ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: There is convincing evidence that dancers suffer injuries to the triceps surae musculature. Research on the immediate effects of dry needling (DN) is limited, and it is important to understand the acute effects of this treatment prior to performance. PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the immediate effects of DN on myofascial trigger points in terms of skin surface temperature, pain, active and passive range of motion, and torque production in the triceps surae of ballet dancers. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, double-blinded pilot study. METHODS: Professional ballet dancers that fit inclusion and exclusion criteria (n=11) were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. The dancers had three pre-determined standard point (SP) measurement spots that were used as a baseline for surface temperature comparisons. The dancers were also palpated for trigger point (TP) spots. Both SP and TP spots were marked for future measurements. The experimental group received DN, while the control group received sham DN (SHAM) to their bilateral calves at the TP spots. Immediately prior to and following treatment, both DN and SHAM groups were tested for skin surface temperature, pain, range of motion, and plantar flexion torque by blinded assessors. Paired t-tests and independent t-tests were performed to examine for differences between groups. RESULTS: The surface temperature for the TP was higher than the SP measurements prior to intervention (Right calf p= .014; Left calf p= .031). There were no significant changes in VAS scale reported pain and ROM. The plantar flexion torque measurements showed an increase in the DN group of the left calf at the angular velocity of 60 degrees/sec. CONCLUSION: This was a unique pilot study examining the acute effects of DN on professional ballet dancers. The results were limited due to low sample size. However, the methodology for this study and surface temperature results invites future research. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1b.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: Despite the availability of various field-tests for many competitive sports, a reliable and valid test specifically developed for use in men's gymnastics has not yet been developed. The Men's Gymnastics Functional Measurement Tool (MGFMT) was designed to assess sport-specific physical abilities in male competitive gymnasts. The purpose of this study was to develop the MGFMT by establishing a scoring system for individual test items and to initiate the process of establishing test-retest reliability and construct validity. METHODS: A total of 83 competitive male gymnasts ages 7-18 underwent testing using the MGFMT. Thirty of these subjects underwent re-testing one week later in order to assess test-retest reliability. Construct validity was assessed using a simple regression analysis between total MGFMT scores and the gymnasts' USA-Gymnastics competitive level to calculate the coefficient of determination (r2). Test-retest reliability was analyzed using Model 1 Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Statistical significance was set at the p<0.05 level. RESULTS: The relationship between total MGFMT scores and subjects' current USA-Gymnastics competitive level was found to be good (r2 = 0.63). Reliability testing of the MGFMT composite test score showed excellent test-retest reliability over a one-week period (ICC = 0.97). Test-retest reliability of the individual component tests ranged from good to excellent (ICC = 0.75-0.97). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provide initial support for the construct validity and test-retest reliability of the MGFMT. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: A reliable and valid method of measuring and monitoring a gymnast's total physical fitness level is needed to assist female gymnasts in achieving healthy, injury-free participation in the sport. The Gymnastics Functional Measurement Tool (GFMT) was previously designed as a field-test to assess physical fitness in female competitive gymnasts. The purpose of this study was to further develop the GFMT by establishing a scoring system for individual test items and to initiate the process of establishing the test-retest reliability and construct validity of the GFMT. METHODS: A total of 105 competitive female gymnasts ages 6-18 underwent testing using the GFMT. Fifty of these subjects underwent re-testing one week later in order to assess test-retest reliability. Construct validity was assessed using a simple regression analysis between total GFMT scores and the gymnasts' competition level to calculate the coefficient of determination (r(2)). Test-retest reliability was analyzed using Model 1 Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Statistical significance was set at the p<0.05 level. RESULTS: The relationship between total GFMT scores and subjects' current USAG competitive level was found to be good (r(2) = 0.60). Reliability testing of the GFMT total score showed good test-retest reliability over a one week period (ICC=0.97). Test-retest reliability of the individual component items was good (ICC = 0.80-0.92). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provide initial support for the construct validity and test-retest reliability of the GFMT.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This case report describes the development, implementation, and outcomes of a fitness-related intervention program that addressed the sport-specific goals of an adolescent with cerebral palsy. CASE DESCRIPTION: The participant in this case was a 16-year-old African American male with spastic diplegia. The participant joined his high school wrestling team and asked to focus his physical therapy on interventions that would improve his wrestling performance. An examination was performed using the muscle power sprint test, the 10 x 5-m sprint test, strength tests, the 10-m shuttle run test, and the Gross Motor Function Measure. The intervention consisted of interval training, which focused on the demands of wrestling. OUTCOMES: Scores on all tests and measures were higher after the intervention. DISCUSSION: The outcomes of this case report seem to support the use of a fitness-related intervention program for addressing the sport-specific goals of an adolescent with cerebral palsy.
