Longitudinal evidence links joint level mechanics and muscle activation patterns to 3-year medial joint space narrowing.

BACKGROUND: It is currently not known if there are different mechanical factors involved in accelerated rates of knee osteoarthritis structural progression. Data regarding the role of the transverse plane moment along with the contributions to joint loading from muscle activity, a primary contributor to the joint loading environment, is not well represented in the current literature on knee OA radiographic progression. The objective of this study was to understand if a 3-year end point corroborates what has been shown for longer term radiographic progression or provides more insight into factors that may be implicated in more accelerated radiographic progression than those shown previously. METHODS: 52 participants visited the Dynamics of Human Motion laboratory at baseline for three-dimensional, self-selected speed over ground walking gait analysis. Differences in magnitude and patterns of 3D knee moments and electromyography waveforms between participants who progressed radiographically from those that did not were compared using t-tests (P < 0.05). FINDINGS: Features of the frontal and transverse plane knee moments along with muscle activation patterns for the lateral gastrocnemius and lateral hamstrings differentiated the progression group from the non-progression group at baseline. INTERPRETATION: In general, the walking gait biomechanics of the progression group in this 3-year radiographic study aligned well with previously reported characteristics of diagnosed or symptomatic osteoarthritis. The higher rotation moment range during stance found with the progression group is a novel finding that points to a need to better understand torsional joint loading and its implications for loading of the knee joint tissues.

Can altering motions, postures, and loads provide immediate low back pain relief: a study of 4 cases investigating spine load, posture, and stability.

STUDY DESIGN: A quantitative biomechanical analysis of mechanism of pain alteration in 4 cases of low back pain. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the contributions of a number of biomechanical factors associated with pain alteration. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Some clinicians use mechanically based manual interventions in attempt to reduce low back pain. However, the mechanism of pain alteration remains unknown. METHODS: A sample was formed with 4 patients with low back pain seeking consults for pain relief. All could produce "catches" of pain with movement. Manual interventions involving coached changes in motion and muscle activation attempted to reduce pain. Electromyographic and kinematic data were collected before and after intervention. These data were input to an anatomically detailed spine model that calculated muscle force, joint compression and shear, and spine stability. RESULTS: Using a clinically significant criterion of pain reduction of 2 or more, 3 of 4 subjects reduced pain immediately upon the intervention. Using a change of 10% as a criterion for biological significance for kinematic and kinetic variables, each subject demonstrated a different reaction. For example, subject 1 demonstrated increased stability, subject 2 increased mediolateral shear, subject 3 increased mediolateral shear and decreased spine flexion, and subject 4 increased stability. The pain-reducing interventions required to obtain these results were also different for each individual. CONCLUSION: Immediate pain reduction can be achieved by altering muscle-activation and movement patterns. However, the combination for optimal success seems to be different for every individual. Pain provocation tests help to "tune" the intervention. This also suggests that patient-classification schemes may need more refinement to address this heterogeneity.

Progressive hip rehabilitation: the effects of resistance band placement on gluteal activation during two common exercises.

BACKGROUND: A critical issue for constructing a progressive rehabilitation program is the knowledge of muscle activation levels across exercises and within exercise modifications. Many exercises are offered to enhance gluteal muscle activation during functional rehabilitation but little data exists to guide the progression of exercise intensity during rehabilitation. The objective of this paper was to examine the effects of altering resistance band placement during 'Monster Walks' and 'Sumo Walks.' METHODS: Nine healthy male volunteers formed a convenience sample. Sixteen electromyography channels measured neural drive of selected muscles of the right hip and torso muscles. Three resistance band placements (around the knees, ankles and feet) during the two exercises were utilized to provide a progressive resistance to the gluteal muscles while repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni adjustment was used to assess differences in mean EMG. The presentation of exercises and band placement were randomized. FINDINGS: Examining muscle activation profiles in the three hip muscles of interest revealed the progressive nature of the neural drive when altering band placement. Tensor fascia latae (TFL) demonstrated a progressive activation moving the band from the knee to the distal band placement, but not between the ankle and foot placements. Gluteus medius demonstrated a progressive activation moving distally between band placements. Gluteus maximus was preferentially activated only during the foot placement. INTERPRETATION: The band placements offered a progressive increase in resistance for hip rehabilitation, specifically the gluteal muscles. The added benefit of placing the band around the forefoot was selective enhancement of the gluteal muscles versus TFL presumably by adding an external rotation effort to the hips. This information may assist those who address gluteal activation patterns for patients suffering hip and back conditions where gluteal activation has been affected.