger and more functional than control (P < .05). Conclusions: intervention helps PFPS, but there appear to be no differences between home and in-clinic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides mobilization and exercise recommendations that can be employed to correct functional-movement deficits before participation in traditional core-training programs. Purpose of the functional-movement tests; Identification of mobility deficit or isolation phase; Incorporation of an new motion into partial movement patterns or integration phase; Warm-up phase designed to maintain the restored functional movement pattern.

Summarizes the best research literature examining the effectiveness of these prophylactic measures to provide guidelines for their use in the clinical practice of athletic training and therapy using statistics that are easily interpreted by the clinicians. Ankle taping and bracing; Use of an analysis known as numbers needed to treat in reducing ankle sprains; Balance training after acute ankle sprain; Relative risk reduction; Balance training for chronic ankle instability.

Reports on the applicability of electrotherapy in clinical practice for the management of athletic injuries. Contraindications of electrical stimulation; Classification of electrical currents; Goal of a certified athletic trainer who use electrotherapy.

Context: Functional ankle instability (FAI) is difficult to identify and quantify. Objective: To compare joint position sense (JPS), time to stabilization (TTS), and electromyography (EMG) of ankle musculature in recreational athletes with and without FAI. Design: Case-control compared with t tests and ANOVAs. Setting: Sports medicine research laboratory. Participants: 20 recreational athletes. Main Outcome Measures: Passive angle reproduction, TTS, and mean EMG amplitude of the tibialis anterior, peroneals, lateral gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles during single-leg-jump landing. Results: No differences in JPS or medial-lateral TTS measures between groups. Significantly longer anterior-posterior TTS (P < .05) in the unstable ankle group. The stable ankle group had significantly higher mean EMG soleus amplitude after landing (P < .05). No other significant differences were found for mean EMG amplitudes before or after landing. Conclusions: Subjects with FAI demonstrated deficits in landing stability and soleus muscle activity during landing that may represent chronic adaptive changes following injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]