Relationships among lateral medicine ball throw test performance, HIP and trunk muscle strength, and lower limb kinematics: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: The lateral medicine ball throw (LMBT) test is used to evaluate the throwing action, involving the entire kinetic chain and the principle of force transfer, with association between the strength of the lower limb and trunk muscles and the lower limb kinematics. The LMBT to investigate the association between lower limb kinematics and hip and trunk muscle strength. EXPERIMENTAL: This was a cross-sectional study with 84 healthy and physically active young people. Determinations were made of the maximum isometric strengths of the hip abductor, lateral rotator, extensor, and flexor muscles, and the trunk lateral flexors and extensors. Kinematic analyses (2D) of the hip, knee, and ankle in the sagittal and frontal planes were performed during the countermovement phase of the LMBT, together with quantification of LMBT. Statistical analysis of the associations employed multiple linear regression, with α = 5%. RESULTS: There were significant associations between the LMBT and the independent variables hip extensors strength, trunk flexors strength, valgus angle, and knee flexion angle and gender. The regression model presented adjusted R2 = 0.622. CONCLUSIONS: LMBT was influenced by the trunk flexor and hip extensor muscle strengths, knee flexion kinematics, lower limb valgus in the countermovement phase, and gender.

Role of gluteus maximus and medius activation in the lower limb biomechanical control during functional single-leg Tasks: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Single-leg (SL) tasks are included as assessment and intervention strategies in several dysfunctions due to the inherent motor control requirement. The recruitment of gluteus maximus (GMAX) and medius (GMED) muscles is essential for proper biomechanical control of the knee and hip joints. The study aims to identify the role of gluteal activation in the biomechanical control of the lower limb during SL tasks. METHODS: This is a systematic review with searches performed in Pubmed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Sportdiscus databases. Cross-sectional studies carried out with asymptomatic individuals were selected, containing hip and knee kinematic and kinetic outcomes assessed through 3D or 2D movement analysis and EMG activity of GMED and GMAX muscles. Two independent reviewers performed the procedures to select the studies, determine the methodological quality and extract the data. RESULTS: The initial search resulted in 391 studies, and after the assessment procedures, 11 studies were included. Lower GMAX activation was associated with greater hip internal rotation (HIR) excursion and greater HIR moment, and lower GMED activation was associated with greater hip adduction (HAD)/knee abduction (KAB) excursions and greater KAB moment during single-leg squat (SLS). CONCLUSIONS: The SL tasks showed a relevant association between the gluteal EMG and other biomechanical outcomes, mainly the SLS task. Interpretation must be cautious, as most studies present high and moderate methodological quality, especially on kinetic data.

Physical therapy management of an athlete with a Kim lesion using physical agents, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Several operative procedures have been described for treating a Kim lesion. However, no physical therapy intervention has been documented as conservative treatment for these cases. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this report was to describe a physical therapy management protocol for an athlete with a Kim lesion. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 22-year-old female volleyball athlete presented to physical therapy with an 8-month history of right shoulder pain when performing the serve and attack sports gestures. Pain was 5/10 on the visual analogue scale (VAS). Pain was localized along the glenohumeral joint, around the long head of the biceps brachii tendon, and at the subscapularis tendon insertion. Shoulder range of motion (ROM) was limited to flexion (150°), abduction (158°), and internal rotation (80°). Kim lesion was confirmed by clinical tests (Kim test and Jerk test) and via magnetic resonance imaging. Shoulder functional outcomes were verified through the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale. Upper extremity sensorimotor control was verified in bimanual support by stabilometry on a baropodometer. Core function was assessed through a plank test and a side plank test. The 8-week course of treatment included manual therapy, physical agents, shoulder and scapular mobilizations, resistance and sensorimotor exercises, core strengthening, and functional exercises. OUTCOMES: Physical therapy interventions resulted in a decrease in VAS pain (3/10), an increase in shoulder ROM (10.8°) and in UCLA shoulder score (from 22 to 33 points), a reduction in the center of pressure displacement (27-56%), and an increase in plank test (45%) and side plank test (21-29%) performance. The athlete had a full return to sport after the treatment. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the protocol used for conservative management of Kim lesion resulted in clinical satisfactory physical and functional outcomes for the athlete.

THE EFFECTS OF NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH WHEY PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTATION AFTER ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the femoral quadriceps associated or not with whey protein supplementation on the electromyographic activity and body mass distribution in volunteers undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. METHODS: 24 volunteers were randomly divided into three groups: basal control, whey protein in association with neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation alone. RESULTS: In the postoperative evaluation, during the mini squat, the basal group showed a decrease in the electromyographic activity of the vastus medialis (p = 0.005, eyes open; p = 0.003, eyes closed), vastus lateralis (p = 0.005, eyes open; p = 0.020; eyes closed) and rectus femoris (p = 0.075, eyes open; p = 0.074, eyes closed) and of body mass distribution in the injured limb (p < 0.001, eyes open; p < 0.001, eyes closed), and in the healthy limb (p < 0.001, eyes open; p < 0.001, eyes closed). CONCLUSION: The early use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the quadriceps femoris maintained the electromyographic activity of the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis muscles and prevented asymmetries in body mass distribution 15 days after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Level of Evidence I, High quality randomized trial.

OBJETIVO: Analisar os efeitos da estimulação elétrica neuromuscular do quadríceps femoral associado ou não à suplementação com whey protein na atividade eletromiográfica e distribuição de massa corporal em voluntários submetidos à reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior. MÉTODOS: 24 voluntários foram divididos em três grupos: controle basal, whey protein associado com estimulação elétrica neuromuscular e estimulação elétrica neuromuscular isolada. RESULTADOS: Na avaliação pós-operatória, durante o miniagachamento, o grupo controle basal demonstrou diminuição da atividade eletromiográfica do vasto medial (p = 0,005, olhos abertos; p = 0,003, olhos fechados), vasto lateral (p = 0,005, olhos abertos; p = 0,020, olhos fechados) e reto femoral (p = 0,075, olhos abertos; p = 0,074, olhos fechados) e da distribuição de massa corporal no membro operado (p < 0,001, olhos abertos; p < 0,001, olhos fechados) e membro lesionado (p < 0,001, olhos abertos; p < 0,001, olhos fechados). CONCLUSÃO: O uso precoce de estimulação elétrica neuromuscular do quadríceps femoral, independentemente do uso de whey protein, foi eficaz para manter a atividade eletromiográfica dos músculos vasto medial e vasto lateral, e prevenir assimetrias na distribuição de massa corporal 15 dias após a reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior. Nível de Evidência I, Ensaio randomizado de alta qualidade.

The effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in association with whey protein supplementation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction / Efeitos da estimulação elétrica neuromuscular associado à suplementação com whey protein após reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the femoral quadriceps associated or not with whey protein supplementation on the electromyographic activity and body mass distribution in volunteers undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Methods: 24 volunteers were randomly divided into three groups: basal control, whey protein in association with neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation alone. Results: In the postoperative evaluation, during the mini squat, the basal group showed a decrease in the electromyographic activity of the vastus medialis (p = 0.005, eyes open; p = 0.003, eyes closed), vastus lateralis (p = 0.005, eyes open; p = 0.020; eyes closed) and rectus femoris (p = 0.075, eyes open; p = 0.074, eyes closed) and of body mass distribution in the injured limb (p < 0.001, eyes open; p < 0.001, eyes closed), and in the healthy limb (p < 0.001, eyes open; p < 0.001, eyes closed). Conclusion: The early use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the quadriceps femoris maintained the electromyographic activity of the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis muscles and prevented asymmetries in body mass distribution 15 days after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Level of Evidence I, High quality randomized trial.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar os efeitos da estimulação elétrica neuromuscular do quadríceps femoral associado ou não à suplementação com whey protein na atividade eletromiográfica e distribuição de massa corporal em voluntários submetidos à reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior. Métodos: 24 voluntários foram divididos em três grupos: controle basal, whey protein associado com estimulação elétrica neuromuscular e estimulação elétrica neuromuscular isolada. Resultados: Na avaliação pós-operatória, durante o miniagachamento, o grupo controle basal demonstrou diminuição da atividade eletromiográfica do vasto medial (p = 0,005, olhos abertos; p = 0,003, olhos fechados), vasto lateral (p = 0,005, olhos abertos; p = 0,020, olhos fechados) e reto femoral (p = 0,075, olhos abertos; p = 0,074, olhos fechados) e da distribuição de massa corporal no membro operado (p < 0,001, olhos abertos; p < 0,001, olhos fechados) e membro lesionado (p < 0,001, olhos abertos; p < 0,001, olhos fechados). Conclusão: O uso precoce de estimulação elétrica neuromuscular do quadríceps femoral, independentemente do uso de whey protein, foi eficaz para manter a atividade eletromiográfica dos músculos vasto medial e vasto lateral, e prevenir assimetrias na distribuição de massa corporal 15 dias após a reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior. Nível de Evidência I, Ensaio randomizado de alta qualidade.

Treinamento pliométrico e virtual para prevenção de lesões em mulheres jovens: uma abordagem qualitativa / Pliometric and virtual training for prevention of injury in young women: a qualitative approach

O objetivo do estudo foi explorar as opiniões das voluntárias de um protocolo de treinamento pliométrico associado a exercícios resistidos (TPER) e virtual (TV) para prevenção de lesões. Essa abordagem foi escolhida, pois as percepções dos pacientes em geral podem ser negligenciadas. A coleta de dados ocorreu com dois grupos focais (GFs), e para isso formalizou-se o convite a sete participantes de cada um deles que já houvessem finalizado o treinamento. Realizou-se um encontro, com duração média de 60 minutos para cada grupo de intervenção, e um moderador treinado o conduziu; as sessões foram gravadas em áudio e transcritas posteriormente para análise. As participantes relataram em ambos os treinos o aumento do condicionamento físico, resistência e força muscular. Concluiu-se que no TPER foi mais destacada a melhora do equilíbrio e estabilidade de membros inferiores, já no TV isso ocorreu em relação à concentração e à disposição para a rotina diária.

The aim of the study was to explore the opinions of the volunteers about the plyometric training protocol associated with resistance (PTRE) and virtual (VT) exercises for injury prevention. This approach was chosen considering that patients' perceptions in general could be neglected. Data collection took place with two Focus Groups (FGs) and to this end, an invitation was made to seven participants from both groups who had already completed the training. A meeting was held, with an average duration of 60 minutes for each intervention group, and a trained moderator conducted it; the sessions were recorded on audio and later transcribed for analysis. The participants reported the increase of physical conditioning, endurance and muscle strength in both training sessions. It was concluded that in PTRE, the issue of improved balance and stability of lower limbs was highlighted, while in VT the improvement of concentration and disposition for the daily routine.

Effect of aerobic exercise on functional capacity and quality of life in individuals with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of aerobic exercise (AE) on functional capacity and quality of life in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) in the mild to moderate stages. DATA SOURCES: Medline, Embase, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Lilacs and PEDro were searched from inception until January 2021 using the MeSH terms. STUDY SELECTION: Studies conducted in individuals with PD involving AE compared to a control group were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Characteristics of the studies were independently extracted by two reviewers. The PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality, and the level of evidence was analyzed and synthesized using the GRADE approach. DATA SYNTHESIS: Of the ten studies, 411 individuals with PD were included. The level of synthesized evidence for cardiorespiratory function was low and without effect, and very low and without effect. For gait was very low and with effect for speed and stride length and without effect for cadence. For mobility was very low and with effect. For muscle strength was very low and with effect for the lower limbs as well as without effect for the upper limbs. For postural balance was very low and without effect. For quality of life was low and without effect. CONCLUSION: Aerobic exercise was capable of promoting improvements in gait (walking speed and stride length), mobility, and lower limb muscle strength in individuals with PD in the mild to moderate stages. No significant improvement in quality of life was found due to the practice of AE.

Influence of Exergaming on the Perception of Cancer-Related Fatigue.

OBJECTIVE: Exercise is recommended for cancer patients to reduce fatigue and improve quality of life. This study's aim is to evaluate the influence of an exergaming protocol on cancer-related fatigue, muscle fatigue, and muscle strength in cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a quasi-experimental control study using exergaming in all groups through an Xbox360 Kinect™ console, two to three times per week, for 20 sessions. Three groups were created: cancer patients in chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy group (CRG; n:15), cancer patients after chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (CAG; n:15), and a control group (CG; n:15). They were assessed for cancer-related fatigue using the fatigue subscale of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) questionnaire. To assess dorsiflexor and plantar flexor muscle functioning, we used median frequency (MDF) of the surface electromyography and muscle strength using a dynamometer. The assessments were performed preintervention (EV0), after 10 sessions (EV1), and after 20 sessions (EV2). RESULTS: With an exergaming protocol, CRG and CAG showed a reduction in related fatigue compared with CG (P < 0.01). The CRG group saw an increase in maximal voluntary isometric contraction in right plantar flexor muscles and dorsiflexor muscles, as well as an increase in the MDF of both medial gastrocnemius muscles and the left tibialis anterior muscle of the CAG. For other analyses done, the differences were observed during exergaming. CONCLUSIONS: Exergaming demonstrated efficacy in reducing cancer patients' fatigue, including muscle fatigue, and increasing muscle strength in patients' legs.

Realidade virtual na função motora de membros inferiores pós-acidente vascular encefálico / Virtual reality applied to the lower limb motor function in post-stroke individuals

O Acidente Vascular Encefálico (AVE) pode gerar importantes alterações motoras, de tônus e sensitivas. A realidade virtual (RV), voltada para reabilitação, pode trazer benefícios em relação à aptidão física, atividades motoras e de equilíbrio. Objetivo: Investigar o efeito da terapia por RV no equilíbrio estático e dinâmico, descarga de peso no membro inferior afetado, tônus e recrutamento muscular, independência funcional e função sensório-motora de indivíduos pós-AVE. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo clínico, quasi-experimental e prospectivo em 6 indivíduos com diagnóstico de AVE. Antes e após intervenção com Nintendo Wii Fit Plus os indivíduos foram avaliados pela Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg, Timed "Up and Go", Índice do Andar Dinâmico; Teste de Marcha (TM); Escala Modificada de Ashworth (EMA); Eletromiografia; Índice de Barthel e Escala Fugl Meyer (EFM). Para análise estatística utilizou-se o teste Kolmogorov-Smirnov, teste t e Wilcoxon. Foi adotado P 80%. Resultados: No TM inicial da 1ª e 15ª sessão (p = 0,03; d = 1,96; P = 96%), EMA dos músculos extensores de quadril (p = 0,04; d = 3,77; P 99%) e joelho (p = 0,04; d = 3,23; P = 99%) e flexores plantares (p = 0,01; d = 3,18; P = 99%) e EFM nas dimensões coordenação/velocidade (p = 0,02; d = 6,74; P = 100%) e sensibilidade (p = 0,01), foram observados resultados significativos com grande efeito e Power > 90%. Nos demais instrumentos não foram encontrados valores significativos. Conclusão: O programa de reabilitação, por RV, foi eficaz na melhora da descarga de peso no membro inferior afetado, tônus muscular e função sensório-motora nos indivíduos do estudo

Strokes can generate significant motor, tonic and sensitive changes. Virtual reality (RV), focused on rehabilitation, can bring several benefits such as improvements on physical fitness, motor skills and balance. Objective: To assess the effects of the RV intervention to the static and dynamic balance, weight load on the affected limb, tone and muscle recruitment, functional independence and sensorimotor function in post-stroke individuals. Methods: Quasi-experimental and prospective clinical study with 6 subjects with diagnosis of stroke. Before and after the intervention with Nintendo Wii Fit Plus, the subjects were assessed by the Berg Balance Scale, Timed "Up and Go" and Dynamic Floor Index; Gait Test (GT); Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS); Electromyography; Barthel Index and Fugl-Meyer Scale (FMS). The Statistical analysis used Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, t test and Wilcoxon. Results: The 1st and 15th session evaluations have shown that GT (p = 0.03, d = 1.96, P = 96%), MAS for hip extensor muscles (p = 0.04; d = 3.77; P = 99%), knee extensors (p = 0.04; d = 3.23; P = 99%), plantar flexors (p = 0.01; d = 3.18; P = 99%), FMS in coordination/velocity dimensions (p = 0.02; d = 6.74; P = 100%) and sensitivity (p = 0.01) presented significant results, large effect size and power above 90%. Significant values were not found to the other evaluations. Conclusion: The RV rehabilitation program was effective and improved the weight-load in affected limb, muscle tone and sensorimotor function of the subjects

Efeitos do resfriamento e aquecimento articular no desempenho funcional do ombro / Effects of cooling and heating on shoulder functional performance / Efectos del enfriamiento y del calentamiento articular del hombro en el desempeño funcional

INTRODUÇÃO: Um dos recursos mais utilizados na reabilitação de lesões musculoesqueléticas é a termoterapia por subtração de calor (crioterapia), enquanto a termoterapia por adição de calor é considerada o procedimento mais antigo de reabilitação física. Entretanto, há poucas evidências que tenham investigado os efeitos desses recursos sobre o desempenho de membros superiores. OBJETIVO: Comparar o efeito do resfriamento e do aquecimento articular sobre o desempenho funcional do membro superior. MÉTODOS: Trinta e quatro voluntários (22,23 ± 2,17 anos; 22,39 ± 2,53 kg/m2), de ambos os sexos, foram divididos aleatoriamente em um dos três grupos: 1) grupo crioterapia GCR (n=10): submetidos ao resfriamento articular por compressas frias; 2) grupo termoterapia - GTE (n=10): submetidos ao aquecimento articular por ondas curtas e 3) grupo controle - GCO (n=14), não submetidos a qualquer intervenção. Os voluntários foram avaliados, pré e pós-intervenção, quanto ao desempenho funcional de membros superiores por meio dos testes de estabilidade da extremidade superior em cadeia cinética fechada (TEESCCF) e das condições de equilíbrio em apoio bimanual sobre o baropodômetro. Ainda, os voluntários foram avaliados quanto ao desempenho funcional virtual por meio do jogo Mario Kart (Nintendo Wii (r) ). RESULTADOS: Houve melhora significativa nos valores pós-intervenção no TEESCCF para o GCR (p<0,001), GTE (p=0,002) e GCO (p=0,01). Não houve alteração significativa na área de deslocamento do centro de pressão na condição de olhos abertos, nos três grupos (p>0,05). Entretanto, na condição de olhos fechados, houve piora de desempenho para GTE (p=0,04) e melhora de desempenho para o GCO (p=0,02). Não houve alteração significativa no desempenho funcional virtual para os três grupos (p>0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Embora não tenha favorecido o desempenho funcional em todos os testes reais e virtuais utilizados, o resfriamento articular foi mais efetivo que o ...

INTRODUCTION: Thermotherapy by heat subtraction or cryotherapy is one of the most used resources in the physical rehabilitation whereas thermotherapy by addition of heat is considered as the oldest procedure in physical rehabilitation. However, there are few evidences regarding the effects of these physical agents on the performance of upper limbs. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of joint cooling and joint heating on functional performance of the upper limb. METHODS: Thirty-four subjects (22.23 ± 2.17 years old; 22.39 ± 2.53 kg/m2) of both genders were randomly assigned to one of the following three groups: 1) subjects who were submitted to joint cooling with cold compresses - CRG (n=10); 2) subjects who were submitted to joint heating by shortwave thermotherapy - THG (n=10) and 3) subjects who were not submitted to any intervention - control group - COG (n=14). Upper limb performance was assessed pre- and post-intervention by the closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test (CKCUEST). Balance conditions were assessed in upper limb supporting on a pressure platform. Virtual performance was evaluated by Mario Kart Wii game (Nintendo Wii(r)). RESULTS: There was significant improvement in post intervention measurements in CKCUEST for both CRG (p<0.001), THG (p=0.002) and COG (p=0.01). There were no significant changes in the center of pressure area displacement with opened eyes in the three groups (p> 0.05). However, in the closed eyes condition, there was a worsened performance for THG (p=0.04) and improved performance for COG (p=0.02). No significant changes in virtual performance were observed for the three groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Joint cooling was more effective than joint heating to maintain the upper limb muscle performance, especially in upper limb balance with closed eyes although it did not favor functional performance in all real and virtual tests. .

INTRODUCCIÓN: Uno de los recursos más utilizados en la rehabilitación de lesiones musculoesqueléticas es la termoterapia por sustracción de calor (crioterapia), mientras que la termoterapia por agregado de calor es considerada como el procedimiento más antiguo de la rehabilitación física. Entretanto, hay pocas evidencias de que se hayan investigado los efectos de esos recursos sobre el desempeño de miembros superiores. OBJETIVO: Comparar el efecto del enfriamiento y del calentamiento articular sobre el desempeño funcional del miembro superior. MÉTODOS: Treinta y cuatro voluntarios (22,23 ± 2,17 años; 22,39 ± 2,53 kg/m2), de ambos sexos, fueron divididos randómicamente a uno de los tres grupos: 1) grupo crioterapia GCR (n = 10) sometidos al enfriamiento articular por compresas frías; 2) grupo termoterapia - GTE (n = 10) sometidos al calentamiento articular por ondas cortas y 3) grupo control - GCO (n = 14), no sometidos a ninguna intervención. Los voluntarios fueron evaluados antes y después de la intervención, cuanto al desempeño funcional de los miembros superiores a través de los tests de estabilidad de la extremidad superior en cadena cinética cerrada (TEESCCF) y de las condiciones de equilibrio en apoyo bimanual en un baropodómetro. Además, los voluntarios fueron evaluados cuanto al desempeño funcional virtual a través del juego Mario Kart (Nintendo Wii(r)). RESULTADOS: Hubo mejora significativa en los valores post-intervención en TEESCCF para GCR (p <0,001), GTE (p = 0,002) y GCO (p = 0,01). No hubo alteración significativa en el área de desplazamiento del centro de presión en la condición de ojos abiertos, en los tres grupos (p> 0,05). Entretanto, en la condición de ojos cerrados, empeoró el desempeño de GTE (p = 0,04) y mejora en el desempeño funcional para el GCO (p = 0,02). No hubo alteración significativa en el desempeño funcional virtual para los tres grupos (p> 0,05). CONCLUSIÓN: A pesar de que no se haya favorecido ...

Effects of the use of oral contraceptives on hip and knee kinematics in healthy women during anterior stair descent.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to evaluate the effects of the use of oral contraceptives (OC) on the hip and knee kinematics of healthy women during anterior stair descent. METHODS: Forty volunteers aged from 18 to 26 years were divided into two groups: 1-Group of women who had used OC for at least 3 months prior to evaluation (n = 20) and 2-Group of women who did not use OC (n = 20). The knee flexion/extension and abduction/adduction, hip flexion/extension, abduction/adduction and medial/lateral rotation excursions (degrees) were calculated for the dominant (supporting) limb during anterior stair descent. T tests for independent samples were used to compare the kinematic differences between the groups (α = 0.05). RESULTS: No significant difference was verified between the groups regarding the maximum excursion of knee flexion (n.s.) and abduction (n.s.) or hip flexion (n.s.), adduction (n.s.) and medial rotation (n.s.). When considering the knee flexion at 50°, no significant difference was verified between the groups regarding the excursion of knee abduction (n.s.) or hip flexion (n.s.) adduction (n.s.) and medial/lateral rotation (n.s.). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the use of OC does not influence the hip and knee kinematics during anterior stair descent. Therefore, the role of this medication as a protective factor against anterior cruciate ligament injuries remains questionable.

Effect of functional stabilization training on lower limb biomechanics in women.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to verify the effects of functional stabilization training on lower limb kinematics, functional performance, and eccentric hip and knee torques. METHODS: Twenty-eight women were divided into a training group (TG; n = 14), which carried out the functional stabilization training during 8 wk, and a control group (CG; n = 14), which carried out no physical training. The kinematic assessment of the lower limb was performed during a single-leg squat, and the functional performance was evaluated by way of the single-leg triple hop and the timed 6-m single-leg hop tests. The eccentric hip abductor, adductor, lateral rotator, medial rotator, and the knee flexor and extensor torques were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. RESULTS: After 8 wk, the TG significantly reduced the values for knee abduction (from -6.86° to 1.49°), pelvis depression (from -10.21° to -7.86°) and femur adduction (from 7.08° to 5.19°) as well as increasing the excursion of femur lateral rotation (from -0.55° to -3.67°). Similarly, the TG significantly increased the values of single-leg triple hop (from 3.52 to 3.92 m) and significantly decreased the values of timed 6-m single-leg hop tests (from 2.43 to 2.14 s). Finally, the TG significantly increased the eccentric hip abductor (from 1.31 to 1.45 N · m · kg(-1)), hip lateral rotator (from 0.75 to 0.91 N · m · kg(-1)), hip medial rotator (from 1.45 to 1.66 N · m · kg(-1)), knee flexor (from 1.43 to 1.55 N · m · kg(-1)), and knee extensor (from 3.46 to 4.40 N · m · kg(-1)) torques. CONCLUSIONS: Strengthening of the hip abductor and lateral rotator muscles associated with functional training improves dynamic lower limb alignment and increases the strength and functional performance.